Chapter 13
"Hello mama dhampir," A familiar voice flirted out, instantly making me grin. Boy was I ever glad to see him. Parking his ridiculously flashy 1966 Ford Galaxy 500 his dad bought him. Getting out of his car, Adrian makes his way over to hug me tightly. Yes, I definitely missed him alright.
Sydney's eyes widened at the sight of the car, figures she would go nuts over the car at a time like this. What got me startled was that she didn't even bother to acknowledge Adrian's presence. Nope the car was her eye candy this moment.
"And who is this beautiful young lady," Adrian directed his comment to Sydney. "The name is Adrian Ivashkov." Holding his hand out to shake.
Who in return, cringed at him.
Ouch. Talk about a smack to the face. The worse part is even Adrian is caught completely off guard. Poor guy, to finally met someone who wasn't flattered by his charm.
"Anyways,"Narrowing his eyes at Sydney, in a not so Subtle way either.
This is going to be a fun mission, these two are going to give me a headache.
"How is baby Dhampir, from the aura I'd say pretty well," Making me perk at the tidbit of my child. "Definitely can see more now that we're face to face and not in a spirit dream, but man it's aura is bright. Definitely spirit related too." Making Sydney's eyes widen with interest.
"What about spirit, auras and baby," She asked, hoping to find out more about my still to be named baby.
"Not now," I interrupted, shaking my head . "We need to get moving, before it gets too dark out. Or do I have to remind you Strigoi are out after that."
"I know you need all the help you can get, but shouldn't you be behind wards young lady, that's even more of a reason for you to not be out."Adrian chastised, Sounding like Abe.
"I can handle myself thank you,"Not that I should be defending myself, everyone needs to quit suffocating me like I am not capable of taking care of myself. "Besides we got business to do, the main object is for you and Sydney is to be charmed with a disguise with spirit and get in and out quickly as possible." Getting down to our main goal.
"Guardian Brendan and Guardian Taylor will be guarding you, to and back from the building. Inside your on your own, I will be in the van with a few other Guardians posted near by, as I listen through these microphones and watching through the tiny camera installed in Sydney's broach." Pointing to the hideous thing on her coat.
"Wait, wait before we go on, how in the hell did you get your dad to let you in on this plan again?" Adrian questioned, taking a cigarette from his coat pocket, than lighting it up. Of course he'd ask me that.
"For god sakes Rose! Your pregnant." He groaned, blowing the smoke away from me.
"Well... about that…" Thinking back to my talk with the old man.
" Little girl, don't get me wrong it's charming you are like me when I was your age, but we have already moved three times already." Abe sighed clearly frustrated. What ever happened at court must have been really bad. Then again I haven't exactly been the most patient and good daughter either. But sometimes, you just got to say screw it and take action. "Not even that, your five and a half months pregnant, or have you seem to have forgotten."
Rolling my eyes at his bickering. Yes my baby could be at risk, but life is risky and I have a Strigoi baby daddy trying to kill me anyways. Besides I will be technically off the field. Inside a reinforced Van with Guardian Jackson beside me.
"Yes old man, it's hard to remember I have an impossible baby growing in me. None the less the protruding belly, clearly for the world to see."I sarcastically replied.
He jumped up from his desk chair angrily, before yelling at me. "Jesus Rose! I'm not kidding! You are definitely your mothers child, sometimes you two can be so irritating with your recklessness," Sulking back into his seat, he began mumbling a few words in Turkish. Most likely cursing, I tend to bring it out of people.
"But old man, you know I can't bring him in the mission without some kind of back up!" I explained, pacing his office angrily. Sydney, Brendan, Pavel, Jackson silently watching Abe and I argue over my plan.
"He is a Royal Moroi old man and also the queens great-nephew for god sakes, besides its not like I will be in the field, my job is to observe and communicate in the van that's it."
Taking a deep breathe, Abe rubs his face clearly in need of sleep. Maybe a vacation? Probably ready to dump me off in the middle of no where and run.
" And besides, with out this Sydney has no way in to find anything out this top secret shit." I reasoned. " I get you want to protect me, it's quite cute and honestly it means a lot, but I've lived the past eighteen years on my own fighting to survive, I would never put my baby in a position of danger nor will he ever fight alone. My friends are my family, Abe I won't let them go alone."
"Guardian Brendan and Jackson!"Abe called.
"Yea sir." Speaking in unison.
"Jackson go with Rose and go over the plan before leaving," Getting a nod in return. " Brendan, grad Guardian Taylor and a few others to take with you, they will be in Roses vicinity at all times. Also don't forget to pack just enough to get the job done." Grinning widely at the thought of the word 'packing'. Knowing Abe he has a hidden agenda, in my own mission.
"Yes sir."
"Before you guys go, be sure to bring my daughter back into one piece. Also an Alchemist that I don't mind and the queens great nephew, be sure to make sure this goes smoothly, got it."
"Yes sir."
"Splendid."
"Rose,"
"Yes old man," I answered, turning to him before retreating to my room.
"Stay safe."
"Will do, see you later grandpa." I waved teasingly, nodding to Guardian Pavel as I was exiting the room as a see you later. "Hey Guardian Jackson, I have something to do , meet me in the kitchen in an hour."
"Yeah sure, take a nap." She laughed, catching on to my plan.
"Damn, busted." I mumbled, making my way up the stairs. " See you soon. Because this pregnant mama is taking a nap before this mission starts.
"Stop giving me that look," I pouted. " The baby is slowly making me turn into a lazy sleeping bum, I also wouldn't be surprised if I slept through my whole pregnancy honestly."
"Seriously? It was that easy to convince him?" Adrian questioned. "Here I was thinking he would drag you to your room, and lock you away safely until you gave birth. I've met your father a few times at my Aunt Tatiana's place and let me tell you he didn't look like the type of guy you can sway easily" Taking a puff of his cigarette.
"Hey there !That not very nice, and here I thought me being here and risking my life to protect yours was noble, Lord Ivashkov," I joked, missing the good old days with my friends. Don't get me wrong my new guardian friends are solid and the new relationship with the Abe was going okay but wasn't home.
"As much as Abe can try to keep me home, you know full well I wouldn't let you guys go at it alone, just because I'm not in the field doesn't mean I can't help safely. Besides I've missed you as well, why would I miss an opportunity to see you that's just foolish."
Even though Adrian and I didn't work out didn't it mean I didn't think of him any less. Adrian was the type of man who puts on this 'I don't care' persona, the I'm a bad boy Royal Moroi who smokes and drinks. Rebels against his family. Underneath all that he is actually one of the most loyal and trustworthy man I have ever met. He was one of my best-friends. Not a lot of people can see this side of him, if you get a tiny glimpse of it is a feeling you wouldn't understand until you see a whole new Adrian.
Personally if fate had took Dimitri from me, Adrian would have been the man I could see myself with. Maybe that's selfish of me to think of the what if's Nor should I think of him more than a friend, especially after everything I did to him. Ashamed for using his money for for saying yes than run of a few months later.
His future wife is the luckiest, he may be a bit of a fixer upper but he has got a heart of gold.
Personally, Adrian was the diamond in the rough.
Giving me a pointed look, Adrian did not speak, just kept smoking.
" Alright guys! Let's get this started, Sydney you explain the mission to Adrian and the guardians, I will drive to the location ." I bounced excitedly. Finally I can drive now. Dimitri can't stop me now.
Thinking like a madwomen.
"Nice try, get in the passenger seat, road runner,"Sydney ordered, causing me to pout. That's not fair.
"Don't pout Little Dhampir, maybe she will let you drive on the way back." He joked, putting his cigarette out.
Prodding him in his gut, I say, " Oh well, at least I don't have to cram in the back with the guardians." I teased.
I opening the front seat and buckled up cheerfully.
Once everyone got in and secured, Sydney drove to the destination of the headquarters.
"Okay so Guardian's Taylor and Brendan will be escorting Adrian and Sydney until they are in the building, safely. After that it's Adrians job to use spirit to change the appearance of him and Sydney and get the job done." I explained, adjusting the strap as it kept moving weirdly around you stomach.
" I will have Guardian Jackson with me, helping with controls and listening through the earpiece. When you leave you will be escorted back safely the easy you came."
Though if anything should go wrong, my two outpost guardians are to get them to safely ." I ordered, looking at the two guardians my father and Guardian Brendan requested.
"Rose! You know that wasn't the deal," Guardian Brendan called from the back of the van. " You agreed with Abe that you would take two extra guardians for letting you leave the property."
Causing me to roll my eyes. He is such a ass kisser, I swear he is worse than Pavel. On the contrary, Pavel has enough balls to handle my father unlike Brendan. "They will be guarding me. If my friends are in danger and I'm safe in the van, their should be absolutely no reason why they can't do the job of protecting those in danger. Besides Guardian Jackson will be with me, there for no reason for you to argue over something so pointless at a time like this."
Causing Adrian and Sydney to smirk, " Now that's the Rose I know and miss. Breaks me to say this but I've missed the smart mouth and hellion in you Little Dhampir." Causing everyone to laugh.
You have no idea Adrian, so do I. Right now in this moment, I finally felt like myself again.
The drive was dreadful. There was Sydney's rigid driving with a van full of dhampirs and a royal moroi. Also Adrians flirting with Sydney, which was causing her to shoot him mean looks in return. Guardian Brendan fuming beside four guardians, my old man insisted to come.
"Alright guys get into positions, Adrian and Sydney, you two make sure your microphone and earpieces are on and good before leaving. The camera Abe has installed in your broach Sydney, should be all set a ready to go. Good luck."
With everything good to go, they headed for the building.
Once getting close enough, Adrian used some spirit for the disguise. Few panic attacks later from Sydney, they where both prepared for their task of this mission.
Walking through the front doors, they both headed straight for the front desk for the first speed bump. With a bit of compulsion and a bit of Sydney's Alchemist background and sweet talking, they made it passed the first floor. When Sydney and I went over the blue print the other day, it was said the room she needed was on floor three. Room Forty- Six. What ever we find, I hope it was worth all of this trouble.
"Alright Sydney, Adrian can you hear me." I asked.
"Yes" They, answered.
"Alright listen up," Taking the blue prints out. " On your left there is a stairs, go up one floor and proceed down the corridor. Your Alchemist buddies are actually pretty smart if you ask me."
Looking at this maze of a blue print. The whole lay out showed how each levels stair case was not even remotely consistent, each staircase for each floor was randomly build. No doubt made so any intruders who would broke in would be either confused or slowed down long enough to be detained. So who ever has been taking these documents the Queen trusted to the Alchemist must really be good, like Mission Impossible good.
"Okay, we made it safely up now how long do we have until the next shift change Rose?" Sydney whispered.
Pulling the schedule, I scanned the sheet quickly. "You twenty minutes to get in and get out. Let's make this quick." Watching through the tiny camera, I quickly looked to my blue print for their next move. " Alright take a right here and the stairs should be there.
"You know this isn't a bad view, maybe a little skin wouldn't hurt in return." Adrian voice spoke, followed by a smack. Laughing in my seat, while Guardian Jackson shaking her head, I asked if everything was okay and that it was time to get back to work.
"That hurt,"He groaned, shuffling what I would imagine would be files or any hidden clues.
"Keep you hands and eyes to yourself you insufferable, creature of the night," She replied.
"Now cut it out and get back to work."
"Creature of the night eh, how funny that you Alchemists are so stuck up you call is us the creatures and monsters. Last time I checked, you humans are not so innocent either. Hell, you guys can't even stop yourselves from creating wars and spilling blood of your own people, we may not be human but you guys are not any better." He taunted dryly. Defiantly not sounding like the cheerful Adrian I know, these two are giving me a head ache.
"Alright you two, that's it ! Come out mission over! If you two don't stop I'm coming in and personally kicking both of your asses."
Damn these pregnancy hormones. Why now, things where already chaotic.
"For a human your so stuck up it is exasperating, I don't see how Rose could stand a human with attitude issues." Adrian replied back. " Here I thought you would be fun and cool, boy was I wrong." Causing my mouth to drop, tell me I didn't end up in some alternate universe.
'Gosh Rose! How do you put up with this vile man whore of a Royal, he is probably the most obnoxious man I have ever met.' Sydney whispered loudly. Causing me to giggle. These two are the most stubborn people I have ever met. Sydney the most quiet get down to business is acting like a teenager. Whiles Adrian was more free spirited and less proper. Maybe this is a bad ideas. These to have to much sexual tension to be together alone, or maybe it's actually hate. Oh well, now it's to late to change the plan.
"Why thank you, glad to be obnoxious and vile for you babe." Adrian joked. Causing me to roll my eyes. These two are insufferable. " Damn I really need a smoke right now," Adrian groaned. " Or a drink."
"Adrian I swear to god if you manage to pull this off I will buy you what ever you want." Not bothering to tell him I've already thought ahead on bribing him, I was fully stocked of his favourites for risking his life.
"Deal"
"He's not so bad once you get to know him," I answered. " Underneath all that smokes and alcohol he is a real charmer."
"Charmer alright, more like a pain in the rear," Sydney mumbled.
"Umm.. guys, we have a big of a problem." I said suddenly. Causing them to go silent.
Guardian Jackson looked like she was enjoying their spat, before looking at me. "What is it boss." Giving me her full attention.
"I feel Strigoi close by, my guess is four or five. Go let the other Guardians know and to inform Brendan and Taylor."
"Yes boss," She nodded, exiting the van.
"Alright you two grab what you got and let's go, Strigoi are close by and you have just enough time to get out ."
"Shit, Rose ! We have a problem in here ," Sydney whispered. Looking into the camera I could se them huddled in a different dark room, hiding behind the door as two guards walked by the door.
"What do we do now Rose, as much as I appreciate Sydney's intelligence it isn't going to help us take on security."
"Alright guys," I whispered. "Be quick and be silent, move like your life depends on it. Adrian, if they start to resist, compel them with as little spirit as you can possibly use. In case, there is more road blocks or you passing out from exhaustion."
Both agreeing I waited in my seat hoping for the best outcome. Thought they are right , they both don't have the capability to take on security even if they where human.
What was even more concerning was that we couldn't place a guardian as a stand in. Without Sydney's Alchemist background and her intel and Adrians spirit, Sydney wouldn't have been able to complete Abe's task.
Thankfully with my help we can at least solve one of our problems. Well, kinda. Now some how Strigoi are near by and yet another distraction to this mission.
Like was there as sign in the sky saying 'Let's ruin Roses's first mission as the boss'. So help me god, if Dimitri is the reason for this I'm going to kill him. I was so close to finding the littlest tidbit on getting his soul back and he is ruining it all! Sydney agreed to help me find Robert Doru. Besides knowing Spirit was the way to bring Dimitri back, it was the how?
Why are Strigoi here ,why now?
Few moments later Guardian Jackson returned, locking the door behind her. "Everything good out there ?" I asked not taking my eyes off the screen of Adrian and Sydney in the building.
"Yes everything is all secured, a few of the guardian are taking care of it now as we speak." She answered. " But on the bright side at least we don't need to call the Alchemist for a clean up, it's right on there door step." She joked. Her way of keeping me from going insane in this van. She understood the feeling of not being able to go and defend when you are on 'guardian maternity leave'.
"Thank you Guardian Jackson, without you, I wouldn't have been able to keep this all together."
"Don't mention it, the money's great, I get holidays when event and now I also have a new friend." She winked. " And it's Laura, my names Laura. You don't need to keep calling me Jackson."
"Well Laura, stick with me and I will introduce you to a world of new friends. I've got a pyromaniac named Christian, a charmer you have already met, a water using Barbie doll Mia. But be careful she can bite. My protective friend Eddie who is more of my brother. Oh and than there is my best friend Lissa, beautiful, elegant but not the typical Royal Moroi."
"Wow, that sounds lovely," She smiled. "One big happy family."
"As much as I love you gloating about us we need your expertise to get out Rose." Adrian panted tiredly. Dramatic he is, if you ask me. I'm the size of a whale and I can run laps around his spoiled lazy ass. Grinning like a fool I helped them exit this fortress.
After a few rounds of compulsion, sweat and most likely tears coming from Adrians face, they finally made it out. Not long before the alarms of the building went off, most likely coming for our thieving asses.
Moving around the van to get a better view, I watched everyone running in our direction. When they where close enough I turned the van on and strapped my self in. Safely first.
Clicking the unlock button I let everyone got in.
Immediately hitting the gas, launching everyone forward as I sped out of the area before they could stop us. "Sorry guys." I giggled looking in the rear view mirror. "But they are closing in on us so we need to get the hell out of here. Maybe you should hold on, it's going to be a bumpy ride."
The only response I got back was groans and curses in return. Better alive than dead I say.
"So what did you find?" I curiously asked Sydney who was sitting in the back holding her bag tightly. The very bad containing those top secret documents in been hearing about, if only I could get a glimpse of what all the fuss is about.
"Nothing I can say for sure, all I can say for sure is
that if this gets into someones greedy hands, your world will never be the same." Causing me to shiver, at the mention of 'your world.'
Your world will world will never the the same? My world? Or the vampire world?
Shaking her head at me, she was standing her ground. This time I knew she wouldn't spill and details. This time I needed to find out on my own.
This time I will be prepared to find out, I wanna know what is so god damn important to the Queen she had to give this to Alchemists, to split up and hide.
After driving around aimlessly for about an hour, making sure no one was following us. Pulling into the empty parking lot where we met with Adrian earlier, we parked the van to drop him off.
Putting it in park,I turn the van off and get step out.
Not really sure when I when I will personally see him again I wanted to at least say goodbye properly.
"Thank you so much for helping Adrian, even if you almost compromised it a few time," I joked, lightly punched his shoulder before leaning in to hug him.
"You take care okay, and try not to go on anymore dangerous missions till the babies born okay."Adrian said, resting his chin in my shoulder.
"Oh and I owe you this, one second," I request as I run back to open my bag. Pulling out a bottle of his favourite and place it behind me. Handing it to him, he just laughed in return. "Oh baby, you know me so well." Pulling me in for a hug.
"Save me a glass sometime after the baby arrives, I'll drink you under the table." I challenged.
"Your on Little Dhampir," He beamed. " Last time was not exactly the best situation for you."
Last time? What last ti-iii ohhh! Now I remember, he was talking about the time we met at the Ski Resort. He was talking about day in the hot tub. Damn that was really embarrassing.
"Well I didn't know until after, that there was alcohol in them. Alcohol mixed with a hot tub Isn't exactly a great combination together Ivashkov." Defending my honour, I was still the winner of the most shots in one night at , still to this day they all tap out. Making me a queen of actually holding her liquor. Hell I travelled to Russia and drank rocket fuel, I think I can handle a night with Adrian.
"What ever you say mama dhampir, now get going," But not before saying . " Goodbye baby dhampir, take care of your stubborn mother for me would you." The baby fluttered in my stomach as if he was actually agreeing with Adrians request.
Leaning forward, Adrian kissed my forehead for the last time, before I turned around to retreat into this time the passenger side of the van, I said. "Be careful getting back, and visit me in my dreams soon, Uncle Adrian." I teased waving at him as we where pulling around the empty dark parking lot.
"Will do, stay out of trouble."
We watched him unlock his car and turn his car on. Waving as he drove by we went out separate ways.
The only think I could feel as we separated was that something didn't feel right.