Hi All, I'm really am sorry for the lateness of my chapter but it's just been one thing after another. First I'm ill with tonsillitis and now my two little rats are ill. Can't seem to get a break with Illness this year, but hey it's one of those things.

Anyway enough excuses, here you go, and it's an extra long chapter to make it up to you all. I hope you all enjoy it.

Chapter Ten

I couldn't do nothing to stop this Moroi from holding on to me, if I did anything people would know I wasn't a human. I could see Dimitri and Mark rushing towards us. The Moroi grabbed hold of my waist next and pulled me close to his body. I felt his breath on my neck, I knew any second his teeth were going to sink into me. I closed my eyes tightly shut as I felt the tip of the Moroi's fangs on my neck. I was waiting for them to pierce my neck but nothing happened, he'd paused. I opened my eyes very quickly and found I was wrapped in Dimitri's embrace. I looked down to see the Moroi whom had tried to bite me had been knocked out cold. Dimitri then cupped my chin and lifted my head to face his own, in a soft whisper he said "Roza, are you alright". My heart started to beat so fast, I didn't answer straight away, "Roza" he whispered again, and I answered him this time "I'm alright". He smiled at me with such a soft expression, I couldn't believe it, in that one moment it felt like nothing had changed between us. But that didn't last long, when I looked to the side I saw Adrian glaring at us, god knows what he was thinking right now. Dimitri caught a glimpse of him too and let me go very quickly. I turned around then and saw that Mark had a hold of the guy who had grabbed Lissa, the third Moroi who was hitting on Oksana had actually stepped back.

I turned back to Dimitri and saw some of the guards approaching "What is going here, Explain yourselves" one of them shouted. Everyone was staring at us because of the scene we had just caused "These three Moroi just attached my sister and the other two ladies" Adrian said to the guard, he sounded really pissed off. "Didn't I warn you lot earlier, if you cause any problems I will have you kicked out" the guards tone of voice match Adrian's, but Dimitri spoke then "Maybe so but we are not at fault, the three Moroi here are very drunk, they grabbed another Moroi and tried to take a bit out of the human without permission" Dimitri tried to sound as menacing as he could with Eddie's voice, I think it worked "I am aware of what happened and these three will be taken to their rooms now" the guard snapped his fingers to signal the other guards, they picked the guy who was unconscious up and ordered the other two to follow them. "Now then, because you have caused quite a scene here tonight I would like you all to leave for the night, but as you so rightly pointed out, this was not entirely your fault, so you are welcome to come back another day" the guard gave Dimitri a smug smile "Very well" Dimitri said. The guard moved to the side to let us all pass "Ladies and Gentlemen, please continue with your games" the music started again and everyone continued with what they were doing. I was just about to walk but Dimitri stopped me. He lifted me up into his arms, cradling me against his chest. "What are you doing?" I said "Be quiet, act a little stunned", he whispered back to me. I didn't understand at first, but gradually I caught on, I suppose after an ordeal like that, a human would be quite distraught. I felt so warm in Dimitri's arms but the looks I was getting from Adrian was making me really uncomfortable.

We got to the casino doors, the guard had followed us "Have a pleasant night" the guard said as he shut the doors to the casino. I thought he was going to kick us out completely but obviously he only meant the casino. "You can put her down now" Adrian growled at Dimitri. As I was put down, Adrian glared at me but his face soon changed to a very sad expression, my heart began to ache. "Well there is nothing more we can do tonight, Mark and I will continue the research tomorrow with the choreography" Oksana said to all of us "Then let's go back to our hotel" Adrian said, he still sounded angry, Oksana interrupt him "I would like a word with Dimitri in private first" Dimitri turned to her "Not tonight, it has been a long day". Just as he was about to turn, she grabbed his arm "This cannot wait, it is important". I was thinking what was so important that couldn't wait till tomorrow, She turned to me then and gave me a sad smile, I keep forgetting she can hear my thoughts. That smile made me worried.

"Please follow us to our room, we will talk there, it won't take long" Oksana said to Dimitri, he just nodded to her. "We will wait in the limo for you" Lissa said as they started to walk towards the lift. Adrian walked ahead of all of us, Lissa walked at the side of me and called Isaac to pick us up, and apparently he was only around the corner. It still felt like the longest five minutes ever, neither of us spoke as we waited, I kept my head down as I didn't want to see Adrian's face.

Adrian got in first and I made Lissa go in next, she glared at me a bit. "Did everything go well" Isaac asked "Not really but we do have a lead" I said to him, "I see" He said as he turned to the front of the limo. I then sneaked a quick glimpse at Adrian, he was looking out the window and completely silent. I put head down again, looks like it going to be another long silent wait. I felt Lissa nudge me with her elbow, I turned towards her and she spoke to me through the bond "I can sense a lot of anger coming from Adrian right now Rose, I suggest when we get back you take some time to talk to him". I nodded to her in agreement and turned to face the window. I know I've got to talk to him but it's not going to be a pleasant conversation.

The limo's door at the front opened then and Dimitri got in. I was just about to ask him if he was alright, when Lissa spoke to me again through the bond "Rose, no, something's happened, it's not the right time to speak to him now". I leaned back in the seat and just stared out the window as we drove away from the casino.

We got back to the hotel, Adrian got out of the Limo so quickly "ADRIAN" I shouted as he power walked to the entrance. I turned to Lissa "I can't go after him, it will blow our cover, go after him please", tears began to form in my eyes. "Will do Rose, don't worry" Lissa said as she ran to catch up with Adrian. "I suppose this has got something to do with my actions earlier" Dimitri said in a sort of apologetic voice. "Yes and no, it's my fault really, looks like we are all hurting someone" I said to him. He looked so sad "Roza" I cut him off there "You don't have to say anything, let's just go back to our rooms". A few tears fell from my eyes but I wiped them away and smiled. We walked to the rooms in silence, I kept my head down trying to think of what I was going to say to Adrian. We got to Dimitri and Adrian's room, I could hear Lissa and Adrian speaking.

Before I could even open the door, Adrian came out, grabbed my hand and pulled me in the direction of the other room. I turned towards Dimitri, he was watching but soon went inside his room. We came to my room, Adrian opened the door with Lissa's key and pulls me in. At first we just stood in silence at the doorway with Adrian's back towards me. I had no idea what to say or where to move too "Sit down Rose" Adrian's voice was but a whisperer, like he was struggling to get the words out. I moved over to the sofa and took a seat, he sat down beside me but didn't make eye contact. I went to take my charm off "NO Leave it on please" Adrian said to me. I don't know what my face looked like but my heart felt like a silver stake had just gone through it. "Rose, this is going to be really hard for me to say but I know I've got to tell you" he said in a dismal voice, I couldn't speak I didn't know what I would say. "As you know, Lissa and I had a quick chat, I told her what I saw tonight, she didn't give me the answer I wanted, but she gave me the right answer" he paused and looked at me. "Rose, I've got to let you go haven't I?" I couldn't stop the tears from falling after his last words "Adrian, you always knew it was going to be hard with me, but please don't leave me, I've already lost" Adrian cut me off "Rose, that's the very point, you haven't lost anything, that's what I've got to tell you, tonight when you both looked at each other, both your aura's bonded together as one, like you were one person and you both glowed in a bright white light, no darkness anywhere", Adrian falsified a smile. "what are you trying to say" I said to him as I wiped my tears away "What I'm trying to say is tonight when Dimitri came to your rescue, your feelings for one another showed in your auras, meaning Dimitri's feelings for you are still there and I know I'm going to have to let you go now" He shrugged it off "But just because I'm letting you go now, doesn't mean I'm giving up completely" He smiled "You're half right, I did realise that I can never get over Dimitri, I will always love him, but he's not like that" Adrian lifted his right eyebrow "No your wrong, the meaning of two auras bonding together means your feelings are mutual, I've seen it before in couples, Now it's time you both stop being so stubborn and work things out, so can you please stop fighting me and go after him before I lose my nerve" he was showing a sad face again but I got up from the seat "I'm sorry Adrian, I really did love you, but just" he smiled "Just not in the same way huh, Little Dhampir". I took my leave and opened the door to find Lissa outside "He's waiting" She said.

I ran to his room, I was breathing so heavy, can what Adrian said be true, has he really changed his mind about us. I decided to stop a few feet from his door while I caught my breath. I'm not going to get my hopes up, it can't be true, and he's probably in there waiting to tell me that nothing has changed. No I can't let him see that I'm hopeful. I took a deep breath and walked the few more feet to the door. I knocked on the door and the door flew open which made me jump a little. He stood there staring at me with his own appearance. "Lissa said you wanted to speak to me" I sounded so reserved as I said that "You'd better come in" he said as he stepped to the side. My heart was thumping like crazy, I hope he can't hear it. "Roza, Oksana gave me some bad news today about my family" I didn't like the sound of that, I sat down on the sofa "what's happened" I said "Don't worry, no one is hurt as such" He sat down beside me, "Viktoria has" He paused "What about Viktoria?", Dimitri put his hand on my shoulder "She's been raped, Roza" The words didn't sink in at first but when they did, I stood up and wondered around the room "it can't be, please tell me she didn't go back to that place" I put my hands over my face as the tears began to fall. "I told her to be careful, I told her that place was bad news". I continued to hold my face but I felt two arms go around my body, so warm "Roza, she's alright, just a bit black and blue, so Oksana said". My face was buried in his chest, "I'm so sorry Dimitri, I tried to tell her" I could feel his hand stroking my head "Hush now Roza, this isn't your fault, Viktoria has always be stubborn like her brother I suppose, sadly she's had to learn her lesson the hard way" after a few seconds of silence I pulled away from his arms to wipe the tears away, "I've cried too much today" I joked, Dimitri's hands were on my shoulders as I rubbed my eyes. I pulled away from him completely as I took a step back "I'm going to go rinse my face" I said as I faked a smile. I sprinted to the bathroom and closed the door. My make up was nearly all gone when I looked in the mirror so I took my charm of and washed the rest of my make up away.

It felt wonderful to be in Dimitri's arms again, but I was scared to find out what's going to happen next, what's he going to say? I can't just stay in the bathroom all night, I've got to face him, I said I wasn't going to get my hopes up. I took a deep breath and opened the door, he was sitting on the sofa with his head down. He looked up suddenly which made me even more nervous "Roza, we need to talk", my chest started to hurt when I heard them words. I walked towards him and sat down, he didn't turn towards me, so I decided to speak first "I think I know what you're about to say?" I paused when he turned suddenly to face me. "Roza, I want to talk about what happened today, but I need you to listen" he spoke so calm and softly, all I could do was nod my head. "Thank you" he said and paused to take a breath. "I'm not going deny that nothing happened today but" he paused when I lowered my eyes away from his face "But, I'm not ready to start anything with you yet Roza, plus I still think you would be better with Adrian" I couldn't help but cut him off "Adrian has broken up with me" I kept my eyes down as I spoke, Dimitri took a breath "Yes, I thought that might be the reason why you had been crying" I looked up and made contact with his eyes "I know you told me to listen but I've got to tell you, I do love Adrian" I paused when his expression changed to look so unhappy but I continued. "The thing is I'm not in love with Adrian, I found that out today, my feelings of love towards Adrian are different to the feelings I have for you". He stopped me then "Roza" he said in a tense voice "Let me finish please" I said to him, Dimitri nodded in agreement and closed his eyes. "I know I can be childish and I know I've said some things I shouldn't have. But I've done some thinking over the last couple of days and the second you pulled me into your arms in the casino, I knew I hadn't given up on you" I paused to take a breath, he eyes were open now but he didn't speak a word "I have decided to wait for you to come back to me on your own, so I'm sort of giving up" I smirked and looked down again. He cupped my chin and softly lifted my head to face his own, his eyes widened in shock when tears fell from my eyes. "And what would you do if I never come back". I felt a sharp pain inside my chest "then I will be waiting forever" I said as my tears started to fall even more.

I closed my eyes for a second and felt his lips touch my own, I was so surprised that I had to open my eyes. Dimitri's eyes were already closed, gradually as the kiss became deeper I began to close my own again. His fingers ran through my hair and then his hand glided down my arm to my waist, I couldn't understand what was going on, but I didn't want it to stop. Our lips parted, I didn't move a muscle and kept my eyes tightly closed. His other hand tucked my hair behind my left ear and I could feel his breathe on my ear "Roza, for just one night I want to forget all the bad things that have happened and spend it with you" he paused as he took a breath "but after tonight I have a mission of my own to complete and that is to seek forgiveness. When your trial is over and you are free, I will be leaving the academy, but I promise Roza, if I succeed in my amnesty I will come back to you" I knew from the sound of his voice he was being sincere. I felt his hands wipe my tears from my face which began to fall the moment he started to speak, I open my eyes "Just one night and I will begin my wait for when you return to me" I smiled. He suddenly held me close in his arms "then I won't hold my feelings back tonight". My heart began to beat very fast after his words, my whole body went tense, I can't believe it, I'm nervous. "Relax Roza" He said as he lifted my chin and leaned in to kiss me again.

It was a soft tender kiss at first but it wasn't long before the passion took over and the kiss became more intense. I felt the zipper on my dress open and his warm hand against my back. I knew then he meant what he said about spending the night together. "Wait" I said as I broke away from his lips, he's hands shook for a second with a shocked expression on his face. "Let me shower first, it's been a long night" I said in a shy quiet voice, he began to smile "Not necessary, Roza". It's not very often I feel embarrassed, but this is one of them moments, I could feel myself blush. "Come" he said as he cradled me in his arms. He carried me over to the bed and placed me on the edge as he began to undress himself. My heart was beating incredible fast, all he had left on his body was his boxers. I took a deep breath as he approached me, "Put your head down" he said in a soft tender voice. I did as he asked and his hands began to untie the straps around my neck. "Stand up" he whispered in my ear, I raised myself off the bed and he slipped the dress over my head. Next he unhooked my bra and slowly glided it off my arms "let me take the rest off" I sounded a little panicked as I said that. With a nod of his head, I turned away from him and slipped down the rest of my lingerie. His arms went around me as soon as I straightened my body upright "Roza, still as beautiful as ever" I leaned back into his embrace and rest my head on his shoulder "Let's get into bed" he said as he kissed my neck.

At first we just held each other close and kissed, it felt like we were in another world entirely. He broke apart from my lips suddenly and began to kiss his way down my neck, around my collarbone and all over my body. I moved my left hand and place it over my mouth to drown out the sounds I was making.

After caressing my body with kisses he returned to face me again, at this time I was so aroused my body was throbbing, "Don't hold your voice back, I want to hear you" he said as he pulled my hand away from my mouth. He kissed my lips and climbed on top of my body. I was the one that broke apart from the kiss this time with a loud moan as I felt a gust of heat enter my body. He started to kiss down my neck as I collected myself. When I caught my breath I wrapped my arms around his neck. Dimitri then raised himself up slightly and he made love to me all night until I couldn't any more.

It was still dark out when I woke, Dimitri caressed my arm when he felt me move slightly, "Sleep a little longer, it's still night" he said. From the sound of his rapid heartbeat against my ear, I could tell he didn't want things to end just yet. I closed my eyes to appear I was going back asleep but I remained awake. He began to brush his fingers gentle through my hair and then caressed my cheek. "I will try not to make you wait too long, my Roza" he whispered as he kissed the top of my head. Tears welled up in my eyes but I held them back and slowly drifted back asleep.

The next time I awoke it was morning, I didn't want this night to end, but I've got to be strong now, I gave my word I would wait after this night. It was so hard to open my eyes and part from him again but we had something more important than our relationship to deal with right now. I lifted myself up slowly, my body felt so heavy but I have not felt so refreshed in a long time. I felt free of all the pain and heartache, yes I know I'm still not with Dimitri but I know now I can never love anyone else and don't want too. And I know he feels the same and I hope one day he can forgive himself and return to my side.

"Are you alright" He asked as I began to stand up "I'm fine, I just need to shower before we meet Oksana and Mark" he sighed "You know that's not what I meant" I cut him off "I know" I said as I turned to face him "I really am alright now, I finally feel like I'm going to get through all this" He looked at me with a confused expression, "Knowing you do still have feelings for me is all I needed to stop the pain I was feeling in my heart, I feel free for the first time in a long time, now it's your turn to heal yourself". Then he smiled and it wasn't fake, it was a real smile, I leaned in for one last kiss and said "Just don't make me wait too long alright" I smiled and made my way to the bathroom.

I showered as quickly as I could, put the robe on which was hanging on the door and found Lissa in the living room waiting for me "Why are" she cut in "Dimitri went to shower in our room and I brought you a change of clothes, I had them brought up from the store downstairs" she paused and started to laugh "Don't worry Rose, Adrian is down in the restaurant trying to keep himself awake, don't looked so panicked" I took a deep breath after hearing that "So what happened?" her face was beaming with excitement so I sat down beside he and told her everything that happened last night.

"Wow, and do you really think you can wait for him Rose?" I answered her with a smile and said "I know I can, because I know now my heart will always belong to him". She put her hand on my left shoulder "As long as you're happy Rose, that's all that matters", I nodded to her and smiled. "Now let's go find that brother or sister of yours to prove I'm innocent" I said as I began to get dressed.

We met Adrian down in the restaurant, Dimitri wasn't there yet. I didn't know what to expect from Adrian but he was his normal self "finally, I've been sitting here for ages waiting" he paused when his eyes made contact with mine "Where the hell is Belikov? I'm starving" he said as he smiled at me, he seems alright, I just hope it's not all an act. "Hey Little Dhampir, relax, I'm alright, besides I haven't given up remember, I've just taken a back seat for a little while" he said and shot me a wink, he's reading me again. I couldn't help but laugh though, "That's better, it's nice to hear you laugh again", Adrian smiled but that soon disappeared when Dimitri arrived at our table.

"About time Belikov", Dimitri just scowled at Adrian and sat down, Lissa called the waiter over. "What can I get you?" Lissa answered him "We'll all have the breakfast please and for drinks I think we'll need coffee". Adrian and I laughed when the waiter had gone, we sure did need coffee. Dimitri was staring at me, which made me a little uncomfortable, so I smiled at him and said "we've got a long day ahead of us, we're going need a lot of coffee, especially these two. That seemed to of broken the ice, he relaxed and I think I heard a chuckle out of him.

"Here you're drinks and your food will be with you shortly" the waiter said. After we had all finished, Adrian rang Isaac as it was time to meet up with Oksana and Mark. Adrian then rang the Witching Hour to see if Oksana and Mark are ready "Apparently Oksana left a message with the desk that we are to wait in the Lounge area for them, and the hotel will sign us in as their guests", Adrian explained to us all "Well let's get going then" Lissa said. We made our way out of the hotel, Isaac took 10 minutes to arrive and then we were on our way.

When we got to the Witching Hour, Mark was actually there waiting for us, the receptionist must have found them for us. "Hey Mark" I said as I got out the Limo. "Hey guys, what took you so long? Oksana's in the casino talking to the choreography now, he seems a nice guy but Oksana has had to tell him a little bit why we want to know about one of his old dancers, I've left her too it, I'm assuming you have all had breakfast considering how late you are" I just smiled at him "Yeah we've eaten" Mark spoke again "Well we might as well hang about in the lounge until Oksana's finished, the guy seems to like her and we don't want to overcrowd him, he does want to meet you though, Vasilisa" Lissa nodded at Mark "She's in the casino behind the stage, I'll come with you so you can get through" Lissa turned towards me "Use the bond to listen Rose" I nodded to her. "Alright guys let's get you booked in as guests then I take Vasilisa to Oksana"

We got checked in, Dimitri and I stayed in the lounge so I could concentrate on the bond, Adrian decided to check out the games room they had to pass the time. "I'm nearly there Rose, hope you're listening" Lissa said through the bond, I wish I could tell her yes but our bond is still only one sided. Lissa knocked on the door to the dressing room "Come in" a male voice spoke. Mark must be on his way to us as he wasn't with her anymore.

Lissa opened the door and made direct eye contact with the man standing next to Oksana. "This is Vasilisa, the girl I was telling you about" the man looked Lissa up and down and smiled "Hello my dear, it's nice to meet you, but before I help you, I need you to describe your father so I know you're telling the truth because I did see the dancer with one man, she never entertained anybody else". Lissa described her father's appearance and the man seemed happy with the description. "It does sound like the man she was with, but may I ask why you want to see this lady? It sounds to me it might be awkward considering the circumstances". Lissa turned to Oksana "didn't you tell him why I'm searching for her", Oksana swung her head from side to side "No I thought it would be better coming from you". Lissa turned to the man again, he was showing a confused expression "the reason for my searching is because this lady might have had a child by my father and he or she is the only family I have left" the man arched his eyebrow "But why now after all this time?" Lissa started to explain again "Because I only found out about this child a few days ago when I found a letter in my father's belongings". The man smiled "I see, well I'm afraid I can only give you her name and where she is located, I cannot give you an address as I do not have it"

"Anything will help right now and thank you "Lissa smiled, "Hold on while I get my scrapbook, I have her information in their". Lissa waited patiently while the man searched for his book, finally we have a lead.

End of Chapter Ten

In the next chapter, Rose and the gang will find out what they need to know to begin their search for the half sibling.

Sorry to all the Adrian fans that wanted Rose and him to be together, but I just couldn't do it, I still believe Rose is meant to be with Dimitri.

But Adrian hasn't given up, plus Dimitri and Rose aren't together yet, things could change lol.

I hope you all liked the chapter, I don't know whether it's any good because I had to write it in bits. But it was the best I could do for now.

See you soon