Chapter Twenty - My Brother's Keeper.
I'm not dead! I've been pretty busy all week with college and planning for my birthday (which was yesterday), and I've also been working on Protocol since I felt like I was neglecting it slightly. But I'm still here, and I'm still writing!
NOTE: This chapter has not been proof-read at all since it's currently 1am when I'm posting this, and I wanted to get at least one chapter out this week. I apologise if there are faults, and I will fix any after college this evening when I have time. I hope you enjoy!
Dimitri and I walked back to our room in silence, him staying close behind me in case I had another sudden dizzy spell. The moment we stepped inside and he shut the door, I turned to him to speak. "Com-"
"Couch." He ordered with a tone that left no room for argument as he continued on into the hallway towards the bedroom. I looked after him with an incredulous expression for a moment, before telling myself that he'd probably be pissed if I didn't listen to him.
Reluctantly I made my way over to the sofa and dropped down with a content sigh, kicking off my trainers before pulling my feet up underneath my body as I waited for Dimitri to return. In all honesty I was feeling perfectly fine, at least physically. Mentally I was freaking out about what Adrian had told me, and what could be happening back at St Vlad's.
Dimitri came back from the bedroom with one of his thick, burgundy red quilts that he had taken from his house when we visited a couple weeks back. He made his way over to me and immediately wrapped it around me. "Dimitri-"
"Sh." He interrupted with a business face. "Rest. The Doctor said you might have a concussion, and I'm not taking any risks." Once I was settled he made his way over to the kitchen, heading to the fridge. Still sat down, I turned my body to lean across the arm of the sofa and watch him as he went.
"Comrade, honestly, I feel fine." I pouted, leaning my chin on my arms as I looked up at him. He seemed to ignore me as he got out a bottle of water and a cold compress that we usually used after extreme workouts. When he made his way back around towards me, I turned and slumped back against the pillow in a half sitting position. When I tried to fight against him about the cold compress, he gave me a stern look before placing it at the side of my head where I directly hit the ground when I fell.
After watching me drink half a bottle of water, he was finally satisfied that I was all taken care off and allowed himself to relax a little, sitting on the other side of the sofa. He lifted my feet up and I scooted downwards so that my legs were draped across his legs though I was still propped up by a couple pillows. He took my hands in his and placed them on my legs, fiddling with them absentmindedly.
"Are you done smothering me?" I teased, squeezing his hands. He looked up at me with an apologetic expression.
"I'm overbearing, aren't I?" He chuckled to himself as he looked down at our intertwined hands, tracing patterns on the back of mine. "You had me worried. What happened back there?"
I bit my lower lip hesitantly, resting the side of my head on the back of the sofa as I looked at him. I was hoping that Alberta would have called him while I was out in the infirmary to tell him about what happened, but evidently he was clueless. I knew the moment I told him, he'd freak out about my safety.
"There was trouble back at St Vlad's." I explained slowly, fixating my gaze on our hands. I saw his freeze as he took in my words, and I could feel his gaze on my face. "Lissa was using a lot of Spirit, and she exhausted herself - both of us, really. She fainted, and it must have been so overwhelming that it seeped through the bond and took its toll on me as well."
"What kind of trouble?" Dimitri shifted one of his hands to rest on my thigh, rubbing it comfortingly through the blanket. I looked up at him and pressed my lips into a tight line. I could see the concern in his eyes as he knitted his brows together, leaning closer towards me. "Roza, what happened?"
"They know." I said quietly, looking at him sadly. "The Strigoi. They attacked the Academy in search for me - they know I'm not there."
The room was silent for a moment as Dimitri took in my words, and I felt myself fill with dread at what his reaction would be. Would he freak out and try and hide me? Would he demand Alberta evacuate the Academy, or even get Abe to do it like he did at Christmas?
His expression was thoughtful yet determined as he fixed his steely gaze on me, clearly taking in my slightly concerned expression. He leaned over and placed a hand on my cheek, and I closed my eyes as I leaned into his touch. "Hey," he said quietly, and I opened them again to look at him. "They won't harm you, okay? I won't let that happen."
"People got hurt, Dimitri." I said desperately, scrunching my face up in a pained expression. "People died. Guardian Lyttle almost died! All because the Strigoi were after me, and I didn't fulfill their demands."
"Don't you dare blame yourself for this, Rose." He said angrily, though it wasn't directed at me - more just the words. "Don't you dare. Strigoi are relentless, emotionless, bloodthirsty creatures that would have killed dozens more innocent people even if they hadn't attacked the Academy. At least this way, they were able to kill them before they could do any more damage."
"That's not the point!" I groaned passionately in frustration, throwing the quilt off me and standing up on my feet. Everything went dizzy for a moment as I got up too quickly, and I stumbled backwards slightly as I blinked a couple times to regain my sight. I felt Dimitri grab either of my arms carefully so I wouldn't fall, slowly lowering me to sit back down.
He passed me the bottle of water that was on the floor, and I took it gratefully as I downed it all. I chuckled as I pulled it away from my lips, screwing the lid back on as I gripped the bottom tightly. "Guess I'm not as 'fine' as I thought I was."
"Roza," Dimitri looked at me in disbelief, an arm still wrapped around my back. "Is this really the time for joking? You've suffered an injury and you need rest. And all this talk of Strigoi probably isn't helping you either. Now, you're going to go to bed, and sleep for a couple of hours until the dizziness wears off. I'll wake you up in time for dinner."
It took about twenty minutes to try and convince Roza to sleep, but eventually I managed it. It did include making a promise of homemade pizza for when she woke up, however I didn't really mind cooking for my girl.
I'd changed into my Guardian's uniform after finally getting her to rest, pulling on my signature duster over the top as I quietly made my way out of the dorm room. It was a little before 6 in the evening, and I'd promised Rose that I'd wake her up at 10. That gave me two hours before I had to be back to prep the food.
I sent a message to Alexei to request a vehicle for the evening, which he agreed to allowing, saying he'd send it round to the Guardian dorms for me to pick up in five minutes. As expected, it was there when I arrived, the typical nondescript black SUV with a Guardian I recognised from the junior compound stood next to it with keys in his hand. He handed them over to me with the order to return it by curfew at 9.30.
I placed my phone on the handsfree holder attached to the window after typing in the number to St Vladimir's, starting up the car and making my way out of the compound. The Guardians on duty had just opened up the gates for me to leave when somebody picked up. "St Vladimir's Academy, Kirova speaking."
"Headmistress Kirova, it's Guardian Dimitri Belikov." I greeted as I drove out onto the main road, splitting my focus between the road and the plan hatching in my mind.
"Guardian Belikov," she sounded surprised. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I'd like you to patch me through to Head Guardian Alberta Petrov." I requested politely yet firmly, letting her know that it was urgent.
The line was silent for a few seconds after that as I waited to be transferred. "Belikov." Alberta breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she picked up the phone. "I was about to call you. There is news about the Strigoi here at St Vladimir's."
"I know. Novice Hathaway already told me - Princess Vasilisa contacted her through the bond and alerted her of what had happened." I explained before she could ask.
"Then you know that the Strigoi know she's not here." She said matter-of-factly, only the slightest bit of worry in her voice. "You know that they won't stop hunting her until they get her, which means as her Guardian you have an event more important role to play than we initially thought."
"I know. Which is why I've been thinking..."
As I drove, I explained the plan that was forming in my head to her. I had only had about half an hour to think it through, but at the present moment in time it was the only plan anyone had brought forward thus far.
It was crazy to think how quickly everything had moved in the past few months. If you'd of told me six months ago that I'd be on the run from Strigoi protecting my 17 year old girlfriend, I'd probably of called you crazy. But now, everything seemed entirely possible.
Five months ago I met the incredible Rose Hathaway, and five months ago my life was flipped on it's head. Two months ago I allowed myself to let in the feelings I had for this girl, and two months ago I realised I was falling in love. One month ago the love of my life was targeted by Strigoi, and one month ago I told myself that I'd never let them get anywhere near her.
"You'd be willing to go into hiding just to protect one Novice?" Alberta said incredulously after hearing everything I had to say. I was quiet for a moment as I tried to hold back a laugh at her words, slowly rounding the corner into a driveway.
"You have no idea, Alberta." I shook my head as I pulled the car to a stop, cutting out the engine. "I'm here. I'll call you when I'm on my way back."
"Dimitri!" She called out just as I reached for the phone to end the call. I took it off speaker and placed it to my ear. "You love her, don't you? Rose."
I took in a deep breath, surprised by her question. I opened and closed my mouth several times as I tried to think of what to say, completely taken aback. If I lied, then I felt like I'd be being dishonourable and disrespectful to the woman I loved - if I told the truth, then everything could go downhill. I took a flying leap, and put my faith in my actions.
"I do, Alberta. I know it's wrong of me to do so, and I'm breaking a million Guardian rules, but I don't care. I'd rather die than see her hurt, or have her life in another person's hands. I know I can protect her."
The line was silent for a moment, and I feared for the worse.
"I believe you, Dimitri." She said with a tone of approval, and I let out a breath I didn't realise I'd been holding in. "Whatever happens after all this is over, I promise you that the relationship between you and Novice Hathaway will not affect your position as a Guardian. You're a good man, and a good Guardian, and right now you're one of the only people I trust to keep her safe."
"Thank you, Alberta. I promise your trust is not misplaced." I closed my eyes with a small smile as I listened to the line go dead, Alberta having been the first to hang up.
A wave of relief washed over me as I processed the information, thankful that my position as a Guardian hadn't been compromised and thankful that my risk of telling Alberta the truth had paid off.
I opened my eyes and looked up at the building in front of me - or rather, mansion. It was behind a set of iron gates that I had yet to pass through, having wanted to finish my conversation with Alberta uninterrupted before I went through with the plan. It was all white and in the shape of a 'U', three stories high with a rectangular roof on each section. It seemed to be almost entirely walled by windows, the middle level being dark while the bottom level was completely illuminated with lights inside. It was extravagant, and luxurious, and completely fitting to the owner.
Zmey.
"I'm surprised to see you here. Alone."
I'd made my way to the front of the gate where I'd been greeted by a couple of Abe's Guards. I hadn't realised one man would need so much protection, until I remembered what type of business he was involved in and how many people must want him dead. Nobody knew I was coming, so everybody was sceptical to allow me in. Lucky for me, Abe's Guardian Alicia had been there and recognised me from the meal the week prior.
He had been waiting for me at the front door of the mansion as I climbed out of the SUV, clearly having been alerted of my arrival. Now, we were walking through the hallway and he was guiding me into the back room for 'privacy'. His Head Guardian, Pavel, was near by, though he assured me that everything discussed would remain confidential between the three of us.
"I thought it best if I came without Rose." I explained as we walked into the room. It was a large space with dark oak walls and a brown patterned linoleum floor. The far side of the wall was decorated with long and thin windows, deep blue curtains pulled back to show a pretty back yard. Either side of the room was mirrored with the exact same furniture; a three-seater sofa lined against the wall and two cream armchairs with brown upholstering facing it, a rectangular glass table in between them.
"Scared she'd disagree with your decision to come here?" He said half way between genuine curiosity and condescending. "If she's anything like her mother then she'll definitely instill fear into anybody's heart."
I chuckled, sitting myself down on the sofa opposite him as he sat on one of the chairs - Pavel took position up against the windows with an at-ease stance. "You're right, however that's not why I did it. She's too sure of herself to accept help from anybody, and I know she'd feel like a pity case if I told her I was here with you. I did it more for her pride than anything."
"Well, I know you wouldn't be here unless it was important." Zmey said with a serious expression, sitting up straighter and leaning towards me as he waited for my reply.
"There was an attack on St Vladimir's." I explained. "The Strigoi came for Rose, and many great Guardians died protecting the campus from them. There is fear that the leaders are still at large, and I am concerned for Rose's well being, both physically and mentally.
"She is a very selfless person. Rose will always think about her friends before she thinks of herself, and I know that while her friends at St Vladimir's are under attack she will never be one hundred percent in herself."
"So you want me to protect them." Abe said simply before I could outright say why I was here. It wasn't a question, either, being a surefire statement.
"Yes and no," I tilted my head to the side, looking down at my clasped hands. "I want you to protect all of them - us. I know you have great power, Zmey, and I know you would do anything to protect your daughter. I want Roza's protection as well as her friend's ensured while the rest of the Strigoi responsible for the attacks are found and killed."
He narrowed his eyes at me. "And what about you?"
"I will still be Rose's official Guardian. I will be by her side no matter what, however the added protection from you and your men will help ease her worries about those she cares about. If they are safe, then she is more in control of her emotions, and she has a better chance of keeping herself safe - not that I ever wish for her to need her to defend herself. It would just make me more comfortable if she was completely focused."
For the next forty five minutes we talked specifics about what would happen over the next week, Pavel occasionally interjecting with suggestions from a security stand point. It was helpful to have another Guardian's perspective on the situation, especially one whom had over a decade of experience as a Head Guardian. He also seemed to have a genuine concern over Rose's well being, and it was only when Abe had told me that he and Pavel had worked with each other for 20 years did I realise that he must have known Rose as a baby. That gave me satisfaction, knowing her protection was in the hands of three men who genuinely cared for her safety.
"I will talk to Alberta when I drive back to St Basil's, as well as Guardian Mikhailov. If we are to be officially taking Rose out of schooling, then they both need to be alerted." I said semi-reluctantly. I knew it would kill Rose to have to be taken out of her training, but it was necessary for her safety. Abe assured me that she'd be able to continue her education while she was away, which would satisfy her to a certain extent.
"I will discuss matters with Kirova at St Vladimir's, as well." Abe offered as he glanced between myself and Pavel whom had taken a seat besides me. "Vasilisa Dragomir, Eddie Castile, and Christian Ozera are to be taken away from the Academy and relocated here under Guardian supervision. They, as well as Rose, will be given the necessary lessons and tutors to finish their education. Think of it as a form of home schooling." He smirked at that, and I chuckled.
"Similar sense of humour." I nodded at his confused expression. "She really is her father's daughter."
He smiled. "I'm glad she inherited some of my genes, at least. It's nice to know." He trailed off with a fond nod, before shaking his head as if shaking him back to reality from a thought he had been absorbed in.
"Add Adrian Ivashkov to that list as well." I suggested. "Although he and Rose aren't exceptionally close, I know that he is helping her and Lissa control their Spirit Bond. Should anything go wrong, that may be a useful advantage on our side."
Pavel nodded in agreement, and Abe jotted the note down on the piece of paper he had gotten previously. He had written everything down thus far so that everybody knew precisely what would happen, nothing getting lost in translation.
We'd also agreed that Abe would send several of his Guardians to America in an attempt to bulk up the search mission for the Strigoi that were after Rose. Alberta had informed me on my way over here that they were using any and every spare Guardian that they could find to try and neutralise the threat, but the numbers at St Vladimir's were dwindling. This way, it would mean extra force behind protection as well as discovering whoever is responsible for everything.
We finalised the details before I expressed that I had to get back to Rose - it was 7.15, which meant I had just enough time to get back to St Basil's for 8pm as planned. I rose to my feet as Pavel and Abe guided me out, stopping me at the door before I could get on my way.
Zmey drew me to one side so Pavel couldn't hear, sternly looking at me. Somehow he made even me feel small, even though he was still four inches shorter. "I know you are involved with my daughter, and so I know I can trust you with this entire mission. However I also know that I will not hesitate to end you and your Guardian career, should you hurt my little girl. Although I haven't been there all her life, that doesn't mean I didn't want to be. She is my only child, and I will protect her from everything and everybody. Strigoi, petty teenagers, enemies. Even you."
"I promise, Zmey, that it will not come to that." I said formally with a nod, standing up tall in front of the man that was Rose's father.
He was content with my answer as he gave me a firm nod, patting me reassuringly on the back and gesturing for me to get into my car. I sighed in relief once I did, allowing myself to relax in the thought that I'd done everything to protect Rose. I knew she may not like everything, but at the end of the day my top priority was her safety and her well being, and I'd be damned if I let her stubbornness get in the way of that.