I know this is short, but I didnt want to leave you guys off where I did. I know I leave you with alot of cliffhangers. But that is what keeps the story going!

I would say I'm sorry -but I'm not. *evil laugh* Okay, I'm sorry! Dont send me any flames! PLEASE!

You know that I love all of you!

Anyway I hope you enjoy!

Much lurve,

~~~Carmen~~~

RPOV

I sat there for a minute trying to collect my thoughts -and emotions. My stomach was twisted into a knot. I knew Dimitri had told me he loved me earlier, but what would he think of me after going through the turmoil of losing me? Would he hate me for making him feel that horrible, even if it wasn't my fault? After all, Abe had been the one to arrange a 'fake' death. I thought I was going in for the real thing whenever Hans and Mikhail had traipsed me across court this morning. It was only when it was explained to me -not so long ago - that I came to realize that I wasn't actually dieing.

I felt my brows furrowed, so I raised my hand absently rubbing them. It was then that I saw everyone in the room was looking at me expectantly. There was another knock on the door. Pavel and Dimitri, were no doubt, waiting on the other side.

"Alright," I announced in the silent room, "I will deal with this," I looked at Abe, his face was a calm façade as ever. Does anything faze the man? Honestly? "But, I want privacy. All of you have to leave."

Abe started to say something but I beat him to it, "This is the best you're going to get. My way or no way. Your choice."

As if they were connected, everyone in the room stood up and strode to the door. Abe was the last in line. He turned back to me, taking a few steps toward me. I rose from my seat so I could meet him.

He placed his hands on my shoulders, "You can do this, Kiz. I know you can." He then kissed me on the forehead and turned on his heel walking to the door.

"Dad?" I took him by surprise calling him that. After all he had done for me, I thought he deserved that respect. He turned back to face me, "Can I just have a moment? Please? You know, to….prepare?"

He gave me a big grin, "Just a minute." I knew what he meant. It would only be a minute before he would let him in. He nodded at me then left.

I took a few deep breaths. Chanting to myself over and over; Dimitri still loved me no matter what. It was going to be fine. I hoped.

I jumped when I heard the doorknob turn. I was so deep in thought, the minute of my reprieve seemed like only a few seconds.

Dimitri walked through the door, gasping when he saw me standing there. His eyes went wide and his breathing hitched. I couldn't speak. I was too apprehensive to do so.

"Rose? Roza, is that really you?" his voice was soft spoken. His head had done a double take when he first laid eyes on me. Disbelief flashed across his face - along with many other emotions, some I didn't even recognize- and his mouth went slack. He didn't stay in his stupor for long though. He moved at Strigoi speed toward me. He had his arms wrapped around me before I knew he had even left the door. He was running his hands along my body to make sure I was not an illusion from his mind, "Roza," he breathed repeatedly. "I knew you weren't dead. I knew I would know if you were. God, thank you so, so much," he leaned down and brushed his lips to mine, "I knew you weren't dead. I knew it. I love you so much, Roza. I do. I want you forever," he pulled back so he could look me in the eyes, "Don't ever, ever do that to me again. Promise? Promise me, Rose. I cant go through that again. Promise me, please!" he begged, shaking me slightly.

I looked him dead in the eyes, "I promise you, Dimitri. I will never do that to you again." I told him truthfully.

"I knew something was off," he murmured into my hair. Taking my head into his hands, he started kissing me all over my face, starting with my forehead, moving to my cheeks, then my nose, eyes, finally coming to rest on my lips. "I knew you wasn't gone from me. I could feel it. I love you. I love you. I love you." he murmured over and over.

I realized that I hadn't took an appeasing breath till that moment. My head was getting light whether from lack of oxygen or Dimitris' kisses, I really couldn't differentiate which. But it was due to one of them. If I would have to take a guess; it would be from the kisses. They were that great. Thrilling me to the core of my existence. I was so worried he would be pissed. But he wasn't. He still loved me. I wrapped my arms around him tightening the hold I had on him.

He pulled back ever so slightly, looking me in the eyes, "What happen? How- how did this happen. You were executed. But …but here you are. My love. My life." he took a short breath while still gazing into my eyes. His hold on me was gripping, like if he would let up just a little I would dissipate from his grasp.

"Abe," I answered giving him a pointed look. But with that one word, I had answered his question. Understanding flashed in his eyes.

"I should have known. Zmey. If anyone had the resources, he does," Dimitri flashed me a pearly white smile, chuckling softly while shaking his head; then lowered his lips to mine again. I deepened the kiss further. So long I had went without him holding me, now having him in my arms just felt so right, natural. The way it was suppose to be. Him and I forever. I didn't ever want to leave the comfort of his strong, protective, loving arms.

We had a full 'make-out' session right there in the conference room. We were just enjoying the comfort of a lovers embrace. Yes, that's right, a lovers embrace. Cause quite frankly, that's what we were -are. Till the day we both die. He was mine and I was his. Taken. We had staked our claim on one another long ago. The first night we met. Even though we didn't know it then, we had a soul-connection. Something that couldn't, nor wouldn't, ever be broken. Some people wait their whole lives to have one, and here I was. With mine, the one I had stumbled upon by actions that took place years earlier resulting in him assigned to look for Lissa and I. It was a snowball effect causing soul-mates to collide. So yes, I was one of the lucky few in this world.

I don't know how long we were getting familiarize with one another again, but Abe poked his head in the door and cleared his throat -a few times. We heard him but choice to ignore his gesture.

"Rose? Dimitri?" someone said. "Ahem." there were a few chuckles that my brain registered, "Ah, hello?"

I broke the kiss so I could do what I had to. Even though I really, really didn't want to. For once in my life I was really truly happy. Dimitri brought that into my life and as long as I knew he was there, I would remain that way. I peered around his shoulder so I could see who was beckoning for our attention.

We had a full audience in attendance. Everyone that was in the room earlier - and then some, say like Pavel and Cedric - were gathered around the door watching us. I felt a blush creep to my face. Dimitri cupped my chin with his fingers, bringing my eyes up to meet his.

"Don't." he whispered.

"Don't what?" I asked

"Don't be ashamed of what we have. I love you and I will announce it to the world if you wanted me to. I love you so much, Roza. You have no idea what I would do for you. If someone would had filled me in on the game plan, I would've helped out. Don't forget that. I. Love. You."

Abe strode up to us just then and rested his hand on Dimitris' shoulder, "We had to keep you in the dark, son. For your own benefit. Trust me, it was for your own good."

We filled Dimitri in on the plan: Abe had rented an apartment not too far from court that I could hole up in. Dimitri insisted on staying there with me. Protection, as he called it. I didn't argue with him. I was really wanting to get acquainted with his body again. Another cabin experience. Oh yeah. I had waited too long, and I was in desperate need for a release. Just looking at him made my inside quiver with anticipation.

So the plan was no one else could know so that we -by we, I mean Abe and his mafia - could flush out the real killer. They already had a lead they were following and didn't need Dimitri and my interference. I didn't object. But the one thing I did have a problem with, was Lissa nor Adrian could know that I was still alive. That was a big down side. I knew how bad Lissa was hurting and I wanted to comfort her. I hated to see her like that. And Adrian, well he was a total and complete mad man. But Abe insisted for now.

Dimitri gave the letter to Abe to read and he immediately called a few people getting them on finding files for Eric Dragomir. I also informed him of my video chat with Sydney Sage. He said it wouldn't take him long on finding the child. I had total faith in his capabilities.

Dimitri left to tell his family goodbye; tell them he had gotten an assignment away from court. So that brings me to where I am now. Sitting in a luxury suite somewhere hidden in one of the tunnels at court. Who would have thought that something like this room, could exist in a run down, underground tunnel? I was very stunned to learn that fact. So we are waiting for daylight before I will be brought to the apartment that my dad had bought- rented- as my hide out.

I was just getting out of the bathtub when I heard the guards outside of my room door -letting Dimitri inside. I wrapped my hair in a towel and one around my body, then went to greet him. When I caught sight of his face I froze. He had a outraged expression and his fist were clenched. He looked like he could knock a brick wall down with them. I immediately jolted toward him.

"What? What's wrong?" my voice was frantic. Not too many things make him like this. So no, this was not a good thing. It took him a few seconds to quit shaking with anger before he could answer me. And when he did, my blood ran ice cold. There went my relaxing two hour soak in the tub!

"Rose, back away. I don't want to hurt you. So please back off." his voice was frightening calm. It scared me enough to take a few steps back, stumbling into the king sized bed that was in the suite. I sat down, somehow I knew I would need to be sitting for whatever he was going to tell me.

"What is wrong, Dimitri? You're scaring me." my insides were shaking with fear. Whether it was from him hurting me unintentionally; or what he was about to tell me- I didn't know.

He took a deep, calming breath then spoke, "I think I know who the murderer is that set you up. And I think I know the reason you were targeted." his body was still convulsing in animated rage. Something I had never seen in him before. And it was a very scary sight.

The towel that was draped around me swung loose and fell to the floor. My hands flew to my mouth, 'cause I knew he was being very serious.

"I am going to kill them. Do you hear me? I am going to hurt them so bad that they wish for the death that wont befall them too quickly." he told me through gritted teeth. His eyes were blazing with fury.

REVIEW! PLEASE?

I really do hope you all enjoyed it!

~~~Carmen