AN: Thanks much for the lovely reviews, favs, and follows! Once again my deepest apologies for the delay of this update. No excuses except that I am a very bad slacker :( Forgive me. Anyway, I'll shut up now.
The thick forest Codrii Vlăsiei covers most of the southern part of Romania. During war times, Codrii Vlăsiei is used as a retreating spot because of its difficulty to travel by horse and of course because that is where rogue werewolves hide in the shadows cast by the monumental trees. Dimitri Belikov, alpha and creator of all werewolves, is not concerned about the threat of the uncontrollable, bloodthirsty and vicious beasts. The reason Dimitri paces back and forth, practically caving a hole on the branch he stands upon, is because the sun is fast approaching on the horizon. Rose must and should have received the 'love' note he sent with his aunt. Maybe, as he suspected, Rose does not care for Adrian and that is why she has not shown up yet. Dimitri shakes his head and glares at the first rays of sun as if he could scare them into going away. He knows though that she will show up; she is, as is Dimitri, surprised to have heard from Yeva about a new man. If Dimitri knows Rose, which he does, she will do everything possible to prove Yeva wrong. And Yeva might just be wrong.
Recalling the look Rose gave Adrian in the dungeon of Istanbul, Dimitri could see love; love he had only seen once ages ago. There is no doubt that the huntress loves Adrian, and that angers Dimitri beyond belief. This anger is mixed with an unknown emotion that others know as jealousy, but Dimitri has never experienced until now. How will Rose fall in love with him? If she is in love with Adrian, like Dimitri believes, there is no hope of her ever falling for someone else let alone a beast. Another question springs to Dimitri's mind, should she fall in love with him? The curse Yeva has placed upon him dooms Rose to her death. Why would she give up her life? Does he want her to give up her life for him?
Frustrated by the rays of sun, the questions swarming around his head, and Rose's absence, Dimitri jumps off the tree and lands on his feet with a thunderous thud on the ground. His footsteps are angry and determined as he heads to where Adrian sits between Alberta and Ivan. The wolves move away at the sight of Dimitri's murderous glint and the angry energy his body gives off. Adrian does not need to have a connection with the alpha like the werewolves do to know exactly what Dimitri is about to do. Still, the hunter does not show any fear even though he can picture Dimitri tearing his flesh. In his mind, Adrian sends a prayer to God to make this quick and begs of him to protect Rose. Without prelude or another thought, Dimitri grasps Adrian's neck and begins to cut off his oxygen. The hunter gasps for air as his face turns crimson then blue while Dimitri's teeth enlarge. Just as the beast is about to rip Adrian's face off, Mason lands next to Dimitri.
"Someone is coming," Mason says breathlessly. He had been given the task to look out for any travelers more specifically Rose Mazur.
Dimitri, stunned, retreats his teeth and drops Adrian on the ground. The hunter begins to cough violently even going as far as spitting blood. Any other day, Dimitri would be delighted to inflict pain on Adrian, but today he doesn't care. He has more pressing matters; she has come at last. The previous questions crawling around Dimitri's brain come back full force. Shaking his head as if to shake off the thoughts Dimitri grins mischievously down at Adrian.
"Today is your lucky day, Lord Ivashkov." Before Adrian can ask what that means, Dimitri turns to Mason. "Is it her?"
"The rider of the black stallion is a female. She is travelling at a fast pace, but the terrain is rather difficult as you know." Mason informs as he too wonders what Dimitri wants with Lady Mazur. Even though Dimitri confides the most in Mason, he didn't understand the full details of Dimitri's need to reach Istanbul six months ago. All Mason knows is that Rose is important to Dimitri, and that's all Mason really needs to know to support Dimitri fully.
"How far away is she?" Dimitri asks impatiently wishing to get moving.
"Two miles."
"She is delaying us," Dimitri shakes his head and strokes his stubble. "I will meet her halfway. Bring the prisoner and do not let her see him or any of you until I give the signal."
With those orders, Dimitri takes off leaving Adrian still gasping for breath and fear stricken heart. So much for God taking care of Rose, Adrian thinks bitterly. The mention of a 'she' and a black stallion gave Adrian the finally pieces to put the puzzle together; Rose is coming to his rescue. Who else would be insane enough to venture into Codrii Vlăsiei? Who else would put her life on the line for those she loves? No one else but Rose. Her generous and loving heart is what made Adrian fall madly in love with her, but at this precise moment, he wishes she was selfish and cold-hearted and would just leave him to the mercy of the beasts.
"Let me go," Adrian begs as Mason grabs his shoulder roughly. "Please. Do not let him do this. Kill me instead."
The panic in Adrian's voice goes unaccounted for by Mason or any of the wolves for that matter. All they care for is Dimitri, and they are not about to reveal anything to the human. He's the bait and nothing more. Adrian soon gives up trying to get answers out of the werewolves as they walk especially since Mason ties a piece of clothing around his mouth. Instead, Adrian tries to come up with an escape plan. Of course any plan he could come up with involves having a sword, which was left in Serbia, or being immortal because if he attempts anything, the wolves will be upon him. All Adrian can hope for is telling Rose to leave him and save herself. Knowing his beloved, she will not do such thing. If only she had not been so reckless to show up on her own maybe they'd have a chance. The only consolation Adrian can think of is that if Rose and he are meant to die, then at least they will die together.
Oscar's pounding hoofs against the ground seem to match the thumping of Rose's heart. As she rides, she prays to the God she doesn't believe in that Adrian is alive and unharmed. Something keeps telling her though that perhaps by now Belikov is long gone leaving Adrian ripped apart for her to find. Her vision clouds with red and tears at the thought of Adrian dead. If he is dead, Rose swears to kill every damn werewolf she can find. Given the location of where she is, she might have to start with the vicious rogue werewolves, but she will not rest until she kills the beast once and for all. Oscar comes to an abrupt halt almost sending Rose flying as a large and muscular Russian man jumps from above a tree directly in Rose's path.
Dimitri stands with his hands on his duster and a satisfied and mocking smile on his lips. He wonders briefly why the sight of Rose's wild hair and fiery gaze make his heart beat wildly in his chest. He tries to rationalize that it must be his sense of accomplishment for luring the mighty Rosemarie into his trap. But he can't deny that her beauty always takes his breath away especially when she is practically breathing fire. Rose's chest rises and falls rapidly as she breathes heavily trying to control herself. Her eyes dart everywhere to the shadows and over the man she has hated for five years. Adrian is nowhere to be seen, but that doesn't mean he's dead or alive. Her fingers caress her sword as she keeps Oscar from darting away with her left hand. If Adrian is indeed dead, Rose will not hesitate in cutting Dimitri to pieces over and over until his other beasts are upon her. The only consolation Rose can reach is that she will find Adrian, hopefully, in an afterlife. In the meantime, Rose knows she must handle this with delicacy and reign in her reckless side.
"Where is Adrian?" Rose and Dimitri are surprised by how calm she sounds despite the adrenaline and fear pumping in her veins. "Is he well? I swear if he is harmed in any way…" She trails off and sighs while Dimitri throws his head back and chuckles.
"Milady," Dimitri shakes his head and paces back and forth slowly never taking his eyes off his prize. "You are in no condition to threaten me. The sun has risen several hours ago. I do remember being specific about our meeting time."
"Your message was not delivered until this morning," Rose tries to keep the pleading tone out of her voice as she does not want to show weakness and just how deeply desperate she is to find Adrian, but she realizes she didn't hide her desperation very well.
Dimitri notices her tone as well and his eyebrows furrow deeply and his amusement disappears briefly. After watching Rose bite her lip and look everywhere, no doubt searching for Adrian, Dimitri laughs humorlessly. All this time, Dimitri has been trying to lie to himself about Rose's feelings for Adrian. Clearly, her presence and the fear emanating from her every pore is proof enough that Rose loves Adrian very deeply. The beast feels no hope; there's no reason to carry on with his plan if he's been doomed from the very beginning.
"Where is Adrian?" Rose repeats impatiently breaking through Dimitri's musings. "He is dead is he not?" The rage wins over the pain of losing Adrian, and Rose climbs off Oscar. She stalks decisively towards Dimitri as she unsheathes her sword.
"Put that away," Dimitri commands with a glare. He is not concerned with the sharpness of the huntress' sword. He can feel his wolves shake nervously as they watch Rose point their sword at their leader. If Rose tries to move, the wolves won't be able to control themselves and will attack her. But Rose is not aware of the monsters hiding in the dark, so she swings at Dimitri and attempts to cut off his left arm. He steps aside easily missing the sharp edge of the sword and growling to warn his beasts off. Stumbling forward, Rose quickly turns around and swings again this time trying to cut Dimitri in half. He takes advantage of her closeness and grasps the tilt of the sword before Rose pulls away. He holds her in place the blade mere inches from his navel and hers.
"Unless you want Ivashkov to die, I suggest you pull your sword away." Dimitri hisses exasperated. Has she not learned he cannot die? Is she trying to commit suicide? Even if Rose manages to cut behead him, Dimitri knows his wolves will be upon her in a matter of seconds and by the time he comes back to life, she will be dead.
But that is exactly what Rose wants; death. Of course now hearing that Adrian is still alive makes her feel hopeful. However she is not about to easily put her sword away and believe Dimitri's words. She looks into his eyes, the eyes she once thought were gorgeous resembling molten chocolate and held sadness yet gentleness as well. Seeing a hint of that gentleness back in his eyes convinces Rose to pull back, so she sheathes her sword and glares at the beast.
"He is alive then," Rose's eyes roam over the thick tree line unable to see nothing but foliage and darkness. "What do you want?" She says locking her gaze back on Dimitri whose eyes are now back to that calculating and icy stare.
"I believe you know exactly what I want, milady." Dimitri's lips pull up in a sardonic smile. "You have known for years what it is I seek from you." Knowing Adrian is listening, Dimitri decides it's time for the hunter to know the beauty doesn't belong to him. She never did because Dimitri had claimed her long ago. The hunter, however, is not fazed as he still attempts to break away.
"I do not," Rose replies the beast stubbornly tilting her chin up in defiance. "Do you wish gold? I can give you gold. My father and the Ivashkovs will give you more gold than you have ever seen if you set Adrian free." Her voice drops to a low volume as if trying to seduce the beast with the promise of riches.
Dimitri scowls and grunts disgusted at her proposal. Gold was part of his downfall, and he has in fact seen more gold than the Mazurs, Ivashkovs, Dragomirs and Ozeras combined can muster. Besides, gold cannot buy his way out of his curse, but the life of the beauty can. Dimitri casts his eyes heavenward where he can only see the tree branches intertwining with the each other. Should he force her to give her life up? Can she even give her life up for someone like him? Returning his gaze back to Rose, who is stiff as a tree waiting for his response to her bargain, Dimitri decides that if she is willing to give up her life for a drunkard and arrogant man like Adrian, who does not deserve it, then she can in fact give her life up for a murderer and a beast.
"Why did you come?" Dimitri asks before relaying his own bargain which she will have no choice but to accept.
Rose takes a deep breath and looks away from Dimitri. How does she explain to the beast love? How does she explain to the beast what sacrifice and selflessness means? He wouldn't comprehend. He is not human, not really. The form he holds now of a rather handsome Russian man is not his true form. To Rose the form of the beast she has seen several times is his true identity. Instead of wasting her breath trying to make Dimitri understand all of that, Rose merely shakes her head.
"Enough of this foolish conversation. Will you take the gold or not? Lay down the terms of Adrian's freedom and the disappearance of your kind forever."
Her words cause Dimitri to laugh. "I do not know if you are bold or perhaps foolish, Red. Your words conjure up a million of possibilities in my head most of them involving you naked in a room with me and screaming my name to the heavens." His booming and mocking laughter increases echoing throughout the forest as he takes in the sight of Rose's crimson cheeks. Once his laughter dies down and Rose has managed to stay in control, Dimitri shakes his head and continues. "Will you meet my terms milady? No matter what they are?"
"I shall see what I can arrange," Rose says carefully. "My father is very powerful and Adrian…"
"I do not care for gold!" Dimitri roars exasperated that she continues to play innocent. They both know exactly what Dimitri wants in exchange for Adrian's safe release. "I do not care for riches or power. Tell me, will you or will you not meet all my conditions regardless of what they are."
"Before I answer, I must know if Adrian is indeed alive and unharmed. I do not know if you are baiting me into a trap. Is he well? If he is not, if any of your beasts have laid a hand upon him…"
"You are, still, in no condition to threaten or even negotiate really." Dimitri shrugs as the triumphant smile returns to his lips. "But I am a fair man, and I will let you see for yourself that your beloved is in good condition. Not a single hair out of place." He chuckles at the last part knowing Adrian has been roughened up by Mason.
Out of the darkness a couple of feet behind Rose, Mason steps out holding Adrian by his shoulder as if he were nothing but a rag doll. Dimitri motions with his hand for Rose to turn around and see for herself that while Adrian sports a black eye, a bruised left cheek, and perhaps a couple broken ribs, his heart still beats erratically. Her eyes soften and fill with tears as she gazes upon him. Despite his rough state, he is in fact alive. Rose can't help the deep and long sigh of relief that escapes her lips, and she almost runs to him if Dimitri hadn't seen it coming.
"A single movement and he dies," Dimitri says through his teeth as he balls his fists behind his back but is able to keep his face void of anger. He must hold it together until the bargain is sealed. "Now that you have seen with your own eyes that he is alive…"
"What do you want?" Rose turns abruptly around to face Dimitri again. A single tear leaks out of her left eye which she quickly and angrily wipes away.
"I want you," Dimitri's voice rings loud and clear. "You in exchange for Ivashkov. You come with me, and he returns safe and sound home."
Adrian wants to shout but his ribs hurt entirely too much. He wishes he could scream at Rose to just climb on Oscar and leave him to face the beasts. She can't do this. She can't give her life up for him. God knows what Dimitri will do to her. Well, Adrian has an idea of what the beast will do with the beauty, and he can't stand the thought of Dimitri touching Rose or hurting her in any way. Adrian whimpers trying to get Rose's attention and communicate with his eyes that it's ok for her to leave him. That it's ok for her to save her life. But Rose won't turn around. Her eyes are shut tight and she holds her sword painfully in her hands debating whether she can fight Dimitri off, reach Adrian, kill Mason, and escape the horde of werewolves that have suddenly made themselves known with their glowing eyes in the darkness.
Any attempt at saving Adrian will be suicide. She will end up killing both of them, but if she takes Dimitri's bargain, at least Adrian will survive. Suddenly, Rose hates herself for her stupid recklessness; she should have brought Andre and several Guardians along. But why would she risk many lives when giving her life, a single life, can save them all especially her loved ones. All along Rose had known what Dimitri would ask of her; she had known he would ask her to go with him like he had done years ago except this time, there is no choice. Ever so slowly, the huntress turns around to face Adrian.
His eyes fill with tears too when he sees the decision written all over Rose's face. She gives Adrian a small loving smile before turning back to Dimitri to give him her answer. She holds an impassive and fearless mask as slowly she nods her head taking the beast's bargain.
Oh snap! She said yes. What now? How will Dimitri get her to love him? Should she love him even if it means she will die? Will Adrian take the decision lightly? Any thoughts?