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="94af8653a2902f36503de84410accbef"Chapter 5: Wedding Dresses, Anger Issues and Underage Drinking...Oh My!/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="ef588a41694bcf257e8cfb5a21f09e03""And then suddenly he was there, charging down the hallway like death in a cowboy duster." 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="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="39b87916c8dbd9fd52f824212d5f4924""Is this really necessary?" I heard Leila whine for the tenth time in the last half hour as she stood on the chair placed in the middle of the room as the seamstress pinned some fabric up./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="a6a0318f3ed94354c2e68b769e685461"We had been at Court for only three days and I was already frustrated myself with all of the wedding fiasco that had been going on around us. Luckily for Leila, Veronica Voda had kept her distance and not made an appearance./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="8d30ca03e4095f4cc47c80dd218fd3ea"Uncle Adrian chuckled from the chair beside me, and I watched as both Marko and Eric seemed to struggle with their profesionalism. To say the least, Leila had been a major pain in everyone's ass the last few days with her constant comments./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="8765c8f65969aa6b24a36058b0685b78"But even though she was on my nerves, deep down I was concerned with that fact that she just didn't seem herself. I didn't question it however and Leila seemed silently grateful for not bugging./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="df476a16b7a208074b655aa122fbba90"I caught Eric's eye and immediately looked away. We hadn't seen each other since agreeing to not make the summer awkward but it was as if it was doomed to happen. All morning, when our eyes met, we would both turn uncomfortable. It was quite something to see considering how well Eric was at concealing his emotions./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="688c44b92dd1a12cbbc91f6020302223""Miss Voda, I'm sorry but the dress is too big. I need to make the adjustments before the wedding or it wont look right."/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="264da79a529394d86897c6890fee999b"Leila sighed but reluctantly let the seamstress continue./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="36e14df4a214b87d9fdbda36b76597b2"Uncle Adrian's phone beeped as he looked down and sighed./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="204e67a2d8ceb7083bfc24d99bb7b73b""Everything okay?" I asked taking in his sudden mood change. Probably the effects of spirit. I hadn't seen much of Uncle Adrian the last few days at Court but I was well aware of the fact no alcohol clung to him when we arrived at Leila's suite door this morning./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="f6d687b3249864101a589bddb4c09717""Your mother and the Castille's are postponing their trip by a few more days. Looks like your Aunt Lissa caught whatever summer cold Fiona had and they've decided to just stay put until she's feeling a little better."/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="8c63be5fc1eb3fde4b6de687c0094a2c"His browed furrowed as he glanced at his phone again and sighed before standing and pocketing it, " I hate to leave you two but I have some...family matters to deal with this afternoon."/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="4d998ffba78ca207ae043a447a123588"Then he was gone in a blink of an eye./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="f29bb3fb1026b38687fb646962076a05"Leila frowned, " Adrian's acting pretty peculiar this week."/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="a4fe6f2793abe026849aca0a6bd41025"I shrugged and brought my knees up onto the chair, " No more the usual. You know how he gets."/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="ef0ebf1991ab47c85c2d618ebbe8e6c1"The conversation was put to rest however when a clang sounded from the front door's bell and a heavy british accent filled the air./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="28b14d26d9e64c02d348ac32073fc9d0"A slim Moroi walked in with curly chestnut brown locks wrapped in a messy bun and striking blue eyes. She stumbled a bit as she tripped over the mat by the front door but quickly recovered gazing in our direction a firm smile on 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="cbaa6fe83cd9a710ed6b7e7fa91b66fc"I sat for a good minute wondering why this stranger was giving me such a wide smile before I realized, the smile was not meant for me, but a dashingly handsome guardian behind 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="49b74e47897ee17a4bae50b84a653de3""Goof ball! What are you doing in a dress shop?"/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="a54ec1848d11eefdcf930f9b5833b047"She sidled over to Eric and placed a small kiss on his cheek. His guardian mask didn't falter, but I felt my hands clench into fists beside me. Who was this girl and why was sheem style="box-sizing: border-box;" kissing/em Eric?/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="3803623cfff32896807681ad7bc87713"Eric seemed to break his guardian demeanor as he looked at the girl./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="9513f254ed2b1eccea21fbfa8020e4e2""Eliza, I'm on duty right now." He nodded his head towards Leila who was finally free of the white wad of a dress and starring at the scene before us./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="04381ae35f7b46f125b5a8e8c9e25321"The girl..Eliza..smiled at Leila before sticking out hr hand, " You must be Leila Voda. I've heard so much about you from my father."/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="5ff52385864edb122fe464309a168690"Leila took her hand and gave a small smile, " Your father?" She asked curiously./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="47aff5bda912a5ee7f096500ac949b7b"Eliza blushed, making her blue eyes shine even brighter, " Yes, he's a businessman. Your mother and him go way back apparently."/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="2b2236ddb2a508998447ff1465f0a6fe"Leila shrugged, not seeming fazed much that her father knew other people./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="6c8dc4e580c25d650848a17d2bd23884"Eliza brought her attention back to me as she squeezed Eric's arm, and I was very aware that his eyes seemed to soften and change when he gazed down at 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="cdbedb05a4cf67a7d64301f3c56052df""Now really isn't a good time Liz. I'll see you tonight. Sophie's right?"/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="39090cdf3871190017e011b428e04c61"Eliza seemed to get the point as she backed away from Eric a bit, " Definitly, and bring your friends." She gestered towards 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="f94c9066c4121c42c38b67df8371d2dc"Eric didn't hesitate before he sternly shook his head, "Not the type of place to take a bunch of teenagers."/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="1941634c22313e631ab6c56c75fc5a4c"This caused Eliza to laugh as she started to step out the door, "Like we weren't doing worse when we were teens." The she giggled and winked, blowing a kiss towards Eric before whipping around and leaving the shop, only the little bell ringing filled the 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="7d3f9d5aaf6356ff209158c7ea902cff"My blood was pumping hotter and faster then I was even aware it could. I was angered that some girl was draped across Eric like he was hers./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="e2dc5c22482938a38a0c1db3d50cb075"Well, it's not like he's yours, my subconcious chastised me, and I felt my balled up fists dig into the skin of my palms./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="a5261797016bc88d3b8d38dfacf0c9ad"Leila was the first to break the silence, aiming her words towards Eric, " Sophie? You wouldn't be talking about Sophie Vasin would 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="87b87c08f665829964ec58b9ddff945c"Marko was the one to answer this time, but I was too focused on not showing how angered I really was but Eliza./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="d5b84405789e42ddb49ceb5d84d2a90e""The one and only." Marko chanted, giving Leila a sidelong look./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="92a8a436347a44527a2cf8faa9d72743"Leila smiled, " Sophie Vasin's parties are legendary. Don't you remember when she was at the academy Alana? We went to her summer bash when we were in middle school and she was a higher up."/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="10fb1e907cd9281743cdc129c776e8fd"I vaguely remembered a party that involved lots of glitter and drinking. It was a party we had only gotten into because of Leila's connections with Stephan. Leila and I had barely stayed longer then an hour, as most of the party goers were older Moroi who we didn't even know well enough to talk to./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="8570386a94bd122223fd7dfd17e63dc5""Vaguely." I said, trying to keep my diminishing temper under wraps./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="f4d6ff2067bb4e294714916bd2135cd9""I'd love to see what kind of party Sophie can pull off now..." Leila pondered but she cut off by Eric's stern look and voice./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="81a661dc332c449815c88c6af84e78a5""I really don't think that's a good idea. Sophie's parties are not the type of place to take children to."/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="6cbe218356aae52a35fe8b3300b15d57"My anger capsized once again. It was the second time in less then five minutes that he had insinuated Leila and I were children. He sure hadn't thought that way after I had killed those strigoi and we had shared a very passionate embrace./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="68160cb8911ccbf7fc78e123cea02934""Well good thing there's no children here 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="cdb9fd816d9f6d23a879d699d2fc57e2"Then I turned and exited the dress shop, finding the cool breeze a relief on my hot and angry skin./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="c613fbfaf8a57c14e4e3f90d50ca6280"Tonight, I was going to Sophie's party with Leila and no one...not even Eric...was going to stop 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="cae255c4dfd812ec4aca5a533e6692c5"Then I turned and walked down the long intricate paths of Court, feeling as if I was on top of the world and ready to conquer anything./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="5fb6bc64f3abb73dcb57ce4011026124"Rose 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="d3ee6fe647f49f0ce3e8de85e2712b60""Come on Lis. We almost are there." I whined as we stopped so Lissa could catch her breath again. A normal ten minute walk to the academy's infirmary had turned into nearly a half an hour scenic route. Lissa was sick with some sort of summer flu but it really wasn't helping the fact that she was eighteen weeks pregnant with twins./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="48ed7ee35b97d88ba47565a563381603""Lighten up Rose. You try carrying two watermelons across campus."/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="8ed847b309b0c381f0282a1ae95698b5"I rolled my eyes at her exageration. Lissa was barely showing except for a small bump. Even pregnant it was amazing how good and young she looked. Vibrant and powerful all in one. My pregnancy with Alana had left me looking crippled and old, however Adrian had been a good sport through it all complimenting my beauty any chance he could get./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="c8375c56cdc90449cc9acfb3f37fb254"The fond memory, left me feeling a bit gloomy at the thought of my relationship with Adrian./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="1fc627e6f4f15ad26f2f45064bbd59c5"About ten minutes later, we finally got to the infirmary were the nurse hooked Lissa up to a bunch of machines and took her blood pressure before prescribing bed rest./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="3ec587e803240dc9c5c1f02c1ff8dd76"Lissa sighed as we made our way out of the infirmary, " See. Just a cold. You and Christian really worry too much about 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="88387d39673eabfb3734d672f279c146""That's our job to as devoted husband and brave guardian to the last living Dragomir heir."/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="078125cc6c3217a654eee5cb54415392"Lissa seemed to blanch at my words and before I knew I felt her lose control of the wall she had up and her muddled thoughts filled 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="04b401173db48c9199613119d952e52a"Leila's violet eyes starred back at Lissa in her memory./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="12b73ff642fb71916bf87509e403b2a2"Lissa knew she had slipped up as I turned and she looked at me, guilt palpable in the air./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="ce6a5a5363373062ea5d8cc411859b2c""How could you keep something like this from me?" I asked her, feeling the familiar anger of spirit fill me but I was too far gone to contemplate it. Spirit was taking over and I was letting 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="85685b3b82cf14e34f54d25adf980bfb""Rose listen it's really..."br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /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="71cee34e1f020a8d1082907dec044331""Don't you dare say its not a big deal. Leila has a vision that you die and you chose to keep it from 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="aa68e844861ff2224591ab3ba1cbeea4"Lissa cowered a bit at my angry tone, a bead of sweat appeared on her brow, " I didn't want to worry 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="d8ce3f9f2b98a6c8a55e0928124239a1"I thre my hands up in the sir exasperated, " Worry me? It's my job to worry about you. Did we not just cover this? Christian is the devoted husband and I'm the brave guardian whos job is to worry and protect you, Lissa Dragomir!"/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="ec49c767b115041fda1b6186d9eed29b"Lissa leaned against the wall of the building, looking exhausted and anxious but I was too far consumed with spirit to stop 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="5a88ebce9e12579d91cad81d2c965820""Rose, I can explain..."/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="4d3e08ea1d67568fa8f601179d227352""No! You don't have trust or faith in me. I'm your guardian Lissa! I need to know these things!"/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="7fcc3bec52cd94605f191d3ad1de6a39"Lissa cowered and it was then that I realized I was screaming at her and from her look she knew I was being driven by the effects of spirit./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="0878a1ba89870d1fb24dd6108dbb7b5d""Rose, you need to calm down." She tried, reaching out to me to try and heal some of the darkness away. I flinched away from her and was enveloped in arms that were very familiar./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="15b36046c18fa28fc6b888480df8d175""Rose? Roza? Are you okay?" Dimitri's voice asked me as he gazed down at me. But I was seeing red literally and I could feel my body shaking with the anger./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="73cb824a887458b184ae3f4696a1e07c""I'm fine! I don't need you trying to always be the hero here Dimitri!"/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="b21fe8a01fe332b334eb41fc6a7cb785"He looked at Lissa and they exchanged a silent conversation that left me feeling even more annoyed. Before I knew it, Dimitri had scooped me up into his arms and was carrying me away from a flustered Lissa as she pulled out her phone and dialed./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="b7e732125c5c3a7f28dd1d5ca1707457"I looked up at Dimitri annoyed by the fact he was not letting me go, even though I was attempting to stand on my own two feet. I was a guardian dammit! Why did everyone feel the need to shelter me today?/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="666d443f488e05156db5ac3c0a0c00f1"Before I knew it, we were at the small cabin in the woods. A place I hadn't been to in years and really was not wanting to go back to./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="be64f60da3de3254a4aeba8fdcce0e92""What are we doing here?" I asked, feeling my blooding boiling and my bitterness seep into my voice./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="2114126243e5218ff6ecf376091f80b9"The door creaked open, and was highly aware the place looked like it had been recently cleaned up a bit. The bed was made of fresh sheets as Dimitri plopped me on the bed./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="fffbd400dfdc82f36c7af7266c30e510"Before I could argue and get even more angry, his hands were a mess in my hair and he brought my face up to his in a deep and passionate kiss. A wave of memories and deja vu sweeped over me. This was the exact replay of what had happened sixteen years ago when he had brought me here and taken my virginity. When we had joined together as one.../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="26b3b65b257bf70694189ec25c73fecf"I felt the anger melt away a bit but the big chunk was still there, right in the middle of my chest. I felt that anger diminish into a desperate want and need and I knew Dimitri felt the atmosphere around us change as spirit began to fade./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="2f9a83a67946c6b38148d5d3eb8e7405"We didn't leave much room to talk, and my thoughts were too far gone by the time I realized we both were undressed./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="ad6683f698c83716b8a274eed2e63ce2"Dimitri broke away for a moment, leaving me deperate and wanting more as he loomed over me and smiled and pulled a silver package from his back pocket./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="423ef9321b353aa34ae6e8f56f754a37""Just in case..." He said./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="ef7c9e8e3054601493cd5de18f709adc"And then I did a very un-Rose like thing. I erupted into a fit of giggles and Dimitri's face blushed a bit as he joined with 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="6623f133d0ceea0087e5ca16257bdebe"Then I grabbed him and pulled the small silver package out of his hand, tossing it across 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="a29b1b5d2743fccfec9902367db184b7""To hell with it." I said, smashing my lips against his and enjoying a a trip down memory lane./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="89aeb6c699da28d2b01638f376e46100""Are you sure about this Alana? Eric seemed pretty serious about us not going."/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="06a9247c2743521c0df03a95d9afa72b"I gave Leila a look. We were already dressed head to toe for a party. Leila's violet eyes looked striking against the deep purple of the dress she had chosen. For once, I had let Leila choose what I wore. I was not even the slightest bit nervous about how short the red, one strap party dress was that I was wearing or the fact that Leila had done my makeup. I felt free and confident. Like there was something I needed to prove./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="e857d7cc2d8187dbfeede7f5e80d264d""Leila, we went over this. I really don't give a flying you know what about what Eric deems appropriate for us or 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="2d06d4f1adfec4d680eede39a2469a3b"Leila seemed hesitant before she smiled, "Just as long as you don't let me get drunk and we will be cool."/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="fd8a04e20c1eb7e441ccb617328a7dc4"The doors to the underground club were heavy as we opened then and immediately we were met with the strong scent of alcohol and the vibrant sounds of blaring music./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="542716e6906c1645fe565e5f1c72b2e3"The place was packed, and it wasn't a surprise./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="d269a7518e98d608c44ab3c855b99c20"Sophie was a legend at the academy. She had been the type of Moroi who had no royal name or connections but her family was wealthy. Rumor had it, Sophie was a big distributor in the 'blood whore' business. I wrinkled my nose thinking about it. I hated the reference and was not even remotely curious as to why people would allow themseleves to be used like that. Leila had tried to explain it to me once, but I wasn't invested in listening./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="112aac8ef96a5d18cab99d060ba8e9c6""I'm going to grab us some drinks." I shouted over the blaring music. Leila nodded her head, intrigued in the acrobatic dancers that were flying from long complicated ribbons up in the air. Sophie sure knew how to throw a party./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="e1589ec35857b1eca7f4c25781158906"The bar was easy to find, and it was even more of a relief when the bartender didn't seemed phased a bit by my young age. I didn't need to get kicked out when I was here for one sole purpose. To spy on Eric and the mystery girl Eliza./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="869412300c184ffd1f307f67b7003462"As if someone above had heard me, my wish was granted. I spotted Eric across the dance floor, in a black tight fitting t-shirt. He looked good and he was smiling. A sad realization his me as I realized I had never seen Eric smile really. He was always so professional and guardian like. I smirked at the thought. Then my thoughts turned sore, as I took in Eliza next to him, straddeling his waist as they danced and laughed, her silver sequin dress catching the strobe lights as they turned./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="b1b3d58e27e8c8408339beaf8ce70a37""Bartender! You-hoo!" I looked to my side at the small brunette Moroi next to me, her grey eyes were surrounded by a heavy blue eyeshadow, and her black skirt and white tube top were barely clothes. It was easy to recognize Sophie Vasin. She hadn't changed much from her days at the 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="92c951cd97bbff2931d531298023c8ac"She must have noticied me because she gave me a sidelong look before filling the empty bar stool next to me and taking me in, " Elena right? Your that guardians daughter from the Academy. Oh what was her name...Harrison."/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="ca7096f70f1028c1cebf3c46679e8cda"I smiled a bit. Of course she would remember me because of my mom./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="4f46cb3d2a6dac2337e9be7b96f5924b""Hathaway. Alana Hathaway."/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="c82e7e1a6b577b922d43ddb472b1bd8c"She snapped her fingered and pointed at me, " That's it. I never forget a 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="5e19dd4e33c2f3d4a5b758ffef08dcea"She looked at me again, " Aren't you a little young to be 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="cf9142c38572f06dd48a3c9632a13232"I furrowed my brow a bit. I was tired of everyone treating me as if I was a five year old. But I didn't get time to answer before she shrugged, "Doesn't matter. You're here. What are you drinking?"/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="4807df3729acdb638ac4896c7a27e775"She nodded towards my half empty glass, "Water." I said truthfully./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="dab75cd4050a6c0464b128af4f14ed2f"She laughed and entertwined her arm with mine, " Now darling if you are going to come to a Vasin party, you are going to have to drink like one too."/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="efb5f638c08599d7c1c95f2d15a15f6f"She rattled off a list of drinks to the bartender. Thirty minutes in, and she had had me down a good number of the drinks and she danced and sang. I realized I liked Sophie Vasin. Or maybe that was the alcohol speaking./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="cc0931337f77492568c8866c62e87d50"I was never one to really drink at any of the bon fires or parties Leila and I attended. But it felt good to let loose a little and Sophie was pretty good company./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="1914ab91db0b8bea8273c1b37cc01152"We drank, and we sang and we ended up drinking more. Then a squeally giggle rang into my ears and I turned around. Eric had turned Eliza and they were walking right towards us. I gulped and turned back towards the bar, downing the drink Sophie had set down in front of 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="e834cf81412213b0efbb307500ffdcdf"Sophie smiled, "Eric darling! So good to see you out of those clouds finally."/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="44e8c7aab6465ed5c4f634222dc5e3a1"But Eric didn't answer. Instead he was staring right at me. At least I think he was. I was a little too drunk to tell where his eyes were focusing./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="193e6fa029ec3052d9979008796d5a98""Alana?" He questioned and Sophie laughed, throwing her arm 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="4f9eeaeaca74ab8eb9e3c18f3e01e009""Ah, I see you know my young friend here. We were just about to take these drinks to go and hit the diamond room. Care to join us?"/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="057dac0fb559bf8ea8bf4f9244d9b0e6"Eric didn't get a chance to answer before Eliza answered for him, " We would love to Soph."/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="1c296138520e0f47350bd9d2b49273ca"I smiled, more at the fact that I was on a huge high from the alcohol I consumed, as Sophie grabbed me by the hand and led me towards a more secluded part of the party, Eric and company following close behind us./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="5328a05e761284f48a591da3b2212cc5"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"A/N:/span/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="894c997a29fd8e29776ddc2eae0f1ee1"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"I do apologize for any typos. I have not had a chance to edit this chapter. I also want to make it clear, I am not promoting underage drinking to my readers. It happens and it's a key part of Alana and Eric's story right now./span/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
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="ef588a41694bcf257e8cfb5a21f09e03""And then suddenly he was there, charging down the hallway like death in a cowboy duster." 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="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="39b87916c8dbd9fd52f824212d5f4924""Is this really necessary?" I heard Leila whine for the tenth time in the last half hour as she stood on the chair placed in the middle of the room as the seamstress pinned some fabric up./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="a6a0318f3ed94354c2e68b769e685461"We had been at Court for only three days and I was already frustrated myself with all of the wedding fiasco that had been going on around us. Luckily for Leila, Veronica Voda had kept her distance and not made an appearance./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="8d30ca03e4095f4cc47c80dd218fd3ea"Uncle Adrian chuckled from the chair beside me, and I watched as both Marko and Eric seemed to struggle with their profesionalism. To say the least, Leila had been a major pain in everyone's ass the last few days with her constant comments./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="8765c8f65969aa6b24a36058b0685b78"But even though she was on my nerves, deep down I was concerned with that fact that she just didn't seem herself. I didn't question it however and Leila seemed silently grateful for not bugging./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="df476a16b7a208074b655aa122fbba90"I caught Eric's eye and immediately looked away. We hadn't seen each other since agreeing to not make the summer awkward but it was as if it was doomed to happen. All morning, when our eyes met, we would both turn uncomfortable. It was quite something to see considering how well Eric was at concealing his emotions./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="688c44b92dd1a12cbbc91f6020302223""Miss Voda, I'm sorry but the dress is too big. I need to make the adjustments before the wedding or it wont look right."/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="264da79a529394d86897c6890fee999b"Leila sighed but reluctantly let the seamstress continue./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="36e14df4a214b87d9fdbda36b76597b2"Uncle Adrian's phone beeped as he looked down and sighed./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="204e67a2d8ceb7083bfc24d99bb7b73b""Everything okay?" I asked taking in his sudden mood change. Probably the effects of spirit. I hadn't seen much of Uncle Adrian the last few days at Court but I was well aware of the fact no alcohol clung to him when we arrived at Leila's suite door this morning./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="f6d687b3249864101a589bddb4c09717""Your mother and the Castille's are postponing their trip by a few more days. Looks like your Aunt Lissa caught whatever summer cold Fiona had and they've decided to just stay put until she's feeling a little better."/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="8c63be5fc1eb3fde4b6de687c0094a2c"His browed furrowed as he glanced at his phone again and sighed before standing and pocketing it, " I hate to leave you two but I have some...family matters to deal with this afternoon."/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="4d998ffba78ca207ae043a447a123588"Then he was gone in a blink of an eye./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="f29bb3fb1026b38687fb646962076a05"Leila frowned, " Adrian's acting pretty peculiar this week."/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="a4fe6f2793abe026849aca0a6bd41025"I shrugged and brought my knees up onto the chair, " No more the usual. You know how he gets."/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="ef0ebf1991ab47c85c2d618ebbe8e6c1"The conversation was put to rest however when a clang sounded from the front door's bell and a heavy british accent filled the air./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="28b14d26d9e64c02d348ac32073fc9d0"A slim Moroi walked in with curly chestnut brown locks wrapped in a messy bun and striking blue eyes. She stumbled a bit as she tripped over the mat by the front door but quickly recovered gazing in our direction a firm smile on 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="cbaa6fe83cd9a710ed6b7e7fa91b66fc"I sat for a good minute wondering why this stranger was giving me such a wide smile before I realized, the smile was not meant for me, but a dashingly handsome guardian behind 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="49b74e47897ee17a4bae50b84a653de3""Goof ball! What are you doing in a dress shop?"/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="a54ec1848d11eefdcf930f9b5833b047"She sidled over to Eric and placed a small kiss on his cheek. His guardian mask didn't falter, but I felt my hands clench into fists beside me. Who was this girl and why was sheem style="box-sizing: border-box;" kissing/em Eric?/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="3803623cfff32896807681ad7bc87713"Eric seemed to break his guardian demeanor as he looked at the girl./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="9513f254ed2b1eccea21fbfa8020e4e2""Eliza, I'm on duty right now." He nodded his head towards Leila who was finally free of the white wad of a dress and starring at the scene before us./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="04381ae35f7b46f125b5a8e8c9e25321"The girl..Eliza..smiled at Leila before sticking out hr hand, " You must be Leila Voda. I've heard so much about you from my father."/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="5ff52385864edb122fe464309a168690"Leila took her hand and gave a small smile, " Your father?" She asked curiously./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="47aff5bda912a5ee7f096500ac949b7b"Eliza blushed, making her blue eyes shine even brighter, " Yes, he's a businessman. Your mother and him go way back apparently."/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="2b2236ddb2a508998447ff1465f0a6fe"Leila shrugged, not seeming fazed much that her father knew other people./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="6c8dc4e580c25d650848a17d2bd23884"Eliza brought her attention back to me as she squeezed Eric's arm, and I was very aware that his eyes seemed to soften and change when he gazed down at 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="cdbedb05a4cf67a7d64301f3c56052df""Now really isn't a good time Liz. I'll see you tonight. Sophie's right?"/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="39090cdf3871190017e011b428e04c61"Eliza seemed to get the point as she backed away from Eric a bit, " Definitly, and bring your friends." She gestered towards 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="f94c9066c4121c42c38b67df8371d2dc"Eric didn't hesitate before he sternly shook his head, "Not the type of place to take a bunch of teenagers."/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="1941634c22313e631ab6c56c75fc5a4c"This caused Eliza to laugh as she started to step out the door, "Like we weren't doing worse when we were teens." The she giggled and winked, blowing a kiss towards Eric before whipping around and leaving the shop, only the little bell ringing filled the 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="7d3f9d5aaf6356ff209158c7ea902cff"My blood was pumping hotter and faster then I was even aware it could. I was angered that some girl was draped across Eric like he was hers./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="e2dc5c22482938a38a0c1db3d50cb075"Well, it's not like he's yours, my subconcious chastised me, and I felt my balled up fists dig into the skin of my palms./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="a5261797016bc88d3b8d38dfacf0c9ad"Leila was the first to break the silence, aiming her words towards Eric, " Sophie? You wouldn't be talking about Sophie Vasin would 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="87b87c08f665829964ec58b9ddff945c"Marko was the one to answer this time, but I was too focused on not showing how angered I really was but Eliza./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="d5b84405789e42ddb49ceb5d84d2a90e""The one and only." Marko chanted, giving Leila a sidelong look./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="92a8a436347a44527a2cf8faa9d72743"Leila smiled, " Sophie Vasin's parties are legendary. Don't you remember when she was at the academy Alana? We went to her summer bash when we were in middle school and she was a higher up."/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="10fb1e907cd9281743cdc129c776e8fd"I vaguely remembered a party that involved lots of glitter and drinking. It was a party we had only gotten into because of Leila's connections with Stephan. Leila and I had barely stayed longer then an hour, as most of the party goers were older Moroi who we didn't even know well enough to talk to./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="8570386a94bd122223fd7dfd17e63dc5""Vaguely." I said, trying to keep my diminishing temper under wraps./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="f4d6ff2067bb4e294714916bd2135cd9""I'd love to see what kind of party Sophie can pull off now..." Leila pondered but she cut off by Eric's stern look and voice./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="81a661dc332c449815c88c6af84e78a5""I really don't think that's a good idea. Sophie's parties are not the type of place to take children to."/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="6cbe218356aae52a35fe8b3300b15d57"My anger capsized once again. It was the second time in less then five minutes that he had insinuated Leila and I were children. He sure hadn't thought that way after I had killed those strigoi and we had shared a very passionate embrace./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="68160cb8911ccbf7fc78e123cea02934""Well good thing there's no children here 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="cdb9fd816d9f6d23a879d699d2fc57e2"Then I turned and exited the dress shop, finding the cool breeze a relief on my hot and angry skin./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="c613fbfaf8a57c14e4e3f90d50ca6280"Tonight, I was going to Sophie's party with Leila and no one...not even Eric...was going to stop 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="cae255c4dfd812ec4aca5a533e6692c5"Then I turned and walked down the long intricate paths of Court, feeling as if I was on top of the world and ready to conquer anything./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="5fb6bc64f3abb73dcb57ce4011026124"Rose 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="d3ee6fe647f49f0ce3e8de85e2712b60""Come on Lis. We almost are there." I whined as we stopped so Lissa could catch her breath again. A normal ten minute walk to the academy's infirmary had turned into nearly a half an hour scenic route. Lissa was sick with some sort of summer flu but it really wasn't helping the fact that she was eighteen weeks pregnant with twins./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="48ed7ee35b97d88ba47565a563381603""Lighten up Rose. You try carrying two watermelons across campus."/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="8ed847b309b0c381f0282a1ae95698b5"I rolled my eyes at her exageration. Lissa was barely showing except for a small bump. Even pregnant it was amazing how good and young she looked. Vibrant and powerful all in one. My pregnancy with Alana had left me looking crippled and old, however Adrian had been a good sport through it all complimenting my beauty any chance he could get./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="c8375c56cdc90449cc9acfb3f37fb254"The fond memory, left me feeling a bit gloomy at the thought of my relationship with Adrian./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="1fc627e6f4f15ad26f2f45064bbd59c5"About ten minutes later, we finally got to the infirmary were the nurse hooked Lissa up to a bunch of machines and took her blood pressure before prescribing bed rest./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="3ec587e803240dc9c5c1f02c1ff8dd76"Lissa sighed as we made our way out of the infirmary, " See. Just a cold. You and Christian really worry too much about 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="88387d39673eabfb3734d672f279c146""That's our job to as devoted husband and brave guardian to the last living Dragomir heir."/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="078125cc6c3217a654eee5cb54415392"Lissa seemed to blanch at my words and before I knew I felt her lose control of the wall she had up and her muddled thoughts filled 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="04b401173db48c9199613119d952e52a"Leila's violet eyes starred back at Lissa in her memory./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="12b73ff642fb71916bf87509e403b2a2"Lissa knew she had slipped up as I turned and she looked at me, guilt palpable in the air./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="ce6a5a5363373062ea5d8cc411859b2c""How could you keep something like this from me?" I asked her, feeling the familiar anger of spirit fill me but I was too far gone to contemplate it. Spirit was taking over and I was letting 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="85685b3b82cf14e34f54d25adf980bfb""Rose listen it's really..."br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /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="71cee34e1f020a8d1082907dec044331""Don't you dare say its not a big deal. Leila has a vision that you die and you chose to keep it from 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="aa68e844861ff2224591ab3ba1cbeea4"Lissa cowered a bit at my angry tone, a bead of sweat appeared on her brow, " I didn't want to worry 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="d8ce3f9f2b98a6c8a55e0928124239a1"I thre my hands up in the sir exasperated, " Worry me? It's my job to worry about you. Did we not just cover this? Christian is the devoted husband and I'm the brave guardian whos job is to worry and protect you, Lissa Dragomir!"/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="ec49c767b115041fda1b6186d9eed29b"Lissa leaned against the wall of the building, looking exhausted and anxious but I was too far consumed with spirit to stop 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="5a88ebce9e12579d91cad81d2c965820""Rose, I can explain..."/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="4d3e08ea1d67568fa8f601179d227352""No! You don't have trust or faith in me. I'm your guardian Lissa! I need to know these things!"/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="7fcc3bec52cd94605f191d3ad1de6a39"Lissa cowered and it was then that I realized I was screaming at her and from her look she knew I was being driven by the effects of spirit./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="0878a1ba89870d1fb24dd6108dbb7b5d""Rose, you need to calm down." She tried, reaching out to me to try and heal some of the darkness away. I flinched away from her and was enveloped in arms that were very familiar./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="15b36046c18fa28fc6b888480df8d175""Rose? Roza? Are you okay?" Dimitri's voice asked me as he gazed down at me. But I was seeing red literally and I could feel my body shaking with the anger./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="73cb824a887458b184ae3f4696a1e07c""I'm fine! I don't need you trying to always be the hero here Dimitri!"/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="b21fe8a01fe332b334eb41fc6a7cb785"He looked at Lissa and they exchanged a silent conversation that left me feeling even more annoyed. Before I knew it, Dimitri had scooped me up into his arms and was carrying me away from a flustered Lissa as she pulled out her phone and dialed./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="b7e732125c5c3a7f28dd1d5ca1707457"I looked up at Dimitri annoyed by the fact he was not letting me go, even though I was attempting to stand on my own two feet. I was a guardian dammit! Why did everyone feel the need to shelter me today?/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="666d443f488e05156db5ac3c0a0c00f1"Before I knew it, we were at the small cabin in the woods. A place I hadn't been to in years and really was not wanting to go back to./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="be64f60da3de3254a4aeba8fdcce0e92""What are we doing here?" I asked, feeling my blooding boiling and my bitterness seep into my voice./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="2114126243e5218ff6ecf376091f80b9"The door creaked open, and was highly aware the place looked like it had been recently cleaned up a bit. The bed was made of fresh sheets as Dimitri plopped me on the bed./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="fffbd400dfdc82f36c7af7266c30e510"Before I could argue and get even more angry, his hands were a mess in my hair and he brought my face up to his in a deep and passionate kiss. A wave of memories and deja vu sweeped over me. This was the exact replay of what had happened sixteen years ago when he had brought me here and taken my virginity. When we had joined together as one.../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="26b3b65b257bf70694189ec25c73fecf"I felt the anger melt away a bit but the big chunk was still there, right in the middle of my chest. I felt that anger diminish into a desperate want and need and I knew Dimitri felt the atmosphere around us change as spirit began to fade./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="2f9a83a67946c6b38148d5d3eb8e7405"We didn't leave much room to talk, and my thoughts were too far gone by the time I realized we both were undressed./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="ad6683f698c83716b8a274eed2e63ce2"Dimitri broke away for a moment, leaving me deperate and wanting more as he loomed over me and smiled and pulled a silver package from his back pocket./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="423ef9321b353aa34ae6e8f56f754a37""Just in case..." He said./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="ef7c9e8e3054601493cd5de18f709adc"And then I did a very un-Rose like thing. I erupted into a fit of giggles and Dimitri's face blushed a bit as he joined with 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="6623f133d0ceea0087e5ca16257bdebe"Then I grabbed him and pulled the small silver package out of his hand, tossing it across 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="a29b1b5d2743fccfec9902367db184b7""To hell with it." I said, smashing my lips against his and enjoying a a trip down memory lane./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="89aeb6c699da28d2b01638f376e46100""Are you sure about this Alana? Eric seemed pretty serious about us not going."/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="06a9247c2743521c0df03a95d9afa72b"I gave Leila a look. We were already dressed head to toe for a party. Leila's violet eyes looked striking against the deep purple of the dress she had chosen. For once, I had let Leila choose what I wore. I was not even the slightest bit nervous about how short the red, one strap party dress was that I was wearing or the fact that Leila had done my makeup. I felt free and confident. Like there was something I needed to prove./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="e857d7cc2d8187dbfeede7f5e80d264d""Leila, we went over this. I really don't give a flying you know what about what Eric deems appropriate for us or 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="2d06d4f1adfec4d680eede39a2469a3b"Leila seemed hesitant before she smiled, "Just as long as you don't let me get drunk and we will be cool."/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="fd8a04e20c1eb7e441ccb617328a7dc4"The doors to the underground club were heavy as we opened then and immediately we were met with the strong scent of alcohol and the vibrant sounds of blaring music./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="542716e6906c1645fe565e5f1c72b2e3"The place was packed, and it wasn't a surprise./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="d269a7518e98d608c44ab3c855b99c20"Sophie was a legend at the academy. She had been the type of Moroi who had no royal name or connections but her family was wealthy. Rumor had it, Sophie was a big distributor in the 'blood whore' business. I wrinkled my nose thinking about it. I hated the reference and was not even remotely curious as to why people would allow themseleves to be used like that. Leila had tried to explain it to me once, but I wasn't invested in listening./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="112aac8ef96a5d18cab99d060ba8e9c6""I'm going to grab us some drinks." I shouted over the blaring music. Leila nodded her head, intrigued in the acrobatic dancers that were flying from long complicated ribbons up in the air. Sophie sure knew how to throw a party./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="e1589ec35857b1eca7f4c25781158906"The bar was easy to find, and it was even more of a relief when the bartender didn't seemed phased a bit by my young age. I didn't need to get kicked out when I was here for one sole purpose. To spy on Eric and the mystery girl Eliza./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="869412300c184ffd1f307f67b7003462"As if someone above had heard me, my wish was granted. I spotted Eric across the dance floor, in a black tight fitting t-shirt. He looked good and he was smiling. A sad realization his me as I realized I had never seen Eric smile really. He was always so professional and guardian like. I smirked at the thought. Then my thoughts turned sore, as I took in Eliza next to him, straddeling his waist as they danced and laughed, her silver sequin dress catching the strobe lights as they turned./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="b1b3d58e27e8c8408339beaf8ce70a37""Bartender! You-hoo!" I looked to my side at the small brunette Moroi next to me, her grey eyes were surrounded by a heavy blue eyeshadow, and her black skirt and white tube top were barely clothes. It was easy to recognize Sophie Vasin. She hadn't changed much from her days at the 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="92c951cd97bbff2931d531298023c8ac"She must have noticied me because she gave me a sidelong look before filling the empty bar stool next to me and taking me in, " Elena right? Your that guardians daughter from the Academy. Oh what was her name...Harrison."/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="ca7096f70f1028c1cebf3c46679e8cda"I smiled a bit. Of course she would remember me because of my mom./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="4f46cb3d2a6dac2337e9be7b96f5924b""Hathaway. Alana Hathaway."/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="c82e7e1a6b577b922d43ddb472b1bd8c"She snapped her fingered and pointed at me, " That's it. I never forget a 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="5e19dd4e33c2f3d4a5b758ffef08dcea"She looked at me again, " Aren't you a little young to be 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="cf9142c38572f06dd48a3c9632a13232"I furrowed my brow a bit. I was tired of everyone treating me as if I was a five year old. But I didn't get time to answer before she shrugged, "Doesn't matter. You're here. What are you drinking?"/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="4807df3729acdb638ac4896c7a27e775"She nodded towards my half empty glass, "Water." I said truthfully./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="dab75cd4050a6c0464b128af4f14ed2f"She laughed and entertwined her arm with mine, " Now darling if you are going to come to a Vasin party, you are going to have to drink like one too."/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="efb5f638c08599d7c1c95f2d15a15f6f"She rattled off a list of drinks to the bartender. Thirty minutes in, and she had had me down a good number of the drinks and she danced and sang. I realized I liked Sophie Vasin. Or maybe that was the alcohol speaking./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="cc0931337f77492568c8866c62e87d50"I was never one to really drink at any of the bon fires or parties Leila and I attended. But it felt good to let loose a little and Sophie was pretty good company./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="1914ab91db0b8bea8273c1b37cc01152"We drank, and we sang and we ended up drinking more. Then a squeally giggle rang into my ears and I turned around. Eric had turned Eliza and they were walking right towards us. I gulped and turned back towards the bar, downing the drink Sophie had set down in front of 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="e834cf81412213b0efbb307500ffdcdf"Sophie smiled, "Eric darling! So good to see you out of those clouds finally."/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="44e8c7aab6465ed5c4f634222dc5e3a1"But Eric didn't answer. Instead he was staring right at me. At least I think he was. I was a little too drunk to tell where his eyes were focusing./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="193e6fa029ec3052d9979008796d5a98""Alana?" He questioned and Sophie laughed, throwing her arm 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="4f9eeaeaca74ab8eb9e3c18f3e01e009""Ah, I see you know my young friend here. We were just about to take these drinks to go and hit the diamond room. Care to join us?"/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="057dac0fb559bf8ea8bf4f9244d9b0e6"Eric didn't get a chance to answer before Eliza answered for him, " We would love to Soph."/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="1c296138520e0f47350bd9d2b49273ca"I smiled, more at the fact that I was on a huge high from the alcohol I consumed, as Sophie grabbed me by the hand and led me towards a more secluded part of the party, Eric and company following close behind us./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="5328a05e761284f48a591da3b2212cc5"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"A/N:/span/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="894c997a29fd8e29776ddc2eae0f1ee1"span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"I do apologize for any typos. I have not had a chance to edit this chapter. I also want to make it clear, I am not promoting underage drinking to my readers. It happens and it's a key part of Alana and Eric's story right now./span/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