AN – Again thank you for the reviews.
I have decided to do an Art/Celeste chapter which will most likely be next chapter. It was going to be this chapter, but I wanted to get this one out as it directly followed on from the last. I will probably do 1 or 2 Art/Celeste chapters throughout the rest of the story. I'm not too sure really but we shall see. They won't be very long, but I feel like there is a story there that needs telling and that can only be done in there POV.
DISCLAIMER – since I haven't done one in a while. VA Belongs to Richelle Mead!
Chapter 18 - The WTF Moment. Part 2.
''Hey, little dhampir.'' A voice said from the shadows and a familiar scent wafted through the air. I looked around seeing if anyone else was around. ''Yes. I'm talking to you.'' The shadow continued, I looked closer as the shadow stepped forward into the light surrounding the porch. He was a Moroi, probably early 20s at a guess. He was pale, like all Moroi with stylish messy brown hair and emerald eyes, similar to those of Lissa, but not quite the same. He was dressed to the nines so if I had to guess he would be Royal. Probably an Ivashkov, given the eyes. ''Are you ok?'' he asked, his voice laced with concern when I didn't respond, he raised his hand and took a drag from the cigarette he was smoking, explaining the smell.
''I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?'' I snapped. Ok, so some of my anger was still present. Got it.
''Well for one you look like you've been crying.'' He said as he looked closer at me. His eyes got a slightly glazed overlook about them like he was seeing straight through me or around me, I wasn't sure. It was really unnerving. ''And two. I'm really good at reading people.'' He continued with a smug smirk. I really wanted to wipe that smirk off his face already.
''Well you're wrong.'' I said.
''No. I am not. Your upset, sad. Heartbroken even. But you're also flaming with red hot rage.'' He replied calmly. How the hell did he know that?
''H-H-HOW?'' I asked, not believing what he was saying.
''Like I said. I'm good at reading people. Do you want to talk about it?'' He nodded towards the seats behind him.
I sighed. I wanted to talk to someone but a stranger. Could I really do that? No, I couldn't. Stupid question really. I know that was a little hypocritical since I spoke to Art when I didn't know him. But Dimitri knew Art and trusted him. I didn't even know who this guy was. ''No. I'll deal with it on my own. Thanks.'' I replied stubbornly.
''Suit yourself. Adrian Ivashkov.'' He said as he stuck out his hand as an introduction. Ha thought so.
I took his hand in mine and before I could shake it off, he had brought it up to his lips and kissed it. I rolled my eyes internally but introduced myself anyway. ''Rose Hathaway.'' I replied.
''Oh. Janine Hathaway's daughter? Aren't you the one who took the princess out of school? I'm surprised they let you back in.'' He laughed. I flinched at the mention of my mother's name, I knew I would have to face her soon, but I didn't even want to think about her right now.
''The one and only.'' I sighed. ''Luckily for me Lissa is very persuasive.''
''That's Vasilisa Dragomir right?'' I nodded. ''Oh, I bet she can be.'' He chuckled suggestively.
The hair on the back of my neck raised at that. ''What do you mean?''
''Oh, nothing little dhampir. Just she must be good if she managed to get them to let you stay.'' He chuckled again. I really felt like I was missing something. ''How is she?'' he asked, clearly intrigued. Yup, definitely missing something. I scowled at him, trying to figure it out.
''Why the sudden interest in Lissa?'' I asked.
''Why? Would you prefer I showed interest in you?'' He wiggled his eyebrows and gave me a smouldering look.
''HA. No.'' I chuckled.
''Oh, come on. It could be fun.'' He suggested, raising an eyebrow. Seriously, could everyone do that except me!
''I'm sure you think it could be. But I'm not into older men.'' I lied.
''I can change that.'' Wow, does this guy really not take a hint?
''I'm sure my boyfriend would have something to say about it.'' I shrugged. Not technically a lie as we hadn't actually said the words, but we were about as good as done right now.
''Yet you didn't lead with that? Trouble in paradise? As they say.'' He asked. Thank god he got off that conversation.
''No. well maybe. Ugh. I don't want to talk about this. I'm going inside.'' I said as I turned towards the door.
''I'll see you soon, little dhampir.'' He muttered as I walked through the door.
I headed quickly through the lodge trying to shake off that conversation. He seemed to imply something about Lissa, but I had no idea. And what did he mean he would see me later? Was he planning on finding me again while we were here? Why would he do that? Ugh, Royal Moroi were such pain in the asses! They think they are god's gift and have to right to have whatever they want.
I finally got to my room and slammed the door shut loudly in my annoyance. Not just at Adrian. But everything that had happened tonight.
As I heard the door click shut, I slide down the back of it and finally let the tears roll down my cheeks which I had been holding in since I left that damn cabin.
I couldn't understand anything that had happened tonight. He looked so sincere when he said he loved me outside. But there was something there when he said he didn't know what Tasha and Christian was on about. A glint in his eyes that I had caught. So, he must know something! I honestly thought he truly loved me. In the B&B, when he said he loved me he looked so fragile. When we got back to the academy just before we arrived, he didn't seem to want to let me go. Was it all a lie? Did it truly mean nothing to him? Just another knock on his bed post? There's a thought I thought I'd never have again. A sobbed raked through my body.
Then, there was my mother. Showing up unexpectedly. How did she even know where I was at the lodge? Why was she here? Didn't she have a charge who was more important than me? I didn't even know where she was based anymore. How did she think it was ok to just show up out of the blue? Why did she think that was ok? Did she really think she could just show up and everything would be ok?
I managed to somehow make it onto my bed during my mini – ok decent sized – meltdown. Everything today had just turned out shit. And I was getting overwhelmed like a cloud was crushing me. This is definitely one of the worst Christmases I have ever had. I should have just stayed at the lodge like I planned on my own or spent it with Mason and Eddie, but no. I had to stick by Lissa and be there for her. I screamed into my pillow, trying to reduce the noise. I knew none of this was Lissa's fault, I shouldn't be blaming any of this on her but why did she have to invite me.
Eventually sleep took over and I drifted into a dreamless sleep. I didn't know how long I had been asleep before my dreamless state started to morph into that of the porch surrounding the lodge. The same spot I had been in tonight with Adrian, the only difference was it was now in brilliant sunlight. Why would I be dreaming of the lodge? I looked around confused.
Shrugging I crossed the porch to stand at the edge, soaking up the rays from the sun and sighed as the heat cascaded over my face.
''You're even more beautiful in the sunlight, little dhampir.'' Adrian said from beside me. I leapt away from him not realising he was there. Why is he in my dream? Hell, why am I dreaming of him?!
''Why are you in my dream?'' I asked. As if my subconscious would be able to give me an answer.
''I'm not. This is my dream.'' He replied. I laughed.
''No, it isn't. I'm asleep.'' I argued. This time he laughed and shook his head.
''We could argue about whose dream it was all night. But where is the fun in that?'' He said as he stepped closer to me, raising a hand and bringing it to my face, pushing some hair away and tucking it behind my ear. ''How come there is so much darkness around you? You seem like you are wrapped in shadows? What are you little dhampir?'' He asked as he dropped his hand.
I'd heard that before, or something similar, but I refused to listen to anything that man had said. He'd said I'd been kissed by shadows. What was it? Shadow-kissed. I had tried with everything in me to just let that go. I couldn't listen to a madman. But I had. I'd gone back to the church and looked up anything further on St Vlad and Anna. I hadn't found much but what I did find was disturbing. It seems liked Anna shared a bond with old Vlad the same as me and Lissa. It being formed in a similar way Victor said to me. Anna had died and Vlad brought her back. I was shocked to learn it was the same. I couldn't find much more information on Vlad and Anna though. I needed to sneak up to the attic sometime, maybe I would enlist Lissa's help for that. She seemed good at it. I turned my attention back to Adrian.
''I'm shadow kissed. I died once and I came back.'' I shrugged. I don't know why I felt the need to explain to him. But this was a dream, right? It couldn't hurt to talk about this while in a dream.
''Lissa?'' He asked, raising an eyebrow.
''Yeah. She saved me. In the crash that killed her whole family. I died as well. Yet she chose to save me.'' I mumbled in explanation.
''Wow. Out of everyone, she saved you?'' He continued.
''Yeah. I owe her my life. I will protect her with my life.'' I said earnestly.
''No point trying to get you to be my guardian then?'' He asked suggestively.
''No. My duty is to Lissa. She saved me so I save her. I couldn't see myself guarding anyone else.'' I said. No point lying. I couldn't see myself guarding anyone else.
''I can see that. You care a lot about her.'' He said, seemingly deep in thought. ''Right, I'll let you sleep I guess.'' He shrugged. As he said that my dream morphed back into nothingness.
I awoke the next morning confused. The dream with Adrian felt real but I knew it was just a dream. There was no other rational explanation for it. It didn't actually happen. I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Standing in the front of the mirror over the sink I took a good look at myself. My eyes still looked a little puffy from the crying but not too bad, I could work with it. Not that I planned to leave my room for much else than to go and eat today. I sighed and I went and took a quick shower as I towel dried myself, there was a knock on the door. A quick check of the bond told me it was Lissa, so I wrapped the towel around my body and ushered her in. We used to share a room; it was nothing neither of us had seen before.
She didn't even bat an eye when she took in my appearance. I quickly dressed in fresh sweats and top. As soon as my top was on, she engulfed me in a fierce hug. ''Are you ok, Rose?'' She asked. No, but not for reasons she thinks.
''I'm fine Liss. Just a shock is all.'' I said as I hugged her back. I really needed my best friend right now.
''You didn't know she was coming?'' Lissa asked. I shook my head into her shoulder. ''Yeah, I know. She said after you left, she didn't even know until last minute. She came with her charge. A family member lives at St Vlad and he wanted to see them.'' She mumbled.
''Then why if she didn't plan on seeing me, did she have to?'' I asked as I took a step back and sat on my bed. Lissa following. ''I am fine without her. I don't need her messing up my life. She didn't want me so why show up now?''
''I don't know Rose. But maybe talk to her. Give her a chance.'' She mumbled and I could sense sadness coming from her. At that moment I felt like an utter bitch. Here I was whining about not wanting to see my mother yet Lissa who desperately wanted to couldn't. Yeah, I was a terrible person.
''I'm sorry Liss. How are you doing? I know Christmas is always hard for you.'' I said, clutching her hand in mine. It had only been two Christmases since she lost her entire family, but it always hit close, the Dragomir Christmases were out of this world.
''It is hard, but we are talking about you right now. Stop trying to always put me first.'' Lissa replied. Well I never.
''It's kind of going to be my job soon.'' I chuckled.
''Well for the time being it's not. So, how are you feeling. Really?'' she asked. And with that we spent the morning talking about everything. She filled me in with what happened after I left.
I explained that I ran because I couldn't face seeing my mother just showing up. I was desperate to mention my fear over losing Dimitri as well, but I didn't need her getting suspicious, or just out right knowing the truth, so I left it. I didn't think she would go and tell someone, but I couldn't be sure. She told me what happened after I left. I already knew that Dimitri had all but yelled at my mother telling her, he would speak to me as I ran out the cabin, that would have been hard to miss. I couldn't help the bitter thought I had as she told me that though, he must feel so guilty I thought sarcastically.
What I was surprised to hear was what she said after he returned. He spoke with my mother first, telling her just to give me some space to come to terms with her reappearance even though we hadn't spoken about her once in our little fight out in the cold. What surprised me was what she said about how Dimitri looked.
''I don't know what to tell you really. But when he got back. Rose, he looked dare I say broken. I don't understand what caused him to have that reaction but it's like he snapped. He started shouting at Tasha that she shouldn't just presume things and then demanded they talk outside. I'd never seen him like that, he's always so in control and indifferent. First of I could understand what was being said. He was saying nothing has or ever will go on with them and that she needs to understand that and stop ruining everything for him. I don't know what happened after that as they switched to talking rapidly in Russian. Christian doesn't understand it either, as far as his aunt has said these past few months it's been Dimitri this Dimitri that. He'd never heard her talk so much about him before he came to the academy. But Tasha did say they would be getting together after Christian graduated but from what we overheard I don't think that was right. I honestly don't understand any of it. Has he ever mentioned Tasha to you?'' She asked.
I sat their shell shocked from everything that had just been said, and there was a lot. I was surprised that he had apparently looked broken, usually he keeps his emotions in check not allowing anyone except me to see the real him, for Lissa to be able to tell was a shock. Dimitri surely wouldn't lie when I wasn't around, so was he really telling the truth. Did he actually really love me, and I'd just pushed him away all over again. Let my own insecurities run wild and ruin the best thing in my life.
''No, why would he mention anything like that?'' Lissa just shrugged in response.
''I don't know, you guys spend a lot of time together and seem friendly enough. You are going to be working together as my guardians when you graduate so I thought maybe you'd gotten to know each other on a personal level as well.'' Lissa muttered. Oh, how much she didn't know. We definitely knew each other on a personal level, a much more personal level than she could even dream.
''Well he never mentioned anything.'' I shrugged. ''So, what happened after that?'' I asked still intrigued. I wondered if there was anything else that may help me piece this all together, but I knew. If I wanted answers I would have to go to Dimitri and get them, but could I trust him. Of course you can, you idiot! You are being stupid again! That annoying voice in my head shouted at me, it wasn't even Lissa this time, it was my own annoying voice. I sighed.
''No clue. Me and Christian took our leave and left the adults to deal with the adult stuff.'' Lissa chuckled. ''We left the presents for Tasha but took our own and shared them back in his room.''
''Yeah, you can stop right there. I don't need to know anymore.'' I muttered. Which she chuckled at with a shrug and a sparkle in her eye.
The academy rules still stood while we were here, but it was a lot harder for the guardians to enforce them in a place like this. There was no clear boy – girl quarters. So, it was easier for them to sneak in and out of each other's rooms which was good for them. Not so much for me. Luckily, I had worked on keeping her out of my head or me out of her head while this had been going on. I wondered why I didn't get sucked in last night maybe the work I'd put in at blocking her out worked. But surely my defences were down. Either I was too far absorbed in my own misery for the bond to take affect or already asleep. But then, I do sometimes get pulled in when I'm sleeping so that doesn't mean anything. I let it slide. That was something to ponder later. I mind was all over the place right now.
By nearly midday my stomach was growling and Lissa was tired of hearing it. So, we decided to head out to get some food. I hadn't forgotten either that Dimitri had wanted to meet me in the gym today for practice, but I didn't know if I wanted to go. I couldn't face him yet. I just needed some space from everything. As I opened the door to leave my room, I was surprised to see my mother standing on the other side, appearing to be about to knock. So much for space.
''Rosemarie. Can I speak with you please?'' She asked, then she looked behind me. ''Alone if you don't mind, Princess.'' She continued in Lissa's direction with a head bow. Ever the diplomat.
Lissa turned to look at me, the question clear in her eye and in my head. Will you be ok? I shrugged. I didn't really have a choice I guess; she wouldn't leave until she talked to me, so it was best to get it over with. With that Lissa quickly took her leave. Come and find me when you're done. I'll wait in my room and we can head for some food then. She said in my head.
I ushered my mother into my room and swallowed the lump that had seemed to lodge itself in there. ''So, what brought you here?'' I asked.
''My charge came to see his nephew who is at St Vlad's. He gave me the time off while we are here to spend with you.'' She stated matter-of-factly.
I laughed in response. ''Oh, so after nearly fourteen years you want to spend time with me?'' I barked back. The anger and abandonment feelings were coming out full force. How did she think after so long apart she could just show back up and everything be ok again?
''I'm sorry. I know it must have been hard for you, it was hard for me to.'' She mumbled. I scoffed. I don't think I had ever, in the minimal times I had seen her, seen her look so defeated. That didn't make this any easier though. She still left me. ''I want to explain it to you if you wouldn't mind. Everything.'' She said after I didn't say anything to her. ''But first I have something for you. A Christmas present. I wanted to give it to you yesterday, but you ran before I could. Which I understand, I probably should have given you warning I was coming.'' She finished while handing me a small box wrapped in elegant Christmas paper.
''Yeah a heads up would have been nice.'' I mumbled as I took the gift and unwrapped it. I was shocked she had even thought to get me anything. She hadn't for fourteen years so why would I expect anything now. I lifted the small wooden box and it clicked as the lid locked open and I stared at the contents. There nestled in the red linen of the box was a necklace and it was beautiful. I lifted the chain the examine the pendent more closely. It was small, about five centimetres in diameter and looked a lot like an eye. A small black dot in the centre like a pupil then surrounded by a pale blue then further surrounded by white, finally a dark blue colour circled the outside.
''I received it many years ago from someone special to me. I thought it was about time to pass it on to you. The person who gave it to me said it would protect you. I wanted you to have it before you graduate. It's called a Nazar.'' She said as I gazed at the Nazar. Part of me wanted to know who this someone special was, the other was touched that she'd want to give me something that obviously meant a lot to her.
''Thank you, it's really beautiful.'' I said as I clasped the necklace around my neck.
''I thought you might like it. It looks good on you.'' She lifted her hand to touch the necklace around my neck and sighed. Yeah it was someone special alright. For a small moment I thought maybe it was my father, was a Nazar a Turkish thing? I'd have to search it later. ''So how are you getting on with your training?'' She asked, interrupting my train of thought.
''Good, I've pretty much caught up. Dim... I mean Guardian Belikov has taught me a lot; he is still teaching me the correct technique to use a stake, but I've pretty much got there, I think. Now anyway.'' I mumbled the last part. I was sure she would already know what happened at the Badicas, but I didn't want to come right out and ask her, she always put me on edge. I have to say this is the first civilised conversation I've had with her.
''I heard you did well in the attack. Guardian Petrov called me to advise that you had been involved and had made more kills. I already knew about the school incident.'' I was great full she didn't come out and say her name. I still found that difficult to talk about. I just nodded in response. ''Do you want to talk about it?'' She continued.
''Not really. I've talked a little to Guardian Belikov and also Petrov and I'll seek more if I need to.'' I shrugged it off. I knew I hadn't technically spoke to either in any depth about either event, but I knew eventually I would want to, and I would trust them over my absentee mother any day.
''Well from what I've heard Belikov won't be around for much longer.'' She muttered.
''What do you mean?'' I asked, probably a little too quickly. Her eyes flashed to meet mine, but I hoped I was quick enough to hide whatever was in them.
''Oh, after you left yesterday, he came back shouting at Tasha. I couldn't understand it all as they were talking too fast for me and I've known Russian for a while.'' She sighed. ''But once he left, I spoke with Tasha. To make sure she was ok.'' Funny she could be there for a stranger and not her own daughter. I'm not bitter, promise. ''I could tell neither were very happy and she advised me that she had offered him a job as her guardian. She also offered him to have children with her, she wants to settle down and have a family, apparently so does he. This way they can both get what they want.'' And there goes the last of my sledge of hope Lissa had given me. He was going to leave me to go off and play house.
''Oh.'' I honestly didn't know how to react. How the hell am I meant to react to something like that when no one knew the truth. ''Oh, do you have his number? I am meant to be meeting him for a training session, his idea. But he never gave me a time. Could you see if 3 works for him?'' I asked after she nodded in response to my first question. She quickly took out her phone and dialled his number. Relaying the information to him and hanging up quickly. I was surprised she had his number, considering she wasn't based here but she must have had something to do with the attack, meaning he already knew she was here, and he didn't tell me.
''He said that is fine and to meet him at the gym. If you don't mind, could we do a training session, say, tomorrow? I would like to see what you know, maybe I could give you some tips?'' She asked. I could see she was trying, and I really did miss having a mum around. Granted the last mum figure I had was Rhea and she would be hard to beat, but it was nice my actual mother was now trying but it felt weird somehow, like she was building up to something. But I agreed anyway.
I realised after she left, she never did tell me everything like she said she would. In fact, it ended up with more questions than I already had answers for. I still had to eat before training and now only had an hour before I had to meet Dimitri and get my answers. I just needed to know the truth. The sooner I did. The sooner I could work on fixing my own broken heart.
I headed to the meal area of the lodge and quickly grabbed a light bite to eat, knowing I would be working out soon I knew not to eat anything too heavy. I found Lissa quickly and she was filled with concern. I relayed the information she was keen to know what my mother wanted. Explaining that my mother had brought me a present and showing it too her. And also, about the training session my mother wanted to have with me the following day. All in all, I was apprehensive about it but talking it through with Lissa helped. She understood the pain I felt with mine and my mother's relationship. All them failed to show up during my younger years, when she had promised to be there, eventually Lissa took over and just invited me to spend holidays with her and her family, which thankfully her family took me in and treated me as one of their own children. I still missed them terribly. They were my family.
After leaving and heading for the gym I began to get nervous. Knowing I would face Dimitri in a few short minutes I knew my earlier anger would flare from even the smallest thing, so I was trying to keep calm for as long as possible. I needed to give him the time I didn't last night to explain. Not that I thought there was much to explain, he was leaving to be with Tasha, no matter what Lissa thought she overheard with their argument. My mother had heard it from the horses' mouth.
The gym here was a lot more state of the art than back at the academy, however it was also a lot smaller. It had all the necessary equipment for a workout, weights and treadmills lined the walls and then a sparing ring in the middle. I knew there was another gym at the other side of the lodge, but it was a similar size to this. Just goes to show the Moroi who owned this place, really didn't think much of the guardians. I shook my head; I was getting angry and I hadn't even walked through the door yet. I'd been in once before for a quick workout when I was feeling restless after the second attack. I had needed to burn off the tension that had formed and the best way I knew how was through a workout. Hopefully it would work for anger as well.
As I made my way through the doors, I headed straight into the main gym I looked around the room and found Mason running on one of the treadmills. He looked up through the mirrored wall when he heard the door opening giving me a smile and a raised hand to wave which I returned, I left him to his run.
I went to the side of the room and placed my gym bag down, taking out my bottle of water and taking a quick drink from it, then heading over to the mats to do my warms up stretches as I waited for Dimitri. It was already three, he is normally on time. Where is he? Another five minutes passed, and he still hadn't arrived, so I decided to head to the treadmill. It wasn't the same as running on the track, but it would do while we were here. I decided to take the one next to Mason so we could have a light conversation as we ran. I started at a brisk walk but after only a few seconds I soon geared it up to running, matching Masons speed with ease, running with a six foot seven Russian every morning and evening did a world of good for the stamina.
''Show off.'' Mason chuckled after about ten minutes of silence.
''You know it.'' I laughed.
''How come you are here? You looked like you were waiting for someone'' Mason said.
''Yeah, Dimitri. We are meant to be having a training session today, but he is late.'' I muttered, trying to keep the distaste out of my voice. Apparently not succeeded but luckily, he didn't pick up on the real reason for it.
''Oh, that's cruel, making you train on the holidays! Does he ever give you time off?'' Mason asked.
''Actually, he gave me the whole time we are here off. He just asked me yesterday if I wanted a session and I agreed. It felt weird not training when I still have so much to learn and missed out on so much. I don't have much time left.'' I explained. Knowing the truth in my words. I didn't have much time left; it was even shorter than I thought now as well.
''Rose, you are the best novice at that school. Even with two years away you've come back stronger and made great progress. Hell, you've already got a molnija and if I know you like I think I do; you have more to come.'' He muttered giving me the side eye. I nodded in response. ''See. You are more than able; you don't need any more training than the rest of us do now. The extra training back at the academy would be enough. You need to have time off the same as the rest of us.'' Mason continued.
''Well just one won't hurt.'' I shrugged as Mason stopped the treadmill, I followed suit. ''You want to spar?'' I asked.
''No, you're ok. I'm meeting Eddie and Shane on the slopes if you wanted to join?'' We had promised each other, or rather competitively promised each other to beat the other on the slopes while we were here. So far neither of us had managed to get on the slopes at the same time to see who the victor of that bet was.
''How about tomorrow morning after breakfast?'' I mumbled; I couldn't go now.
''Sure, I'll meet you at the meal area, say 9?'' I nodded in response and Mason turned to head into the changing rooms. I turned back to the treadmill about the power it back up when I heard the door click behind me. I turned to see who had entered and found Dimitri standing in the doorway, staring at me as I stood frozen on the treadmill. A cautious look crossed his face as he stared at me. I tried to keep my face in a relaxed expression but as soon as my eyes met his, I felt the scowl cross my face. So much for staying calm, even looking at him is making me boil with anger! Luckily with Mason leaving the room we were the only ones left, which would be needed to have the conversation we needed to have. Voices would travel in a room this size and this empty. I stepped off the treadmill and carefully made my way over to him.
''Rose...'' He said cautiously. I nodded; I couldn't get my speech to form. He was late, probably off planning or even sleeping with Tasha while he knew I was waiting. UGH! ''I'm sorry I am late. I got caught up.'' I flinched at the words. Yeah with her I thought. ''No. I know what you are thinking and no.'' Funny. He hasn't actually told me where he was though.
''Then where was you?'' I asked, tension clear in my voice as I headed back over to my bottle of water and taking another sip.
''With Alberta and your mum. Amongst other guardians discussing the recent attack.'' He informed me. ''I was surprised when you mum phoned me to say you still wanted to meet. She informed me you were having a training session with her tomorrow?''
''For a second, I thought you were going to tell me you were hooking up with them too.'' I muttered out of pure annoyance, ignoring the last part. Once his words actually registered in my head I followed up before he could even respond but I saw his eyes darken in irritation. ''and?'' I asked, hands on my hips. The implication clear in my voice I meant what did you find.
''I can't tell you anything, Rose. You know that.'' He sighed exasperated.
''Ugh. Seriously? Can't or won't? You never treat me like an equal. Always as someone below you.'' Ok I did not mean that to come out the way it did. He raised an eyebrow, obviously picking up on the double meaning in my words, I shot him a 'get your head out of the gutter' look to which he smoothed out his expression.
''You aren't yet a guardian, Rose.'' Duh. I gave him a pointed, 'you're an idiot or blind' look to which he actually chuckled. The asshat was laughing at me. He sighed and almost reluctantly continued ''But we did find something. A number plate a witness saw. It's registered to an address in Spokane.'' He finally said.
''Spokane? Like just up the road form here Spokane?'' I asked, clearly dumbfounded. He nodded. ''Then is a team being assembled?'' I asked, there was Strigoi that we knew of in the area, surely we would dispose of them.
''No. The address we got was fake, some old abandoned building that was knocked down only a few days ago, but evidence suggest they are indeed there. Strigoi have been spotted in the area and a lot of them at a shopping plaza near the address. It has underground tunnels, perfect for strigoi.'' He finished.
''And we aren't going after them because?'' I asked getting frustrated. They were killing our people and we were just going to stand here and talk about it and not actually do anything about it.
''Because we can't do anything without permission from the higher ups. This kind of permission would come from the guardian council and most likely the Moroi government as well.'' He said, I could see in his face he didn't like this anymore than I did.
''And we know how much the Moroi like to talk and discuss.'' I sighed.
''Now you're getting it.'' He chuckled.
''That's nice you know.'' I said abruptly, he looked at me, confusion written in his features. ''Your laugh, I like hearing it.'' I mumbled, voice low, almost a whisper.
''Rose...'' Dimitri started as he went to take a step forward just as Mason came out of the changing room door, freshly shower with his wet hair. He raised his hand in a wave goodbye and was out the door in a flash. Weird, he would usually come and say goodbye to me, even with Dimitri here. I shrugged it off and went to turn back to Dimitri. Remembering the real reason, we were here, I sighed reluctantly. For a second there we were able to talk like old times. Before all the confusing stuff got in the way.
''Rose.'' Dimitri started again. This time he did take a step closer to me which I allowed. He raised his hand and rested it on my upper arm as my arms folded over my chest, I shrugged his hand off me and it fell to his side. He sighed sadly. ''You need to know the truth, Rose.'' He continued as my throat closed up on me and I struggled for breath. I looked up at him, tears filling my eyes waiting for him to rip my heart out again. This is it. My eyes met his and I could see the concern written all over his face and hurt. ''Whatever you've heard it isn't true. What happened last night. None of it is true...'' I interrupted him after I swallowed the lump down in my throat.
''So, Tasha didn't offer you to become her guardian and have special benefits to the job?'' I asked, venom lacing my words.
''No. Well yes, she did…'' He stopped short and took a step back as a handful of guardians walked in, heading towards to work out equipment around the small gym. Dimitri looked between me and them, pain clear in his face. He took another step closer to me ''Go with this.'' He quickly whispered.
Within a blink of the eye he grabbed me and flung me onto the sparing mats. I managed to right myself and quickly got into a defensive position. What the hell?! ''Another lesson. Also be on guard.'' He coached, his eyes telling me to go along with whatever he was planning. I nodded my agreement.
''No need to be a smart ass. Could have just told me and not sling me across the room.'' I sarcastically replied. I heard a chuckle come from across the room from one of the guardians.
''you've got a feisty one there Belikov!'' He shouted over.
''You have no idea. Pure backchat is Hathaway!'' He shouted in response.
''HEY! Right here!'' I exclaimed in frustration as I lunged for Dimitri as he looked up to catch the guardians' eye with a smile.
''Lesson number one Comrade. Always be alert.'' I threw it back in his face as I straddled him, but I wasn't quick enough to go in for the kill. He quickly regained the upper hand and flipped my on my back and pushed me against the floor with his hips. Yeah, that felt nice, I sighed. His head rested against my ear for a second.
''Meet me in my room tonight. I'll explain everything. Please. We can't do this here.'' He whispered quickly before righting himself and placing his hand over my chest to imitate a kill. ''Dead!'' He shouted loudly.
''Yeah. Yeah. Get off me. I still managed to throw your lesson in your face. Don't get distracted.'' I chastised teasingly as he helped me up and I winked at him. He shook his head in clear frustration from my antics.
''She is right, Belikov. She should not off been able to pin you, but you distracted yourself.'' The guardian from earlier came over. While I smugly smiled on. ''Guardian Loove, you must be Rose Hathaway?'' he introduced.
''Nice to meet you. Guess I am.'' I shrugged.
''I thought so. Your reputation precedes you.'' He said jokingly.
''Don't believe any of it.'' Dimitri mumbled. I knew the reputation I had made for myself bothered him, that is, the reputation that I am a bloodwhore even if it wasn't true and well my misbehaving as well.
''Oh, so I shouldn't believe that she has killed nearly as many Strigoi that you have before she has even graduated then?'' Loove asked.
''Oh. Well, yes, she has.'' Dimitri replied, smiling with pride. I shot Dimitri a worried look. People weren't meant to know this yet. I didn't want people knowing yet. ''Loove is a guardian that was in the meeting today. He has seen both full reports from both of the attacks.'' He informed me.
''Impressive work for a novice I have to say. But then you are a Hathaway, it's in your blood.'' He implied.
''I wouldn't say my mother had anything to do with it. If anything, I'm only as good as I am because of all the training Guardian Belikov has given me at the academy.'' I didn't miss the flinch from Dimitri as I called him by his proper title.
''Well from what I just saw you have raw talent.''
''That she does. I've just fine tuned it, if you will.'' Dimitri chuckled causing the other guardian to laugh.
''Well, I'll let you get back to it.'' Loove said before turning and walking away.
We stood there in silence for a while. Not really knowing where to go from here. We couldn't exactly continue our previous conversation. Not with so many ears in the room, even if we spoke quietly, which I doubt we would be able to do, our body language would probably end up giving us away anyway. I turned to Dimitri just as he opened his mouth to speak. ''That's a wrap for today.'' He muttered. Looking at me curiously. Probably wanting an answer to his earlier request.
I knew we needed to talk but did I want to have this talk in his own room. Once upon a time I would have done anything to get some alone time with him in the privacy of his room. Now I'm not too sure. But then, where else would we be able to have this particular talk without being interrupted or overheard. I sighed. I needed them answers and I needed them now.
''Okay.'' I said deflated. He raised his brow in silent question. I nodded, walking over to grab my gym bag and slung it over my shoulder. As I walked past him, I murmured ''I'll see you later. Same time as normal?'' I asked. The implication clear, or so I hoped. We usually had our afternoon training at six in the evening.
''Make it an hour later.'' He said in response. I sighed and nodded my head and walked out of the gym, heading back to my room to prepare for tonight. Least her gave me time to get ready however it was another hour of waiting for answers. Another hour longer until my heart undoubtedly gets completely crushed in my chest.
He just admitted to me that he did in fact get that offer from Tasha. So, what am I meant to think? It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. I knew he wanted kids, something I could never give him. Yet Tasha could. She could give him everything he ever wanted so why wouldn't he take her offer. Yes, it would still be shamed upon, they would still face backlash from others but not as much as we would, and they would also be out in the human world. I've said it before, I'll say it again. All our relationship would do is cause him problems. Problems he doesn't deserve.
So, with that thought and that thought only. I decided to set him free. To give him the out he deserved. Because he deserved everything he ever wished for. He deserved to be happy, however he chose.
AN – Not sure when I will be able to update again. I'm on weird shifts the next few weeks.