Dimitri opened his arms to Rose who climbed onto the bed beside him.

"Did you buy this when we went Christmas shopping?" Rose asked, snuggling against her husband.

"Yes," he confessed. "I didn't like the other women trying on pretty things and you missing out. I couldn't ask Alberta to pack it when you had your estrous, so I saved it for tonight."

"Hmm… I like it very much," Rose said, fiddling with the lace while looking at her man coyly.

"Not as much as I do," Dimitri declared, pouncing on Rose and playfully pushing her onto her back. Growling and pretending to nip at his wife, Dimitri peppered her with kisses. Seeing Rose wearing expensive silk and lace, Dimitri decided she should always dress that way. Nothing but the best for his woman.

"You're in a good mood," Rose commented, enjoying this playful side of her husband.

"I'm married to my beautiful mate—what's not to be happy about?!"

"I bet I could make you happier," she replied, nuzzling at Dimitri's neck while suggestively pushing her body against him.

"I bet you could," he agreed, reciprocating before kissing over Rose's décolletage and down to her breasts, mouthing each nipple carefully through the delicate burgundy lace. Her scent, always a natural aphrodisiac to him, was stronger in the valley between her soft, nubile breasts. Different from when he'd first encountered her, the jonquil, cut-grass, tea rose, and musk odors were intermixed with a heavier, more masculine aroma. His scent. A warning to others she was taken—claimed—smelling his own aroma mixed with Rose's pleased Dimitri. It was just one more sign that they belonged together.

"Despite how much I love this set," Dimitri said, gently fingering the lace of her lingerie, "you need to take it off before I tear it off you." Rose grinned. She liked the thought of Dimitri ripping her underwear from her, but this set had no doubt cost a fortune, and she hoped to enjoy it more before it ended up being torn asunder. Reaching behind her to flick the clasp of the bra, Rose made a show of pulling each strap down her shoulders, watching Dimitri as her breasts spilled from their lacey enclosure.

"Better?"

"Much better," he groaned, rubbing himself through the soft cotton of his boxer briefs. "Take the bottoms off, too."

Rose pushed herself backward on the bed, so there was room to lift her hips and peel the filmy panties off. Dimitri grabbed them from her hand, scrunching them in one fist and bringing it to his nose, inhaling deeply. A loud, possessive growl rumbled from his chest. Discarding the underwear to the floor of their bedroom, Dimitri followed Rose up the bed, capturing her lips with his own as he pulled his own briefs off.

"I want you," he groaned between hard almost punishing kisses.

"I want you, too," Rose groaned, writhing beneath Dimitri until she had him where she wanted; between her legs with his cock positioned near her core.

Dimitri could feel the heat from her opening as he closed his eyes, enjoying the unmistakable scent of his mate's arousal. Not their first time as lovers, it would be their first time making love as husband and wife. Whispering words of love and constancy against Rose's lips, Dimitri pushed inside her, groaning at the exquisite feel of her tight wet core. Rose wrapped her arms around Dimitri's neck, grasping his shoulders and pulling him hard against her, relishing the warmth of his body. Despite the miserable, cold, wet night outside, here, in their room, everything was perfect.

A soft sigh escaped Rose as her mate filled her, his pleasure accentuating her own. Despite the relatively short time since Dimitri first claimed Rose, their pair bond was rapidly intensifying. Initially vague feelings and a sixth-sense for the other, now a single look was enough for them to communicate their emotions. In time, Rose was certain they'd be able to communicate without words. Where their bond came into its own, though, was during their lovemaking. Each experiencing the other's pleasure, every move, sound, and utterance taught them what their mate did and didn't enjoy.

For example, the first time Dimitri growled during a tryst, Rose's excitement bombarded him. Similarly, the first time Rose spoke dirty, she'd learned it turned on Dimitri so much he'd nearly cum immediately. This two-way feedback loop had the benefit of making every union better than the last, and tonight was no exception.

Dimitri pulled Rose's hips up, tilting them until he got the perfect position, so the head of his cock rammed into her G-spot with every long, hard stroke. Experiencing Rose's pleasure heightened his own, especially when she started pulling on his hair the way she knew drove him wild. Lips locked together, Dimitri was passionately kissing his wife, trying to show her through every touch how much she meant to him and how much he wanted to pleasure her. Never had their union been this intense, and while Dimitri wasn't particularly vocal about his beliefs, he took it as a sign God was pleased by their union and that they were fated to be mates.

Rose moved beneath Dimitri, clasping her ankles behind his back, relishing the feel of his muscles as they undulated beneath her feet. Everything felt so amazing it was hard to believe anything could surpass this. Except being claimed, of course. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind she felt Dimitri's rhythm falter above her.

"Do you want me to?" he asked, apparently having picked the thought out of her mind.

"Yes," Rose moaned, longing to have her mate's mark on her neck for all to see. She wanted everyone to know Dimitri had claimed her. Now they were married, there was no need to hide it.

"Your wish is my command," he said, returning his lips to Rose's, speeding up between her thighs. He'd first claimed Rose after lovemaking. This time he wanted to claim her right as they reached their zenith together. Her mate moving harder, and faster, Rose was teetering right on the edge of her orgasm, when he groaned loudly, his knot forming. He waited for her sweet pussy to contract once and then he let go, feeling his cock spurt his cum deep within his woman as he bit her neck just behind her ear.

The sharp metallic taste of blood filled his mouth, as euphoria flooded his veins—his and Roza's. Already at their apogee, the act of claiming, and being claimed, pushed them into something more powerful and primal.

'Nothing will ever be able to beat this,' Rose thought, her body shaking with pleasure as her heart exploded with love for her husband.

'I feel the same way,' Dimitri replied wordlessly, the thought appearing in Rose's mind. Her orgasm going on and on, it wasn't until her mate was slumped on top of her that Rose comprehended what had happened.

'I can hear your thoughts,' Rose thought.

"And I yours," Dimitri answered in words, followed by 'and I love it,' in her head.


Five Guardians sat silently on the Belikovas' sofas, watching Yeva as she knitted. After assuring them Rose would not be leaving the room she shared with Dimitri any time soon, they agreed to stay, joining Yeva in the family room as together they waited for the morning. Several times the young men attempted polite conversation, only to be met with monosyllabic answers from Dimitri's babushka. Distinctly unwelcoming, without being outright rude, Yeva did not deign to speak with the young men, frowning when they dared to whisper amongst themselves.

It was a relief when, an hour or so in, Yeva stood and beckoned to one Guardian to follow her, making a pot of zavarka and finding the pyrankis Pavel had brought a few days before. As she'd predicted, Karolina's were much better, so Pavel's store-bought offerings had been put aside. Yeva would never serve them to welcomed visitors, but this bunch of young men was welcome to them. Darva's grandson following her out to the living room carrying the concentrated tea and a pot of boiling water, each added sufficient tea concentrate to their cup, then filled it with hot water, before adding sugar, lemon, honey or jam according to their tastes.

Yeva allowed quiet conversation as the young men drank their tea and consumed the pyrankis. She was impressed when, unbidden, two of the Guardians stood and removed the tray, empty teapots, dirty cups, and plates, taking them through to the kitchen. While it would insult Yeva if they were to wash the dishes, she appreciated them saving her several trips away from the warmth of the fire.

She'd finished the bonnet for Sonya's girl and had moved on to edging a handmade quilt for Dimitri's Roza when there was a sound of movement from upstairs. The living room situated beneath Rose and Dimitri's bedroom, inevitably some noise would carry. While they could not hear anything from the couple themselves, at a quarter to five in the morning a repetitive thumping echoed from upstairs, the light fitting in the living room swinging precariously with every jolt.

Focussing on her stitching, Yeva said nothing. She'd heard similar noises from upstairs twice already before the Guardians arrived. It was to be expected; Dimitri and Rose were newlyweds—of course they'd want to consummate their marriage! Pragmatic about life, love, and the realities of extended families living in close quarters, Yeva was unconcerned by the proof of her grandson's passion. If anything, she was enjoying the discomfort of the young men seated nearby. Embarrassed to be unwitting witnesses to a new husband and wife's desire, Yeva appreciated sitting in silence with his grandmother added to the awkwardness of the situation. Well, it served them right for showing up the night of a couple's wedding!

Nearly half an hour after it began, the rhythm sped up, and they heard a faint feminine moan of pleasure, followed by a masculine roar. After that, the noises ceased.

"I'd settle in for a few more hours," Yeva remarked conversationally to the five young men a little later. "I can't imagine they'll surface before mid-morning!"


"Your Majesty? Guardian Croft wishes to speak with you. He said we have found the Hathaway girl in Russia." Tatiana was already seated in the Royal jet preparing for take-off when a Guardian parted the curtains separating her from the Guardians who were accompanying her, holding out a cell phone.

"Guardian Croft?" she greeted after taking the phone.

"Your Majesty," her chief Guardian greeted. "Fifteen minutes ago, we received a credible tip-off responding to your million-dollar bounty for Rosemarie Hathaway. I'd like your permission to send some Guardians."

"You have my permission. Arrest her and bring her to Court immediately."

"Arrest her? On what grounds?" Croft asked, biting his tongue and waiting for their reigning queen to fabricate some excuse.

"I'm sure you can find something," she replied dismissively.

Hans paused, wondering how to phrase this in a way that Her Majesty would understand. "Novice Hathaway's situation has made her very popular with the public. If she was arrested, I can only imagine how the uninformed might react…" It was a statement and a warning.

Tatiana stared at her great-nephew seated opposite her. They'd planned to travel to St. Vladimir's together to meet with Princess Vasilisa Dragomir and quiz her about her best friend. An ideal match for Adrian, unfortunately, his time studying with the princess had not yielded the connection Tatiana had hoped for. Instead, her playboy nephew had developed an interest in her dhampir best friend. The only saving grace was that the dhampir in question, Rose Hathaway, turned out to be Omega and as such a desirable match.

"Request her attendance at Court as soon as possible and arrange secure transport," Tatiana ordered, giving her great-nephew an encouraging smile. "And I want to know everything that's happened since she left," the Queen ordered, standing to exit the airplane. There'd be no need to visit Montana, now.


Russia. Of all the places in the world, why would Rose be there? With her mother still at Court, it seemed an unlikely destination for Rose to choose alone. Who did she know with a connection to Russia? Closing his eyes, Adrian saw it all play out in his head. Their auras. The way every time he turned around Rose was in his company. If Rose was in Russia, he would put money on it having something to do with the Alpha Belikov.

Back in his apartment, he reached for his phone. Pressing to connect to the St. Vladimir's switchboard, Adrian identified himself and asked to speak to Guardian Petrov.

"Lord Ivashkov," Alberta greeted, sounding mildly surprised. "I thought you'd be on your way here?" As head of the guard at St. Vladimir's, Guardian Petrov was privy to all movements on and off campus.

"There's been a change of plans. It turns out they have located Rose. She's in Russia."

"Russia? Are you sure?" Alberta asked, either genuinely ignorant or doing a credible impersonation of being surprised.

"Aunt Tatiana is sending some local Guardians to fetch her, so I guess we'll soon know," Adrian replied, underscoring the familial connection to Her Majesty. A reminder, he liked to think of it, rather than a threat. "In any case, I wondered whether Guardian Belikov might have some connection to this? He is Russian…"

"As are a quarter of the Guardians who work here," Alberta replied.

"Is that so? Still, I'd feel better if I could speak to him. Is he available?"

"I'm afraid not. Guardian Belikov put in for leave shortly after he started with us. He left a few weeks ago for an extended visit with his family."

"In Russia…" Adrian concluded, understanding where and with whom his little Dhampir was located.

If Belikov had taken an underage student overseas, it could be considered kidnapping! Janine Hathaway knew nothing of the plan, and since Rose was not yet eighteen, they could charge Belikov with the abduction of a minor. A significant charge with a mandatory jail term.

His Aunt had already canceled Rose's enrolment at St. Vladimir's, and the Royal Council had issued a decree that they could not employ an Omega as a Court sanctioned Guardian. Taking away Rose's ability to work for a living paved the way for Rose's future as Mrs. Adrian Ivashkov. If Belikov thought he could hide her or save her from this fate, he was sorely mistaken!

Throwing down two fingers of scotch, despite the early hour, Adrian straightened up his appearance, and used the upper door from his apartment into the palace, setting out in search of his aunt. If there was a connection between Rose's disappearance and Belikov, Her Majesty would want to possess all the facts before they brought the wayward dhampir back to Court.


"Mama? Why is the living room filled with Guardians?" Olena hissed, after dragging her aged mother into the relative privacy of the kitchen. Opening her bedroom door at half-past six, a room of uniformed young men sitting on her sofas had faced Olena. Grateful she was wearing her 'good' dressing gown, Olena wanted answers.

"They're here for Roza—to return her to Court."

"Already? Mr. Mazur said he hoped they'd have a few days, yet?"

Yeva shrugged. She understood the snake's rationale. A bunch of Guardians showing up on a young woman's wedding night to force her back to Court? It was an emotive scene likely to invoke sympathy and anger in those who heard about it. She'd sensed what the serpent had planned, so she'd devoted much of the evening to finishing the fluffy handstitched quilt that would form the basis of her granddaughter-in-law's nest in the future.

"Go upstairs and tell the girls to dress for church before they come down to breakfast," Yeva ordered. Karolina was spoken for, and Viktoria was training to be a Guardian, however, Sonya did not have a partner. Even with a swollen belly, she was a pretty girl. There was no point in wasting an opportunity to show her off to potential suitors.

After warning her daughters to dress, explaining the reason, Olena stepped back into her bedroom selecting her nicest Sunday outfit. Yeva might not care to be hospitable to the young men in their home, however, Olena would do her best, despite the unfortunate circumstances. Briefly considering waking Dimka and Roza, Olena dismissed the idea. She'd let them take their time on their first morning together as man and wife—they deserved that!

"Morning," Vika grumbled, the last to come down and sit at the table. With crumpled clothes and dark circles under her eyes, she did not look happy.

"Morning," Sonya chirped, a contrast in opposites to her moody sister, smiling as she poured tea for the family and the visiting Guardians. "Sleep well?"

"No! I swear those two were at it all night! Every time I got to sleep, they'd start at it again!"

"Viktoria!" Olena admonished, believing matters of the bedroom should remain private, unaware their guests had already overheard a demonstration of her son and daughter-in-law's ardor.

"You try sharing a wall with Romeo and Juliet," Vika grumbled, smacking her hand against the tabletop rhythmically, causing more than one of the Guardians present to blush.

"That's enough," Karolina said with authority, although her eyes were sparkling with mirth.

Encouraged by Karolina, Olena, and Sonya the Guardians made light conversation as the family breakfasted. Paul was fascinated by so many men in uniform in the house, sitting silently beside his mother watching them drink tea and eat blini. It was nine, and the family was waiting to leave for church when there was movement on the stairs. Dimitri stepped out into the living room, perplexed to see a group of Guardians sitting on the sofas. He'd obviously not expected company, as his hair was out, and he was wearing nothing other than a pair of cargo pants that hang almost indecently low on his hips. His bare chest sported several dark purple marks—love bites—and when he moved into the kitchen, those assembled could see distinct scratches on his back. No wonder the house had been shaking last night!

"My wife is still asleep," Dimitri said coldly to the Guardians, the subdued anger in his voice and his sheer physical presence enough to make any man pause. "I assume you're here to take her to Court?"

"That's our orders," the lead Guardian admitted. He had the good grace to appear apologetic.

"They've been here most of the night," Dimitri's babushka explained.

"If you've waited this long, another hour won't kill you," Dimitri said dismissively, putting together a tray to take up to his bride. "Mama? I'm sorry—I don't think we'll be attending church today. Please pass on our apologies to the Priest and explain the circumstances."

"We've only had you back a few days," Olena moaned, tears in her eyes as she bundled her arms around her much larger son. His was a dangerous business, and each time Olena said goodbye she knew there was a possibility it would be the last. With Her Majesty taking an interest in Dimka's mate, there was much to worry about.

"We'll be back soon, Mama," Dimitri promised, hoping he'd be able to keep his word.

Dimitri carried the tray upstairs opening the door to a blessed sight; his wife—his beautiful mate—sprawled naked on their bed. Lips swollen from his kisses, they were curved into a soft smile as his woman slumbered.

'I can feel you staring,' Rose thought, giggling out loud when Dimitri admitted he had been.

'You can't blame a man for admiring perfection.'

"You're tense. What's going on?" Rose asked as she stretched and sat up in bed, pushing her long hair over her shoulders to reveal each perfect breast before taking the breakfast tray from her mate.

"There are Guardians downstairs. They're waiting to take you back to Court."


I've never had to do this before, but I am off on a long holiday so don't want to commit to updates when I am unsure how much writing time I will have. Don't worry - I will be writing since I have hours and hours on a plane - but with unknown internet allowances, time with family etc etc. I don't want to promise anything and fail to deliver. Realistically I will be back in February. I might post between now and then (if I can) but if I do it will be a bonus :)

I thought this was a good spot to 'break' the story, so when I come back we can launch into the next part. Thank you so much for reading - and hey - if you get bored over the holidays, feel free to go back and re-read (and review) on any chapters you've missed. I love hearing your thoughts, so consider it a holiday gift to your devoted writer!

Finally wishing peace, happiness and a wonderful New Years to you and yours. And many thanks for your support and encouragement through 2019 (and the years preceding it).
Cheers!
Swimming
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