Hello dears! I'm back, and so soon I might add. It's most likely a short chapter, though I actually noticed that Chapter 12 was one of the longest chapters I have posted on this story, if not THE longest. So, here is the next! :P Enjoy it darlings!

~DA2014

Meet Me In The Moonlight

Chapter 13

Rose couldn't let it happen. She could NOT be mated to Mikhail. She absolutely could not and would not do it. If her father wants her to be with a strong male from the Belikov line, there is only one real choice for Rose. She has seen the way Lissa and Christian act around each other, and she knew of Mikhail leaving the cave at night, like Rose herself had from her meetings with Dimitri so long ago. He would leave when he thought all were asleep, and return just before sunrise. After the first time, when he returned smelling of something strange, Rose knew something was occurring. But she remembered her last meeting with Dimitri, before everything went to Hell. The creepy feeling of being followed and scared. Mikhail's business is his own, and if he wanted anyone else to know, he would speak of it.

Rose continued to push herself until her body could go no farther. When she looked up, Rose found herself in the same place where she used to meet Dimitri in their nightly encounters. She had often found herself here, when her mind was swimming with thoughts of Dimitri. She would remember their time spent curled under the nearby bushes, or the late evenings spent tramping through the nearby water, whether in joking splashes or bathing. The many meals shared among the two of them. Even now, the memories threatened to overtake Rose's mind. But the thoughts of a second arranged mating where what consumed her every thought. Dimitri's name fluttered through her mind on a nearly continuous loop, a never ending track.

You look upset, little flower.

Rose turned and saw her oldest brother, Stan, sitting there watching her as she looked around the once treasured location.

You could say that, if it pleases you. But upset would be an understatement at the moment.

And why is that?

Stan stood and walked closer to Rose, then sat directly at her side.

It isn't fair. All of you get to love and mate freely, but I'm forced into it. And father expects me to breed this coming winter! His audacity sometimes shocks me.

Our parents were an arranged match. Do you think they always loved each other?

They say that it was love at first sight for Mama and Baba. Alberta says they were the best of friends growing up, that they have always been together... Why can't I have that?

Rose's question left Stan to quietly contemplate his answer. He also wondered if he should tell her that he knew of her meetings from so long ago. He could tell her, and face her anger until it faded away. Or, he could not tell her and face her anger getting stronger. Either way, Rose would be mad at him. And, she would eventually find out that it was Stan who planted the idea in their father's head to have Rose mate with Andre and then any of the Belikov brothers, with the exception of Dimitri. Stan could remember seeing Rose disappear into herself back when their father had helped the Belikov's go into hiding. She wasn't as outspoken and vibrant. Stan had seen that she was changing and he supposed he should be thanking Dimitri for making his only sister happy, instead of trying to separate them. It was then that he made his decision.

You should. And I should tell you the truth.

What do you mean?

I know that you would sneak away in the night to meet Dimitri in this very place. I even followed you once. I messed up and made a noise loud enough for you to hear me. I saw how you moved closer to him, and I watched as he stayed awake to protect you that night. You moved closer to him in your sleep, and he would tuck you even closer. And he would lie his head on your neck, licking your ear when you would whimper in your sleep. When you returned home the next day, I almost felt horrible for what I had done...

Rose sat and patiently listened as Stan talked. But one part of his story caught Rose's attention more than the rest.

What do you mean "what you had done"?

It was my idea... I told Baba that it would be best for the pack if you mated with Andre.

Why would you do that Stan?

Because I thought it would be best for you and the pack. What was I supposed to do? Let you run off to Belikov every night and pray you didn't come home pregnant? I just wanted you to be happy Rose. I didn't believe that Dimitri could!

You ruined everything Stan! There was nothing more I wanted than Dimitri! There is nothing more! I hate you!

And with that, Rose turned and ran. She didn't run back to her pack, and she was running away from her special place, so she just ran blindly. Before she knew what was happening, she was bursting through the tree line at the edge of the forest. The sun was quickly sinking beyond the horizon, and Rose cold hear someone's footsteps following her, as well as their voice calling her name. The voice was still too far off to tell for sure, but the voice sounded feminine. Still, Rose wanted to be left alone, so she took off running toward the lights she could see in the distance.

Okay lovelies, there is chapter 13! Woohoo! So, I want you to leave a review and tell me who you think it is that's chasing after Rose! If you guess right, I'll have a super special surprise in store for you! So, leave me some love while I get to work on Chapter 14! :P

~DA2014