2 - MASON

Getting assigned to Christian is one of the best things that could've happened. We're friends, and he values the Dhampirs' efforts to protect the Moroi, even if it means giving their own life. Tasha raised him the right way, and I admire her for bringing up the idea of Dhampirs and Moroi fighting side by side against the Strigoi. Elemental magic can be a vital factor to defeat one of those monsters.

You'd think that it's normal, but sadly there are lots of stuck up royals who believe that dying for a Moroi is a Dhampir's purpose. So they can get away, while we get torn to pieces.

While that may be what some royals think, let me tell you that we'd rather not die on the job.

Some people still believe that Christian is going to turn Strigoi sooner or later willingly. They think that, even after fighting against Strigoi together with us, he is going to betray us, his friends. By glancing at Rose, who is smiling to herself, I can tell she is thinking the same thing.

I squeeze her hand lightly and walk up to Alberta to receive a package containing information about Christian; everything I need to know to protect him. When I return, I kiss Rose on the cheek and high-five Eddie.

I take her hand in mine again and continue to listen to Alberta.

Oh, I feel sorry for Emily and Jade. The two idiots they are assigned two don't know the spelling of the word respect, whether it is respect for Dhampirs or women. I don't like them one bit. Never have and never will. I haven't forgiven them for spreading rumours about Rose, but I don't waste my time on them either. They're not worth it.

"Eddison Castile, your assigned Moroi is Vasilisa Dragomir."

I did not see that coming. I look at Rose, then over at Eddie. He carefully watches Rose, expecting her to beat the crap out of him. He's not the only one, but our expectations turn out to be wrong. Instead, she smiles at him.

I don't believe it.

If Eddie is assigned to Lissa, who will Rose have to guard? More importantly, with whom is she going to spend six weeks?

I turn to see Rose glancing at me and smile at her. "Don't worry, Rose. The worst ones are already taken," I whisper in her ear. She chuckles, I love that sound.

Noah is assigned to Mia which means he is also going to hang out with us. I hope for his well-being that he won't try to flirt with Rose because I was there when he asked her out. Back then I was too afraid to as her out myself. I should have told her sooner that I like her, but what's done is done.

But there's no need to worry; he is a good friend and very loyal.

Rose is next. I'm nervous but probably not as much as she is.

"Rose Hathaway, your assigned Moroi is Adrian Ivashkov."

This is a joke, isn't it? There's no other way because Adrian isn't even a student at St. Vladimir's. How can he participate in Field Experience?

Whereas Rose stares at me, clearly caught by surprise, Adrian seems content. He was bored to death a minute ago and all of a sudden he is paying attention. He is quite happy about the turn of events. Contrary to the rest of our friends, who gape at Rose.

I think it's safe to say that we expect her to make a scene, but she merely gets up from her chair and goes up to Alberta.

It has gotten weirdly quiet in the hall. Nothing can be heard, not even a whisper.

"Are you alright?" I ask Rose as soon as she sits back down.

"I am," she replies and by the tone of her voice, it's apparent that she means it. I still don't quite believe it when I glance at a smiling Adrian.

"I really am, but you know how he is..," Rose trails off. "I take that as a compliment;" Adrian winks at her.

It most likely wasn't one.

She rolls her eyes at him at kisses me. It's a gentle kiss. There's no need to rush things. I love kissing her; I can't get enough. I might even get addicted at this point. I love her; I have for a long time now. That was a lie, I was too young then to even remember all of it now, but you know what I mean. All too soon, we stop the kiss because we're still in a room full of people. Dhampirs. Moroi. Whatever.

"Could you two please get a room and spare the rest of us? I'm pretty sure what you're doing counts a public disturbance." Christian is annoyed. One step closer to my life goal, it seems. "We don't really appreciate getting to see you two make out all the time."

"Yeah, will do Chris." Yeah, definitely. "May I remind you that I've seen you and Lissa do a lot more than just make out before? I am scarred for life, so what are you going to do about that, huh?"

That right there is friendship, in case it doesn't seem like one to you. It's how they show their appreciation for one another, believe it or not.

Christian wants to say something in return, probably something sarcastic, but Rose beats him to it and goes on "Things I really didn't need to see." She wiggles her eyebrows. For heaven's sake, I do not need these mental images inside my head, get lost. All of us laugh.

I put my arm around Rose, and she rests her head on my shoulder as we continue to listen to Alberta. Only a few names are left.

I hope Adrian is a fast runner, although it doesn't matter much since Rose is probably quicker than him.

I remember my earlier thoughts about Noah. No, he is not the one I should be worried about, it's Adrian. I know that Rose loves me, I wouldn't ever question her feelings, but Adrian has been after her ever since he first met her on that porch in Idaho.