Sorry guys, that last chapter was terrible. I promise that this one is better though

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Disclaimer: Richelle Mead owns all…unfortunately.

Chapter 8

That day I observed most of Rose's novice classes and she fought with a passion. She won her first hand-to-hand battle, completely devouring Shane Reyes. The class applauded her performance and noticed her comeback was set in motion.

A flare of anger flashed through me when the Ashford kid touched Rose's arm. I couldn't fathom why though. Why did I always get so irritated and upset whenever Ashford or any other male for that matter, touched her of went anywhere near her?

I spent the rest of my day doing paperwork and updating files for Alberta. It was a tedious job but it required a fair amount of concentration. I was heading back to my dorm after my training with Rose when Stan Alto stepped into my path.

"Belikov," Stan said in greeting.

"Guardian Alto," I returned formally.

"I would just like to congratulate you."

"And may I ask why?" I asked politely although slightly confused.

"For almost taming Rose Hathaway. She actually seems to be becoming more disciplined." Alto said laughing.

"Rose is far from tame or disciplined." I returned lightly. "But I do my best, thank you."

We continued our conversation for a few minutes more before I excused myself. I continued on my way to the dhampir dorms, as I walked in I noticed Rose whispering something in a royal Moroi's ear. She walked back in the direction of her room and the Moroi stood murmuring a quick farewell to his study partner and left.

I decided to follow him, see where he was going, because he certainly wasn't going back to his dorm. I recognized where he was headed, the fourth floor lounge, it had been deserted for years. I took a short cut and watched Rose slip in, moments later, so did the royal.

I was fuming. What did she see in him? Why did I care? What were they going to do? Should I go in there or just leave? I stood, fixed in my spot for almost ten minutes debating whether or not I should walk in. I pressed my ear up against the door.

"Spot it. I told you, I'm not like that. But if you want something to do with your mouth, I can give you some ideas." I heard Rose say flirtatiously.

"Yeah?"

That was the last straw, I opened the door and watched the two teens spring apart. I quickly crossed the room to where the Moroi was sitting and dragged him to his feet via his shirt.

"What's your name?" I growled.

"J-Jesse, sir. Jesse Zeklos, sir."

"Mr. Zeklos, do you have permission to be in this part of the dorm?"

"No, sir."

"Do you know the rules about male and female interactions around here?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then I suggest you get out of here as fast as you can before I turn you over to someone who will punish you accordingly. If I ever see you like this again-" I pointed over to where Rose huddled half-dressed on the lounge-"I will be the one to punish you. And it will hurt. A lot. Do you understand?" I threatened.

Zeklos swallowed, "Yes, sir."

"Then go." I released him and the kid ran out. Then I turned to Rose. I didn't say anything, just stared then I noticed how little she was actually wearing and how good she looked. I studied her, her face, her body. She was beautiful.

"You see something you like?" Rose asked confidently.

"Get dressed," I ground out.

"How'd you find me? You following me to make sure I don't run away?"

"Be quiet," I snapped. I got down so that we were at eye-level. "A janitor saw you and reported it," I lied. "Do you have any idea how stupid this was?"

"I know, I know, the whole probation thing, right?"

"Not just that. I'm talking about the stupidity of getting yourself into that kind of situation in the first place."

"I get myself in that kind of situation all the time, Comrade. It's not a big deal." Rose said angrily.

"Stop calling me that. You don't even know what you're talking about."

"Sure I do. I had to do a report on Russia and the R.S.S.R last year."

"U.S.S.R. And it is a big deal for a Moroi to be with a dhampir girl. They like to brag."

"So?"

"So?" I said in disgust. : So don't you have any respect? Think about Lissa. You made yourself look cheap. You live up to what a lot of people already think about dhampir girls, and it reflects back on her. And me."

"Oh, I see. Is that what this is about? Am I hurting your big, bad male pride? Are you afraid I'll ruin reputation?"

"My reputation is already made, Rose. I set my standards and lived up to them long ago. What you do with yours remains to be seen." I hardened the tone of my voice. "Now get back to your room-if you can manage it without throwing yourself at someone else."

"Is that your subtle way of calling me a slut?"

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Gabbiehannah xx.