Thanks for your reviews!

This chapter should clear a few things up, thankyou for the questions, I need them to know what to add.

Read and Review - Enjoy! =P

Disclaimer: All characters belong to their rightful owner, Richelle Mead. I own nothing - except this plot, Alexei AND Stephanie (I always forget about her)

Stephanie had decided that I was well enough to get out of bed, so I was now walking around with Alexei in my arms.

He had fallen asleep awhile ago but I didn't want to put him down. I couldn't believe that this little baby in my arms was mine – and Dimitri's

I can remember that night clearly; we were lying on the couch…

*FLASHBACK*

"Come on Dimitri! Why not?" I whined.

He sighed in frustration, "Fine! Do you want to know why we can't sleep together?"

I nodded. "Here's why," he started, sitting up, "When I was awakened, I was told about a child," he paused, "who was half Dhampir, half Strigoi. She was born seven months earlier than normal, but her aging became natural a few months after her birth.

Years passed as she grew up, but unlike Dhampirs', she still needed blood to survive. When she turned 18, she left school to find her father.
He didn't recognize her – only seeing her as food.

He lunged forward to grab her, but the instant his skin made contact with hers, he was hit with every element at once: Fire, Water, Earth, Air and Spirit, all swarming inside and around him; blinding everyone with a white light.

When it cleared, he was on the floor. But he was no-longer Strigoi anymore, he was a Dhampir.

No-one knows if this actually happened, but I'd rather not test it," he finished.

I stared at him in disbelief, trying to find my voice. After several attempts, I finally asked, "But why not? You could become a Dhampir again – with me."

"But you've forgotten Rose, I don't want to be a Dhampir; I'm stronger now – in every way."

I rolled my eyes; typical Strigoi.

"But how come I've never heard about this?" I asked curiously.

"The girl became a target for all Strigoi, she didn't last very long. She was the only non-Strigoi who knew about it, so it could never have gotten out."

Okay, I should've seen that one coming.

Deciding to go back to my earlier plan; I tried to think of some other way of seducing him, but came up short.
Suddenly, I remembered the ring Mark had given me.

Reaching into my pocket, I hoped it still had enough spirit in it.
"Dimitri," I said, "you're always giving me presents, so I want to give you one. Here," I handed over the ring, "It was given to me, but I think it suits you better. Put it on."

He did as I asked; and you could see the difference. His face became more animated, and he started to look more like the old Dimitri I knew.

I decided that this would be my last chance, so I made my move…

We slept together that night; it was just like in the cabin – we were both equals.

*END FLASHBACK*

Coming back to myself, I realized I had absentmindedly placed Alexei in his cot.

I watched as a small smile crossed his face; he looked so peaceful sleeping.

I was so distracted, that I didn't hear Dimitri come in.
"Roza."

I spun around, finding myself face to…um, well…chest.

I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer for a kiss.

It was over far too soon, and Dimitri looked over my shoulder, to see his child, "So this is the famous Alexei," he said this in a whisper, but Alexei must've sensed something, because his eyes snapped open.

He was awake and alert in that instant, looking directly at Dimitri.

He seemed to understand who he was immediately – although I'll never know how – because he smiled that same toothy grin as he did with me; and held up his arms.

Something in the old Dimitri must've sparked; his hand started shaking, slowly reaching out toward Alexei.

But inches away, it stopped, the Strigoi in him had won; his hand swung back to his side in as instant, like nothing had happened. He turned around and hastily made his way to the door, slamming it on his way out.

Seeing as Alexei was still wide awake, I picked him up from his cot and placed him on the floor.

After standing there a little longer, I sat down beside him, and tried to find something for my child to play with.

Good? Bad? What did you think?

If you're unsure of anything, tell me.

~Serious~