Authors Note: I would like to say thank you everyone for the reviews. They help me a lot to stay motivated to keep writing through all the stress. I would also like to say that I am currently looking for a Beta to help give idea's,and all. Until then, I'll be doing it on my own. I would also like to apologize for taking so long to post this chapter. I was going through the early chapters and editing through them, fixing a few mistakes and adding more details. I hope you enjoy this Chapter :)


I walked into the room with confidence and was greeted with six shock faces. Well, five shock faces. The queen just looked up and smiled.

"Ah, Agents Mazur and Volkov, right on time. We were just about to hear Guardian Hathaway's report on her raid of the Strigoi nest. Please sit." She said with a smile. A smile that reminded me of the cat who ate the canary.

For a minute I just stood there, looking at all who were there. On the right side of the Queen stood Lissa, she looked genuinely surprised that I was here. Next was my mother, who was still wearing that stone cold expression of hers, but you could tell by her eyes that she was happy for the surprise visit. My father, now his face was utterly priceless. His eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open, I've never seen him look so comical. I actually felt my lips curl into a soft smile.

I felt a nudge to my side and looked at Erik in question, he just rolled his eyes and gave a light chuckle as he went to sit at the large desk. Of course, I forgot that I was told to sit. Taking my place next to Erik, I looked at mother and softly spoke.

"I apologize for interrupting Guardian Hathaway. You may continue."

A deep chuckle could be heard coming from my father as she gathered her notes and coughed roughly before speaking.

"As I was saying, when we got to the nest, it was already in chaos. The Building was on fire, bodies where on the ground, beheaded, and it looked like they were fighting among each other. One by one, my team and I attacked and killed every Strigoi we came upon. However, I do believe that we have come across a new type of monster. I was fighting a creature that had the features of a Strigoi, but there were some differences. Their eyes were the color of indigo, they smelled of earth and winter, they were able to stay out after dawn, and our silver stakes did not work. Half my team were wiped out or were being dragged away by these things as they disappeared into the forest. On instinct, I tried to save one of my men from being taken by one of them. But before I could even reach him, It sunk it's fangs in his throat. Tearing it and drinking the blood. It seems that whatever they are, they are at war with the Strigoi and feed off blood as well." My mother's tone was cold and emotionless.

The moment she started talking about Them my body tensed, I began to feel my hands clam up and my body felt flushed. I tried to stay calm as I felt the memories of that day rush back to me, the pain, the burning, the torture, and the thirst..

I shot up out of my chair and started pacing back and forth, ignoring all the eyes that were watching me. How was she even in America? The last report we got of her location was four days ago, stating that she was last seen somewhere in Tokyo, Japan. I've been trying my best to gather reports of her, following leads and trying to stay ahead of her. So how did she slip into the U.S. without me noticing?! What is she planning? What will be her next move?

I was so busy thinking and panicking that I didn't even notice when a hand grabbed my wrist and another gripped my chin, forcing me to look into his silver gray eyes. I blinked a few times and realized where I was. After a few seconds, I pulled away and ran my hand threw my hair.

"I'm okay Eric. I guess I just got lost in thought." keeping my hand in his, I turned to face the group.

" I apologize for the outburst. It's just ... we have faced these creatures before. We call them, Voidkin. We have been tracking their movements and killing more then enough. However, their Queen keeps eluding us and it seems that no matter how many we kill, more just show up. The last report we got of a sighting was four days ago stating their Queen was in Japan. We were not aware that she got some kind of transportation to the States." I said through my teeth.

Everyone just stared at me before blinking and then all looked to the Queen. She looked very deep in thought and unsure of what to do with all the information she has been given. I watched her as she crumpled up two pages and tossed them in the fire place.

"I am going to need a day or two more to process this new information and how this will effect certain political hearings and decision. I'll also need to try and put a new plan together. Rose, since you and your team have more experience with them I will arrange a meeting with you soon." With a wave of her hand she announced to the room, "You are all dismissed."

I didn't wait for anyone as I sped through those doors. I needed air. I needed a drink. I needed-

"Rose!"

I was brought out of my thoughts as I was engulfed in a group hug by my father and mother, I relaxed and hugged them back. No matter how old I get, seeing them and being near them, always did calm me down a bit. I've missed them.

"Rose I can't believe you're here" My mother declared very loudly in a sudden maternal way. "How come you didn't tell us that you were coming? And did I hear her majesty correctly when she called you Agent Mazur?" My mother asked in a disbelieving tone.

My father chuckled, " Oh Janine, don't get so upset. We both knew it was only a matter of time before I became the favorite."

As the hug ended I looked to Erik for some help, but he just gave me a look that said I was on my own and that he wasn't going to help in any form. Sighing, I looked back at my parents.

"Maybe we should save this reunion for tomorrow. After all, I did just arrive not too long ago guys. And I'm pretty exhausted. We can meet up for brunch tomorrow."

They agreed and my father said that he would text me the details later. I watched them walk around the corner before turning to Erik. Ignoring the two sets of eyes that were looking at me from the left. Erik, however, did not. And he was looking directly at the pair who was walking towards us.

"Do you want me to stay or should I give you a moment with them?" he said low enough for only me to hear.

"Stay." I whispered back.

I turned towards Lissa and waited for her to get close enough to speak. She was taking her time, and honestly, who could blame her. We didn't leave on the best of terms and and from what I've heard, she turned out to be just like the other royals.

"Princess Vasilissa." I nodded in greeting. Erik didn't give any form of greeting, he just stared at her. Waiting for any sign that he might need to intervene.

Lissa looked a little shocked but quickly replaced her nervous look with a smile. "Rose. It has been awhile."

"Almost five years, I believe."

"Yes well, I have been pretty busy. I am to become the new Queen now since Adrian gave up his right to the throne when he married the human witch. And between college, political events and functions I haven't really had the time to contact old friends. I have-."

"I know exactly what you have been doing these past years Princess. I have been keeping tabs of all Moroi royals and their activities, both big and small." I interrupted her. Hearing her talk like one of those stuck up snobs who only care about themselves and their image, made me boil. I never thought that she would become just like them.

"Was there a reason why you wanted to speak to me? I hardly doubt you wanted to catch up with an old acquaintance." I stated coldly.

I watched as her expression changed from prideful to anger. That's when she took notice of Erik, I watched her lips curve into a wicked grin.

"Actually, since we are all gonna be working together I was hoping to at least establish some sort of friendship between us. It would have made bossing you around easier but since that wont happen I guess it will just have to be done the hard way. Tell me, is your new partner just as good in bed as your last one or is he even better?" She laughed.

I heard Erik growl from beside me and my blood froze at the sound. I've never heard him growl like that. I watched as Erik stepped close to Lissa.

"Accusing Rose of sleeping with me is an immature route to take Princess. To think that the future Queen would stoop this low, makes me worry if she is even deserving of the crown. If I were you, Id worry more about yourself and less about Rose." His Russian accent was thick with anger.

A movement behind Lissa caught my attention and eyes moved towards that direction. Dimitri. He had his hand on his stake, ready to attack Erik if it was needed. I frowned at his action as I really looked at him. His hair was a tad bit longer, but still that chestnut brown. His lean figure towering over us normal sized people. I could even see his muscles through his shirt. And those dark brown eyes of his, god I've missed those eyes, were still just as beautiful as the first time I saw them.

I was so caught up in my own mind that I didn't register that he was looking right at me. Embarrassed that I was caught, I quickly looked away and stepped between Erik and the Princess.

"Erik, it's fine. Let the little girl have her grudge. She won't even be able to have a say in what we do. Lets just go." I whispered.

He looked down at me and studied my face for what seemed like a good minute before he sighed deeply and turned to walk away. I looked back at Lissa and Dimitri.

"Princess, Guardian Belikov, have a nice evening." I nodded to them and then fast walked towards Erik, who was already half way down the hallway.

After catching up to Erik, we walked back to our apartment in silence. Every now and then, I would glance up to check on him, but he always had this look of indifference on his face. Ever since we got here, he has been like that. I wonder what he is even thinking.

Before I knew it, we had entered through our apartment doors to an empty living room. Everything was all cleaned up and two of the bedroom doors where shut.

"I guess Christian and Atali already passed out. Well, we should get some sleep too. I'll see you in the morning, well evening actually. But you catch my drift." I was halfway to my room before I was lifted up and then flung on to my bed. I quickly sat up to see Erik close the door behind him and then start taking off his shirt.

"It has been four days Rose. How long do you tend to hold out." His voice soft and caring.

I watch as he kneels on the bed, in front of me. I heard his shoes hit the floor and he scooted closer and grabbed my chin with his thumb and finger. Making me look into his eyes. His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Your eyes are starting to change color Tsvetok, you shouldn't push yourself. I've told you hundreds of times: if you ever need me, all you had to do was say so. And I would be there for you." He said with a smile.

"You only say that cause you feel like it's your fault that this happened. Even after all the times I tell you that you're wrong." I whispered as I leaned forward, placing my hands on his bare chest and nuzzled into his neck. Licking his collar bone up to the middle of his throat. I hummed in contentment at the way he tasted. He always tasted so good.

I felt him shudder at my touch. "That is not the only reason why I do this Rose. There are many more reasons why I do what I do. But lets talk about this later. You need-."

I cut him off as I licked the skin between his neck and shoulder before letting my fangs sink into him. Lapping at the blood that flows out of him, I feel one of his hands at the back of my head, petting my hair. While the other holds me tighter to him. I lean into him more until we fall on top of the bed. I'm so lost in the taste of his blood that I barely register hearing him moan and then saying a few words to me.

As I keep drinking, I see start to see little flashes of his memories and inner thought. I quickly blocked them out, preventing myself from seeing them. I was not going to intrude into his privacy. After a couple more laps with my tongue, I slipped my fangs out and let them retract back to normal. Licking his neck one, two more times to close the wound and to clean up the last of the blood.

When I felt his hands loosen there grip on me, I rolled over onto the other side of the bed facing the ceiling. " You must think I am some kind of monster huh?" I asked as I felt a tear slide down my cheek.

From the corner of my eye, I watched as he sat up to pull the covers over us, laying back down and reached over to pull me against his chest. " No Rose, I don't think you are a monster. I think you are my bad-ass partner who is obsessed with eating doughnuts and drinking coffee every day for breakfast."

My lips curled into a smile, such a gentleman.