AN – Thank you for the reviews! I'm going to try my hardest to complete this story this week so I can post the updates more frequently as I'm off on Leave for a week!
I apologise for the Mason screw up. I felt like it might just give Dimitri that last push to finally tell her! Plus, he needed to be tortured just a little bit, right?
Here it is chaps. The moment you have been waiting for. ENJOY!
DISCLAIMER – VA Belongs to Richelle Mead.
Chapter 9 – The Truth
I woke to my alarm blaring through my room. I groaned when I realised it was still daylight outside. Turning and hitting my alarm off I rolled back over, dragging the covers back over my head. I had the worst headache ever and I still felt slightly buzzed. I was just dozing back off to sleep when I suddenly realised why my alarm had gone up. Abruptly, I sat up in bed and looked at the time, 1.42pm. I had just under 20 minutes to meet Dimitri. Shit. He was going to kill me if I was late.
I jumped out of bed and grabbed my toiletries, rushing to the shower. I showered quickly hoping to remove the smell of stale alcohol that had lingered on me. I didn't want Dimitri to smell the alcohol. After towel drying, I quickly changed into some comfy gym clothes in preparation for the drive. I didn't know how long we'd be driving for but the fact we were leaving early because of the storm made me believe it was a long drive.
I raced back to my room and threw the remaining items into my overnight bag which I'd luckily packed before the party last night. The party. Suddenly memories came flooding back to me. Just glimpses at first. I remembered getting there. Meeting up with my friends. Not waiting to drink anymore then deciding too. Drinking way more than I should, bumping in Jesse. Then mason. NO! Oh hell. I was bombarded with memories of us in the back room. Kissing him. Oh god, why did I do that. I stood in my room, shocked. Damn, I couldn't go talk to him now, he'd be asleep. I needed to though. Needed to tell him before it was too late that it was a mistake. That it was the alcohol. Just the alcohol. I knew it was going to break his heart. But he deserved to find someone who could love him for him. I couldn't remember anything after kissing Mason. How the hell did I end up back here?
I glanced at the clock noticing I needed to be meeting Dimitri. Now. I was late. Shit. Zipping my bag and throwing it over my shoulder I raced from my room, down the stairs and headed towards Dimitri at the gate. I'd speak to Mason the second I got back. Hopefully he would keep what happened to himself until I could talk to him. I couldn't think about that now. I had to focus on my qualifier.
I got to the gate only a couple of minutes late and saw a stormy expression on Dimitri's face. ''I know. I know. I'm sorry I'm late. I overslept.'' I said, while throwing my bag into the back seat.
''Yeah I wonder why you overslept.'' He muttered in response while getting into the driver's side. Uh, how did he know? Shit. I opened the passenger door and saw a bottle of water, pain killers and a brown bag on the seat. I looked at them. ''Those are for you. I thought you'd need them.''
Double shit he knew. How? I picked everything up and jumped into the car. Opening the water and taking some pills out I knocked them back quickly hoping they would help with the headache and help sober me up. I was glad for the food. I stupidly didn't eat anything at the party, no wonder I felt so bad. As I downed the water, my head was spinning. How did he know? I couldn't remember much after me and Mason started kissing. It was all a blank. This usually happened then as the day goes on, I remember so hopefully that would happen again. I didn't even know how I got back to my dorm. I'm just glad I woke up alone and I remembered to set my alarm.
Opening the brown bag, I looked inside and to my surprised saw chocolate glazed donuts. I looked up at Dimitri and smiled. ''Thanks! You're the best! I need these.'' He just nodded in response. Damn, he looked so angry. No, he looked furious. He definitely knew. Why wasn't he yelling at me?
We departed then. After Dimitri had left the school grounds, he put the radio on. To some country station. I didn't dare say anything about the music taste. Not if he was already mad at me. I settled into the seat and decided I'd try to sleep some more. I didn't know how long this drive was, I may as well pass the time with a nap. Leaning my head against the window, I dozed into unconsciousness quickly.
I awoke with a start when I felt am arm sling across my chest bracing against me. My eyes widened then focused as I saw the car spinning uncontrollably. I reached out and put one hand on the dash, the other on the door. My mind flashed back to the accident I was in with Lissa causing me to scream. NO! I thought This can't be happening again.
As soon as Dimitri noticed I was awake he put his hand back onto the wheel, trying to control the skid. Luckily the car righted itself quickly and Dimitri pulled us to a stop at the side of the road. I looked around us, trying to calm myself, glancing at the clock as I did and saw I'd been asleep for little over an hour and half. The weather had drastically changed since then. There must have been easily a few inches of snow and it was coming down fast. We could hardly see in front of us, it was coming down that thick.
Dimitri cursed in Russian. I wish he'd just teach me that already. Turning to me he said ''Are you ok?'' looking at me with concern in his eye. I noticed I was shaking slightly so tried to focus on calming myself. I rubbed my collarbone where I'd guess Dimitri had hit me to stabilise me, he glanced at the movement but quickly brought his eyes back to mine. ''I'm sorry.'' He said, looking down.
''I'm fine. Thanks.'' I mumbled in a shaky voice. ''When did this start? It was fine when we left.''
''Are you sure? I hit you pretty hard?''
''Yes. It was either that or I hit my head on the dash I guess?'' I replied.
He chuckled. ''True. And you don't need any more concussions. It started a while back. Came down quickly. I was trying to get in front of it. We should stay here while it calms down. It's not meant to really hit until later, so it shouldn't set much. According to the weather report it should only last another half an hour or so then it should be safer to start driving again.'' Great I thought. Stuck in a car with him for even longer. I sighed.
''Ok. So, since we are stuck and can't go anywhere. Are you going to tell me who my qualifier is with now? And how long this drive is going to take?''
''About 5 hours, well 6 now, I guess. We still have just over 3 hours to go so.'' He shrugged. Not answering my first question. Ugh my head was still banging. Luckily the buzz had left my system now. I felt semi normal again except for the headache. ''How's the head?'' He asked after a few moments of silence.
I shrugged. ''How'd you know?'' I fired back, looking at him. He adverted his gaze.
''Me and some other guardians were called to break up the party. I found you there.'' He said in a tone I couldn't pinpoint. He sounded worried but also furious. ''Why did you go? You knew we was leaving today. Why go to a party and drink so much before your qualifier?'' He said more sternly.
''I didn't want to go. Lissa kept going on about it so I agreed. Then yesterday when you said about the change in leaving, I thought it was my perfect excuse to get out, but she wanted me to go. I thought I'd go for a few hours, only have a couple of drinks and then leave. I don't even know why I drank so much.'' I muttered. As I said this, I remembered Lissa talking to me, convincing me to have another drink. I realised in that second, she'd used a small amount of compulsion on me. I was going to kill her. I sighed angrily.
''What's wrong?'' Dimitri asked.
''Nothing.'' I sighed again. ''Honestly, another reason I went was because I thought it would help me relax. Get my mind of my qualifier for a few hours. This qualifier is one of the things standing in my way. If I fail this, I'm out.'' I said in a shaky voice. I didn't want to admit this fear. But I knew if I didn't pass this I'd be out on my ass. Kirova wouldn't let me stay even if she wanted to, and she certainly didn't want that.
''I won't let that happen.'' Dimitri implored.
''You wouldn't be able to do anything about it.'' I said, turning and looking at him. ''Kirova wants me gone anyway, so this would give her the perfect excuse. I need to pass this.''
''You will. I promise. You're prepared enough for this. You have nothing to worry about.'' He said positively. How could he be so sure. All it would take is one wrong move from me. We both knew my mouth could get me into trouble easily. I sighed again.
''Well I guess we'll see tomorrow wont we? Anyway, are you finally going to tell me where we are going and who is doing my test?'' I muttered, getting frustrated. He was probably trying to distract me from asking this again.
He sighed. ''Arthur Schoenberg. He's a friend of mine.'' I gasped and stared at him.
''I'm sorry. Did you just say Arthur Schoenberg?'' I asked. Dimitri nodded. ''WHAT? Arthur Schoenberg?! As in head of guardians Schoenberg?! Why the hell didn't you tell me sooner! OH GOD!'' I yelled, running my hand over my face.
''Rose. He isn't head of guardians anymore. He is the guardian of a Badica family. That's where we are headed. You have nothing to worry about''
''Nothing to worry about. I'm about to be quizzed on all thing's guardian related by one of the best strigoi killers known.'' I said, shaking my head. Oh god what am I going to do? Why would he do this to me. Did he want me to fail?
''You have nothing to worry about.'' He repeated. ''He is doing this as a favour to me.''
''A favour? Why?'' How on earth did Dimitri end up having a favour owing to him from the great Arthur Schoenberg. An ex head of guardians.
''I helped him out once. Basically saved his life in an ambush a few years back.'' Dimitri shrugged. ''Seriously, Rose, you have nothing to worry about. If I didn't think you could pass, we wouldn't be going. You will be fine. Art is lovely and besides a recommendation from him would be great to have on your record.''
Art, he even called him Art. How did this never come up? Dimitri knew and was apparently friendly with one of the most badass strigoi killers of our time and I was only finding out about this now. I was silent for a while. I needed to wrap my still banging head around the fact that I would be meeting a legend in just a few short hours.
''Rose, stop worrying. You'll be fine.'' He said, reaching over and squeezing my arm gently. As soon as he touched me, I felt the familiar shock run through my body. I supressed a shiver. Why did he still have this effect on me? ''Anyway.'' He said, removing his arm, shaking his head softly and turning to look out the window. ''We can get moving again, it has cleared up, so I think it's safe now.'' I nodded in response. Reeling from the fact I'll be meeting Arthur Schoenberg soon and if I was honest to myself from Dimitri touching me outside of training for one of the first times since the lust charm.
We continued the drive in silence for a while. The only sound in the car was the god-awful country music playing. I sighed. ''Can you at least put some decent music on instead of this crap?'' I muttered in frustration. If I had to hear one more song about driving a truck, drinking beer or losing a loved one I'd surely go insane. Dimitri chuckled and reached over and changed the channel to a 1980s station. After about another 5 minutes I sighed again causing Dimitri to glance at me. ''I think I preferred the country station.'' Quickly he changed the channel again and it was back to someone singing about a girl he met on spring break.
Annoyingly after about an hour I was sort of getting into the music. The twang of the guitars was quite catchy. I didn't know what song was playing now but it was catchy, the chorus resonated with me. I was tapping my foot subconsciously as well as my fingers on my lap. I looked at Dimitri out the corner of my eye and saw him clutching the steering wheel tightly, reeling with tension.
You used me
Used me like a ladder
Like I didn't matter
Like I was a card you can play.
By the second chorus I'd decided to turn it up. I felt what they were singing about, well mostly. I knew I shouldn't, and he was only being honest with me, but I still felt used. More used than I'd ever felt with anyone before. And I knew it was only the charm so I couldn't blame him, but I could still hold a grudge for him not acting normal around me. For making it awkward in practice for the past month. That's what annoyed me the most, that he'd let it affect our professional relationship. I was trying, trying to pretend it never happened but it was hard when he wouldn't treat me like he used to. If he'd just acted normal, I didn't think I'd feel so used.
After the song finished, I turned the volume back down, committing the name of the artist to memory so I could look them up later. Damn him if he got me liking country music. Dimitri was still clutching the steering wheel for dear life and staring straight ahead. Focusing on the road no doubt. I joined him. Deciding to offer the help of extra eyes in case he didn't see something. Unlikely since this was Dimitri but still.
Finally, Dimitri started slowing the car. We must be nearly there I thought. My legs were in desperate need of a stretch. It had gotten dark now, we had been driving longer than originally thought. In total we'd left the Academy 8 hours ago. It had taken us an extra 2 hours to arrive. 8 hours cooped up in the car in silence was exhausting. I was hoping the family wouldn't mind if I just crashed. We'd stopped an hour ago for a quick bite to eat as it was getting so late.
As we drove up the long driveway, I started getting a nauseous feeling. I couldn't put my finger on the feeling, but something didn't feel right. My stomach was churning. ''Dimitri, stop.'' I shouted. He came to an abrupt halt and stared at me.
''Rose? What's the matter?'' He asked, concern lacing his voice.
''I don't know. Something doesn't feel right. All of a sudden, I've just got this nauseous feeling.'' I muttered, looking around me outside.
''Rose it's probably the nerves. I've told you; you'll be fine.'' He said waving it off, turning back in his seat and preparing to continue his way up the drive.
''No. It's like the feeling you get before something bad happens but stronger. It's actually making me feel sick.'' I said. ''It's a stronger feeling than I got the night Lissa was kidnapped, and the cells.'' I said, looking at him. Pleading him to believe me. ''I know something is wrong. I can feel it.'' I said again, in a determined tone. ''Do you have any spare stakes?'' I asked.
He looked at me in alarm. ''Rose, strigoi won't be here. This whole place is protected by wards.'' I just stared at him expectantly. ''There are some in the glove box.'' He sighed, shaking his head.
''I know you don't believe me. But I know something is wrong. I just know it.'' I said as I reached into the glove compartment and brought the 2 stakes out, putting one in my boot and holding the other firmly in my hand. Dimitri sighed and continued to make his way up the drive.
When we reached the front of the house the nausea had increased by a tenfold. I'm surprised I hadn't thrown up yet, but it wasn't that kind of sickness. Dimitri turned to look at me as I groaned. ''Still feeling off?'' he asked. I nodded and he sighed. ''You'll be fine Rose. You have nothi...'' He was cut off by a massive crash coming from inside the house.
''nothing to worry about huh?'' I said. I meant it as a joke, but Dimitri didn't even register what I had said. He got out the car quickly, stake drawn immediately, I followed.
''No. Rose. Get back in the car.'' He said sternly.
''No, I'm coming with you. Whatever it is, I'm coming with you.'' I whisper yelled.
He looked like he was about the argue with me when we heard another crash, this time it was the large floor to ceiling window, and someone came flying out. I gasped shocked as my stomach rolled again.
In a flash, Dimitri had taken in the situation and thrown me behind him. I side stepped slightly so I could see. The person who was thrown out the window stood up, turning towards us with a menacing smile on his face and bright red eyes glistening in the moonlight. A strigoi. Dimitri reacted in seconds and began the fight. Dodging all the hits and eventually managing to stake the strigoi through the heart. I had to say it was beautiful to watch. I turned when I heard another crash inside the house.
I took off running. I didn't know how many strigoi were inside, but I did know a royal family were. Kids could be inside, and it was my job to protect them. I burst through the doors. Ignoring Dimitri's shouts behind me and came to an abrupt halt at the scene in front of me. Dimitri was soon stood at my side for just a moment before he joined the fight going on in the living room.
All I could see was blood. Bodies of Moroi lying around as well as guardian. My soon to be colleagues. I quickly assessed those still alive. It didn't look like any of the Moroi were still alive. At least not those in this room, so unless there were more in the house which I doubted. The only other living people were me, Dimitri and two other guardians.
I'd frozen for a few seconds while I took in the scene before my training kicked in. Gripping the stake in my hands. My life on the line. I joined the frenzy. Attacking the first person I saw, he was advancing on one of the other guardians, the older one, so didn't see me coming and I took him down quickly, too quickly, that had to be a fluke I thought. I removed my stake, getting a slight nod from the older guardian, and turned when I sensed someone behind me, spinning a second too late I was backhanded and fell with a crash to the floor.
Recovering quickly, I leapt back up and began the dance. I dodged and spun out of this strigoi's reach. She must have only been my age when she was turned. However, was a Moroi, so she didn't have any fighting skills, but she had strength and speed on her side so got some good hits on me. Eventually I managed to pin her down and drive my stake through her heart. As I did, I swear I saw a small smile form on her lips and her eyes light up to a hazel colour with what appeared to be gratitude shining in them. I didn't have time to acknowledge it as I thrown off the girl when someone collided into me, one of the other guardians. The female one. That leaves three of us against – I looked around the room – too many I thought. I didn't have chance to dwell on that, I stood back up and went head to head with the next strigoi. The one that had just killed my colleague. I would avenge her death if I could. On and on and on it went. I don't know how long we fought for. They just kept coming.
I'd just staked another strigoi, I couldn't even tell whether it was a male or female. I was in battle mode, just looking for the next threat. I spun around now, searching for the next threat but I couldn't see anyone. I noticed the other guardian, the older one, who must have been in his 40s leaning against the wall, breathing heavily. I continued scanning the room. Looking for a threat, but there wasn't any. We had beaten them all. Against the odds we had beaten them. I sighed in relief.
I spun around quickly when I realised, I hadn't seen Dimitri. I couldn't see him in the open living space here. Oh no. Where is he? My heartbeat increased as I frantically searched the room. I continued looking. My eyes taking in everybody lying on the floor. Silently praying I wouldn't see him amongst the dead. I wouldn't survive that. The guardian across the room must have seen the panicked expression on my face and approached me.
I stared at him, wide eyed when I still didn't see Dimitri. ''Rose is it?'' The guardian asked. I nodded, still scanning the room. ''He ran outside. One of them tried to escape, probably figured they weren't going to win so made a run for it.'' He pointed to the sliding door behind him as he spoke. I just smiled and ran towards the door. It was broken, either from the fight or how they got in, I wasn't sure. I didn't care. I ran through the door, not caring about the broken glass scratching at my skin and held my breath as my eyes adjusted to the dark night.
I scanned the yard, looking for any signs of Dimitri but I couldn't see, it was too dark. Suddenly a light turned on, flooding the yard in a bright light and there he was. Stood over a strigoi body. ''Dimitri!'' I yelled and took of running. He didn't even have a chance to acknowledge me before I threw myself into his arms without thinking. I buried my face into his neck, relived that he was ok. I felt him nod his head, presumably to the guardian behind me as he enveloped me into his arm. Crushing me to him, which only made me grip him tighter. I felt what seemed to be like lips brush against my hair, but it couldn't be. He couldn't be kissing me. I didn't care. I was just so glad he was ok. That he was alive. After a minute I finally let him go. Looking up at him sheepishly ''Sorry.'' I muttered. ''When I didn't see you, I thought something bad had happened.'' I gave him a shy grin.
''It's ok. You don't have to be sorry.'' He said, smiling back at me. I noted then he still hadn't let me go even though I had let him go. I looked down, confused. He immediately let me go when he saw my gaze drop. I looked back at him, giving him a confused smile.
I turned when I heard footsteps behind me. Damn we'd missed one. Bringing my stake up ready to fight but Dimitri grabbed me at the last second before I thrashed out with it. ''Shit! Sorry!'' I said to the other remaining guardian who had halted just far enough from me that I wouldn't have hit him anyway with an amused expression on his face.
''That's quite alright. I shouldn't have snuck up behind you. I should have alerted you that
I was behind you, especially after what just happened.'' He said. He looked over my shoulder, glimpsing at Dimitris hands on my arms before looking up to meet his eyes. ''I've rang it in, back up should be here soon.'' he advised, looking down sadly.
''How bad is it?'' Dimitri asked, still not letting me go.
''I'm the only survivor. Well apart from you two. If you hadn't arrived when you did. I doubt I would have survived.'' He muttered in defeat. ''Let's go get started.'' He spun on his heel and headed back to the house. I still had no idea who he was.
''Art, wait.'' Dimitri called. So that was Arthur Schoenberg. Great. I'd just nearly killed the man who was doing my qualifier. Great first impression Rose I thought bitterly. Halting when he heard his name, he spun on the spot and faced us again. ''I'm so sorry Art. I know you cared for this family. Let me do the clean-up. You stay out here. You don't need to see that.'' Dimitri said in a calming and understanding voice.
''No. I want to do it. I owe them that much. I didn't protect them like I should have, they came out of nowhere honestly.'' He replied, shaking his head.
''Ok, we will all go. Come on Rose.'' Dimitri said, dragging me with him.
''Are you sure you want her to see this?'' Art asked, eyeing Dimitri up curiously.
I sighed. ''I'm sorry Guardian Schoenberg. This must be hard. It's hard for me and I don't even know this family. But I think this will be good for me. I'm going to be doing this soon myself, I hope anyway, so learning first-hand would be useful.'' I replied to him before Dimitri could answer. ''Sorry, if that sounded insensitive.'' I muttered.
''No. No. You are the same as I was when I was young. Eager to learn. You have nothing to worry about. You will certainly be doing this and more in a few months. With what I've just seen, you might take over my title of strigoi kills. Even I never killed one before I was promised.'' He said with a small smile. ''And you've just killed, well at least five, I think. I didn't really keep an overly close eye on your kills.'' He shrugged.
''Thank you, but I've got to pass my qualifier first.'' I muttered apprehensively. ''And I don't know either really. I know I killed at least three, but the rest is a blur''
''We will figure it out, I know I took down 6. So, depending how many Dimitri took down. The remainder are likely to be yours. Come on, let's go'' He said, making a start towards the house. ''Oh, and Rose, don't worry. It's safe to say you've passed your qualifier with flying colours.'' He smiled at me and entered the house.
I turned to Dimitri confused. ''Oh, come on Rose. After what he's just seen. Are you at all surprised he would have passed you?'' Dimitri asked incredulously, shaking his head.
''But what about the test? The questions? That still needs to happen right?'' I asked, confusion clear in my voice.
''Rose. I think what just happened was test enough. He's seen with his own eyes what a marvellous fighter you are.'' Dimitri responded in what sounded an awful lot like awe.
''So, no test tomorrow?'' I asked. Dimitri nodded, eyeing me suspiciously. ''So, I passed?'' He just nodded again. ''I PASSED?!'' I shouted and flung myself at him again. He hugged me back again, wow two hugs in one day. What was happening.
''Congratulations Rose. I told you, you had nothing to worry about.'' He chuckled, letting me go. ''Come on, let's go and deal with this.'' He motioned towards the house and we took off walking.
Entering back through the same door I came out of I finally was able to take in the sight before me. The amount of bodies was quite frankly shocking. There was easily 15 Strigoi bodies maybe more and a further 7 Moroi and dhampir bodies. We'd lost 3 guardians tonight. Entering the house, following Schoenberg around and I saw even more destruction. The strigoi hadn't just been in the living area but also the bedrooms and bathroom. A message was also left on the mirror in blood, but I didn't get a chance to read it before I was dragged out the room. There were further Moroi bodies there, including 2 children. Those vial creatures ended 2 children's lives. Lives that hadn't even begun. It saddened me but I had to keep a check of my emotions.
I couldn't let Schoenberg see me cry, not after he'd just passed me. We went through the house, Dimitri and Art documenting things they deemed important and explaining bits too me. Eventually we went back outside and searched the perimeter. Trying to figure out how the Strigoi got in. The temperature had dropped significantly, and snow was starting to flick down. The storm was coming. I wrapped my coat around me further, thankfully we'd gotten them out the car before we did the perimeter sweep.
In the distance, closer to the house, I noticed a glint in the snow from the flashlights we were holding. Not enough to properly be noticed but for some reason I was drawn to it. I sped up walking. Eager to inspect it. Schoenberg and Dimitri continued searching the outer perimeter. As I reached the glint, I realised it was actually a silver metal sticking up. I wiped the snow that had built up around it away and gasped when I noticed it was actually a silver stake.
''Uh. Dimitri. Guardian Schoenberg.'' I shouted. ''You need to see this.''
They turned and looked at me. ''What is it Rose?'' Dimitri asked, strolling towards me.
''Rose, please call me Art when no one is around. After today I think it's fair to say we can class each other as friends.'' He smiled. ''Now what have you found?'' He asked. Friends, did he seriously just say we were friends?
They both came closer and Art stopped and gasped when he saw what I was looking at. ''That can't be. No other guardians were this far out. We didn't have anyone stationed outside because of the wards.'' He muttered in a voice that sounded like regret.
''You couldn't have known, Art…'' I grimaced as I said that, it felt weird. ''…the wards were up. None of this is your fault.'' I said in a soothing tone. He gave me a small smile.
''Thank you, Rose. I still feel like it is though. We should have done more frequent checks.'' He shrugged.
''Art. How long do you think it took the strigoi to get from the ward line to the house? Minutes? Probably even seconds.'' I responded. I don't know where this bravado came from to talk to Art like this but here we are. He did just say we were friends though so.
''I know. But...'' Art started.
''No Art. You couldn't have done anything. Even if you'd done a check 5 minutes before it wouldn't have changed anything.'' I said. If I continued like this, he was going to take my pass away from me, but this needed saying.
''She's right Art. It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have done anything about it. It was out of your control.'' Dimitri agreed. I gawked at him. OH, so this he decides to believe isn't Art's fault but when I said basically the same thing about the charm, he couldn't believe me. Dimitri caught my eye but quickly looked away guiltily, staring back at Art. I think Dimitri heard the double meaning in his words as well, or if he didn't my look surely conveyed what I was thinking. Art gave Dimitri a look as well, which caused Dimitri to look down at the stake still in the ground, as if he knew what we both were thinking.
''I guess you're right. I know I couldn't have done anything differently, but I still feel guilty. It all happened so quickly.''
''I know the feeling.'' Dimitri muttered, glancing at me again and giving me a slight smile.
''But it still doesn't explain how they got through the wards.'' I said ignoring his look this time. No way were we getting into that here. ''And how this stake ended up here.''
''The stake. It broke the wards.'' Dimitri replied. ''They can break wards, if thrown through a ward line. The magic in the stake conflicted with the magic used for the wards. The stakes win.'' He said matter-of-factly.
''But how? Strigoi can't touch stakes. So, unless they compelled a dhampir or Moroi to throw it they couldn't do it.'' I replied, still slightly confused. It didn't surprise me wards could be broken by other magical objects.
''That, or a human did it. You know humans hang around them. Those humans that know strigoi exist. They would do anything to help a strigoi if it meant they would get turned.'' Dimitri replied, shaking his head.
I didn't want to believe a human would help strigoi, but I didn't see any other option but to believe it. ''This changes everything doesn't it?'' I asked, looking at both Dimitri and Art.
''Yes, it does.'' They replied together.
Eventually back up arrived and Art and Dimitri handed everything over to them. We were all exhausted, Art clearly was since he'd been fighting longer than we had. Both me and Dimitri were probably exhausted due to sleep deprivation from our early departure and the fight. After they handed over, we were all cleared to leave. Art wanted to stay but he was ordered to leave and then to attend court in a few days after everything had been dealt with to make a formal report, Dimitri said he would attend also but was advised he'd only needed to do a written report and then if deemed needed he would be summoned to court. As for me, because I was still a novice, I would have to complete a report, but it wouldn't be included in the formal summary. I would be kept anonymous because of my age, thankfully.
After being told by multiple guardians that I had done a good job I started coming to terms with exactly what had just happened. I'd just fought in my first proper strigoi attack and I'd made it out alive. Not many novices or even guardians could say that. We were told to leave so me and Dimitri made our way out to the car. I sagged against the door in relief that I'd survived. That we had both survived.
''Are you ok?'' Dimitri asked as he reached the car as well.
''What do you think?'' I replied sarcastically. Of course, I wasn't ok. How could he ask that? After what I'd just seen, what we'd just seen. All those people. Those kids. How could he think I was even close to being ok?
''I'm sorry you had to see that.'' He said, leaning against the car next to me and resting his hand on my arm, squeezing gently. Second time today. What the hell?
''Better for me to see it now then after I graduate, I guess.'' I whispered, my voice shaking even to my own ears.
He shrugged and started to make his way around the car to the driver's side. So that was all the comfort I was getting today huh? He stopped when a voice shouted behind us. ''Hey! Wait!'' It was Art.
''Yes?'' Dimitri replied.
''Can I come with you? I'll need to go to court and it's easier to get there from an academy. Do you mind?'' Art asked.
Dimitri looked torn for a second, looking at me with what looked like longing in his eyes before he turned back to Art slipping his mask back in place. ''Of course, Art. I've called Alberta already to let her know what's happened and that we will be heading back. I'm sure she won't mind.'' Art nodded, a thankful look on his face and went towards the car.
''Uh, Art don't you want to sit up front?'' I asked when he opened the rear door and was about to jump in. Policy was that Guardians sat up front.
''No, that's ok. I might crash for an hour or so in the back if that's ok.'' He said with a slight smile. Slipping into the back seat. I frowned confused but then shrugged and jumped into the passenger side.
''Let's go then.'' Dimitri said, starting the car and pulling away from the house that was probably going to haunt my nightmares for a while at least. I sagged into my seat as we pulled onto the highway after 10 minutes. Dimitri reached over and squeezed my arm again. ''You did good today. You should be proud of yourself.'' He whispered while looking in the rear-view. I turned in my seat and saw Art with his eyes closed. Probably asleep.
''Thanks'' I whispered back. ''Honestly I don't remember much of it.''
''Well you killed 4 strigoi. You would have killed more if I didn't help you out.'' He muttered.
''WHAT?!'' I whisper shouted.
''I helped you. I caught sight of a few getting too close, or when you got knocked down, I took them out. I had to protect you.'' He responded, looking at me sideways like he wanted to say more.
''Thanks.'' I whispered back. ''You didn't need to do that. You should have protected yourself.''
''I'll always protect you, Rose.'' He whispered, focusing back on the road. The weather was getting worse the further we drove. We'd been on the road for about an hour now and I couldn't see more than half a foot in front of the car. I didn't even know how Dimitri knew we was still on the road.
After another 10 minutes and multiple near misses with slipping on the road Dimitri decided to pull over. After he had stopped the car he turned to Art and woke him up.
''Everything ok Dimitri?'' Art asked sluggishly.
''No. I can't see a thing. I think we need to stop but we can't stop here. Not in the middle of nowhere. Is there anywhere near here we could stop.''
''I don't even know where we are.'' Art joked, pulling out his phone and loading a map. ''There's a village not far from here that has a B&B. Carry on this road, I'll tell you when to turn.'' He advised.
''Should we swap places?'' I asked.
''No. No. It's not safe to get out. Not if there is other traffic on the road.'' Art said.
''You really think anyone is stupid enough to drive in this?'' I muttered. ''Well apart from us.'' I continued as I looked at them both and laughed.
''True'' Art replied, also laughing. ''But you stay put. Let's get going. I'll quickly call Alberta and let her know we are stopping.'' Art said. He made the call quickly; from this side I could tell Alberta didn't seem to mind and trusted both Dimitri and Arts take on the situation. I mean why wouldn't she.
After another 5 agonising minutes on the road Art told Dimitri to take the next right turn which would be coming up shortly. Dimitri was gripping the wheel so tightly I didn't know how it didn't break in his hands. His eyes were glued on the road and I could feel the tension rolling off him in waves.
''Hey, shouldn't you be used to this weather? You did live in an artic wasteland'' I joked, trying to ease his tension.
Dimitri chuckled. ''You know one day; I'm going to have to prove to you that Russia has similar weather to Montana.'' Dimitri murmured with a smile and an eye roll. He relaxed a little but quickly tensed back up when the car slid again.
I sat in silence. Shocked. What did that mean? Was he going to show me his homeland? Why? Why would he want to do that? What the hell was going on. I turned to look at Art and he was just smirking at his phone. I sighed and leant back in my seat. Trying to figure out why he would want to take me back to Russia with him.
''Turn here'' Art said. Dimitri leant forward, trying to find the turning he indicated. Suddenly it came into view and he started to make the turn. The car skidded again, spinning full circle around on the junction causing a scream to come from my lips. Luckily, we stayed on the road and was able to continue down the road.
After another 10 minutes of agonising driving. We'd probably only driven about 2 miles, we finally arrived at the B&B which luckily had a vacancy sign on the door. There was a 24-hour diner next door which looked to be still open and my eyes lit up and the thought of getting something to eat. I think Art noticed my reaction.
''You two head to the diner, order me a coffee, would you? I'll go and get us some rooms.'' He said heading towards the B&B.
I shrugged and headed towards the diner. Entering and being hit by the smell of bacon. Oh, it had been too long since I'd gotten a decent meal and I was ravenous. We were the only ones in the diner which wasn't surprising since it was a little after 4am. Every other human would be asleep. The sun was starting to rise so I'm sure the diner would start to get busy within the next few hours, or not, with the weather, I guess. We sat at a booth and waited for the server who came over quickly and took our drinks orders. We said we were waiting on someone so asked if she could come back for the food order.
After 10 minutes Art walked in and headed straight for us with a grim look on his face.
''So, I got the rooms sorted. Only issue, they only had 2 left so someone is going to have to share.'' He muttered.
''Oh.'' Is all I could say. Who the hell was going to share?
''Well as a student under the academies protection Rose shouldn't be left alone so I'll share with her.'' Dimitri said readily.
''What?!'' I whispered, outraged.
''Or you can share with Art.'' Dimitri asked knowing I wouldn't want that. ''But you aren't staying alone. Not after tonight.''
''Fine. I guess we are sharing then.'' I replied. ''No offence, Art.'' I said.
''None taken. If I were you, I'd much rather share with the person I knew as well.'' He said, a smug smile on his face again.
The server came back and took our orders for food. My appetite has dispersed within seconds and I no longer felt overly hungry, so I just ordered some pancakes. I had to share a room with Dimitri. Great. This should be interesting. Why the hell was he so eager to share with me. He didn't even ask if that was the only option. What the hell?
As we waited for the food, Art spoke up again. ''Well, here is the key. They said that room has a sofa in it as well so you guys can have that one.'' He said, handing the key off to Dimitri. They conversed back and forth but I remained quiet.
Once the food arrived, I forced myself to eat as much as I could. I didn't know why I was so nervous about sharing a room with Dimitri. What the hell was wrong with me? It was Dimitri. We had trained together for months, I knew him.
Once we had finished, we paid up and left the diner. Heading to the car to collect our bags and made our way into the B&B. Art already knew where the rooms were so led us towards ours. Stopping outside a room ''This is yours.'' He muttered. ''Mine is just 3 doors down if you need me.'' And with that he turned and headed to his room. Dimitri already had the door opened and was waiting for me.
Walking in, I noted the room was spacious. It had a medium sized sofa and flat screen in one section, opposite was a large double bed and a door which I presumed led to the bathroom. There was also coffee making facilities to one side. I made my way over to the sofa and dumped my bags and then moved towards the bed taking a pillow, then checking the wardrobe for a blanket. Luckily one was in there, so I grabbed it and headed back to the sofa.
''Rose, what are you doing?'' Dimitri asked.
''Getting the stuff for the sofa...'' I paused. ''What does it look like I'm doing?'' What is with his stupid questions?
''I can see that, but why?'' He asked.
I gapped at him. Did he think we would share the bed? Because that sure as hell wasn't happening. He'd had his way with me once already. No way was I letting him again. No matter how much I wanted that. I had some morals.
He must have seen what I was thinking on my face and suddenly he looked appalled. ''I meant. You are taking the bed. I'll take the sofa.''
I laughed. ''Dimitri. You are six foot plus. No way are you sleeping on this.'' I pointed to the sofa. ''Your arm wouldn't fit on it let alone your body. You are taking the bed.'' I insisted. I walked towards him. Taking his bag from his hand and heading towards the bed where I dumped it on the bed. ''End of discussion.'' I muttered, heading back to the couch.
Dimitri sighed but after another stern look from me he didn't fight anymore and headed over to the bed.
''I'm going to hit the shower quickly if that's ok.'' I said, taking my bag and heading towards the bathroom. Man, this was slightly awkward.
When I walked into the bathroom and took a good look at myself in the mirror, I noticed what a mess I looked. I was bruised all over and had a few minor cuts on my face. What the hell did the people think in the diner. I mean Dimitri and Art both took hits and had bruises, but I looked ten times worse than them.
Sighing I stripped off and took a quick shower. Rubbing the blood away that had soaked through my luckily black gym wear. Once the water ran clear I shut it off and towel dried my hair then my body and changed quickly. Opening the door, I found Dimitri sat on the sofa.
''What did I say? I'm taking the sofa.'' I said exasperated, hands on my hips giving him a stern look.
''I know, I was just watching some TV while you showered. Wanted to see how long this storm was going to last.'' He glanced towards the window where the storm was powering on. It was loud, the wind was howling. The windows were nearly cover in snow as well. I would be surprised if we got out of here tomorrow, but we would see. ''I don't know if we will be able to leave tomorrow. We may have to stay another night.'' He muttered.
How the hell does he do that? I really hope he can't read minds. I sat down on the other end of the sofa, cuddled into a ball as Dimitri turned the tv to another channel. ''How do you do that? I was just thinking the same!'' I said.
He shrugged and chuckled slightly. I turned towards to tv and saw it was a movie I'd seen before. The Kissing Booth. He seriously put this on. Did he even know what this was about? I saw Dimitri clench in the corner of my eye and fidget nervously and could sense him looking at me. I chose to ignore him, focusing on the film.
The movie had just gotten to the point where the best friend finds out and I was finding it hard to concentrate. Dimitri was still fidgeting and twitching next to me and it was distracting as hell. I was surprised we hadn't just decided to go to sleep but since he was currently sat on my bed, I couldn't.
I'd eventually had enough of the fidgeting and decided to call him out on it. ''Oh, for god's sake. What is the matter?!'' I exclaimed in frustration.
''Nothing'' he replied.
''Well stop fidgeting and twitching then!''
''Sorry...'' he muttered and was silent for a while longer. Thankfully he stopped fidgeting for about a minute, but it soon started up again.
''Oh, for the love of god. Whatever it is spit it out!'' I cried. ''You're driving me insane and I'm guessing you won't move off my bed until you've said whatever it is, and I'd like to get some sleep.'' I muttered.
''Sorry. I do want to talk to you. But it can wait until later if you want to sleep.'' He replied.
''No, no. Just spit it out already.'' I insisted.
''Well, it's about last night.'' He mumbled, looking apprehensive. I turned on the sofa to look at him. My eyebrows raised. Here it comes. The scolding I've been waiting for. ''I saw you. With mason.'' He continued. I gapped.
WHAT. How did he see me? When did he see me? How? I focused on my memories of last night. So far, I'd only been able to remember me making out with Mason. But I couldn't recall what happened after. Not that I'd really been trying, I'd been a little preoccupied today. Think Rose, what happened? Focus. Think. As if I'd been shocked, I remembered. I stared at Dimitri as the memories came flooding back. The noise, turning and seeing Dimitri. Taking in his face when he'd seen us. Mason running away when he'd noticed we'd gotten caught. I sighed. Shit I thought.
I also remembered something else. Dimitri had snuck me back into my dorm room, but why? I'd already been caught; he'd have to report that I was there. Unless he wasn't planning on reporting you the voice in my head whispered. But that wasn't the most alarming thing. Just as I was passing out, I remembered something. The feel of his lips brushing against my forehead as he whispered something to me, I'm so sorry for what I said. I love you, Roza. I wish I'd told you the truth sooner.
No. That couldn't be true. Couldn't have happened he'd made his feelings perfectly clear that day in the gym. I was nothing more than his student. It must have been a dream. It had to of been.
I realised Dimitri was still staring at me. Waiting for a response. ''Uh, so?'' I replied bravely.
''So? Is that all you can say?'' He ran his hand through his hair. ''Rose...'' He started as he turned to face me head on, staring deeply into my eyes. ''...What happened? I know you were drunk. Actually, wasted is a more accurate description. I know you've never returned his advances before, so I have to ask. Did he...'' He took a deep breath. ''…Did he force you? Did he try taking advantage of you?'' he asked.
I was outraged. ''What?! NO, of course not. Mason would never! If he had I would have beaten him like a pulp.'' I yelled, standing up. ''Ever thought I was the one taking advantage of him?''
''Rose, I had to ask.'' He explained. ''Especially after he just ran out the room.''
''Well, he didn't! I did it on my own free will! He would never do that! He isn't like that. I don't know why he ran, probably because he'd been caught. By you of all people, he looks up to you.'' I muttered. I knew this wouldn't surprise him; he'd probably heard what people called him.
''You never know who's like that. I just had to ask.''
''Well, you would know, wouldn't you?'' I sneered in frustration without thinking ''Least you had the charm to blame.'' I saw his face drop at my words.
As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. ''I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.'' I shook my head, taking my seat back on the couch and reached for his hand, he moved his hand away. ''Dimitri. I'm really sorry. I don't think that. Not at all. I know you'd never do that. You didn't do that. It was the charm, I know that.'' I said ''I just wish you did.'' Sagging in my seat a little.
''Your right though, I did take advantage of you.''
''Oh, for the last time. You didn't. I told you that day in the gym I wanted to! Even without that stupid charm I wanted you!'' I said is a raising voice while pointing my finger at him. ''I would have still done it without that charm. Well probably not right then with Lissa in danger. But if you wanted me another time, I would have been willingly.'' What an earth did I just say? Why did I say that? He going to think I'm propositioning him. ''Just get over it. It happened; we can't undo it.'' I shouted. I wish he'd just let this go. It was hurting too much repeating this. I needed to move on.
As if he could read my mind he muttered ''I'm sorry. I just had to know if he'd hurt you or taken advantage of you. I didn't mean to bring anything up.''
''Well technically I brought it up.'' I said giving a slight smile. ''I mentioned what happened. You didn't. But no, he didn't take advantage of me. He told me he had feelings for me, and I thought that maybe I could feel the same. That I should give it a shot. Maybe it would help me...'' I stopped talking, thinking should I say it then decided what the hell. ''…stop hurting so much. I need to move on.'' Whispering the last bit, but of course he heard it.
''I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you.'' He sighed. ''That was the last thing I wanted to do.''
''Yeah. Well, don't act like you care.'' I sighed, getting frustrated again. Jumping up from the sofa again. Sitting down was worst thing for me right now. I needed to pace. Needed to let the frustration out before I said something I'd regret again. I didn't want to talk about this.
''But I do care!'' He exclaimed, standing and coming to stand in front of me. Halting my pacing.
''Yes, as a mentor, you made that perfectly clear. A mentor shouldn't care who I'm hooking up with. So, stop it!'' I shouted, raising my arms in annoyance.
''NO!'' He shouted right back; his own agitation clear in his voice. Roughly running his hands through his hair.
''Then why?! Why are you pretending to care?'' I replied in a shriek.
''Because I love you. You infuriating women!'' He cried. ''I love you. You consume my every waking thought whether I'm with you or not. Hell, you consume my subconscious as well. I dream about that night every damn night. It's on a constant loop, haunting my dreams. I shouldn't and I've tried not to, but I can't lie anymore. I've lied enough.'' I stared at him open mouthed, gapping like a fish. He loved me. What about everything he said after the charm, in the gym. We stared at each other for a while in silence.
''Say something.'' He whispered anxiously. ''Please.''
AN – Yeah, I'm sorry. Im cruel. Dont hate me?
The next chapter is written so I won't make you wait too long with this little cliff hanger. Maybe the weekend? Who knows?
This was a long ass chapter, but I wanted to bring the truth out in this chapter. I was tired of going around in circles with them, so it needed to happen!
So, the comment about god awful country music actually pained me to write because I love country music. I'm a huge fan
Disclaimer – Song lyrics used – Lose Me by Ward Thomas. It's the only country song that came on my shuffle recently that I felt suited this story. Don't know why I wanted to include it, but I did...
OOHH Who is excited that we are getting a TV Series?!