Happy Hump Day!

This is a massive chapter, full of information and answers.

Enjoy My Loves!

Chapter Twenty

Rose

There is something so peaceful about watching the sunrise across the bay, the way the light eases over the horizon, painting the saltwater gold, the sky a mix of pink and orange. There is not quite another sight as beautiful as this.

Shifting in the wicker porch chair, I tuck my legs underneath me and wrap my hands around a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Drawing a deep breath, I close my eyes and turn my face toward the sky, allowing the morning rays to wash over my skin.

Peace.

It's hard to remember when I last felt this level of contentment.

Before the last time, Dimitri held me through the night -before he was caught and our lives started to rip apart at the seams. Or right after the attack, seeing him alive, Lissa safe, and holding the highest body count of all the Guardians, as a novice. And not even in the Cabin, after giving in to our desires, because the weight of the world was still on our shoulders, the truth of what was waiting once we vacated our little nest.

It's been years since the last time I carried no worries, no fear of the future, no hatred toward our world and it's expectations. Before Lissa and I's lives flipped upside down, twisted a million different ways, and crash-landed on the pavement. Literally.

Before the accident.

That night changed everything, and I doubted that we would ever be normal again. But at this moment, with the light of the morning sun wrapping around me, the cool morning breeze floating by, I almost feel normal.

My mind isn't overrun with someone else thoughts. I don't feel that I am drowning in a sea of darkness. I feel...happy.

That is until his voice broke through my perfect little happiness bubble, "Rosie, it's time to go."

My eyes flew open, flinging myself forward to move away from the sound, the mug I clutched a moment ago, now shattered on the patio floor.

"Shit, Rose, I didn't mean to scare you," Eddie held his hand out, "don't move, let me get a broom and clean this up."

He walked back inside before I could fully process what just happened. I hadn't gotten a good look at him, but it was certainly Eddie standing in the doorway. Looking back to the East, the sun has cleared the horizon, bathing everything in light, including the porch. So how could he be here?

And where is here?

This isn't the same porch that we have at the hotel, this one is much larger. Two wicker chairs sat on the right, where I had been sitting a moment ago, a small table between them. And a two-person couch on the left, another single chair against the railing, and a decent sized coffee table in front of them. None of this would have fit on our little balcony at the hotel.

The door opened again, Eddie stepping out with a broom and dustpan, moving around my statue-like form to clean up my mess. Studying him, I observed the color in his face, the ease of his movements, and when his eyes met mine, the absence of red around his pupils.

"You don't have to stare, Rose," he chuckled, sweeping the last of the ceramic into the pan, he tossed the pieces into the small trashcan in the corner, and turned back to me, "Come on, they will be landing soon, we need to go."

"What are you talking about," I barely managed to whisper.

"Are you sick?" Stepping forward he placed the back of his hand to my forehead. "Dimitri and the others are coming home today, how could you forget?"

Maybe because I am standing on some random porch with my brother, who last I checked was a bloodsucking monster?

"Come on, get dressed so we can go," he slid the door open again, disappearing inside.

I rushed in behind him, walking into what appeared to be the living area. Pausing a moment, I took in the space, two large mocha sued couches sat in an L shape, leaving half of the room open, a huge fireplace lined the far wall, pictures decorating the mantle. I moved a little closer to inspect them.

The first, Lissa and Christian's wedding if I had to guess. Lissa wore a simple laced sleeved white gown, her hair pinned on top of her head with a diamond headband. Her smile rivaled the sunrise I had just watched. I don't think I have ever seen her so happy in my life. And Christian. Well, I have to admit, the fire-fuck looked good. Wearing a traditional tux, his shaggy hair trimmed and out of his eyes, and a smile to match Lissa. They were the picture perfect couple. I stood next to Liss, wearing a pink dress. Cue eye roll, of course, she would have me in pink. Beside Chris was Dimitri, looking sexier than sin in a charcoal colored suit with a pink vest and tie, matching my dress.

The next photo was of Dimitri and I, wearing the same outfits, on a dance floor. I picked up the picture, studying the way we looked at each other. The love that shines between us is radiant, even a blind man would be able to see it.

Next, to that one, the bride's party, Lissa, Mia, Jill, and I. Huh, not quite what I pictured for her bridal party, but then again, I have no idea what happened to lead up to now.

The next, Christian, Adrian, Dimitri, and… Eddie.

"That was a good day," Eddie spoke from behind me. "Even if it wasn't the wedding of her dreams," he laughed.

"What do you mean?"

"What's up with you today? Did you take a memory loss pill or something?"

"No," I whispered, setting the photo back on the mantle, I turned around to look at him, but he wasn't there.

Nothing was, the room was completely empty.

And cold.

Far colder than it should be in the summer, even in Seattle. Small white clouds formed with each quivered breath, my arms instinctively wrapping around my torso in a miserable attempt to hold in what little body heat I had.

I walked back to the sliding door, needing the warmth of the morning sun. Pulling it open, I was greeted with a snow-covered mountain. Towering pine trees surround me, covered in a thick layer of fresh white power, with only a small opening for a road, where I could see the mountain peak in the distance.

"Roza, what are you doing, it's freezing out here," Dimitri's rich voice filtered through the cold air, warming my body instantly.

Draping his duster over my shoulders, he turned me around to go back into the house, or cabin I should say, much like the one at the Academy. Inside a fire was raging, heating the room and giving it a soft romantic glow. He sat me in front of the fire, before grabbing a few blankets from a closet in the hallway.

"What were you doing out there, Roza, you could have gotten frostbite," his concerned tone stabbed me in the heart, lodging any response I could have given in my throat.

He pulled my socks off my feet, rubbing them back to life, while I watched his movements with a curious eye. How did I go from an apartment or whatever that had been, in Seattle, to a cabin in the mountains?

"Are you getting cold feet?" his voice only a whisper, "I mean, other than literally from walking outside in the snow with only socks on," he chuckled, bringing his eyes to mine, the firelight making the brown of his eyes flicker with gold.

"Why would I be?" I questioned back because honestly, I have no idea what my answer should be.

"It's a big step," he shrugged his shoulders, "and I know you wanted to wait until there was a 2 in front of your age to get married. I just want to make sure you don't regret saying yes."

"Never," I whispered, a boyish smile spreading across his handsome face.

I have no idea as to why my mind decided tonight was the night to play tricks, but there is one thing I know for certain, I would never regret saying yes to him. That is, if we lived in a world where we could make it work, I would jump at the chance to be his wife, with zero fear of crash landing.

He leaned forward, crushing his lips to mine, his tongue flicking across my bottom lip requesting entrance, to which I granted immediately, wrapping my hands around his neck. I moaned into his mouth, shifting myself to lay down, bringing him with me.

His length pressed against my thigh, dangerously close to where I wanted him, needed him. Dragging my nails down his chest, he growled his pleasure, or pain, I'm not entirely sure, since he gripped my wrist and pulled back.

"Not tonight, Roza," his voice thick with desire, "the next time I claim your body, it will be as my wife."

"Please, Dimitri," I begged, adding a little whimper at the end in hopes of cracking his willpower.

A growl built in his chest, rumbling under my palm that rested over his heart. I rubbed my thumb over his right peck, feeling a rough spot on his skin. My eyes dropped from his heated gaze, that I was almost positive was about to give in to my pleas, and located the scar I had felt. It was no bigger than a quarter and just shy of being directly over his heart.

When and how did that get there?

Before I could ask him, his body lifted off of mine, flickering like a light about to go out. I was losing him, this dream, and damn it if I wasn't enjoying this one.

A crash sounded at the back of the cabin, drawing both of our attention to it. "Dimi…" I looked back, but he was gone.

"Little Dhampir," Adrian's voice rang from the back of the house.

"Adrian!"

"Fuck," he ran down the hall, finally coming into view. "I have been searching for you," kneeling in front of me, he took my face in his hands, "You have to wake up, Rose, he's fucking with you and I need you to pull out of it."

"What are you talking about? And who is fucking with me?"

"Robert," he answered like I should know that name, but it wasn't ringing any bells, "Fuck, Rose," he began to flicker like Dimitri had moments ago, "WAKE UP," he screeched just before vanishing into thin air.

I called out for him, but he didn't answer, no one answered.

I don't know who this Robert person is, but I need to find out. The only thing I can assume at this moment is whoever he is, he is a Spirit user, and this is a dream he doesn't want me to leave.

Every time Adrian had pulled me into one in the past, I hadn't been able to leave on my own unless someone on the outside woke me up. However, I doubt there is anyone around in the real world to pull me out of it.

Think, Rose, think.

Grounding myself to thoughts of Adrian, somewhere in the house in Spokane, with God knows what happening to him right now. Dimitri, at the Academy, or would he be in Seattle by now, worrying endlessly about me. Lissa, and the possible broken bond between us. Is she okay, or was it my moment of death that severed the bond? Or is it still there but burned out for the moment?

Lastly, I thought of Mason, Christian, Mia, and Eddie. We had all been trapped here once, and even if we didn't all make it out alive, we did survive the torture, the plans they had for us.

I could do it again.

I could get out of here.

Just focus, Rose. Focus on the real world. On waking up. Focus.

I laid on the couch, closing my eyes, willing for the next time I open them to be back in the basement. I continued to think about Dimitri, Adrian, Lissa, and everyone else I have ever loved in my life. And even those I didn't know about, like my father. I want to meet him, to at least be able to say I have.

Wake up, I whispered to myself and opened my eyes.

Nope. Didn't work.

Again and again, I repeated the process, until I grew frustrated with achieving nothing.

"UGH," I groaned, sitting up and opening my eyes.

"Good morning to you too, love," Brayden smiled wide, "did you have a good sleep?"

"I feel like you already know the answer to that," I groaned, taking in my surroundings.

I was no longer in the basement, in fact, I could argue I was no longer in the same house. I laid on a bed, a real bed, in a modestly sized room. Butterfly wallpaper decorated the walls, tacky, and two light wood nightstands sat on either side of me, one holding a glass of water, and a bottle of ibuprofen.

"Ryder said you broke a couple fingers," he nodded toward the pills, "in case your in any pain."

"Thanks," I deadpanned, unable to process his sudden kindness. "Who's Ryder?"

"The Guardian."

I nodded, "So, is this the part where you tell me your grand plan? How you plan to convince me to do whatever it is that you have drawn up in your twisted mind?"

"Not my plans, Rose," he chuckled, "Boss wasn't too happy with what happened at the hotel, or when you got here, so he told me I have to take care of you now. Punishment," he shrugged. "So, I am simply here to make sure you don't need anything." He leaned back in the blue armchair, drawing one leg up to rest on the opposite knee at his ankle.

"Where's Adrian?"

"Asleep in his own room down the hall."

"Where…" I started to ask where we were, but the door to my room opened, Mr. Macho's, Ryder's, large frame filling the space.

"He's ready for her," his eyes met mine, a soft sad smile tugged at his lips, disappearing as quickly as it came.

Brayden rose, pulling a set of handcuffs from his back pocket, "Can I trust you?" he pinned his chocolate eyes to mine.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" I retorted.

"You could, doesn't make a difference," he shrugged, pulling me from the bed, he spun me around to cuff my hands behind my back, "If you had said yes," he locked the first down, a little too tight, "I would have cuffed you in the front," he snapped down the other, tighter than the first.

Ass.

Guiding me from the room, we turned right, but not before I caught a glimpse of what was to my left. Down the hall where three other doors, one beside mine, and two on the other side. I assumed one to be a bathroom, the other two bedrooms, yet, I still don't know which one Adrian could be in. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I took in the living room.

Unlike the basement, everything here had changed. The ugly clawfoot sofas had been replaced with modern leather recliners and a loveseat. The swords, as expected, were no longer hung above the fireplace, but instead a family portrait. As much as I tried to identify the people in the picture, I hadn't recognized any of them, only their eyes.

Dashkov's.

The door to the basement opened, drawing my attention away from the fireplace. An older gentleman stepped through. This must be Robert. If his salt and pepper hair hadn't given away his age, the wrinkles and his struggle to walk would have. He kept one hand on the wall, the other held by another Guardian.

How is this man behind everything that has happened? He doesn't appear to be physically capable of doing much harm to anyone. Then again, that's why Brayden and Ryder are here, they are the muscle, he is the brain.

His eyes met mine as they made it into the living room, a smile pulling at his lips, "Rose," he whispered. "My dear, take a seat, please."

The other Guardian helped him into one of the recliners, while Brayden led me to the couch. The leather squeaked under our weight, and every time I shifted, needless to say, I tried to sit as still as possible.

"Brayden, take those things off of her," Robert instructed, "I want her to be comfortable."

Uh. Okay. I am officially lost.

"Rose, dear, have they told you anything as to why you are here?"

"No."

"Do you know who I am?"

"No."

"My name is Robert Doru, my brother is Victor Dashkov." My guard shot up, my anger right behind it. "Now, I know what he did, and just so you are aware, I do not approve of his actions."

"So what do you want with me," I bit out through clenched teeth.

"I need you to help me," he started, pausing for whatever reason. Dramatic effect, or a response from me, "I have an offer for you. One that would benefit us both nicely."

"I'm listening."

He tilted his head to the side, his eyes roaming the area around my body- reading my aura. After several moments of staring at each other, he closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. I opened my mouth to tell him to get on with it, but snapped it shut when I felt something… I don't even know how to describe it. It was almost as if someone had reached into my skull and was running their fingers around my brain. Soft, yet forceful, but more than anything, invading.

"You enjoyed the dreams," he smiled, opening his eyes to take in my reaction.

I ground my teeth, refusing to answer. I did enjoy them, but I was more confused about the events, the places, and the pictures, than happy about being with Dimitri. About Eddie being alive.

"It's okay, Rose, you don't have to speak," he sighed, "but if you want those dreams to become a reality, you may want to listen."

"They can't."

"Oh- but my dear, they can." He snapped his fingers, telling the Guardian in the corner to come over.

Handing me an IPad, he clicked it on and I lost my ability to breathe for the umpteenth time today. The video was grainy and light minimal, but I could see just enough. Sitting in an execution-style chair -you know, the ones with the two by four arms and legs, bolted to the ground- with several chains wrapped around his torso, his arms, and legs strapped to the chair with thick leather bounds, was the one and only, Eddie Castile.

My finger traced the screen where he sat, my eyes clouded over with tears I desperately tried to rein in. Not being able to see his eyes, or the paperwhite shade of his skin, he looked just as I remembered. My Eddie. My brother. But I know if I look at him up close, all the signs will be there. His hazel eyes ringed in red, his skin would be paler than any Moroi, and fangs where they shouldn't be.

What really threw me off though, what really turned my gears on overdrive was how they captured him? And why does he appear so calm, as if he is sleeping?

"You see, Rose, I am willing to help you, if you are willing to do one small thing for me."

"How is…" I paused, clearing my throat of the sobs steadily climbing, "how is this helping me?"

"I can turn him back." His answer was simple as if we were discussing a chance of rain, but I couldn't help the watery laugh that popped out of my throat.

"You're serious? You really think I would believe that?"

"You should, considering the man behind you was Strigoi once upon a time too," he smiled.

Straightening my spine, I turned to see Ryder leaning against the wall, sorrow and shame, and guilt swimming in his eyes. Reaching behind him, he pulled his shirt over his head, leaving his chest bare for me to see a scar covering his heart.

"I was turned several years ago. I spent a year in that state before Robert restored me."

I could tell there was a lot more to his story than he was willing to share, so I didn't pry, focusing back on Robert, "How?"

"Spirit." Of fucking course. "It's very powerful, as you well know."

"I am not agreeing to this, but I will consider it if you explain to me what happened at the hotel that night? Adrian said I was bleeding, badly, but I bare no evidence, and I can no longer feel my bondmate. Not to mention, when I woke up here, I was bound in the basement like a fucking prisoner, so forgive me for not understanding how you are so willing to help me."

"I understand, Rose. I do apologize for how things happened to get you here."

"And why here? Why this house?"

I was standing now, pacing the room between the couch and where Ryder was posted against the wall. No one made a move to stop me, I guess they realized I wanted answers, and Adrian and Eddie, more than I wanted to run.

"Have a seat, I will tell you everything you wish to know."

"I'd rather stand if you don't mind."

"Suit yourself," he chuckled and I shot him a get-on-with-it glare. "I had sent Brayden to the hotel to explain some things to you, to persuade you to negotiate an agreement with me. However, you attacked him, and he fought back. He was not supposed to harm you, but you proved to be a resilient fighter and he was left with no choice but to subdue you or be killed in the process." I wouldn't kill a human, no matter how creepy.

"In the struggle, you were stabbed with the stake you held. I am not sure, as not even he can exactly remember, how it happened. Your friend knocked him out and attempted to save you, but in his condition, there was no way he would be able too. You were already gone, and you can not be saved by Spirit twice."

"So how am I alive?" a valid question. Right?

"I healed your wounds, but an AED and CPR brought you back to life. Explaining how you are no longer connected to your bondmate. When your heart stopped, the bond broke. You are no longer subject to the darkness."

Huh. I am a little cross about that. I should be ecstatic that I no longer have to worry about Lissa's madness bleeding into me, but instead of losing fear for myself, I gain fear for Liss. She will have to handle everything on her own, will she be able too? Will she lose her mind in the end? Or will she go back to her meds and cut herself off from the magic?

"The reason you were restrained here was to keep you from harming anyone else."

"Then why did you make it seem like he wanted me dead?" I angled my question toward Brayden, "and why did you take Adrian away?"

"Mr. Brayden is.."

"An asshole?"

"That's one way of putting it," Robert laughed, while Brayden shrugged. "He has been advised of his punishment, and how to deal with our guest."

"Guest," I snorted. "Like this is some type of fucking resort."

"If you help me, you will be out of here in no time."

"Why this house?"

"One of my men followed your friend downstairs here, seemed he had been staying here, so we came to him. It wasn't until a few days ago I found out what happened here after talking to him. I promise it was not intentional, Rose."

Wait. He talked to Eddie. Like actually talked to him? I'll come back to that, I still have other questions I need to be answered before I focus on getting to Eddie, "Why me?"

"I know of your reputation, from Victor as well as gossip in our world. You and the Princess leaving the Academy made every headline, it was hard not to notice. When I heard of what he did you, how you avoided him while on the run and saved Vasilisa in the end, well, I knew the rumors to be true. You would go into the history books, you would lead your generation, and you would change the way of our world. You may be rogue, brash, and impulsive, but you're smarter than most, and determined, that makes all the difference."

"How did you find me?"

"Oh, that was pure chance," he laughed, "I was in the area talking with a possible investor, and I saw you sitting in the back of that bar. I instantly knew who you were, and I needed you on my team. So I had Ryder make an inquiry, and well, now we're here."

"How did you bring him back?"

"A charmed stake. Simple as that, though it does take a bit out of me," he gestured toward his rapidly aging body, "each time, it's as if I age five years. It's not something to be shared, or abused by our world, but I am willing to do it once more to save your friend. That is…"

"If I help you," I finished for him, "so, what is it that you want from me?"

"Nothing too challenging," he paused again, his eyes locking onto mine as he deadpanned his request. "I just need you to kill the Queen."

I stared at him gobsmacked. Kill the Queen. Queen Tatiana Ivashkov. Adrian's Great-Aunt. He can't be fucking serious right now. The darkness has seriously gone to his head. Not only is the question why bouncing around my head like a racketball, but the what and hows are there too.

Why does he want her dead? What benefit will that give him? It's not like her death will free Victor. Is this even about Victor? He said he didn't agree with what he did to Lissa. What is the purpose? And for a brief, microsecond, I wondered, how could I even get close enough to kill her?

"I can see your unease, Rose, so let me explain." yes, please do, "Several years ago, my bondmate was killed. It destroyed me for some time, but eventually, I moved on. I began testing the element of Spirit, wondering what all we could do with it. About ten or so years ago, I restored my first Strigoi, to say I was amazed that it worked would be an understatement. I studied him for some time, trying to dissect exactly what happened. Eventually, he ran off, and I haven't seen him since. But I had his blood samples, and I found that his blood brimmed with Spirit. If I could find a way to inject the power into Guardians, even Moroi, there was a chance that we could end the cycle."

"An anti-virus, for being turned?"

"Exactly," he beamed, "but Tatiana shot down my plans. She refused to allow me to use the court's resources to experiment and being the bastard child I am, I didn't have funding to pursue it."

"So you want to off her, and repurpose the idea to the new monarch?"

"Not just any new monarch, but one that would understand the importance, the power behind Spirit and want to explore it."

"Lissa," I barely whispered, but he heard me loud and clear.

"Precisely."

Author's Note:

How has your week been, loves?

I am currently taking a Stay-cation helping my Mama in her shop for V-Day. So lots of writing and reading going on for me these last few days.

I have been asked how many more chapters we have, and to answer that, not many. Five at most after this one, but there will be more news to come when this one is over. Hold tight and I promise, I will not let your little Romitri hearts down.

Now, as for this update, share your thoughts in the reviews.

Question: What is one song that you hear and immediately think about our duo?

(if you can't tell, I need some more ideas for the songfics. I plan to do a few more of those between this and the next story)

All My Love,

Dream