CHAPTER EIGHT

ROSE

Adrian can never choose the right time to show up.

I had texted him when Stan went to pick everyone up, but I told him to wait for me to let him know when to come up. Guess he decided he didn't want to listen today.

On the plus side, Dimitri didn't question what I had told him. Now to get him on the same page about letting people believe Adrian is responsible for our conception. Tell the handful of people needed the truth and bring a child into the world. Easy, right.

Dimitri and Adrian were currently in a staredown, neither wanting to bow down to the other. So I moved in between the two men, putting a hand on their chest, "Boys, let's sit down and talk about this." Adrian was the first to move, sitting next to Sydney. Dimitri followed, moving back to his seat beside me.

"Now," Abe started, "Rose has made it clear she wants to remain here, which is my only concern. Sydney will be sure to mask the documents needed should anyone question the parentage of the child."

"So am I supposed to stand back and let him take my place?" Dimitri growled.

"No, no one is asking you to step aside. Rose has to put a name on the birth certificate, and she can put yours, but we need people to believe…" Alberta paused.

"That you are taking responsibility for someone else. And because only a few people even know we have been together before now, it's an easy sell," I continued for her. I hated the idea, but it was the harsh reality we lived in.

"But why?" Dimitri ran his hands through his hair, "I don't understand why it has to be secret."

"Because if Dhampirs found a way to reproduce together, they would no longer have to rely on the Moroi," Sydney replied.

"Would that be such a bad thing?" Dimitri rose his brow.

"Comrade, how do you think they would find out it was possible?"

I could hear the gears shifting in Dimitri's head, "I would never let them hurt you, either of you."

"You wouldn't have a choice, Dimitri," Abe advised, pulling our attention back to him. "They would take the baby, and you and Rose. The only way to keep that from happening is to let people believe this is a normal Moroi/Dhampir conception."

"But does it have to be Adrian," Dimitri sighed.

"You're shared biological genes actually make him the perfect scapegoat," Sydney chimed in, and the entire room fell silent, all eyes turned to stare at her. "Sorry, did you not…" her eyes scanned the table, before focusing on the reaction from Dimitri and Adrian, "I'm just going stop talking," she folded herself into her chair, letting her long hair shield her face.

Dimitri rose from the table, not sparing a glance at anyone, and left without a word. His father has always been a sore spot for him, can't say that I blame him though.

"Did you know," I whispered to Adrian, he shook his head in response. "I'm going to go check on him."

"Don't, let him process," Abe shook his head, "Randall has never been an easy topic for him."

"I didn't mean to upset anyone," Sydney whispered.

"You're fine, Ms. Sage, I hadn't even thought about their relation. But it is a valid point."

Silence took over the room, everyone minding their own thoughts. Mine was running eight ways to Sunday, while I am sure Adrian's were too. Alberta and Abe seemed to carry on a silent conversation, while Sydney pushed herself as far into her chair as possible.

Drawing my knees up, I wrapped my arms around my shins, resting my cheek on my knee. Things have taken a turn today. When I walked into the office this morning, I hadn't planned on meeting my father. Dimitri showing up, or all the information we have discussed to come to light in such a way. I wanted to tell Dimitri alone, then spend a night wrapped in the sheets. But luck didn't seem to be on our side today.

I can only imagine the turmoil his heart and mind are going through. Considering he is the one getting the short end of the stick, I can understand his anger and reluctance. The worst part is, there is nothing I can do to make this easier. It's not as if I can say the child isn't mine and let him claim his parental rights.

Dimitri hadn't come back after a half hour, so our group disassembled to head our own way for the rest of the day. I would talk to Lissa, Christian, and Eddie later. For now, I needed to find my Comrade and make sure he is alright. Today didn't go as planned, but I am glad that he is back. I have missed him something fierce.

Heading toward his old room, Alberta never reassigned it, I knocked several times receiving no response. The Guardian quarters were empty this time of day, most on a shift in classes, so I heading back out through the lounge, grabbing a sandwich from the counter, and went to check the cabin. If he wasn't in his room, he may have gone there to find some peace.

Crossing the wards, I climbed the one step to the porch. Opening the door, I didn't find him, but there was something on the bed that hadn't been there before. A folded piece of paper. Picking it up, I scanned the words quickly. Then a second time a bit slower. Then a third, just to be sure.

And I sprinted to the main gate.