Thank you so much for the reviews, I'm glad to hear you are excited about this story :D Hopefully, I don't disappoint. So I am not a medical professional, all the medical stuff is honestly based on what I see on TV.

This starts off with a Dimitri POV and then changes to Rose's.

Enjoy!

Chapter 2

Dimitri POV

I took slow, deep breaths, needing to steady myself.

This couldn't be happening.

I kept thinking that same sentence over and over, hoping that it would become the truth. But as I sat in the passenger seat of the car, driving towards Bethlehem, I was reminded that it wasn't.

My phone ringing had woken me before a loud knocking on my door; instantly awake, picking up my phone as I pulled on my pants to answer the door.

"Belikov," I answered the phone. My mind already running through the many possibilities for why I have been woken. None of them good.

"Dimitri, this is Caleb," the voice on the other end answered. A sense of dread going through me.

The dread turned into panic as I opened the door to reveal a dishevelled Christian.

"What happened?" My throat had become tight, having to force the words out.

"There was a car accident. Rose has been taken to the hospital. We don't know all the details yet, but we are heading there now and will keep you updated."

As I threw together a quick bag of clothes, Christian informed me he had been talking to Lissa when she found out and had already organised a car and someone to drive us to the hospital. Part of me didn't see the point in needing someone else to drive, but from how my hands shook as I packed, I understood it was necessary.

It wasn't a long drive to Bethlehem, but each second I sat here with no new information felt like an eternity. Caleb had made it to the hospital, Lissa remaining at her house for the time being. All they had been told was that Rose was alive and was having tests done. The other guardian in the car, walking away with minor injuries.

When they had told me that she had been sitting on the side that was hit and was unconscious at the scene, my heart almost stopped.

I sent up another silent prayer that she would be okay.

Finally, we were close to the hospital; Christian decided to drop me off and then head to Lissa's house to keep her company. As I exited the car, I promised to call him as soon as I knew anything.

Stepping into the waiting room, I quickly found Caleb and the other guardian with him. I had been around him many times when with Rose, building a friendship. He instantly stood as I approached them.

"Is there anything new?" I asked, struggling to control my voice and emotions. Once I knew she was okay, everything would be fine.

Caleb shook his head, "They haven't updated us in half an hour. They aren't telling us much because we aren't family."

Turning away from them, I marched up to the nurse's desk. The woman was giving me a flirtatious look, but I just stared back impassively. "My girlfriend was in a car accident and was brought in here. Rose Hathaway."

Her face dropped in disappointment before searching for information on the computer. "She is in with Doctor Webber currently."

"Is there any update on her condition? Can I see her?" I was becoming impatient, my control breaking. Forcing myself to breathe and calm down, knowing that falling apart right now would achieve nothing.

"Doctor Webber shouldn't be much longer. I'll let her know that you are here."

Accepting what I could get, I thanked her and returned to the two guardians. "She's still with the doctor," I told Caleb as he looked at me expectantly. Disappoint pulling at his features. I knew he and Rose were close, his own concerns for her showing in the drawn look of his face. I wasn't familiar with the other guardian; he wasn't a Royal Guard. Based on the scratches on his face and wrapping on his wrist, I guessed he was the one that was in the car with Rose.

I wanted to question him about what happened but knew I wouldn't be able to remain calm doing it. So I turned away from him.

Rather than sit I paced the waiting room, which was surprisingly empty, though it was almost noon in the human day.

I had just come off a twelve-hour shift when I received the call. Due to my calls with Rose, I had developed the habit of sleeping almost as soon as I got home so that I could wake up early and spend as long on the phone with her as I could.

It wasn't too long before a female doctor approached us, "For Rose Hathaway?"

"Yes," I replied instantly, Caleb and the other guardian both standing. The three of us easily towering over the doctor.

"Right," Her eyes flicked between each of us before coming to land on mine, "Miss Hathaway was very fortunate. There is no internal bleeding or injuries."

I relaxed slightly, having wound myself up imagining all the worst possible outcomes.

"But, she did sustain a head injury in the crash and is still unconscious."

My breath caught. "Will she be okay?"

"As of right now, I am feeling positive. We won't know more, though, until she wakes up."

"And how long will that take?"

She gave me a sympatric smile, "We don't know. Could be anywhere from hours to days."

Taking another breath to steady myself, I asked, "Can I see her?"

The doctor nodded, gesturing back the way she came. Caleb gave me a nod in encouragement, telling me he would update everyone. With that, I followed Doctor Webber through the hallways to Rose's room.

I tried to mentally prepare myself for what I was about to see, but as soon as my eyes landed on her small form on the bed, it felt like all the air had been knocked out of me.

She looked so fragile and pale. Machines were hooked up to her, the steady beeping of her heartbeat the only sound in the room. Her right side had bandages around her arm running up to her neck, deep bruises peeking out from underneath them. Her head had a bandage on one side, from her forehead down to her jaw—the stain of blood showing on the white material.

"If there is any change or if you have any questions, just press the call button on the wall. I'll be back later to check on her."

I didn't pay much attention to the doctor, making my way to Rose's left side, clasping her hand in mine. I felt like I had to be careful with her as if she could break at any moment. The sight of her in a hospital bed like this reminded me of when she had been shot. A memory I wish I could forget.

Dragging a chair over so I could sit by her, I released a ragged breath. Moisture building up in my eyes, I blinked it back. She will be fine. I kept reminding myself.

Taking her hand in mine again, I kissed her knuckles. "I'm here now, Roza. I need you to wake up, okay. You need to open those beautiful eyes of yours."

I could imagine her peeking at me through one eye before a large grin would spread over her face, and she would make some joke about being in Russia god heaven. But she remained still.

One tear slipped out and down my cheek. "It's okay, Roza. I won't leave your side." I promised, pressing another kiss to her hand.

It has been almost two days since the accident, and Rose still hadn't woken up.

It was taking every shred of control I had to keep myself from demanding an answer from the doctor as to why she was still asleep, why there had been no change.

I never once left her side, talking to her constantly, hoping she was listening, that maybe my voice would lead her back to us. I reminded her that her birthday was tomorrow and that we had a party planned. I even tried threatening to withhold her gift if she didn't wake up right now.

She was only allowed two visitors at a time. Lissa and Christian had both been by each day; their reaction to seeing her on the bed was similar to mine. Abe had arrived late yesterday; Lissa called to inform him, which I was thankful for. I hadn't been able to think about much past Rose.

Abe had taken care of telling Janine; she couldn't change her flight and wouldn't be here until this afternoon, one of Abe's guardians picking her up and bringing her here after her flight gets in.

We had tried to get Rose transferred to the hospital at Court but was told that she shouldn't be moved until she woke up. And because this was a human hospital, it would be difficult for Lissa to come in and heal Rose without bringing up a lot of questions that we weren't sure how to answer.

And so, I sat and waited for some sign that Rose was going to wake soon.

Lifting my hand to turn the page of my book, then returned my hand to Rose's, wrapping my fingers around hers. I was thankful that Christian had thought to bring one of my westerns with them when they visited yesterday. It gave me something to focus on rather than the minutes that passed without any movement from Rose.

Just the steady rise and fall of her chest.

I flicked my eyes over to the door as it opened, Abe entering.

He crossed to stand on her other side, gently stroking her hair. Due to how fast she heals naturally, many of the bruises and minor cuts were fading, though the sight still took my breath away. The long gash on her forehead was red and angry, though no longer bleeding.

"You should take some time to refresh yourself," Abe commented.

I shook my head, having refused such offers from the others as well, "I will stay here until she wakes up."

"I'm not saying you need to leave, but just walk around the hallways to stretch your legs. Maybe eat something. If Rose saw what you were doing to yourself, she wouldn't be too pleased."

I clenched my jaw, knowing he was right. Laying my book on the bed, rubbing my brow with my fingers, I couldn't deny that food and coffee sounded amazing right now. I couldn't even remember the last time I had eaten.

Sensing my resolve breaking, Abe nodded towards the door, "Come on. We'll be back in a couple of minutes."

Slowly I stood from my chair, leaning down to kiss her, "I'll be right back, Roza."

Rose POV

I woke to the sound of beeping.

Constant beeping.

Everything hurt, my head pounding in time with the beeping. It took a couple of tries, but I finally managed to lift my eyelids enough to see around me. The room's brightness was too much, needing to blink multiple times before I could handle the light.

I was surprised to be surrounded by white walls of what I believed was a hospital.

Slowly that surprise turned to confusion.

How the hell did I end up in a hospital?

Trying to ignore the pain in my skull, I focused on what I could remember. I was in Russia. I was with Dimitri-

No. Not Dimitri.

I was with the monster that wore his face.

I had tried to escape, managing to find a window to jump out of. I remember looking back at Dimitri one last time as he squared off against three Strigoi. And then I jumped…

And then nothing.

I gingerly sat up, checking over my body. My right side was pretty beaten up. I must have landed badly. But that didn't explain how I was in a hospital.

I disconnected the wires from me and slowly stood from the bed, taking a second to steady my legs when I put my weight on them.

How long had I been in that bed?

Once I felt capable, I stepped towards the door; it was open enough that I could peek out into the hallway. Glancing around, I was surprised that all the words on the posters and signs were in English. Surely, if this was a hospital in Russia, it should be in Russian.

I was about to venture out when two figures in the hallway made me freeze.

Though his back was to me, there was no denying who it was. I had long since memorised every curve and line of his form.

Dimitri.

I had assumed he wouldn't survive taking on that many Strigoi by himself, but once again, he has proven how powerful he is. Did he bring me here? It didn't make sense for him to bring me to a hospital. I had been prepared for him to kill me if he got his hands on me, but maybe he wasn't done with me yet.

It took me a moment to place the man next to him, but then it clicked. Zmey. His being here was even more confusing. Though a mob boss working with a Strigoi wasn't a complete surprise. He had implied that someone sent him to get me out of Russia. What if that whole time it was Dimitri that was trying to get me to leave? Knowing what would happen if I found him.

What I failed to do.

I couldn't hear what they were saying; Dimitri's back still to me. I watched as Zmey answered his phone; after a couple of words exchanged, they both turned the corner.

I had no idea what was happening, and I didn't give myself time to figure it out. All I knew was that I needed to get away from Dimitri before he returned.

Checking the hallway once more, I slipped out of the room, closing the door after me so no one would look in and see the empty bed. I went the opposite direction to Dimitri and Zmey, thankful that it should be somewhat easy to lose them in a hospital.

Once far enough away, I slipped into an empty room and started pacing. I didn't know where I was, though I was beginning to suspect that we were no longer in Russia. The pain in my head made it difficult to think clearly, but I had to figure out a plan. I needed to get somewhere safe.

I glanced down at myself, grimacing at the hospital gown I wore. The first thing I needed was clothes. And money. Then I can figure out where I am and get the hell away from here.

With a semblance of a plan, I left the room I was in. It didn't take long, following the signs, to find the locker rooms. Luckily, it was empty.

Going from locker to locker, I tried pulling on the doors until one opened. Fortunately for me, it was a woman's locker. I quickly switched the gown for a pair of deep green scrubs, having to roll the pants' cuffs, so they weren't dragging on the ground as I walked. Their shoes were a little big but fit well enough.

I felt bad going through their wallet, but I was desperate, taking the couple of notes they had and shoving them into the pocket of my pants. And lastly, I took their hoodie, grateful for something to cover my face.

I tried a couple of more lockers, finding some others unlocked and taking the cash I could find. By the time I was leaving the room, I had a couple hundred.

The accent of the voice over the intercom was familiar. Leaving me more perplexed as to how exactly Dimitri managed to get me to a hospital in America. And why?

I could only assume that Galina's set-up had tumbled after I helped Dimitri kill her, and he needed to relocate.

"Security to the third floor." The intercom voice called.

I panicked; that was my floor, which means they are actively looking for me now. I slipped into the stairwell; I just had to sneak out through the exit without anyone noticing me. Luckily, changing my clothes helped; in scrubs, they would assume I was an employee heading home.

I didn't let myself pause until I was out in the parking lot of the hospital. I was panting from the exertion; my body did not want to be moving right now. Once I felt that I was far enough away, I hid behind a car by some bushes.

It was still bright out, so Dimitri wouldn't be able to look for me himself, but any humans or Moroi that may be working for him could, so I couldn't stay here long.

At least I now knew where I was, the sign for the hospital within sight, Bethlehem Hospital.

I was in Pennsylvania and close to Court. Closer than I was comfortable with. If this was where Dimitri was setting up business, it could only mean bad news for those at Court.

While Court would be closer and easier to get to, I didn't know anyone there. At least no one that would trust my word completely if I tried to warn them about Strigoi being an hour away. No, I needed to go somewhere safe and with someone who would listen to me.

That left one place—St. Vladimir's.

While flying would be quicker, I had no ID to buy a ticket or board with, so the next option was the bus—a very long bus ride.

I carefully made my way to the main road, constantly checking over my shoulder for anyone that might be following me. It was easier to wave down a ride than I thought it would be, an elderly couple stopping and agreed to drive me to Philadelphia.

I wanted to get as far from the hospital as I could and knowing it would be easier to get a bus from there. I was glad that they didn't look too closely at my face or ask too many questions. Instead, they told me stories of their marriage and how they were celebrating in Philadelphia for the weekend. I had offered to pay them for the lift, but they turned me down.

Once in Philadelphia, I went straight to the bus station and bought tickets to Missoula. It would take two days and a couple of stops, but at least it got me far away from Dimitri. Thankfully the cash I stole would be enough to cover the bus tickets.

I got a lot of weird looks, but no questions. I hadn't taken the chance to look at myself in a mirror and didn't really feel like it. Instead, I rushed to make it to my first bus.

I forced myself to stay awake despite how much my body begged for rest; once I was on the second bus from New York to Chicago, I could sleep.

In New York, I received fewer looks, effortlessly blending in with the crowds. I was grateful that the bus wasn't full, so I had the two seats to myself and quickly fell asleep.

I was woken by a hand shaking my shoulder. I tensed instinctually, prepared to fight.

"Miss, we have arrived," The owner of the hand told me.

I remembered where I was, travelling across the country by bus, which I somehow managed to sleep for almost fifteen hours on. Thanking the man for waking me, I exited and worked my way to my next bus, which luckily wasn't long, transferring me to another bus station for my next leg of the trip.

The sleep had helped, making me more aware and clearing up some of the fog in my mind. I realised that I probably should have just gone to Court, but it was too late to turn back now. Not to mention I had no money left to go back to Pennsylvania. With enough time and money to buy food and water, I boarded my third bus taking me to Minneapolis.

Wide awake now, I tried to work out what I would tell Alberta or anyone else when they asked where I had been and how I knew Dimitri was here. At least I could look forward to seeing Lissa and helping her through the weird situation she has found herself in with Avery. There was something wrong with that girl, and I was going to find out what.

With everything that had happened, I hadn't thought to check on Lissa. I had time now, so I relaxed into my chair, closing my eyes and tried to slip into Lissa's mind.

Only I couldn't.

I tried to feel what Lissa was feeling. Maybe I was being blocked again?

I couldn't feel her. I couldn't feel anything.

The bond was gone.

So for Rose travelling, I tried to get it as realistic as I could without going into too much information. Why doesn't America have to be so big...

Anyway, please let me know what you think :D