Oh my gosh ya'll sorry it took me a week to post this, I had finals this week on top of work and Christmas I have been super busy. This is my longest chapter and it is all Adrian. Please review. Whoever is the 310 reviewer I will send you the next chapter the day before I post it.
APOV
Someone clearing their throat brought me out of my trance as I stared off toward our apartment. "Sir" he said causing me to turn to see who had interrupted my thoughts in the first place.
"You can board the plane, they are ready for takeoff as soon as you get on" Michelle said. It was one of the very few words she ever spoke, although she and I didn't have the same relationship Rose and Alec had it worked for the both of us. Although her accompanying me on this trip was not pleasing what so ever. I had a hard enough time leaving Rose and knowing she was losing a guardian because of me did not sit well with me.
"I don't need to go" I whined coming out of the bathroom after brushing my teeth. Rose gave me a look telling me she didn't believe me. "Seriously Rose I don't need to go, I have already talked to Patrick about going in my place and it won't be a problem" I said starting to undress so I could climb into bed with her.
"Adrian it is only two days, Dr. Olendzki said everything looks good and it seems that I will carry the baby to full term. If anything happens you have the jet you could be back here in a couple of hours and if you have read any of the books I gave you I can be in labor up to fifteen hours if not longer" she said laughing at me. I am sure my expression was not a pleasant one. We had gone to Lamaze classes and had to watch an awful video about childbirth, I couldn't imagine fifteen hours of that. Once I regained some composure I continued.
"I don't like the thought of you being here by yourself when you are eight months pregnant. I can send Patrick in my spot, he knows everything about the presentation and will do a fine job" I said climbing onto the bed next to her.
"I won't be alone Lissa, Christian, and Eddy are right next door and if it would make you feel any better I will ask Lissa to stay with me while you are gone" she said. I realized that she was not going to give up until I agreed. It was true I had worked hard on this project and she wanted to see me follow it through to the end but the thought of leaving her and the baby seemed unbearable. I leaned on my heals so I could pull the cover down exposing her stomach. I looked up at her before smiling she always said she was huge and unattractive but seeing her carry my child inside of her has only made her even more beautiful if that is even possible.
"Hi sweet little Dhampir" I said returning my attention to her stomach placing a small kiss above her bellybutton. The baby kicked immediately sticking her foot out so I could run my finger across it before she retracted it back.
"I don't think I can leave you two" I said as my last defense.
"Sir" Michelle said again but a little bit louder. I didn't even realize I had turned back to face our apartments.
"Sorry, I am ready" I said taking one last glance at the apartment before boarding the plane. I wouldn't leave until Lissa had come over. Rose was still in bed but I didn't want her to be alone at all and those were the terms she had agreed to when I said I would go.
The flight was not to long. But I couldn't stop my mind from wandering through memories of the last year. It had turned out so much better than I ever thought possible. The baby was a surprise but never a mistake. I felt butterflies in my stomach thinking about the fact that I would be a daddy in less than a month. I attempted to get into Rose's dreams but she must have been awake because the few times I tried I was getting blocked.
Once the plane landed we were brought to the hotel to shower and change before making the twenty minute drive to the restaurant were I would be having dinner with a few clients before the meeting tomorrow. The dinner discussion allowed me about a hour not thinking about what Rose was doing but after that hour I was getting restless wanting to call her. I excused myself from the table to make a call.
"Hello" she said breathing heavy.
"Rose what is wrong?" I asked making my way to the door to leave.
"Nothing calm down, I am just a little out of breath because I was doing a few exercises" she said slightly giggling at my overreaction if only she new I was already out the door asking for a cab to take me the airpark where the jet was at.
"Little Dhampir why are you exercising? Have you have forgotten you are eight months pregnant" I sighed waving at the guy to cancel the cab.
"That is why I am exercising Adrian. Plus Dr. Olendzki said that exercise is good for the baby and childbirth" she said.
"I am sure she did, but I am sure she was talking about when you were early into your pregnancy not when you were eight months" I said trying to surpress a laugh when I thought about Rose in tight yoga pants and a tank top with her pregnant belly hanging out.
"Rose please refrain from doing any exercise the two whole days that I am gone" I said using her real name to let her know I was not joking. I sighed closing my eyes and rubbing the bridge of my nose. It was a calming habit I had picked up after giving up alcohol and finding healthier ways to deal with spirit.
"Ok I promise, if you promise to stop worrying to much. I am fine. Lissa and I are having a good time" she said and I could tell she was telling the truth.
"I can't promise that, but I am glad you are having fun. I love and miss you" I said standing preparing to walk back into the restaurant.
"I miss you too, I love you baby" she whispered softly into the phone. I could hear Lissa holler something in the background about getting off the phone and how I hog Rose enough when I am home. I chuckled knowing how true it was. When I wasn't at work I wanted to be with her all of the time lucky for me she felt the same way.
"Shut up Lissa" Rose hissed at her. "Ok I should go, go kick some butt in your meetings and I will see you tonight" she said before we repeated our I love yous and hanging up.
Once I knew she was safe and having a good time I refocused my energy back to the dinner and somewhat enjoyed myself.
That night I snuggled into bed after taking the pillow case out of my suitcase. I knew Rose would have been furious if I had taken her pillow so when she got up to shower yesterday morning I removed the pillowcase from her pillow replacing it with a clean matching one and packed her pillowcase with my clothes.
I took the fancy hotel pillowcase off throwing it onto a chair before slipping Rose's on. Once I was ready for bed I snuggled into the pillow burying my head into it breathing Rose's scent in. Gosh I was pathetic but it calmed me and made falling asleep without her in my arms bearable.
Once I fell asleep I was finally able to see her again. This was the first time we had been this far apart and I was not sure how well I would be able to dream walk but thankfully it was as easy and clear as if she was sleeping next to me. We spent the night at the garden, laying on a blanket letting the sun warm our skin with the smell of flowers filling our nostrils. The time difference pulled me out of the dream earlier than I would have liked but once the alarm started going off I knew that the quicker I got through the day the quicker I would be able to head home. I actually planned on flying home tonight as long as we finished up. I would have to fly while the sun was up but I guess there were perks of having your own jet, like you can tint all of the windows without issue.
Giving her one last kiss and telling her how much I loved her I pulled myself out of the dream to start my day.
The first presentation went smoothly and I was glad when we were able to start the next meeting after a fifteen minute break from the first one.
"Morning Little Dhampir" I said when she answered the phone.
"Hey baby, how are the meetings going?" she asked. I could tell she was eating my exceptional hearing played no part in me being able to hear her though, as much as I love Rose she has got to be one of the loudest eaters I have ever known. And over the four months I have been subjected to it a lot.
"Good we are done with one meeting about to head into another one. I just wanted to call and see how my two favorite girls are doing and what you had planned for the day" I said walking out of the building because a few of the guys were staring to get overly animated about football. Michelle followed but maintained her distance to give me privacy.
"Lissa and I are fine" she said giggling after I snorted and laughed.
"Adrian Ivashkov did you just snort?" she asked amusement filling her voice.
"I can neither confirm nor deny that" I answered clearing my voice of all amusement and emotion attempting to sound as masculine as possible. "So seriously how are you and baby Dhampir doing?" I asked wishing I was at home with her.
"We are good, going to hang out with Lissa today and maybe…"
"Sir they are ready to start again" Michelle said. Rose clearly heard because her voice halted mid sentence.
"I will be in momentarily" I said before telling Rose to continue. As much as I wanted to close this deal I wanted to know what Rose was up to.
"You should go we will talk when you are done with your meeting" Rose said making me love her even more.
"Ok, I will call you when I am done. I love you."
"I love you too" She replied before we both hung up.
The meeting was long, boring and full of paperwork. I was in the middle of signing some of the final documents when I had an overwhelming feeling that something wasn't right. I jotted my signature not bothering to check if the I's were dotted and the T's crossed. Instead I bolted out of the office as soon as the pen dropped from my fingers. I hit the key to speed dial Rose's number.
The continuous ringing of her phone was starting to get my imagination running rampant.
"Call Alec and Eric's phone now" I snapped at Michelle. Hanging my phone up and hitting redial. Once again the process repeated itself, ringing over ten times before going to Rose's voicemail. My body was moving to exit the building waving down a cab.
"Are they answering?" I asked my voice was anxious but flat. Something was definitely wrong. Michelle shook her head informing me she was not having any luck either. I hung up my phone calling the airpark telling them to have the jet ready in twenty minutes. The pilot was on stand by and would make it to the airpark within ten minutes.
I slammed the button ending yet another unanswered phone call. I hit the numbers to dial Lissa's phone unlike Rose's it did not even ring instead it went straight to voice mail. We were in the car now driving toward the airpark. Michelle was altering between calling Alec, Eric, and Eddie's phone while I called Rose and Lissa once again getting no answer. I dialed Christian.
"Hey man how is your trip going?" Christian answered his phone. My heart stopped and relief flooded me. If something had happened surely Christian would know and the way he was talking nothing had happened I was being crazy and letting my imagination go wild.
"Trip is going good, hey I was trying to get a hold of Rose and I can't seem to reach her. Do you mind walking over to our apartment and letting me speak with her" I said smiling thinking she is going to tease me endlessly when she finds out how badly I panicked.
"I would do that man but she is not at the apartment. Lissa took her shopping to buy a few things for the baby" Christian said now a hint of concern filling his voice. "What's wrong?" he said when I didn't respond.
"When was the last time you spoke with them?" I asked my voice shaking I felt like I was going to be sick but managed to control myself. The last thing I needed was to throw up all over the back of a cab and myself.
"I don't know a few hours ago. Adrian what is wrong you are freaking me out" Christian said his voice continuing to rise as he was finally registering that something was wrong.
"Call the head of the guardians and see if they can send someone out to the mall. Try and call Lissa's phone while I try to reach Rose and call me immediately if you hear anything" I said hanging up before he could respond. I didn't have time to attempt to answer questions that I had no clue what the answers were.
I was on the plane and air borne within thirty minutes of the first phone call I made. I attempted to get inside of Rose's head but she was clearly awake or blocking me. There was a energy there that told me she was still alive and that was the only thing that keep me going for the moment.
While in the air I was in constant contact with Christian and Thomas the head guardian along with Abe. He was one of the first people I called once I got off the phone with Christian I knew how much he loved his daughter and he would have people at the mall within minutes of us hanging up.
The flight was awful there was nothing I could do but wait. Wait to land, wait for someone to call me back with updates, wait to see if my whole world was going to fall apart. Unfortunately I didn't have to wait to long to find out that it indeed was in the process of crumbling.
"What have you found out?" I asked I was past greetings even if it was Abe.
"She is gone" Abe said his voice dark, cold and distant.
"No" was all that I could form to come out.
"She was the only one taken, the others have been returned safely with minor injuries and two confirmed dead. Lissa said it was Dimitri Belikov that took her" he said anger now the prominent emotion in his voice.
I felt like my heart was trying to escape from my throat. To ability to hold back vomiting in the cab was long gone. I grabbed a wastebasket and wretched into it not bothering to cover the phone. Once I was able to speak I pulled myself together to figure out what was next.
"What actions are being taken to get her back? Is there any trail to follow?" I asked trying to keep my mind from thinking about Rose with that monster. He wouldn't be able to do anything to her if we found her quickly. And once we did I would kill him personally for all the pain that he has caused her ever since coming into her life.
We spoke figuring out the best way to go about locating her. The plane landed before sun rise. I immediately went to the gym where they had set up. The place was packed, some faces looked familiar while others I could not place. I was assuming Abe had brought them in.
As soon as I saw her I pushed through the crowd to get to her.
"Lissa" I yelled causing her to turn toward me. I was in her face before she registered who had called her.
"What the hell were you thinking? What would ever possess you to go out on a shopping trip with a eight month old pregnant woman that could not depend herself" I hissed at her. All of the pint up anger I had been building on the flight here was now boiling over to the only person that I felt I could place some blame on. It was wrong and not rational but I could not help it.
"I am so sor.." she started to say, but the anger I was feeling was causing spirit to blacken quickly as my emotions spiraled out of control.
"I don't want you apologies I want my fiancé and child back. I swear to God Lissa if something happens to them." I said before the pain of losing them hit me square in the heart causing me to fall to my knees in tears.
"I can't lose them, they are my life."
"I am sorry Lissa I know it is not your fault" I said burying my face into my hands.
"We will not lose them, we will find them and bring them home" Lissa said trying to lay her hand on my shoulder for comfort but the last thing I needed was to be comforted. I pulled myself from the ground wiped my eyes and started to yell to see who was in charge and what was being done.
Abe walked over once I was able to compose myself. We decided that due to the upcoming sunrise that it would be good to start the search as soon as possible since Dimitri would have to seek shelter. The sun was definitely on our side, giving us time to find any leads to locate them before they would be able to start to travel again.
I wanted to go out with the first search party but it was decided that I could do more if I stayed. My main focus was on my aunt that had offered little to no help locating Rose. Abe was able to use some of his human contacts in the police department to give them the description of the car that Lissa saw Dimitri pull Rose into.
"I need to speak with the Queen at once" I said looking at the small petite woman that had worked with my aunt since she had become queen.
"Mr. Ivashkov it is almost sunrise I believe she is already prepared for bed. I am sure she would love to see you once she rises later on tonight" she said giving me a polite smile.
"I don't have time for this" I said before barging into the Queen's room.
"Adrian, what on earth do you think you are doing?" Tatiana asked sitting up in her bed.
"I need your assistance" I said walking toward her. I didn't give her time to deny me what I had come for instead once I made eye contact I did not let it go until I had what I needed.
"I have come here to hear you offer your services and the services of all those that serve you to find Rose. You will now tell my that you will do everything in your power to locate my fiancée and child and bring them home safely" I said not worrying about the consequences I would have to face if it were found out that I had used compulsion on the Queen.
"Of course Adrian, all that serve me are at your disposal until we find Rose. If there is anything else I can do please inform me at once" she said a dazed look in her eyes that showed me that it was definitely my compulsion that had her willingly helping me.
Once I had left the Queen's room I informed Thomas that we would be needing all free guardians in the gym until further notice. Once I returned I was shocked to see a few familiar faces.
"Mom, Dad what are you doing here?" I asked giving a slight nod to Oksana and Mark that were standing to the side talking with Lissa and Christian. They had arrive late afternoon today to surprise Rose and I.
"Honey we came as soon as we heard. Are you doing ok?" my mom asked wrapping her arms around me to hug me. I pulled her in, willing myself not to break down again. I needed to be strong for Rose and the baby.
"I will be better when we bring Rose home" I said letting her go. Gesturing to Abe to come over so we could discuss the progress I had made with the queen.
"She did this willingly?" Abe asked.
"Of course not, but I did not give her a chance to say no" I simply stated before telling him that Thomas was assembling the guardians that we would be gaining.
"I need to see if I can get into her dreams" I said taking a seat in one of the uncomfortable chairs that had been brought in.
"Adrian" Rose called out trying to control her emotions but her aura was all over the place from fear, anxiety, anger, and ever other emotion possible.
"Rose" I said running to her enclosing her body into my arms pulling her as close as possible trying to feel the warmth of her body to slow my racing heart down.
"Oh my gosh are you alright? Where are you?" I said pushing my face into her neck breathing her in while one hand instinctively went to her stomach protectively.
"Adrian we are ok for now, I have no clue where we are" she sobbed burying her face into my chest breaking my heart even more with each tear that fell from her beautiful face.
"Shh Little Dhampir we will figure this out I promise and you know I never break my promises" I said pulling her body from mine so I could see her face and show her that I had no doubt in my mind that we would find them. Although my heart was full of doubt and second guessing myself with what was being done to find them, I keep my face clear of all those emotions.
"I need you to protect yourself and the baby. Don't try and fight him because you will just anger him and you will never be able to beat him in your condition. Rose we will find you. Your dad has already called in every favor he can to get help and your mom is calling every academy to see if they can spare guardians to join. I spoke with my aunt she has agreed to give us as many guardians as she can" I said willing her to believe me that she would be brought home safely.
"Your aunt? Somehow I don't believe that" she said cupping my face staring at me lovingly but also trying to see some hint of a lie.
"Well I didn't say she did it knowingly, I may have helped her a little bit" I said giving her the only smile I could work up.
" Is Lissa ok?" she asked.
"She is fine, she is just upset. As we all are" I said lowering my mouth to hers. I need to feel some comfort from her and this is all I could think of to do. Clearly she felt the same as she pulled my face to hers. It was slow and passionate. Both fighting the urge to break down, willing her to know this was not nor would ever be a good bye kiss.
When the kissing came to a stop I pulled her to the recliner that currently sat in our living room. She smiled at me and giggled a little seeing our recliner sitting next to the lake clearly out of place but I knew it was a comfort for her and that is all I wanted when I brought it into the dream in the first place.
"Sit with me" I said sitting down on the chair pulling her with me.
"I am heavy" she warned as she often did when I would ask her to sit on my lap or carry her.
"How is she doing?" I asked laying my hand on her ever expanding belly.
"Good, she has been kicking" she said smiling at my hand that rested on her stomach.
"I think she knows something is wrong with Dimitri. He touched my stomach earlier and she went crazy, not like when she is excited when you or I touch her and talk to her. It was like she was trying to kick his hand away" she said turning to face me.
At that moment I wanted to wake from the dream so I could find Dimitri and kill him with my bare hands for thinking he had the right to touch my Rose and my child.
"He didn't hurt me" she said quickly probably reading the anger from my face.
"He is touching you, he is putting his murderous hands on you. I should go so I can figure out what is going on to find you. Some of the guardians and I are going to do a search of an area that Strigoi have seen spotted" I said shifting my body to wrap my arms around her one last time before I left. "I love you, please keep yourself safe until we can find you" I said pulling her closer to kiss her
.
"Adrian he will kill you if he sees you, he doesn't only want me he wants this baby and if he thinks it will be easier to get with you dead he will not hesitate to kill you. I am promising to keep this baby and myself safe but if you are not there to come home to then what do we have left" she said tears pooling in her eyes. It was heartbreaking but I had to leave to find her. I could no longer just wait
"We will be fine, we have plenty of guardians to keep us safe. But I need to go, I need to be doing something to bring you home. I love you and will see you soon" I said kissing her again quickly before letting the dream fade back to black.
Once I was back I told Lissa to go to Rose and comfort her the best she could. Lissa agreed and laid down on a cot that had been brought in with the chairs. Although Lissa could dream walk it took her more energy to maintain in a dream so it helped if she actually feel asleep.
Once I was sure she was in I informed them of the little information I had been able to gather then meet with a group of guardians that were about to leave.
"Sir are you sure this is a good idea. The sure is rising and could be dangerous" Michelle asked coming up behind me.
"Yes" is all I said before going to change into different clothes than the suit I had been wearing when I got the news.
We traveled in three different vans. The Royal Court had keep records of recent deaths or disappearances that would point to Strigoi. We headed toward the local college were students had recently started to disappear. It was a classic place for Strigoi to hunt because of the population. There was one house that the guardians took notice of and started to surround. I stood back waiting to see what they were planning. After what seemed like a lifetime Thomas gave a signal and two guardians kicked the front door in before twenty more swarmed in. I followed quickly, pulling my arm from Michelle when she attempted to stop me.
I saw a few guardians fighting to contain a Strigoi it seemed they were winning so I continued to walk through the house looking for Rose. I passed a few dead Strigoi which I stepped over and proceeded throughout the house. I poked my head in each room as I walked past seeing if they had found her. By the time I got to the end of the house my heart sunk knowing she was not here. The guardian's continued to search the house, in the attic and under the house where there was a latch in one of the closest to escape through, but she was not here.
I proceed to leave the house and continued the search for another eight hours. Another shift of guardians arrived to take over the search expanding it out of the city into the smaller towns. I decided to go back to Court to see if they had made any progress with the Strigoi they had caught into finding out where Rose was.
The hours seemed to move quickly night started to fall upon us and still we had no clue where she was. I went out and searched again although my mom protested that I needed to sleep but that was the furthest thing from my mind. Although I didn't want to rest I decided to see if Rose was asleep.
It didn't take long before I slipped silently into the dream changing the scene slowly to an open meadow.
"Adrian" she called out looking around her but not turning around to see me.
Slipping my arms around her I pulled her body to mine. "I am here Little Dhampir" I said burying my face into her hair breathing her in once again not being able to get enough of her.
"Do you know where he is keeping me yet?" she asked her voice trembling as she spoke.
"Not yet but we have a few leads as to where he may have taken you" I said turning her body until she was facing me. Her face almost made me break down her eyes were swelling from her tears and the look in her eyes showed something that she did not show often fear.
"We are leaving here once the sun sets, he said it won't be by plane but I don't know if he would tell me the truth about that. Gosh I miss you so much" she said bring her hands up to cup my cheeks pulling my face closer to look at her.
"We will find you before he takes you anywhere. Lissa told me he believes our baby is his" I said recalling my conversation with Lissa after she informed me she was able to speak with her briefly while I was gone.
After she gave a small nod in conformation I continued. "This can work to our advantage. If he believes the baby is yours and his then he will do whatever he can to protect you and not harm you. It sounds awful but this is a good thing" I said pulling her into his chest. I felt sick as the words left my mouth thinking of that vile thing thinking he could take what was mine. That he thought he would get away.
"I love you" she sobbed in my chest bringing me out of my trance of how I would kill Dimitri slow and painfully.
"As I love you" I said burying my face once again into her hair. Her stomach only allowed me to hold her so close and tight. I felt her squeeze my body tighter like I could take her with me when I left. That thought finally caused me to break the tears I had been holding back finally flowed freely down my face into her hair. I tried to regain control I could not let her see me weak and broken.
"Is he taking care of you? Making sure you have food and water? Do you have a comfortable place to sleep a bathroom to use?" I asked without releasing her still trying to regain composure.
"Yes he is making sure I am comfortable and feed. I don't think he would think of hurting me while I am pregnant but I am not going to give him a reason to hurt me" she said breathing heavily into my chest.
"That's my girl" I said finally pulling away to kiss her forehead, both eyes, the tip of her nose and finally lingering on her lips.
"Don't get use to it in a month I wouldn't hesitate to kick his butt without a second thought" she said once I pulled away from her mouth.
"I know and it makes me love you even more" I said before I started to feel something off about the dream. I glanced around to see if Lissa had come into the dream but something was different.
"What is wrong?" she asked quickly starting to freak out.
"Someone is trying to get into the dream and I don't believe it is Lissa" I said turning to look behind me without letting her go.
"You have to go if it is Dimitri he will be mad you are here" she said trying to untangle our arms.
I thought about staying and fighting but if I was losing I wouldn't be able to leave her and he would kill me.
"I love you" I said placing a small kiss on her lips before fading out along with the dream.
"Is she ok?" Abe asked after I opened my eyes. Everyone was surrounding me waiting for my answer.
"She is well, Lissa was right he believes that the baby is his. We both agreed that it is best for her not to argue with him. If he believes they will be together he will not harm her. She doesn't know where they are but they have stopped for the day. I believe he was coming into the dream so we decided it was best if I left since he apparently forgot for a while that I could dream walk" I said surprising myself with how clear I keep my voice.
I walked to the door wondering how much time we had left before they would continue to move away from us. Regrouping I moved back to the group that had grown smaller as Christian had dragged a reluctant Lissa back to bed as my mom had also left to sleep at our apartment. My dad was talking to Abe about what we could do and how we could use human resources to track them. Eddy was sitting in a chair looking half dead.
"Eddy go back to your dorm and rest. You are of no help if you are dead on your feet" I said slapping his back to let him know I would not take no for an answer.
"I will only go if you promise me, you will send someone to wake me up if there is any news" he said standing.
"You have my word now go rest" I said walking over to Alec to tell him the same thing. He was just as reluctant as Eddy but soon gave in to his exhaustion.
There was no point in attempting to talk to Abe he was just as stubborn as I was even though we were running on empty.
I took a moment to walk outside. The sun was fading into the background. My heart pounded in my chest thinking that Rose was most likely about to be moved. I felt the anger start to rise in my chest I felt like I couldn't breath the feeling on helplessness was suffocating me. I bent forward attempting to catch my breath when I felt a warm hand on my back. I reacted quickly jumping forward turning to see who felt the need to touch me.
"Sorry, I just wanted to see if you were ok" Mia said holding her hands up in front of her.
"No I am sorry, I am a bit jumpy at the moment" I said hoping I didn't frighten her.
"My dad informed me what happened when I arrived back to the academy I just wanted to see if there was anything I could do to help" she said a look of concern on her face. I was sure I looked like a mess but at the moment that was the last thing on my mind.
"Thank you for the offer, but I don't think there is anything you can do unless you can tell me where Dimitri has taken Rose" I said given her a soft smile.
"Well I brought food, but it seems there are a lot more of you here than I thought. I am going to run and get more. Please let me know if there is anything I can help with" she said. I gave her a small nod and she turned to walk back toward on of the main buildings that housed the many restaurants that were located inside Court.
I walked back in and started to look over maps. I awoke to someone yelling. I lifted my head realizing I had falling asleep on top of the maps. I shook my head trying to wake myself up and angered that I had fallen asleep while Rose was still out there missing. I heard someone yell again and realized what had woken me up in the first place.
"What is going on?" I asked walking over to Abe.
"I am attempting to get enough planes to fly everyone to St. Vladimir and I am having a hard time" he said returning his attention back to his phone to start yelling again.
I looked over and saw Thomas standing near by.
"What is going on?" I asked wondering why the hell we would be going back to St. Vladimir.
"The Strigoi we caught this morning said he heard about Dimitri and his plans to take Rose into the mountains that way" he said looking down at a rooster on all of the guardians marking through a few.
"Why would we believe a word he said" I asked.
"He is the one that got the car for Dimitri and he new things about Rose that he would not have been aware of unless he spoke with Dimitri" he said marking another name off.
I returned to Abe to see what was going on. He was still on his phone I pulled mine out and dialed the Queen informing her we would be taking all of the jets until we had everyone at the academy unfortunately I got her secretary and was told she was busy. I hung up the phone calling Lissa. We agreed to meet. I told her of my plan while we walked.
Twenty minutes later we were leaving the Queen with all access to the jets. No compulsion was used or needed after I informed her that I would request her removal from the throne and Lissa would second my motion she decided it would be best to play nice.
I went to Rose and my apartment throwing a few things into a bad before grabbing the nice luggage that Lissa had bought Rose for graduation pulling a few of Rose's favorite outfits out, grabbing her slippers that were dirty and the in the form of some animal that looked like it had been hit by a car. I stuffed them inside the suitcase and dropped a pair on shoes as well. My heart stopped and my hand lingered on the tiny outfits that hung at the end of Rose's clothes. We had decided to pick two gender specific outfits to bring to the hospital since we didn't know what the baby was yet. I brushed a tear away quickly grabbing Rose's bag walking out.
The flight was full and the talking never ended. Everyone was strategizing on the best move. Once we arrived I moved silently to my old dorm that I had shared with Rose, the room that I had proposed in a few short months ago. I set my bag on the chair in the living room and walked into the bedroom sitting Rose's bag on the floor next to the wall. I thought about unpacking it but decided I needed to get back to the gym where they had set up.
I attempted to get back into Rose's dreams but she was blocking me. I couldn't figure out what was going on but gave up and focused on the searching.
Another day passed and nothing was found. The little time I spent in my room I stayed on the couch, I couldn't bare to sleep in the bed we had made love in so many times without her. So the little time I did sleep was on the couch. I would sometimes eat when my mom would bring me food before I headed back to the gym after showering. Lissa and I had been taking turns trying to get into Rose's dream without success.
I felt like I was losing it. Spirit wad becoming overwhelming but I refused to return to my old habits. Oksana was attempting to help me control them but no matter how many exercises I did they never truly disappeared and I knew the only way they would was when Rose returned.
I slipped into a chair after telling Lissa I was going to try again. It didn't take me long to slip into her dream. Unlike usual I realized that I was not changing the dream because someone else was in control of it. I stood inside of the cabin that was actually on property at the academy I recognized it quickly knowing this was where Rose had lost her virginity to Dimitri. Just the thought of her with him made me cringe, but what stood before me made my heart drop, my blood boil, and my eyes to bulge.
Dimitri had his arms wrapped around Rose and they were embracing each other kissing. The momentary feeling of sadness disappeared quickly all emotions focusing on anger.
"Get your hands off of her" I hissed walking toward Rose ready to pull her away from the monster that still had his hand on her hip.
"Adrian" Rose called to me, bringing my attention away from Dimitri and gazing to her. The look on her face stopped me in my tracks.
"What is going on here Rose?" I pleaded for her to answer. I could tell there was something not right about this situation. Well I could tell there was a lot wrong with this situation but something in her eyes were off.
"What does it look like we are doing?" Dimitri said smiling at me like he had won. What a fool, if he thought I was going to give up Rose without a fight.
"You shouldn't be here" she said her voice faulting just another clue that something was wrong.
"What the hell is going on? Rose what has he done to you?" I asked wishing she could just talk to me without him here.
"Like Dimitri said what does it look like we are doing, I think it was pretty clear. And he has done nothing to me that I didn't want him to" she said her voice sounding distant and cold. I had never heard her speak to me or anyone else in this manor no matter how mad she was at me. I saw her arm twitch forward before Dimitri grabbed it.
"Rose I promise I am going to find you before he can force you to do anything else. I am so sorry this has happened" I said letting her know no matter what she said I wasn't ever going to give up finding her.
As I spoke her hand that wasn't not being held by Dimitri moved forward to her stomach. She had that twinkle in her eye every time the baby moved.
"How is she? How is our baby?" I asked watching her.
"Our baby is doing great" Dimitri growled pulling Rose closer to him, I flinched seeing him continue to touch her.
"Yes she is" Rose added in conformation.
"Little Dhampir please tell me why you are doing this" I pleaded still not understanding what the purpose of all of this was.
"Because this is what makes me happy. Being with you was nice, it was fun and easy. You gave me something Dimitri never could and I can never thank you enough for that gift but now that I know Dimitri can accept this baby as his own my life feels complete" she said her voice was low but cold and emotionless.
"You are lying. You would never put our baby willingly in danger for anyone not even the love of your life whether it be me or him" I yelled knowing what I spoke was the truth.
"It has always been him, when I would lie in bed with you at night I would think of him. When I felt your arms around me I would picture it was Dimitri pulling my body toward his. When Dr. Olendzki told me I was pregnant I wished that it was with his child not yours. I don't know how else I can tell you that I am grateful that you were able to give me this child but I don't love you." Her words were said to hurt me, but why was she attempting to hurt me what use would it be.
"You never loved me? It was all a lie, some game to try and get over Dimitri?" I asked hoping that the more she said it would give me a clue.
"No I never loved you but you were a good distraction until I could get back to where I belonged" she said her face and eyes blank.
The little control I had over spirit was slipping and I was barely hanging on but as those words came out of her mouth the small thread that held my sanity together at the moment snapped.
"You are just another blood whore, what did you think that if you couldn't have him I was the next best choice. What with my name and money you would have it made" I screamed, all I could see was red and something within me was yelling at me hurt her, hurt her, hurt her.
"Yes, I figured it wouldn't take long for you to propose. The baby threw me for a loop but once I got past the fact that she was part yours I grew to love her. I am tired, you know how I feel so I ask that you leave my dreams alone. I don't get enough sleep as it is I don't need the little that I can to be interrupted by you or to be restless trying to keep you out" she said her eyes lingering on her stomach not bothering to look at me
.
"You won't have to worry about ever seeing me again. My aunt was right you were and never will be good enough for me. Enjoy your life with your dead boyfriend and bastard child" he hissed at her before I started to fade myself out of the dream. The last look on her face let me know I was right that she was purposefully hurting me and because of my lack of control of spirit I had just said the most regrettable words to the only woman I had ever loved.
Before I was out of the dream fully I attempted to get back in. I needed to tell her it was all a lie that she was the love of my life, the only one that I wanted to spend my life with. That I loved our baby more than life itself and she or he was not and would never be a bastard. But my chance was gone the barrier she had put up was now back in place and I was sure she hated me. I was disgusted with myself.
I opened my eyes to see people standing around me clearly realizing I had gotten in they gathered awaiting news. I jumped to my feet and ran. I could not be around anyone, I needed time to process what just happened and why. I made it to the lake before crumbling to the ground. I was losing it. One minute I was sobbing the next I was yelling at God. I wasn't sure how long I sat there but I felt movement coming from behind me. I would normal jump up to guard myself but at this point it would be best for someone to just end it. I was a miserable person and even if we saved Rose she deserved so much more than me.
"Adrian" Lissa called out.
"Go away Lissa" I said not bothering to raise my head from the ground.
"Rose would not be happy if I left you out here by yourself. I don't know what happened completely but anything you said to Rose I know she will not blame you" she said kneeling down next to me.
"I called her a blood whore and said she was never good enough for me. How can she forgive me for that. She is the love of my life the mother of my child and I called her one of the things she has no respect for. Oh my gosh I called our baby a bastard" I sobbed reliving the moment over again. I felt like the look on her face as I said those words would forever be embedded into my head.
"Adrian she loves you no matter what you do or say" she said trying to sooth me with her loving tone, but at this point there was nothing that could help me except Rose and she was gone.
"It would be better if I didn't know she was lying when she said that she didn't love me, that she used me until she could be back with Dimitri but I knew she was lying I could see it in her eyes no matter how hard she tried to hide it from me I could see it and I still said those awful things to her. I don't deserve her. Her and that baby deserve so much more than me" I said jumping to my feet. The look in her eyes passing through my head again but this time there was something else that grabbed my attention.
"Go back to the gym Lissa" I said running toward the woods. Could she have actually been trying to tell me something.