Hello Everyone!!! I have been writing like MAD!….I hope you are enjoying this story…Thanks for your Reviews….Some of you are worried for Rose…

Buckle up, hold on tight…..the ride is going to get rough…NOT YET THOUGH…BUT…SOON! Thank you for reading! Check out Adrian's car and house on my profile…lucky boy!

You guys are going to get spoiled..I have updated three days in a row….It was the reviews that did it..So keep it up! :-)

I OWN NOTHING……..VA AND CHARACTERS ARE OWNED BY RICHELLE MEAD…… :D Terri

CHAPTER 21

ADRIAN'S POV

It's been three days; three long, worried-filled days. Rose has had a fever and not feeling well. She refused to see a Doctor, telling me I am overreacting. She forgets that I know that it's highly

unusual for a Dhampir to get sick. She can be so stubborn and the worry drives me insane. I guess I have to trust her judgement; she would know her body best. I watch her sleeping beside me with

her soft, gentle breathing soothing my nerves. She was so beautiful, and relaxed in her sleep. I so desperately wanted to protect her from everything bad in this world. And I will probably be a

million times worse when the baby gets here. God help the person who does any wrong to him. They won't only have me to contend with; they will also have his momma to deal with. Heaven help us all.

I let out a soft chuckle at the thought. Just a few days ago, she was ready to kick my old man's ass for messing with me. I can't imagine what she would be capable of if you messed with her child.

I was anxious for him to be born; I want him to be healthy, but I have a feeling that the sooner Rose has him, the easier it will be on her. I know she is happy that she's pregnant, but somedays I get

the feeling that she needs to be herself. Her old self. It so hard for her; having boundaries when it's difficult for her to stay in control.

When she wakes up, she is not going to be happy; I have to break the bad news that Lissa and Christian won't be able to visit. They couldn't leave because their college professor sprang some

kind of term paper assignment and it was a big part of their final grade . I personally didn't want to deal with them; with everything else going on in this house. I had nothing against Lissa and

Christian coming here to visit. I just needed to focus on Rose and the baby; And Rose needs to center her thoughts on getting better. Breaking me from my thoughts, she turned over and was gazing

up at me. "What are you so deep in thought about?" She ask with a radiant smile on her face.

"Hey Babe, You're up….How are you feeling?" I pulled her into my arms; holding on tightly.

She kissed my cheek. "I am better… and STARVING." Her stomach growling; thata girl.

I started to get up and get her something to eat; she grabbed my hand, pulling me back in bed. "Stay in bed with me." Her eyes gleaming with desire.

" I thought you were hungry." I laughed at the expression on her face.

She gave me her sexiest smile. " AND I thought you were going to be the most deprived man on this trip and I can't have my man being deprived; now can I?"

I wet my lips with my tongue. "No, we can't have that. Are you sure you're feeling up to this?"

She raised her eyebrows and grabbed a hold of me. "I can feel that your up to this."

I growled her name and forced her lips to mine. I've missed her and Jesus, I needed this. I could never get enough of her, she was addicting, intoxicating. I inhaled her scent; she was amazing and she

drove me absolutely wild.

I pulled back from our kiss and locked my eyes with hers. "I love you so much. You have no idea what I would do for you; to make you happy, and to keep you safe."

She smiled and gave me a gentle kiss. " I think I do. And I love you too!." We continued where we had just left off.

ROSE'S POV

Good morning to me and what a good morning it was so far. Although I am feeling a little bit better, I am still having some cramping. I have no idea what it could be, but I didn't want to worry Adrian any

more then he already was. Somedays I swear I will be the death of that poor man. I will be glad when the baby is born and he won't have to worry as much. I will be back to my old self; he can relax.

But, knowing him, he will only worry more. I shook my head at the thought.

"Now, what are you thinking about?" Adrian questioned me, smirking.

I stood on my toes and wrapping my arms around his neck. "Thinking about how good you are to me; and that you worry about me way too much." Pressing my lips to his. His lips were so soft; the taste of

them was incredible.

His gorgeous green eyes peered into mine. "Isn't it my job to look out for you. If anything ever happened to you, I would lose my mind. You know that, right?"

I laughed at him. " Nothing is going to happen to me. Plus, I am Rose Hathaway, Don't you know…silly man. If someone messes with me; I can do some serious kick-ass damage if I need too!"

He looked as if his feeling were hurt; insulted. "Rose, It would be nice if I could just take care of you, for once."

"You do in more ways then you know. You're my angel sent from heaven. Now, let's go eat. I am hungry." Grabbing his hand and leading him downstairs towards the kitchen.

Alena was standing at the kitchen counter; pouring a cup of coffee. "Rose, I am so glad you're up and moving around. I take it you're feeling better?"

"Yeah, I am. Thanks ." I said giving her a smile. I really liked Adrian's mom. She wasn't like the other Royal Moroi; she was accepting of me and made me feel welcomed to their family.

"Maybe we could go on our shopping trip today? If you are feeling up to it, of course." Leave it to a girl to hear the word shopping from across the house; in walked Olivia, Kensi, and Elizabeth.

Kensi and Olivia ask at the same time; excited at the idea. "We are going shopping today?" Alena started laughing and shaking her head. "Yes, If Rose is feeling up to it."

Everyone turned and looked at me as if I were the deciding factor. I didn't want to have his three sisters pissed off at me. It wasn't like I couldn't take all of them at the same time, but hell who

wants to deal with that. I giggled at their pleading faces. "Sure, I am feeling better. I don't see why we can't go."

Adrian watched us like we were a bunch of lunatics. "Women….." He rolled his eyes and walked past us. "I need to feed my fiance before she and my child starve."

Elizabeth laughed; in shock. "WOW! You get him to actually cook for you Rose? He really does love you, huh?"

I turned to her. "Aren't I the lucky girl?" Smiling at her; just than my cell phone rang. "Hello?"

The voice I would know anywhere; one that would send me from happy to pissed in 1.2 seconds. "Hello Rosemarie Hathaway. Are you enjoying yourself? Spending time with my future in-laws?" Caitlin spoke

menacingly into the phone. I stormed outside, leaving everyone watching as I walked out.

"You really are one delusional bitch you know that?" I affirmed; while using my most sarcastic tone.

"Are you up for a little challenge, Dhampir?" She emphasized the last word; making me fully aware of my place in the order of things.

"Sure, Considering where you and I are involved; there isn't much competition. I've already won. You just can't take the hint." I laughed as I added insult to injury.

"Yeah, We'll see about that in due time. Once you and that bastard child you're carrying are out of the picture; Adrian will need to be comforted and I will be the one who delivers it to him." She was confident in

her predictions.

I cleared my throat and lowered my voice in the most dangerous growl I had. "If you threaten my child ever again, I will fucking kill you. Do you understand me? This is no idle threat. You have no idea who you

are fucking with little girl..This isn't a joke. I will hurt you. You are starting a war I am quite sure you don't have the ability to finish. Again, Do you understand what I am saying to you? Because this is the last warning

you will be receiving from me. All's fair in love and war. Let the games begin, bitch." I hung up the phone; not wanting to hear her response.

I turned to walk into the house; Adrian was standing before me. "Who did you just threaten to kill Rose? That was serious. Please tell me it wasn't who I think it was." He pleaded for the truth.

I ask point-blank. "Who did you think it was Adrian?"

His eyes bore into mine, filled with worry. "Rose?" He took my hands into his. "If that was Caitlin, you know you just threatened the life of a Royal. She can have you thrown in jail; worse yet, you can be put to death."

I raised my voice; I was so tried of all of this. "Adrian, She threatened me and the baby. I am NOT taking that from anyone. Royal or not. No one will threaten me or my child."

I suddenly got this excruciating pain in my abdomen. I instinctively brought my hands to my stomach. My knees buckled; I saw the concrete coming up to meet me as I started to fall. Adrian moved so quickly, catching

me before I hit the ground.

"Mom, Elizabeth…Help us!" Adrian screamed for someone to assist him. Alena and Elizabeth ran from the house with fear written all over their faces. They helped Adrian get me into the house, lying me on the

couch. I felt this strange feeling; as if I had to go to the bathroom. I shook my head at Adrian signaling that I needed to get up and I could do it on my own. I walked in to the bathroom; the fear shot through my body

like a bullet. I opened the door and ask Alena to come in with me. I didn't know who else to turn to. She closed the door; leaving Adrian standing there looking at me, waiting for an answer.

Alena was so scared at what I was about to say, because we both knew it was too early for the baby to be born. It was then I got another cramp, grabbing my stomach once more.

Alena come to my side, wrapping her arm around my waist. "What's happening Rose?" I took a deep breath trying to calm myself. "I am spotting blood, along with the cramps." I couldn't help myself as I let out a cry.

It was then, I heard Adrian's voice through the door. " Momma? Rose? What's going on? Let me in. I can hear Rose crying, Mom!" Alena's eyes searched mine; willing me to understand what she was about to say.

"Rose, We need to get you to the hospital. You may be going into labor." I screamed out to no one in particular. "Noooo! He will die if he's born now. It's too early." I sobbed beyond control. "He can't die. Not him too!"

Alena opened the door instructing Adrian to get the family SUV. We needed to get to the hospital. Now! She demanded.

Adrian had the SUV up front within seconds. He ran into the house; picking me up in one swoop, not letting me take another step. He sat me in the front seat, strapping my seatbelt. Alena, Elizabeth, and Olivia

got into the back seat as Adrian drove us to the hospital. I was a total mess. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. "Adrian, Please don't let him die. Please.." I sobbed and begged him to help the baby.

We arrived at the hospital within ten minutes; Adrian picked me up in his arms again, carrying me into the hospital emergency room. He demanded that a Doctor see me immediately. I was taken to a back exam

room and the Doctor had seen me within minutes. They had ask Adrian if he could leave because they needed to do an internal exam. He was not happy about stepping out, but he was glad that I ask his mother

and Elizabeth to stay with me.

ADRIAN'S POV

I was in full-fledged panic mode when Rose buckled on me; making it worse, she and my mom in the bathroom together, hearing her sob. I never felt so helpless in my life. My heart was entirely broken while Rose

begged me not to let the baby be harmed. I can't even bring myself to think what could happen to him if he were born right now. Neither one of us could make it if we lost him. The Doctor was quick to exam her. I

hated to leave her side, but I took comfort in knowing my mom and sister were with her. At least she wasn't alone while they examined her. I paced back and forth bargaining with God to make everything okay for

both of them. This vacation has been a total fiasco for us. The stress Rose had to undergo this whole time has not been worth it. Had I known how everything was going to go; we would have stayed home, at Court.

I needed to call Lissa and make her aware of everything going on. But, I would first need to know how Rose and the baby were doing. The Doctor came out of the exam room; saying that Rose wanted me to come

in with her before he could explain what was happening.

"Miss Hathaway, Basically, what is happening is that you are having some pre-term labor contractions. It doesn't mean that you are having the baby at this time. BUT, It doesn't rule out that you can't go in early labor.

According to your sonogram you are roughly, 6 months and 3 weeks. He could survive if he were to be born now. But, I would rather not chance it. His lungs are still quite fragile. Although he is a nice size baby;

He still isn't capable of breathing on his own just yet. I would like to prescribe you Terbutaline every 6 hours and rest; not complete bed rest, but you know your body; when you're tired, just rest, absolutely no sexual

relations, and please try to keep the stress levels to a minimum. If you can make it to 7 1/2 months along, there is a greater chance of him having less complications. So, I will give you this medication and please take it easy.

Other than that, the baby looks perfect. However, I would like you to stay tonight for observation." He said as he shook my hand; exiting the room.

My mind was made up when I heard the Doctor speaking about what was needed ensure the baby's health. Rose and I were heading back to Court after she is released from the hospital. I would have to inform my

mom and sisters we would be leaving early. The best place for Rose to relax was at our own apartment.; where she was most comfortable and I could take better care of her at home. I would inform them at the office I

would be taking off the next couple weeks; until she and the baby was out of the woods, in the event she went into labor. I was leaving nothing to chance, where both of them were concerned.

They got Rose settled in her suite; I didn't want her sharing a room with anyone. "How are you feeling, Little Dhampir?" I gave her a weak, exhausted smile.

She reached for my hand. "Adrian, please go home and get some rest. You're beat. I will be fine, I promise."

I looked at her shocked. "I am not leaving you; I am staying here with you tonight. But, I do need to run back to the house and pack our things; get ready for us to leave once you are discharged. My mom and sisters

will stay here with you until I return." I gave a quick kiss to her lips. She pulled me tighter, holding my lips to hers. I laughed against her lips. "Didn't you hear a word the Dr. said?" I was teasing her, of course.

Flashing me her dazzling smile. "I heard him. You really are going to be the most deprived man now." My eyes meet hers. "The both of you are worth it. Besides, once he's born, you can make it up to me." I laughed

at my warning to her. "I'll be right back. Love you."

I pulled up to the house to see my Dad standing at the door. Great! Like I want to deal with this right now. He was standing with his arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed as he spoke at me. "Is my grandson okay?"

That son of a bitch! "What! You aren't going to ask about his mother?" He gave me a half-cocked smile. "Why would I do that? She's no concern of mine."

I flinched back from the harshness of his words. "You really are an asshole, you know that? What did she do to you? Why can't you see how much she means to me? For that fact, Do I even matter to you?"

He smirked at me. "Don't be ridiculous Adrian. You're my only son. Royal Moroi DO NOT marry Dhampir women. You are ruining my blood-line and you don't except me to be disappointed about that?"

I shook my head. "Not only are you an asshole, you're a pompous asshole. I am leaving your home and I will not be returning until you learn to accept Rose. She is going to be a part of my life whether you like or not.

You have a choice to make…We are a package deal; it's either all of us or none of us. So, if you don't mind… I have packing to do!"

My dad reached for my arm; turning me to face him. "Adrian..please!" I pulled my arm from his grasp. "No, not anymore, Dad. I told you that it's you're choice. Only YOU can change things."

I left him standing there; alone in the corridor.

I loaded the car and started to make my way back to the hospital. I glanced in the rearview mirror; watching as I drove away from my home..no, my parents home. A home I would most likely never step into again.

It didn't really matter to me, As long as I still got to see my mother and sisters, everything would work out in due time. And if it didn't, it wasn't my choice.

I walked into Rose's room to hear the four of them laughing. "What did I miss?" Giving them a smile. They laughed harder…Okay, I figured it was a story about me and I really didn't want to know. "Never mind..I don't

think I want to hear it anyways." I said shaking my head at them.

Rose reached for my hand, pulling me on the bed beside her. I turned to face her. "How are you feeling?"

"I am feeling much better. Did you get everything ready to go? I feel bad that you had to do all the packing." She gave me a sheepish look.

"It was fine. You won't be sorry when you see how bad of a job I did." I then turned to my mom and sisters. "We will be leaving tomorrow morning as soon as Rose is discharged. You may want to say your good-byes

when you leave tonight." Alena was the first to speak.."You're right..Maybe we should go. Adrian, if there are any farther complications or you two need anything; call me immediately. Rose I am so glad you and the

baby are okay. Also, My son made an excellent choice when you choose you as her future wife." She said with all sincerity; kissing Rose's cheek and embracing her. She also gave me a hug and kiss; waiting for the

girls to say good-bye. Elizabeth was the last to say good-bye; hugging Rose, she whispered. "Thank you for forgiving me; I am glad Adrian found you." Everyone had left; leaving just the two of us.

"Finally!" It was time to relax and just be together, alone. Rose patted the side of her bed; encouraging me to join her. "Is there enough room on that bed?" She made my heart beat faster just by the sight of her.

I laid on the bed beside her; wrapping my arms around her. She gave me an exhausted smile. "I will always have room for you….Thanks for everything woogie." I shake my head; laughing out loud, What the HELL did

my mom and sisters tell her?

"Get some sleep my Little Dhampir….I love you." While still laughing at my own embarrassment.

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