Chapter 9: Meeting Abe
DPOV
I grabbed my phone off the bedside table and saw that it was 5:30pm. I hadn't slept that much because my mind would not shut down. I kept thinking about what was the best way to protect Roza. Should we stay here at St. Vladamirs, should we go to St. Basils or was there another place that could be fortified for her protection. Court was out of the question because I am sure Abe has enemies there and as dhampirs, Rose and I would have little say in what happens to us. Plus we would have to hide our relationship more than we would here at the academy. And speaking of our relationship, it was getting harder and harder (no pun intended) to keep our hands to ourselves. But being her first time, I wanted to make it special for her and I could not plan anything until we know where she was going to be. Even though I told Roza not to worry about us being separated, there was still a chance her parents could take her away from here and me. I let out a big sigh trying to calm the panic that was rising in me.
"Comrade?" Roza croaked out.
"Morning milaya, I didn't wake you did I?" I hadn't realized that I had been playing with her hair, it was like a beacon to me.
"No, I think I have been in and out of sleep most of the night." Roza replied.
"Yeah, you seemed a little restless last night. Did you have any more nightmares?" I inquired.
"No, what time is it?"
"5:30pm"
"I know you are going to laugh at me but I would kill for a run." Roza said.
I chuckled "I know me too! Let me check with Yuri to see if he has heard anything about Tasha."
I got up out of bed and Roza rolled into my spot and I could hear her inhale deeply. I opened the door to the living area and saw Yuri and Celeste drinking coffee at the kitchen table.
"Yuri, has there been any word about Tasha?" I asked.
Yuri responded "Yes, Alberta texted me around 4pm and said they located her and she is back in the cabin with four guardians."
"Oh good, Rose and I were in the mood for a run this morning, Celeste do you mind?"
"Not at all" Celeste responded.
Yuri said "I can guard as well so that you two can run".
"Thanks Yuri, that we be great."
I went back into the bedroom and let Roza know that we could go for a run this morning. She got up and went to her room to change as I changed into workout clothes. I grabbed my gym bag and packed towels for the both of us and then went to the kitchen area and grabbed water bottles and Gatorade for the two of us.
Yuri and Celeste were already dressed in their guardian uniforms. Shortly thereafter, Roza emerged from her room in her workout attire and her hair in a high ponytail. God, she is beautiful, I thought to myself. How did I end up so lucky that this wonderful woman was in love with me.
We walked to the track as a group, at this hour the only people who were out were other guardians, who were patrolling. Roza and I started stretching silently beside each other as Yuri and Celeste took separate guarding posts. Rose and I ran in a comfortable silence around the track, even though Rose was not a morning person, she was quieter than usual. I figured she was just taking time to process everything and that she would talk to me when she was ready. One thing I knew about Roza was that you couldn't get anything out of her until she was ready.
We completed our run and started our cool down stretches and I handed Roza a towel, water and Gatorade I had brought for the both of us. "Thanks Comrade, I definitely needed that run. Sorry I wasn't talkative, I just needed to do something mindless" Roza explained.
"No problem, Roza, you know that I am here whenever you need me or need to talk."
We made our way back to the unit, depositing Yuri off at the Guardian dorms. I took my shower first and once I was dressed, I grabbed my empty duffel bag and put my training notes in it and a few other comforts for Roza. I walked into Rose's room while she was still in the shower to get her stuffed dog Pavel to bring with us. There was no way it was a coincidence that Rose had a stuffed dog named Pavel and that the head of her father's security was also named Pavel. Once we arrived at Abe's, I was going to send Celeste off to get Roza her favorite donuts. Once my bag was ready with comfort items for Roza, I started making breakfast for the three of us.
RPOV
The run from this morning did wonders for me, I didn't have to think about anything but running. Now that I was in the shower, my brain was in overdrive. I was nervous about meeting my father, I kept trying to remind myself that Dimitri and Alberta were there for me. My biggest fear was that my parents would take me away from Dimitri, Alberta and all of my friends. I got out of the shower, toweled off and got dressed in casual clothes. I brushed my hair out and left it down the way Dimitri likes it. When I came out of the bathroom, my stomach growled as I could smell the breakfast that Dimitri was making. He was making some kind of pancakes that were thin and on the table were a bunch of different toppings.
"What are you making Comrade?" I asked.
"Blini, bacon, hash browns and fruit salad." Dimitri responded. "Blini are like pancakes but have something like cottage cheese in the middle and you can put any of these toppings on them."
'It smells so good" I said as Dimitri handed me a plate loaded with everything and a tall glass of juice."
"Thanks Comrade"
"You're welcome Roza" Dimitri said as he kissed the top of my head.
Dimitri gave Celeste a similar plate of food with juice and coffee and he also had the same for himself. I took a bite and let out this loud embarrassing moan. "Oh my God Comrade, I have died and gone to heaven."
Dimitri had a big smile on his face "I am so glad you like it Roza".
"How are you feeling Rose?" Celeste asked.
"Nervous, I am not sure what to expect from my father, plus my mother has only seen me a handful of times and it never ended well. However, she has been trying since Spokane" I said as I looked back down at my food trying to calm myself down. I then felt Dimitri's hand on top of mine. I looked up and gave him a small smile as he gave me a loving look back.
We spent the rest of breakfast discussing random things, which helped to get my thoughts off of the meeting with my parents. Once we were done, Dimitri and I started washing dishes while Celeste took a shower. Okay, so technically I was only drying the dishes.
Dimitri finished washing the dishes, dried his hands off and he pulled me to him putting his hands around my waist and said "Roza, I will be right by your side today. If you need anything let me know, especially if you need a break."
"Thanks Comrade, sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have you by my side". I smiled up at him and was rewarded with a smile back that only I ever get to see.
Just then Dimitri's phone rang and he pulled it out of his guardian uniform. He looked at the caller id and said "It's Alberta" he answered the phone "Belikov".
After about a minute Dimitri said "Okay, we will be over shortly" and then he hung up the phone. My heart starting beating rapidly as my nerves got worse. Dimitri sensing that took a step towards me and encircled me with a big bear hug. I took a deep breath in order to calm myself down. Dimitri pulled back and said "Roza, it's going to be alright. You hold all the power in this meeting".
"I never thought about it that way before, thanks Comrade".
Celeste came out of the bathroom dressed in her guardian uniform and her hair up exposing two molnjas. Dimitri informed Celeste "Alberta called and they are ready for us."
"Okay, let me grab my stuff and then I am ready to go" Celeste said.
DPOV
I grabbed my duffle bag and we headed off towards the guest accommodations. "What's in the bag" Roza asked me.
"Guardian secrets" I smirked at Roza trying to lighten the mood and I was rewarded with a beautiful smile from my Roza.
We arrived at the suite door and I stopped and asked Roza "Are you ready to do this?"
"As ready as I will ever be" Roza responded.
"Okay, just remember if you need a break let me know and we can go to the suite next door."
And at that moment Celeste said "I'll be right next door if you need anything."
"Thanks Celeste" my Roza said.
Celeste and I had spoken this morning while Rose was in the shower and I asked her to go to the cafeteria to get Roza's favorite chocolate donuts plus multiple packs of hot chocolate. I wanted Roza to have some comforts if need be. Celeste disappeared in the room next to the suite. There were two guards on either side of the door to Roza's parent's suite. I announced Roza and myself to the two guardians, then I knocked on the door and it was immediately opened as one of Abe's guardians ushered us in.
RPOV
As I walked into the suite and looked around, it was huge, well decorated and looked like what I thought the Queen's room would look like. My mom came over to me, she was wearing casual clothes, I don't think I have ever seen her in anything other than her uniform. She gave me a hug, which was awkward at first, because I couldn't remember the last time she gave me a hug. But after a few seconds, I realized this is exactly what I needed to calm down my nerves. My mom directed me further into the suite and said "Rosemarie, I would like to introduce your father, Abe Mazur".
Abe was wearing a suit with a very colorful scarf and a gold hoop in one ear. I am not sure what I expected, but definitely not this.
"Hello Rosemarie" Abe said as he extended his hand to shake mine.
"It's just Rose" I responded.
"Okay, Rose it is, and who is this very tall guardian behind you".
Dimitri stepped forward and put his hand out to shake Abe's hand "Dimitri Belikov" Dimitri stated with all of his guardian authority.
"Are you Yeva's grandson?" Abe asked.
"Yes, I am" Dimitri responded a little confused as to how Abe would know her. Sensing my uneasiness, Abe stated "I have known Yeva for a very long time. She has helped me out in the past and I am forever in her debt."
I could see Dimitri staring at Abe trying to size him up. Abe continued and introduced me to the five guardians in the room with him. As Abe got to the last guardian he said "And this is the head guardian of my team, Pavel, he will be involved in the discussion about your security".
I then turned to look at Dimitri and said "You knew about this?"
"Yes, I'm sorry Rose, I didn't say anything because I wanted to see if you would remember on your own. I am so sorry and I swear this was the only thing I omitted from our conversations."
Abe, my mother and Pavel all looked at each other trying to figure out what Dimitri and I were talking about. Finally, Abe spoke up "Why don't we all take a seat".
There were three couches making a U shaped configuration, Abe and my mother sat on one, Alberta and Pavel on the one next to Abe and my mother. Then Dimitri and I sat on the couch opposite of my parents.
Abe started "What were you referring to just now?"
I took a deep breath as Dimitri reached into his gym bag and handed me my stuffed dog as I told Abe "His name is Pavel and I have had him ever since I came to the academy but I don't remember where he came from".
Pavel was the one to speak up "When we dropped you off here, I gave you that stuffed animal hoping it would give you comfort while you were here at St. Vladamirs. I am pleased you still have him and that he looks well loved".
I gave Pavel a quick smile as I fidgeted with the stuffed dog. Abe then spoke up "Rose, I know you have been through a lot the past few days with Tasha and now being here and meeting me for the first time. What would be easier for you? You asking us questions or us just telling you our story from the beginning or do you have another suggestion?".
"I think it would be best for you to just start at the beginning" I replied.
For the next hour, Abe explained how my mother and he were introduced at a park. He said once they met they had become inseparable, spending as much time as possible and that my mother also took a leave of absence at that time. He explained "That while you were an unexpected pregnancy, once we found out your mother and I were ecstatic. We decorated the nursery and bought every conceivable accessory a baby could need."
At this point, I hadn't realized I was crying, I felt Dimitri wrap his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. I looked up at him and saw such a loving expression. I took a deep breath and said "I thought I was just an accident and that neither of you cared about me or loved me. I thought the reason you left me at the academy was so you didn't have to deal with me."
Abe started and said "It was the complete opposite. Your mother and I loved each other deeply and were so happy when we found out she was pregnant. I had never believed in love at first sight, but the minute I saw you, I was so in love with you and I couldn't believe you were mine. And for the next three years, I was over the moon with joy and so happy that your mother and you were in my life. But then unfortunately, due to the nature of my business, threats to you and your mother started surfacing. At first, I guess I was cocky, thinking that I had enough guardians to protect the both of you. Until the day that your mother and you were both at Court with me and your mother was shot while she was out with you. Your mother and I felt the safest place to hide you was at St. Vladamirs. Your mother and I separated for her safety and she went back to her charge. She monitored your progress and would inform me when she could and I also inquired about you from time to time, but we had to be cautious as we didn't want anyone to know where you were. And your mother wanted to visit more often, but we were afraid it might draw to much attention. I am sorry if that was the worst thing to do for you, but at the time we thought it was the best option that we could think of."
At this point I turned to Dimitri and told him that I needed a break. Dimitri stood up immediately and gave me his hand to stand up. His hand then went to the small of my back as he guided me to the door. "We will be right next door" Dimitri said as we exited the suite. Abe nodded at Dimitri and said "Take your time."
We walked into the suite next door and Dimitri knocked on the door then opened it while announcing our presence for Celeste's benefit. I walked in and plopped down on the couch and closed my eyes and let out a big sigh. Dimitri went to the kitchen and a few minutes later he sat down next to me. I could smell chocolate which peaked my interest enough to open my eyes. Dimitri had made me hot chocolate plus there was a plate of chocolate donuts in front of me.
"Comrade, you are the best" I said as I was stuffing my face with a donut.
Celeste asked "How is it going?"
"Okay I guess, just a little overwhelming. I just needed a moment to digest everything my father was telling me" I explained.
"Just remember this is all on your terms. Take breaks when you need them and we don't have to discuss everything today, we can meet with your parents over a few days" Dimitri said while he was rubbing my back.
"Thanks for everything Comrade. You have really been there for me and not just over the past few days but pretty much since you brought me back from Portland. I appreciate it and love you for it" I said lovingly.
"You are my life Roza" Dimitri told me while hugging me and kissing my forehead.
There was a knock on the door and Dimitri got up and asked "Who is it?" through the door.
"Pavel"
Dimitri looked at me as if to ask if it was alright to let him in. I nodded yes and Dimitri opened the door and let him in.
Pavel spoke "Rose, I know you needed a break but I just wanted to inform you that in addition to Dimitri and Celeste, I have scheduled two guardians to be stationed outside your room here or wherever you might be, because of the whole thing with Tasha. When you are out and about I have asked them to follow you but to be discreet as possible. Once we get through everything then we can discuss how to arrange your security".
"Thank you Pavel" I said. "I was wondering if Dimitri will be able to stay on as one of my guardians.".
"That shouldn't be a problem. When the time is right we will discuss the logistics" Pavel replied.
"Do you have a minute to sit down, I had a couple of questions for you?" I asked Pavel.
Pavel took a seat on the couch next to Celeste and Dimitri sat back down next to me. Dimitri kept a reasonable distance from me as we were not ready to discuss our relationship.
"I was wondering if you could tell me little more about you and my stuffed dog" I directed towards Pavel.
"Of course" Pavel responded "So, I have been your father's guardian since we were both eighteen."
"Wow, were you friends in school or something?" I asked.
"No, I was assigned to him by Court. This was before your father was able to hire his own private security. But your father and I hit it off from the beginning, so it did not take long for a friendship to develop between us. When your father met your mother, he was intrigued by her. I am sure you are familiar with your mother's feisty side" Pavel stated.
"Yes, all too well" I replied rolling my eyes.
"Well, your father loved antagonizing her and eventually the two of them started to fall in love. The saying that opposites attract is definitely true in their case. Anyways, it was true what they said about being ecstatic when they found out Janine was pregnant with you" Pavel said. "And you definitely inherited your mother's feistiness. When you were a baby you could scream the house down".
I chuckled at that revelation.
"So at night when you couldn't sleep and you were screaming your head off, I used to carry you throughout the house and as soon as I started talking to you about anything, you would immediately stop crying and look up at me with these big brown eyes as if I was telling you the secrets of the world. It was probably my most favorite thing to do" Pavel said as I wiped a tear that had fallen. Dimitri had moved closer to me and was rubbing my back as Pavel talked.
"And pretty much from the time you could walk you wanted to spar like all of your father's guardians. And most of the guardians would comply, they would get down to your level and they would always let you win of course. And by the time you were three years old, you had developed your own little victory dance". Dimitri, Celeste and I all laughed at that.
Pavel took a moment then continued "When your mother was shot and even though no harm came to you. It hit many of the guardians hard, they felt like they had failed at their job. Since you were in your mother's arms at the time of the shooting and even though you were unharmed, there was blood all over you. So we used that to our advantage and put the word out that you were killed. The day we brought you here to the academy was probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I felt like I was your uncle, so I gave you the stuffed dog, which you immediately named it "Pavel". I was hoping that you would remember me and how much I cared for you."
I was full on crying at this point and I got up off the couch and Pavel stood up at the same time as I launched myself into his arms. Even though I couldn't remember him from my past, I could tell how much he loved me.
While Pavel was hugging me and rubbing my back he said "I'm so sorry that we left you at the academy, we thought it was the best idea at the time."
I took a step back and said "Thanks Pavel, tell my parents, I will be over in a few minutes."
Pavel left and as soon as the door closed, Dimitri was at my side hugging me and peppering my face with kisses and giving me his support. I took a few big breaths and told Dimitri "I am just going to the bathroom to freshen up".
When I walked into the bathroom, I looked in the mirror and of course my eyes were blood shot and swollen from crying. Seriously, when did I become such a cry baby all the time. I washed my face when there was a knock on the bathroom door.
"It's Celeste, can I come in?"
"Sure" I replied.
Celeste walked in and I could see that she had a makeup bag with her. "If you want I could help you do your makeup, I have gotten good over the years covering up bruises I get from sparring.
"Thanks Celeste, I would really appreciate it."
"First, use these eye drops they will decrease the redness in your eyes".
I sat on the counter next to the sink and Celeste went to work. After about 15 minutes she was done. I looked in the mirror and she had done an awesome job. You couldn't tell that I had been crying plus the makeup was subtle you could barely tell that I was wearing any.
"Celeste this is awesome".
"Roza you look beautiful" I had not realized that Dimitri had been standing in the doorway watching us.
"Thanks Comrade"
"Are you ready to go back?" Dimitri asked.
"Yeah, I think so" As I walked out of the bathroom towards the door, Dimitri stopped me and gave me the sweetest kiss on my lips and said "I will be right next to you if you need me."
Dimitri and I walked out of the suite and as Pavel said there were two guards outside our door and two guards posted outside my parent's suite. We were announced and then walked in. Abe immediately stood up and came over to me "How are you doing?"
"Better, I just needed some time to process everything".
"Well I have ordered lunch for us all and I heard rumors of a shopping trip for you and your friends?"
"Yes, Lissa, Princess Dragomir wanted to go shopping. Christian, her boyfriend and our friends Eddie and Adrian were going to come, along with Christian's aunt Tasha." I saw a hint of anger in Abe's eyes and realized I probably never wanted to get on his bad side.
"Ahh, Tasha, yes, Pavel and I will be discussing the best options for her "future". But for now I agree with Alberta that we let her believe that nobody is aware of what she is doing. Alberta said that Lord Ivashkov was able to perform an anti-compulsion effect on you, Dimitri and Guardian Mathews?"
"Yes, but it hasn't been really tested yet."
"Well, I plan on sending you with a full complement of guardians. I also have a credit card here in your name and have gotten you a cell phone that has a panic button app for your safety" he said as he pulled an envelope from his suit pocket and handed me a box with an iPhone in it. "There is no limit on the card, so feel free to buy whatever you want or need."
"That's okay, I don't really need much." I said.
"Rose since before you were born, I have been saving money for you, you have a trust fund that probably rivals the Queen. Besides I haven't been able to spoil you since you were three, don't begrudge your old man now."
"Okay, thanks" I said as I took the envelope.
Abe continued "Unless you have any pressing questions, I was thinking we could have lunch and then we will let you rest as I believe the bus for the mall will be leaving at 7am. We can continue to get together over the next few days and discuss anything you like, you are my priority right now and your safety is of my utmost concern, so your mother and I will be here for the foreseeable future".
There was a knock on the door and two people from the kitchen staff walked in with sandwiches and salads for lunch. Just as we all sat down, Dimitri's phone rang. He pulled it out and looked at the caller id "It's Tash again" he groaned as I rolled my eyes. Everyone quieted down as Dimitri answered the phone and put it on speaker.
"Belikov"
"Dimka"
"Hi Tasha"
"Hi, how is your day going?"
"Just working" Dimitri answered.
"How can you be working, I am with Lissa and Christian right now and you are not with Lissa. Lissa says she has had new guardians the last few days. Are you not guarding Lissa anymore? Does that mean you are free to be my guardian" Tasha asked wishfully.
"No, Guardian Petrov just has me working on another assignment right now".
"Oh, well anyways, the reason I was calling was I was wondering if you were going on the shopping trip?."
"I am not sure, I am just about to go into a meeting with Guardian Petrov to discuss the trip" Dimitri stated.
"Okay, well I hope you are, I could always use a man's opinion on which bras and panties to get. I could even try then on for you?" Tasha said trying to sound sexy but failing miserably.
I silently made a vomiting gesture at that suggestion.
"Tasha, I need to go" Dimitri said hanging up the phone before Tasha could respond. "Ugh that is a site I do not want to see."
We finished lunch which was a little awkward after Tasha's call. I said goodbye to my parents, Pavel and Alberta. Dimitri and I left with Celeste and the two guardians that Pavel had assigned. Once we reached our suite the two guards said they would be outside if I needed them. We closed the door and Celeste headed off to our room to rest prior to our shopping trip. I looked up at Dimitri "Can I just stay in your room with you while we rest? I just need to cuddle with you for a little bit."
"Of course, Roza" Dimitri took my hand and brought me into his room. He went and got a t-shirt and handed it to me "You might be more comfortable in this". Dimitri turned his back as I took of my jeans and shirt and put on his t-shirt which was like a dress on me and he stripped down to his boxers.
"How is that sight going to make me want to rest?" Dimitri smirked, then he put on a shirt and peeled back the covers for me to get in as he followed me. Dimitri laid down on his back and he opened his arms to me and I molded myself to him.
"Rest now"
"Are you sure you want to rest?" I asked him wiggling my eyebrows at him.
Dimitri groaned and said "You will be the death of me Roza".