Chapter 16
This morning was the most hectic day I have ever dealt with since Russia. My nerves where shot the moment I opened my eyes this morning, I had awakened before the sun had risen. Continuously preparing for tonight's events the moment I left my room.
Not only did I spill my tea all over myself, I almost tripped over my own two feet. Without Guardian Brendan close by to save my ass I probably would have been in serious pain.
Picking up stakes I began counting the inventory Abe had ordered, while I left my two handy guardians to make sure the other guardians where set for tonight, my job was to make sure we had enough fire power. We needed just enough to get us out safely, not sure how many Strigoi's Dimitri scrounged up I have to be prepared for the worst.
Putting the stake down, I ticked it off my list on the clipboard and moved on.
"Rose, your father has asked you to go into his office, he said he has last minute things for you to go over before we leave tonight." Guardian Shields spoke placing a hand in my shoulder , making me turn quickly to him.
Holding my hand to my erratic bearing in my chest, before saying. " Jesus man, don't sneak up on me."
"Sorry." He mumbled, holding his hands up in surrender. " I called your name a few times but you didn't answer.
"Apology accepted, now what was it you wanted again?"
"Your father wants you in his office, it's important." He answered.
"Alright thank you ." Nodding, Guardian Shields but his farewell and exited the room.
Placing my things down, I go to see that Abe wants.
"You called?" I asked Abe, entering his office.
"Yes a few actually ." He mumbled flicking through files, not looking at me. "Sit down."
Closing the door behind me I go and take a seat. Than waited a few moments for him to speak in silence, but nothing came.
"So… why did you want me here again," I asked. " You look a little busy and I got stuff to do, why don't I come back later." Getting up from my seat.
"Sit your butt down young lady and give me a minute ." He ordered, making me sit back down in my seat. Followed by a ' Ah there is it', while waving the folder he was searching for.
" Alright young lady, now before you go on this suicide mission and put my heir in danger," making me roll my eyes." I would first like to say good luck and make sure to put your protective gear on before you go. My grandson doesn't need a kick to the noggin, the boy is to be a genius. Also stay out of fighting unless you desperately need to," he ordered. " If you have no cover or Guardian to take your place in the fight, I want you to send the bastards to hell. If there is someone available to take your place back off and let them take over."
Making me nod.
" When the mission is over, Pavel and I will be at court waiting for you," he continued. " Unfortunately we still have some issues to resolve that needs to be looked into and can't accompany you guys but will see you in the end."
"Sure thing old man, but what's the real reason you want me here." Giving him a look," I don't buy this meeting as strictly, the business."
"Yes well about that," clearing his throat, pulling a packaged letter out from his suit jacket and handed it to me. " Before you leave I have been asked to give you this directly this time to you." He continued. " She said it may help you on your quest to resolve the heart and cure the four I. Your soul." Pulling the package open and take out the letter and the felt wrapped item.
Placing the letter down I open the cloth to see a few shiny objects. The first one was a beautiful necklace that looked like an heirloom, a golden locket crafting with the most amazing pattern crafted beautifully. Opening the photo was of a child. A boy from what I see. Odd, okay then?
The second item was a beautiful pair of earrings shaped like roses and the other heirloom, was an antiques silver plated ring with the most beautiful ruby I had ever seen. Clasping the necklace around my neck something caught my eye. On the back was marked with a name and something written in a different language.
The name said, 'Grayson.'
"Old man what does this say," I ask, showing him the back of the locket.
"It's Russian for miracle, he answered.
Confused I place the other items on and take a look at the letter to see who sent them to me.
The time is here child.
Don't give hope just yet, fate works in mysterious ways.
The necklace is a photo of Dimka when he was a baby, the necklace is a gift to my great grand child. The pair of earrings where picked out by Victoria and the ring is a family heirloom that is passed down through generations.
Things will not be easy when you least expect it but have hope, for you hold the key to my Dimka's heart and soul.
Welcome to the family.
Babushka,
Yeva.
Well she really knew how to make herself irrelevant, but I got to admit, right now she was probably the only one who could ease my troubled thoughts. She may be a crabby old Russian woman but she wasn't as bad as she portrays. Maybe I should hold on to hope and see how things pan out.
But I do know one thing, after this mission and a month of piece and quiet I will be taking Lissa with me to visit them. Maybe travel around Europe to learn more about the history and legends about my child. Once I become registered as a guardian I will take a short leave of absent when my child arrives.
"Well I've got to admit her freaky witch powers scare me, but right now I feel content knowing someone believes in me." Smiling up at Abe.
Abe chuckled. "Oh I believe in you Rose, it's the thought of you getting hurt that bothers me."
But before I could reply back my ringtone went off.
Of course,Dimitri.
"Dimtri," I spoke directly as I answered the phone. " how nice of you to call, I was beginning to think you where going to back out and leave me hanging." I joked, making Abe roll his eyes.
"And miss a chance to see you Roza, not likely." His sarcastic laugh.
"Real funny, now Dimitri give me the time and address." Rolling my eyes.
"In a rush to see me, I'm touched," he joked. " Grab a pen and paper, you will be here exactly at midnight.
Placing my earpiece in my ear, I signalled the two groups to take on The perimeter and the other building as we deal with Dimitri who has Adrian in the warehouse.
Right now we couldn't afford any surprises in the shadows. So I broke us into three groups, two groups of six and my group of three.
"Alright guys, scan the area in groups. Group A will scout the outer perimeter of the buildings. Group B will scout out the building off two the left while my group deals with Dimitri in the warehouse off two the right of the property." I explained showing them the the map Sydney help set up after Dimitris brief phone call with the location.
"When it's all clear I want Group A to say on look out as Group B come in as back up, are we clear." I asked. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Alright, let's head out."
Getting in our designated areas we began.
Splitting our separate ways, my guardians and I headed to warehouse.
"Well , well if it isn't the little whore who my Master and our captive can't seem to let go of," The woman taunted. " Well no matter now, I will take care of you for them I'll be doing them a favour, just hold still so I can make it quick and clean."
To my left outside of the building was a red headed Strigoi in leather and two male strigoi.
Yep I can see how Adrian fell for that, but god she looks like a walking STD. To bad Strigoi don't get them cause she would be infested by now.
" And you're the walking Std Adrian told me about," I mimicked her taunting . " From what I can see, you look like a desperate dominatrix wannabe, the fact your so desperate to get rid of me for Dimitri and a captive is quite pathetic."
"Burn." Guardian Brendan laughed beside me, which made the woman mad.
Giving us another quick nasty look towards us she walks a few steps forward.
"Seriously your calling me the desperate one, you're here to save your Moroi baby daddy, yet still in love with your mentor." She scoffed. " You're the desperate whore."
Ouch that was a low blow.
" First of all call me a whore again and I'll cut your tongue from your mouth and shove it up your ass, spreading nasty lies is middle school." I warned, taking my stake out of . " Secondly, it's none of your damn business."
"Lastly, you have no idea what I'm capable of bitch so walk away before I send you to hell." Pulling my stake out.
Running at a fast speed at me, I quickly managed to block her punch headed towards my face. Swiping my stake up to block her I tore open forearm with my stake, causing her to hiss. " How's that feel bitch, that's what you get for attacking a pregnant woman, have some respect."
" When I'm done with you, they will both be glad to get rid of you both," Referring to Dimitri and Adrian. " Someone like you can't handle men like them, you and that child is holding them back from something better." Causing me to laugh.
" Hunny spreading your legs don't make you a woman or anything special," I said throwing her backwards. Grabbing a fist full of her fake red hair I whip her around in circles and let her go, watching fly into the dirt.
Over and over we both threw jabs at each other, with my advanced training and her slopping fighting skills I've managed to block anything directed towards my stomach. Both of my guardians where close by ready to take her down when if she stepped the wrong way, but also to keep Strigoi away. "Brendan let the guardians know to move as soon as they clear everything."
"Roger that boss."
Earlier I had asked them to let me deal with her personally, maybe it was jealously on my part but someone needed to kill her and I've got so much darkness I needed to let it go before it starts to effect my child.
Letting myself get a feel I could sense a group of Strigoi behind the door of the warehouse, that's behind her. So that's where they are.
Sounds coming from my right two Strigoi who came with her was stalking my way. Breaking out out in a fight, somehow I ended up with a random Strigoi's with Brendan, while Jackson was fighting the red headed bitch I felt cheated. That was supposed to be my kill.
Outside ended up in chaos. We all ended up trying to fight while not hitting the person fighting behind you. Dodging a fist I pushed the attacker backwards toward the door. Today it seems like god is on my side, because the Strigoi I threw down the door was none other than the woman I wanted to end. With Dimitri behind those doors, it was a perfect way to make an entrance as I bust down his door and kill his whore-matrix.
Getting back up she she wiped the blood from her face and roared as she charged forward like a raging bull. Which is exactly what I wanted , she wasn't thinking properly making her sloppy with rage.
Punching me a few times I swiped my stake up the right of her jaw to her left ear.
I kick the bitch so hard she went tumbling backwards knocking the door down, making an entry to where Dimitri is. Walking towards the woman both Brendan and Jackson finished there Strigoi's and went running forward both pinning her down.
Pulling my stake out I smirk at this woman everyone seems to fancy. "Awe look at you, all sexy with your fake hair and tight leather, when I'm done with you no one will find you attractive," Raking my stake across her face.
Her screams filled my ears as I grinned wickedly, clearly showing me excitement I felt like taking a dip in the dark side.
Pulling my stake up I stake her.
" No!" A voice yelled.
" Hey look!" Adrian spike grinning like a fool. "She looks like Christians creepy aunt now."Making me laugh, yep he definitely got my inspiration.
Both of my guardians stood behind me protectively yet slightly distraught at my masterpiece. After taking out their Strigoi individually they where both a little tired. Letting them get a breather I would give them time to recharge.
"Hello Roza, the troublesome two, coming in and enjoy the party, I assume you where worried for lover boy over there, but as you can see he is alive and well." His Russian voice spoke, as he pointed a tied up Adrian. "Or should I say your child's father, from what I can see." Looking down at my stomach I instinctively placed my hand on it.
" Congratulations to the happy couple." He spoke sarcastically, making me roll my eyes.
"Sorry about your bitch," nodding my head in the dead redheads body than shrugged. " She had it coming though, though I didn't know redheads are your thing."
Wiping the bitches blood off my hands, I take a look around the room before speaking. There was four Strigoi standing behind Dimitri. Three of the four looked young but the one standing behind Dimitri. He looked old. Well not literally, the man was tall and slender but radiated this feeling in me like he was what you call ancient.
"Josie was nothing but a pawn Roza, we all play a part in life," he smirked. " We all are chess pieces in a game to survive, though considering your bearing Adrians child you are in no position to judge."
"Life is a chess game eh," I relied, " Well that would make me a Queen than, because I'm gunna strike every one of you bitches off the board."
"This bitch killed Josie's and your letting her live, let me have a go at her Dimitri." A brunette Strigoi growled at Dimitri, kinda looking like a pudgy biker they portray on tv. So one of 'Josie's' victims, stuck in her web of stds wants to pick a fight with a tiny woman, how manly and charming of him. Beat up the pregnant woman.
" Come near her and I'll take dust your ass." Guardian Brendan challenged moving directly in front of me. Guardian Jackson stepped forward taking her position beside him. We where technically out numbered , but in exactly fifteen minutes another group of four of guardian will be arriving shortly as backup. Which is a perfect advantage and surprise especially with Dimitri and that old Strigoi.
" Dimitri don't do this we made a deal, me for Adrian."
"Rose get out of here." Adrian yelled looking tired and distraught.
Dimitri just laughed.
"We made a deal Dimitri, now let Adrian go now." I repeated. " Considering you have been relentlessly stocking me and my friends , putting my mother in a hospital you would be happy to finally get me in your clutches." I reasoned.
"Settle down boys, we have all the time in the world to fight, but right now I'm curious Roza, it didn't seem to take you long to move on and have that family we dreamed about ." Dimitri chuckled humorously. Oh we got comrade we got it. Only you can't join, and for that I am truly sorry. I failed you, I've daily Yeva and the rest of your family , I've also failed myself and our child. Something I will forever shoulder, for I was a failure.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you comrade, besides as soon as Adrian and my friends leave you will be dead , so why does it matter if you know who my child's father is." I laughed. " Besides, monsters like you don't have feelings so why do you care?"
"Interesting, you were going to break your end of the deal as well. How unfortunate we both had an hidden agenda and lied but now who will come out the victor." He taunted.
" Well that's an easy one Comrade," I replied. " The victor will be me, because I have a tiny person, counting in me to protect him and his uncle," Holding my stomach and looked directly in his eyes I said. "Protecting 'our' child is my number one priority, even if I have to terminate his soulless father."
Dimitri and his Strigoi buddies laughed, excluding the old one who just quietly stared at me intensely, something told me he knew something about my condition. " Don't make me laugh Roza, we both know it's impossible for dhampirs to have children why would you lie. Nothing will change your fate. When your child arrives you will be put to rest."
"Is it." I insisted loudly, making them all stare at me quietly. " Is it really Dimitri Belikov. After coming back from the dead and being shadow kissed to my best friend when there was no way in hell I could have remotely survived that car crash. Do you really think it's impossible for me to do another impossible." Making the wheels in his mind turn.
Dimitri didn't speak, without a human feelings anymore he must really think logically about this.
Shaking his head he laughs looking at his strigoi buddies before saying," Impossible, there is no way I don't believe it."
Adrian interrupted. " She's telling the truth," Dimitri turned to look at him. "The child is made from spirit and her shadow kissed abilities, she is telling you the truth just let her and your child go. You don't have to do this, you may not have a soul but at least use your brain."
"You can't honestly believe these stupid kids." The annoying Strigoi spoke, now getting on my nerves.
"I can prove it, and let me explain." I said to Dimitri.
"How exactly do you plan on proving this?"
"Seriously your gunna listen to this." The Strigoi groaned making me glare.
"Shut it Felix, that woman may be pregnant but she isn't weak. She's capable taking you down so I'd keep your mouth shut." Dimitri warned, the old Strigoi smirked.
Not answering Dimitri's question, I turned to Adrian .
"Hey Adrian do you got enough juice to help a woman out." I asked, causing Adrian to smirk. " I've always got just enough juice you ." Causing me to roll my eyes at his dirty humour. " Right now I need you to compel me."
Trying to prove a point, even if Dimitri is to die tonight I wanted him to at least know before he bites the dust.
Glancing to Dimitri he nods. His buddy rolled his eyes. Oh I'm going to enjoy his death even if I can't perform it.
"This is just a waste of time," the Strigoi mumbled.
"S-she's telling the truth man,"Adrian grunted, in pain. "Even compulsion could confirm that, Rose never wanted anyone but Dimitri." Looking at Dimitri, he than said.
"She may have promised me a chance when I lent her money to find you in Russia but all she wanted was you even when she though you where dead. She seemed alright but you could tell apart of her was never truly there, her heart was with you. You know her well enough that she love you, I knew it the first moment I seen you guys together. But I'll be denied to let anyone call her something she isn't. She is Rose Hathaway god damn it, show her some respect." Making me smile. Awe how sweet! If we make it out I owe him one.
Dimitri was quite for a second. " Interesting, very well than compel her. Let's see who the child really belongs to, Lord Ivashkov who knows maybe it isn't either of ours."
Bastard, I had one make out incident with Jessie when we first met and now he thinks I'm sleeping around when he knows I don't, he'll he knew he took my virginity and says this.
Walking over to Adrian my eyes didn't leave Dimitri and group of Strigoi friends, I crouch down to his level and hug him tightly. " Adrian, I'm so sorry you got stuck in my mess again, don't you worry I'll get you out if it's the last thing I do."
"Well you will just have to make me Uncle Adrian." Grinning at me weakly, clearly exhausted and weak from the lack of blood and food. " Maybe a bottle and a pack of smokes."
"Alright Adrian do what you do best and I give you what you want." I grinned.
Staring into my eyes, his eyes radiating a haze bringing me focused on just him.
"Rose tell me, who is the father of your child. " Adrian asked , compelling me to tell him who the baby's father.
"Dimitri, it's Dimitri's."I answered, sounding like a robot.
"Why do you believe it's Dimitri's." He asked, more compulsions controlling me. Mostly trying to prove a point.
"He's the only one I've ever slept with," I answered. " I believe it's because I'm shadow kissed." Dimitri was just stunned. " A spirit user told me recently, he said it so. He told some history and legends about shadow kissed offspring."
Then he broke the compulsion.
Shaking my head from the haze, I thanked Adrian turned back to Dimitri's.
Quickly regaining his composure he spoke.
" Well if anyone could do the impossible, it definitely would be you." Catching me off guard.
"Though it doesn't matter we made a deal, and I now intended to keep mine, well part of it." Gesturing to his buddies. " Capture her and kill everyone else.
Pulling Adrian up I hand him a knife from my boot. "Release yourself, and stay behind me." I commanded, greeting into a stance.
Both of my Guardian got straight into action as two Strigoi's made there way to them, the mouth Strigoi made his mission to take me on. While Dimitri and the old Strigoi watched me with an intense look.
" I warning you big boy, "Gesturing to his muscles. " You come any closer and I'll show you exactly what your boss man has taught me, I'd got energy and darkness that needs a release. So unless you wanna join your bitch I'd go back to your place as your masters lap dog." I taunted, making him good and mad like his lady friend. These guys where weak and predictable, like a pawn.
Growling like a rapid dog the Strigoi charged. Dashing to my left, I clipped him with a left kick to his back causing him to stumbled forward. Catching himself he turns to me, clearly even more pissed. Killing his prostitute and taunting him gave me satisfaction and glee, because it's making him sloppy.
Going into offence I blocked a few punches in my direction. " Come on is this the best you got." Yelling to Dimitri. " Your grandmother could throw a better punch than this bitch." Causing Dimitri to laugh, and a kick from our son. Looks like our child has taking a liken at the mention of his great babushka.
"You will join her momentarily bitch, as I rip you and your child to pieces." He sneered. " You killed my girlfriend."
" Well sorry to break it to you buddy," I sang sarcastically. " But your 'girlfriend' is a whore, she even told me it herself."
Than added. " I'd say go get yourself checked out but hey at least you can't catch something." I grinned impaling my stake in his right eye. The guy cried out in pain.
Pulling out the stake I than say." Oh darn, I'm sorry my hand slipped, would you like me to help you with that." Stabbing his other one . " Sorry my bad, my hand slipped again." I giggled, as he screamed in pain.
" You bitch." He yelled, swiping me with his claws hitting my left shoulder as he lashed out in blind rage. No pun intended.
Gritting my teeth, I ignore the pain in my shoulder and proceeded to stake the now blind pain in the ass strigoi. Landing backwards on his back dead he finally joined his bitch in hell.
" Rose ! Damn it, you shouldn't be even fighting ." Adrian swore placing his hand near my injury. " What the hell were you thinking."
Pulling my arm away from him hastily and said. " Don't worry it's fine, stay behind me until our back up shows and gets us out of here." Looking up sadly at Dimitri who sat relaxed as his buddy where being slaughtered. His pal was watching intently like they where expecting this.
" Adrian what was this plan they had again,"Now meeting the eyes of the odd Strigoi. The look in his eyes was different from the rest, older and wiser, this Strigoi was ancient like I've gathered . The man smiled, his eyes flickering with amusement.
" No idea, they where strictly ordered not to say anything around me." He explained.
"And what can you tell me about the Strigoi behind Dimitri?"I ask. "
"Him, they called him Dean Abdulov , he is a creepy one Rose." Shivering as he said his name. " Even the cradle robber keeps his distance at times."
There was definitely a feeling coming from him that the others don't possess, this Strigoi may look small but he was old and powerful.
Stepping a few steps forward, I felt compelled to move closer to him. Both of my guardians just finished killing there Strigoi as I walked passed them. Both yelling at me.
Not bothering to glance at anyone to break eye contact with the stranger I still kept my distance.
"Who are are you!" I questioned, pointing my stake in his direction. " I can sense the the power and age you possess making you an old Strigoi."
He smiled. Dimitri looked confused, probably cause I picked up that tidbit of information. No one spoke, the whole room was looking at me confused.
Ever since I've arrived here there was something about him, bits and pieces of things where clicking I'm my mind that wouldn't rest until I find out.
" Usually I wouldn't blink an eye and go in for the kill, but something was bothering me a few moments ago that still bothers me now." I explained, taking a deep breath.
" When mentioning my paternity of my child you didn't blink an eyes as Dimitri and those dead guys laughed. Why? I also would like to know when I was fighting the egotistical bonehead you had this look like it was expected of me to win. Again why?"
"You know something about pure dhampirs don't you? The spirit user that recently told me stories about them, he couldn't verify everything as he never met anyone else who has had a pure dhampir." I continued. " With your age you must have knowledge of what I seek with the life span you've lived."
" How very observant you are," his thick Russian voice spoke. "Smart and beautiful, I can see why he must have loved you when he was dhampir. Those keen abilities
to sense and feel the power of our age compared to a new born, what a mighty gift you possess."
" Living as long as I have I've seen things you can't fathom," he spoke. " Wars and famine from both the human world and the supernatural world. To answer your question, yes I do know about the pure blood dhampirs. Such arrogant creatures they are, almost as bad as the Royal Moroi." He said.
"Hey!" Adrian yelled. " Not all Royals are snobs you know ." Causing me to roll my eyes.
"Rose we have to hurry this up back up will be here momentarily." Jackson spoke, as her and Brendan observantly made there way to me watching them carefully.
" What happened to them ? Did the Moroi wipe them out ? Or was it the Strigoi ?" I question. If anyone can answer her can, I may not trust him but anything could potentially help me in the future, especially if the Moroi got wind of this miracle.
" Lets just say when I was your age magic and spirit was more known to the world, when the pure blood dhampirs was said to be warriors of god sent to take out the Strigoi. They where once a war shipped coven of over powered Dhampir, unfortunately things began to change. Both Moroi and Strigoi both felt threatened, so they both with there own agendas terminated them including my younger half sister, who bore a pure dhampir. Her bond mate was my best friend who saved her from a fatal accident." He explained. " When they where terminated, the Moroi went about there lives and placed a law to ban the use of magic so no one could make full bloods. Than spirit was forgotten to the world, till recently."
"Why did they take them out? You said they worshipped them like they where warriors from god ?" I questioned.
" What changed."
"They felt superior, they felt the need to relish the high life but didn't want to save the supernatural world. They got greedy, the abused there enhanced abilities of a dhampir and caused more problems then any good."
"Why terminate them all then? Why not a different approach." I questioned. this is a lot to take in. Will they kill my child, will the Strigoi kill my child. All it takes is one person to cause a domino effect and everyone will target us .
" Not that I trust you being undead and all, but will someone come for my baby?" I asked.
Dean shrugged. "Things are different from when I was human but I wouldn't trust anyone with that piece of information. Some people might not like the idea of the child you care."
"Thanks for the warming, now is it time for us to be killing each other." I chucked humorously, getting into position to take him on.
" Killing you serves me no purpose or enjoyment, but do let me tell you that if we meet again we are to fight," Dean scoffed. " Also your reinforcement will be crashing in here a moment and even I can't take on a group of guardians, I am old but not foolish. Lovely to bring old memories little Rose, good luck with you child." He bows and takes the back way out.
Leaving me confused.
He just escaped…
"Looks like your cornered Dimitri, stand down." Guardian Jackson spoke bringing my attention back to Dimitri."
He just smirks.
Holding his hands up in surrender, he chuckled like a maniac.
"It's only the beginning." Running directly at us.