Hey everyone. Thanks for the reviews. I only got 9, but they were great reviews! Thank you. I was ASTONISHED with the amount of hits this chapter got- 170 hits in ONE day! THAT IS AMAZING!

And 'Smiles'- your review made my day! One of the best reviews I got for the last chapter! Thank you (and your comment about me being a great author made my day turn from crappy to beautiful). I hope this chapter is as action packed as you hoped, but be ready for the next chapter everyone- it's going to be epic…at least I think so.

So this chapter was tricky. There were a lot of details that I needed to put in, so it would make sense. It's all in Rose's POV now. And just a reminder, when Rose is talking to her gang, it is in Russian. I tried to add a little humor in Rose's character. She is a funny character, but I'm not a very funny person- im a compete nerd. Lol

Special thanks to BreannaNash- I she allowed me to use her character- though I did rename the character. I thought it would be offensive to her.

Enjoy and please review.

Rose's POV

The walk took longer than I had anticipated, but I didn't care. I didn't have much on my plate except get the C4 and grenades in Court, hide them and hope no one sees them, then start training the guardians for as long as possible. So yeah, I didn't have much on my plate.

Abe, Janine, Dimitri and I were all walking up to Bob Evens; one of Abe's favorite restaurants in America. I was surprised to discover that he had a favorite place to eat. He hardly ever comes to America. He once told me that he prefers to stay in Turkey for as long as he can. That doesn't surprise me though. It was his native country. Anyone would want to stay in at their homeland for as long as they could, because they are comfortable and familiar with the vicinity, people and language.

Dimitri and I walked hand in hand. My mother kept looking at us out of the corner of her eye. It was strange, but mostly awkward. I could care less what she thought about us. I am happy. Dimitri opened the door for everyone. The door was wooden, with a light brown tan to it. The door had a window in it, which with the wooden sticks going down straight, and then several others going across, made the door have a several-windows look. The door gave the restaurant a lot of light. As I looked around, the place had huge windows, 25' by 20', bordering the perimeter. Every fifty feet, there seemed to be a wall going horizontal- probably to segregate smokers from non-smokers. Too bad that the human government used their brains and banned smoking in bars and restaurants! I'm so happy they did that. I no longer have to go home after a meal smelling like an ash tray.

We all waited in the little room for Dimitri. I was in front of my parents, so Dimitri went around them to get to me. He took my hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze, then started walking to the podium. A human girl my age with blond hair and blue eyes is our greeter. "How many?" she asked, looking at my boyfriend first.

"Back off Barbie Doll." I said so sweetly, it was dangerous. She looked at me then, and saw that Dimitri was still holding my hand

"Shh." Dimitri whispered, leaning into my ear and then kissed my forehead. Why do all the girls hit on him, but no guys hit on me? I mean, I am sexy incarnated, so why is there no affection that would make Dimitri jealous? Uh, men are so strange.

"Four." My father said, sounding sweet and happy. I could practically see the smile on his face. I looked at my mother and she was smiling, but what caught my attention is my father's hand slithering its way into my mother's. I think I might pass up breakfast if they do any more public displays of affection.

She sat us down at a booth that had fake red leather cushioned seats, in the middle of the restaurant. My mother and I slid inside, while Dimitri and Abe sat on the edges. I sat with Dimitri, while my mother sat with Abe.

I noticed as we walked in that there were a lot of people here, mostly humans, eating breakfast. Though I shouldn't be surprised; in human time, it was only 8:35AM. She handed us the menu's and walked off, but not before being a hoe and sneaking a look at my soon-to-be fiancé. She's a hoe. Or a tramp.

"You need to learn to be nicer around humans, Rose." My father advised, sounding like Dimitri and giving me a Zen lesson. "You are very intimidating, you know, with that charisma of yours."

I laughed. "Me, intimidating?"

In unison, they all said "yes."

I shut right up and gave them an exasperate look a moment later. "Oh come on! I'm not that scary."

"Actually, honey, you are." My mother said with a proud smile on her face and in her tone.

She just called me 'honey'! I thought in a rush. Am I going to die soon? I quickly whipped off my surprised look and changed the subject, but Dimitri spoke. Oh God, here it comes.

"Now Rose, I thought we covered this; you need to learn to control your emotions." He said in his mentor voice

Instead of ripping those gorgeous eyes out, I changed the subject. "I had an excellent conception!" I said in excitement in a medium voice. The volume of my voice wouldn't draw anyone's attention, unless if they were here to spy on us.

My father raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" My mother looked at him with a admiring smile. I could see that she still loves my Dad. Does he feel the same way?

I looked around, seeing if I saw anything inconspicuous. I saw people talking. No one was reading a book or paper, so I leaned forward and lowered my voice.

"With the 'magic potion,'" I said, using code terms, I knew they would ketch on. "I thought we could break a few stones in the walls, hide the potion in there. Of course, we they rocks would have to be big enough to hide them, but we would cover the damaged parts with a stone-like covering. I think you can buy them at Home Depot, or Lowes; some place like that.

My mom looked at me with a surprised and acquiescence smile. "It's a genius and subterfuge plan, Rose. Good work!"

I gave her a genuine smile. I was glad she was proud of me.

"My gang would want to look at the walls and find out what is the best place to put the magic potion."
My father nodded. "And my guardians and I will accompany you."

I frowned and said nothing. "Fine, but I think it is unnecessary. Zena and Larisa would know exactly what to look for, as will I. I have absolute faith in them." I said strongly.

My mother had on a haunting look. I suspected that it was because I loved them, and she thought that I loved them more than her. But my gut feeling told me it was something else. I shrugged it off. I had more important things to worry about.

"My guards and I will accompany you and your gang." He saw that I was about to argue again, so he switched subjects, well almost. "You know, everyone is calling your group 'the cobra's?'"

"What?" I was completely astonished. They made up a name for my family? I was at all offended. In fact, I was honored.

Abe seemed to sense this and smiled wickedly, knowing he won the argument. "Yes. I think they are naming you guys after a snake, because of my nickname. They most have observed that I am around you and your gang a lot."

"Why on earth are they naming us 'the cobra's'?"

My mother laughed. "That fits, if you think about it. You all are deadly in a fight. You are quick and sneaky too. At least, that is what I have observed."

I shrugged. "In this profession, you need to be-"

A human man came up to our table in a black apron, a red shirt that sported the restaurant, and khaki pants. He had brown eyes and hair. He looked to be about my age. "You ready to ord- order." He stuttered over his words as he looked at me, swallowed and spoke again. "My name is Tyler and I will be your server." I swear it was a come-on. I wanted to bat my eyes at him and make him squirm, but with my parents here, I decided that was a very bad idea.

I suppressed a huge smile. About damn time I get some attention. I was wondering if the male species had any eyes!

I shifted my legs over, so that my left leg was over top of right leg. I curved my spine out and laid my hands on my lap. "I will have a orange juice." I said, trying my best that my voice sounded angelic.

So low that I thought it was just my imagination, I heard a growl from Dimitri. But no, it was there. I turned to look at him, and his eyes were slightly narrowing at Tyler. "Coffee for me."

"Decaf or regular, sir?"

Dimitri snaked his arm around my shoulder, claiming possession and telling the kid to back off. "Regular," he leaned down towards my ear, but spoke loud enough so that Tyler could hear. "Always regular."

My mother sighed in annoyance. Tyler looked at her expectantly, though there was a frown on his lips. Ha! "Same as her boyfriend." She said, helping Dimitri's case.

They should team up more often, but not on me.

"Mmm, I think I am going to have an orange juice as well as decaf coffee please."

Tyler nodded. "I will get right on that while you decide what you want." He looked at me as he said this. I looked at Dimitri and his narrowed eyes turned into a full out glare at him. If I was guy, I would run for the hills if he ever gave me that look.

And that was exactly what Tyler did. Well, except he ran for the kitchen.

Oh, poor guy. Dimitri is going to take him out to the back and beat him if he keeps trying to flirt with me. Though, I would secretly love it! Every second of every minute of it!

I tsked at him, turning to look at Dimitri. He knew what was coming. "Now Dimitri, I thought we covered this; you need to learn to control your emotions." I slammed back at him, and doing a very good job at mimicking his mentor voice-except mine was more feminine, while his was more masculine. I think both of us sounded sexy.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my Dad smiling proudly while my mother just rolled her eyes with a smile. What was that smile on her face about?

He let out a sigh and when he looked at me, he was sending me a message saying how could I forget that day? The day up against the wall at the Academy.

I sent him a joyful smile in return, telling him I got and understood the message and remembered as well.

"So, tell me about your time in Russia, Rose. I want to hear about it." My mother said, her voice demanding our attention.

I drew my attention back to my mother and her arms were crossed over her chest and she seemed irritated. I didn't care. Whatever I did, she will get over it.

"Well, I learned not only to love black bread," I looked at Dimitri and gave him a big smile and then looked back at my mother, "but also phelemi-"

"-Hello," another waiter guy said, drawing our attention from me to him. He had crystal blue eyes (which reminded me of Christian) and beach blond hair. He looked incredibly sexy. He was also a dhampire. He looked to be about twenty. He looked me up and down and smiled, but frowned at Dimitri's arm that was still around my shoulder. I noticed this guy's clothes were the same as Tyler's.

"My name is Sebastian," I heard a German accent. It sounded sexy; just as sexy as Russian. "I am going to be your server today. Tyler wasn't feeling very well," Dimitri snorted and my mother and I looked at him, but my father's eyes still stayed on Sebastian, but he did smile in amusement. Sebastian continued as if he didn't hear Dimitri, "…so I will be taking over."

He turned around and on a flat round, black tray were our drink orders. "Orange juice?"

I gave him my man-eaters smile and he just stared at me. My father spoke in that charming voice of his that was equally as dangerous. "Ah, that would be my darling daughter and me."

Sebastian sat our orders down and turned to the coffee pots. "Regular?"

"That would be me." Dimitri said, voice sounding between warning and acknowledging. Sebastian poured the coffee in Dimitri's mug. The mugs reminded me of a cabin's dishes. Cabin…memories… I shook that amazing day's memory off and went back to the present, where Sebastian was pouring Janine her regular coffee.

"I will be back momentarily to get your order." He said talking to me. He then left, casting me a wink.

Whoa. Talk about come-on. Did Dimitri see that? My eyes flew to Dimitri and he was glowering at Sebastian. Talk about if looks could kill! Wow, just wow. The testosterone level in here was getting high. I wanted to laugh at it all, but I knew if I did that, Dimitri's glare would be on me, and off Sebastian or Tyler.

Hee, hee…testosterone. Men. I wanted to laugh.

I sipped my drink and looked at the menu, quickly deciding what I wanted.

"As you were saying before you were so rudely interrupted," Dimitri said, trying to mask his anger at Sebastian.

I smiled, and rubbed his thigh to calm him down. Only, it did the opposite.

It turned him on.

Good god! Can't a woman eat breakfast before turning some guy on! Gez. I moved my hands back to myself, realizing I felt the same way. Later, I promised myself. Later.

I looked back at my mother, knowing she would be oblivious to that fifteen second turn-on between me and Dimitri. "Well, I went back to Omsk to look for Denis, Levi and Tamara."

"So, this is where your little group first started?" My mother asked, relaxing her posture, her eyes curious.

I nodded. "Yes. We ended up traveling to Siberia's main cities and hunting in the nightclubs together as a group. The first thing I taught them was to never go hunting alone. They quickly realized the first time we hunted together- almost a year and a half ago- the reason why they lost their friends was because they would split up and the strigoi would target them first, then go for the moroi.

She nodded. "That is what they first look for."

"Yup," I agreed. "In Krasnoyarsk, we discovered another group of hunters, which is when Zena, Larisa and Gabe joined our group. They were all scared for their lives in that hunting group. Zakhary, their obnoxious and selfish leader, is a very…mmm," I had to actually think, "perfunctorily person, which is why more than half of his crew died within a five month period. I was stunned to find out that they didn't last six months in the field as a group! But, of course, I then learned why. No drills, no rules and certainly no back up plans. Not to mention the Zakhary didn't even bother showing them how to protect themselves. I doubt if he even knows how himself. The kid was extremely ruthless and reckless!"

My mother smiled. "Sounds like someone else I know."

I shook my head, knowing she spoke of me and Lissa. "I was stupid and semi-reckless, but not ruthless and completely reckless."

She shrugged, agreeing with me.

"Ready to order?" Sebastian said, drawing our attention to him.

Dimitri glared at him, but quickly out on that guardian mask of his. "Я буду иметь Омлет Феймра, Вы мерзкая часть дерьма!" (I will have the Famer's Omelet, you vile piece of crap!) Dimitri's voice was as neautral as can be, which made it scary, but it was only scary if you knew what he was saying.

I let out a soft chuckle, then spoke to Dimitri in Russian. "Успокойтесь"(calm down- sounds like: whispa-cosis) I said with a smile. Did I tell Dimitri that I love him, today?

I looked back at Sebastian, who looked very confused. "My apologies. My boyfriend said that both of us will have your Farmer's Omelet. Mom, Dad?" I asked, turning Sebastian's attention to them. Dimitri seemed to relax. He leaned over to me and kissed my check. I giggled, making Sebastian look at us. I titled my head up and away from Dimitri's lips after he kissed me.

Sebastian frowned again, and his eyes narrowed at Dimitri. Of course, when Dimitri looked at Sebastian, Dimitri did something that flat down surprised me.

"I think we need to start looking at churches, sweetheart." He said, looking back at me in the middle of talking. His eyes softened when he looked at me.

I sighed, a smile playing on my lips. "I want it outdoors and in the sun. I love the sun."

He nodded. "I agree."

I looked at my mother, and her face went from neutral to horror struck. Wait, we didn't tell her.

Oops.

My mother quickly looked at Sebastian. "I will have the same as them."

"I want two eggs and bacon." Abe said with a smile.

As Sebastian turned away, we all heard him say "I so deserve a tip for this!"

Dimitri and I looked at each other and almost busted out laughing, but my laughter cut off when my mother spoke.

"Churches, as in weddings?" She gulped. Is that what is bothering her? She didn't sound very surprised about it, which slightly shocked me. I didn't tell anyone about Dimitri purposing to me, so how could she know?

I swallowed hard, getting ready for her to explode. After a moment or two and she didn't do or say anything, I looked to Dimitri for help, then back at my mother. "Uh…yeah." I looked away from her after I spoke, looking at the ground further away from her, but not in shame. Afraid of her opinion. I didn't want to hear it. "He purposed."

"And you said yes." She said pragmatism.

"Actually, she has yet to give me an answer." Dimitri said, but I could hear the hurt in his voice. I wanted to squeeze his hand to comfort him and to apologize, but we still had things to work out. And dang it, I won't start a commitment under holy matrimony that is already struggling with big problems. I want our relationship to start problem-free.

My mother's startled eyes went to Dimitri. "Yet?" My mother asked, flabbergasted, yet there was hope in her voice. Why?

"Yeah. We have some things to work out first, before we state our vows in holy matrimony." Dimitri said, and like always, he saw my logic and understood me. He finally saw that we had problems to work out before we tie the knot."

"But in other words, you say yes." My mother said, her eyes flashing back to me.

I looked her dead straight in the eyes. "Yes. I love Dimitri, mom. And no matter what anyone thinks or says, I want to be with him."

She observed me once again, taking in my face, body language and the contact between Dimitri and me. Finally, she smiled. "I know you love him."

What was I to say to that? 'Okay?' Instead, I just nodded.

"How about we talk about more important topics?" Abe suggested, changing the subject. His tone implied that it will happen.

I breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Abe. "Lay it on me. What do you want to talk about?" I was thinking business. War.

He had other things on his mind. "DJ or a band for the reception?"

"What?"

"My only daughter is getting married, and I am going to be here for it."

I nodded. Being here for it is an exception, but a part of it is out of the question!

"How about you let me worry about that." My tone was firm, my eyes slightly narrowing at him.

"Nonsense!" My mother chimed in for Abe. Oh. My. God! They are teaming up. What did I do! No, the correct question is, what have I done? Have they ever heard of 'lay off' or 'let it go? How about my personal favorite, 'fuck off'?

"Seriously?" I questioned them about their insanity. "We," I looked at Dimitri, "haven't even worked our problems out yet, let alone me giving him the okay."

Dimitri huffed and I smiled. "Я люблю Вас." (I love you- sounds like: la-lub-lubvous) I said.

Just then, Sebastian came with our food and set it down in front of us. When he sat my plate down, he winked at me and I looked at my mother. She shrugged, telling me to deal with it myself. I looked at Dimitri, and his smile was still there, and hardly any jealousy was in that smile.

His smile was one of those rare-smiles. I looked at my mother and she smiled at Dimitri in affection- the fondness look a mother would give her son. Dear Lord, don't tell me she is thinking of him as her son-in-law already!

"Enjoy." Sebastian said and walked away. I was too busy looking at Dimitri to see if Sebastian was looking at me.

We ate our food in silence. When Sebastian came and gave us the bill, my father handed me a note.

555-986-1414. Call me- Sebastian.

Poor guy. I was going to throw the paper away, but then thought better of it. I can have Christian burn it in Dimitri's face or something.

My father got up to pay the bill, but he didn't leave a tip. My mother went to go in her pocket, but Dimitri shook his head.

"I got it guardian Hathaway."

"Mom." My mother said cordially.

Abe came back then, and chimed in, clearly he heard our conversation. "And me, Dad. Or you can call me Abe. But not Mr. Mazur. That is just insulting since we are family now."

The shit just hit the fan!

She did not just say that! My mother, asking DIMITRI to call her MOM! Yes, the shit indeed just hit the fan. I could see my dad saying that. He is always the laid back type of guy when it comes to his daughter and her happiness. But, my mom?

Dimitri looked at her in complete shock. "Are…you sure?" He seemed equally astonished as I did; only he could speak. I don't think could of even stand. I looked at his face and it looked wary. I couldn't see Dimitri calling my mother 'mom.' It's just not a picture my mind would accept. Maybe I wouldn't let my mind accept it. Uh! This isn't the day I wanted to have.

She nodded, looking at both Dimitri and me, and smiled, enjoying our shocked expressions. "Really, its fine; it's time I accept that you," she looked at me, "have grown up. I need to get use to it. That and the fact that you can make your own decisions, whether I like it or not." She was inclining to getting married. I was still surprise that she didn't kick my butt right then and there.

Dimitri went in his wallet, from the back of his jeans. He pulled out a five dollar bill-

In Russian money.

I raised my eyebrow at that. "Really, Dimitri?" Sebastian wouldn't be spending that money any time soon here in America.

He looked at me innocently. "He asked for a tip." He said, using my Rose-logic.

I chuckled. "But he didn't clarify what kind of tip." I said, adding on what he 'accidently' left out. Much to my amusement, Dimitri laid the tip down. He is a true Russian badass now…in all types of ways.

We decided to leave. Dimitri got out of the booth and offered me his hand. I gladly took it, when I got out, I didn't let go, and neither did he. In fact, his grip tightened. I hid a satisfied smile. Abe and Janine lead the way out, and Dimitri and I followed. I saw Sebastian poke his head out of the swinging doors. I then heard several dishes dropping to the floor, along with a couple cuss words with Sebastian's name in it. I could no longer hide my amusement and I started laughing. Dimitri did as well.

It is good to be bad like this sometimes.

When we got in Abe's SUV, I looked at him. "I need to contact the Cobra's."

"Yes King Cobra." My dad said, smirking at me.

I didn't acknowledge that and held my hand out for his cell phone. Zena's parents were different from everyone else's, mine included. She got lucky. Her parents fell madly in love and stayed together. A dhampire and a moroi…together. Wow, I know. But it happened. I was happy for her, because she always spoke highly of them. I secretly wished my upbringing was like hers- having a family.

I quickly dialed her phone and she immidately picked up after the second ring. "Здравствуйте Rose, что продолжается? (Hello Rose, what is going on?)

I switched to Russian and told her what Dimitri, Abe, my mother and I have done. I told her my idea on the wall and she seemed thrilled that it was a good idea. I told her to get the gang and meet us at the park that we were at, giving her simple and easy directions.

"Becareful, Zena. We have a feeling the council is watching us, so you might want to bring something to make it look like we are meeting up for a fun day."

"What do you have in mind?"

I smiled and looked at Dimitri. "Get Christian, Mia and Eddie. Tell them to bring all the water guns they have here." The playground had a water pump like the campgrounds, so we can use that for our water supply. It was also a good place to see here Mia can show me what magical defense stuff she has learned…

She squealed in excitement and I had to hold the phone away from my ear. I couldn't hold back a smile or a chuckle. I knew how much she loved fighting with water.

"That is such an awesome idea Rose!" she yelled. I looked at Dimitri and he was rolling his eyes, but had a smile on his lips.

"What is she saying?" My mother asked Dimitri.

I continued talking to Zena. "Я знал, что Вы хотели бы это. Торопитесь и получите каждого (I knew you would like that. Hurry up and get everyone."

"Сразу же" (Right away- sounds like: Suasho-shing) She said in a rush of excitement and hung up, as Dimitri translated what he heard of the conversation.

"I'd say with her excited tone, give her ten to fifteen minutes." I said.

"I thought she was yelling at you." Abe said.

"No, but I never heard her yell in excitement before…well, maybe when we just killed a strigoi when she first joined our group."

I was wrong. It was right with the amount of time it took Zena to gather everyone together. The big group would most definitely drew people's attention. So, Denis told them to split up. Denis, Christian, Mia and Eddie were in one group, while, Lev, Gabe, Larissa were in another. Zena, Lissa and Tamara were in another group. Each group arrived exactly two minutes after one did, and came in at different directions. It was a very well thought of plan. I was impressed.

I was going to act like Lissa wasn't here unless if she spoke to me.

We had our little water fest. Dimitri soaked me with his water gun, teaming up with Eddie. I was soaked in a matter of seconds. After that, we all layed out in the sun to dry. Denis approached me, and I got up off the ground, knowing his look- the 'business' look.

"Well." Denis said in Russian, "Zena told us all what you had said and done. You're theory, though, I have a better idea."

I smiled, encouraging him to go on. All of us (except Abe and Janine- they were standing up, but were listening to us, well looking, considering they don't know Russian) were lying down under a huge tree, two football fields away from the playground and earshot. No one was around. That tree though, must be over five hundred years old it was so big. It easily gave shade to everyone that was with me (Abe, Janine, Dimitri, Eddie, Mia, Christian) and my gang and could very easily give shade to the same number of people two times over again. It was an oak tree, and it was still going on living strong.

"Have a moroi that wields earth help you. Have them use their magic to blend the cracks of the rocks back together. Then, with your wiring of the…magic potion," I told them to use that as code when I was on the phone with Zena, "have them use their magic again and cover it up with more cement, or a stone covering, so that it blends in with the wall. No one will become suspicious that way."

I couldn't seem my face, but I knew I had on a proud and excited expression. "Denis, that is genius." I made a fist and punched it out towards Denis, he made one too and connected it with mine.

I turned to my parents and explained what Denis had suggested. "Very good idea; tell him I said good work."

I turned to Denis. "You should tell her you speak English, Denis." I said in Russian.

Denis's face and smile-that was proud- turned devilish. "No, but tell her I said thank you."

I wanted to sigh in slight annoyance but told my mother he said thank you.

"Dimitri, translate what I say to Rose's gang." Dimitri nodded, and my dad started talking. "Eddie, Mia, Christian and Lissa will go into the surveillance building to get a DVD that is watching the front gate. This is our back up plan if we do need to put one of the magic potions by their. You guys have a dangerous mission, so don't get caught. Use compulsion if you absolutely need to, but do not use a lot. Moroi can sense when one of their minions are being tampered with, so be careful.

"The rest of us will start looking for spots. Janine and I will walk the North wall. Gabe, Larissa and Lev will walk the West wall. Denis and Zena will walk the East wall, and Dimitri, Rose and Tamara will walk the South wall. Everyone will analyze the wall, looking for the best possible place to put the magic potion. We want to have three or four openings so that everyone can get out as quickly and efficiently. With the wards that the council is going to put down inside the walls in the morning, the strigoi will be unable to get inside Court."

"That is the best news I got all day," Lev reported in Russian. "I was unaware of the council getting off their asses and actually doing something."

"Lev." I warned. He didn't look at me, but stopped talking. I felt the same way though. "The council is most likely under compulsion. They have no idea what they are doing."

"Then why don't we snap them out of it!" He yelled, looking at me now. His blue eyes were iced over in a dark blue. He was very angry with this. His cheeks were becoming red too.

I remained calm and looked at him evenly. "If we get them out of their trance, then whoever is doing this will know that we are aware of that they are doing, and at the same time, we are busting ourselves. They will realize or suspect that we are taking matters into our own hands. We need to be sneaky like snakes."

"You mean the Cobras." Gabe remarked.

I laughed. So word got around. "Exactly."

Lev crossed his arms showing his boldness, but it was a sign of backing off- at least, that is what his face showed. "I makes sense."

I nodded. "Okay," I said to my gang, "time to split up." I looked over at my parents and friends. "We are splitting up."

"What were you two talking about?" Eddie asked

"I just had to clear a few things up."

"What things?" Mia chimed in.

"Lev wanted to know why we couldn't just break the trance that the council was in."

"why not?"

Do I really need to repeat myself? "Because the people who are behind it will get suspicious and can find out that we are taking matters into our own hands. We need to slit up, and hurry up looking at the wall. The walk took us a while, and we need all the sunlight that we can manage."

Mia nodded and put on a big pink floppy hat- like the kinds that you where when going to a horse race. It went good with her baby blue sundress that went down to her knee and has thick straps on the shoulders to hold the dress up.

I looked at my gang and gave them a nod, indicating to them to go. They nodded back and went without a word. I looked at my friends and they were talking amongst themselves. I looked at Lissa. I missed her so much. As if she sensed me, she turned her head and looked at me. I didn't smile and neither did she, but she looked so sad and rueful that I wanted to go over there and comfort her. With that look that she gave me, I knew everything between her and me, and Dimitri and me, will all work out. I think I can finally say yes to him.

"Roza, we need to start going. The sun is going to go down soon." Dimitri said. I looked up in the sky, breaking Lissa and I's gaze. The sun was no longer in the middle of the sky. It was three quarters to right, indicating that it was around three or four o'clock. I looked at him and nodded. Tamara, Dimitri and I set off.

We walked in silence and looking at the rocks on the wall for a good forty minutes. Tamara was the one to speak.

"I'm very concerned about this war, Rose." Tamara said.

"I'm scared too." I said in Russian, knowing exactly what she meant. I stopped walking and hugged her. In her hair I said, "I will protect you guys. I won't let anything happen." It was remarkably close to what Dimitri had said to me in the Cabin, I had realized as soon as the words came out. But I protect my family and friends.

Tamara squeezed me tighter against her body. "I love you Rose. I am so glad that you came back. You have no idea how scared I was with just Denis and Lev fighting the strigoi. When Denis got hurt and if you haven't came along," she paused for a few moments, thinking and lost in the memory. "I don't know what I would have done. Would I have left?"

I pulled back and held her shoulders at arm's length. I shrugged. "Who knows? But I am here now. And I won't abandon you. Ever." I promised.

She smiled and we started walking, but she spoke again. "I miss home. I miss Russia." She said causally.

I smiled and looked at Dimitri. "So do I." He said with what looked like a homesick frown.

"Did you miss America, when you were gone?"

"Yeah." I admitted, smiling kindly. "I missed the greasy food, but I didn't miss the people who were rude. In Russia, there were more people who were kind. America is the home of the free and land of the brave, but sometimes this country loses sight of what it had fought for- freedom. In 1774 when the American Revolution started, all the people wanted was freedom. Freedoms like, speech, vote, petition and bear arms. Now, all we do is taking these things for granted. No respect. We expect things, but not respect what is given."

They nodded. "I see that." She admitted. "But it's the same anywhere else."

I shrugged, agreeing with her. I looked at Dimitri and saw him looking at me. I needed to talk to him and my gang. I needed to tell both of them something important that will change my life one day.

Three hours later we met up with everybody else. We decided on the best spots and that small part was quickly done and over with. Abe knew a moroi that was more than willing to do the molding of the rocks. I was fine with that, but what made me almost pop his head off was the fact that he went behind my back and delivered the C4 inside Court. Now damn it, that was my part! Not only did he do that, but he did it today! Today! I wanted to hit him.

"Everything will be in place before noon in moroi time."

"Thank you. The sooner the better." I said. I also realized that I need to contact Gideon to see if he got in the bombshells yet. I wanted my gang and every guardian in Court armed immediately.

"Alright. Get some rest everybody, you will need it." Dimitri said in Russian to my group.

"Alright, Rose. We are all heading back to Lissa's to rest. We would go to the hotel room, but she offered to make us breakfast when we got back." Larissa said with everyone behind her.

I nodded. "Dimitri and I will accompany you. I actually have something to share with you in private." I said, in business mode. Though, nothing I had to say to them really regarded business.

They nodded. And we all left in spate cars to Lissa's house. When we got there, everyone went to the living room. I guess the living room is where we all tell stories or news. I thought, referring to when we all went to the Belikov's and I told them the story about Mason.

Some of my gang were sitting on the couch with Lissa, while others were on the floor. Eddie and Mia came by for the food, and they were sitting on the love seat. My parents went to do some 'official business'- I suspected they were doing activities in the bedroom (if you ketch my meaning-ew).

Dimitri and I were standing up. I took a hold of his hand, entwining our fingers together and walked into the middle of the living room, putting the spot light on us.

"Dimitri and I, have some news for you guys." I said no longer containing my goofy smile. All the way here, I wanted to scream like a thirteen year old girl and tell everyone right there what was going on with us

"well?" Mia asked after a few moments of silence.

"Dimitri and I are getting married." Dimitri smiled as he translated to my gang. I quickly looked at them and said in Russian. "We want to get married guys, and I was wondering…what do you think? Will you be okay with this?"

Everyone in the room broke out in either a smile or a small cry. My gang, though, did smile, but they switched their weight over from one side of their leg to the other.

I felt all the blood rush out of my face. "You don't want me to marry him?" I said after they said nothing. I vaguely heard Mia's congratulations. She hugged me and I hugged her back, but just barely. My full attention was on my family.

"Rose…" Denis started, feeling the need to speak for everyone. His blond hair was in his eyes, and with nervous fingers, he brushed it back. "We are happy for you, but what about us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are you going to disband yourself from us and stay with Dimitri?"

"I would never ask her to do that." Dimitri cut in firmly and reassuringly in that sexy Russian tongue of his. "Rose has expressed to me time and time again on how important you guys are to her. You are her family, and like a family member, she will stay with you all. She has always talked highly of you all. She is so proud of you and proud to call you her family."

"So, you will stay?"

I smiled. "Yes."

Their attention turned to Dimitri. "What about him?" Lev said. "Will he join us? Because to tell you the truth, I am tired of being outnumbered by girls."

Tamara, Zena, Larissa and I all laughed.

"If you will have me, I will be honored to join your family." The way he said family, made it sound like a sanctuary. It sounded perfect and homey to me. And I wanted it more than I wanted air.

At once they all walked forward- well, they guys walked forward. The girls ran to us and started showering both Dimitri and I in kisses and hugs. Lev, Denis and Gabe shook Dimitri's hand in welcome and in thanks.

"Looks like we won't be over numbered by the girls anymore."

Everyone laughed, including Lissa and Christian. They took Russian in the Academy, so both of them had a view of what we were talking about.

"Welcome to the family," Tammy said, giving Dimitri a big kiss on the cheek and a hug. I gave a huge warm laugh at that. Dimitri's face was completely shocked by the girl's welcome. And, to be honest, so was I. I wasn't sure what they would say and do, but this was amazing- the warm welcome and the accepting of a new member. My family is almost complete.

Eddie and Christian shook Dimitri's hand. I was surprised Christian did. What is with that?

When the girls backed up Dimitri came up to me and planted one on me. Right in front of everyone! I was shocked. "Oooh!" All the females in the house went. I stifled a giggle. Dimitri is never this forthcoming. Okay, once; when I returned to Court. But this kiss was the sweetest kiss that he has ever given me yet. We pulled back, not wanting to go too far.

Lissa came in with a bottle of vodka and started passing shot glasses around. She filled them up. When she came to me, she gave me a hug. "We need to talk, Rose. But first, let me say that I am sorry."

I nodded. "You are forgiven, but don't do it again." I said the last part sternly and she nodded. "And I am going to need help with planning the wedding, after all, it is the maid of honor's duty to help!"

She screamed in excitement and jumped on me. I held her and hugged her tight. The hole in my heart that was aching every time I see her was finally patched up. I hugged her tightly for a moment then set her down.

"To my beautiful fiancé!" Dimitri said in English. I said it in Russian. His arm was around my waist, pulling us together in a half embrace.

Lissa filled everyone's shot glasses back up, saying it was her turn to make a toast. When everyone's glasses were filled, she spoke while Dimitri translated.

"To the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Belikov." She said with a twinkle in her eye. I smiled at her and Dimitri's arm around me tightened.

There was a lot of "whoa's" and "yea's" shouts. I blushed. We all quickly downed our drink.

"Ah, Lissa, where did you get the vodka from?" I asked after the whoa's and yea's died down.

"Adrian gave it to me as a house warming present. He said that no house should not contain booze." She said in an amusing tone.

I laughed. That was so him. "Where is Adrian, anyway?"

She winked. "Sydney just found out she is pregnant."

If I had anything in my mouth, I would have spit it out. "What! Oh my god! That's fantastic for them."

She nodded. "Yeah. At first she was really freaked out about it, but when she told him, his excitement made her less scared."

"Well, too bad she's not here."

"You will see them later." She promised.

Just then, that weird, creepy feeling came up on me. It's time to find out this creeper is.

NOTICE: I put pictures of Rose's gun (you have to imagine the color though-the silver), dress, her 'legendary leather outfit' and other things that I described in the story.

I'm sorry the chapter was so long. I JUST COULD STOP!- that and I had to put in a lot of things, b/c I have plans for the next chapter.

Now, please review