Chapter 15
"Tell me what I need to know," I yelled, finally driving my fist into Roberts face, he's pushed my patience. " What is the key element to changing a Strigoi back." Repeating my questions, for the fifth hour.
Victor Dashkov was a crazy son of a bitch but this guy was nuttier than a squirrel. " We both know you did it so tell me how exactly." Walking around around his slumped over figure.
After finding out Dimitri kidnapped Adrian, I asked Sydney to use her resources to find Robert Doru. Let me tell you that man doesn't make it easy to find him.
But she finally found him, rounding a few guardians the brought him straight to me.
Robert just laughed strapped into a chair, silent as usual. Looking up at he repeated the same line he's been repeating in return since we've captured." Get my brother out and I will tell you." This whole time he has been trying to persuade me to let Victor free for the key of Dimitri's cure. We both know I would never let Victor out of prison so where both at a stalemate. Him strapped to a chair and me still with no answers.
"Why should I let him out, we both know he will come after Lissa again, I refuse to let her get hurt again because of him , nope not have ten minutes to tell me or I'm sending in the big guns, and trust me you do you not want to be interrogated by Zemy." I warned, I was just days away from meeting Dimitri and I needed to prepare before seeing him. Not knowing the way to save him is a the huge problem. No cure, no Dimitri, and when there is no Dimitri..
I didn't really want to think of the after math of the route.
" Get my brother out of prison and I will tell you, though you won't like the answer to the problem." He grinned, making me believe what he tells me is not the answer I want.
"I'm not letting Victor out! What point of he is crazy and will kidnap people, do you not get." I groaned, my head was starting to hurt. Talking to this moron was giving me a headache. Maybe I should let someone else takeover Roberts interrogation.
" I'm starting to think you're the crazy one ." He muttered.
" What did you just say old man! Your brother almost killed Lissa and manipulated people, why would you think I'd let him out and free." Rubbing my throbbing head, why did I have to get a headache now.
" What I want to know is why you want your boyfriend so much when it looks to me like your pregnant with someone else's child." Robert retorted, looking at my belly. Completely ignoring what I just said.
"Stop starting, and it a none of your business, just answer the damn question and stop stalling before so get Jackson to beat it out of you ," I demanded. Robert just stared, when I mean stared I meant it because it was creeping me out . His focus was similar to the way Adrian reads auras at boy was he focuses on me. " Ah, now I get it. Your shadow kissed, and it seems you where blessed with the abilities to produce. Very interesting, why didn't I see this before." He grinned, telling me something I already knew.
"Yeah right old man it's impossible," I scoffed.
Than added.
" If it where possible, what would you know about it," I asked, again not answering his question. Maybe Robert knew more than he was letting on, I have my suspicions about him but I just haven't confirmed it yet.
Robert shrugged. "Coming back from the dead is impossible, but here you are in the flesh."
" We spirit users are quite adaptable when it comes to healing, darkness and other abilities, why not some of the traits pass down to our shadow kissed counterparts ," Confirming my spirit user suspicion. " The rarity of it happening is so low, that to see it actually happen is quite a shock." Not taking his creepy eyes off my stomach. " You carry the most extraordinary and priceless thing in our world, anyone who finds out would kill at the chance to obtain a full blooded dhampir. Who knows that baby could obtain."
Who knows that that baby could obtain. Repeated in my head. Extraordinary, priceless thing. No! Anyone would kill at the chance to obtain a full blooded Dhampir.No! It will never happen! I will kill anyone who comes near my baby.
Placing my hand on my stomach protectively, I felt like I was being dissected by his stare, I felt like I was being violated. " Cut it out would you ! Tell me everything you know, what do you know about shadow kissed and this ability. What does this mean for my baby and I, are we in danger?" I questioned, suddenly scared.
To feel this type of panic was hard to explain, having to look over my shoulders worried about my child and I makes me scared. With Marcus Finch and his Contractor out there with information on Shadow kissed makes me worried they know what I know, or what I don't know. " What could my baby possibly have that anyone would want."
"Can't say I've met anyone in your case, but there was always rumours and old tales in European history of few woman dhampirs producing dhampir men's children. Some countries and villages even celebrate fertility hoping to be blessed with a full dhampir offspring." Robert shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Nodding to Jackson she let him free. " Thank you, know where was I? Ah yes, the stories told the at the offsprings where generally stronger and faster than a normal dhampir. Some described as a close match to a Strigoi. Since than no other reports of the full bloods where to make records, Though to be frank I think the Moroi where scared of them after the war, the ability to have stronger, better kids without out the aid of a Moroi must of pushed them to keep the impossible quiet."
Robert answered, before continuing.
" Forget the stories, what I would be more worried about that and your Strigoi boyfriend is that baby your growing. If word gets out what you have created a pure dhampir baby, someone is bound to use you and that child as a guinea pig. Not even that you would put a bounty on your head from The Strigoi, one word about something faster and stronger would make them want to eliminate the target."
Looking to Guardian Jackson for her opinion, only to find her looking worried. Was she worried for me? Or was she worried about something else?
"You alright?" I asked her. Snapping her attention my way.
Nodding my way, she continued to remain guard by the door. Her and I will be having a chat later.
" Will you please just tell me how to save Dimitri, and don't you say your brother. You know full well that is a suicide mission, the location itself is near impossible to get, let alone obtain."
Than added. "But if you have anything else you would like for the information now would need a good time."
"Even if I told you how to change him back it won't save him." Robert sighed, crossing his leg over the other.
What does that even mean. I thought he knew how to save a Strigoi.
" But.. I-I thought you saved a Strigoi, how does it not work if I try to save him," confused what he means. " how won't if work if you said you saved a strigoi that way? Your not making any sense"
"It's exactly how you said it."
"Guardian Jackson do you get it?."I asked clearly not getting it. She shook her head no.
Shaking his head, and his mumbling on how he is talking to a child, then finally explained. " I did save Strigoi many years ago because there is a difference between you and I, do you know what it is?"
"You're a Moroi and I'm not?"I guessed.
"Close, but not quite right," he joked. " it's because I'm a spirit user. Only a spirit user can change a Strigoi back to its natural form, all it takes is a strong charm and to good enough to get close and stake one."
Causing me to laugh. Not a happy laugh but a 'of course it is and now I'm screwed' one. Just when I think I will come out on top and finally have all the answers something kicks my ass and puts me back to square one.
The only spirit users I knew was Oksana, Lissa, Adrian and now Robert. Not trusting Robert and not wanting to put my friends in danger it was game over for me. As much as I wanted to save my child's father and the man I love I couldn't risk anymore lives by letting Dimitri live. Nor would I be selfish about to send my friend out in danger. Bringing Adrian on a human mission proved me that one.
" Now that you know the answers now, will you let me go home now," he asked. " As much as I love to stay for the entertainment, you took me at a bad timing and now I'm out six grand thanks to your friend for kidnapping me just when I was making something.
Nodding my head I asked guardian Jackson to get Brendan to get ready to take Robert home, once I speak to Abe first. Since I'm in a good mood maybe I'll even give Robert his money back.
Finally getting the answers to my problems, I thanked Robert for his help and history lesson and went to Abe to update him, before going to my room for a quick shower and get a good night sleep.
Speaking to both Abe an Pavel quickly , they thought it would be good to take him home now, then went to give Brendan the okay to leave and went to took a nice long warm shower.
When I got out I threw my towel in the hamper, before getting ready for bed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
"Adrian?" I called out hoping he was here and that I wasn't going crazy. "Thank god your okay, where are you?" I asked looking around at the area he created.
" Little Dhampir,"Adrian called, sounding like he was in pain. Off to the left he was leaned against a tree looking like he got a pretty good beaten." I've got just enough spirit to get to you. Don't come Dimitri and his Strigoi pals having something big planned for you."
"Don't worry about it we have everything planned and ready ," I reassured. " You just save your energy and magic till we can get to you okay." Looking at his wounds I knew he was alright but it didn't make me feel any better, the poor guy deserves better than this and it's all my fault.
"So everything is ready than," He mumbled. " Does that mean you found how to change him back? Man you do work well under pressure."
"Yeah I did," I confirmed, not really wanting to talk about it. The pesky waterworks will come and I didn't have enough energy to hold it back. " but it doesn't matter now, it won't work anyways." I smiled, a small smile feeling the slight ache in my chest.
Sitting beside him, we both looked up at the false stars and sat together in peace. " You know just cause you came to warn me off doesn't mean I won't come for you, because a life without Uncle Adrian just isn't the same." Giving him a grin.
"Don't change the subject Rose, what is going on? Why can't you save him, I thought the at guy brought one back." he asked.
" He did Adrian," I mumbled. " But there is a catch to changing a Strigoi back. Only a charm from a spirit user can change him back."
"Well than I'll charm your stake, I can save enough energy to charm it." Giving me a confused look.
"No Adrian you don't get it, only a spirit user can change a Strigoi back." I explained. " Not a dhampir or a shadow kissed girl, only a spirit user, and I refuse to have you or Lissa step into danger to stake him just to save him. That is foolish and selfish, so forget about it okay." I retorted.
Looking at Adrian before saying. " Don't you worry about me okay, we'll be fine. Everything will be alright. We are also excited to have you back safe and sound." Rubbing my bulging stomach. "Everyone on court must be worried about you too."
"So tell me, besides the cuts and bruises how are they treating you, are they at least feeding you?
Also want to explain on how the hell did you got yourself kidnapped," Eyeing the bite mark on his neck. They must of fed on him when they kidnapped him, there not so fresh anymore. Thinking about the time in Russia, shivering subconsciously I waited for him to answer.
" Well.. about thats see…," Rubbing the back of his neck, looking kind of embarrassed. " She was beautiful..." He trailed off. Of course Dimitri sent a woman, it would explain how he fell for it. I have to admit it was pretty clever of Dimitri to use Adrians womanizing as bait to capture him, even I wouldn't have thought of that first.
Sighing at his hopelessness I was quite disappointed in him. "Of course, now explain to me how exactly you fell for his trap."I scoffed, wanting to know all of the details.
" Well I was getting a bit tired from the day and drive, so I stopped for in for gas and got a slurpie and cigarettes," He rambled, " anyways I was cruising back with a smoke in one hand and I was listening to loud music to keep awake and than suddenly I hit something, or well more like a someone. Seeing that it was a woman I went to investigate and next thing I know it I woke with your boyfriend smiling at me and the woman leaning against the wall."
Groaning at his stupidity I rubbed my forehead, trying to get rid of the headache coming. How the hell did he fall for that.
"Seriously, you fell for that! Didn't your parents teach you it's not safe to exit your car in a dark road," I huffed in annoyance because of his action. He could have gotten himself hurt, or worse dead. Honestly if it wasn't Dimitri who was after him he would either be awakened or worse dead and I would have lost two important people in my life, I'm my child's life. "Especially considering you're a Royal Moroi, what the hell where you thinking, or did you lose your mind." I scolded him, feeling like I scolded a child.
" Trust me Rose, that woman was a complete babe any man would fall for that," Adrian sighed, before looking at me. " Her being a Strigoi caught me by surprise." Looking bummed. Shaking my head at him I was at a loss of words. What the hell did she do to him? Drop him on his noggin. Any man eh, did Dimitri fall for it too? Come on Rose a Strigoi don't feel any feelings they're dead, your just acting jealous.
"Really? And the hitting her with your car and still survived didn't give you a hint that she wasn't human ?" I sarcastically said.
"Damn it Rose it's not funny, though she has taken a liking to your cradle robber, following him like a lost puppy ! Now hurry up before I become someone's snack." He groaned. " I'm starving and I'm need of a shower and a weeks worth of booze."
Starving for blood most likely.
"Not even that the she bitch stole my smokes, like who does that ," he complained before he continued. " Look I know I said to stay away but I now change my mind I want to rescue me from this hell hole before someone eats me."
Rolling my eyes at his change of tune, I suddenly felt the need to drink. Dimitri got himself a Strigoi bitch eh, well not for long because both will die when I see them. " Don't worry yourself your highness, we will be there as soon as your captors give me a call. Look stay safe until than, but until than behave."
"Oh and Adrian," I called, before he ended the spirit dream.
"Yes little Dhampir," he asked.
"Don't do anything stupid until I get there okay, keep quiet about my plans." I said concerned. Worried for his safety, worried Dimitri will do something rash. From the way Adrian talks about that woman, she is someone to keep an eye on when saving Adrian.
Giving him a quick hug goodbye, everything faded and I fell into a blissful sleep, the best sleep I've had in ages.
The next morning I woke with a positive flow of energy. Spending the first half of my day with my guardians, Pave and I have been preparing them until we get the call from Dimitri with more information on the meetings location, time and date.
Watching them go at each other with everything they've got made me confident in there ability to get the job done. Getting to know T.J and Laura these past few months have been amazing. They both where polar opposites, but where great duo partners when working a job together. As I got to know them as individuals, it gave me time to get to know them on a more personal level. They where two solid friends and guardians who I will keep in touch with, especially Laura.
After this I was really doing to miss them, especially talking baby with Laura. During my time here, she has been like a big sister nothing but supportive, and I'm forever greatly she could be here as I'm going through this pregnancy on my own. She was a great friend and I owe her so much for everything.
Sitting with everyone in Abe's office again, after we got washed up after the gym. We where discussing different outcomes and options on rescuing Adrian.
Well not exactly discussing more like yelling. That was until I was cut off during my ranting.
Glancing down to see what was cutting me off my rant, caught me off guard.
UNKNOWN
My phone just buzzed continuously.
Looking up at Abe shocked we both where caught off guard. How weird to call at a time like this, as almost as if he knew we where discussing him.
Letting my phone buzz again, I stared at it like it was going to jump at me.
"You hyping to answer it?" Abe asked.
"Shhh." I shushed him. I needed a minute to think before answering the devil on the other line.
Looking a the screen it was unknown.
Taking another minute to prepare myself before answering the call, I clicked the button to accept it when I felt like I was prepared. Silencing everyone I courageously answered.
"Took you long enough to call me, here I though you duped out and decided to it proceed after all," I joked sarcastically.
Clicking my phone to speaker, everyone gathered around to get a listen in on the call.
"Tsk tsk Roza, why would I back out of our agreement, you know I'm a man of my word," his voice spoke sounding like he is grinning at me through the phone. " Now tell me, did you enjoy that moment with your lover boy as you slept peacefully in your bed," he asked causing my eyes to widen. "That was your parting gift, a last moment with him before you switch places and take his place."
" You're a sick bastard you know that," I spat, shooting up from my seat in Abe's office. " The fact you look like Dimitri is insulting, he is something you will never be and that is a honourable man. You! Why would I waste my breathe on a knock off foreign Strigoi who is not Dimitri."
" Your nothing but a monster, and when this deal is complete I will kill you with my own hands," I Vowed. Causing everyone in the rooms face dropped, looking completely shocked. Hell even Jackson's face dropped shocked at my hostility.
No one, other than Adrian and Guardian Jackson knew about the flaw in the reversal of changing Dimitri back. The fact I said I would kill him and meant it make them all shocked.
Dimitri but laughed, he found my threat funny. Like I was making a joke. 'If this is Dimitri's alter ego, I'm afraid what mine would be if the roles where reversed.'I thought. Cringing at that thought I focused on Dimitri.
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it, from what I've gathered you both seen to have enjoyed it," He baited. I knew Adrian wouldn't tell Dimitri anything, though I do know Dimitri is using guardian tactics to find out.
"Yes I must say we had a splendid time," I said sweetly. " Though I am curious what might you know, care to elaborate Comrade," I grinned, got you asshole. Everyone around me rolled their eyes, the fact I was playing with him was
"You caught me, he's been tight lipped since awakened from his slumber, " he admitted. " It doesn't matter now, in there days everything will be all over."
'Three days, only three days.'
"Three days then, so what time and where will this be taking place," I asked. 'Now I got to work extra to get things in order.'
"Yes Roza, three days, Three days and your mine as we both agreed on."
"Okay now answer my damn question, what time , and where is this deal happening Dimitri?" I asked. Looking up at Abe's silent face.
From what I've gathered he as been reading Dimitri's and I's call to get any idea what he is up to. If he can manage to catch a lie or slip, any indication to help us can give us an advantage. Even Sydney was as focused as he was, leaning forward on the table eyes glued to the phone.
"You really think I don't know how you think Roza, giving you the place right now would only give you time get the layouts," he explained. " but I will you the time and date. The swap will be in three days, this Friday at eleven thirty pm. You will get a coordinates of the location on the day of the meet."
"Fine, but you keep your fangs and hands off of Adrian got it," I warned. Yes I played the fool and gave in instead of digging for more clues on his location or anything, but if I can manage to keep Adrian intact everything will go smoothly. " if you so much as lay a hand on him all deals are off and I will kill you all got it."
"Fine, we have a deal Roza, until then my beautiful for I will be the one to take your last breathe."
Then hung up. "Well that was eventual, who's hungry?" I joked, everyone just stared at me dumbfounded.
"This is not the time to be joking little girl, we are not sending you and my grandchild in a room with him," he argued.
" I agree with Abe, Rose going in there is a suicide mission,"Sydney spoke agreeing with old man. " Not even that we don't even know what he is 't your friend warn you about something there planning?" Yeah Sydney my death, it's hard not to be reminded with death threats and friends being kidnapped.
"What would you like to tell Adrian when he is being drained because of me!" I yelled, rubbing my side as it ached a bit. " This is my fault he is captured, I asked him to help with your mission, I didn't do anything to keep him safe and now he will die if I back out. This is my responsibility and we will proceed and work efficiently so nothing happens to the baby and I."
"Besides, isn't that why I have been training Brendan and Jackson for, to take on Dimitri. The plan is still in effect minus changing him back." I continued, crossing my arms. " Anyone who tries to argue with me will get my foot up there ass, I wouldn't abandon anyone in this room, so I'm why would I abandon Adrian."
"Okay well if we are still going through with the mission, what is the plans then, " Brendan cut in . " If we don't have a clear layout or no surprise attack how are we going to get an advantage."
Abe nodded In agreement. " The boy makes a point."
"I've got that covered, we will split into two teams the main team," Pointing to my two guardians. " and than team two who takes out other Strigoi in the area, any civilians will be taken to safely.
I smiled." What is one thing that will catch a man off guard , something impossible that will make anyone in general freeze when getting the news." I asked.
"A baby." Abe answered, looking at me like he was remembering something. Probably when my mother dropped the bomb on him. " That's how your going to knock him of his feet, now your definitely your mothers kid." I scoffed at his words, Janine Hathaway and I are not even remotely alike.
"That's the plan, the first lesson he taught me when we first met is what we will use against him." I grinned triumphantly. " Don't hesitate."
"With a bomb dropped on him will give us that split second, which is a perfect time to take him out. As much as I would like to finish the job I will have to leave it to them." Pointing at my guardians.
"With Jackson and Brendan by my side when we enter we will do the switch when I move it towards Dimitri I will take over, when he freezes you take him out when I give you the signal" making my hands into the signal when they need to strike. "When you move I will turn around grab Adrian and split, I will send a text signal to Abe to send the back up guardian to finish the other Strigoi, the rest is up to you guys." I ordered to them, than looked to Abe.
Once everything was up to speed on the plan everyone headed for the exit. "Hey Jackson meet me in my room in an hour, I've got something to discuss with you ." I asked.
Nodding her head she followed the rest the guardians out of the room. Leaving the old man, Pavel and I alone.
"Sorry old man, I know your in charge of everything but I know that man like the back of my hand, it's better I take over." I apologized. " This is something I need to finish, I hope you understand."
"Looks like you've got everything handled," he spoke amused and shrugged. " Looks like you don't need your father after all."Kinda looking like he was pouting.
Is he for real ?
Rolling my eyes I gave him hug, " Now, now old man don't you be getting all soft on me, especially now that you're a soon to be grandfather." I joked, as he was shocked, before hugging me in return. The baby fluttered between us. Off to the side even Pavel looks at us like he couldn't believe his eyes, his employer is hugging someone.
"And it seems your grandson agrees from this feeling I'm feeling ." I laughed, stepping back.
Abe sighed happily." An erkek torun, how blissful. Someone to pass my work down too someday."
"First of all like hell will my child be in a mob." I argued. "Second, speak English ! I have no idea what your saying."
Rolling his eyes Abe than says. " Grandson, that's what it means."
" Whatever, now I would like to eat now, the baby and I need food."
" Now I would like to eat now, the baby and I need food
"Rose are you in there ?" Knocked Guardian Jackson.
"Come in," I replied,. " The door is unlocked so walk-in."
Opening the door an locking it behind her,Guardian Jackson instead of sitting down leaned against the wall. " What is it that you need Rose, why have you asked me to see you?"
"Few things actually, also have a seat your off duty you don't need to be on guard by the door." I urged gesturing to the whole half of the empty king sided bed. Waking forward Guardian Jackson sat down awkwardly.
"Relax, I just would like to know what your plans where after court." I asked. " Abe did mention asking you and Guardian Brendan to come to court with me to help me graduate."
"Well I have no idea? I would probably assume I would relocate back to Mr. Mazur," She answered. "Why do you ask?"
"Well… I've been thinking since working with you and Brendan that you could come work with me ? Recently I've been watching you as you train and how dedicated you are to behind a guy Adrian and a mother." I explained. Jackson nodded.
"Well I would like to make a deal with Abe. After I graduating and get promised, I was hoping to put in a request with the Queen for saving her precious documents and finding the traitor for her, to have you guard Lissa with me." I continued. "Abe could also benefit our chances to getting a great position, While having your standard time off and benefits and an education at Leigh as Lissa attends her classes you can also have a chance to see your child more."
She didn't respond.
I wasn't sure if she was speechless or waiting for me to continue speaking, so I continued.
"Abe is providing me a large house way to large for a single mother and child, so I was hoping you would like to come live with me?" Hoping she would agree. The thought of being on my own sounded dreadful. "Besides, my child needs a friend that I can trust." Causing her to laugh.
" Seriously? Why would you want me to move in, don't you have plans with your friends." She rambled getting all shy now. Something I didn't think was possible. Laura Jackson is one of a kind. She was brave, strong, fierce and loyal but I didn't think she was shy?
"Seriously, why wouldn't I? You have been the best help I've ever had with the news of my child, without you I would be lost. You are a loyal and strong woman and Guardian who I adore, someone who I trust guarding my best friend with her life. You have become such a close friend to me I that it feels like I've known you forever, I can't wait for you to meet the gang." I raved, excitedly.
"So what do you say?" I urged.
"Wow! Thank you! This is an amazing offer, would you mind if I thought about it?" She smiled genuinely.
"Of course, I also wanted to ask you about earlier when talking to Robert. I was wondering why you looked so worried when he was talking about old stories about shadow kissed and full blooded dhampirs?"
She didn't respond right away. She looked like she was really thinking on her words. "Well a few things really. When he brought up what would happen if someone found out I felt kinda worried for you and the baby." She explained. "
Also his stories reminded me of my grandmother. When I was younger she used to talk adventure stories about full blooded Dhampirs fighting with the Moroi's against the Strigoi's. Listening to Mr. Doru reminded me of when I was a little girl."
"Really? Would your grandmother happen to be alive by any chance." I asked. " Would she be able to tell me the stories and what else she knows?" Hoping to find out more.
Jackson sighed . " Sorry Rose, when I hit sixteen she went crazy and was taken to a hospital, she passed away a few years ago." Than apologized.
Causing me to groan.
"It's alright, it just would have been great to know more about what is happening to me. Also I'm sorry for your loss."
"Well what ever you are looking for we will find it, just give it time. You have friends who will help you every step of the way."
"Thank you, I just hope my baby will be alright. Knowing I will lose Dimitri is hard, but if I lost the one thing we both shared, one thing that I have left of him…" I cut off trying to hole myself from crying, something I've been holding myself from doing. "I-I don't think I could survive after that.. Laura I need to know everything about my baby, I need to find Marcus Finch and find some of the missing documents, I-I…" Taking a deep breath I needed to get ahold of myself.
Now is not the time to cry, I will cry when this is all forward Jackson hugged me. "W-what are yo.."
"Shh- and let it out, I get it I really do, you need to let it all out Rose." She whispered. " Do that and I will find those answers for and the boy will be just fine,I promise."
And so I did, I let it all out.
I Rose Hathaway cried like a bitch.
God did it ever feel great.