~ EPILOGUE PART ONE ~
The day Rose Hathaway graduated from St. Vladimir's Academy was the best day of her entire life. Winter was gone and the sorrow that everyone felt following the attack slowly melted away along with the snow.
Rose waited with the other novices behind the barrack walls, Dimitri beside her whispering warm words of encouragement despite her assurances that she was as ready as she could ever be. Rose did not feel nervous at all. There was not a butterfly in her stomach nor shaking in her demeanour. Rose was ready.
She had trained her whole life for this moment and it all came down to this moment. The trial. She was more than ready. Rose had already killed her fair share of Strigoi, earning herself a Zvezda before her promise mark. Which was rare for a novice but not impossible. It had earned her an even more badass reputation around the academy. Not that she needed it or wanted it after the loss she suffered.
Unconsciously, she delicately brushed the small tattoo on the back of her neck with her fingers, sending a shiver down her spine at the memory of that fateful night. Rose mourned her fallen classmate and friend today more than ever. This was his dream too. He should have been here with them. Rose was glad his spirit had found peace at last, but she also selfishly wished she could see his ghost one last time today and promise that he would get to live his dream through her. He would graduate and become a Guardian alongside Rose because she would carry his memory forever.
Rose shook the dark depressing thoughts from her head and brought herself back to reality. Dimitri stared at her; his eyes full of concern. He knew what she was thinking about. He always knew. Always understood.
Rose smiled widely, turning on her famous Rose Hathaway arrogance and lightly punched Dimitri in the shoulder.
"Don't worry, Comrade. I can do this blindfolded. Hell, maybe I actually will. Do you have anything I can use? If you're nice to me, I'll even let you tie it on. Dimitri shook his head, quietly laughing at her antics. Rose leaned in closer. "Maybe later you can help me take it off," she whispered low enough that only Dimitri would have heard. Instantly, memories of every kiss and touch came back to her mind.
True to their word, the couple had refrained from any kind of intimacy, focusing on training harder than ever before and preparing Rose for the qualifier and the trial. It had been a long six months without any contact and both were aching to rip the others clothes off. After tonight, they would finally be able to be together and tell the world of their relationship. A lot of people were going to be upset when they found out but frankly, they didn't care. Rose was eighteen and, in a few hours, she would no longer be Dimitri's student. No one could stop them.
Rose and Dimitri were looking forward to tonight. Dimitri had hinted all week that he had planned Some Sort of surprise for Rose but wouldn't give her any clues. Patience was not Rose's speciality and the wait was so painful for her. She was dying to know what Dimitri had in store for them.
"Rose, I swear, sometimes it feels like every day with you is my own personal trial." His raised eyebrow suddenly fell and the humorous glint faded from his eyes. His face grew serious. "Are you alright?" he asked, his concern clear in his tone. Rose thought for a moment before nodding. It was an honest answer. Rose felt absolutely fine. She was almost calm, if not for the adrenaline rushing through her blood, making her heart race in anticipation.
"I'm perfectly content, Comrade." Dimitri smiled at her, his face full of pride, sending a warm wave of emotions through Rose. Then, Rose's name was called. With an encouraging squeeze of the hand from Dimitri, Rose stepped into the arena.
Rose passed her trial with flying colours. In fact, it was one of the best trails St. Vladimir's Academy had ever seen. Rose earned herself a standing ovation from the crowd as she walked off the field and straight into Dimitri's awaiting arms. When Dimitri finally released Rose, Janine Hathaway didn't give Rose a moment before she pulled her daughter into her tight embrace and whispered her praise into Rose's ear. Rose smiled. It was all over. She had done it. Time to graduate and become a Guardian at last.
Rose, dressed in casual clothing with her hair up in a tight bun, laid her neck down before the tattooist for a second time. Dimitri watched from the side, pride shining in his eyes. the tattooist hesitated when he saw the Zvezda mark. Novices were usually blank canvases. Rose's mark, sitting directly in the centre of her neck, provided a slight challenge for the tattooist. Eventually, he set to work, finding the best spot for the S-shaped mark.
When the tattooist finished, he produced a mirror to show Rose her new mark before wrapping it in clean cotton bandages. The S-shaped mark was sitting just above her Zvezda, almost reaching her hairline. It looked smaller than most Guardians promise mark but still looked perfect. Just as she always imagined.
Rose watched with pride as the rest of her classmates received their marks. Each score was better than the last but no one could beat Rose who earned the top trial score the academy had ever seen. Eddie, unsurprisingly, was the second-highest. Rose smiled at her friend sitting beside her, his face happy but his eyes full of the same sorrow she felt. They both knew who was missing now and they would both carry him with them forever.
The ceremony wrapped up and Rose went back to her room to change for the party her father had arranged. A week after her eighteenth birthday, her mother returned to court with a gift Rose had never expected to receive. Her father. Apparently, Ibrahim Mazur, renowned mob boss Moroi, had many enemies that would have done almost anything to get their hands on his secret daughter.
It was decided by her parents, that once Rose was a legal adult, she would meet her father. As an eighteen-year-old badass Guardian, no one could hurt her and if they tried, Rose would teach them what pain actually felt like. She had beaten an army of Strigoi. Rose could handle herself.
Abe Mazur came into Rose's life promising to make up for the eighteen years he missed. He started by throwing her an amazing birthday party and setting up an account for her once she graduated. He also used that week to threaten Dimitri several times. She hadn't known about that until about a month after her left when Dimitri let it slip in training.
"Did you know your father was Abe Mazur?" Dimitri asked one morning after they had finished training.
"Not until after my birthday. Why? Do you know him or something?" Dimitri didn't meet Rose's eyes. "Comrade?"
"I met him a couple of times."
"Where?" Rose asked.
"In my home town, Baia. He is known as Zmey. It means snake in Russian." Dimitri explained.
"Great. So, I'm Zmey junior? Or Zmeyette even." Dimitri laughed, lightly shaking his head at her antics.
"He helped me get rid of my father."
"Your father? Didn't you beat him up?" Rose asked.
Dimitri nodded. "I beat him up and threw him out. Then a made a deal with Zmey. He made sure my father never returned."
"What did you give him?" Dimitri didn't answer. "Dimitri?"
"A favour. I paid my debt years ago and it was nothing. Just a simple favour. That's how her deals. In money, secrets and favours."
"Hmm, I wonder how my mother got involved with him?"
Dimitri nodded. "She is scary in her own way but I think you got your threatening skills from your father."
"What makes you say that?" Rose asked.
"I might have been on the receiving end of it recently."
"What? When?"
"The night of your party. He led me off for a moment and well... Zmey said he knows of our relationship. Maybe your mother told him I don't know. Abe said he liked me. But he also made it clear what he'd do to me if I ever hurt you or did anything bad…in very graphic detail. Let's just say I'd rather fight your mother than ever be on the receiving end of your fathers' threats."
"What? He's out of line!" Rose exclaimed. "He has no right to threaten my boyfriends. I'm eighteen. An adult. I don't need his help. I can threaten my boyfriend's myself."
Dimitri laughed. "Yes, you can. I just hope your threats are a little less gruesome."
"Don't count on it, comrade."
The door clicked shut behind Rose. She sighed as she moved further into her room, boxes and cases packed for tomorrow when she would fly to the royal court with Lissa and would hopefully be assigned as her official Guardian. Rose was about to slump down on her bed when she saw the dress lying neatly on top of the plain academy duvet. It was the dress she had worn to the equinox dance. The one from the night of the lust charm. The dress Dimitri had practically ripped off her.
Rose had kept it in the back of her small wooden wardrobe but had been too scared to touch it since that night. The memories, both good and bad, hit her like a tsunami. It had been so long since she had thought about that night. She ran her fingers lightly down the front of the dress feeling the soft material against her calloused skin. A note sat above the dress, neatly folded in a pristine cream coloured envelope. Rose opened it without a second thought and read the familiar neat writing within.
"Wear this tonight."
That was all the note had said but Rose knew who it was from. Dimitri. This had to be a part of his plan.
Rose smirked. She would play along. But she wouldn't just wear this dress. Rose had been planning her own special surprise for tonight. She donned her new expensive lacy black underwear, then the dress and a pair of killer black high heels. Rose curled her hair into sexy ringlets and added a little makeup to spice up her look. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Lined eyes, dark dusted lids, long luscious lashes and full red painted lips. She smiled to herself knowing Dimitri wouldn't be able to take his eyes off her tonight. Then, she added the final touch. The necklace from Victor Dashkov.
The one that had once held the magic of the lust charm. The necklace that had started it all. For a long time, Rose debated about whether to get rid of it or not. In the end, she had kept it for the memories and because it was a very expensive piece of jewellery. To everyone else, the necklace would just be a pretty accessory. But to Rose and Dimitri, it had another meaning. This necklace had started them down the long and twisted path of their relationship.
Just as she finished brushing the curls into a neat but messy style, a knock sounded on her door. Rose slung her leather jacket into her arms and opened the door to find Adrian casually leaning against the frame with his hands in his pockets. The familiar smell of Cloves and alcohol radiated from him, making Rose's nose wrinkle in disgust. Adrian wore his usual designer style but looked slightly more dressed up than usual.
"What's the occasion?" Rose asked, folding her arms across her chest.
Adrian smirked. "The occasion is you, Little Dhampir. "I knew you were a badass, but I didn't realize just how much until I saw you dropping guardians out there."
Rose rolled her eyes. "Does that mean you're going to be nicer to me?" She teased.
"I'm already nice to you. You know, if you don't get Lissa tomorrow, I might put in a request myself. It's about time I got a Guardian, don't you think?"
"I wouldn't hold my breath," Rose said as she pulled the door shut behind her and walked down the hall with Adrian close on her heels. Rose kept a straight face pretending Adrian's words hadn't hit a nerve. The truth was Rose didn't know what she was going to do if she didn't get assigned as Lissa's Guardian. She hadn't dared think of an alternative. It was Lissa or nothing.
She supposed there were worse people she could be assigned to than Adrian Ivashkov. Sure, he was a massive flirt and had more than a few vices, but he had turned out to be a pretty good friend to Rose and Lissa. He fit in well with their little group and even though he flirted with Rose, he never tried anything because he knew she was in love with Dimitri. Adrian had become good friends with Lissa so he would always be near her, especially if he decided to stay at court. It would be easy. Rose could be his Guardian.
'No. Don't think like that. You are going to guard Lissa. No one else.'
Rose blinked herself back to reality. She couldn't think like that. This was meant to be a happy day. Her last day at the academy. After all, she achieved, it was time to celebrate. Not time to dwell about an uncertain future. That would come later.
I reached for the door's handle, but Adrian pulled me back.
"Wait," he said. He looked her over from head to toe and adjusted the necklace so it sat perfectly centre. "Okay," said Adrian, brushing a strand of hair out of Rose's face. "Now we can go in." Rose smiled at him in gratitude.
Rose opened the door to find the party already in full swing. People danced in the centre of the room to the loud pumping bass blaring from the DJ's massive speakers. Rose scanned the room, finding her friends in the crowd, but her eyes stopped when she saw him. He stood to one side of the room, his eyes slowly trailing up her body until their eyes met. Rose couldn't stop staring at him. For once, the leather duster was nowhere in sight. He wore a crisp dark navy button-down shirt that was tucked into the waist of his formal black slacks. The sleeves were casually rolled up his forearms showing his strong lean muscles from years training. His hair was loose, framing his gorgeous face in a sexy and stylish way.
Adrian leaned in close, his lips almost touching Rose's ear. "Go get him, tiger," he teased. Rose smirked and walked over to where Dimitri stood. Then, in front of everyone, she wrapped her arms around him and pulled his lips to hers.
Rose could feel people staring but she didn't care. They were free now. Free to be open and show the world that they loved one another.
Dimitri pulled away first and kissed her temple lightly. "I'm so proud of you Roza," he whispered. Rose smiled and leant up to kiss him again. He did not hold back. After a few minutes, they decided everyone had witnessed enough of their public display to get over the initial shock. Dimitri looked at Rose, his eyes full of lust. "You better go see your friends. it is your party Afterall. Enjoy it, Roza."
"Where will you be?" She asked.
"I still have a couple of things to set up for later. Have fun and I'll find you in a bit." His slight accent sounded thicker than usual making Rose's knees wobble slightly. He was right. This was her party. She couldn't spend all night in Dimitri's arms. Rose had the rest of her life for that. She kissed him one last time then turned to face the staring crowd.
Lissa ran up to Rose with Christian following close behind. "Well, that was some kiss. Surprised you managed to keep your clothes on," Lissa teased.
Rose smiled. "Believe me, I was so close. It has been way too long, Liss." Lissa giggled lightly while Christian pretended to be oblivious to their conversation.
"Seriously though, I am so happy for you two. How does it feel to be out?"
Rose sighed contently. "It feels like a massive weight has been lifted from my shoulders," Rose said, taking an exaggerated deep breath and letting her shoulders fall.
About a week after Janine had confronted her, Rose sat down with Lissa and told her everything. It was a good thing Rose had told her when she did because Lissa had been practising how to read auras with Adrian's help. With the new ability, Lissa would have known the truth the instant she saw Rose and Dimitri together.
Lissa had taken it surprisingly well. She had accepted their relationship and the two friends caught up on all the events that they had missed. Rose and Lissa felt closer than they had in a very long time. Christian found out a week or so later and had come to accept it after a couple of arguments with Rose about the morality of her relationship. After a couple of weeks, he had finally gotten over the initial shock and had come to accept Rose's affection for her mentor. He admitted that he had kind of assumed something was going on when his aunt abruptly left before Christmas without an explanation. He knew of Tasha's feelings for Dimitri but could see he didn't reciprocate them. It Became obvious when Christian remembered that early Christmas lunch and how Dimitri looked at Rose compared to how he looked at Tasha.
Christian cleared his throat drawing the girl's attention to him. "I think there are more than a few people waiting to hear an explanation for that kiss," Christian said, nodding his head in the direction of the swarm of Rose's Dhampir classmates who stood still gawking at their old friend and peer.
Rose smiled at Lissa before slowly walking over to the cluster of new Guardians. She had planned her explanation weeks ago, ready for this night when she planned to reveal their relationship.
It was just like giving a Guardian report. Facts only. Show no emotions. Still, the boys hung on Rose's every word as she explained that working with Guardian Belikov twice a day had made them close. That they had slowly developed feelings for each other but ignored them as best they could, maintaining a professional student/mentor relationship. Rose went on telling her old friends that with Graduation approaching, she admitted her affection for Guardian Belikov and he surprised her by stating he felt the same. Tonight, they began their relationship officially as Rose is graduated and no longer his student.
They seemed even more stunned than before. Rose couldn't tell if their reaction came from their passionate kiss or her admission that she was dating the badass Guardian God. Rose didn't care. This was her night and she was going to enjoy it. Rose smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder and walked over to where her parents stood waiting to greet her. She hoped the boys would share what she told them so she wouldn't have to repeat the same explanation to everyone at the party.
Janine pulled Rose into her arms, shocking her entirely. Two hugs in one day? That had to be a new record for Janine Hathaway. Rose hugged her mother tightly, before releasing her and turning to her father.
They were still in the getting to know each other phase but he had thrown this party for her and turned up to watch her graduate. Rose sucked up the urge tease his bright paisley patterned suit and instead threw her arms around the old man. He hesitated before wrapping his arms around his daughter.
"Just as deadly as your mother," Abe said when Rose pulled away. "I couldn't be prouder." Rose smiled at her father.
"Thank you for coming…and the party," Rose said.
"It's the least I could do, Kiz. Especially after all the birthdays and holidays I missed." Rose hugged him again. This time Abe was less rigid and actually seemed to be holding her close as if he were savouring this moment and committing it to memory.
The party was in full swing. People danced, laughed, drank (from the spiked punch bowl Abe provided) and partied all night long. A content smile sat on Rose's lips the entire night as she weaved through her cohorts and mingled with her guests.
Just as she was starting to think she should go and look for Dimitri, her phone buzzed. Rose's smile grew as she saw the familiar name light up her screen.
"Speak of the devil," she muttered to herself as she opened the text.
'Ready for your surprise?' the text said.
Rose's fingers flew over the letters, typing her response. 'Are you kidding? The suspense will kill me if I have to wait any longer.'
It only took three seconds for her phone to buzz again. 'Better hurry up then. I'm waiting outside.'
'About time, Comrade. I'll be out in a minute. There's just one last person I have to talk to.'
Rose put her phone back in the pocket of her jacket and walked over to where Alberta stood beside the door, she assumed Dimitri was waiting behind.
"Having a good night, Alberta?" Rose asked smiling at the older woman who was like a mother to her during her time at the academy.
"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? It is your party after all." Alberta responded.
Rose shrugged. "I couldn't be happier. This is exactly how I imagined my last night at St. Vlad's," Rose said looking around the room. Her eyes scanned over all the faces of the people she had grown up with. They had done it. Novices no longer. Full-fledged Guardians at last. Rose turned back to Alberta. "Sadly, I do have another party to get to." Rose reached for the handle but Alberta caught her hand.
"Wait, Rose?"
"Yes?" Rose asked turning to Alberta with a confused look on her face. In all her time at the academy, Rose had never seen the older Guardian react so fast. Alberta still clasped Rose's hand tightly as she pivoted to face the Head Guardian once more.
"I just want you to know, I always knew you would be the best. I am so proud of how far you've come. I know I'm not supposed to play favourites, but you have and will always be my favourite."
Rose's heart soared. This woman had been the mother figure she always longed for. Rose got sent to Alberta's office more times than she could count, but Alberta had always let her off a little easier than she deserved. "Even when I pissed of Stan?" Rose asked teasingly.
The corner of Alberta's lips tugged up slightly. "Especially then." Alberta pulled Rose into a loving embrace. Rose never thought she would miss anything when she finally left the academy. But as Rose's arms wrapped around Alberta's lean frame, Rose realised she would miss Alberta. She would miss her so, so much.
"Thank you," Rose whispered before she released the woman.
Alberta's eyes locked on Rose's one last time. "He's a good man. I know he'll treat you right. But if he ever hurts you, I'll kick his ass to hell and back." Rose's jaw dropped. She had never heard the Head Guardian swear before. Alberta smirked and walked away before Rose could respond.
Rose shook her shock away and opened the door to reveal the love of her life waiting exactly where she expected him to be. What she hadn't expected was the silk black piece of material he held up for her. Rose let the door close behind her and walked to Dimitri with a questioning expression on her face.
All he said was, "I believe you mentioned a blindfold."
XXX
Part one of the epilogue for 'Too Late.' I planned to write and post just one last chapter but I did not realise just how long the epilogue was until I was writing it. I decided to split It into two parts and head up, the second half of the epilogue includes an M scene. Let me know what you think. Thank you to everyone who reviewed ideas for what I should do next. I am glad to reveal that I will be starting on a new VA story soon. These last two chapters are wrapping up this story before I begin on my next fic. I cannot wait to dive in and begin my next story but before I begin, I have to finish this story. Hope to have the next chapter finished. Please review your thoughts and I'll see you all again very soon.