Chapter 14

Two day.

Two whole freaking days.

Forty eight long gruesome hours of silence on his end.

That's how it's been since I've seen Adrian, his absence on on his end is silent, all I need to know is that he is okay. Considering his promise was to call me, letting me know he is home safe. I couldn't keep waiting by the phone, something was wrong.

Ending the phone call for what felt like the thousandth time with a frustrated sigh was getting old.

No texts, spirit dreams, phone calls. Nothing. Why wasn't he answering, he never lets his phone go to voicemail when I call. Every since we've met he had always had his phone there and ready.

Come on Adrian.I re-dialled him again. Please pick up, why are you not answering me. Just a hello or a little dhampir, anything ! Ever since we've parted this feeling of dread has lingered , making me shutter at the thought of something happening to him.

Straight to voicemail again. Damn it! Where could he be, he promised he would let me know he is alright. Damn it, I shouldn't have brought him here in the first place. Leaving him the other night felt off, I should have listened end to my instinct and made sure he made it safely. I failed, him I failed at making sure my team was safe, failed at making sure a royal was safe not in danger.

Please be alright. Praying silently. Please be alive Adrian, without you I would never have the courage to take on the world. Underneath that safety blanket of booze, woman and spirit was a solid man who supported me. His selflessness to always put my needs first, even if it's to quest around the world to find Dimitri he never stood in my way. His support was always there, no matter what patiently. No matter where we both are in our lives I was great full for having him in my life.

I will support him as he did for me. If he is hurt out there somewhere, I will do everything to find him.

The thought of him being killed by a strigoi made me want to vomit, I'm praying it was just a flat tire and a dead cell phone. Hell even a trip to the bar and a few days in a motel would make me feel a bit at ease. His phone could have died, I just hope he is okay.

Pacing my room in circles, I silently try to relax my mind before I jump to conclusions for nothing. A lot of stress wasn't also good for me or the baby. Getting worked up for nothing was it necessary.

Breathing in and out a few times to relax my nerves, I would give myself until tomorrow morning before I tell Abe my concerns.

"Rose," Guardian Jackson's voice spoke "Are you in there, this letter came in the mail for you, I thought you would like it?" Guardian Jackson's voice called from the other side of my door, before knocking.

Confused, I moved from my spot to get the letter. Who would send me a letter ? No one besides the Queen, Adrian who is missing in action and Sydney who is currently with guardian Brendan grabbing groceries in town. Which would make no sense to send a letter to me.

Opening the door, I gave Jackson a confused look before taking it. "Who gave you this ?"I asked. Taking it in my hands I inspected it, looking at the letter thoroughly there was no signature or anything familiar about it. Nothing to give me any indentation who sent this to me. Not even a return address to send it back.

"The housekeeper said it was by the gate, she assumed it was front the mail guy or something." She replied with a shrug.

"No one else knows who this is from?" I asked, feeling like something wasn't adding up. " The old man, Pavel, any guardians see someone suspicious?" Where did this letter come from, how the hell did they know where I was?

"No, no idea. Do you think it's another threat, do we need to let Abe know?" Guardian Jackson asked. Shaking my head, it was for the best for now. Unless there was an attack or something high priority , he can wait till later.

"No idea, I'll take a look," I said, glancing down at the letter. " Thank you for delivering it to me. Would you please not tell anyone for now, if it's bad I'll go straight to Abe." Glancing back up at her, tucking the letter in my sweater pocket.

"Yeah, sure. Are you sure you will be okay, do you need me to stick around for a bit." Concerned For my well-being. "Thank you Guardian Jackson, right now I should be going for my daily walk to the garden," I lied, "See you around."

Leaving before she could speak, I exited the house and went the opposite way of the garden, but toward the tiny building in the back.

Glancing around for anyone one watching, I went in quietly. The tiny building was about the size of my gigantic bedroom. Turning the flash light on my cellphone, I quickly found a tiny table lamp and turned it on.

Turning the flash off, I took a look at my surroundings. Painting after painting sat, hung and laid every inch of this room. Ranging from scenery to portraits. Such beautiful masterpieces. Taking a step forward, I looked observed the closest one to my right. Looking around at a few more I realized they all where recent. Who could have painted them. Why haven't I been here before this place is beautiful.

Taking a look around a bit more something caught my eye, there in the left bottom corner was the most tiniest initials I have ever seen. The fact I didn't see the initials until now, goes to show how tiny to ones eyes. There before my eyes was the initials A.M.

"Well I'll be damned," I muttered stunned. " Who knew he really does have a soft side, here I though he was a big bag drug lord or something with a ."

Sitting in his painting chair I than took out the letter. Taking a quick breath of fresh air I open it.

Looking at the bottom for the name I sigh in annoyance. Why do I bother even guessing.

Roza,

Want to play a game.

Here is game one ; a riddle.

What has brown hair Jade eyes, who smokes like a chimney, and drinks like a fish?

"No, god no !" I cried out, holding the letter firmly in my grip. Damn it not Adrian.

Would you like to guess who? That's right Rose.

Right out from underneath you.

Don't you love when you let your guard down, I told you where playing a game.

Below is my number.

You have two hours to call or our precious Lord Ivashkov won't love or see another day.

Oh, and do tell Zemy his last strike was a good one.

Xo

D.B

Fuck I've got to stop jinxing myself, every damn time I say something like how everything is smooth sailing, some intense shit happens and ruins everything. What really gets me going is that this Strigoi is the opposite of the Dimitri I know. Sure the looks and his fighting style is the same, but this Dimitri was different . His later who was sinister, who has an obsession to stalk and torment me.

Also what did Dimitri even mean? The old mans last strike? Did Abe do something against Dimitri. Why the hell didn't I know. Here is another thing I didn't know about.

Deciding not to be in the dark anymore I wanted answers. Answers about this strike against Dimitri, Abe didn't tell me about ? I wanted to to know this document mission that was so important. Why everyone felt the need to keep me in the dark. Yes I was pregnant but I wasn't a child, why feel the need to tiptoe around me. Something wasn't adding up. Every since the day Sydney showed up for the blood work, everyone has been acting weird.

Do I trust my old man and Guardians?Yes I do but when you keep secrets from someone they tend to get hurt in the long run. Once you break that trust it's hard to get it back.

Putting the letter back in my sweater pocket, I angrily turn the light off and leave the art studio. Walking up the backyard with my mind made up, I am confronting him once in for all.

Marching past everyone in my path I headed to Abe's office.

" We need to talk." I said, barging into his office. Abe was focused on his paperwork and Pavel stood guard near by.

Not bothering to glance up, Abe said. " So talk, no need to barge in and yell." Causing me to roll my eyes, I sat down in my usual seat. Lately it seemed I was spending a lot of time in here. " Though I must ask before you talk, did you enjoy the gallery?" He asked. Catching me off guard. Shit.

"Wha..at, how did you… ." I stumbled over my words. Adrian pointed to his wall of surveillance cameras.

Oh. Figures, the man has ways to much time, money and enemies.

Clearing my throat, changing the subject I than said, "So old man, I would like to start with talking about that file, and what exactly was so important that Sydney needs to break into her people's headquarters.," I asked, adjusting my seating position. Ever since I've started to show everything I sit in is uncomfortable. Maybe I should get Abe to order me a comfier chair if I'm going spend time I'm here. Focus Rose! You have a mission right now! Operation get Abe to spill the deeds.

"No little girl, you did your mission now leave the rest to me."

Nodding my head calmly I than replied, " Really than, so I should leave Dimitri to you now?

Well how about you explains this strike you did on Dimitri," I asked, causing him to freeze. Got ya, busted you son of a bitch, now time for me to take action.. " Want to explain what you are doing to my child's father without my knowledge." Raising my eyebrows at him.

I am getting answers if it's the last thing I do.

"Little girl I have no intentions of killing him, though I do mind when he sends out his bloody friends to follow me." Sitting back in his chair, Abe gave me his undivided attention. " What I would like to know is how you know? Sounding Intriguing, on the thought of snitch.

Abe didn't know that it was from the source himself.

Pulling the letter from my sweater pocket I than said, "We've got a problem, Ive been trying to get a hold Adrian for a few days and got this a few hours ago," Feeling dreadful and guilty, Adrian was in the clutches of Dimitri and they where doing gods knows what to him and I couldn't do anything about it. Hell he could be dead and I'm walking into a trap.

"Dimitri seems to always behind one step ahead, again." I added.

"He is what! Hell Rose, if Tatiana caught wind of this she will kill us if we don't get him back alive! What the hell does he want now !" Abe yelled, yanking the note from my hands. Quickly reading the letter a few times, Abe sighed. "And you're here to tell me your going to save him, I assume? Man he knows me to well.

"Knowing Dimitri he wants me, and for me to be the one to come for Adrian, which is why we have Brendan and Jackson to distract him long enough to change him." I explained.

"We also need Sydney to find Robert Doru, he is the only missing link to restoring Dimitri. When we do rescue Adrian I would be a perfect opening to surround and restore him."

I than added. "When I call Dimitri I will request him to put Adrian on the phone. When we do go to Dimitri, I will give expect a time and place from him. When we do, I would like for two teams of six. Once for Strigoi working with Dimitri and one for containing Dimitri long enough to change him back."

Abe didn't say a thing. " You really have been thinking of this a lot haven't you," He asked.

I nodded.

"And if I say no, will you still go after him."

I nodded.

"And if I say you can't go, will you stay."

I shook my head truthfully.

"And if I say Sydney couldn't help you and that she was busy what would you do?

He was testing me.

Abe unfortunately hasn't seen the full extent to my recklessness, it was something he wasn't used to. Unlike , he was never prepared for my reckless nature when I came. For that I felt like a burden. When this was all over I will pay him back any expense, and bid him a farewell.

Damn it Rose, don't cry! Hold it in and get your shit together.

First we will save Dimitri, after I will worry about mine and my child's future. Abe will have to bare with me for a while longer.

Thinking for a moment, I carefully thought of what to say. "Well, I would say I'm disappointed that you haven't figured me out by now. First, I would never leave a friend or family in danger. Secondly, what made you think I wouldn't go rescue him. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm useless. You also know full well he won't give Adrian up without me there, if plans should good he won't even be able to touch me."

Abe remained silent.

"Look dad, I know circumstances have changed," Pointing to my stomach, " But originally I came here to hide out for awhile to figure out a ways to save him. Well, we are running out of time and this is the perfect opportunity. Please old man, after this I will pay you for every expense and never bother you again." I begged.

Sighing at my request, Abe leaned back in his seat before saying. " Pavel, please call some reinforcements, would you ."

Nodding his head, Pavel exited the office.

"Rose,"

"Yes old man," I nonchalantly answered.

"When this is all over, I am sending you to court. You will be provided a home, and when you are done being pregnant. Guardians Brendan and Jackson's will be on active leave to help you graduate." He explained. " Guardian Hans will evaluate you at the end."

"Admit it, I drive you bonkers."I grinned, lightly chuckling. " Look I'm sorry for causing you so much grief, when this is all over you will be free if it. And I meant it I will pay you back for everything."

"That you will young lady," Abe agreed, nonchalantly. " You can pay me back with lot more torun,"Abe grinned. Causing me to suddenly be confused.

Torun? What that hell does that mean?

"What the heck does Tourun mean?" I asked, not clear on the word. " I don't speak gibberish old man, speak english."

"Young lady it's Turkish not gibberish. The word means grandbabies, I expect at least three but six is suitable don't you agree." Causing me to panic. Six! Has he completely lost his mind, I am not having six kids. Honestly who in there right mind would have six kids. Three maybe four max, hell I don't even know if I want anymore after this baby arrives.

"Alright, before I make a really intense phone call with my undead Strigoi lover in about two hours." Placing my feet on the edge of his desk. " Your going to explain to me who Marcus Finch is and why is he stealing documents about Shadow kissed." I demanded.

Abe just smirk. " Now how did you know about Marcus and what's in the documents."

Now it was my turn to smirk. Thinking back to the other day, I had quickly snagged a sheet from what Sydney retrieved . From what I've gathered they where both connected and why? Will I be target because of my baby? And who and why? Now what I want to know is why, and I'm not leaving until I know.

" While Sydney wasn't looking I snagged this," Holding the sheet of paper. " From what I've gathered they are connected and I want to know why. Are my baby and I in any danger? Also I would like to know why the need to hide everything from me, it's quite childish."

"Marcus Finch is a dhampir assassin. Someone recently hired him to steal the documents the Queen gave to the alchemists. She was going over old documents anything related to Spirit, she wanted to know more about the Dragomir princess and her great nephews abilities. She discovered a journals and a few records of people shadow kissed."

"That doesn't explain why someone wants to know about shadow kissed." Still not getting the big picture.

"When she was going over the documents with Gusrdian Hans, someone was listening close by. Who ever was listening is behind the missing documents."

"Okay so how do you find Marcus and the ringleader? And why exactly do they want to know about shadow kiss in the first place."

" That I wouldn't know for sure, but I do know your not remotely out of the clear yet. We don't know if they know about you yet so we need to lay low for now and deal with one thing at a time. When the time comes I will personally deal with Marcus Finch." He said taking a sip of his cup of coffee.

"Old friend?" I joked.

Abe snorted. " Not likely, though he does owe me the so of a bitch."

"So what exactly happened?"

"None of your business, go deal with. The phone call and leave me in peace." Rolling my eyes I leave his room in a huff. He didn't have to be so rude.

Locking the door behind me, I go to my bed and sit down. Mentally preparing myself before I make the phone call. What was I going to say? How would this pan out? Would he let me talk to Adrian? I was scared of the possible outcomes, right now Adrians life is in my hands. Dimitri has the power to the scale any way he pleases, it was my job to get him out alive.

Unlocking my phone I dialled the number.

It rang three times.

" That was a close one Roza," Dimitri taunted. " Three minutes and twenty two seconds before it would have been bye bye to prince Ivashkov" he chuckles. I rolled my eyes.

" Cut the bullshit and cut the games Dimitri put Adrian on the phone right now."Not even bothering with a greeting.

"Worried about your boyfriend Roza, don't worry I've been keeping him company he has been quite an interesting individual. We have quite a similar taste, literally and physically."

Bastard.

"Lay a finger on him, one finger and I'll end you." I threatened. " You wanna play a game, you wanna fight fine I'll fight you, but you let him go. This is between us, it's always been."

"Such an avenging angel, always fighting on the frontlines for those who could care less about you"

Shut up!

"You know full well it's not like that between Lissa and I. Now quit changing the subject I want to talk to Adrian."

"Ouch, Roza that hurts. Not even a few months ago you where chasing me half way around the world and now your with him," He spoke, making 'him' sound foul in his mouth."That was a little quick don't you think."

Causing my jaw to drop. The nerve of the him.

Hearing him laugh, followed by muffed sounds.

"H-hello?"

I sighed with ease, thank god he was alive. Apart of me knew Dimitri wouldn't t kill him but you could never be to careful, especially with an unpredictable Dimitri.

"Adrian it's me." I whispered softly." Are you alright, there not hurting you right. Please be patient I'm coming for you I have a solution , just dream about me until I get you okay, it's only a little longer ." Hoping he will hear the hint for him to visit me in my dreams.

"Rose! Oh thank god, Rose please listen to me, don't come here forget about me." He begged. "I know what they are planning, you need run far away and about me. Please-" suddenly cut off from the phone.

"Happy now he's alive, now we got that out of the ways, let's get to business." Dimitri spoke cutting Adrian off. You could hear his protests in the background. Followed by a slam of a large door in the background.

"No Dimitri! No I am not happy, who the hell do you think you are," I angrily yelled, damn these hormones was fuelling a fire in me. Look out Dimitri I am coming in kicking and screaming, you know damn well I'm the best at games you're in for it. " This game you think is fun is getting quite old now, you wanna fight and get this over, I'll take you on. Just leave Adrian and everyone else I love alone!"

Dimitri just laughed. " Now that's what I like to hear, be mad at me Rose!" He taunted, a slight whisper as he spoke his words. His thick accent making it sound rough. "Fuel that fire In you Roza, fuel with hate and vengeance. When we meet the next time it will be your last day on earth, don't hold back, don't hesitate just give it your all.

You would've been perfect Strigoi by my side. Unfortunately, I've reined the Strigoi itching to taking you on long enough, soon even I won't be able to stop them from finding you."

His words truly made me sad.

How did it come to this, his need for my hatred towards him just to give him the satisfaction of destroying me in the end. The man talking through this phone was the voice of an imposter. He was not the man I loved, he was a heartless monster portraying him, fuelling the need to make me hate the man I loved. Apart of me questioned myself on my feeling for him, had I not been pregnant with his child I don't think I could even hate him them.

How could our love turn into a spiralling vortex of despair? Would their be an end to this madness, will I find Robert before the time runs out. Currently running against time, with lives on the line.

" Why? Why are you doing this to me? Why are you playing games, stalking me, why are you so obsessed with me." I spoke softly as I could, I'm pissed at him don't get me wrong. He kidnapped Adrian and in his vicinity he could lash out and do something horrible.

Adrian is alive, right now that's all that matters.

"What is this goal your trying to achieve with me? So you want me to hate you? Rage with vengeance?" I continued, questioning him. " What the hell are you planning Dimitri? Your going to kill me anyways so why not tell me." Egging him on to spill.

"Well if you want to know so badly why don't you see for yourself?" He asked. " What happened to my reckless student who would fly into the face of danger? Not enough motivation? Or may you've been slumming it down with the royals now Roza." He sighs, than says. " What if I made you a deal. You for lover boy, I will spare his live, I will let him walk out a free man and back to his life. But only for you, what do you say."

First of all, I'm pregnant with your child asshole that's why I'm not always there kicking your ass. I wanted to yell.

What do I do ? Do I take this risky deal. Abe will kill me if I agree. Oh how am I going to explain this to him . "Anytime Roza." Shut up! Your distracting my thoughts. Maybe distract him from this risky deal.

" To answer your question, sometimes you just have to grow up comrade, isn't that what you have been teaching me." I taunted. Damn, I'm going to regret this later. Unless Abe kills me before the regret sets in which is not that great either . " Now where shall we meet, what time and what day, or would you like met set that up for you ." I scoffed, skipping this boring chitchat with someone who isn't Dimitri, the alter ego Strigoi side of him was sadistic and quite a nuisance and a bore. Once I hang up this phone it's time for business. Sydney will find Robert Doru and I will get Adrian and Dimitri back safe, because this constant game was ruining my pregnancy with my child's father trying to kill me.

Dimitri growled, clearly irritated, probably with my behaviour.

If I didn't know it was him I would have mistaken him for an angry dog on the other side of the phone. "One week tomorrow you will receive a location and time, try anything funny and I will kill him Roza. Leave your two sidekicks behind."

" Not likely Dimitri, they will be escorting Adrian out safely or you can kiss this deal and shove it up your ass. You will also keep your end of the bargain with the time comes to meet or the deals sign of breaking the deal I will personally stake your ass to hell, got it."

" You have a deal, give yourself up and I will spare lover boy and everyone you love. Break your deal and I will kill you all painfully, and you will be last so you can watch it all."

"Deal."

Hanging up the phone, I then whipped it against the wall.How? That son of a bitch.

Taking a deep breathe I calm myself.

Breathe Rose, you don't want baby Greyson to come to early. Just breathe. Rubbing my stomach, I skillfully manage to pick up the broken phone pieces. Looks like I will need a new phone now. Thank god for technology and can use the SIM card that survived.

Maybe a quick solution would be great right about now.

Managing to get up from the floor, I go find Abe.

Stopping at his office it was locked, meaning he isn't here. Walking around the house was a waste of time, Abe was not in any room. Where could he be ? Pondering on the thought, I was a perfect time to make myself a pb & j sandwich. Cleaning my mess and cutting it in half I took a bite. When taking the bite the thought came to me, the art studio.

Putting the plate in the sink, I grabbed both slices of my pb & j sandwich and semi waddle- jogged to it's location.

When I arrived at the Abe's studio and knocked.

Pavel opened the door and let me through. Nodding my thanks, I walked by and sat in a vacant seat.

Abe was silently listening to some foreign music, his deep focus on the painting, to the way he produced each stroke of paint on the canvas was elegant and precise, I was quite mesmerizing. Who knew Abe, a frightening powerful man in the Moroi world who had stood against the Queen on multiple disputes when not even a royal, had a different side other than the fearful Zemy.

Even Strigoi Dimitri warned me to stay away from him.

Placing his brush into the water, Abe turned to giving me his full attention.

"We've got him, right where we need him." I grinned.