I'm sorry this took so long! i've been so busy with the GCSE O levels next week and falling ill (i'm sneezing like it's no one's business) and my aunt's wedding who is constantly reminding me to not say "you farted didn't you?" into the camera...again. the last wedding i taped became a comedy. hahaha.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the reviews.

to make it up to you guys, this is a super long chapter. it's twice as long as all the previous chapters.

worse thing is, I HAVENT READ SPIRIT BOUND YET! the book isnt out yet here:(

Disclaimer: The characters belong to the oh-so-wonderful Richelle Mead

"Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear." I whispered to Eddie as he chuckled at my reply.

"Okay class, today we'll be doing Guardian Theory-" He started but as usual, I cut him off.

"No shit, Sherlock. This is GUARDIAN THEORY class. What else are we going to learn? In summary, we learn how to be sadistic to Strigoi. Although, instead of just having a theory, I'd prefer practicing my sadistic theories."

He crossed his arms. "Well Miss Hathaway, practice them in what way?"

"Trust me, I have PLENTY of sadistic theories and most of them are on you. If I tried them, you'll be dead by now." I simply replied.

"And what is keeping you from...killing me?" hmm, he hasn't sent me out yet. Must be in a good mood.

"Hey. I see ghosts. So even I you're dead, I still have to see your face which isn't fair actually. So what's the point? Besides, maybe I've developed a soft spot for you Alto. Enough for me to prefer
seeing your face alive." I gave him a wink and I could hear muffled laughter.

"Well Miss Hathaway, I would deeply appreciate it and practically call it a miracle if you could actually stay on good behaviour for the rest of the lesson because we have special guests today." he continued to babble on and on about these 'special guests' and to be honest, his voice was getting annoying.

"You know what?" I whispered to Eddie.

"You're about to fall asleep too?" He answered, looking up at me since his chin was on the table. His eyes were half closes, probably because of Stan's annoying voice.

"Maybe I should use my sadistic theories. His voice IS SO ANNOYING. As a ghost, HE'LL ACTUALLY SHUT UP."

Eddie laughed at my comment and Stan finally ended whatever he was saying, (hey, I don't pay attention. If I fall behind, which I highly doubt, Dimitri can help me. And maybe I'll teach him something in return...probably one that involves a bed...) Stan introduced the guests.

In came a tall man with a nice build which was visible through his tight shirt, well Dimitri's is nicer but I might be biased because I actually saw it with the shirt OFF. He had dark brown hair and
chocolate brown eyes. There were a few visible stitches above his eyebrow. Battle scars maybe. He looked to be about Dimitri's age. In summary, he was tall, not so dark and handsome. It made all the girls swoon. Oh well. I still think Dimitri's hotter. He's a tall sexy Russian. There's a difference.

When the guardian introduced himself, I heard a faint Russian accent. "I'm Guardian Novikov"

Some of the girls started swooning again and I swear I heard Eddie swoon too.

I shifted my gaze towards him. "Did you just swoon?"

"No! I yawned. There is a difference." he defended himself.

"Sureeeee you did." I patted his back.

He grumbled. "Hathaway, get that gay sign off my back." Damn.

"How'd you know?" I asked as I took the piece of paper off from his back.

"I've known you practically my whole life. I know you inside out." I shrugged. That was true.

I turned back to look in the front and another guardian stepped inside, about to introduce himself. "I'm guardian Shaw."

He was average height, probably in his early thirties with jet black hair. He had a few scars across his face. Battle scars again.

The last guest really caught my attention.

"And I'm guardian Hathaway."

"HOLY SHIT!" I exclaimed.

"Rose!" Alto and my mother warned at the same time.

"Sorry, sorry. Bad habit."

I was going to have a little chat with her after class. She owes me an explanation.

All three guardians were talking about their own successful encounters with numerous Strigoi.

That Russian guardian, what's his name? Oh yeah Guardian Novikov told a rather common story. All the girls were swooning. Pfft. Show off.

"And there I was, a Strigoi behind me and one in front of me, both of them blocking my only way out. There was no chance I could run away. My stake was behind the bigger Strigoi and I had to find a way to get it and take the two of them down once and for all."

Hey, if he was going to show off, then so can I. I decided to show him Rose style.

"I've heard that story a million and one times. I was stuck in a basement with two very experienced Strigoi. No sunlight. No weapon except for a blunt old sword. No stake. What's new?"

I heard a few 'shhhhhh's coming from the girls. Sheesh. The guys agreed with me though. Probably jealous that one dude can make all the girls swoon with a boring story.

Oh well. I'm on a good mood today. I shall try to be nice.

"And then," he continued, "I grabbed my stake and in a few swift moves, the Strigoi were dead."

The girls cheered and clapped while the boys just woke up from their short nap.

"Oh thank god he's done!" I exclaimed. Hey, I said I'll TRY to be nice. I can be nice, but I wouldn't.

He flashed me smile, sensing my heavy use of sarcasm. I could feel daggers from the girls. Hey, if you want him, take him. I have my own Russian, thank you very much.

When he was done, he stood at the back with Dimitri. They started talking. Hmm, must have known each other.

The other Guardian's stories were more interesting so, I actually shut up to listen to them.

Guardian Shaw's encounter was when he was guarding a family on a Christmas holiday. They were in a rather large cabin in the middle of no where but the place was covered with snow. It reminded me of the Badica attack. Only this time, the Strigoi lost.

My mother's story was rather interesting. It was about her first kill. But I realized, there were a few holes in the story. It happened in Russia, when she went to Russia? I have no idea. She was with some guy whom she refuses to reveal the identity of no matter how much I pestered her and she was in a...room. I don't know and I don't want to know why and what they were doing in that room. A daughter should never have these thoughts in her mind.

After class, I caught up to my mother. Our mother-daughter relationship has drastically improved.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" I questioned.

"Umm...Surprise?" she joked.

"Mother."

"Don't mother me. I received a call yesterday and I didn't have time to inform you." she explained.

"Oh" was my reply.

Just as she was about to say something, Dimitri cut in.

"Guardian Hathaway," he gave a small nod. "May I borrow Rose for a moment?" Jeez, why'd the Russian have to be so formal?

"Sure, I was just about to leave anyway." she answered.

"How long are you going to stay at the academy?" I asked before Dimitri took me away.

"I'm not too sure exactly. But I'll inform you when I find out." she replied.

"Okay then. I'll see you around." I waved goodbye.

"See you" was the last thing I heard before we went our separate ways.

"Guardian Novikov wants to meet you" Dimitri informed. "He's very interested in getting to know you." he said as we walked towards him.

"Guardian Novikov" I greeted.

"Please, call me David." he said as he took my hand. "Nice to meet you Rose." he gave me a bow and planted a light peck on my hand. Very formal if you ask me. He greeted me like any sophisticated gentleman would do. I could detect a faint Russian accent.

"Sorry for the comments earlier. Bad habit."

He chuckled "It's okay. I sort of figured it out when you screamed "Holy Shit!" when you saw your mother."

"I grew up with David here." Dimitri explained. "We were neighbours and we went to the same schools. I can't remember much about it unfortunately."

"Ah...I see."

"I was the funny one." he whispered to me and I laughed.

"Yes, and I had a crush on his sister. But I was too afraid of Dimitri to do anything." they laughed.

"And I will still murder you if anything happens." Dimitri warned.

He raised his hands in defeat. "I know, I know. As I said, it was a crush. And a long time ago too. So, I won't be going after your sister anytime soon."

"Good." Dimitri replied which was followed by a chorus of laughter.

"Although..." David continued. "I'm not too sure about not falling for your student."

I started to blush and nearly laughed when I saw Dimitri's jealous face.

"She's unavailable." Dimitri answered.

"Tough mentor" I mouthed towards David, lightening the mood. I mean, he's just joking...right?

He laughed and so did I.

"Yeah, I'm already late for class and Dimitri, I need a note." I decided to break this little gathering before Dimitri broke any bones.

"I like him." I whispered to Dimitri.

"Well, if he tries to use any moves on you, I won't." wow. Talk about the green eyed monster.

"I doubt he'll make a move on me."

He snorted. "Oh, you'll be surprised."

I stood in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. "Look, I don't care if he does make a move or not. I love you and only you. Plain and simple."

His face went from angry and jealous, not to mention slightly over protective, to an expression full of love and lust.

He softened up a little and looked like he really did want to kiss me right then and there but there were too many people around.

"I love you too" he whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.

As we were walking to my next class, I spotted Tasha walking towards us. Shit.

She already knows about Dimitri and I and I doubt she's going to just let it pass.

"Dimitri, can I talk to you?" she didn't even bother facing me.

"Sure. Let me send Rose to class first." She tried to protest but he did so anyway.

Once I was safely in class, he walked out, towards Tasha.

DPOV

after I sent Rose to class, I walked towards Tasha.

"Let's talk in your room. The topic of this conversation is very private."

Damn; I knew she was going to talk about Rose and I.

Once we reached my room, I closed the door as she sat on the bed. Bed. Wrong place. I sat on a chair near the table.

"What did you want to talk about?"

She kept quiet for a moment. "Why her?" she finally asked.

"I can't describe the reasons why I love Rose. There are too many. And words will just be an understatement."

"But she's SEVEN years younger than you. She can't even give you kids! And I know that's what you want most."

"I don't care about all that. All I know is that I love her. And you're wrong. She's the one I want most. Need most, even."

She sighed.

"You know I love you right? I always have." she said so soft, it was barely a whisper.

"I know" I did know. But I can't return that.

"Why can't you just love me?" she whispered.

"Because I love her." it's plain and simple. It's because I love Rose. Always have, always will. And there's no point in denying it anymore.

"I promise you Dimitri Belikov that I will not give up on you." her voice was louder now. "I will find a way to get you, no matter what it takes."

Talk about stalkers. This woman is crazy!

"Out of my room Tasha." I was raised a gentleman and this may not be very...gentleman-ly but don't give a damn right now.

"Dim-"

"Now Natasha." It didn't feel right kicking out my best friend but I'll do everything for Rose. And I'm not even going to let her TRY to break Rose and I up.

RPOV

It was lunch and I sat in my usual spot on the table. Adrian joined us today.

As usual, I took Eddie's food. He knew this routine so he took extra food today. And donuts. My favourite.

On the opposite side of the table, I could see Christian babbling about something and Lissa giggling like a little school girl.

"Christian, if you're trying to get into Lissa's pants, lame jokes aren't working." I said.

Lissa laughed and Christian turned to me.

"Hey, don't blow my cover." he joked.

I laughed.

"I would like to get into your pants Little Dhampir." Adrian said, wriggling his eyebrows.

"In your dreams Adrian."

"Or do you mean in yours?" he wriggles his eyebrows again.

"No way. Or I'll make you wear that Barney costume again." I threatened.

"It's okay. The costume will be lost in the process." He answered.

"Jeez, if you two are going to flirt, do it somewhere else" Christian interrupted. I thought that I would never say this but thank god for Christian.

"This is not flirting. This is Adrian trying to get into my pants while I reject over and over again. There's a difference. Hey, maybe you can learn a thing or two from him, fire boy." I explained.

"Oh ha-ha" he laughed sarcastically.

Adrian then asked "So does that mean my attempts are working?"

"Nope."

"Damn." he cursed.

I laughed. I took a bite from my, okay Eddie's donut. Fine, I didn't actually bite. I gobbled it.

"Rose, Chew your food." Lissa said. Funny, Dimitri said the same thing. "Don't eat like someone uncivilized."

I snorted, still with food in my mouth. "Look at your boyfriend over there. And then tell me how to eat."

She turned to Christian who was worse than me. I think he stuffed a whole donut in his mouth. Eddie laughed as Lissa simply replied "He's from the male species. This is considered chewing."

"I'm from the Rose species and this" I said with a mouth full of donut, pointing to my mouth, "is considered chewing."

Lissa laughed and Adrian tried his luck again. "I would like to know more about this, Rose species. Maybe up in my room? On my bed?"

"Zip it Adrian."

"Impossible." that was true. He can almost never keep his mouth shut.

"Hey Rose. Want to have a challenge?" Christian asked.

"Bring it on, fire boy."

He grinned. "How about a donut eating contest?"

Ha! This boy was asking for death.

"No problem. What do I, I mean, what does the winner get?"

He rolled his eyes.

"I'll think of that while I'm winning." his smile grew wider.

"You're on."

Eddie rolled his eyes as the two of us grabbed two plates full of donuts and placed it on the table.

"Ready, GO!" Eddie gave the command. Adrian looked very interested to know who was winning and Lissa rolled her eyes.

I downed multiple donuts and so did Christian. Fuck chewing. I swallowed the damn thing.

Just then, I heard my name being called from behind me.

"Rose? What in the world are you doing?"

Christian and I stopped to turn and face Dimitri.

We probably looked stupid. Okay, we did look stupid. We both have our mouths full of half chewed donut and another two donuts on each hand. Our mouths were so full, we could barely close it.

"On second thought, I don't think I want to know." Dimitri said and everyone laughed.

David emerged from behind him and laughed at my current look. "Hi David! What's up?" I said which probably sounded like "Ai Abid! Wa'ap?" it made me sound like a clown which made everyone laugh even harder. The only thing missing is the funny hair, big red nose and the huge shoes.

"Rose, I'm just here to tell you that David here is going to join our afternoon training session today."

"I'm curious of how Dimitri trains you. Considering your current...situation." David added. Wait what situation... Does he know?

I looked at Dimitri wide eyed. He nodded in reply. Of course he knows what I was going to ask. He obviously told David since they were good friends. They go wayyyy back.

"Okay then." I replied, my mouth cleared of donut now. "If you would excuse me, I have a contest to win." I continued, turning back as Eddie screamed "GO!"

Christian and I gobbled down the donuts and I could feel Dimitri rolling his eyes. I heard Lissa giggling and David laughing.

"Well, we have to go." I heard Dimitri say.

"Come on, Dimitri. Don't you want to stay and see who won? It's pretty amusing seeing them like this." David urged.

"Trust me, you do not want to see what Rose will do if she lost" Dimitri whispered.

I mumbled a "Hey!" and heard Dimitri's angelic laughter.

He placed his hands on my shoulders and said "Don't be late...again."

I stiffened at his touched but managed to give out a "Yeah yeah."

Lissa snorted. "Rose, late? Never." she said sarcastically.

Everyone laughed at his sarcasm and Dimitri placed a hand on my cheek. This time, I really stiffened.

"I mean it Roza, don't be late" He whispered in my ear with a heavy Russian accent and I felt Goosebumps up my arm.

I didn't realize I stopped chewing until I heard Christian scream "WHOO HOO! I WIN!" as he punched the air above him.

"Thank you, Belikov!" I whipped around to see him grinning.

"Hey! That's not fair!"

""Control Roza, control..." he whispered again before he chuckled and went off with David.

I mumbled a few cuss words. Christian is most definitely going to be the death of me.

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As I walked towards the gym doors, they slammed open and out came the devil.

No, I don't mean Stan. I mean Tasha.

She stormed out of the gym, gave me a cold look and stomped off.

I walked in the gym to see David looking as confused as I was and Dimitri pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What was that all about?" David and I asked at the same time.

"Rose. Laps. Now." was all he said in a harsh tone.

Oh fuck the laps. I walked towards him and placed a hand on his back. I whispered in his ear "Are you okay? Dimitri..." I rubbed his back and I could hear his uneven breathing as he tried to control it.

"I'm fine, Rose." he replies, in a softer tone.

"Dimitri Belikov, you do know that I know when you lie." I folded my arms.

He took a deep breath and answered, "I'll tell you soon. I'm fine. Really." he gave me a fake smile.

I just stared at him, waiting for an answer.

He placed a hand on my cheek and whispered "I'll tell you when the time is right. I promise. Now go do you laps."

I sighed and moved towards the door. I could hear footsteps behind me and turned around to see David following me.

"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked.

"No, I don't mind." I answered.

I moved towards the track and started my laps. He followed and kept pace with me. David tried to make conversation.

"So, you and Belikov huh?"

"He told you?" I asked, filled with curiosity.

"He's my best friend. Of course he told me."

"Hmm...Okay then."

He let out a low chuckle.

"Don't worry; I'm not the type who will fall for my best friend's girl."

Oh thank god. I didn't want the two of them to fight over me.

I gave out a sigh of relief. "Thank God." I whispered and he laughed again.

We ran in silence. When we were about to end our laps, David whispered "Trust me, you really don't want to know what Tasha said."

Wait, hold up, what? What could he mean?

He walked into the gym before I could ask. I sighed and followed him.

Dimitri was sitting on a bench, face in his hands. Something is terribly wrong. I moved towards him but he didn't seem to hear me. I sat beside him and wrapped my arms around him, leaning into him.

He was shocked for a moment but relaxed soon after. He was really deep in thought.

He hugged me back and I inhaled the rich scent of his aftershave.

"I'll be okay. I promise." I looked up to him and he gave me a small smile. I planted a peck in his lips before standing up, waiting for him to spar.

"Why don't you spar with David today? I've already sparred with you a thousand times."

"Let's make it a million?" I persuaded.

He gave a low chuckle. "Just spar with him Rose. It gives you more exposure."

"Fine" I crossed my arms and walked towards the Matt where David was doing his stretches.

"Come on, David. Ready to get your butt kicked?"

"You wish, Hathaway." he replied as he stood up.

With that, we started to spar.

DPOV

I reviewed the whole conversation while Rose was sparring.

FLASHBACKEND OF FLASHBACK.

When I was aware of my surroundings once again, I realized that Rose has finished sparring with David. She was screaming "WOOT! I WON!" over and over again and started doing some dance which made me chuckle. She could make me laugh even when I'm feeling this way. That's one of the
reasons why I love her.

Tasha walked into the gym to talk to me.

We sat on a bench as she started "I want you to leave with me."

Was this woman nuts?

"I already told you that I'm not going anywhere. I love ROSE." I emphasized on her name.

"No. If you continue your relationship with her. I'll tell the queen." she threatened.

I was furious now. "What makes you think the queen wants to listen to you. She doesn't even like you!" my voice was getting louder.

She stood up and so did I she jabbed me with her finger. "The queen would rather hear a scandal like this especially when it's about the last Dragomir's guardians than to refuse to talk to me because of her hatred."

I was full of anger. I was infuriated. But I know that she was right. I couldn't risk Rose's future. She has a shot at a real life. I won't let her risk that to be with me.

I gave up. "What do you want me to do?"

Tasha gave that smirk of hers knowing that she won.

"I want you to leave a note on Rose's door tomorrow morning. I don't want you to tell her why or to say good bye. Tell her you used her to get to me. I want to read that note before you give it to her to make sure."

I nodded. I couldn't say anything. How could she make me leave without saying goodbye? Without having her in my arms for the last time. Without that burning feeling on my lips after her kisses.

Tasha leaned in and kissed me. I didn't return it. I never want to. I stood there, stationary as she pulled away and stormed out of the gym.

I offered to walk Rose to her dorm and she took it.

We walked in silence and when we reached her door step, I couldn't take it anymore. She unlocked the door as I checked the corridors for anyone. She opened the door and I kissed her with such passion. With such longing and lust. I needed her. And before I knew it, we
were headed towards the bed.

RPOV

I opened the door and turned around to face Dimitri when he cupped my face and kissed me hungrily. I was more than happy to return it.

We moved inside and he closed the door without breaking the kiss. Before I knew it, we were on the bed.

I moaned and I tugged the hem of his shirt, signalling that u wanted it off and I wanted it off NOW.

He took it off swiftly, throwing it on the floor as I struggled with mine. One look at me and he chuckled. He helped me out of my shirt and threw it on the floor.

There was no stopping us now. It was pure animal passion as more and more clothes started flying around. I didn't know what made him suddenly act like this but I like it.

Right then and there, we made love once again.

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I was tired once we were done and I lay on his bare chest, breathing heavily.

I love moments like this as he whispered sweet things in my ear and planted kisses on my cheek and neck repeatedly.

I traced patterns on his rock hard abs and he whispered "I love you" in my ear.

He suddenly stood up and picked up his pants.

"You're leaving NOW?" what a great time to leave. Seriously.

He chuckled and replied "Of course not. I just need to take something important." he pulled out something silver and climbed into bed once more.

He told me to lift my hair as he placed a necklace around my neck. It was beautiful. It was heart shaped and he took it and opened it. It revealed a small picture of the two of us, laughing. I remember this moment clearly in my head. Lissa was the one who took this picture.
How I longed we could return to that moment. Our lives felt perfect. It was carefree and just...perfect.

"It's...It's..." I couldn't find the right words to say.

Dimitri laughed as he lifted my chin and kissed me. I felt his lips curl upwards. I smiled as well.

He broke the kiss and whispered "I need you to remember that this necklace also serves as a key. You'll figure it out soon." I was puzzled.

He continued, "Always remember that I'll always be watching out for you. I'm always there, even if you can't see me. I'll live you no matter what. Promise me you'll remember that."

"I promise" I answered as I kissed him on the lips. When we broke apart, it hit me. "Why do you sound like you're leaving?"

What do you think is going to happen next?

I'm working on another story. i might post it up in a few days.

I'm halfway through the next chapter of this story and it's going to be up soon!

please review!

Reviews make me happy:D

thanks for reading!

-Lydia