The Chronicles Of A Belikov: Memoirs Series Book II

by maymay330

Book II to the Memoirs Series. As classes wrap up and summer is creeping in, Rose, Alana, Lissa and the rest of the VA gang are faced with a whole new load of problems that has them spending their time at Court. A war is unfolding in theMoroi world and everyone is on the brink of having to choose a side. Follow the crew as they are faced with death, danger and unexpected

5. Chapter 4: Better Late Then Never

p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="30d8b0c5f2b53ab5018124d560799091"Chapter 4: Better Late Then Never/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="de4e46f54afb66934a5218534143d46d""Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies" Richelle Mead, Vampire Academy/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="42499ff143eb6a1b59ea65ec2bf45c1c"Dimitri POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f5e6846aa4ede87d0905175fd06cc6ae"Since the first day I had met Rose I had learned a lot about her. From the way she always had to be right to the way she rolled her eyes at any and every remotely absurd thing. But above all I had come to learn one very important fact./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4690e99c249b94d9bbda1b6cd610b4b6"Always expect the unexpected./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3332ee3a447ac2c74acd56fbb452deb7"Which was probably why my feet were now plastered to the bathroom floor. Once again, Rose was throwing me a curve ball./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="40870681fc6a73dd4a30f653e4b8a7d4"It felt like years, before I finally blinked and placed the negative pregnancy test back in the waste basket./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3155df19604791c158962586b3972ce4"But it seemed impossible to return to Rose's bed side now. So instead I did what I always did best: I sat down on her living room couch and pulled a random (yet rare) book from Rose's book shelf and tried to lose myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6c19ce21b071452eb11d93170c2604ca"That task proved impossible as why mind kept wandering to that plastic test that I had stumbled upon. The sunset was peaking out from behind the curtains as I sighed and covered my eyes with my wrist as a wave of possibilities circled around in my head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="293d232bb2dacb9c82f188f0447a8f20"It was still impossible for me to wrap my head around the fact that Rose and I, two dhampirs, could reproduce together. Yet Rose being shadow kissed was a weird quirk that seemed so undiscovered in so many ways. Memories of our encounter in the kitchen filled my head and the sheer fact that, I as a man had been careless. Not once had Rose's health and the possibility of another child ever crossed my mind. I mentally chastised myself for my pure stupidity./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b514bb2532a238f682651d6b3f62a25e"Yet thoughts of little feet running around one day put a smile on my face. The possibilities of having more kids with Rose was endless. Yet there was the scary fact that there was a lot I didn't know about Rose's pregnancy with Alana and from small things I had picked up in the last few months at the Academy, they were not pleasant memories./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="755a6e2fc80854ef58f536ddaf6cd904"Heck, there was things I hardly knew about where Rose and I stood in our current relationship./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="775af140bc5c4c1683d1f363f1e99952"Somewhere between daydreaming and my own guilt I must have found sleep. Because the next thing I knew I was being shaken awake by a messy haired Rose who looked as if hell had just frozen over./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5aa6e0d72e921ff71a0de481320d530c""Dimitri hurry. Wake up! What are you doing down here anyways?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4449f484c64db8fd290e68ccbd9596d0"I sat up as the book propped on my chest slid to the floor and I wiped sleep from my eyes./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e0abe610a352c3fe2ca473664e7ce8b2""I must have fallen asleep." I murmured as my thoughts caught up with me and I refused to meet Rose's curious eyes. I was too ashamed really. I couldn't process the fact that I just didn't know where our relationship stood. Oh, how my life path had swayed off track so much./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0b29df3848b3954f4dea8da799ff216d""Why are you down here anyways?" Rose asked placing a hand on my shoulder, "You're drenched in sweat."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cbd76dcee6e0d206977288fbf8423714"I could sense the distaste and confusion in her voice but I ignored it as I stood up, and started heading towards the front door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="67665aae96b037f62eff4eb9adfb9116""It's nothing really Rose. I just forgot I actually had plans this morning with Viktoria."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="23934e0a121124d6fcaef8deb32b0e0f"And before she could protest or even answer, I was out the door into the nice cool air of a summer night heading far away from Rose./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bba2ddcdd6ada6ca46711d2968a20183"I couldn't think straight. My head felt as if was spinning on its axis and my heart was consumed with so much distaste for myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0fb7dbcf6fe0ec0700c33138b166a98e"What was I sitting here waiting for?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="315306adcababfdc6c4ad24f20c1645e"I had given Rose enough time to process my return and that fact that I would always be in her life. I wanted her and I was almost certain she wanted me as well./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2ebee560a66f984aebf7494157ec9280"I felt my palms sweat even more as I found myself in front of Viktoria's room and my fist pounding on her door quick and loud./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f212b3650a4ee519a1377104575862bb"Viktoria answered, her own hair and eyes showing signs she too had been fast asleep still./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f7b561c47e9015aaa6794ba85106f88d""Dimka? What's wrong?" It was rare for her to use my nickname but I knew she could read the stress on my face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="dff44849eb9fe3e9667ee76f1df23e95""I'm a poor excuse for a man, that's whats wrong." I said, pushing past her and slumping into the armchair in the corner./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d7c3e2c3eb8c7306450aeb010f050077"She closed the door and looked at me with wide eyes and a perplexed look, " What's going on? Didn't you have a date with Rose? Did it not go well?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ff95523d9cd8164622387275e70a8252"I ignored her and cupped my head in my hands, " Its not that."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e3f9036a124863e9d915a827594cce0f"I felt her move across the room until she was kneeled in front of me, pulling my hands away from my face to take me in. I probably looked a mess. I probably looked like an even poorer excuse of a guardian right there and then./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7705311b4fafbe065d75c1cd30300560""You're starting to worry me. What is it? Spit it out." Her frustration was almost palpable through her words./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="082ec1e70a4ed1e09ceb73e2532070e4"The issue was I had always been taught to respect the women around me. To cherish and care for them and lay down my own life to protect them if need be just like I would for my charge. For my own family. And here I was worrying about impregnating the love of my life whom I already shared a child with. Would a baby really be so bad?/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c7c7de2eb2852de1174e4506588c00e"The answer was yes, but not because of the unknown. It was bad because I would be going against everything I had ever been taught. I would be throwing my own morals out the window like I had already done in the conception of my first and only born child. I owed it to Alana. And more importantly, I owed it to Rose./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b06fff41dcbccd0c1bde56c265c628d0""I need your help." I said, not sure what exactly I was planning for her to help me with but I needed someone to lean on and she was the only person I could confide this into./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8fd555bb951014c1f0d5a28fe593e161""Anything." She said, her fierce guardian tone taking the forefront./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c8088f4c8a17023bf6776c14624265ef"And then I let it all out. I lifted my head and looked at my youngest sister straight in the eyes and said the words I should have said over sixteen years ago./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9bb052bf9e6d36901cd394270b654e77""It's time I make an honest woman out of Rose. And you're going to help me. If you will?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c87ffae8f32b1a359ad893b87dd9155d"Viktoria's dull eyes, that had been shadowed with so much sadness and pain these last few weeks, finally held a shimmer of hope and sparkle./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="97dd0c2fc6b62caf7f0769e3811c7078"Her lips curved into a perfect smile, " I thought you'd never come to your senses."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="33bad0847ae891ef76af70b8697b14f8"And she was right. I should have planned to make Rose mine much sooner then this second. But better late then never./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="39a876be6f1e63aac318d68a5a783ae7"Alana POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a0066f54b52fd88a58b80ecb57d8ae5f""Ugh, why did you let me drink so much?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ad95898cbe3e9743e45a16a70ac0c6b6"I rolled my eyes as Leila cradled her head in her arms and Nora downed a bottle of water and some pain medication./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f9fa01bc4c1959de53a50527b0dc66ad""Me?" I asked innocently, " Since when do I control your bodily intakes. If you want to get drunk like a skunk so be it. Not my place to baby you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4348aca65ce3fdadb564ded87348063d"Leila looked at me as if she begged to differ and Nora laughed, " Come on Leila. We barely had a few drinks. I've seen you drink more then your fair share many times before. Don't be a baby."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9f7bbf5656c38184416089b6caa9a766"Leila moaned and rolled her eyes, something that was uncanny to her but fit her mood perfectly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c69be3ce2516be98d080e670fabd706d""I have a right to be a baby. I'm the one who's getting shipped off this afternoon to Court."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8c00c4ce001ff59beab7cfae4b2f7fd7"And like a sack of heavy bricks, the bomb dropped. The looming problems that had been pestering in the air around our happy moods, finally broke the surface./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="147eea5da81bd33e38a3c18b9e1c0ce5"Leila would be leaving for Court today with Uncle Adrian in tow. Luckily, the details had been hammered out days ago and things were all mapped out. After little argument with my own mother, who herself would be joining us in Court in just a few more days with Aunt Lissa, she had allowed me to tag along with Leila to make things easier on her. Of course, the Castile's would be tagging along in the journey. It was the first summer in a long while that we would all be basking in the glory at Court instead of roaming empty academy halls. To say the least, it was exciting of the prospect of leaving the school. I was even more on edge though because Leila had let slip that Eric would be there and would be helping as Leila's temporary guardian, seeing as how I was still not an official guardian. But the thought gave Leila comfort and she didn't seem to understand my hesitation. But then again Leila and I hadn't talked about boys in a long time./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65cb01b2609f9bbbc9110e1da38f671e"I felt my back stiffen as Leila sighed, " You guys have it so easy." Then she went back to laying her hand in her arms and rocking back and forth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2193cafa9e13e55044a360095586f02d"The atmosphere of the room changed after that and soon I found myself walking aside Leila as we made our way to the landing strip for take off, our bags already waiting and being loaded./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e105370bd2f45e01f7be727f3f054a85"The plane was bigger then I had expected but then I saw the amount of people boarding and was grateful for the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f75c3130cef0d452cdd27c18ceeb22d""Alana!" I turned and saw Asher running for the airstrip. Anyone else would have been panting and out of breath, but Asher made it look so easy./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d941cf768be4c42c3cb9a5a3551ab04e"He was by my side in a flash, a worried expression on his face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d1fdd330e70829253f07fd44cf875b6b""What's wrong?" I asked not understanding why he didn't have his bags and his family wasn't in tow./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9386454a1055eb59db0d47121030c54d""Fiona's sick and my mom's freaking out worried. She doesn't want to travel until she's feeling better so we won't be making it to Court at least for a few more days."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="993a0a70cc519e94b62e342964980b0b"I saw the disappointment lined on his face and kissed his cheek, feeling a bit giddy when I saw his lips twitch in a smile./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2fd1a9b8dc89c6892db3941a67820719""Can't you come anyways? You and Nora?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ad5f64bf7a6f0dc77b924a71f6f8f8c5"Asher sighed, "My mom isn't letting us out of her sight after what happened at the strigoi house."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0abec27fa6c20be2e0c6246acf6cb309"His voice trailed off and I felt a shiver run down my back as I thought of the events that had occurred. As I remembered the feeling of thrusting the stake deep into.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3b8d99517182a46b5525c3856776d389"I shook my head. I didn't need to be thinking of it when my dreams were already haunted with the memories of it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f0cbea38a5346953a96f500f6aea6323""I understand." I said before hugging him and giving him a light kiss./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cf77764934c5057fb90daffb4a544398""I'll see you in a few days." he mumbled against my lips. I was waiting for the electricity to go up and down my arms like it had with Eric, but I was met with nothing. I wiped the thought away from my mind. I would never have those tingling sparkles with Eric ever again. Best I stop thinking about it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2b50adedc78ee3c5f5944106af05425c""See you." I said, planting another small kiss on his cheek and turning away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cf2684a2b285d19e78b26e9b8921e587"His voice had me stop again and turn to look at him, " Alana, try and not get into any trouble without me."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="281af424a161f1b11087a154634164f1"Then he winked and blew me a kiss as I rolled my eyes in the famous Hathaway way and flipped my hair, turning and walking onto the plane./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c696d96233080098a09668582043cfcd"Leila was already sitting in the back and Uncle Adrian was talking to the pilot about something. I giggled a bit when I saw Leila pull out a pair of sunglasses and put them on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1c94060665c376564c3936183dfa22fe"She gave me a funny look and shrugged, " I always see girls hungover in movies doing this. Thought I'd join the trend."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7902d6838a94c195c41de30233d47f73"Then she laid her head back and looked at the ceiling of the plane. I laughed out loud taking it all in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ccd56012c3e5613a8a38ed09958eafc4""We aren't in a movie Leila."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c6d8b8ba828ac87ef9aa3e3e5c5a2cf1"She sighed next to me not moving an inch, "A girl can dream."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e5d211816a6476daba102d2c0ebcd914"Then I listened as her breathing became slower, and she drifted into sleep./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f2f0fe25450da88713759ab962ffe149"She was right. A girl could dream. Because in the dreams, the girl always got her guy. But that was never going to happen for me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6b178a70022cc0819e7cb23ee43e0cd4"The thought alone left a sour feeling in my stomach the whole plane ride./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="08188222b7b0e5fc7252d8b71f7ceb3f"Eric POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7ceb310fd1e56ce2513eb9502d47f27c""Who was the beauty you disappeared with last night Er?" Marko slapped my shoulder like it was something to celebrate about./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e066626954f1a6c474b3158743302989"I set the weight I was lifting down, glad for once to have the gym to ourselves. It was very rare when the gym wasn't occupied. And I really needed the stress relief that came along with working out today of all days./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="954072701bfa84f4e91e473c3bedb798""A friend." I said not caring to elaborate to him. He was probably more concerned with if I was sleeping with her and if not if he could make his move. It was the kind of man Marko was, and the kind of man I was not./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b14033c5a0e2f8b0580fed5bb38e1d7b"For once in the time I had known Marko, he didn't pry on the subject. It was a strange characteristic for him to not pry but it was enjoyably pleasant that I didn't have to explain my long and complicated history with Eliza Moldova./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3e0a58159d119191fc9b2f1783cb2aed"He changed the subject after a few pregnant minutes of silence./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="768e138113e33d4408629b8b0c2f2514""So what do you know about this Leila Voda?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7f0f3c4b43f283938712b090d7146e3f"I shrugged, pushing the weights from the bar and then returning it, relishing in the nice sting it caused my muscles./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="58477fa3f3c1570905d4a10673588ee4""She's Veronica Voda's daughter. That's all we need to know. The Queen assigned us to look over her while she's here."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1ef12a4f211270f7816300cfc9a3e7b2"Marko loved to gossip just as much as a group of teenage girls. He knew exactly what our goal was. It wasn't like I was the only one who had been present when the Queen had briefed us on the concerns for the Voda girl. Veronica Voda had a pretty giant red target on her lately, and that target just so happened to leak over to her daughter. I was just hoping and praying that for everyone's sake, her daughter wouldn't be brining along her best friend./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="60ae7d52089b44c4ef79985399624be3"I felt my grip on the weight waver a bit at the thought of seeing Alana and I quickly pushed it from my mind./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="452fca34d73c4374615af3a9602202ae"Stuck in the clouds. Sophie's voice chastised in my head. I shook it away./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="762a9279b6b0937b5ac1fb4d0dc7278d"As if he could read my mind, Marko spoke, "Sophie's having another little get together tonight. You coming?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2bcf387b8811b0bb0cf67f54fade5679"I put the weights back and grabbed the towel from the bench. As if I would have anywhere better to be./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f8288807fd4c35ff7aab8f75c859cc19""Sure. Why not?" I said, flipping the towel over my shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e625582d676e9f4d6b2f857dbcae4349"After that we hit the showers. I was glad when Marko finally said he had to meet Bianca...the blond from the night before...to get something he left at her place./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5a634cbab48ca8f5ace915ba3ac1005a"It gave me time to myself. Court was bustling already at this time of night and I could see that many of the academies youth were present, enjoying their summer vacations with their families. For me, I couldn't understand the appeal of Court. But then again, I was used to simpler things in Russia./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="985663213c9bd1214b2d873380648f04"I made my way for the stretch of airway, already preparing myself for if Alana were to walk off that plane with Leila./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="275c8b60a22fa85f2803bb6e2e7f7718""Heads up!" I heard one of the other guardians on the strip say, as the faint lights of a plane started to emerge from the distance. I felt my poster tense and my face go slack. It was time to play the part I had been trained for./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c29d086d7dddea05e21d329e2e33ac42"Alana POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="315a15b16df771658a1d1fa45ac2e842"The plane ride was longer then I remembered. And it was even more boring with Leila snoring next to me and Uncle Adrian deep in a conversation with the pilot about whether or not the pilot really knew what he was doing. I could tell from the cabin doors, that the pilot looked pretty ticked off./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2055b08a70d76f1ad5e15323af2970a7"I pulled my bag from my side and looked around, glad that we were only a private plane. The journal was heavy, as I pulled its old pages out and read the next entry./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3ba65c54b43818ff37da3eaf7132503a"Today father turned for a worse. They don't think he will make it through the night. V keeps telling me I need to live it up and push out of this slump I'm in. That I need to cherish the city and forget R and A for awhile. I'd like to say he's wrong. I'd love to say he's wrong. But a part of me is craving the night life here. There's so much freedom. So much laughter and fun. I could use some fun right now. I need some fun right now. I think I deserve it. I need to stop withering here and watching my father die. I need an escape. If only for a little./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8d8849d682f75139c87fb89bffd6abab"R called this morning. She wasn't feeling well and a part of me felt bad for not being there to help her with A and with her pregnancy, but V keeps telling me I need to get away. And i know I need to. Maybe I can let myself escape. Just one night. It won't hurt. Then I can return to this dreadful hospital room and watch my father die and return to my pregnant wife and A. Be the father and husband I need to be. Right now though, I need to be like that dreadful SB. As much as that pains me, I need it. I have to go. I have to explore this city.../p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cce72e6f5914365090c78a6444066a4e"I was rather surprised that the next entry was of the same day. The handwriting however was sloppy and almost illegible. Almost as if the writer had been drunk. And as I read on I knew my suspicions were true./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="57f5c467ce5f7506adc4bb91bc492d25"I did it. I sure did it. I made a mess of things but I could care less right now. I dived head first into the deep end and I'm not coming up for air anytime soon. Father is still on his death bed. But I don't think I'll write about that this evening. I don't need to spoil my joyous mood. V took me out on the town and the lights and bustle was so addicting. The liquor ran and the girls bounced. And in all that chaos I found a sweet little woman who reminds me so much of my R. I met E tonight. And i think i'll meet her again tomorrow night. It's wrong. It will surly bite me in the ass. But let it. To hell with it all./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="80d6c43e4f617aec57d259923b9b24e7"The entry was short and I rolled my eyes frustrated. I had no idea why Janine thought this silly journal was so important. A tale of a lonely depressed guy waiting for his father to die and leaving his pregnant wife behind to have some fun on the town. It just seemed so much like a movie. I sighed and shaved the old journal back into my book bag as Uncle Adrian finally left the pilots side and walk dover to Leila and I./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e297d0808e518618596ebce7b8275a5c""We'll be landing in about 10 minutes."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a9902875183059b3e1185563eeb8e8e9"Leila stirred next to me, messing with her lopsided glasses that had turned sideways in her slumber. Adrian gave her a peculiar look as he took in her messy appearance and blood shot eyes. Uncle Adrian was a pro at spotting a hangover and I was pretty sure he knew exactly why Leila looked such a mess. But he didn't say anything as he frowned and turned back around to assault the pilot with comments about his flying./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="1fb37ae4b6880561479913c8733e3dfd"Leila sat up yawning, " I never knew he had a license to fly a plane."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a2f4ebd9e268a65874b4264f594389dd"She sat pondering and I chuckled, " He like to think he does."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="6332f58162652804d84de72a336584e0"Less then ten minutes later, the plane landed smoothly (although Uncle Adrian was pretty sure he felt turbulence). Leila sighed and grabbed her bag as she headed for the door of the plane and Uncle Adrian and the pilot were still going on ranting about the landing. I laughed and followed Leila completely forgetting why I was so nervous to come to Court in the first place./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f74ed10e54a77bd537aba89438652203"It had only been a few weeks since I had seen Eric Pavel but he was just as handsome and rugged as I remembered him. I felt my heart nearly leap out of my chest as I caught his eye watching Leila and I exit the plane but he quickly averted his gaze with no emotion. I felt my heart whimper a bit that he didn't even seem phased by seeing me after the last time I had seen him but I decided it was time to put all my guardian training with my father to the test and plaster myself with the stern guardian mask my father was always reminding me I needed to master./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c9256a7bc089923b30b34be853dd6af0"Leila introduced herself to Eric and a tall guardian next to him...Marko...who would be covering her security detail while she was at Court. Few words passed between everyone before Leila asked to be escorted her room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b93c4a7c99e2542e1ccb024a9399a8ca"I turned and grabbed my bag the flight attendant handed to me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="25adfcbae0f33287fd87a130e1a7eb44""I'll meet you later Leila. I need to figure out where I'm staying this summer." I said turning slightly with the weight of my bag. My mother had told me she had reserved a small summer condo on the far end of Court but I was not entirely sure where that was. I fumbled with the papers she had given me on instructions to get there./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="50e77f76eebc5d6ad1219711760d9519"Leila gave me a shocked look before speaking, " Stay with me until you mom gets to Court. The Queen is giving me a large room. I don't want to be there alone."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2c5cd7bd1d130a2f6362f23de9ccd21b"Her voice held a begging tone and I sighed and gave in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="103f7b0d789f900cb35991c657d1f2c5"The walk to Leila's room was long and awkward. At least it felt that way to me. Eric and Marko were trailing behind us and I was very aware of the fact Erik had not uttered a single word to me. Not even a simple greeting. I felt as if his eyes were boring a hole into my back as I followed Leila across Court./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="726036ba7698b90c1ce3450bf7f01e1e"Leila's room was elegant and extravagant. But it was what was to be expected when you were staying in the Queen's quarters./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="eeac50b36aa1b0ebd2e1e15b2d6f682a"Once inside, Marko and Eric let Leila know they would be standing outside the door./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="e9719b59663dcfe94975a3076594a132"Once the door shut, Leila plopped down on the huge spanning king size bed in the middle of the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec8ce63e2136f8528190883dd82a79fa""I really need to talk to the Queen about this security detail. I am not going to be trailed all summer by guardians. Court is save. And I doubt my mother has done that much damage."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="073becf6f780b32c59fb575f6b3668f0""Its for your own good." I reminded Leila. People had gotten news of the incident that had taken place with Julia Drozdov and many were angered at the fact that Leila was not being punished. However, the tale had grown tremendously in such a short time that few even knew the whole truth that had happened./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d507286387dd6d45a63084c2ff79855c"Leila and I sat and watched some television relaxing after the long plane ride. It felt strange to be at Court in such a fancy room. And on top of that I was highly aware that a Russian God stood on the other wide of the door. I let my mind wander on the last kiss we had shared./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b0706a0634eb180aa56fc09008c1e6c5"I was shaken from my daydream by Leila's phone ringing. She picked it up quickly and I watched as her face blanched a little. It took very little time for me to realize the Queen had ringed her./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="89228de79167c06d1be5545ddf59c04f"Leila hung up the phone and gave me a petrified look, " The Queen has asked that I meet with her and my mother. I'm going to have Marko and Eric escort me. I'll be back soon."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c263a1a2bedf4d9469c348fe0f350d16"Then she rushed out of the door, trying to straighten her hair a bit. I mentally laughed at her. The usual Leila would have taken a shower and changed her clothes but considering the amount go bags she had packed, the flight attendant had told her that her bags would be delivered to her room by the end of the day./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b26de23abf6bf28cdec34784241d3a75"I leaned back on the soft duvet and flipped through the channels on the screen not really paying attention. And as if I was hypnotized, the voices from the screen lulled me into a quick slumber./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2c43abcd378b0f5e732df943bdae0c3f"Asher POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2c328a305d463a8493e87569d9119311""Asher? Asher where are you? You better be in this room or so help me..."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="846b35e9d99fdc3847d4528908687cae"My moms voice trailed off as she peaked through my bedroom door, a wave of relief washing over her face./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="573d99a90209e074329509b804b03b11""Where in the world would I go mom? You already have made sure Nora and I stay put and away from our friends."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fdfdf4df5b65d5200925f50ff8022e3a"My mom gave me a stern look as she leaned against the door frame, " Well maybe your father and I would be a little more lenient if we didn't have teenage fools running away all the time. We provide you guys with a good home and food on the table and it seemed you and your sister barely are grateful giving me a heart attack and I'm not even in my forties yet."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f9eb148edc9d897686bd4f66e50ad39e"I looked at the ceiling, sighing at her comment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a99ecad699c381cf774ca7ec3c5ae336""Nora and I are grateful. We couldn't ask for a better family. At least your no Veronica Voda."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fc7cd32972aff59cfffa3980e9c5b844"Saying the name alone sent chills down my back. I was a guardian in training for goodness sakes but that woman gave me the chills./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ee571421d5d2fe7d537e1e1aa77d1be6"My mom was silent before she looked behind her and finally closed the door and sat on the edge of my bed, creating a small crease in the bed covers./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bccca0680e38e7b3ab1b09e8281c22a2"She paused for a moment and then her voice turned serious, " Your father and I are just worried about you and your sister is all. We will go to Court as soon as the baby feels better but it gives me a little bit of reassurance if we all remain under the same roof right now. It really broke my heart when both of my eldest children just disappeared in the night."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="daceb7c785760645a89bf531a76fc14f"Her eyes held a sadness and I could see the brim of unshed tears form. I sighed. I hated when my mom cried. It was rare when she did but I hated it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c3fd8fb06bf8231d41cb0306e0256b6b"I patted her hand and wiped a falling tear from her cheek, frowning./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="14a2c0b435ea1b1d24d2f85382f71666""It was wrong to run off like that. I know that now. But I just needed to do something. I couldn't sit around waiting to hear my sister was dead. I just..." My voice broke and it was no my mother's turn to caress and pat my cheek./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d8382399bdb5ea2350dcc3d793c566c4""Shhh... I understand. But never run away like that again. If you are in trouble I'd much rather you come to your father and I so we can help you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3e9794c301c2a0bd86cb5a707b8ba67a"I felt my throat tighten. It killed me that I had caused my mother so much stress./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="444a9b3fa143a9b6216574b27be4c2c8"She looked at me again, " Look out for your sister Ash. Lenora is a stubborn and I sometimes worry that maybe I'm just not fit enough to have a teenage daughter to raise."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="146a0e335bddd8bf2133e2f70b5d2ec4""Don't be silly mom. You're the best mom a kid could have."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="745a727eb064726c6543acb44a20caf7"My mom laughed, " Well I may not be as bad ass as Rose Hathaway but I have my moments."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ec2098d7ae2555d7e76740ad48318151"She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and gave me a peculiar look, " Speaking of Hathaways...when were you going to inform your father and I that Alana and you have...become a couple."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="14d95b46d287792e102a5fae0a506aeb"I felt my cheeks redden in embarrassment. I loved my mother toy death, but I was not keen on sharing the details of my love life with her. Especially when I was not entirely sure if Alana and I were official or not. It felt pretty official, but we hadn't talked about it much. Or the fact that she was lusting over her ex mentor. But it gave me joy the fact that he had been adult enough to regret her silly school girl crush./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5f3fa3d6d121af22ea7114532842a6f6"Fiona started crying and I thanked the gods above for saving me from my mothers questioning eyes. She gave me a sidelong look before she excused herself to attend to my baby sister./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b130ca09785c0cc53ba18f98c49e6bde"I turned back to the notepad in front of me and continued to draw. I loved to draw but it was a pastime I didn't get to do much. Not when I was training to follow my destiny to be a guardian. And as I drew, I sat and thought about Alana. The girl I was madly in love with. My everything. I would never be able to explain to Alana how much I loved her. I had a fear that if I did relish in that love and dive in and show her she would run away like a scared puppy. I sat for hours drawing before I realized I was drawing my heart out. Literally./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e68520566f74586cec871367d90d110"I squinted at the portrait of Alana in front of me, silently praying she felt the same way./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d1ee8deaf785bf445fa769e077b5eb5d"Alana POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b296811a5a7c0827b1751ea8c746c096"A quick knock on the suites door had me jumping from my slumber. I groggily headed towards the door and opened it. Eric stood there at the door, a cart of luggage next to him and I turned to see a flight attendant walking swiftly back down the hall./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="69b8ec6b139b88d4c5b0f70bf741bcc3"I stood to the side not making eye contact as I watched Eric pull the gurney if luggage into the room. The door closed behind me as I watched him park the cart and turn back towards me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2fe803d8dd331bc64cbe8fa4da9a7903"He paused and I felt his eyes bore into me once more. Our eyes met. His eyes were so beautiful I could get lost in them. A lost I was getting as I realized I was starring and ogling him. I cleared my throat and averted my gaze./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="9bb50bca12b8bb68c06b2fc39f373403""I thought you would have gone with Leila." I said realizing Leila had been gone a pretty long time if I had been able to have a good nap./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="fc82405671fcd0a61d4623197bef0cd8"Eric's adam apple bobbed as he swallowed before answering, " She told me to stay behind for you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c92ff978a7208492646b11ca8851d834"The play on words did not pass me by but I ignored it. I didn't want to be reminded of our last conversation together./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="88e7fa33bb59a20254e2730d9757f458"You will regret not fighting for me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="011bc3bfe047d339f75d8cd1021c30df"I squinted at Leila's silliness. I didn't need protection like she did. I could easily protect myself./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="aa066b4800a026c2e7062f311093dbdf""You didn't have to stay. You know that." I said not meeting his eyes as I walked over to the table in the corner and grabbed a few grapes from the long platter, before popping them into my mouth./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="17f0021de6e54fe7cc95e014fcfbb5f7""I know." He said, almost inaudibly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7aba96ffdd3cf1260345c410c32a9144"The silence between us grew. Neither of us knew how to continue. I had no idea whether I should act casual or ignore him. My feelings were everywhere regarding him. Only one feeling remained, love for Eric and guilt for that love because of Asher. I popped another grape in my mouth, enjoying the satisfying crunch it made. It was the only sound in the awkwardly silent room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="62bfb9a403bebbee567402003dff5232"Then I felt the true Hathaway in me come out to play as I leaned on the table and popped my hip out, enjoying the grapes as I finally took Eric really in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="81869e7b20dc63c17b3f36d030a2a212"His skin was a bit more darker then last time I had seen him, and he was packing a few extra muscles through his guardian attire. It was perfect image in front of me, and one I was not complaining about./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="481724e268a976a11046f859750924bc""So is this whole summer going to be awkward between us, Boss?" I asked, eating another grape. I felt myself being washed in a confidence I knew my mother would be proud of./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="2d780ad9ea72df52b1d31ff434815be7"He seemed taken aback at my abruptness but he didn't show much. He had a perfect stoic guardian mask on and I knew my father has been right that it was something I needed to master./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4a69be1e49428344a8861db02957ce61""I don't want it to be." He finally said, his voice strong and firm. It was as if he wasn't phased in the least./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="918ce95e91010202d3e499aeb75c2ff4""Good. Then let's not make it that way, Boss." He frowned but nodded his head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="7dadc875a938572e7427ab686373e84c""Boss?" He asked, breaking his guardian mask a bit to lift his eyebrow in questioning./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5a72b19bb5420056db3eac1819631b7f""Yup." I said making the 'p' pop, " You always have been bossy. At least that's what I remember from our training sessions."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="00a279e21032a073f6a76ef019e00a9d"His lips quirked up in a small smile, "Okay then...Boss it is."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="762f4c9f3136f9c797f3faf8da3687b1"And that slight fraction of a smile, had me almost choking on the grape in my mouth. The awkwardness subsided briefly, but I was very aware that it was not completely diminished./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="203b2d9ea117971d20c460611344a15b"Boy...it was going to be a long summer./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a56b626b4c38008bb9f3f968e70a0b3a" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p