Chapter 8
A week had gone by and still no word about the investigation was given. Rose doubted a serious investigation was even taking place, what with all the legalities and hoops the Moroi court made you jump through. It was a miracle the race had survived this long in Rose's opinion. She only hoped that the tightening of security would ward off any impending strigoi plans. The last thing Rose needed was for her and Lissa to be kidnapped.
"Hey Lis, do you still have that totally contraband cellphone," asked Rose.
"Depends on how you're going to use it," replied Lissa skeptically.
"I need to call Logan…I have to make sure he's okay."
Rose's voice shook with emotion, reaching only a whisper to which Lissa answered by handing over her phone.
"Be quick, Rose. You don't want to endanger him anymore than necessary."
With a nod Rose walked out into the sunlight, absorbing the comforting heat in preparation. It was middle of the night in the Moroi world, but lunch time for Logan's.
Ring. Ring. Ring. "Logan speaking, how can I help ya?"
"Hey babe! It's me!" Rose didn't have to fake so much of the enthusiasm in her voice, something about Logan just made her feel better.
"Sweet damn, sugar, I was beginning to think you forgot about me. How are you doing? When am I gonna get to hold your gorgeous self again?"
"Well…," Rose inhaled deeply, suddenly feeling as if she didn't have enough oxygen to continue. "Remember how I told you my past was super complicated and my family was part of some weird cult?"
"That's kind of hard to forget, my love," Logan teased halfheartedly, concern etched into his voice.
"Well something's happened. I can't tell you all the details, but I wasn't lying when I said a bunch of people got hurt. My friend Lissa that I told you about is one of them. She, and everyone else really, needs me right now. So I think I'm going to stay a bit longer."
The silence on the other end stretched for what felt like an eternity.
"I don't like the sounds of this, Rose. Are you in danger? You know you can always come home and bring your friend too. They got some funny business goin' down over there, isn't that the reason you left in the first place? Why stay there again?" Logans voice was slightly hurt, but his affection and concern ate away at Rose's resolve.
"If I come home, especially with Lissa, I would put your family in danger. I probably already did by calling. I just had to talk to you. You know I can handle myself, babe. I'm not in anything I can't handle." Oh how she wished that were true.
"Rose, don't make this sound like a goodbye..."
"I love you, Logan. More than you know. More than I've ever loved anyone. I'll call you when I can, but don't call this number back, okay?" Rose was crying now, silent tears streaming down her face.
"I love you too, sugar. Sweeter and deeper than I thought possible. Just keep yourself safe for me. I'll keep an eye out around here. Please, call me soon."
Rose stayed on for a moment more just to hear his breathing, but hung up what felt like too soon.
Turning around she found Belikov leaning against her dorm entryway, watching her expressionlessly.
"Busted again, Rose," she thought to herself.
Walking toward him she expected some sort of lecture or warning, but he only opened the door for her when she got closer.
"Let me know next time you need to step out so I can be on watch," He stated calmly, his voice as expressionless as his face.
This man really had the guardian demeanor down. She wondered what happened to the concerned man from the hospital.
"Thank you," Rose breathed once they had reached the room her and Lissa shared.
"As the upcoming guardian of the next monarch, I'd advise you to wrap up loose ends so they don't distract you in the field," asserted Belikov.
Rose brushed passed him and into her room, ignoring his obvious message, but not the scent of pine that teased her senses as she fell asleep.
A/N:
Sorry for such a long wait, life has been crazy and I have been lazy. I will be making more of an effort to get back on my writing and provide y'all with better and better material! All reviews loved and appreciated as always.
