Chapter Twenty

Training. Once Again.

Rose POV

Dimitri accepted Kirova's offer. Thank god, it was about time. Now, he was a temporary sanctioned guardian here at St. Vlad's. I was definitely glad about it and we had gotten closer, you know, after he threw that hissy fit almost a week ago and left me here. What a man, I know. He apologized and constantly tells me how wrong he was to leave me, and I finally forgave him. Dimitri is a wonderful man... my wonderful man.

"Rose, are you even paying attention to me?" Dimitri asked with an exasperated sigh. He put his hands on his hips and sent me an annoyed look. I widened my eyes, snapping back to reality.

"What? Yeah, I'm paying attention, what are you talking about? Of course I'm paying attention," I tried to wave it off like I knew my stuff, but Dimitri saw through my lie like it was Saran wrap.

"What did I just say then?" he asked impatiently.

My lips formed a straight line. "Well, you know, fighting shit..."

"No. Rose," he sighed once again and ran his hands through his long, unruly hair. God, how I wanted to run my fingers through his hair, and then bury my face in it. And then- "I was talking about self defense. We haven't worked much on that. Anyway, a good way to secure yourself, is to get into a good stance, like so," Dimitri got into a stance that was slightly crouched, but with his arms up near his face, as if to be covering himself.

I mirrored his position, and Dimitri eyed me.

"Tuck your left foot in more, and lift your right elbow up. Straighten up your shoulders," he instructed. I followed suit, and Dimitri nodded, still eyeing me like I was a science project. He sprung his arm out and punched me in the gut, causing me to fall on to my back in surprise.

I gasped for air. "What the hell, Dimitri!" I shouted. What the fuck was up with that? Dimitri just shook his head.

"That was a test," he said, as if he could read my thoughts. "You're clearly off balance, and way too tensed up," Dimitri lowered his hand so that I could grab it and bring myself back to my feet. I got into the same exact position, and made sure that I was ready for anything now. Dimitri's warm hand rested on my shoulder. I felt myself stiffen up. "Relax, Roza," he said softly in my ear, and almost instantly I did so.

His hot breath tickled my neck, and I had to fight myself to stay calm. I would not do anything so bold here, especially at St. Vladimir's. Dimitri and I had slipped up yesterday, and ended up doing it. He gave me a talk after, telling me about how we had to lay low around all these people. Our relationship would most definitely be frowned upon, for more than a few reasons.

Dimitri's hand trailed from my neck to my hip, and it stayed there for a little bit longer than necessary. I didn't mind, however. We were in a deserted gym, in fact, barely anyone was up at this time. It was six thirty, and classes started at eight. Outside the large widows on the far side of the gym was the beautiful sunset. I was still a little off, since I- as well as Dimitri- had been living on human time for the past few months.

"Do not, ever, become distracted by your enemy," Dimitri said hotly in my ear. I gulped as I felt him slowly walk around me, as if assessing me, though I knew an attack was coming. I became ridged once again, and I had to remind myself to relax, and concentrate. I took a deep breath, and not a second later, Dimitri threw a hard uppercut to my jaw. I blocked his hit and pushed his weight off of me. "Good!" Dimitri cheered.

He threw a kick that was aimed for my face, but I brought both my forearms a few inches away from my face and blocked the kick. His leg fell to the ground, and he bounced on the balls of his feet, back and forth, as if to tease me. He shot out his fist for my stomach, and I instinctively brought my arms down to block the hit when he ended up punching me in the mouth with his other hand.

I flew back a couple feet and landed on my back. Dimitri walked over to me, a slight look of concern was in his eyes, but he covered it up quickly by pulling his guardian mask back on. This time, he didn't hold his hand out to me for help, so I had to get up on my own. I growled as I did so, there was a sharp pain in my head. There were mats beneath us, though the impact on my head still hurt a lot.

Getting up on my own was a breeze, but getting back into position hurt a little. My body had become ridged once again. I got in my stance, and Dimitri got into his. He was in an offensive stance whereas I was defensive. Dimitri and I started up our little dangerous dance once again, him attacking and me blocking. Dimitri got one more undercut at my side, but other than that, I blocked every single one of his hits.

After an hour or so, Dimitri told me that we had worked hard enough for now. I was more than ecstatic. At the end of the session I had a bloody lip and a forming bruise on my hip. I rubbed it, and then quickly drew my hand away from the pain. Dimitri slid his hand around my waist and applied an ice pack to my hip, but didn't pull away from me after. He smiled down at me as I smiled back up at him.

We walked over to the bench in silence, it was comfortable. He sat me down and then took his spot next to me. He handed me a bottle of water, and then opened his own. He took a long sip, and I watched his Adams apple as he swallowed the water. His sweat was dripping down his glistening skin. It was kind of hot, really.

Dimitri turned to look at me with a smug sexy smile, but I just rolled my eyes in mock annoyance. He chuckled and squeezed me to him. He leaned in and placed a quick peck on my lips before pulling away from me completely and standing up. I groaned in frustration as he just stood there with this playful arrogant smirk on his face looking at me with his arms crossed over his chest. I took a long swig of my water and then slammed it down. I jumped up, but then a second later, I realized that was a very stupid idea.

"Oww! Shit!" I shouted as I was brought to my knees in pain. My hip was absolutely killing me. Dimitri quickly knelt down to my level and put a hand on my shoulder. The worry showing plainly in his face.

"Are you okay, Roza?"

I nodded subtly. "Yeah, my hip is just really sore," I said. I stood up and walked, but still had a slightly noticeable limp. Dimitri looked at his watch and cursed in Russian. He stood up and came over to me.

"I have to go. I have a shift to get to," he said. He put his thumb on my chin and lifted my face so that our eyes were on each other's. Dimitri cautiously took one last glance around the room to make sure that there was absolutely no one in here before pulling my lips to his. I seductively sucked on his bottom lip and moaned as I gazed into his lust hazed eyes. "You'll be the end of me, Roza," he groaned. I sent him an impish wave that he returned with a smirk and a sexy air kiss with a wink.

I quickly picked up my bag of spare items and raced out of the gym with a happy smile on my face. That little kiss had brightened my day even though my hip still hurt like hell. It had been about an hour since we started, so I would only have limited time to get dressed and ready for the day.

Today was Thanksgiving. There were no classes, though a breakfast would be prepared at eight fifteen, so I would have to hurry. I hauled ass across the campus. I noticed someone walking across the grass, approaching me. She looked familiar, but I couldn't put a name on the face. It was... gosh, what's her name!

"Hi Rose!" she said in a really annoyingly happy voice. I was racking my brain and suddenly it hit me.

Tasha! The large gash on her face stuck out like a sore thumb and reminded me of her name. I pulled on a quick false smile. "Hey Tasha," I said softly. She just beamed at me. For a second, I felt like I had forgotten everything that she had done to Dimitri; the make out, almost raping him, and stabbing him in the leg. Her piercing blue eyes caught my attention, and I couldn't look away. I was reminded vaguely of Lissa when she uses compulsion.

Wait- is she using compulsion on me! Damn her!

I snapped my eyes away from her. "What are you up to, honey?" she asked sweetly, placing a hand on my shoulder.

Refusing any eye contact whatsoever, I stared at a single daisy in the forest of blades of grass. "I was just about to go back to my room to get ready for the day. I just had training with Dimitri." At the mention of Dimitri's name, Tasha tensed up immensely. You didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know that she obviously had feelings for Dimitri. It made my blood boil when I remembered the lengths she had gone to, singling him out and trying to have her way with him. God she pisses me off! "I need to go," I said as I rushed past her.

I felt her heavy burning gaze on my back, but I tried to wave it off. Just ignore her, I mentally told my self. I arrived in my dorm room a minute later relieved that I had gotten the hell away from her without any further interaction. First things first, peeling off all my disgustingly sweaty workout clothing, I hopped in the shower. I took my time applying shampoo and conditioner in my hair and body wash on my arms and legs. My muscles relaxed under the pounding water.

Getting out of the shower was always hard, especially when I was tired and had just gotten used to the amazing feeling of the warm water. But I did what needed to be done, and wrapped myself in a towel. I got dressed quickly, deciding on a pair of dark washed denim skinny jeans and a blue plaid long sleeved flannel button up shirt. I dried my hair and left it long and wavy. I added only minimal make up- only the essentials allowed- a little mascara and eyeliner.

Glad to be done with the mundane crap, I flopped down on my bed. I felt like a bag of shit. I just wanted to go to sleep. No more training, no more school, no more... work in general. Aahhh…. how wonderful that would be. I wished that I could just live in a paradise in a huge mansion on the beach with hot waiters... And Dimitri. Definitely Dimitri. And Lissa... and I guess Christian could come too since he makes Liss happy.

Back to reality, my alarm clock went off. I hadn't even realized that I had fallen asleep. My annoying alarm kept on beeping, so I slapped the snooze button and it stopped. It was eight fifteen, meaning breakfast had just started. Usually Lissa came in with Christian in tow to wake me up.

Today she wasn't here.

I was pretty confused. Maybe she was mad at me. Did I do something? I brushed it off and picked up my phone and shoved it in my back pocket. I left my room and walked down the corridor. There was nobody around. I guessed that everyone would be already there. As I was walking in the doorframe to the large ass cafeteria, I stretched my arms up in the air and let out a silent yawn.

Then an audience of claps erupted.

I jumped back and into the arms of someone. I looked up at him and saw his eyes beaming down at me in pure pride. There was nothing that made me feel better than that gaze that he used on me when he was proud of me. I smiled up at him, remembering where we were I turned back to the whole cafeteria of other students and staff clapping for me.

"I'm so proud of you," Dimitri finally said. He patted me on the back and nudged me forward.

"Huh?" I'm so confused.

I managed to move my feet after a second as I walked towards the front where Kirova was standing with a prideful look on her face. I fought off the urge to roll my eyes, though I knew Kirova's feelings were real, not like Tasha. Speak of the devil...

Tasha had walked in on the opposite side of the room. Her eyes were on me, and for once they weren't all 'happy go lucky!', but a little snarkish. I quickly diverted my eyes, scared that she might use compulsion on me once again.

Kirova was gesturing to me, and I noticed Christian standing by her side, a proud grin on his face and his eyes on... who else? Lissa. She was practically a huge ball of light she was so proud. I could feel her pride and joy radiating from the bond. I stood on the other side of Kirova. She placed her hand on the small of my back and began to speak. Everyone became silent immediately.

"As you all know, we have just battled a huge gang of strigoi. We were lucky to have enough guardians as well as a few from the royal court participate in finishing them off. Some of you know that the strigoi have been working with humans, humans that have been promised to be turned into strigoi sometime in the future- and they are the reason that they gained access to the stakes that they used to get in through the wards.

"I am sad to say that a few of our best guardians have been killed, and a couple injured." I looked around and noticed that some of the guardians had huge scratches and big purple bruises on their faces. "But on a happier note, I would like you all to give a round of an applause to the brave guardians," she said and all at once everyone- save the guardians lining the walls- clapped for them. A few broke out into smiles, but most kept their guardian masks covering their emotions. Dimitri being one of those.

"But I think our biggest amount of gratitude goes to Christian Ozera, as well as, Rose Hathaway," god it felt good to have my name announced. In fact, a huge smile slipped onto my features. "Though offensive magic is absolutely banned here at St. Vladimir's," Kirova paused to glare at Christian, "It was greatly appreciated. And taking down nearly seventeen strigois with your bare hands is, I admit, very impressive. Especially for a novice," Kirova gave me an approving look.

I met eyes with Lissa. There were tears in her eyes. She looked at me with admiring eyes. I had never seen her so ecstatic before. She has been close- many times- but this just takes the cake. She mouthed some words, most I couldn't read, but one string was very distinct.

I love you.

She winked and then broke out smiling once again. She averted her eyes to Christian to mouth something different, and I looked around the room to meet eyes with Dimitri. To my surprise, he wasn't looking at me. It made me a little sad, but when I followed his eyes, I realized that they landed on...

Tasha.

I furrowed my eyebrows to look back over at Dimitri. There was a look of utter disbelief mixed with rage and anger. He looked like he wanted to rip somebody's balls off. I smirked smugly, knowing that he didn't carry the same feelings for Tasha that she had for Dimitri. It felt amazing, really.

"We will hold the molnija ceremony tonight before the Thanksgiving feast," Kirova said with that proud look still adorning her features. I glanced over at Christian, and he looked over at me. We both sent each other excited looks. This would be Christian's first molnija, but it is the second time for me to be tattooed. I wondered if they were going to put on all sixteen tattoos on my neck. Probably not. That would definitely hurt.

The lunch room erupted with more applause. Kirova congratulated Christian and I glanced at him one more time before they let us go eat our breakfast. Good thing too because I was starving. I was looking for Dimitri, but I couldn't see him anywhere. I was worried with the whole Tasha thing. I wanted to go to him.

-.-

There was just an hour or so left until the molinja ceremony. I was nervous as fuck. My palms were sweating, and I have been pacing around my room for the last fifteen minutes. Christian and Lissa were sitting on the bed across from mine, talking about things, but mostly looking at me with a worried expression.

"Rose, just calm down," Lissa said as Christian took her hands into his and started massaging it.

Dimitri burst into the room at that moment. We locked eyes, and Dimitri slammed the door shut behind him before rushing forward to meet lips with me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he hastily wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. We locked lips and kissed passionately. It was amazing, and I hadn't realized how much I had been craving his lips on mine.

"God, you're so amazing," Dimitri pulled away to whisper. I looked into his eyes adoringly as he pressed his lips to mine to get one slow kiss out of me. We broke apart and smiled at each other. I pulled him onto my bed. Lissa and Christian were sitting on the other one across from mine just gaping at us. "Sorry it took so long to get to you, I had shifts all day. I came running as soon as mine was over," Dimitri said compassionately.

I smiled at him some more. In fact, I couldn't get the smile off of my face. "It's fine. I'm glad that you're here with me now. That's all that counts right?" Dimitri smiled back and pecked me on the lips.

Christian looked like he couldn't give two shits about Dimitri and I. Lissa, on the other hand, her expression turned drastically from shocked and confused to downright pissed. Christian noticed this as well and began to say something, but Lissa cut him off.

"No," she said to Christian. He backed off. She turned back to Dimitri and me with a piercing glare. "Rose, you know how I feel about Dimitri," she said, trying desperately to stay calm.

I was in no mood for this. "Lissa... just drop it."

"I won't drop it!" Lissa shouted. Dimitri raised a perfect eyebrow beside me. We both looked at each other questioningly before we turned back to an outraged Lissa. "I think that it's wrong what you two are doing. I mean, how can you even trust him? He's seven years your senior. Well, he could have been older, sure, but that's not the point. I don't think that what you two are doing is-"

"Lissa..."

"Right! Seriously. It's not only against the law, but it's also wrong to do that kind of thing with your mentor. I mean, out of all people Rose? You're so amazing, you could get any guy you want, but you choose your damned mentor? That's just... that's just... He left you!" she whined.

"Lissa!" I finally shouted. Lissa froze in her spot. She had jumped up and was now standing a foot in front of Dimitri and me. Her face contorted from anger to anxiety. I was on the verge of tears and very angry. I kept my eyes trained on the carpet. "Stop!"

"Rose... I'm-"

"I respect Christian and I don't give you shit about him, do I? Well, not anymore anyway. I don't bother you about your boyfriend, so don't bother me about mine. Just Fucking Stop! You're really starting to piss me off."

"I'm pissing you off?" She asked confused, but with attitude.

I didn't give her time to elaborate. "You are. With all you're whining about how Dimitri is too old for me and stuff. Seriously, just back the fuck off!" I said trying to control myself.

"You had sex with an older man! What you're doing is illegal! Why don't you understand that? It's. Not. Right!" Lissa added emphasis to the last word. For once, she was being... mean. She's never been mean like this to me. It stung. I wasn't used to this side of Lissa. I tried to convince myself as she kept rambling that she is just in a bad mood. Yeah, that's it. She doesn't really hate Dimitri. At one point I had to stop her. I couldn't take anymore.

I stood up, my hand in Dimitri's. "No! You want to know what's not right Lissa? You are not right! I love him, he loves me! I deserve the chance to be happy! No matter whom it is that I choose to love! You should be supportive not trying to tear me down!" my voice broke. I pulled the sleeve of my oversized jacket (it's Dimitri's) over my fist and wiped my forearm over my eye to prevent any tears from falling. "Please leave..." I whispered.

Lissa shot me a hurt look, but quickly grabbed Christian's hand and rushed out of the room. Christian made a small sound of protest, and then sent me an apologetic look before getting drug out of the room. I looked over at Dimitri, who looked incredibly uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry," I apologized.

Dimitri cupped my cheek with his hand. "You don't need to apologize. Lissa's actions are her own. I knew people wouldn't approve of our relationship," he sighed. "I just hope this doesn't come between you two."

"I don't care what everyone else thinks, I love you!" I hollered. Dimitri just smirked and brought me down to his lap.

"As I love you, my Roza," he whispered in my ear. I smiled and pecked his lips. He smiled back, but then it faltered. "It's just... if we were to get caught... the cost would be too high," Dimitri said wistfully. I felt bad; Dimitri had so much to lose if we were to be exposed. I kissed his forehead; my lips lingered around his skin.

"We'll be careful, okay? Like... ninja's... or spies or something," I said enthusiastically. Dimitri just chuckled as he brought my face down to place one last long kiss on my lips.

"You make everything sound fun."

-.-

The molnija ceremony started. I was stressed, and frankly scared to pieces. Instead of giving me the sixteen tattoos, they resorted to giving me a star-like tattoo the Zvezda. Apparently, it symbolized fighting a battle with strigoi. I guess that made sense, I wouldn't want all of those tattoos at once.

There was a crowd of people in the ceremony room. There were other guardians getting molnija, and Christian was there too. As was Lissa. I didn't really know what to do with her at this point in time. Novices and family members of others were here also.

As they finished the tattoo on my neck, I got up and smiled brightly. Everyone clapped as the tattooist wrapped my neck in a bandage. Everyone went through hugs, kisses on the cheek, or just giving me a complement.

"Roza!" called a voice. My first thought was Dimitri! But when I thought about it, the voice was far too feminine.

I turned around to be face to face with Olena before she tackled me in a bear hug. I gasped and hugged her back. "Olena!" I said in surprise. She pulled back from me and kissed me firmly on the forehead.

"We're so proud of you..." she said, tears welling up in her eyes. I smiled at her, but then contemplated her words. We? Did she mean...

"Very proud, Kiz," my father walked out of nowhere and came up beside Olena. I furrowed my brows.

"Thanks... I don't mean to be rude or anything, but what are you guys doing here?" I asked and let out a nervous chuckle. Olena held my hands in hers and beamed down at me whereas Abe just held a hand on my shoulder and looked at me with pride.

"We heard about the strigoi attack, and as stupid as it sounds, we came. Dimitri informed us about the battle and such... and we wanted to make it here for the molnija ceremony!" Olena said excitedly. I could only smile at her. I felt proud to be regarded so highly.

"I'm so glad you guys are here," I said and hugged Olena. For some odd reason, okay it's not really odd at all, Olena feels like more of a mom to me than Janine does. I don't get why Janine neglected me so much. I get that she works, but would it have been too difficult to see me a couple times a year? Jesus. Olena filled my heart up with love and fixed the pain that came with all the lost time without a mother. She was as good a mother as anyone could ever be, if not better. I felt tears well up in my eyes. I would not shed any, but I felt so loved in this moment.

When Dimitri strode over and wrapped his arms around my neck, it felt like... home. It was wonderful. I was with my family. The only person that was missing was Lissa. But I would stand my ground. If she wants to be mad at me for foolish reasons, then fuck her. She can go her own way.

We walked to the cafeteria. It was all dressed up and decked out with Thanksgiving type décor; garland, pumpkins, fall leaves, etc. It looked wonderful. The tables were all lined up so that there were only three tables, but they were all long. It kind of had that Harry Potter thing going on, I guess. It looked cool.

The dinner started and all sorts of talking erupted. I was seated in between Eddie and Dimitri. Christian sat across from me, and Lissa sat promptly at his side. Christian and I talked casually, but Lissa openly ignored me. Every time our conversation began to escalade, Lissa would rudely draw his attention to something else. I just rolled my eyes and ate more of my wondrous food.

Then the most horrible thing that ever happened could happen.

Janine showed up. I glared at her from across the room. What the hell does she want! We met eyes and her eyes turned to little slits. She beckoned me to come to her, but I gave the slightest shake of my head. Trying to do my best to ignore her I got into an interesting conversation with Eddie about sparring and stuff.

Unfortunately, I knew when she came up behind me. "Rose. I need to have a talk with you. Please follow me," Janine said into my ear. I wouldn't even call her mother. That was harsh, I knew it, but I didn't care. She would have to work to be labeled as my mother.

"I'm sorry, I'm in the middle of eating. Maybe another time," I said abruptly. It was being disrespectful, but I didn't care. Dimitri tensed up next to me and became silent as he eavesdropped on us. God, he's so good at that.

"There'll be plenty of time to eat later. I need to have a word. Now! Please, don't make this harder than it needs to."

I gritted my teeth in anger. "I'm not getting up, nor am I going to talk to you," I spoke through my clenched teeth. Eddie, Lissa, and Christian had turned their attention to me now. Lissa didn't even bother to look away when I caught her looking at me. She wanted to know what was going on as badly as everyone else did.

What does she want? Lissa asked through the bond. I was surprised that she was acting like she actually gave a shit. I didn't say anything in reply, since Janine was only right behind me. And the bond didn't work both ways, so to try that would be futile.

"You haven't changed one bit." It was simple, what she said in my ear, but it was harsh. She was referring to the fact that I was immature? What the hell did she know! She hasn't been around to know anything! Honestly, I felt like I was being the mature one. That was it the straw that broke the camel's back. I had a really long and somewhat crappy day. I did NOT need her shit too.

Janine stood up tall and marched down the row of tables. Nobody really paid any attention to her, but when I jumped out of my seat and charged after her, people looked up.

TBC!

Okay, my awesome-fucking-tastic beta (dpower) helped me out-not only beta'ing my chapter, but she also realized why my story wasn't on the VA page. So now I think you guys will be able to find this ten times easieeer!

Review plz! There was something else I wanted to add earlier but I forgot what it was... shit oh well.