Chapter 7.

Please review. Only a couple people reviewed last chapter. Did I do something wrong? Enjoy this chapter.

Zena, Dimitri, Eddie and I were all drenched in our own perspiration. Actually, I lied. Men perpetrate, so Dimitri and Eddie were drenched in their own perspiration. Zena and I were glowing. Because us women, we glow; so I've been told. (A/N: I read in someone's fanfic that they said something similar to this. If anyone knows who said it, let me know so I could mention their name). I couldn't keep my eyes off of Dimitri whenever his muscles would contract when he was sparring with Eddie. God. I needed therapy. Intense therapy! He's just too sexy for his own good! I thought I almost started drooling at a point. Zena would give me the 'what the fuck! Snap out of it' look.

"Rose," Zena said, out of breath. She came over to me to get a drink as Dimitri took her spot on the mat to spar with Eddie. I handed her a waterbottle, keeping my eyes on Dimitri. "You better give me some insight very soon. He's getting better."

"Knock him unconscious." I replied in true Rose Hathaway form, slowly bringing my attention to her. "It's what I'd do."

She rolled her eyes and pushed back some of her black hair that was sticking to her glowing forehead. "That's not the object of the game."

I raised an eyebrow. "Winning is. Knocking him unconscious gives you points!"

"Rose!" She groaned. "I want to fight and win, not just win."

I gave her a full out grin, teeth showing and all. "I know. Trust your instinct Zena. You've been fighting longer than him, not to mention you've been in more sticky situations. Though he's somewhat stronger, you are faster. Make sure you see an opening, and trick him once in a while. Don't let him get too familiar with your fighting style."

She nodded. "So what do you want me to do?"

"Don't show him all your moves. Let him get surprised during the match on Friday."

"Obviously, but Dimitri-"

"Dimitri doesn't know how good you are. I do. And that is exactly why Dimitri is trying to give Eddie all the insight he can give him right now before the match tomorrow."

Zena took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "He's a lot better than I give him credit for."

I chuckled. "Eddie is a great guardian and is full of surprises sometimes."

She nodded. "Who knew he actually likes SpongeBob?" She teased.

This time I rolled my eyes. I got up and went to the mats where Dimitri was sparring with Eddie now. I wanted to see what he was teaching him; it isn't an excuse to be by Dimitri. Okay, maybe it is.

Everyone has taken a turn to spar with everyone, but our main focus is Eddie and Zena. Lev came in shortly after we finished our warm-ups. He was here simply to coach. And give me furtive smiles. Those smiles made me wonder what exactly he has up his sleeve. I wasn't nervous though, I have complete faith in Zena.

Unfortunately, I have complete faith in Lev too. So I guess, to a point, nervous. But Zena can win this fight. She's more experienced where Eddie is not. That is why he's taking such a beating. However, Dimitri has been coaching him very well for the past three hours and forty-five minutes.

And the more coaching he gave Eddie, the more times- though fortunately not so much- Zena would lose matches.

"-and that is exactly what she's doing." Dimitri said to Eddie in that mentor voice I know oh so well.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Do you need a demonstration?" I asked him, not having any idea what they were talking about.

Dimitri turned to me. "Get into position." He said.

I immidately did so; knees bent, back straight, elbows tucked at my side and fists ready to spring into action. I watched both of them, not knowing which one was coming after me.

In unison, both men lunged for me. My heart leaped out of my throat. I didn't see this coming. I dodged Eddie, but Dimitri ended up slamming me to the ground, my hip hit the ground hard.

"Ow." I said. I looked up at Dimitri. He had his mask on. I glared. "Next time, tell me who I'm sparring with."

He got off me and I slapped him on the back of the head. He turned to face me. "Payback." I said with a glare.

He rolled his eyes.

"Redo." I said. "Dimitri, back up. Eddie, I'm sparring with you."

Dimitri backed up and Eddie got into position with me. I watched his footing; it was a dance, like what boxers do. Our eyes stayed in constant contact. I knew he was going to make a movie, and I didn't want to be on the defensive side. As soon as I saw his muscles spring, I spring. His fist came flying at my face, but I blocked it by pushing my forearm against his arm flying at me and with my other fist, punched him in the gut.

Eddie coughed as the air gushed out of his lungs. I didn't stop, but he was ready. With my foot I went to kick his head (cruel, I know), but he grabbed it and flung me a few feet from him. I got up as fast as I could and lunged at him, throwing all my weight on him; along with my strength. I landed on his torso and wrapped my feet around his, and held his forearms down with my hands.

I leaned down and spoke in his hear. "Gotcha."

"You didn't do it." Dimitri accused as I got off of Eddie.

Eddie wiped his forehead with his forearm as he sat up. "She never gave me an opening."

"Make an opening." Lev contradicted, standing by Dimitri with his arms crossed over his chest.

"How? Corner her? Fake a move?"

Dimitri nodded. "That's the only way you can get an opening. She's not going to say 'I'm open!'"

I gave Dimitri a warning look and was about to say something when the gym doors burst open with loud clang sound when the metal holder met stone wall.

"DAMN IT DIMITRI!" I looked over to see Lissa and Tamara with wooden brown clipboards in their arms and paper attached and a pen in their hands.

"Dimitri!" Tamara yelled in Russian. "We were scheduled for lunch!"

Dimitri looked apologetic and replied back in Russian. "Sorry, I was busy."

Tamara shook her head with a serious face, never taking her eyes off of him. "Games are for later; wedding plans now." Lev walked up to Tammy and gave her a big kiss. She chuckled when the kiss ended.

Dimitri nodded and turned to me. He kissed me on the lips and went to take a shower in the locker room.

"Rose, shower up too." Lissa said calmly. "I knew you would forget, so I came by here." She smiled at the end.

I smiled at her. "Are we eating lunch then too?"

She nodded. "You two have to decide today what you want for the meal. We have to order it now, rather than later. It will take a while until they have it all prepared and such." I nodded and turned to Eddie, Zena and Lev.

"I think we are good." Eddie said. Zena nodded in agreement. "We've been practicing for a while and I think Zena has a worthy opponent for tomorrow."

I chuckled.

"I think I do too." Zena nodded and high-fiving Eddie with a smile.

"Well, then I'm going to leave you. D and I have some plans to make."

They nodded and I left. I took a hasty shower and got dressed, blow drying my hair until it was halfway dry and I kept it down, just the way Dimitri liked it. I wore a Nike shirt, with Nike black and white shorts and New Boundary tennis shoes. Of course, i also wore my gun and stake belt. I met Dimitri, Tammy and Lissa outside, sitting on the patio table.

Dimitri got up and so did the others. My hand slid into his automatically once he reached for my hand. I squeezed and he smiled.

"Where to?" I asked Tammy and Lissa.

"Get in your car and let's go out to eat. It's not that I don't have anything against your chef here, but-" Dimitri cut Lissa off.

"I understand." Dimitri cut in. "Let's go. We have a long day tomorrow and we need to get this out of the way."

We all nodded in agreement and got in my Hummer. Dimitri, as usual- and unfair- drove. He reached the driver's door before I did. He ended up booking it to the door as I shoved him, playfully, out of my way. He said I would regret shoving him, and I, to say the least, do.

We went to a regular restaurant. We took the back booth, because it had the biggest table. Lissa immediately launched into questions as soon as the waiter took our drink order.

"Did you decide on the band yet?" She asked me.

I shook my head. "I want a DJ. I told you this."

She nodded. "I already called the DJ. He said that he's not paying the airplane ticket or hotels fees."

I shrugged. "I'll pay for it. It's only for one day. It won't be too expensive." Well, the airfare would be.

She nodded. "I will get back to him with that when we are done here."

"Now," Tammy said, cutting in, "what exactly do you two want for the meal? I talked to the cators, and they said that we can have soup or salad, then the main entrée, then a desert."

I looked at Dimitri. "Well, most people would prefer a salad, right?"

Dimitri nodded.

"Regular or ceaer?"

"Regular. No one would complain about that." Dimitri voiced and I nodded. I took his hand underneath the table. He squeezed. My heart fluttered. It is so hard to believe that I am marrying him. After all this time. All the fighting. All the time apart, we are finally getting our happy ending.

Back to the present, Tammy spoke again. "Rose said that she wanted prime rib, but for the vegetarians, what would you like them to have?"

"How about swordfish?" I suggested. Dimitri looked at me questioningly. "Swordfish is a delicacy to some people. It takes just like chicken. I don't think anyone would complain…?" I hoped not.

"Okay. Then for a side?" Tamara's face was all business, but just like Lissa there was a glow to her. She enjoyed organizing events, and this, organizing Dimitri's and I's wedding, was a dream come true for her.

"Corn-and-the cob and a baked potato."

"Sweet potato." Dimitri interjected.

I shook my head, making a face. I don't like sweet potatoes. "Alright." He said, giving in. I smiled and kissed his cheek.

The waiter retunred with our drinks and took our order. He turned and was about to leave but instead turned back and spoke to us. "I don't mean to be rude or interrupt, but are you guys the Cobra's?"

I couldn't hold back my smile. "We certainly are. And this is," I gestured to Lissa, but never finished, because he cut me off.

"Princess Vasilisa Dragomire"

Lissa smiled politely, but through the bond, she was a little bit irritated. She wants to get these plans out of the way for tomorrow. Just like everyone else, she wants to see the fight. "Yes." She responded as he looked at her for confirm the truth.

The boy had blond hair, green eyes and is moroi. His eyes reminded me of Adrian, and there was a sudden pang in my heart. I haven't seen him in a while. I wonder how Sydney's pregnancy is coming along? I decided I would go check up on them as soon as we were finished here.

"I have to admit, once I saw that flyer this morning, I am excited for the duel tomorrow morning. Most everyone who came in already spoke of the upcoming event. They too sounded excited."

I smiled. "We actually just got done coaching the two people who are sparrig tomorrow." I said.

"Who are the lucky fighters?"

"Zena Jakov and Eddie Castile."

"Eddie Castile?" He asked.

"He's a newer member to our family." I said. Actually, he wasn't a member at all, but I wanted him to be. He is a great fighter, and a wonderful friend. Would he like to be part of our family? (A/N: I need everyone to vote yes or no if they think Eddie should be part of the Cobra's)

"Ah."

"So," I asked, being curious, "how many people do you think will be there." I secretly hoped there wouldn't be a lot.

"Pretty much all of Court. According to one of the royals that came in here, the Queen will try and be there. She got the news earlier this morning."

I barely refrained from banging my head on the table. Why? I cried silently in my head. Are we so damn popular?

"Thank you for telling us." Dimitri said to the waiter and squeezing my hand in comfort.

The guy nodded. "Who are you, if I may ask?"

"Dimitri Belikov." The guy's eyes widened in shock.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. After everything that you had endured with the strigoi and what the guardian did to you. And staying by Guardian Hathaway's side in protecting Court…" He shook his head. "You are the ideal roll-model that anyone could look up to."

This time, my smile wasn't forced. I didnt miss the fact that he said anyone, not guardian. I liked this guy. "He is. You should see him in action."

The guy turned to face me. And a big grin spread across his face as he took me in. I looked at the nametag and saw his name was Cody. "You must be Rose Hathaway."

Holding in a moan of displeasure I smiled at him as casual as I could manage. "That is correct." Dimitri said. "She's also my fiancé."

My eyebrows scrunched together. That tone of his sounded possessive and dangerous; almost a growel. I looked at Dimitri and his eyes were a little bit hard while staring at the guy. "Yes," I said happily, trying to difues the atmosphere. "I am. May 18th I won't be. I'll be someone else to you." I gave him a seductive smile.

He smiled at me. "Yes you will."

The guy's shocked face was absolutely priceless. "You're…getting married?"

I nodded. "Yes. Besides, it's not like our feelings are going to get in the way of our career. We are here to protect Court, not a specific moroi."

The guy nodded, but I could tell he didn't understand. "But what are you going to do about…"he didn't finish, and he didn't half to. I certainly don't know the guy, but I could tell he was going towards the subject of kids.

He let out a breath, knowing this wasn't any of his business. "I'll be back with your orders." And left.

My gaze slowly dropped to the table. Even a stranger, who seems like he doesn't really care if dhampires marry, understands some consequences. Dimitri wants kids. I don't, but maybe one day… I sighed. And even then it would be impossible.

Dimitri's hand squeezed mine. He pressed a kiss to my temple and whispered some words in Russian. "It doesn't matter. I want only you." I smiled a little, but I still couldn't shake the feeling.

Pushing our problems aside, I turned back to the task at hand. "For desert, we should have the choice of Lee Clair pudding cake or cherry cheese cake."

She wrote something down, and soon our meal came. We ate and talked a little bit more about wedding details.

"Liss," I cut in, "how is Christian?"

She looked up at me. Her face gave nothing away/ "He's fine. Why the sudden interest in him?"

I shrugged. "Haven't seen him around lightly. I kind of miss his smartass comments."

She gave me a half smile, clearly seeing through all my bullshit. "Rose, what is really going on?"

I caved in. "I heard that you and Sparky had a…disagreement."

Her smile vanished. "Its…it's not like that."

Through the bond I could sense fear, but she slammed up her walls against me and I was immediately cut off; but she knew she was too late.

I proved it when I spoke. "Lissa, what are you scared about?" Does she feel like she's in danger? I shook my head. No, she had us. There is no reason for her to feel indangered. After that, I came up empty.

Her green eyes immediately started filling up with tears. She shook her head, her blond hair making a rainbow effect as she moved. "I'm not at liberty to talk about it right now."

I was about to argue, but Dimitri shook his head and squeezed my hand in warning.

"I may not know what is going on," I said as Dimitri gave me the 'don't start anything' look, "but know this: he loves you more than anything. I hope you two will work it out."

She nodded, and a tear escaped. I leaned forward and wiped it off gently. "It will be okay." I whispered in Russian. She nodded and swallowed back more tears.

"We should get going. I need to talk to Gabe about tomorrow's dinner. And you are all to attend. Queen Cobra's orders." I said the last part sternly. They all nodded and we paid for dinner and left.

Dimitri and I walked side by side, but didn't hold hands. Tammy escorted Lissa back to her house. Even though Court was deemed safe, I wasn't taking any risks. Victor taught me that lesion. I wasn't about to make the same mistake twice.

"I know what you were thinking about in the dinner after the waiter left." Dimitri said immediately. His voice was soft, but I knew he was tired of talking about this. And so was I.

I nodded. My throat felt like it had a twenty pound metal ball in it.

"I thought we already went through this." Voice still soft.

"We did, that's why we are not having this conversation." I said sternly.

Before Dimitri could say anything, a blood curly scream bounced off the walls. As one, Dimitri and I sprinted in the direction of that scream, our conversation, thankfully, forgotten. We headed down a long skinny ally. It was dark for our eyes, but we could see a dumpster-

And a strigoi feeding off a woman.

Dimitri and I lunged forward. He went for the strigoi's upper body, while I went for his waist. Together, we slammed the strigoi into a wall. He hissed while the woman fell to the ground. Dimitri held the strigoi's arms on the wall, while I grabbed my stake and staked him.

"Sorry to cut dinner short." I said rudely.

The light went out of his eyes and he went slack. Dimitri dropped him and I went down retrieve my stake. I took it out and cleaned it with the strigoi's shirt. Ew. Dimitri, while I did that, went to check on the woman.

"How is she?" I asked, as I returned the stake into my holder.

I turned and saw the woman, who had blond hair and was moroi, was in his arms. She looked in horrible shape. She was too pale to be in okay condition. Her lips turning a very light shade of blue. "She's hardly alive, we need to get her to the hospital."

I nodded and he ran towards the hospital. I glanced around the ally for a purse- ID usage, and saw a black prada handbag. I took it booked it to the hospital. I made it there, and saw that Dimitri still had the woman in his arms. I was by their side in an instant.

I looked at the woman and for some unknown reason, I took her hand. "Miss?" I asked. The woman looked like she was holding onto life by only a thread. My gut told me she wouldn't make it.

Her eyes opened, and I could see that the high of the vampire bite had faded, and now she was feeling the fatigue of blood loss. "My son! God, my son!" She tried to yell, but it came out in a loud whisper.

The sound of her voice was so full of panic, that it made my own heart race. "God, you have to find him." Her voice was slightly louder, and it made me think that she just might pull through this horrible tragedy.

"Where is he? What is his name?" I asked instantly, my guardian training kicking in full mode.

"Hiding." She was losing strength, and her voice had gone weak. She had closed her eyes, and I don't think she realized that.

"WE NEED HELP NOW!" Dimitri yelled, and his voice was so full of authority and anger, that it made me freeze for a second. The suddenly, someone was there with a bed that had wheels.

"Lay her down, Guardian." A male nurse said.

Dimitri immediately laid her down before the nurse finished her sentence. Another nurse came up to me. A tall female nurse.

"What is her name and what exactly happened?" She had blue eyes that was as hard as steel, yet looked professional.

"Strigoi attack. Guardian Belikov and I were just walking when we heard a scream. We saved her. I don't know her name. I found her purse." I handed the purse to her before I even finished. The moroi woman immediately dove in the woman's purse and seconds later came out with an ID.

"Name: Carrie Foster. Age: 35. Sex: Female," no shit, "Status: moroi." The nurse said to a doctor.

I bent down to the bed, where the woman lied. "Ms. Foster, what is your son's name?" I asked in a gentle tone.

Her lips moved and one name came out of her mouth before she was harshly moved out of my sight.

"Dimitri, we have to find this boy." I said, looking up to him.

He nodded and I ran to the allyway. Strangly, my heart raced with fear. What if another strigoi were in here? Could they have taken the boy?

PLEASE REVIEW! Only a few people reviewed last chapter. I will update again in three days! I promise! So please, PLEASE review. Tell me your thoughts. What do you think Christian and Lissa were 'dissagreeing' on?

Most importantly, do you think Eddie should be part of the Cobra's? This is a vote. I have no say in this. He will be announced as a Cobra or not in the next chapter. SO I NEED YOUR VOTE NOW!