I'm glad you all like the little reveal of the last chapter. Enjoy!
Part 23
My jaw dropped, my mind repeating his words over and over. "What?" Adrian had to be wrong. "I'm not blocking anything. Dimitri is the one not feeling anything."
Adrian shrugged his shoulders, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it without a care of where he was, cracking the window for the smoke. "At first, he might have been, but it's you with the block."
"How am I the one with the block? I've been feeling all of his feelings since the start."
"Exactly, you are getting his side of it, but you are blocking your side from getting through to him."
I was getting irritated. Adrian had it all wrong. Why would I be blocking the bond? All I've wanted is for Dimitri to feel it so that we could be together. I crossed my arms, turning away from Adrian. "You're wrong."
Adrian took a long drag of his cigarette, "I can see your aura, Rose."
"Whatever. I have to focus on Lissa right now and whoever is trying to hurt her." I was deflecting, and he knew it.
"Didn't they tell you?"
My eyes snapped to Adrian, eyebrows furrowed, "Tell me what?"
His expression became grim, "They found the guy that attacked you."
"What?" My eyes widened, "When? Are they questioning him?" Why wasn't I told? I should be there. I was confused why even Abe didn't tell me any of this.
"They aren't questioning him."
My expression became agitated, "Why the hell not?"
"He's dead, Rose."
He's dead. The man that attacked us was dead. And no one thought to tell me.
I couldn't get much else out of Adrian or how he found out before me. Lissa had finished her meeting, and then Sage led her back to the car to go home before I could ask about it. I needed to find out what happened, and soon, something didn't feel right about it.
It seemed that Sage at least knew about it; he had reduced the number of guardians for Lissa's transport home to just the two of us. And then, once we arrived at the townhouse, no one was placed outside anymore.
Unsurprisingly, Jill and Eddie were waiting inside with Christian. Also with them was my father and mother. Without Dimitri here to help soothe the darkness, I wondered how this would go.
"Ahh, you are finally back. I trust everything went well. Rose didn't insult anyone, did she?" Abe greeted us, shooting me a wink.
"Funny," I scowled, crossing my arms. I was on edge and annoyed; I didn't feel like putting up with my father's antics. And it seemed neither did my mother from the glare she was giving Abe; thankfully, she didn't comment on it.
"Everything went well," Lissa replied, giving a small smile. She was aware that my mood was touchy right now from taking the darkness from her; I knew she was keeping a close eye on me just in case. "So well, in fact, that the Queen has agreed to let me go look at Lehigh this weekend."
"What?" I was not prepared for that. "With everything that happened, she is letting you go off Court?"
Lissa nodded, "Well, the threat against me is gone, so -"
"You know about that?"
"The Queen informed me while we were talking," Lissa explained.
I scanned the room; no one else seemed surprised by the news. I turned to my father, "Why did no one inform me about this new piece of information?"
Abe leant back in his chair, crossing his legs, "We were waiting until today calmed down, just in case."
I scoffed. They were using kid gloves on me. I had to take a deep breath to calm the rising emotions. "Well, now you can tell me."
My mother was the one to respond, "They found the man that attacked at the store. He had committed suicide and admitted everything in the note he left."
I let the words sink in, contemplating the information. Something didn't feel right at all. "And so what? Case closed?"
"We have no reason to believe there are any other threats to the Princess or Jill," Janine replied in a matter of fact voice. She didn't like me questioning it. "Guardian Croft has already made the call."
I gritted my teeth but didn't say anything else. I was still waiting for Sydney to get me more information; she had said she had a lead and was waiting for that now. Without any evidence, no one was going to take me seriously.
Abe stood from his chair, flashing everyone one of his charming smiles, "Everyone did a marvellous job today. I will leave you all to enjoy the rest of your day." Abe crossed the room to me. He stopped and studied me for a moment, "Rose, I would love it if you could drop by tomorrow after your shift." There wasn't much of a request to his words, and when his eyes flicked to my mother, I could guess why he wanted me to come.
Repressing my groan, I reluctantly agreed, knowing I needed to get it over and done with sooner than later. "Fine, I'll see you tomorrow."
Once they left, I sighed in frustration. "I am not looking forward to that," I grumbled as I followed Lissa to the kitchen. Sage had excused himself for the afternoon, having to meet with Hans to organise Lissa's trip to Bethlehem, so it was just me guarding Lissa now.
The other's joined us in the kitchen, all feeling exhausted after the day's events. Jill had been great during the meeting, hiding any anxiety she had been feeling and standing proud next to Lissa when she was announced. But now, I could see she was still a little stressed from the drawn lines on her face.
Lissa was looking forward to tonight of our girls night, just to relax and not think of Council related matters. I nudged her with my foot, looking pointedly at Jill. They still needed to bond a little, and what better way than this.
At first, she didn't understand; I had to subtly mouth the words before understanding crossed her face. I could feel she was apprehensive, but as she took in Jill's expression, she gave in.
"Jill," Lissa drew her attention, "did you want to join Rose and me tonight for a girls night?"
Jill bit her lip, eyes flicking between us, "I don't want to intrude."
These two definitely needed to bond. I waved her off, "You won't be. Besides, if you're there, then Lissa can do makeup on someone else." I pulled a face, making Jill giggle.
Lissa huffed, "There's nothing wrong with experimenting with makeup, Rose."
"One, guardians don't need makeup. And two, I already look amazing," I told her with a smirk.
"Whatever makes you feel better, Rose," Christian scoffed, he and Eddie smirking at each other.
I narrowed my eyes at him, "I will hold you down and make Lissa practice on you." He seemed to take my threat seriously, excusing himself from the room and disappearing upstairs.
"Great, now I won't see him for hours," Lissa frowned.
"Good." I turned back to Jill, "So, up for tonight?"
I noticed Jill sharing a look with Eddie; they had become closer since he's been guarding her, something I decided to ask Eddie about later.
"Sure, it'll be fun to do something different." She smiled at us both, looking more relaxed than she had in a while.
While I was grateful that having Jill here helped Lissa, I couldn't help but remember how much Jill has given up for this new life of hers as a Dragomir. Though she wasn't my charge, I felt like it was my job to keep her safe. If anything happened to her, it would be my fault.
I closed my eyes as Lissa spread the pink face mask over my skin; it smelt like roses and had glitter in it that I was sure was of no benefit for my skin. Jill already had it on her face, holding my hand and painting it a colour I had yet to see.
"Okay, your turn, Rose."
I peek at Lissa, "Truth." Feeling Lissa's excitement peak, I could already guess what the question would be.
"Have you and Dimitri kissed?"
I scowled; I'd already been questioned about the date and the flowers. I had hoped that was enough, but it seemed Lissa wanted more. "I changed my mind. I choose dare."
"You can't change it."
"Sure I can."
"Fine," Jill spoke up, "I dare you to tell us if you have kissed Dimitri." Both she and Lissa giggled.
I regret agreeing to this game, especially if they were going to gang up on me. I huffed, "No. We haven't kissed." I admitted and then added in a small voice, "Not since he's been restored anyway." We had definitely kissed before, many times. Many places.
Now to get my revenge. "Jill, truth or dare?"
"Truth."
I smirked, "Who do you like?" I didn't even have my eyes open, but I knew she was squirming from the question. It was a bit of a childish game to play, but it was perfect for getting our minds off everything. We were all still teenagers, and it was nice to act like it once and a while.
"...No."
I tilted my head, opening my eyes to look at Lissa, "I think that sounded like a lie."
Lissa looked back at me, amusement in her eyes, "I think you're right."
Jill's face became red, "I don't want to say their name."
"So you do like someone," Lissa clapped her hands; I could already see the wheels turning as she tried to figure who Jill liked. If anything, it made me more determined to talk to Eddie later. He had left an hour earlier, the night shift guardians for both Jill and Lissa sitting downstairs in the lounge room while we had taken over Lissa's bedroom. Christian was kicked out and went with Eddie for so-called "man time".
I nudged Jill, nodding towards Lissa, "She is never going to let this go now until she finds out who you like," I teased with an evil smirk.
Jill blushed more but shot me a glare which made me laugh.
We continued asking each other until the questions were getting stranger, running out of things to ask.
It was my turn again, choosing truth.
"Did you know Dimitri was your soulmate, back at St. Vladimir's?" Jill asked me.
I paused painting Lissa's nails; mine had been painted and dried now. I chewed my lip thinking about what to say. "Yeah, I think a part of me knew." Only a handful of people knew about Dimitri and me being a couple before, and now with us being soulmates, no one really questioned if there were feelings before.
"You two were together before, right?"
I looked at Jill, shocked by her question.
She shrugged her shoulders, "After the attack, I started to wonder, and then seeing you two interact with each other since. I kind of guessed."
"Yeah, we were." As difficult as everything was at the academy, I still cherish all the moments I shared with Dimitri there. I don't think I would be where I was today without his help. He believed in me when no one else did.
I suddenly had the urge to see Dimitri, I had kept the bond closed since the end of the Council meeting, and I honestly missed it. I missed him. Our relationship has progressed a lot over the last couple of days.
I glanced at the clock, noticing the late hour. "I think I'm going to head off. Got to be back at work nice and early tomorrow." I stood from the bed, stretching my back.
Lissa gave me a knowing look but didn't comment on it. I left the two sisters alone. Having Jill over for the night had worked well; both more relaxed with each other. Nodding at the guardians downstairs, I let myself out of the townhouse.
I was halfway to the dorms when I ran into Tasha.
She looked surprised to see me, schooling her features into a smile that felt forced. Her eyes were rimmed red. "Oh, Rose. Finishing late today?"
"Was spending some time with Lissa and Jill," I contemplated asking if there was anything wrong. I still wasn't having the fuzziest feelings towards Tasha after how she acted around Dimitri, though she seemed to have gotten the message after our dinner together. "Is everything okay?" I finally asked.
She waved me off, "Of course. Well, I'll let you go. Sure you are exhausted after today." She quickly sidestepped me, continuing down the walkway.
I knocked firmly at Dimitri's door, probably more so than I needed to. I had allowed the bond to flow to me again, feeling his frustration and confusion. I don't understand how Adrian could think it was me blocking the bond. I can feel the connection to Dimitri.
Adrian is wrong.
But if he wasn't…
The door swung open to reveal a shirtless Dimitri, a pair of sweatpants hanging low on his hips. His face lit up, noticing me, the frustration he was feeling being replaced with joy.
"Roza," He breathed out, a fond smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. Dimitri stepped aside so I could enter, closing the door after me.
I glanced around the room, the light coming in through his window; one of his books sat in the middle of his mattress. I guess he had been reading before I arrived.
I felt his hands on my shoulders, gently turning me around until I was facing him. His brown eyes searched mine, eyebrows furrowed.
I cocked my head, "What?"
"How are you feeling?"
He was concerned about the darkness. "How did you know I was doing it?"
His thumbs rubbed my shoulders, eyes becoming unfocused for a moment, "I just felt a cold sensation, and when I looked at you, I saw that you were focused but not on what was happening."
"I didn't take much. Lissa needed it," I explained. I know it was dangerous for me, but I don't regret doing it.
"I know." He moved his hand, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "But you're okay?"
I caught his hand with mine, threading my fingers through his, "I'm okay." I tugged on his hand, "So, how does it feel being a free man again, comrade? What did Hans say?" I asked excitedly.
Dimitri chuckled, leading me to his bed to sit down on the mattress, pulling our clasped hands onto his lap, covering the back of my hand with his other one. "I'm officially a guardian again."
Though he had a smile on his face, it was rueful. I nudged him. "I was expecting a bit more of a happy reaction. What's wrong?"
"I am happy," His eyes stared down at our hands, cradling mine like it was precious.
"But," I encouraged.
"They reinstated me in my old position as Lissa's guardian."
Oh.
Though we had once spoken of Dimitri putting in a request for a new assignment, he had never had a chance to place the request. We were back where we started. We couldn't be in a relationship and be guarding Lissa at the same time, especially as soulmates.
Another reason why dhampir soulmates were frowned upon. You would always be more concerned with protecting your soulmate before protecting your Moroi charge. They would never allow us to work together.
There were two options: I had to give up ever guarding Lissa, or Dimitri and I didn't complete the bond. I hated both options.
My heart clenched, "So what does that mean… for us?"
"I refused the position, Roza."
My eyes snapped to his, "You what?"
"It may have been presumptuous of me, but I want to do what I had originally planned. I will be reassigned from Lissa and try to get a job around Court for now."
I knew how much Dimitri wanted to be a guardian and protect people. With everyone here knowing about him previously being Strigoi, I worried his options were limited if he didn't take the job as Lissa's.
I shifted closer to him, "Are you sure?" I had to ask. I didn't want to take something he loved away from him, not after he had already lost so much.
His eyes held mine, his smile becoming gentle as he gazed at me with affection. Love. In his eyes was love.
"Roza, I am sure that I want to be with you, and I will gladly do everything I have to to achieve that. No matter what."
I was moving before I registered what I was doing. My hands were on the side of his face, angling it down as I tilted my face up, our lips meeting in the middle.
It was like time had stopped, and the only thing that mattered was Dimitri. The feel of his soft, warm lips against mine. At first, he was still, a burst of surprise from the bond, and then his hands were on my hips, and his lips started to move against mine.
Every kiss we had shared, I remembered, the memories burned into my mind. I could remember how they felt, the emotions I felt. But none of them was ever like this.
Everything was intensified, feeling both mine and Dimitri's emotions swirling inside me, love and affection bubbling up to the surface. It was intoxicating.
Keeping one hand on my hip to steady me, his other hand travelled up to cup my face, his fingers tangling in my hair that I had let down earlier. My own hands had worked their way into his hair, gripping the soft strands.
After what felt like an eternity, we broke apart to catch our breath, both panting as our foreheads rested against each other.
Dimitri tilted his face to place another soft kiss on my lips, a brilliant smile spreading across his face. "I love you, Roza."
Every time he told me those words, my heart skipped a beat. Knowing that before, he felt he was unable to love again, to love me again; hearing those words was the greatest feeling. But I was still hesitant to say them back.
I love Dimitri. I never stopped; despite everything, I could never stop loving him. But admitting it out loud to him was hard. The moment I do, it will be putting my heart in his hands again.
I swallowed around the lump that had formed in my throat. "I… Dimitri, I-"
His hands came to rest on the sides of my face, guiding my eyes back to his, "It's okay, Roza. I know it's difficult—I made it difficult—you don't have to say it back. I just never want you to doubt my feelings for you again. I will tell you over and over so that you always know how much I love you."
Feeling myself tearing up at his words, I threw myself into Dimitri's arm, pressing my face into his neck. His arms wrapped around me and pulled me closer to his body. I could feel his understanding, his love. I know he wants more, but he is content to move at my pace.
I didn't think I could deny myself from him for much longer either.
"Thank you, Dimitri."
Aww, they kissed. Finally!
