WOOHOO! Getting my Zvezda(battle) Tattoo tonight to go along with my Molnija tattoo….

My neck will be tingling….I may get the promise mark too..if it looks right.

I told you I am a devout fan of VA! I will profile a picture of it in a few days. (if your interested)

Let me reiterate..I never claimed to be normal..lol.

This chappie is shorter..sorry..I wanted to update for you guys...Enjoy the chapter..

Terri =D

Chapter 20

ABE'S POV

I stood in my office staring out the darkly tinted windows overlooking the vast woods of Montana while my veins seared with blind fury. The need for retaliation was too great. "Fucking Zeklos'. Scrawny little bastard. A coward like his old man." My voice laced with hatred for the trouble inducing family.

Pavel nodded his head in agreement with my sentiment. "Abe, what is it exactly that The Committee is hoping to achieve with calling an inquiry against Ethan? There has to be something you as King can do for him."

"Pavel, you know there is only so much I can do. If they fear of what Ethan can do or what he can become…"I shook my head. "Why the fuck did that boy have to announce what he did and when he did it? I told him it was brave but stupid and it was. See what honestly and honor get you...Fucking Grief.

I need to get Dimitri Belikov here. He is going to have to be our witness. Maybe if they see he has no ill effects since his reversal from once being Strigoi. FUCK…" I scrubbed my face hard, trying to think of how I can get my grandson out of this. These were serious accusations being brought against Ethan.

But, it was still his word against Jesse's and Ethan has never been in any trouble before whereas the little Zeklos shit has been in lots of altercations. Still, I knew if they feared Ethan or thought he was becoming something unnatural…The Committee members could sentence him to death.

And there would be a serious war within our Society because no one decides whether or not one of my own lives or dies. I will kill any son of a bitch involved in that decision and these members knew not to push me too far. I don't play by the rules when one of mine is threatened.

Pavel gazed at me with apprehensive inspection. "What? God-damn-it don't stare at me like that. Spit it out." I demanded of him.

"Abe, if Dimitri is the same man I recall him to be… We will have a problem. I remember when things went wrong with Ivan. Belikov is not a man to be pushed around. He puts up a good front, but don't push him too far. And it's different now. This is not one of his friends.

This is his only son we're talking about. They won't get within ten feet of one of his family members. He is going to want blood if harm should come to Ethan. You will not be able to contain his anger or his need for vengeance." His eyes met Abe's. "The hearing is requested to began three days from today.

What should we do about Belikov? I suggest the we don't allow The Committee members to know of his presence? And maybe I should call back Guardian Svetkova? Marlena could be a character witness for Ethan. She was with both him and Dimitri during Belikov's transition. If there were any

noticeable changes in Ethan or Dimitri, she would have certainly been aware." Pavel wanting to cover all the bases before he sets any plans to be carried forward. He would leave no room for error.

"Inform the pilot to land in Missoula and drive Rose, Dimitri, and Ethan here. We will all meet at Adrian and Rose's home. Then a plane will carry all of us to Pennsylvania in a couple days. We will need to keep Belikov hidden until he is needed. And yes, bring Guardian Svetkova stateside.

Have a room available for her arrival at Court. There is no need for her to come to Montana first. We will brief her at Court. Just inform Guardian Russo that he is to put her on a plane tonight. Get Belikov on Rosemarie's phone. But, do not make her aware of how serious this could become.

Also, I want an apartment set up for Dimitri, reinstate him, get him a cell phone, give him anything and everything he fucking wants. I want to blindside those Committee assholes. They may have a deciding vote. But, I am still King and I will throw my weight around if I have too!

I never could stand a one of those worthless pricks. Those son of a bitches want a fight. Well, they picked the wrong family to fuck with. Get the wheels in motion." He spun on his heels to exit the room.

"Consider it done, Abe." Pavel spoke with confidence in his conviction.

MARLENA'S POV

I couldn't believe what had just happened between Ethan and I. It's not that I didn't want to go as far as it did. It was the exact opposite. I wanted and needed him like mad and I never needed anyone. Believe me, I was glad it did happen between us.

Our experience was wonderful. Everything I could have asked for and more. This, whatever is going on between the two of us has escalated at an alarming rate catching me completely of guard. I questioned if I was prepared for all of this?

We stood at the front door with his arms securely curved around my waist, holding me tightly against him. "I really wish you would stay here with me. You know you're more than welcome too!" He brushed his lips lightly against mine.

I couldn't help the sigh that escaped my throat. "I can't. Besides, I think your mother would have me killed if I stayed here with you. She may want to when she finds out about us." I took a deep breath and released it. "I think she hates me."

Ethan laughed his most amazing sounding laughter. It sounded like honey dripping with rich sweetness. "She does not. She is just being…..difficult." He laughed again only louder while stroking my cheek with the back of his hand.

"Who's being difficult?" Rose had asked as they walked in from the kitchen. Rose, Dimitri, and Olena entered the room together while eyeing mine and Ethan's closeness.

Ethan turned his head towards their approach but never releasing his clutches on my waist. "Did you have a nice dinner?"

"It was nice." Before Olena could finish what she was saying, Rose's cell phone was ringing and so was mine. I glanced down at my phone to see that it was Guardian Russo. My heart leaped with fear. "I really must be going." I said as I gazed up at Ethan.

"Is everything alright?" He asked noticing that there was something off about my semblance.

"It's nothing, really."

He leaned down and whispered against my ear while sending delightful shivers up my spine. "You're not being truthful. Your aura tells me differently. I know that you are keeping something from me. But, I wouldn't force it. You can tell me when you're ready too!""

Ethan tilted my chin upward to softly kiss my lips. It was gentle and wonderful. "Good night." I breathed.

I walked out the door; pulling out my cell phone ringing back Guardian Russo. "Guardian Svetkova. Why did you not answer when I called?" He spoke in his usual condescending intonation with me. I swear he had a problem with women being Guardians. I truly detested the man.

Yet still, he was my superior so I had no choice but to follow his commands.

"I was at the Belikov home. Sorry."

He grunted as cleared his throat making a disapproving indication of my actions. "You need to go home and pack. You are to be at Court in Pennsylvania tomorrow. You are to be called before The Committee as a character witness."

I was completely caught off guard by this sudden need for me to be at Court. I have never been stateside and had no idea what to expect or even why I would be required to testify before The Committee. "A character witness for whom?"

"Prince Ethan Belikov."

Was I hearing him correctly..Ethan? Why? A lump formed in my throat. I felt as if I couldn't breath. "Why?" I questioned with the distress lacing my tone.

"I don't know the details nor do I care, Miss Svetkova. A car will pick you up within the hour. They will brief you once you arrive. You will meet with the King himself." There was a silence on the line and then he continued. "And Miss. Svetkova, I surely hope you haven't become to emotional

attached to your temporary charge. It's bad practice." The phone line went dead.

My mind was hazy. I wasn't worried about my career. I was more worried about hurting Ethan. What the hell was I going to do? What will he think seeing me walk into the courtroom and my true identity is exposed. He will think I used him, but I didn't. I grabbled with my indecision; if I should

call Ethan and tell him the truth or defy a direct order. I hurried off towards my apartment to pack my bags, trying to make sense of the pandemonium I had fallen victim to. What makes this all the more awful was that I think I was falling in love with him.

MY POV

"Hathaway." Rose said as she answered her phone.

"Rosemarie? It's Pavel. Is it possible that Dimitri is within your company?"

"Maybe. Why... What do you want with him?"

"HAHA….Nice try, Rose..put Belikov on the phone."

She handed Dimitri the phone with an aggravated expression affixed upon her features. He raised his brow at her. "It's Pavel. He beckons you. He won't tell me what he wants." She said while rolling her eyes towards the ceiling.

Dimitri let out a short laugh. "Maybe that's why he asked for me, Roza. If he wanted to tell you..he would have asked for you." He displayed at a playful smirk.

"God, you're just as insufferable as him. Take the damn phone and don't use too many of my minutes just for that shit." She stalked out of the room into the kitchen to join Olena.

Dimitri watched Rose exit the room while shaking his head in humor at her sudden, annoyed departure. "Hey Pavel. What can I do for you?" He was curious to what business Pavel would have to discuss with him. They had known each other for most of Dimitri's life and he actually considered Pavel a friend.

Abe was an entirely different story. Dimitri never really trusted him, but he wasn't ready to get into that debate with Rose. It was hardly the time or place to discuss it. He dismissed his thoughts to only turn his attention back to Pavel.

"Dimitri. I wasn't sure if Rosemarie made you aware of the situation with Ethan. However, The Committee has called him forward to be part of an official inquiry."

"Yes, She had informed me. I take from your need to contact me personally that the situation is more precarious than we previously thought."

Pavel chuckled. "You always have been too damn preceptive, Belikov. And yes, its become quite consequential. If Ethan is founded to be guilty of the accusations of any 'unnatural' changes or actions done against Jesse Zeklos. He can be…" Pavel paused.

"He can be what?" Dimitri growled low and demanding.

"They can sentence him to death. If they fear he is….part Strigoi. Or if it is proven that he is a direct threat or danger to the Moroi society."

Dimitri took a deep breath, feeling himself start to vibrate with fury. "Where does the Zeklos family reside?"

Pavel let out a humorless laugh. "Not a good idea, Belikov."

He interrupted Pavel. "I don't tell you have to handle your business and with all due respect, Pavel. Don't tell me how to handle mine…especially where my family is involved."

"Hey..I am on your side. I told Abe this was how you would feel, but we both concede it would be…prudent for you to act more stealthy in your actions."

"Stealthy." Dimitri humpfed.

"We think it best if you stay hidden, incognito if you will. Maybe catching the Committee off guard will play to Ethan's advantage. If you want to speak to Jesse afterwards…well, I can't blame you, man. Have at it. I would. But, first things first. Let the committee see you and Ethan and than

let them form their own legitimate assessment of you both. We don't need you to do anything rash that could compromise their …umm..judgment. Can we concur?"

"I will hold off for 24 hours after we arrive and that's all the compromise I will allow myself to agree too! If Jesse Zeklos utters as much as the word boo to Ethan…All bets are off. I never cared about others judgments of me before and I am not starting now. Understood?"

"Okay…I guess that is all I can ask for. Abe wants to offer you full reinstatement. You choice; teaching or guarding. Teaching will give you more freedom with your son. But again, it's your choice. I will have everything you need once you arrive at St. Vladimir's.

The pilot was instructed to land the three of you in Missoula and you will be driven back to the academy. Also, Abe would appreciate your discretion about the details of our current conversation."

"Discretion from whom?"

"Rosemarie."

"No!" Dimitri stated with sharpness and finality.

"Abe will not be happy. Her father feels the less she knows of the severity of the situation..the better."

"Well, I am sorry. You need to tell Mr. Mazur for me that I would rather him be mad at me than Rose be mad at me. I don't keep secrets from her. Especially where Ethan would be concerned."

"Noble through and through. Aye, Dimitri. Good to have you back. Your plane is waiting for you whenever you're ready to depart. I will see you tomorrow."

"Until tomorrow then."

Rose entered the room with Ethan. "We need to get packed for our flight back home." Dimitri said as he turned to face them.

"Home?" Rose raised a brow.

"Yeah, we need to be back for the inquiry at Court within three days. I will tell you everything on the flight. So, let's hurry and get ready to go. Our plane is waiting."

Rose sympathized with Olena knowing that she had only had her son back for such a short amount of time. She couldn't leave her here alone. "Olena, I want you to pack also. You can come home with us."

"Roza, I can't leave."

"Yes, you can. I won't take no for an answer. You and Dimitri need to spend time together. And besides, you need to cook for me." Rose pouted, trying to coerce her into coming with them.

"Well, since you put it that way...We can't have you starving." She hurried upstairs to pack her bags.

Dimitri forgot himself for a moment when he pulled Rose in his arms and hugged her tightly. "Thank you."

Rose gazed up to meet his loving eyes. "For what? Your mom is family. She needs to be with us for a while. Now, go pack, comrade. We have a flight to catch."

Hope you liked it..Please review...

The face to face meeting between Adrian and Dimitri will be soon..

Just got home from getting my tattoos...yepper..I now have all three marks...