Okay guys, I am sorely disappointed in only getting 1 review for the last chapter. If I don't get more, I don't know what y'all want, and I might have to discontinue the story. I love this story and now have more time on my hands to write for it, but with few ideas, I don't know how long it'll last. So, PLEASE leave a review at the end of the chapter... Let me know what y'all think!

Heart Of A Huntress

Chapter 5

The months slowly went by. But, the day had come. Being away from Dimitri for the past two days had been Hell, but the thought of seeing him in a few short hours was enough to get me through. And the fact that he will be in a tux. Our wedding had mostly been planned by Lissa, but I had told her what all we were thinking. I wanted a beach wedding at sunset. That was the only thing I wanted. Dimitri wanted to keep it small, just close friends and family. But, we didn't know which beach to pick. I remember the time that Lissa and I went to the beach in Galveston, Texas when we were on the run.

It was a beautiful summer day. I was standing on the warm wet summer sand as the water lapped at my toes. The breeze lifted my hair and danced around me, whispering to me as it went. The sun beat down and warmed my cold flesh. Lissa and I had just spent about 2 days traveling to Texas from South Dakota. We are on the run after all. The Guardians were starting to catch up to us. I had just turned 17, Lissa 18. We had wanted to get as far away as possible. Nobody would think to look for a runaway Moroi princess in Texas, due to the heat and all.

"Rose, we should go back." Lissa said to me quietly.

"No Liss. That's what they want. I don't know what will happen next, but I swore to keep you safe. And you said you weren't feeling safe there anymore. At least nobody here knows your secrets."

"I know, but what if we see one of THEM?"

"In broad daylight at a beach? I think not. Just enjoy the time while we can. As soon as they catch onto our trail, we will head east, maybe to Alabama or Georgia." I turned to look at her. "Your safety is my only concern. I will protect you with my life. At least whatever is left of it." I mumbled as I turned away.

Lissa reached down and grabbed my hand, holding on tightly. I started to walk further into the water, gently tugging her along after me. We spent the rest of the day goofing off, feeding the seagulls, jumping waves, and being teenagers. It was one of the only days we actually got to be kids. Not having to worry about looking over our shoulders and worrying about what threat we would face next.

On our way to the hotel room a few hours before sunset, Lissa talked about how she wanted to walk the beach one night, under the stars, with the one she loved.

"I think it would be romantic... Walking hand in hand under the moonlit stars. What do you say Rose?"

"I say that I don't have time to think about that. Though, if it makes you feel any better, that does sound like it would be cute. Maybe then our Mystery Man would sweep us up in his arms and twirl us around. But, that will never happen for me."

"Why not? Just because your my Guardian doesn't mean you can't find a man for yourself. Who knows, maybe he will be the one to knock you on your ass one day." She said as she walked in giggling.

I let the comment go. I don't think I would ever tell Lissa this, but I longed to have the life she did. I mean, I know what it's like to have no family, but to have someone support me like she always talks about. Lissa would have the chance to be with someone.. Talk to him. Kiss him. Marry him. Make mini Dragomir babies. And I never would. I sat at the window staring wistfully up at the night sky while Lissa slept that night. I wished I could have a lot of things, but I never would. Not as long as Lissa needed my protection.

"And what has my princess smiling like that?" My mom said as she came inside my room to help me get ready.

"Nothing Mom. Just remembering something from our time away. The last time Lissa and I were here in Texas." I chuckled a little but I noticed how she stiffened when I mentioned our time away. I used to think that my mom would never notice if I died. Since being brought back, and the attack, my mom has made an effort to mend our broken relationship. She is still a very distant woman, but I don't expect her to change for me.

The hours slowly slipped by and before I knew it, everybody was walking out the door to line up. Mom and Olena escorted me to the door where Abe stood, ready to give me away. He gave me one last hug before he offered his arm to me. I rested my hand in the crook of his elbow and looked up at him. His eyes were cast down at me and gleaming in more ways than one. He had unshed tears resting just behind his eyelids and then he told me how proud he was, no matter what I chose in life. I rested my head on his shoulder until I heard the wedding march begin to play.

As Abe and I began to walk down the isle, I suddenly began to doubt if this was right for me. To be married so young, even if I am pregnant. Abe's hand moved to cover mine as he discretely whispered to me, his lips barely moving: "You got this kizim. I love you." As he spoke those few words, I felt a smile move to my lips and tears begin to cloud my vision. I was worried I would trip or something, but I knew my Baba was there beside me, supporting me with every step I took, just like he always had. I would always be grateful for my Baba.

When we reached the end of the isle, Baba placed my hand in Dimitri's, announcing that he was the one giving me away. When Baba took his seat next to my mother, we continued with our ceremony. Various things were said, not that I was paying any attention. The time came to exchange our vows and Dimitri started.

"Roza, my precious Roza, when I first found you and the Princess in Portland, I never thought that you would be the one to bring me so much happiness, but you do. I was a very lonely person before I met you, having just lost my best friend and leaving my family. But the moment I saw you, doing everything to protect Vasilisa, I knew there was something to you that would change me forever. And it turns out, I was right. With every beat of your heart, every breath you take, you bring light into my life. I vow to hold you in your moments of weakness, carry you through your hardships and pain, and lift you up in everything you do. Even though we can't have a family, I'm happy with my life, because you are in it, and you are all I'll ever need. I love you."

By the end of his vows, we both had tears in our eyes and a smile on our faces. Now, it was my turn. Best not mess this up then!

"Dimitri, when I first saw you, I thought of you as nothing more than a threat to Lissa. I was blind to the real horrors in life, and I don't mean the monsters we protect our loved ones from. I thought that there was nothing more I needed in life than to protect Lissa. Turns out, I was wrong, like usual. As the months went by, I didn't notice the difference in me, but I was changing. Changing for the better. When I heard that Tasha offered for you to go be her guardian and have a family, it hurt me. But, I realized that I had become a big enough person to put my feelings aside and put yours first. I wanted nothing more than for you to be happy. And I'll probably sound cruel for saying this, but I'm glad you didn't take it. Because I love you. I love the smiles that are so small, you'd miss them if you didn't know what to look for. I love the laughs that are so rare and the looks that only I get when you think I'm not looking. I love everything about you. And even though we can't have a family of our own, I am more than happy to spend the rest of my life standing by your side, drying your tears and kicking your ass." At this, everyone took a moment to have a small little laugh. I lifted my head until I looked in his eyes again. "I vow to give myself to you and only you. Forever."

Needless to say, with the combination of our vows, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. The rest passed in a fuzzy blur and before I knew it, the words "you may now kiss the bride" were uttered. Dimitri swarmed forward, wrapping his arms around my waist as mine went around his neck. His lips claimed purchase on mine. We kissed for I don't know how long, but when it ended, I was suddenly pulled back up. At some point, Dimitri had began to dip me backwards and I hadn't noticed. When we came back up for air, I could hear the cheers of everyone around us. Dimitri and I were the first to march back up the isle, with Lissa and Christian following. We had about a half hour before the reception was set to begin, which was just enough time to ride over to it. Dimitri and I were hustled into a limo by ourselves. Lissa made sure my dress was completely inside before shutting the door and sending us on our way. Dimitri and I just sat, cuddling together, holding hands and sharing the occasional kiss.

Alrighty folks, that was chapter 5! Up next, the reception and maybe even the honeymoon! Leave a review and let me know where you want to see the happy couple go for a 3-4 day romantic getaway. And ideas... Those are appreciated too! The first person to review just might even get a sneak peak at the next chapter, so make sure you have an active account! I've also decided to start asking random questions, so here is the one for chapter 5...

What is your favorite kind of mythical creature?

~DA2014