CHAPTER FIVE

DIMITRI

When I first stepped off the plane in Omsk there was an overwhelming sense of peace. I was back in my homeland for the first time in years. Pulling up to my childhood home, I felt that same peace, but a twinge of sadness lingered in the corners. Even though I was beyond happy to see Mama and the girls, I couldn't help but wish Roza was with me. Unfortunately, she is the reason I am here, so you can see the impractically of that.

Janine was adamant that I be sent away as soon as possible. Her assumptions of Roza and I's relationship were far worse than the truth. Thankfully, Alberta had been able to talk a bit of sense into her and gave me the choice to 'take leave' and return at graduation. With Rose's coaxing, I packed up and came home. Yet, it doesn't quite feel like home anymore.

Home is back in the mountains of Montana. Located inside a five-foot-seven spitfire of a woman. And she is currently pissed off with me.

Opening and closing my eyes a dozen times, I gave up on the pretense of sleep for the night. My mind wouldn't stop replaying her words. How could you? You never loved me. You lied. Those stood out the most, but don't get me wrong, I can still hear her calling me a bastard and several other hurtful names, too. In all honesty, those didn't hurt as much as her saying I never loved her.

How could she believe that? Everything I have done since meeting her is because I love her. I would do anything for her, can't she see that? What has happened since I left to make her think otherwise? Our nightly phone calls have shown no indication that something is amiss back home. She seems like she has been doing well. Her training and classes still up to date. But there has to be something there, something she isn't telling me.

We have never been good at keeping things from each other, at least not until now. When I could look at her, there was not a chance of rain in hell she could hide something. I was the same way. But being halfway across the world from one another, I couldn't read her. Though, I prefer our current situation over the alternative. If she hadn't come back for me, I would be dead or worse. So I will take what I can get. But I will get to the bottom of it, now or later, I will find out everything.

A glance at the clock told me it was prime morning for the Moroi back in the states, meaning Tasha should be awake. Adrian had said to talk to her the next time she calls, but I didn't want to wait. She had something to do with Rose's sudden doubt in me, and I need to know what it is.

Waiting on the connection felt like years, finally, the line rang and I waited.

"Dimka! I have been trying to call you forever! Where are you, how have you been," Tasha's nasally voice pierced my ears.

"I'm currently home on leave, sorry I haven't answered, things have been crazy," I tried to sound upbeat. "But I am doing well, how are you?"

"I am fantastic, and I have news…" she drug out. I remained silent, waiting for her to keep going. "I'm pregnant."

"That's….." at a loss for words, my mouth mimicked a fish out of the water, "Wow."

"I know, right," I could hear her face splitting smile, "I have been dying to tell you, I knew you would be happy for me."

"I am," the words catching in my throat, "Congrats, really that is great news." And completely unexpected to say the least.

"See, told them," she laughed.

"Who?"

"Rose and Adrian, I saw them leaving the clinic and told them you would be happy."

My palm connected with my forehead. "Tash, you didn't by chance tell them that it isn't my child, did you?"

"No, but why would I have too?" she pushed.

"No reason, it's just…" I trailed off unsure of how to disclose my relationship with Rose to my oldest living friend. I now understand Rose's reluctance to let Lissa in.

"Oh, hell," Tasha chuckled, "It's her, isn't it? The girl you wouldn't leave to guard me?" I didn't answer right away, "Oh -this is rich," her laugh grew deeper.

"What do you mean?" I growled.

"Dimka, you need to have a talk with your little girlfriend."

"Why?"

"Better yet, why don't you just come back and see for yourself," she disconnected.

Tossing my phone on the table, I laid back to watch the shadows from the tree outside my window dance across the ceiling. I am again left with more questions than answers. Funny how that works. On the bright side, Tasha's news explains why Rose believes I have been unfaithful, however, where there is light, darkness lingers. Rose is hiding something all her own, and it has nothing to do with Tasha.

Booting up the laptop I began searching for flights home. I found one leaving in two days with only two stops. The price would drain my account, but I have some money stashed away for rainy days. Anything that got me back to her as quick as possible would be worth it. I just hope Alberta doesn't stop me from seeing her. I had promised her, and Janine, that I would not return until the trials. No matter what they had on me, I was not going to miss Roza run her trial.

Worry about that later, I told myself and continued to fill out the form. Details entered, card number plugged in, I was about to click submit when Babushka opened my bedroom door. She has never been one for manors, doubt that would ever change.

"Save your money, Dimka," she smiled, "I have called a friend to give you a lift home. He has matters to attend to in America and would be happy to have you along."

"How...nevermind, who?"

Smiling wider, "Just pack your things, it's time to go home." She shut the door.