RPOV.
We were being watched. At first I thought it just some kid messing about, or some sort of coincidence. But now we where sat on a private island, and the stalker was too.
The stalker was clearly not Strigoi or Moroi—it out in broad daylight. That left Dhampir or human, most likely Dhampir seeing as how it had been around the court.
"Can you think of any reason why they'd want to see what you're doing?" Christian asked, his face serious for once.
"I can't. I mean, yeah, I've made a couple of enemies over the years, but I buried the hatchet with most. And if I haven't then they're in prison somewhere," I considered. "Have you?" I asked Dimitri.
"No, not as a Dhampir. But plenty as a Strigoi," he gave an involuntary flinch, "I mean, you fight with everyone; it's in your nature."
"You think they could be after you? What for?"
He shrugged. "Many, many things, but none really worth travelling to the U.S for."
Lissa took one of my hands, looking worried. "I think it's best if we go back home where there are more guardians. Just in case," she added, seeing me about to protest. "I place some guards around your house for look outs. Yes Rose, I know you can look after yourself. But there's no harm in taking precautions."
I sighed; she had a point. "How soon can we be back?"
"The planes are ready when we are. So, I suggest we pack and go."
Christian and Dimitri nodded in agreement. I, however, was still undecided. "Now?" I asked glumly, sad that our vacation would be cut a little short.
"Yes, Rose. Now," Lissa said, giving me a small smile. Without any further argument I took Dimitri's hand and led him back up to our bedroom to pack.
"Just remember, you're only going up there to pack!" Christian called up the stairs. I chuckled quietly.
"That gives me an idea..." I said seductively to Dimitri. He gave an exasperated sigh and picked me up in a bridal style.
"Come on, you. We have to go. As much as I'd like to stay..." He broke off as my lips met his. I reluctantly pulled away after a few seconds.
"Let's go," I sighed.
We packed everything that we brought and went back downstairs to find Lissa who was already there with Christian. Glumly, we walked to the jet that Lissa had called out, Dimitri and I with stakes in our hands in case of a run-in with the stalker. Not that we were expecting it to be a Strigoi, but it was the only weapons we had brought.
We sat on the plane home in silence, each of us deep in thought. My mind was focused on my children and their safety. I was confident in the school security, but I couldn't help remembering the Strigoi attack when Dimitri had been turned.
Immediately, when we returned home at about mid-afternoon I rang St. Vladimir's, wanting to check that my kids were okay. A busy sounding receptionist picked up the other end of the line and assured me that they were all safe in lessons right now and that all the wards had been checked just yesterday. Feeling reassured I walked up the stairs to find Dimitri in our bedroom, sat on the bed. He looked up as I entered and gestured for me to sit beside him.
"Roza, this stalker, it could be dangerous and we need to be careful. When I was... turned, I made a lot of powerful enemies, ones that could easily use humans to do their dirty work."
I took in a deep breath and leant my head against his shoulder. "We will be."
He kissed the top of my head and I stood up. "I'm gonna go see Adrian. I'll be back later," I said, planting a quick kiss on his lips.
I decided to walk over to Adrian's instead of drive, wanting some fresh air. Though apparently, that wasn't what Adrian wanted. I could hear thumping music erupting from his house before I could even see it, as I approached I saw his front garden was full of people dancing with drinks in their hands; he had a party in full swing.
I made my way through the garden and into his house, careful not to get drink spilled over me. I had to search the rooms for Adrian for a while before finding him sat in his lounge, surrounded by women with very little clothes on. When he saw me come in he stood up and walked over to me, smelling strongly of alcohol and cigarettes.
"Rose! You're back! I thought Belikov had eaten you! Though, I suppose drunk would be more appropriate in his case," he said, drunkenly. Ignoring the jab at Dimitri I pulled him away from the crowd a little.
"Where was my invite, then" I asked, looking round at the party.
"There was no invites, I just felt like a party. And now, I have one!"
I raised my eyebrows. "You felt like a party or you felt like getting drunk? Actually no, you don't need an excuse for drinking, do you?"
Adrian laughed loudly, "ah, you understand me so well, Rose. But you forget, parties mean girls. Lots of girls." He grinned, as though happy about sounding like a teenager, not the almost middle-aged man he was.
"Poor Caleb, having to feel all of this. Have you actually put any though towards your son?" I snapped, getting frustrated now.
"Course I have. I'm doing him a favour really, 'cause I feel good."
"For God's sake, Adrian! Snap out of it! Caleb's probably in a lesson right now, not being able to participate because all he can concentrate on is you attempting to recreate your teenage years!" I snapped, angry for the sake of my son. A look of hurt crossed Adrian's face quickly.
"Rose darling, lighten up. You were like this once too, remember?"
Now, I was furious. "Number one," I spat, "that was before I had three and a half kids, a fiancée and a job that I take very seriously. Number two..." I was cut off by Adrian.
"Well I don't have any of that do I! I have two kids who I only see on their school holidays, an ex-wife and no job! So, I like to fill it out with drink, cigarettes and women!" He yelled back, sobering my anger slightly. "This," he said, gesturing around the room, "this is your fault!"
Whatever anger had sobered suddenly returned in an explosion. "My fault! My fault! How fucking dare you!" I screamed, ignoring the stares of people around us. "When I met you, you were an arrogant, drunken royal who lived off his daddy! I gave you a life, I gave you children and I protected you! Even after Dimitri, the man that I would always love was taken!"
"Then as soon as he came back you couldn't get away quick enough! You used as a substitute for him!" He spat back.
"And you wonder why," I said, gesturing around the room. It's really quite amazing how just one sentence can make so much difference to a person. I saw the anger in Adrian's eyes make way for sorrow, grief and hurt. His words had bore no truth; the choice between Dimitri and him had been the hardest thing that I had ever had to do and I really had loved Adrian almost much as Dimitri.
Looking away from Adrian I stormed out of the room, tears spilling from my eyes.