Chapter 21

My bedroom was my safe haven. Over a week I have been couped up in here numb, scared that if I leave this room, I will have to face the reality. Reality Dimitri is not coming back for us and that someone out there is trying to kill me and take my child.

During the week Jackson and Brendan have been couped up inside as well, taking the odd break thanks to Abe they would have gone insane and bored out of their minds. They have tried Lissa and Adrian outside my door to get me to leave the room, but I just could not bare it. Seeing then give me looks pity or guilt, so they gave up trying to get me to talk even eating was a whole other matter. Losing your appetite pregnant was a stressful thing, because of the pain and depression I have not been really hungry. For the sake of my child, I force myself to eat as much as what they leave by my bedroom door.

Honestly, if they saw me now, I would look pathetic, bags under my eyes as well as my lack of hygiene I looked like I belonged on the street. No offense to them but it was the only thing I could think of when describing my appearance when I sluggishly went to use the bathroom earlier. Looking up at my ceiling all I could think of was how I could get past this heartbreak the wrenching ache in my heart was a reminder of what I had lost.

A knock at my door broke me out of my thoughts, looking to my alarm clock to see what time it had reminded me it was lunch time.

"Hey Rose, it's just me with your lunch, try to eat as much as you can also you have an appointment tomorrow at noon," Jackson said on the other side of the locked door. "Okay, um your mail is also on the tray as well when you want to look at it. Well, call me if you need anything." She spoke retreating from my door.

"Still nothing?" Brendan asked quietly his voice held concern. They have both been at this all week, trying different things to get me out of this room. Surprisingly, they have not kicked my door down yet, even if they did, I would not leave this spot. No matter how frustrated they are I am still the house owner and they have not gotten Abe involved so they are at a stand-off, for now.

"No nothing, I am really getting worried for her and the child. They both need fresh air and proper food I'm worried she won't break out of this depression." She replied. "Should we call Abe for some help maybe he can get through to her?"

"No not yet, he will be the past resort let me call Lord Ivashkov before we make a decision."

Rolling my eyes, I rolled over on my side intended to sleep this day away. Hoping that tomorrow it would not hurt so much.

Again? The closer to my due date the more dreams I have been getting. Night after night the dreams of what could have been having been taunting me in my dreams. The perfect life, the perfect family.

"Mama, why is Lily sad?" The little boy Greyson asked, staring up at me with such innocence and wonder. "She's crying, why won't she stop crying, mama. I don't like her being sad, it makes me sad."

"Well, my love its because she's hungry, babies need their mommies and daddies to feed them until they get big and strong like you." I grinned down at him with the baby in my arms I move closer to him. Staring at his baby sister in awe Greyson was so much like his father it was uncanny. Though he shared more of my feature's he shared his father's brown eyes and personalities and morals. Liliya was a spitting image of Dimitri. Having named Greyson, I let Dimitri choose her name. Our little Lily.

"Can brother's feed the babies too?" Greyson asked shyly. "Maybe even read papa's stories."

"Well of course they can through we may want to wait a little longer before we read her those stories," I grinned. "Would you like to feed her, as mama makes a nice warm coffee for you papa?"

"Oh please! That would be so cool mama." Greyson giggled excitedly.

"Okay before I go make sure you don't drop her and hold the bottle like this." Showing him the proper way.

"Don't worry, I will protect her." Making me smile at my beautiful son. The feeling made my heart skip, this dream was a mirror of how I pictured my reality. I never wanted to leave this blissful dream. Unfortunately, reality comes back, and I repeat the process of my broken heart and a psycho baby-snatching stalker who is threatening to run in my life. Just a little bit longer, a little bit longer I will face the reality I may lose my child. For my baby Greyson, I will fight tooth and nail to make sure it does not happen. Putting my life on the line was something I was used to doing for the ones I loved.

Brewing the coffee, I grabbed the mug I could hear the front door open. "Papa, papa look I am feeding babu Liliya, I am a big boy now." His excited voice lingered in the kitchen. Dimitri spoke back in Russian. When Greyson started to speak, we decided to teach him multiple languages. With Dimitri being Russian and both my parents being Scottish and Turkish we thought ass Gaelic and Turkish in the mix. Greyson may not know a lot but with patience and a brain like his father he is picking it up rather quickly.

"Mhm, something smells great in here," Dimitri mumbled behind me.

Rolling my eyes, I turn to him. "Yes, Comrade that would be the coffee brewing."

Setting closer he nuzzles himself into my neck. "No, it's not the coffee my love."

Shivering I moved away. "Nope, not while the kids are awake and besides, we promised Christian and Lissa we were going to their house for dinner."

"We've got time, nap time is soon." Laughing I was suddenly cut off the mug fell from my hands everything was fading before my eyes, I was awakening.

"Rose?" Dimitri asked concerned as I could not control my words.

"Rose!" Dimitri repeated his muffled.

"Rose open this damn door right now." Dimitri's voice yelled, fully snapping me from my sleep.

Dimitri?

What the hell is he doing here!

In my house?

Yelling at me, who let him in my house, why am I talking to myself?

"Of course, they sunk this low and called him," I mumbled talking to myself. "Truth be told I would rather deal with Abe than deal with Dimitri."

"Why are you here Belikov, go away!" I yelled at him as I moved into a sitting position on my bed to look at the door. "You made it perfectly clear we were over."

"They called Adrian and he was worried about you, now eat the goddamn food or I will break this damn door down Rose." He threatened me. "Stop being stubborn and feed you and the child properly."

Ah, so this is what it is about my lack of appetite.

"Oh, so now you care," I argued sarcastically. "Save your pointless words and loyalty for Adrian and leave my house before my guardians are forced to kick you out. Or better yet this annoyed pregnant dhampir who would love to kick your ass out."

Getting out of my bed I make my way closer to the door. There was no way in hell I could sleep now.

"Grow up and start acting like a soon to be a mother," Dimitri growled, from the other side of the door. With my hands on the door, I was two seconds away from killing him. "Quit with this selfish attitude and hunger strike for attention."

That was all it took from me, being belittled by the man you love made me angry. Wrenching the door open after jumbling with the lock and swung at him as soon as my eyes met his figure in my hallway. Clipping him backward he landed backward into the wall.

"Selfish, you would know the first thing wouldn't you," I argued, throwing a punch he stumbled backward again. "I forgave you already and seeing you treat me this way is making me sick inside. You call me the selfish one, but you are the reason my child will grow up with only one parent so save your pointless words and leave me alone."

"Roza, I…" He looked up at me gaped.

"Just please leave, before you destroy everything." I pleaded before reaching down awkwardly to the now cold food on the floor I spotted the envelope Jackson mentioned.

"Oh no," I gasped. "Please tell me it's not another letter."

"What's wrong?" Dimitri asked.

"Shut up I am still pissed at you." Picking the envelope up I tore it open.

Looking at the words I knew I was right, who ever sent this managed to not to get caught by my guardians unless a mail carrier dropped it off. Which would be a shot to finding who sent me this, maybe they saw a face to describe.

When I find out who did this better pray, I do not get my hands on them I would kill anyone who tries to harm or kidnap my child.

Blood whore:

A few more weeks left to go,

Say goodbye to your baby, just a few more left to go,

Say goodbye as the time nears, when your all alone I will reveal your inner fears.

For those who are written in this letter.

One by one they will suddenly linger.

When you are left with no one but the anger.

Dimitri X

Vasilisa

Adrian

I will enjoy as each of them leave you to suffer, for I will be nearby watching.

Send my child love for me.

xo

I wanted to throw up, this vile person had taunted me with my own child and loved ones.

Clearly knowing who was close to me they have obviously been stalking me for a while, but something was not adding up. Also, what was the connection between the missing documents and me? How did they even find our think to look for them in the first place? Maybe Tatiana could give me an idea, maybe Abe can get her to give me a moment of her busy time ruling the Moroi's and Dhampirs.

Swearing in Russian, Dimitri stands up and takes the letter from my hands, walking to down my hall he goes to talk to someone who was around the corner of my hallway. Guardian Shields poked his head around the corner then pulled his cellphone out. Probably to call Abe.

Talking rapidly Shields finished and hangs the phone up turning in my direction. "Boy you look like hell, when was the last time you showered or even brushed your hair?"

"Excuse me!" I argued placing my hands on my hips. "No one asked you for your opinion." Scoffing at his lack of sympathy for a broken-hearted woman made me want to backhand him.

Shrugging, he then changes the subject not testing my impulsive behavior especially with all of my pregnancy hormones. "Your old man will be here in a few hours; take a shower and get some rest you look like hell roughed you up." Before he and Dimitri left to the main floor.

Hopefully leaving the house and me alone.

"Thanks," I mumbled to myself. "That's exactly how I feel."

Turning back into my room I slam my door behind me with frustration and went to clean a weeks worth of dirt, sweat and tears crying over my pathetic life.

Emerging from my bedroom showered and a power nap thrown in I felt a bit better inside and defiantly on the outside. Dressed in lazy clothes I head downstairs.

Walking downstairs in a waddle all of my friends were sitting on my couch. Both Christian and Lissa were cuddled up as Eddie guarded nearby. On the love seat sat Adrian, who held a glass of his usual likely the shit I bought him for a thank you for being in the mission for the missing documents at the Alchemist headquarters before getting kidnapped by a strigoi woman who looks liked Carmen Electra. Turning to look at me I glared at him and turn back up the stairs as fast I can to my room. Just as I closed the door and locked it Adrian banged on the door. "Rose, look I'm sorry they called when he was sitting there and I knew you wouldn't leave if I came, you wouldn't even leave the room for Lissa."

"No wonder the man I loved tore my heart and stomped on it, everyone is always with him while telling me to leave him alone. How do you expect me to be okay alone." I argued at the door, for the second time today. "Sure, I don't know the feeling of being a strigoi and coming back but I'm eighteen and pregnant with my teacher's kid who can't stand me or man enough to still be in my son's life."

Adrian sighed.

"Little Dhampir, the man can't eat or sleep most days, I am not making an excuse for him lord knows how happy I would be to have my apartment to myself and you guys both not killing each other," Leaving forward to listen closer. "but I don't think he is in the right mind to take care of a child right now he is a complete mess under all that composure."

Instantly I felt guilty, I knew I was being selfish someone does not just bounce back quickly from something like that. Apart from me felt like I have utterly lost who I am I do not feel like the Rose who was confident, resilient, and ready to fight. Truthfully, I felt scared, depressed and alone with a threat, being a new single mom and everything else I felt toppling up made me feel like I was suffocating.

"How do I do this alone Adrian; my own child will feel what I felt when I questioned who my father was growing up, especially when I hated my mother for not telling me. How do I tell him without breaking, if not for me but for him."

"Adrian?"

"Life is like sex, you can either lie back and let it screw you or you can get on top and ride the hell out of it," Adrian said, for a minute of silence I had to rethink over and over if I heard him correctly.

"You're a perv, of course, you would put a sex quote in a serious conversation." I groaned. "Go away, Adrian."

"Rose I can't answer that question for you, but I also can't leave you here any longer wallowing and lacking food, now open the door and let me take care of you." Making me feel guilty, this guy who everyone thinks is a let down is someone special hiding behind a façade. "Everyone is worried about you and your old man is down there, Belikov gave him the letter. At least give them the piece and mind of seeing you after your hunger strike." Rolling my eyes at him, he clearly is not going to let me avoid them, I just hope Dimitri already left.

"Look you don't have to worry about me or how I feel. This is entirely my responsibility." I explained truthfully. "Right now, I just don't want to see him or their stairs of a pity it hurts bad it is."

"Little Dhampir you have two seconds, or I will get Christian to burn the door down." Adrian teased.

Sighing I unlock the door and opened it, looking at his lean on the wall opposite my bedroom door in the hall he smiled softly. Yeah, he is a keeper, whoever he ends up with better realize how lucky she is to have him.

Looping his arm with me probably so I do not run back into my bedroom he walks me downstairs.

Once we made it to the stairs and began walking down, I noticed all eyes are on me. Looking down at the stairs I avoided their gazes.

"Dear lord get the girl some food she looks like she hasn't eaten in months," Abe ordered to no one in particular before looking to my guardians. "Have you guys not been feeding her." Both looked down at the ground ashamed.

"Cut it out, they have been feeling me three meals a day," I defended making it to the bottom step. "Lately I haven't been hungry do not blame them for my lack of appetite."

Stepping onto the main floor with my arms crossed, "Which brings me to who made dinner because that smells heavenly and I could eat a horse right about now." Both Jackson and Brendan scowl at me probably cause all week I have not been eating their food, but this smell made my stomach rumble even my baby was doing summersaults in there.

Christian gave me a mischievous look. "Why thank you finally you compliment my expertise." Making me roll my eyes while standing in the same spot Adrian moved back to his loveseat.

"Yes, your expertise in the kitchen as Lissa's housewife," I taunted. "You will raise the kids and the housework duties while Lissa works and supports you all." Making everyone but Lissa chuckle Christian narrowed his eyes at me. "This is the thanks I get for making you a gourmet meal." Crossing his arms pouting like a child. "Maybe I should throw it out then." Getting up from the couch. Laughing I speed walk to the kitchen. There on the island sat a meat loaf already cut up and ready for me to eat.

"That's if I don't inhale it first." Making them all laugh again following me to the kitchen.

Placing it on my plate I sat on the bar stool and devoured my food.

"So, what's your plans for the holidays, "I asked everyone as I shoved a pile of food in my mouth. Feeling out of the loop I wanted to see what everyone is planning this year. "Lissa, what do you have planned." Since no one knew who to talk to first.

"Well Christian and I are going with Tasha to the ski resort in Switzerland this year, she planned a nice get away for us as a gift from her." Making me kind of feel jealous, every year we have always spent Christmas together and now she is spending it with Christians and Tasha. "Oh, how nice." Smiling stiffly.

"Which brings to the main reason why Christian and I are here, the food was the bonus," Lissa replied before pulling an envelope towards me. Raising my eyebrows, I looked at her questionably before taking it.

"What is it?" opening it, inside was an invitation to a Christmas dinner one week from today which was at the end of November. "Why exactly are we have a Christmas dinner in November?" Confused why it was not in December.

"What I said before, with us there for a couple of weeks in Switzerland and you so close to giving birth and haven't adjusted yet to parenthood I wanted to have a nice relaxing dinner." She explained then handed one to Abe. "I would really appreciate it if you could come to Mr. Mazur, I've already given the rest of the invites out. Though I do want to know Christian invited Tasha."

"Thank you Vasilisa but I am sorry and have to decline, I have

an important business meeting out of town that day and would and will have to miss it." He declined as nice as possible, pulling out his phone he takes a look at who was calling. "I do hope you all have a splendid dinner party in my absence."

"Only because Christian will be doing the cooking," I snorted. "Lissa can't cook to save her life."

"I've tried and besides, you are not that much better than I am." She grinned sticking her tongue out at me, making me narrow my eyes at her. Everyone started laughing.

Looking over at Abe he was glancing down at his cell. "Rose I've got to take this I will call you later to meet up for some lunch and catch up." He suggested.

"Okay, call me tomorrow," I replied as he, before he and Pavel both left the house.

"Now about this Christmas party, who will be there and where will this be happening," I asked, hoping for any clue as to if Dimitri and Tasha were coming together. "What will we be doing at this party besides dinner."

"Well, we decided only close friends and family, I invited Eddie, Dimitri, Adrian, and you and Abe as well as your mother who also couldn't make it because she was leaving for Nepal the night before. She was going back to Lord Szelsky. Christian who invited Mia, Jill, Tasha and Tasha's date." She said as Christian's face went sour, probably the fact his aunt brought a date is revolting to him. Me well I was surprised, clearly, she loves Dimitri so her bringing a date was odd, maybe she wanted to make him jealous. Recently he did reject her when he was still in the cell the time I went into Lissa's head.

This dinner was going to be a dinner we will never forget. Something tells me she is going to put a show on for Dimitri. Watching her make a fool out of herself is what I will call the perfect Christmas gift.

"That's awesome I am looking forward to seeing some old friends." I grinned happily at the thought of seeing Mia and Jill.

"Yes, we will also be doing a secret Santa this year, this week Christian and I will set it up and let everyone get a number that will tell you who to shop for. I will go into detail with you about it another day but this year I wanted to do something fun and different. Even baby jr. will be getting his own presents as well." Gushing at my large belly, rubbing my belly I giggled, it tickled.

Jumping from her seat Lissa went to her jacket pocket to grab something. "When you came back, I forgot to give you this back. Handing me my Nazar, the necklace my mother gave it to me. The necklace once belonged to my father, I had left it with Alberta and the letters to give to Lissa as a promise I would come back to her. Here we are months later reunited.

"Thank you, I've missed this necklace even if I have kind of forgotten about it with everything that has been going on in my life." I thanked putting it around my neck with the necklace Yeva gave to my son of Dimitri in the locket, once he is old enough, I will pass it on to him. "Thank you."

'You are welcome and besides, it does belong to you." She grinned. "So, have you picked out any names for him yet?"

"A few, I just haven't been able to choose yet." I lied, truthfully, I was not too sure why I did but for some reason, I wanted to wait a bit longer.

Talking for a bit longer we chatted and caught up, I finally felt great for the first time in a long time. Sitting here gave me hope for better days, I wanted to devote my time to my child and to work on my self.

Yawning Lissa hopped off the bar stool and went to grab her coat. "We should probably go now, was have to prepare for this party as well as prepare for this trip next month," Lissa said, handing Christian his. Coming over to give me a hug she and Christian headed to the front door to put their shoes on. "Call me when you're not busy and we will plan a day out and shop and pamper ourselves," Lissa asked, giving me another hug before leaving.

"For sure now get home safe and message me when you get there safely," I ordered.

"Yes, mom." Christian taunted waving me goodbye as they headed home. Closing the doors, I head back into the kitchen where Adrian was still cleaning the kitchen and living room up. Both Jackson and Brendan were out of sight in the house on duty probably making sure everything is locked and secure, they both check two times a day making it a routine. They probably did not enter the kitchen the whole time was because my friends were over, was to give us privacy and catch up.

"You don't have to help me clean up; you know," I chucked up at him as I wiped the kitchen island and pushed the bar stool's in. Adrian, it is only a few dishes and leftovers to put away, nothing too heavy or harmful to the baby I don't think it will take a strain on me."

"Little Dhampir I can help out and besides, I missed my friend, so I wanted to stick around a bit longer." He explained, putting the plug on the sink after turning the warm water on and added dish soap. Who knew he could actually do dishes? Smiling at him I thought it was rather interesting. "Well alright so tell me what's new besides housing Dimitri," I asked.

"Well, when I'm not with Aunt Tatiana or Belikov I have been with Lissa practicing spirit." He answered while washing the dishes. "Since you have been pregnant, she has been holding back on using spirit because of the side effects but she has been helping me focus on things I need to work on. When the little guy arrives, we can focus on what she is lacking on after, it's a great way to focus on one subject at a time."

I was touched they are doing so well together and discovered a way to both excel in on their magic. Being gone so long and then when I arrived back, I went into hiding I have not really seen how they were doing, maybe getting out and spending time with them from now on will help me move on.

"I am glad things are going well for you guys with spirit, have you been alright since you've returned from being kidnapped." Feeling guilty, I have been so focused on me and Dimitri I disregarded his feeling on his kidnapping. "Obviously, you are fine with Dimitri, but you endured a normal guardian mission followed but being kidnapped, starving, and was fed on. How are you really?"

"Well, I definitely would never want to be kidnapped again, but I am alright," He answered. "Don't get me wrong it was the most frightening thing being kidnapped by a group of strigoi's, but I was more worried about you and the baby." His words touched my heart, he was a softy under the playboy persona. When the time was right, he would know just how much I appreciate him as I planned to make him the godfather of my son.

"His name is Greyson," I said horsefly, clearing my throat I repeat my child's name. "My son's name is Greyson; you are the first to hear what I am naming him." Looking around at the spotless kitchen I put the kettle on for a hot chocolate.

Grabbing in two mugs I put the packets of the mix in the mugs and made us something to drink. Heading to the living room we both sat on the couch and relax. "So why exactly did you lie to Lissa about not knowing the name of your baby," Adrian asked confused as he took the mug from me. Watching him drink hot chocolate other than liquor was making me happy and slightly amused.

"That I have no idea why it just kind of happened," I confessed. "I will tell her eventually but I kind of enjoy having this to myself. As for why I told you there are two reasons, but for the first reason it was because you have always stood by me." I explained, then took a sip of my drink. "You have put your life on the line for me after everything and continued to show me this amazing person underneath the darkness, liquor in cigarettes. Adrian, I appreciate everything you have done for me and Greyson."

"You really don't need to thank me; I should be thanking you for coming to rescue me from Dimitri and not giving up on me." He smiled warmly.

"Well, of course, I don't leave my friends and family behind no matter the cost," I vowed.

"Running into the depths of hell pregnant and all |Rose Hathaway continues to come out victorious." Adrian joked, making me laugh.

"Also, would you mind doing me a favor, could you possibly get me into to talk to your aunt," I asked? "There were some important questions id like to ask her about this strange person sending me letters."

Adrian nods. "Of course, she is busy lately, but I will try in the next few weeks to get you a spot."

"Thanks, that would be great." I thanked.

Looking at his watch then let out a yawn. "I should be going now, but I am hoping to see you around more, right?" Adrian asked grabbing his jacket after placing his mug in the sink. Putting his jacket on and zipped it up he stepped forwards and gave me a hug.

"Of course," I promised, still wrapped in his arms. "I will be alright Adrian, no more hiding."

Letting me go he said his goodbyes and I closed my door and locked it.

Putting my mug in the sink and turned the lights off I went upstairs to retire to bed.

Once I was settled, I crawled into bed and plugged my cell in. Replying to Lissa's text on her arriving home safely, and for the first time, I slept through the night peacefully.