Chapter Twenty Eight

Adrian

A year ago, my father gave me an ultimatum, prove my existence to the world in a way other than drinking and screwing my way through Royal Court, or he would cut off my trust fund.

At first, I laughed to the point I couldn't breathe. He wouldn't really cut me off, I am his only child, the single heir to his fortune, he couldn't write me out of my birthright. And then he showed me.

Court documents that he had Mom's cousin draw up that showed where his money would go when he died, and I was not the recipient, but his nephew. Apparently, other than his Dhampir children, which there is a dozen of them, Randall managed to produce a Royal Heir. And my father planned to leave him everything.

At that point, I had a choice to make, prove myself worthy, or figure out a way to make it on my own. As you well know, I chose the former. Finding another Spirit user and attempted to learn more about the element and all it entails. The notion pleased my father well enough that he stepped back and got off my ass.

Even if I didn't use all of my time to study my element, what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. As long as I reported back to him with something, he didn't bother me much.

Now, a year later, I have met a woman I thought could be my forever, turns out she is my best friend instead, united with a cousin I didn't know I had, witnessed a miracle, and fell in love with the most amazing woman to walk this earth. To think it all started with believing my life was close to over if I didn't do something, anything, to make a change.

The changes I encountered were far more than I bargained for, but hey, I can't complain about the way my life is turning out. A quick look at the blond haired beauty stretched out on the couch beside me confirms that. I wouldn't trade all of the drama, the heartbreak, or the sleepless nights for anything.

Meeting Rose was fate, at least I like to believe that someone, somewhere, put her and me together for a reason. She was the speck of hope in my darkest days. But she was never meant to be the woman I grow old with, I know that now. Months ago you couldn't have paid me to roll over and allow Belikov to waltz off with her without a fight. Now I see why she was brought to me. To show me how to grow into my own person, not the shadow of my father.

Rose showed me courage, strength, devotion and most of all, love. It's because of her that I understand this fluttering feeling in my chest. Because of her, I know how to appreciate the connection that I have with Sage. Rose led me to her, guided me to find my forever. And I will be indebted to her for the rest of my life because of it.

"Adrian?" her voice wavered.

"Yes, Sage?"

"What's going to happen when this is all over?"

"What do you mean?"

Sitting up, she ran her slim fingers through her hair, "When Rose delivers, I only have a few months left here, then what?"

I have been waiting for this conversation to happen, but honestly, I am unprepared for it. Since the first night I stayed with her I have been trying to get a read on where she is at mentally, emotionally. Taking a peek at her aura now I saw her steady yellow mixed with pinks and greys. Pinks show me that she does care for me, but the grey shows indecision, uncertainty for where this will go.

"Well, I guess that depends on what you want."

"What about you? What do you want?"

"You already know the answer to that," I rolled my eyes, "I have told you time and time again, I want to be with you. No matter what that means."

"So you would just leave everything behind, run away from your life here to be with me?"

"Without a thought," I nodded, "Sage, I love you, how many times and ways do I have to say it for you to understand?"

"What if I can't?" she whispered, a single tear finding its way down her cheek.

"Can't what?"

"Leave everything behind," blinking a few times, her brown eyes met mine, "I already lost one sister because of this life, I don't want to lose Mom and Zoe too."

I didn't miss how she left her father out, not surprising though, he is just as bad as my dad, if not worse.

"We could work something out so you can still see your Mom and Zoe," I pulled her to my chest, running my hand along her spine, "Carly was able to get out, you can too."

"Yeah, and Dad won't let any of us contact her," she sobbed, "I don't think I am strong enough to lose my whole family, I am not like Carly."

From what Sydney has told me about her family I know Carly had no choice but to escape that life. After what the bastard Keith did to her, I am surprised he is still breathing and she was the one who had to leave. Then again, knowing Jared Sage, Keith was the son he never had, so I understand to a point why she left. Still, a father should be there for there child, not favor someone else above them. Carly has managed to do well for herself though, going to college and growing despite the hardships she faced. Sydney could do that too, she just needs to have a little faith in herself.

"No, your not Carly, your Sydney, and Sydney is a beautiful, intelligent, strong woman that I love very much. She is capable of anything she wants."

"I don't know what I want," she mumbled.

"Do you want to be with me?"

Until the question passed my lips I wasn't aware of how much I feared her answer. Over the last week, we have become comfortable with one another. We have sat cuddled on the couch watching TV or movies, talked about our past, our dreams, but beyond that, this is the first time we are discussing our future.

She pulled out of my arms, moving back to the other side of the couch and fingered her gold cross. I could see the battle occurring in her mind, the nerves vibrating through her body.

"I don't know."

Ow- that hurt far more than I expected it to, a fuckton more.

"Well," I sighed, running my hand through my hair, and gripping the back of my neck, "I guess that is the first question you need to find the answer too." Standing up, I looked at her, trying to convey just how much I love her in one simple look, "I'll be waiting for you, whenever you decide what it is that will make you happy."

I picked up my jacket from the hook by the door, "I'll be back in a little while, call me if Rose needs me." I didn't wait for her to respond, I simply shrugged on my coat and left in search of solitude.

My feet carried me with no direction, no purpose other than to put distance between me and the Dragomir house. She needs time to think, and frankly, so do I. There is no doubt in my mind that I would give everything in my life up for her. Zero. It's not like there is much for me here anyway, other than a disappointed father and a mother who doesn't really care. Sage has more to lose than I do, but in truth, is she really losing anything or is she gaining a better life?

My hand found its way through my hair again, pulling at the short stands in the back. I am at a loss of what to do to make her see how much she means to me. I could go old school, sing my love to her from the front lawn as she looks out her bedroom window. Hell, maybe I should make her a mixtape of '90s love songs, those are still a thing, right? Somehow I doubt that would really get me anywhere though. Sage isn't one for grand romantic gestures, she craves stimulating conversations, not public displays of affection.

Changing my direction, I headed toward the Palace. If there is one person who can help me, it's Auntie. She is the only one who ever listens to me, guides me in the right direction, no matter what it is that I am trying to find. She has always been my go-to for everything, love should be no different.

An all too familiar scent lingered in the air as I walked into her personal quarters, "You know, those things will kill you," I laughed, scaring her out of her skin.

"Damn you, Adrian," she choked out, coughing up the lung full of smoke. "Are you lecturing me about the effects of smoking now?"

"Hey, I quit, so.."

"What? When?"

"Oh, about seven months ago now," I smiled.

"Who is she?" one brow lifted, a smile splitting her face.

"Can I not have quit on my own," my hand fell over my heart in mock hurt, "so little faith in me."

"I don't doubt you, but I also know you."

"True," I laughed, flopping down in the chair across from her. "Her name is Sydney," I started, spilling all of my pent up feelings and secrets to her. I told Auntie everything, from the first time I saw her at the Academy, to the connection we built before coming back here, all the way to the conversation we had less than an hour ago.

The first time I laid eyes on Sage, something just clicked. In my head, my heart, and my jeans- though I didn't admit that last part to anyone. When the light shone on her it was as if looking at an angel. The natural blonde highlights in her hair made it appear as if she wore a halo. And when it hit her eyes just right, it was like looking into a melting pot of gold- mesmerizing. Every day I spend with her I fall harder and deeper, to the point now, I don't think I will ever get out. Fuck, I don't want to either.

"My attraction to Rose was nothing like this, not even close."

"So what are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know," I pulled on the back of my neck, "I want her to be happy, whether that means being in her life or not."

"You're asking a great deal from her, Adrian, you can't expect her to just jump."

"I know, I know. I just…"

EE-OOO EEE-OOO EE-OOO EEE-OOO

Red lights flashed along the ceiling, sirens blaring through the speakers. Guardians flooded the room, whisking Auntie, and subsequently me, into the secure bunker under the Palace.

"Rose! Rose and Sydney are by themselves at the house," I yelled at my aunt, "I have to go to them."

"You are no use to them in a fight, Adrian. Guardian Stone, send two men to the Dragomir house, make sure they are protected." He looked as if he wanted to question her, but knew better than to actually say anything.

I tried to dial Rose, but underground there is no service, so I am left wondering, worrying, if they are okay. Half an hour passed before we were released, and Guardian Croft briefed Auntie about what had occurred.

The number of deaths was minimal, only one Guardian and five strigoi total, but a single loss is one too many nowadays. One of the Strigoi had previously been a Guardian at St. Vlad's, Yuri, and he actually gave us information before he died.

"He didn't say how many, or exactly when, but it will happen soon," Croft explained, "We need to secure Court for the foreseeable future, no traffic in or out."

"But Lissa is still at school, not to mention Christian and their Guardians too. And what about Dimitri and Abe? Auntie, we can't just leave them."

"Croft, make the calls, have all of them return home immediately."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He left to make the necessary phone calls, while Auntie and I made our way back out of the bunker. Once I had service I called Rose's phone, which went to voicemail. Trying Sydney next she answered on the first ring.

"Adrian where are you?" she rushed out, panic clear in her voice.

"At the Palace, are you guys okay?"

"Yes and no. Rose's water just broke."

Author's Note:

Did you enjoy the Adrian POV? I felt it was long overdue and I needed to get a bit of his thoughts out before the ending.

Thank you for the new faves/follows this last week, as well as the new likes on Facebook, you guys are the best.

I shared yesterday that I am off until Monday and plan to have this COMPLETE by Sunday Evening. After that, Love or Loyalty will be coming out in just a few short weeks. I have enjoyed this journey with you all, and I hope you have too. Honestly, I am sad to see this one coming to an end, but as all stories do, it must. As always, leave your thoughts, and keep a lookout for the next few chapters this week/weekend.

All My Love,

Dream