This chapter is dedicated to jnjnorris for the wonderful reviews and words of encouragement. You're awesome…Thank you.

Also, thanks to my best friend Marla, who helps me with my writer's block..You're the best! Happy Birthday, Chica!

As always, I own nothing….Richelle Mead does...Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Terri :)

P.S. A special shout out to calivamp, ACRG, and lovetoread456. I loved your emails… :)

CHAPTER 38

ROSE'S POV

I made myself comfortable in the oversized chair on my father's jet. The stewardess had came to over to our seats to make us aware that the pilot was running a little late and that he would be arriving shortly.

I had arranged Ethan a bed on the seat beside me as he quickly fell to sleep. I watched him quietly breathing as his tiny chest would raise and fall softly with each breath. I couldn't help to fight back tears while I watched him so helpless

and unaware of the situation that had just unfolded in our lives. I knew without a doubt that Ethan would miss seeing his daddy when he woke up. It was his and Adrian's morning ritual.

Every morning, Adrian would take Ethan from his crib; change him, dress him for the day, and then feed him his breakfast. But, tomorrow there would be no ritual, all because of me. I really made a mess of things this time.

My thoughts kept running back to Adrian; where he was, what he was doing, and if he was regretting what had been said between us as much as I was.

I wanted to call his cell phone so badly, but he had made me painfully informed of the fact that he didn't want me to call him. Not unless it was an emergency involving the baby. I could only wait and see if he would try to get in touch with me.

The pilot finally arrived. He had made his announcement that we were cleared for take-off and the flight would take roughly 11 1/2 to 12 hours to Novosibirsk, Russia. Then we would have to drive to Baia from that point.

I would never admit it out loud. But, I was glad that my dad had insisted that Pavel come along with us. I felt safer with him here. I knew from experience that the drive to Baia was a dangerous one, especially at night.

I leaned back; reclining my seat, closed my eyes, and let myself fall into a peaceful slumber, or as peaceful as my mind would allow me.

My nap didn't last long, for I was woken by a ringing cell phone.

"YEAH!" I answered in my most annoyed tone.

"Don't give me that attitude, Rosemarie Hathaway. Where the hell are you? I went to the apartment and there was no answer. What's going on?" Lissa demanded.

I reached out through our bond and I felt so many emotions rolling through her. She was really troubled about something, but she was blocking me so I couldn't read into her thoughts.

It was unlike Lissa to hide things from me, especially since all that has happened recently.

"I am sorry Liss. I got so wrapped up in my fight with Adrian that I forgot to tell you good-bye."

"You got in a fight with Adr…WAIT! What do you mean good-bye? Where are you going?"

I blew out a slow breath. "Ethan and I are on our way to Baia to visit Dimitri's family."

"Right now?" Lissa was shocked.

"Yes, Liss. We are on my dad's plane. It took off about 40 minutes ago and we should probably arrive in Russia around 4:00 tomorrow afternoon."

"How long are you staying? Why did you leave so suddenly?" I could hear the concern in her voice.

"It's fine, Liss. Really. I decided to leave after Adrian and I had a huge fight over something I said. As always, I speak before I think things through and he left the apartment pissed off more than ever. I've never seen him so

angry before. It was like he became a completely different person. I figured if I left for the visit now, that it would give us both a chance to calm down."

I had the oddest sensation come over me as I unconsciously reached into Lissa's thoughts. It was like I had hit a black wall.

"What are you hiding from me, Vasilisa Dragomir?" I demanded an answer from her and she knew it from my tone.

"What? Nothing…I have to go. Please call me when you get settled at the Belikovs'." She had hung up the phone before I had a chance to respond to her request.

I sat there completely stumped. I knew that she was hiding something from me. But, why?

ADRIAN'S POV

What the fuck was I thinking? Oh, that's right! I wasn't! Damn it Adrian! I cursed myself the whole time I was running home to our apartment. I was going to beg and plead for Rose to forgive me. Of course, I was hurt by

some of the things she had said to me. But, there was no excuse for the way I had acted at that club, and more importantly, with Rose. I knew without a doubt, that whenever she found out about the girl from last night, Rose would leave me.

Ashley had sworn to me that nothing had happened between us, nothing more than a kiss. But, that would still be enough for Rose to kill me. It was inexcusable, the intent to cheat was there or I wouldn't have

went to Ashley's apartment with her. I had to accept full responsible for my actions, whether anything serious happened between us or not. I would go ballistic if Rose kissed another man. I was a complete hypocrite.

Please God, be with me on this one. Christ, I can't lose my family, with everything we've been through, not over something like this.

I walked through the door with bated breath. I was in a flux of emotions as I walked into the house to find it empty. I knew I was about to lose everything that I valued most in this world. Rose and Ethan.

"Rose?" I yelled through the apartment while I searched every room. I made my way into the kitchen to find a letter Rose had left for me on the counter. My heart pounded in my chest as I started to read the contents of the note.

Dear Adrian,

I didn't want to burden you with a phone call, since technically there was no emergency involving Ethan. I didn't want to upset you any further by ignoring your request to not be bothered.

But, I wanted to make you aware of the fact that we have left for Russia. My dad had arranged for Ethan, Pavel, and myself to leave on his jet. We will be gone for a couple weeks.

I am quite sure that Ethan will miss you. I know I will. I miss you already and I haven't even left yet. I am so sorry, Adrian. I would never intentionally hurt you. I love you!

I hope you can forgive me. I will have my cell phone with me at all times, if you should want to contact me.

All my love,

Your Little Dhampir

I took a seat on our couch, leaning my head back while bringing my hands to cover my face. How am I going to make this right? I had to find Abe and see if he would help me find Rose.

I knew that the Belikov family lived in Siberia, but I had forgotten in what part. I had to go to her and apologize for…everything. I had to convince her to come home with me.

"Let me in Adrian…NOW!" I heard Lissa yell while she was banging on my door like she was the damn police.

I flung open the door. "What the hell is your problem cousin? I have a fucking hangover. Can't you speak in a normal tone and knock like a normal person?"

"Oh, really…a hangover? Well Cousin, that will be the least of your problems when Rose and I are through with your sorry ass."

"What are you bitching about Lissa? I don't have time for you or this shit." I said as I left the door open; turning my back on her, and walked back into my living room. Of course, she would follow me.

"I know all about last night asshole. How could you do that to Rose and Ethan? I am going to give you one chance to set it straight Adrian. One! If you don't tell Rose the truth, every detail….then I will."

"You would love that, wouldn't you?….You're such a self-righteous, pompous snob. You do know that, right? You've always been jealous of me and Rose. You've never wanted her to be with me. Admit it."

"What is your problem Adrian? Jealous? Are you crazy? On second thought, don't answer that! I was glad that you and Rose had each other, but you really screwed up. How could you do something like that? And with Ashley Conta?

She has a big mouth. Were you deliberately trying to get caught? Did you want Rose to find out and leave you? Help me understand Adrian…..I don't want to see either one of you hurt. What about the baby? Did you even think of him?

Rose is going to be devastated beyond belief when she finds out about this. You two were to be married in 6 weeks…..6 weeks Adrian. What were you thinking?"

It was like a flash flood of emotions submerged my body. "I don't know Lissa. I've been changing…something is different about me. I don't…"

Lissa sat on the couch beside me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "What do you mean that you have been changing? Changing how?"

My voice was rough from all the alcohol I had consumed last night. I felt horrible as I tried to explain everything to her. "It started about 2 weeks ago, ever since I got out of the hospital. I've started to notice that things were different about me.

My senses were more acute; my eyesight, sense of hearing, differences in tastes, and mostly the sense of touch, especially Rose's touch. Everything has been heightened; my strength, and strangely enough my desire for blood, more specifically, Rose's blood."

I heard the alarm in Lissa's voice. "Do you want to harm Rose?"

"No, I can control that urge. But, what does concern me the most is this uncontrollable anger that will coarse through me without any notice. I hate the way it feels. It feels like this dark rage consumes all my logical reasoning. And once it starts,

I can't control it. It is like nothing can bring me out of the state of rage I am in."

Lissa's hand flew over her mouth. "Oh my God Adrian! You are describing the darkness exactly the same way Rose had tried to explain it to me."

I was confused. "Darkness? What kind of darkness are you talking about?"

"You're rage. It sounds just like the anger effects from being shadow-kissed. The darkness that Rose absorbs from me when I get angry. Was Rose angry when you two had your argument yesterday?"

I shook my head as I thought about it. "Actually, she was quite calm for most of the conversation. But, when she did start to become upset with me, my temper flared even more."

"Adrian, I think when you were on the brink of death and you had to drank Rose's blood, it may have affected you. You must have taken some of her shadow-kissed effects from her. Do you feel connected to her thoughts or mine?"

I looked into to Lissa's eyes, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. "No, I can't. I am not aware of anything like that, not yet. But, what about the changes in my strength and senses?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Unless, the Strigoi blood that Tatiana forced into your body is affecting you in an entirely different way. I mean differently than it would affect an average Moroi.

Instead of turning into a Strigoi, you're turning into something else. Maybe you're a different breed of vampire now."

"Because I am a Spirit User?" My mind was spinning of what could possibly be happening to me.

"I don't know Adrian. But, it sounds reasonable to me."

I took a deep breath, exhaling it slowly. " Cousin? I know I have no right to ask you this, but please help me find Rose. I know she went to visit Dimitri's family in Siberia, but I can't remember what town they lived in."

Lissa walked to the door and opened it. I knew I was asking for too much from her. But, then she turned to me and said only one word. "Baia." She said while closing the door shut behind her.

I needed to use one of the royal jets and I feared to call the one man who probably wanted to crack my skull at this point….Abe.

Once again, I was having a strange sense of Deja Vu. I picked up the phone; dialed the number, knowing I had nothing to lose, only my dignity.

ROSE'S POV

Our plane had landed and Pavel was now driving us to the small town of Baia. I sat in the backseat with Ethan while watching the beautiful scenery pass us by from the back window.

I let out a laugh as I thought of all the times I had teased Dimitri about Siberia being a total wasteland. I never had a chance to tell him how beautiful I really thought it was.

"Are you okay Rose?" Pavel had ask, glancing into the rearview mirror.

"Yeah, I am fine. I was just thinking of something funny... Are you doing okay with the drive? Are you tired? If so, I can drive if you want."

Pavel snorted, actually snorted. "I don't think so. I am quite capable of handling all the driving. Besides, we are only about 20 minutes away."

"Whatever."….He's such a smart-ass!

My heart started to race, and palms became sweaty at the thought of seeing Dimitri's family again. I was so nervous, but excited for them to meet Ethan.

The twenty minute drive seemed to have passed in a blink of an eye as we pulled in front the familiar house.

I cradled a sleeping Ethan in my arms as I took in the sight of Dimitri's childhood home. I felt the all too familiar ache start in my chest.

My attention was diverted to the opening of the front door and hearing Viktoria squeal at the sight of two of us.

"Syestra." (sister)

I felt the smile spread across my face as I took in the sight of everyone coming out to greet us.

"Privet, Syestra. Ya tak silno skuchal pa tibe." (Hello sister. I missed you so much.)

Viktoria smiled and pulled us into a tight squeeze.

"Take it easy, Aunt Vik. You may crush your nephew."

Olena had made her way off of the porch and walked over to greet us.

"Roza, I am so glad you're here. I've missed you."

The sound of hearing Dimitri's old name for me almost broke my heart, while choking back tears I spoke.

"I've missed you too! So much! Would you like to meet your grandson?"

The tears were gently streaming down Olena's cheeks as I placed Ethan into her waiting arms. I couldn't help to start crying myself while I watched her cradle her deceased son's only child.

"Ti takaya krasivaya. Angel moy. (You are so beautiful. My angel). You look so much like my Dimka, vy otets." (your father). She laid a gentle kiss on his soft forehead.

Viktoria, Karolina, Sonya, Paul, Zoya, and Yeva gathered around me and Olena to get a better view of Ethan.

"He is going to be totally spoiled before we leave from Russia, isn't he?"

Everyone started laughing. I gave them all a stern look. "I can take that as a yes."

"Yes." They had all answered in unison.

"Come on Roza. Let's take this beautiful baby boy in the house and get you something to eat." Olena said while keeping a firm grip on Ethan.

I highly doubt if I will get to hold my son again within the next two weeks. And I didn't care, I was so happy to be here with them again.

ADRIAN'S POV

Before I even had a chance to speak, I was immediately assaulted with accusations. "What the hell did you do to my little girl, Ivashkov? What did I say would happen to you if you hurt her? Do you like having two working legs and arms, boy? If so,

your ass better get explaining everything to me, right now." Abe was seriously beyond pissed off, and who could blame him.

"What can I say Abe…I fucked up. I am sorry."

"Don't be sorry to me boy. You better be sorry to her. I am not playing with you Adrian. You were screwing around on my Rosemarie and in a public place. What the hell were you thinking? I've seen what you have sacrificed for my daughter and grandson.

Why would you be so stupid? It doesn't make any sense. I need you to explain to me what had happened between you and Rose, starting from the beginning."

I had carefully explained everything that has been happening to me; the changes, my anger, and the reason for the fight with Rose, and the conclusions that Lissa and I had come to about my possible condition.

I also went into the details of last night with Ashley Conta.

I heard Abe take a deep breath. If I had to guess, I would say he was trying to calm himself down before he spoke any words to me.

I doubt if he would regret saying any of them, he would probably only regret them if they weren't harsh enough.

"Adrian, let me get this straight. You think you're becoming something different."

What the fuck! I am telling him I was unfaithful to his daughter and he's worried about me changing? Hell with it, if that's what he wants to discuss, so be it.

"Yeah!"

"You won't hurt her will you? Because if you tried to hurt Rose... I would have to kill you myself. You do understand what I am saying to you?" Abe was speaking very frank, not afraid to say it how it was.

"I do and Abe, I don't want to hurt her. I want to make things right between us."

"And let me guess…that is why you called me?"

"Who else could I go to?" I questioned.

"Good question. What do you need my help with? If it doesn't have anything to do with apologizing to my Kiz, you might as well save your breath Ivashkov." Abe had warned.

"It has everything to do with making things right with Rose again. I need to use a Royal jet, so I can go to Baia and apologize to Rose in person. I don't want to do it over the phone."

"What if she doesn't want anything to do with your unworthy ass?"

"I will come back and do as she wishes. If that means staying away from her, then I will respect what she wants."

"And what is it that you want Adrian?"

"I want to bring Rose home and make her my wife in 6 weeks as we had planned."

"Then I suggest you get your pitiful ass on that plane within the next 40 minutes and start kissing up to my daughter."

"Thanks Abe….for everything."

"Adrian, I wasn't joking. If you hurt her….I will kill you."

"Oh! I don't doubt it."

I packed a quick bag, figuring I could buy what I needed when I arrived in Russia. I got to the runaway with only 5 minutes to spare as I boarded the plane. I took my seat, buckled my safety belt, and laid my head against the headrest.

The pilot started his announcement. "Our flight to Novosibirsk, Russia should take roughly 11hours and 33 minutes. Please enjoy your flight."

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter….Please review…You guys were very generous with the last chapter.

Thanks, Terri :)