"Please, call me Abe." He smiled, offering his hand to me.

I eyed him warily for a moment, this man was known for his shady dealings and he had a very unpleasent reputation. The only reason I was even giving him the time of day was because he had helped my family when I was younger.

"Abe. What can I do for you?" I asked taking his hand firmly in mine and shaking it twice before dropping mine to my sides. I glanced around, usually when ever Abe was about then he was tailed by guardians... Only there were none in the building, I couldnt see a single guardian anywhere. it was odd.

"Im here on behalf of Rose."

My body instantly tensed, I locked eyes with him. He knows Rose? How? I had to double check his features somehow expecting to see paler skin and red eyes...but he was fine. I relaxed and raised an eyebrow. "On behalf of her? How do you know Miss Hathaway?" I questioned him, wondering just how much he knew about her and what his intentions were.

"Oh come now Belikov, you dont have to hide it from me. I am fully aware of your... Relationship... With Rose."

"Im sure I dont know what youre talking about." I defended instantly. Surely this mobster man didnt know anything about us... How could he? Noone else knew... But if he did... Should I be worried?

"I have been in touch with Guardian Petrov, she informed me of Roses current... Predicament... She pointed me to you, saying that you were closest to Rose, other than Queen Dragomir, she spoke highly of you, but she did mention that towards the end of term that circumstances changed...because you left Rose. She seemed to think that you changed her, as she changed you. She was still adamant that you would be the one to help though." he crossed his arms over his chest and his dark brown eyes bore into my own.

Guardian Petrov... Alberta? I knew she had her guesses about me and Rose, but why would she bring Abe Mazur into it?

"Why do you hold an interest in Rose?" I questioned.

He smirked and as I stared at his face, his eyes, he attempted to raise one eyebrow only to have both of them go up.

My mouth dropped open in shock as I realised who he really was. It couldnt be, surely not... Surely Zmey wasnt her... Her father? The resemblance at this exact moment was uncanny. His facial features, the intense brown of his eyes. The same skin colour, hair colour... He was like an older, male version of her...

"Youre her father?" I finally asked after a moment of stunned silence. He nodded in confirmation before his arms dropped, he clapped me on the shoulder lightly.

"Youre a quick study Belikov. Now where are you heading in such a hurry?"

I eyed him for a moment longer, wondering wether I could really trust this man. If he was really Roses father then surely he would have her best interests at heart... But how much did he know? Has Lissa spoken to him? Does he know we are trying to save her?

"I suppose Im going wherever you are headed, sir." I said, lifting one hand as though offering for him to lead the way.

He led me back outside and around the back towards the private runway, a solid black jet sat at the edge, its motor idling as though it had barely touched down and was already waiting to take off again.

"Please, take a seat. We'll be back at the academy before long and we can go over your... Plans.. There." Abe said as he took a seat on the leather couch against one side of the plane. I glanced around, there was a couch on either side, small tables at each end held bottles of liquor and soda. At the other end there was a door which I could only imagine on a plane this luxurious that it would lead to a bedroom of some sort.

I sat opposite him as he offered me a glass of clear liquid. "Russian vodka." he grinned as I took the glass.

The smooth Drink burned its way down my throat, and flooded me with memories of home. The planes engine grew louder and I glanced out the window to see the runway sliding beneath us and the plane lifted up.

"So Dimitri, you dont mind if we go on first name basis do you?" he didnt even wait for a response before carrying on. "What exactly happened between you and Rose?"

I gulped, glancing at him warily. That was definitely a loaded question. There was no way I was going to admit that I had slept with my student, his underage daughter... I didnt have a death wish.

"Rose and I...cared deeply for each other, our student-mentor relationship become... More. But as soon as it felt as though it was blurring our lines of duty I ended it. I couldnt risk my charge because of my feelings for a fellow guardian. So I left 2 years ago and I took up a position as Lady Ozeras guardian."

"Did you love her?" he asked suddenly, leaning forward with his elbows in his knees, he was studying me intently.

"Yes. I loved Rose. I still do." I didnt even have a chance to consider my answer before it just came tumbling out of my mouth. I tensed, waiting for his angered reply. Surely he wouldnt be happy, I mean, there was a big age difference, and I had been her mentor...

"Good."

"What? Good?" I stuttered, shock was no doubt evident on my face.

He chuckled lightly. "You forget Dimitri, I know you. Ive known you for a long time now. I also know that Rose could be... Unpredictable, aggressive, a little hard headed... I couldnt have picked a better man for my daughter. Even under the curcumstances." he cleared his throat gruffly. "I do wish however, that you hadnt left her. Shes had far too many men leave her behind." his eyes grew distant for a split second, I could hear the meaning behind his words.

"Why did you leave then?" for the second time I was unable to control what came out of my mouth. Where the hell has all of my hard worked self control gone?

"that is a very long story." he mused, swirling the vodka around in his cup before taking a sip. "But Im sure you are well aware of my..uh reputation... Its not exactly family friendly." he finished his drink, "Lets just leave it that. Now. What are your plans regarding Roses current...state? I take it you are planning to go after her, are you not?"

I eyed him for barely a moment, I dont know what it was but I felt as though, even with his reputation and his business dealings that Abe Mazur was probably a very good man to have on our side, that and the fact that he seemed to care about his daughter. So I told him everything, Lissas plan, her research and the fact that Rose was looking for me.

He had a thoughtful look on his face, like he was deep in concentration, his brows furrowed and his lips were pursed in a tight thin line.

"So... Youre telling me... Rose is strigoi... But Vasillissa thinks she can turn her back into a dhampir?" he asked never taking his eyes off the spot hed been staring at on the carpet.

"exactly."

"Using spirit?"

"yes."

"So she would be back to her old self? Completely dhampir again?"

"Yes, thats what we hope." I nodded, watching him intently trying gauge his reaction.

When he looked up his eyes were hard and determined, a glint of something hidden behind the deep brown iris's. That one look reminded me so much of Roza it hurt.

"right. We'll need eyes on her, tracking her whereabouts at all times and Im sure Lissa will need help. Ill get my men onto it right away. If we can really save her then I will do everything in my power."