I've been updating for the past few days and I've only received 2 reviews. Review please you'll make me a happy person and make me actually want to write more. This chapter is short but it's also full of a lot of news.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Vampire Academy or the characters but I do own the storyline and the characters not mentioned in the book.

Rose POV

I've always been told to expect the unexpected. It was what my life as a guardian revolved around. Being a dhampir, I had learned that nothing is ever as it seems. So all my guardian training should have prepared me to deal with anything. Except this wasn't just anything.

This was Janine Hathaway.

I was dressed and ready sitting in my living room watching my mother's eyes wander around the room at the framed pictured on the wall. Adrian, along with Leila, had made it his priority to 'check on dinner' but I was pretty sure he didn't want to be in the room. Alana sat next to me clearly also on edge. Janine Hathaway was a pretty woman in her early fifties but the woman didn't look a year over thirty. Her hair was the deep auburn color that resembled more of a red then brown pigment. Her cheek had a faint hint of a bruise upon it but the mark only made that more stunning.

Yet as much as I drank in her appearance…I couldn't comprehend why this woman was sitting in my living room.

Janine Hathaway never visited without a motive. The last time I had seen my mother was almost 5 years ago and that had been on a business trip. Since Alana's birth, Janine found it was hard to deal with the fact that I had a daughter. Plus the fact that she was aware that Dimitri was Alana's father didn't put me in a good place in her eyes. She had had plans for me not to follow in her footsteps and unintentionally I had.

I didn't get a chance to ponder on my mother's appearance because that was the door bell rang.

Alana, having wanted a reason to move, jumped up from the edge of the couch to answer the door. I stood hoping to hospitable. Seconds later a happy and ecstatic pregnant Moroi came through the door. It took me a couple of moments to recognize Mia Rinaldi Castille.

In the past 15 years Mia Rinaldi had transformed into a fantastic mother. Eddie and her had married early and soon after Mia had given birth to beautiful twins. Asher and Lenora were darling teens with an eager attitude that was so apparent in Eddie himself. Now the two twins looked a bit glum but there mother possessed all the happiness in the world to make up for their attitudes. Eddie looked just as glum as his children but there was a faint glow in his eyes as he studied Mia.

Mia hadn't changed a bit. Her hair was still its pale color and even the glow of pregnancy made her appear too young to even be pregnant.

"Rose! Oh Alana darling how are you? Rose I'm just so excited you invited us tonight. We haven't all gotten together in so long." Mia was as enthusiastic as she placed kisses on each side of Alana's face earning her a little scowl from my daughter. Then she in front of me so fast that years of guardian training hadn't prepared me for. She was smothering me in a hug and I was very aware that her stomach provided a barrier between us.

Eddie almost had to pry her off of me and place her on the couch, "Mia calm down. All that jumping can't be good for you."

A deep look of concern washed of Eddies features and I realized that Eddie seemed a little stressed out. It was obvious now that his wife's pregnant state was the reason for his break from being Christian's guardian.

Adrian and Leila had crept into the room at some point both looking amused at the emotions bouncing out of Mia.

My mother stood in the shadows of the room like a permanent fixture. After Eddie had calmed Mia he then took in my mother.

"Guardian Hathaway. It's a pleasure." He bowed a bit which I found completely hilarious. My mother was not royalty. My mother wasn't the least bit phased by Eddie's admiration as she nodded her head in acknowledgement.

From the corner of my eye I watched as Leila, Alana, Asher and Nora stumbled up the stairs obviously not wanting to be part of the grown up scene. I felt the urge to follow and escape this night with them but I didn't get to ponder that idea as the next wave of guests knocked on the door.

I didn't get the chance to answer the door before Lissa walked right in accompanied with her little family and her guests. I wasn't the least bit fazed by her walking right in. Lissa was family and she deserved to be treated like that. Lissa's appearance caught Mia's attention and the calm mood Eddie had put her in was now fading as she began giving hugs and kisses.

Christian looked like he didn't want to be there and as his eyes met mine I gave him a pleading look. He smirked and continued his introductions. Mia had dragged Andre to sit wedged between her and his mother and he didn't look pleased. The room was so full of commotion that it sent chills up my back when my mother spoke and the room went silent.

I realized then that she had noticed the little congregation that hadn't settled in yet and still stood in the frame of the door. Tasha, Dimitri, Viktoria and the two kids looked out of place. But my mother being as observant as she was had spotted them out without even blinking.

Her voice chimed and I immediately felt fear consume me. What if she said something? What if she revealed my secret? With the fear came relief that I wouldn't have to face that demon but I knew it was me who had to share this secret not my mother.

"Guardian Belikov." My mother's voice boomed, "It's a shock to see you here considering…" her hand waved in a suggestive motion and I stiffened, my anger winning me over. I was about to cuss her out when Lissa stood and intervened.

"Janine I don't see that we need drama tonight. It's a pleasure to see you again but I hope you won't take advantage of the situation."

Mia, Eddie, Christian and Adrian nodded their approval of Lissa's words and I was shocked to hear so much authority in Lissa's voice. My mother slanted her eyes but I knew she wasn't going to argue. As impulsive as the Hathaway's were, they knew when to stop pushing the limit.

Lissa turned her attention back to the front door and smiled, "Now Tasha this is Rose's house no need to stand there like you're not welcomed. Please come in and join us."

I almost snorted as Lissa's comment because Tasha Ozera and her posse were not welcomed inside my house. I tried to not meet any of their eyes as they clustered inside the room taking seats and conversation resumed. I gave Lissa a thankful look and I knew our argument was long forgotten as we both began serving drinks and taking on the roles of hostesses.

I was handing Mia a glass of water when I realized children were still in the room.

"Andre…if you'd like you can show Ivan and Mila upstairs. The rest of them are up there doing god knows what now." I said as I sauntered over and handed Christian a napkin.

Andre was reluctant but before long the three remaining children made there up the stairs to be with the rest of the teens.

Lissa was a social butterfly as she began the role of conversation.

"So Mia when are you due?" Lissa asked biting into a piece of celery that sat on the table.

Mia seemed like she was glowing as she answered, "I'm due in about a month. We're going to have another little girl. Oh I'm just so excited." She sipped her water and then her eyes widened.

"Oh I almost forgot. We wanted to have a little baby shower in the next week or so and well…we also wanted to announce our choices for godparents tonight."

Mia's glow never faltered but it was apparent that she had grown a bit tired. Eddie took over after that.

"Well Lissa and Christian we made you guys godparents to Asher and Lenora but this time we kind of wanted to have Rose and Adrian be the godparents to our new arrival."

I was momentarily dazed but I plastered a smile. A wave of happiness swept through me.

"I'd be delighted to take the honor." I said sipping my glass of wine.

Adrian seemed to not really like the idea but his nodded and said he was grateful for the opportunity.

As the announcement dwindled in the air Tasha's gasp was a surprise. They had hardly spoken and I had momentarily forgotten they were even there.

"Oh Rose why didn't you say anything. It makes perfect sense now. Adrian is Alana's dad isn't he?"

My shock showed on my face as my eyes met hers. She seemed to be enjoying her revelation. I didn't get a chance to answer before my mother broke in again with her laughter.

"Oh you never seem to not surprise me Rose. I should have known you still hadn't grown up enough to face the facts of reality."

My anger finally broke through but again I was interrupted and not allowed the privilege to demonstrate my emotions.

Viktoria rose from her seat and it shocked me. She met my eyes before she turned to my mother.

"Guardian Hathaway…not to be rude or anything but the details of Rose's personal life are none of your concern whether she's your daughter or not she's not a child. While most of in this room know who her daughter's father is it's up to Rose to face the facts not any of us. It's not our concern."

I was shocked but grateful that someone other than Lissa had stood up to my mother. I felt a bit smug but it didn't last long as my daughter's voice filled the room.

"She's wrong. It's my concern."

Alana POV

I hadn't been too thrilled to see my grandma since she really didn't like me. I shrugged and found my escape as the guests started appearing in the living room. Leila, Nora and Asher tagged along as I walked up the stairs taking two at a time before walking right into a little sitting room that was situated in the corner of the hallway away from the party noise.

Leila took a seat on the floor while she played with my hair. She had a deep fascination with it that I would never understand.

Nora and Asher both seemed content with standing and I took their quietness as my opportunity.

"So you're all never going to believe what my mother told me today."

Leila stopped her hair playing, "What did she tell you?"

I took in all three of their curies expressions and I felt my own excitement rise in my chest.

"She told me who my dad was."

Leila and Nora looked shocked and just as excited but Asher looked like he could care less.

"Oh that's great Alana I'm so happy for you." Nora exclaimed.

Leila nodded her head in agreement giving me a pat on the shoulder.

And Asher looked down right uninterested.

I frowned, "What's wrong with you Ash?"

He shrugged and leaned against the wall, "Nothing at all I'm happy for you."

His voice was stiff and Nora elbowed him. I didn't get a chance to question his attitude when three shadows came walking towards us.

Andre, Ivan and Mila walked toward us, none wearing a happy expression.

Leila was all smiles though, "Hey Andre. That ball was crazy last night huh?"

Andre nodded his agreement and Asher seemed to sizing Ivan up like he wanted to kill him. Mila looked distant and uncomfortable and Nora was grasping her brother's hand so tight that her knuckles were white. Everyone was acting strange and it was overbearing.

"Come on let's join the party." I said not wanting to be around all the weird behavior. I had enough weird in my life today.

We were all walking down the stairs when I heard my grandma's voice talking.

"Oh you never seem to not surprise me Rose. I should have known you still hadn't grown up enough to face the facts of reality."

I was about to jump to my mother's defense when Viktoria…my aunt…beat me to it.

"Guardian Hathaway…not to be rude or anything but the details of Rose's personal life are none of your concern whether she's your daughter or not she's not a child. While most of in this room know who her daughter's father is it's up to Rose to face the facts not any of us. It's not our concern."

Then I came to my senses. I stepped off the last step and spoke.

"She's wrong. It's my concern."

I was shocked when every pair of eyes whipped around towards us but I was used to attention…even if it was usually negative attention.

My mother's face looked like she was angry but it smoothed over when she saw me. I met her eyes and she seemed to understand. The rest of my friends behind me were slightly confused about what was going on but I knew all too well. My grandma was grilling my mom about my father and I found it was my duty to protect her. I had always had they come first drilled into my head but seeing my mom I knew different. She would die to save me and I would die to save her too.

"Mom…" and in that one word she understood what I was asking. I was asking permission to reveal the truth and she knew it.

She shook her head no and I was stunned. She smiled at my reaction.

"You're not facing this alone Alana…it was choice too and…I think maybe….after this dinner…we should sit down and talk with…."

The room seemed to not be able to follow our conversation but I was highly aware. I nodded and smiled. I walked farther into the room when the doorbell made everyone jump in surprise. Being the closest to the door I answered it surprised to see Eric standing there uneasy.

"Eric…Guardian Pavel…what are you doing here?"

He seemed to not want to be there but he shrugged, "I was invited."

And that was how I ended up sitting between my father and my mentor at the long dining room table.

Lissa POV

The night was not going as expected but then again life was unexpected.

Conversation seemed to consume everyone's attention as they feasted into their roast and garlic bread and sipped their little drinks. I was trying hard to block Rose from my mind and not touch the liquor but it was tempting. Christian nudged me during the dinner and I met his gaze. He looked worried.

"Are you alright Lissa? You haven't touched your food."

And he was right. I was barely taken more than three bites but my appetite was gone and my stomach was churning with nerves. I nodded and smiles but he looked unconvinced.

As the dinner plates were cleared and dessert was served conversation turned it course.

"So I heard the news Lissa. Congratulations." Adrian said as he sipped his vodka.

I stared wide eyed. How had he known I was pregnant? Had he read my aura? Oh I was screwed now.

Then Leila continued, "Adrian! I told you not to say anything." She looked at my apologetically, "He knows about the election."

Relief swam over me and my mood calmed, but not before I met Rose's concerned gaze.

I smiled, "Oh well actually I wanted to announce that tonight. The queen is stepping down and…well I've decided to step up."

My announcement was met with several shocked glances but nobody seemed to speak again. All eyes were on me and that's when I made my decision. It was time to come clean about all my little surprises.

"Actually I also had something else to announce tonight."

I grasped Christian's hand under the table and I felt him squeeze mine in reassurance.

"Along with running for queen…I'm also happy to announce that…I'm pregnant."

Shock and silence filled the room.

Dimitri POV

It had been a weird night and not just because I was in Rose's house sitting at her dinner table next to her daughter. After Lissa's announcement on her pregnancy and her up and coming election the atmosphere of the room had turned into little conversations of congratulations and baby talk. I took this opportunity to talk to my sister sitting next to me. I spoke in Russian not trying to get the rooms attention.

"What was that about earlier?" I asked and she seemed momentarily confused.

"I have no idea what you're referring to Dimka." She said effortlessly.

I grabbed her hand to get her to meet my eyes.

"Tell me Vikki." I said making my voice demanding.

She sighed and jerked her hand away, "I'm trying to help you get her back."

I glared, "And pretending you know who fathered her daughter is called helping?"

Viktoria sighed and shot me a death glare, "I'm not pretending. I know and she confirmed it for me. It's not too hard to guess when you open your eyes. Stop watching Rose and watch her daughter. Maybe you'll figure it out too."

Without another word she stood to help Rose gather plates. Her words stayed with me and I found myself taking her advice. It was hard not to watch the woman I loved but watching her daughter was almost as close. She had long brunette hair that watched her mother's. But her skin was a deeper color. Sun-kissed and exotic. Her eyes were too familiar it was startling but I couldn't place where I had seen those eyes so many times before. I shrugged it off but not before I noticed how she looked uncomfortable sitting next to me and Guardian Pavel. I caught her eyes and how they wandered to gaze at Guardian Pavel when he wasn't aware. Pieces clicked together and realization hit me. Those eyes…the shape of that face…the pigment of the skin…and the undeniable affection she had towards Guardian Pavel.

Anger rose in my chest as his eyes took her in as she drank from her glass. His eyes met mine and he backed off continuing the conversation he was having with Eddie.

Then my eyes rested on the girl's face again. But it was impossible. Surely Rose would have told me if it were true. Then the memory of that day I had broken her heart. Her enthusiastic reaction and the glow in her eyes. The eagerness behind her smile…and then the pain that had overwhelmed me. She had been going to tell me and I had broken her…broken her heart and…broken my chances to realize I was a father.

Rose POV

The night was young and so much had happened. Lissa was pregnant and running for queen. Mia and Eddie had made Adrian and I their child's godparents. My mother had almost spilled the beans. Viktoria had stood up for me. And Alana had decided she wanted the truth known.

As Viktoria helped me clean the plates in the kitchen she seemed wary.

"Thank you for what you did earlier." I said placing a clean plate on the rack.

Viktoria shrugged, "Just promise me you tell him soon. I can't stand lying to him."

I met her eyes and nodded, "I told Alana today…she wants to tell him later tonight."

Relief painted itself on her face, "He's getting suspicious."

I nodded, "If he had stayed he would have known."

She stopped with a dish in mid-air, "You know he didn't have a choice right?"

I laughed out loud, "Oh he had a choice…and he chose to walk away."

Viktoria shook her head, "Guardian Alberta figured it out. She told him if he didn't leave she would have to report it and she knew that both of you had too much potential to be wasted. He left to protect you."

I snorted, "That's why it's taken him 16 years to come back?"

She looked saddened, "No…that was Tasha….she didn't want to return."

I stared at her, "Yeah well she always did want to keep him all to herself…I bet they are happy together."

Viktoria laughed now, "Oh they aren't together."

I started to protest but the door to the kitchen swung open. Dimitri stood…rage and pain written all over his face. They looked saddened me and I wanted to hug him but I fought the urge. This man didn't love me so why did I still love him. Viktoria began to speak but he cut her off.

"I think we need to talk Rose." His voice was full of power.

I set down the dish and nodded my head, "For once I agree."