Chapter 25

IPOV

Needed to get my head out of the clouds and see what was really happening. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing and taking in my surroundings. He pushed me against the wall and for first time in I was looking into his eyes again. Red rings around it and his chalky white skin and his dirty blond hair still perfect as ever. 'Why did you have to take her? What was the point of making them suffer?' came out more like a whisper but I knew he heard me.

He smiled at me and laughed at the tone of my voice 'Do you really have to ask Lover?' I shuddered at the use of my old nickname. 'I couldn't seem to find you after your precious fire boy saved you. But then I had Grigory coming to me pleading to get his restored "boss" back. And then he explained to me how darling dearest Rose had found a way to restore him. First couldn't care less but then I heard how you saved her. Then I knew how to get to you, but I couldn't make it easy now could I. Just had to make sure to lure you to Vancouver.'

His grip on my neck was getting tighter but I just needed a bit more time before sun was coming up. My plan was going to be easy, he wasn't letting me out of his sight so I was going down with him. I had explosives placed on the walls and with a little help of the sun we both will burn. Have accepted my faith and death was the only way to end this nightmare. Couldn't have any of them apart of this so was glad they were safe.

Ivan was going to hate me for it but he deserved so much better then me. His heart will be broken but I know he will find someone that will make it whole again. My father would have been proud of me that I ended it with a big bang. Wasn't stupid so I had timers build in them, you know what they say when I doubt use C4. If only back then I was stronger I wouldn't have been in this situation.

Flashback

It was a clear sky and you could see all the stars twinkle in the darkness of the night. Was a beautiful sight to see and it had been a longtime since I saw so many. We were almost in the safety of our temporary home for the month. Looking out for threats as we walked as quiet as possible. But then leaning against a tree I saw the scariest thing ever. He was huge with his muscles and 6.7 foot length compared to my 6.1.

Cursed myself for leaving my blades at home and did the only thing logical. I screamed for them to get in the car and ran towards him. From the corner of my eyes I saw they listened and the roaring engine brought relief. Knew I wasn't going to survive so I was going to get them as much time as I could. The first blows to my stomach were excruciating but proud I got a few on him as well. At least I was going to die with honor of defending my Moroi.

Darkness took over and I welcomed it with a smile on my face. But when I woke up I didn't see a white light but red ringed eyes looking at me. 'Your feisty I like it' he said while licking his lips. I wanted to scream but that would only show weakness. 'Are you going to kill me or do I have to find a way to do it myself.' Could feel fear flowing through the bond and she was telling me they would find me. I couldn't let that happen she would be in danger. Then at the worst time possible I got sucked into her head seeing her pace and what seemed like scrolls in front of them.

The very same we got a hold of so Ivan could train defensive spells. They are idiots! Only thing they need to do is run and put as much distances between us as possible. When back in my own head I saw he figured something out. 'Your more special Dhampir, I think we have a shadowkissed one boss!' This couldn't be happening but before I knew it his teeth sinked into my skin and I was numb. And that was the beginning of how I started to long for his bites.

DPOV

Was so torn, should I tell Rose about Ivan being still alive. Eventually I was going to but this is not how I planned on doing it. When she stepped out of the van it felt like there was no way out. And boy she looked pissed with her hands on her hips expecting an answer or else. But before I could say something Ivan beat me to it. 'Rose please I need you to keep an open mind about this. And believe me when I say we never meant to hurt anybody. You both have every right to hate me and I will disappear as soon as this is over.' He swallowed hard and was looking at her for permission to continue.

When she nodded and didn't say anything he took it as a sign to continue. 'A long time ago I reached a crucial point in my life. I had to decide if letting my best friend sacrifice himself for me was something I could bare. He gave up everything just so he could keep me safe. One night I almost died and he made me a promise I didn't want him to keep. The thought of losing him was too much to bare.' Could see Rose was figuring something out in her head and she gasped.

'I made a decision for him which was selfish I know. This caused me to lose him forever but that is my burden to carry. And for the rest of my life I will have to live with the fact I messed up. But I don't regret him meeting his soul mate in the process. In the end it is worth all the hate he has for me, he deserves to be happy. But I am keeping my promise and so I say farewell even though it hurts me. Fabio and Andreas will take you to the hospital.'

Then he took of his hood and smiled at her with tears in his eyes. 'It was a pleasure meeting you Rose, I know you will take good care of Dimitri.' Couldn't stop the tears that were falling from my eyes. She kept staring at him and I heard her whisper Ivan's name and then she looked at me. He put his hood back on walked away. Why didn't I say something to him he just confessed everything to her. Felt her hands on my face as she pulled me towards her and then she kissed my lips gently.

'Dimitri…' she whispered 'You have decide if you want to forgive him before he walks away forever. I know it doesn't feel like it but you are getting a second chance to have your best friend back in your life. I know he hurt you but think of the reason why he did what he did. It is because he didn't want to lose you. You have every right to be angry but don't let it create regret in the end.' Those big brown eyes looked right into my soul. She always knew me better than I did myself. How much it hurt she was right I got a second chance.

But when I looked he was gone and I cursed myself for taking too long to come to this conclusion. I let my heart speak for me instead of my head. Even though I was still angry for what he made me think in the end I didn't want to lose my best friend. Never took the time to considered how hard it must have been for him.

I felt deflated because of everything that happened in these few days. Almost losing Rose and seeing her being tortured and that damn Girgory and his minions being the cause of it. Finding out my best friend never died but only faked it. And Ivy her secret she kept all these years and begging me to never tell. But the most precious thing of all I am going to be a father. Never did I thought it would be possible for me. My family is going to be over the moon, Abe and Janine however I am not so sure.

My beautiful angel grabbed my hands pulling me with her. 'Come on Comrade, let see if we can find Ivan. He can't be that far from here, unless he grew a pair of wings.' She started laughing, oh that beautiful laugh.

When about two blocks further I was about to call it quits when I started to hear a loud scream. Looking closer I started to recognize the building, it was the one we escaped not so long ago. Was hesitant to go back afraid whoever it was wouldn't be too happy to see us. But the sun was starting to shine reducing the chance of being attacked by Strigoi. The doors were wide open and looked at Rose telling her to stand back. She was about to argue but I looked at her tiny bump leaving no room for a discussing. Was going to have a talk with her about more things she shouldn't be doing with her condition, but that was for another time.

I saw Ivan frozen in place looking horrified at the scene playing in front of him. They seemed to be in some sort of argument and heard him say 'You can't do this, you promised me! How can you make think everything was alright. Even letting me think Dimitri forgave me.' He sounded sad especially at the last part. I didn't understand what this was about, was she planning on running away.

But the closer I got I saw she was being held by the neck. He was definitely Strigoi for a long time, judging by the strength and size. What I didn't understand is what he had do to with this all. But when she noticed me she started to scream 'GET OUT! BOTH OF YOU! DON'T TELL ME YOU GUYS ALL CAME BACK! I TOLD YOU TO GO HOME!

IvanPOV

I had to get away, I couldn't have him see me breakdown. Didn't deserve his or her sympathy, saw the confusion on her face. Knew she was going to talk to him, that was the perfect moment to make a run for it. They had to stay safe, both of them been through so much in their life already. Had to find her, she couldn't do this me! She promised we would always be there for each other. She couldn't face him alone, not after what he did to her.

My emotion were running all over the place. I need to find a way to get control over them or I will be running in circles. After walking for 10 minutes I saw things were starting to become familiar. Then it was a matter of walking across a big field. The door was wide open and my heart rate was starting speed up. Screaming had me on high alert, he found her..

But this time I wasn't as weak as then, this time I will be able to send him back to hell. The flames are no longer enough to light a simple candle. Now there big enough to set a building on fire. He was standing there like he expected me to come. His smirk grew bigger and he had his hand tightly around her neck. My blood started to boil and my eyes were dark filled with pure rage.

'YOU WILL LET HER GO YEGOR! I SWEAR IF YOU HURT HER I WILL MAKE YOUR DEAD SLOW AND PAINFULL.' I could see her pleads for me to step away and run. Images of regret were imprinted in my mind. I didn't understand why she didn't just run the sun was out. Franticly looked around if I could see something that would give some sort of clue.

Then it clicked and I felt my heart break into a million pieces. The reason why she gave that locket to Dimitri. Why it was so important for him to forgive me and accepted. 'You can't do this, you promised me! How can you make think everything was alright. Even letting me think Dimitri forgave me.' She was looking behind me with a horrified expression on her face. 'GET OUT! BOTH OF YOU! DON'T TELL ME YOU GUYS ALL CAME BACK! I TOLD YOU TO GO HOME!

They followed me FUCK! that was all I could think. Why would he do that, he could have gone home safely. He looked even more pleased then before 'Oh look they all came back, all ready to join me after all.' I flinched at the thought of ever serving that bastard 'I RATHER DIE' I hissed back. Looking over my shoulder I saw Dimitri ready to strike. 'Please Dimka, you need to go and be safe. This isn't your fight, and this shouldn't become it either. I don't deserve you protection, please I am begging you GO!' I croaked out.

DPOV

All I could think of was how this situation got more out of control. My gut feeling was right when I thought some important piece of the puzzle was missing. He called her lover, does that mean they used to be together. But that wouldn't make sense, cause then she could have restored him. Before I had time to react to Ivan his pleading all hell started to break lose.

I heard a loud scream and saw him sink his teeth into her neck and throwing her away like a ragdoll. It was happening so fast and what happened next stunned me for a moment. A small inferno was produced and thrown at the Strigoi. My mind was going all over the place and I could only hope that Rose was staying outside and not came running inside. He dodged the majority of the fire but not without damage to his left arm and then Ivan grabbed him from behind. I was surprised he still had enough strength do it even though he was struggling.

It reminded me of when I was holding down Galina and pleading for Rose to help me. But this time I wasn't an evil creature of the undead and it was Ivan trying to achieve the impossible. So when I saw the opportunity I took it but my first attempt I missed resulting in slashing open his chest. Had to make sure next one hit it's mark cause his energy was fading quickly. Saw a flash of silver in the corner of my eye and it was being directed at the spot I missed moments ago.

Of course she would, she always was stubborn and would never be told what to do. But she couldn't get it in deep enough and I quickly used my full weight to help her. Then the Strigoi's body went limp and fell to the ground. Ivan crawled to Ivy holding her in his arms crying just like me when I was holding Rose when she got shot. He loves her and now he had to let her go, Rose was looking at me and if I was not mistaken thinking of the same thing.

Then he started screaming 'GET OUT NOW! THIS PLACE IS GOING TO BLOW IN 2 MINUTES! GRAB ROSE AND RUN!' Swooped her up in my arms bridal style and ran as fast as I could. Needed to make sure there was enough distance between us and the explosion. She protested at first and said she could walk but the only thing on my mind was getting her safe. As soon as I put her back down to her feet there was a loud bang and pieces of wooden flying everywhere.

With my body I was shielding her incase of any shards would come flying our way. Big cloud of smoke started to form and then was followed by a burning smell. Was waiting for Ivan but I couldn't see him anywhere. I panicked and was franticly looking around for any sign of life.

I realized at that moment it happened again and this time I lost him for good. He saved my life again but this time Ivy wasn't there to heal him. Felt Rose her hands encircling my waist and my head fell on her shoulder. My knees started to buckle and she was the only thing preventing me from completely falling to the ground. My phone started ringing but I was to stunned to answer it. Rose grabbed it from my pocket and by the sound of it, it was Abe asking what was the hold up. I have no idea what else she said cause I was no longer capable of listing.

Never got the chance to tell him I forgave him and this time it was on me….

RPOV

When Dimitri asked me to wait outside I wanted to object and come with him. Know he wanted to keep me safe and he was thinking about the baby. But I couldn't help but being worried, what if one the Strigoi that wanted to turn him was still hiding inside. Didn't want to lose him again especially not when he was about to become a father. Had to trust him so I stayed outside, well at least for now.

When I heard yelling and screaming my heart started to beat faster. It sounded like Ivy was in trouble and was ordering them to get out. Even though the sun was out I couldn't help but look out for threats. Was holding on to the gun that Dimitri gave me before going inside. My finger was ready to pull the trigger at any time.

Something was telling me that I was needed and got to the point that I was no longer able to ignore it. Took in a deep breath and hoped Dimitri would forgive me for barging in. Was horrified to see Ivan trying to hold on to a very bulky looking Strigoi. Both of them were growing more tired by the minute. Had to help and as fast as my legs could carry me I was running to its exposed chest. Gripping tightly on the handle of my stake and plunged into his chest. It was proven more difficult then I thought and soon two strong pair of hands helped me push it in completely. I couldn't help but smile on how we completed each other.

As the body grew limp and fell to the ground I saw Ivy her lifeless body laying against the wall. It broke my heart to see Ivan clinging on to her, at that moment I saw pain of losing the love of your life. All of sudden he started to yell for us to get out and that the place was going to blow. Wanted to tell Dimitri I was capable of running myself but then I remember the look on Ivan's face. We both thought we lost each other for good and I vowed to never experience that ever again.

At that point I made a another decision and hoping Dimitri would agree with me. I was clinging on to him for dear life as the building exploded into a million pieces. When he was looking around frantic I saw desperation in his eyes. He was looking for Ivan but it looked like this time he wasn't coming back. We didn't have time to talk about but I could already see that he was feeling guilty.

The hurt in his eyes and the tears that fell, wished I could have found a way to stop them. That I could magically make him feel better. But the only thing I could do was hold on to him and show him I was there for him. He needed me more than ever and I wasn't planning on letting him go through this alone. When his phone went I saw Abe flashing in the screen and I answered it.

He was worried and wanted to know why weren't at the hospital yet. Gave him a short version cause frankly I wasn't ready to tell him everything. Needed to get him out of here and fast and saw Fabio and Andreas running up to us. When I shook my head they both looked sad for a moment and saw the state of Dimitri. Without hesitation they both put an arm over their shoulders and carried him to the van.

Ride to the hospital was as expected silent and he kept on staring at nothing and was hoping I could pull him out. So I called the one person I knew that could help me get through to him. I sat down on his lap and grabbed his hand and put it on my tiny bump and whispered. 'I know your hurting my love. But we are here for you, together we can get through this. You can lean on me whenever you need to. Don't shut me out, look at me Comrade' Grabbed his chin and gently kissed his lips and saw him look at me with his big brown eyes.