Richelle Mead sadly owns VA and all original characters – Jake, Zander, Soraya, Annika, and the twins are mine!

My Milaya Chapter 20, enjoy….

Rose POV

I woke up and I was warm, Jake warm. Drunkie was snoring, laying on me like a sack of potatoes. I struggled from underneath him, but he automatically held onto me in his sleep. I finally freed myself and took a much needed shower. I must have sweat a lot with Lover Boy on top of me, I felt grimy.

I got ready and made coffee, Jake was still out of it. I had brunch planned with my mom and Lord Szelsky. We originally had dinner planned, but Lord Szelsky had so many night events planned with his new found political aspirations we decided on brunch.

I made coffee and left Lover Boy a note. I thought he might get up while I got ready and made coffee, but no such luck he was out. He didn't seem too mad at me last night and I was hoping that maybe he was going to forgive me and stop torturing me for kissing Dimitri, but he was drunk so who knows.

I walked into the fancy restaurant and the maitre d' must have been waiting for me since he greeted me and ushered back to a small private room. Lord Szelsky stood and gave me a warm greeting, kissing my cheek and hugging me. He has always been so wonderful to me and my mother.

He held my hands out to get a good look at me. "Rose dear let me see you?"

I spun for him as I did when I was little. He let out a cute low whistle. "Looking good my dear, looking good."

We sat down and had small talk. Soon we ordered and I felt a strange tension in the room. I was waiting for some shoe to drop. I wonder what it would be this time, maybe instead of Nepal they were moving to Iceland.

Our food arrived and we ate in comfortable silence. Every time I looked at Lord Szelsky he would give me a cute wink.

"So Rose your mother and I have some news." Here comes the falling shoe.

I look to my mom she gives me a nervous nod, weird.

"Rose you might not know this, but your mother is more to me than just my faithful Guardian."

"Oh?"

He nods at me and gives me a reassuring smile. "Rose your mother is my Dhampir child. So that means you are my Dhampir granddaughter."

"What?" I look to my mother. "You never told me, why?"

Lord Szelsky held up his hands in a calming fashion. "Rose look your mother just found out. I kept it from her."

"Oh that was nice of nice of you." My voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"Rose stop." My mom glares at me.

I grimace at her. "So gramps why are you exposing your dirty little secret now?"

"Jeez Rose; stop." I love to rile her up.

"Rose look I know this is upsetting, but I had a deal with my wife that I would not expose this truth until she passed." That's kind of sick.

"Oh, sorry for your loss."

"Thank you"

"Rose you have no idea the things that your grandfather has done for both of us." She stopped abruptly like she wanted to say more.

I narrowed my eyes, I was suspicious, she was not telling me the whole truth. We spent the rest of breakfast reminiscing about the few times I would visit and be a hell raiser at the Szelsky compound. We finished our food and I felt happy that I had one grandparent, my mom's mother dying before I was born.

"Rose I hope we can see each other often, I'd like to be a part of your life if you let me?"

I gave him a hug. "Cool gramps." I smile at him. "But no seriously what should I call you?"

He pondered this and looked at me. "Um, how about Henry for now." He smiled big showing me his fangs.

"Okay" I hugged my mom and she seemed nervous. I think she'd be relieved at this point now that I knew the big secret. I mean I didn't totally loose it and embarrass her so overall I guess it was successful. And I now have a grandpa which is pretty cool.

"I thought you'd be mad." She whispered in my ear.

"I am growing up mom" I whispered back and pulled away.

She looked like she wanted to something else, but then just sighed and said. "Yes you are." She gave me a sweet smile and for once I wasn't mad at her.

We made plans to meet for dinner one night next week; Henry wanted to meet Jake which I thought was cute. I never had a dad who wanted to meet my boyfriend and be all tough and territorial; it felt nice to have someone look out for me.

As the three of us walked out we passed by Abe Mazur, he was at a table with several Moroi looking like he was having a business meeting. He didn't live at Court, but this was the second time I'd seen him since I moved here so he probably came here a lot for business.

When he saw me he gave me his super smile and winked. I heard my mother gasp behind me and her eyes locked with Abe's. I wasn't sure what the hell was going on but they seemed to be having some sort of silent conversation. Mom knew Abe? I wonder what was up. Is this why she wanted me to stay away from him, she didn't want me to embarrass her?

"So you know him and want me to stay away because you are embarrassed to be my mother?" We had gotten out front before I laid into her, Henry stayed inside to talk to someone at Abe's table.

"Rose that's not it, he's trouble. Just please for once trust me on this one. Please." She pleaded with me. It was unlike her, I wonder if this was my mother or a step ford zombie.

"Fine" I snippily agreed, but I was onto her.

She raised her eyebrows at me. "You're going to listen to me?"

"Sure whatever - first Dimitri and now you, I guess I'll stay away from him. Look I didn't even wear the scarf since it set you off last time."

"Dimitri told you to stay away from Abe Mazur?"

"Yes, he said Abe was a called Zmey and had some questionable business tactics and associating with him was a bad idea. I told him I would listen to him since he was so adamant." I didn't mention Abe offered me a job, no need to freak her out.

She looked defeated, nothing defeated my mother; she was a hard ass. "Thank you" was all she said; we had a quick good bye. I saw her heading back into the restaurant probably to get Henry; she was his only Guardian at the moment.

I walked back to Jake's place wondering what I would find. A happy Jake or a mad Jake, one thing is for sure I bet he has hung way over.

As I walk up the stairs to get to his level I hear faint voices arguing in his unit.

"Soraya you are out of line. What happened was a mistake and will never happen again. I am done working for you and your family." I had never heard Jake sound so pissed.

"You can't walk away, you do not want to cross my father trust me."

"I already told your father. He agrees I should not guard you anymore."

"But I want to hire you full time. Please Jake I need you with me, you're the only one that gets me, that understands."

"Look I sympathize with your situation, but my place is here with Rose."

"Ugh not her again. Rose, Rose, Rose – it's always about Rose. Well how would your precious Rose like to hear that you took me to a ball, not as my Guardian, but as my date? And that little make out session, um I think my other Guardian got some good video of that. How would your perfect little girlfriend feel about that?"

"Don't you dare!"

"Please Jake, please just be with me. Pick me not her, please." She sounded very pathetic.

"Look I am sorry."

"Fine, but you'll regret this I am going to find your tramp of a girlfriend and show her my video." Who's calling who a tramp, bitch?

I can't believe Jake – asshole – kissed her and had the gall to torture me for kissing Dimitri. What a coward, why couldn't he just come clean. As pissed as I was at him at least he stood up to this biotch and I loved him for that, but Jake Hale was in trouble.

I stood outside the door knowing they would open it and see me.

Jake opened the door and was looking at Soraya as she walked out. "Well speak of the devil and she shall appear. Hello Rose, you look lovely today." She smirked at me.

I just glared at her and then put my eyes to Jake. He looked like he was about to have an aneurism. Good he needs to suffer right now. I let my posture and expression tell him I'd been here awhile and heard the entire conversation.

"R-R-Rose what are you doing here?"

"Well I stayed her last night at your request. Don't you remember drunk texting me to come over?" Dumbass, I left him a note to enjoy the coffee and I'd see him later. I guess he needed a popup note to tell him that meant I'd be back after brunch.

He grimaced; obviously he didn't remember anything, jerk. "No baby I am sorry I am glad you're here, come in we need to talk."

"You think?" I said sarcastically.

"Well I'll leave you two to talk." She smirked. "Jake I'll be seeing you soon." She winked at him and walked off. My palm itched I wanted to slap that smirk off her face so bad.

"Soraya you won't be seeing me."

She gave him a sexy smile. "Sure Jake whatever you say. Nice way to play it up for your girlfriend, but don't worry I know the truth." She winked at him.

"LEAVE, NOW!" He screamed at her.

I pushed him back knowing he was about to lose it and as mad as I was at him I didn't want him doing something he would regret and give this hussy anymore power.

I slammed the door shut, barely missing her ass as she exited. It felt so amazing to almost hit her ass with the door, stupid bitch.

Jake pulled me into a bone crushing hug. "I am so sorry I love you. I know you probably heard that and you hate me, but please Rose just let me hold you for a minute."

I was tense and not responsive in his arms, but I didn't pull away granting him his little wish. After a few moments I pulled away and looked into his guilt ridden eyes.

"What did you hear?"

"I came in when you were telling her she was out of line and it was a mistake."

"Rose I swear it was."

"Details Lover Boy, I need details."

"So…Soraya is an emotional train wreck. I told you about her dad." I nodded for him to continue. "Well it was her birthday and her mom had a party planned. She didn't have a date so her mother insisted I escort her, but not as a Guardian as an escort." I grimaced imaging them together like Cinderella and Prince Charming.

"She was very upset and lonely and kissed me and I kissed her back. The second it was over I regretted it and I put I a stop to it I swear Rose. I am so sorry I love you and I was a jerk."

I gaped at him. "You have been torturing me for kissing Dimitri and you were just as guilty. Were you ever going to come clean? Jeez Jake."

"I swear baby I was going to tell you today."

"Liar"

"I swear it's true you can ask Dimitri."

"He knew"

"Yeah I told him."

"When"

"Last night" The fact he found out last night makes it a little better, but still Dimitri could have told me.

I purse my lips and look at his pleading eyes. I kissed Dimitri so I couldn't be mad about the kiss. I was still upset and jealous as hell. But his behavior after I told him about me and Dimitri, hell yeah I was pissed.

"I need to pack up my stuff."

As I tried to walk past Jake to the bedroom he put his arm out and wrapped it around my waist and pulled me to him.

"Please don't go." He begged.

"Look I kissed Dimitri, you kissed Soraya. I think we can both get past that, they were mistakes and shouldn't have happened, but Jake your behavior since I told you about me and Dimitri has been horrible. How could you?"

He pulled me into a tight hug. "I was so insanely jealous I swear I just lost it. I meant to tell you, but when you told me I got so jealous all rational thought went out the window. Sorry." He held me tight and kissed my temple.

I pulled back and looked at him. "Look I am on my guarding shift tomorrow so I am just going to stay at Lissa's. I think we both need some time."

He looked defeated. "Okay"

I packed my stuff and spent the night at Lissa and Christian's.

The next day Z was coming over to make cookies with me and the girls.

Lissa and Christian went out for an adult day, I was a little worried about watching all three of them, but I was mad at Jake and I didn't think I should be alone with Dimitri so I guess I was on my own.

The twins were sleeping, but should be getting up soon. I heard a tentative knock at the door. I got butterflies in my stomach thinking it was Dimitri. I opened the door to a smiling Zander and Oksana. I couldn't help the disappointment in me. I wanted to see him even though I told him to keep away from me, I am so passive aggressive its nuts.

"Hi Rose I am dropping off Zander."

Z jumped from Oksana's arms to mine and snuggled into me. He gave me a big kiss on the cheek. "Hi Laya."

"Hi baby" I couldn't help it I kissed his temple and snuggled him to me. I ushered him and Oksana inside.

"Where are the girls?" Oksana inquired.

"Oh they are asleep. Morning nap, I think they are having a growth spurt since they have been napping a lot lately."

"Do you want me to wake them up?" Z asked with his big brown eyes.

"No honey, but you can go sit, I made a snack for you. They should be up soon and we will start."

"Are you alone with all three of them?"

"Yeah"

"Oh. Did you need some help?" Oksana asked innocently.

"Uh sure that would be great. If you're busy though don't feel obligated to stay."

Oksana stayed and helped, she was amazing with the kids and so patient. Making cookies with two grabby one year olds and one curious ask every question in the world three year old was not easy but she took it all in stride. I wonder why she never had any kids?

The kids took a nap and I started dinner. "Okana why don't you invite Mark and Dimitri over and we can all eat together; it's kind of what we do on Sundays around here - a big family meal. I'll text Adrian and Annika to come too."

I figured with enough people in the house to run interference The Russian God and I could refrain from sticking our tongues down each other's throats. Plus I missed him a little and I wanted to know if he was ever going to tell me about Jake kissing Soraya.

Lissa and Christian came home, Adrian and Annika showed up and were playing with the kids who were all now awake. Oksana and I were finishing up dinner when I heard Mark and Dimitri come in.

Z was his adorable self, he ran to Dimitri and when Dimitri walked into the kitchen Z was wrapped around Dimitri's leg getting a free ride. There is nothing hotter than a sexy dad who loves his kid, swoon.

"Can I help?" Dimitri asked.

Oksana piped up. "Sure, you help Rose and Zander and I will go say hello to my husband."

"Yay Zander cheered." As Oksana rushed him out of the kitchen, I noticed her give Dimitri a wink.

"What can I do to help Roza?" He said my name and I swear it was like he was trying to kill me by the way he rolled it off his tongue.

I avoided eye contact with him. "I am just finishing up the food, you can set the table."

"Okay" He hummed while he worked. I sneaked glances at him and cracked up as he made each place setting identical; I see where Z gets his OCCD tendencies from.

He caught me staring and smiling at him. "What?"

"Oh nothing" I said in a teasing fashion.

"Come on what?" He pleaded.

"I just see where Z gets it, his organizational skills."

He blushed a little and shrugged. "It looks nice." I complemented him.

"Thank you Roza" He has to stop calling me that, I swear each time he says it he puts his sexy little Russian accent into and it goes right to my girly bits.

We called everyone to come eat. Everyone complemented Oksana and me on the food, it was her recipe, some chicken casserole; it was good.

I had Dimitri on my left and Zander on my right. As I looked around the table at everyone eating I couldn't help but notice how we were sectioned off in twos, like couples. But Dimitri and I were not a couple, I felt kind of bad about not being here with Lover Boy, but he needed to suffer a little.

We finished dinner, Lissa and Pyro were clearing the table and getting dessert since Oksana and I cooked. Mark and Dimitri promised to do the dishes. We left Annika and Adrian without a job since the love birds seemed to be in their own little bubble. I was happy for Adrian and thankful he found someone cool that wasn't going to push me out of his life.

As we finished dessert I heard Eddie come in. "Hey everybody look who I found at the gym."

It was Jake. He smiled and said hello to everyone. At this point Z was on my lap and I was sitting next to Dimitri. After the pleasantries were out of the way Jake's eyes settled on Dimitri, Z and I. He didn't look mad, but I could see it in his eyes, jealousy and hurt at the three of us looking like a sweet little family.

"Hey can we talk?" Jake asked me. I gave Z to Dimitri, he complained, but when Dimitri gave him a warning glance he stopped, but kept his cute little pout up.

"Sure we can go for a walk?"

"Yes please."

I told the room I was going on a quick walk with Jake. I saw Dimitri gaze at me when I said this, but I ignored him the best I could. I didn't need to read into his intense gaze and make my head even fuzzier.

Jake and I walked in awkward silence for a little until we came upon a bench and sat down.

Jake turned to me and grabbed my hands. "Rose I am so sorry. I swear to you I do not want Soraya, she's kind of pathetic. I love you with all my heart and I feel lately like we've lost our way. Can we please just forget this whole mess and start over. Please." He put the full force of those baby blues on me. Oh Lover Boy.

I sighed and looked off into the snowing landscape around us. How did we get here?

"Jake I do love you, but I am nervous you are not telling me everything?"

I saw his eyes puddle with unshed tears. "I swear Rose that's all that happened. One kiss, once, like you and Dimitri." He clenched his jaw speaking of mine and Dimitri's kiss.

He had me there, this sucked. "Why did you do that to me, you made me feel so horrible and you were just as guilty?"

"It's just different."

"What?"

"You know guys and girls it's different. When guys cheat its only physical, with girls it's the whole package." He traced from my heart to my temple.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Your kiss with Dimitri meant more than my kiss with Soraya, plus Soraya kissed me."

"Mr. Dumbass did you want to make up or keep fighting because it just seems like you want to keep fighting with talk like that?"

He grimaced. "Sorry I was just saying that you once loved Dimitri. I don't care about Soraya, never have and never will." He had a point, but man is he dumb.

"You know Mr. Rocket Scientist maybe you should quit while you are ahead."

He got down on his knees and hugged my waist. "Please babe, please forgive me, I am so sorry."

He looked pretty adorable and I could tell he wasn't lying to me; his eyes were telling me the truth. I couldn't resist, I ran my hands through his hair while he hummed a little. "Okay, but don't screw up again Jake, I can only take so much."

He gave me a Jake kiss and we cuddled on the bench a little longer. "I have a shift, I have to go."

"You're working a night shift?"

He grimaced. "I think Soraya complained about my performance since I blew her off so I get rewarded with some night shifts."

"Well that sucks."

"They come first remember?"

"Yeah I do remember."

Jake and I talked a little more. I told him I was still upset and we needed to work through what happened, but we agreed that we loved each other and in the end that's all that mattered. We both messed up.

Zander insisted that Dimitri and I give him and the twins a bath. As usual we worked together in comfortable silence bathing the kids and playing with them. I was never a big talker, but tonight I was extra quiet lost in my thoughts about my talk with Jake.

I saw Dimitri steal a few glances at me looking concerned and I tried to give him a few reassuring smiles.

Lissa and Christian had taken the girls to get them dressed in their room. Well it was more like they ran through the house streaking while Lissa and Christian chased them. They went from crawling and pulling themselves up to full on running in a matter of days and nothing was funnier to them than being chased by their parents. I think adding nakedness to the mix was just a plus for them.

Dimitri, who was the best father in the world, was cleaning up the bathroom, the kids went a little overboard tonight with the soap paint.

I was brushing his beautiful locks while we sang the songs from the school. As usual Z picked up on my feelings. "Laya are you sad?"

"No honey I am good, why do you think that?"

"You aren't talking."

I started tickling him so I didn't have to tell a three year old how I was trying to corner his father and ask why he purposefully kept something so important from me.

"Laya – giggle – stop – giggle – I got to – giggle – go potty." I let him up and left Z and Dimitri to do their business.

We all sat around and watched Little Mermaid, the kids fell asleep on our laps while the adults talked and drank hot cocoa and coffee. Z was lying between me and Dimitri, I was softly rubbing his scalp, while Z's legs were sprawled over Dimitri's lap.

Once I know Z was in a deep sleep I texted Dimitri. Yes I was a chicken.

Rose: Hey Comrade I need to talk to u

Dimitri: Okay let me take Z home and put him to bed, do you want to come?

Rose: OK

We walked in silence, Dimitri holding Zander who was wrapped up in a quilt from Lissa's house. Dimitri put Z to bed, I opted to stay out in the living room and sit on the couch. I rationalized with myself that I'll be okay being alone with him since Mark and Oksana should come home anytime.

"Roza would you like something to drink?" Dimitri always the perfect polite gentleman asks me.

"No I'm fine Comrade." He gave me a small smile; I know he loved my nickname for him.

"What's on your mind, Roza?"

"Well I was wondering if you still consider me your friend?"

He gaped at me. "Yes Roza of course."

I nod and stare off trying to figure out how to word this, I go with the ripping band aid off approach. "So were you ever going to tell me about Jake and Soraya kissing?"

He whipped his head and looked at me. We studied each other for a few moments. "He told you?"

"Yes"

"I promised him I would let him tell you, but Roza I swear if he didn't tell you I would have. He promised me he would and I had to give him his chance."

I nodded and told him the story of how Jake didn't tell me, but how I found out by hearing him and Soraya fighting. Dimitri listened to my story and I could see he was fighting some pretty strong emotions I saw his jaw clench a few times.

"I'm sorry"

"It's not your fault." He nodded and held my hand, but it was friendly, like he was giving me support. And I believed him; I do think he would have told me if Jake did not. I know what an impossible situation he was in.

Mark and Oksana came home so I used that as my excuse to leave and back to Liss and Sparky's house.

Ooo ooO === Ooo ooO=== Ooo ooO=== Ooo ooO=== Ooo ooO

The next few days Jake and I focused on our relationship. I stayed with him and although we had our moments I felt that we were able to connect again. We stayed away from everyone at night and just focused on us. Lissa said the twins were having Auntie withdrawals so I promised we would have dinner with them tonight. As much as I missed my friends I was glad Jake and I had some alone time.

We made plans to go away in a few weeks for a long romantic weekend. He wouldn't tell me where he was taking me, but every time he talked about it he couldn't keep the smile off his face. His enthusiasm was catching and I was looking forward to getting away with him.

As I walked to work I decided I needed some chocolate donuts. I promised Z I would bring him some. As I walked into the coffee/donut shop I notice Abe and Soraya Mazur sitting in a booth. They seemed to be arguing.

I was able to use the express register outside so they couldn't see me. I wanted to hear what they were arguing about so I head the restrooms to spy on them. I go around so they can't see me and I hide behind a wall to hear their conversation.

Soraya is crying and pleading with Abe. "Daddy why won't you ever give me what I want? You must not love me."

"Soraya dear he's a person not a puppy."

"You have power, I need him as my Guardian, I don't feel safe with anyone else." She whines.

"He said no, I already asked him. He is very committed to his job and his life."

"You need to sweeten the pot."

"Look no amount of money will be enough, he will never work for you."

"I don't believe that, everyone has their price. I can give him children, doesn't he want a family?" As soon as she mentioned kids I winched. I started to get stressed, rubbing my tattoo. She could give him children, I could not. It was like my Dimitri nightmare all over again.

"Soraya he loves Rose, he's not leaving her."

I heard her huff. "Why are you calling her Rose, do you know her, talk to her? She's a tramp and savage like, I am so sick of hearing about her." I was getting so mad.

All of a sudden I felt strange, it was like a warm tingling sensation, I felt slightly off kilter like I'd lost my equilibrium. The next thing I knew I was pulled into Lissa's head.

Oh my god I felt her, I felt her. She's upset I have to go to her.

I pull from all my experience with the bond and jump out of Lissa's head. Oh my god Lissa felt me. I run out of the diner off to find Lissa, Oksana and Adrian to figure out how the hell Lissa got into my head.

I hope you liked it, I'd love to know what you thought. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, I get back to the ones I can.

If you have not read the Abe and Janine out take you should it will explain the back story between them. You can find this story's out takes by going to my profile.

So up next I plan to do a Kismet update, I need to finish that story it's so close to being done. Then there will be a part II of Abe and Janine and then chapter 21 of My Milaya. I plan on sharing Jake's story around chapters 22 and 23.

So far no more hate mail : D, hopefully it was just some random hater.

See you soon – MaxieMoose.