Author Note – My sincerest apologizes I know I said I would get this chapter up by the end of the week but time just got away from me. So so sorry please don't hate me! And thank you once more for all the reviews. I really do appreciate all the support you have all shown me!

Chapter 13 –

My heat skipped a beat as Dimitri's eyes flickered towards me. The look he gave me, spoke a thousand words. I knew he loved me and that he would do anything for me, even if that meant him resigning.

Looking away from him for the second time during the meeting, I stared at the floor conscious of Alberta standing beside me. The room grew quiet and I slowly glanced back up at Headmistress Kirova.

She was standing in front of me, her lips pursed tightened into a straight line. She glared at me for what seemed like an eternity. Finally she spoke again. This time it was directed at Dimitri.

"Guardian Belikov, you are an outstanding guardian and you will be truly missed but your actions with a student are inexcusable."

"No!" I screamed and shot right out of my chair knocking it to the floor with a loud thud. " You can't ..you can't do this!"

"Ms Hath…."

"But you can't do this"

"Ms. Hathaway! Kindly leave my office immediately,"

"You can't do this!" I cried as one of Kirova's strong guardians dragged me out of her office.

I wriggled out of his tight grip and began to pace the corridor. The guardian soon gave up and walked back inside. Wishing I knew what was going on in there I pressed my ear up to the door.

Straining to hear anything except for a few muffled tones coming from Kirova. I wanted so desperately to punch Tasha right in the jaw. Then I heard the deep baritone voice the one I knew so well –Dimitri. He was saying something.

"I'm sorry but I cannot apologize for my actions tonight and as Rose's mentor I take full responsibility. But please don't expel her. If you do the bond between Vasilisa Dragomir and her would be wasted. "

"I agree," Alberta added.

"Besides from what I have seen Rose has proven time after time that she has what it takes to become a guardian and a great one at that."

"Huh" Tasha muttered.

I couldn't make out much more as time went on and with a sigh I slowly sat on the floor. It seemed like hours before Alberta appeared and beckoned me into the office. I walked slowly behind her as Kirova gestured for me to take a seat. I sat on the hard chair in front of her desk once more and nervously began to figite with my hair. Nobody could save me not even Alberta.

I looked up at Headmistress Kirova and waited for her to tell me I was expelled from St Vladimir's Academy. But instead the words she uttered surprised me.

"I have spoken with both Guardian Petrova and Guardian Belikov. And thought I am disappointed with your actions I cannot afford to lose another novice."

"Uh?"

"You may be wild and disrespectful but I see a lot of potential in you Rosemarie. You will make a fine Guardian someday," Headmistress Kirova added.

"So I get to stay? You're not going to expel me?" I stuttered.

Headmistress Kirova turned around and with a deep sigh she replied, "No Ms. Hathaway I am not going to expel you but on one condition –you are to stay away from Guardian Belikov …till the exams are over."

I nodded in response afraid that if I spoke she would change her mind.

"That is all. You may leave."

I paused just as I was about to turn the gold door handle of her office and slowly looked back over my shoulder.

"Headmistress Kirova?" I whispered.

"Yes Rosemarie."

"What is to happen to Guardian Belikov?"

"I believe he is about to go on guardian duty shortly,"

I couldn't believe me hears did she just say what I think she said? Or was I just hoping that is what she said?

"He didn't resign"

"No he didn't and I can't lose a guardian like him either. Now I suggest you go and get some sleep. Your exams are only two weeks away."

As soon as I was dismissed from Kirova's office I practically ran down the corridor eager to catch Dimitri before he went on duty for the night. I raced across the grounds to the other side of the academy and bumped right into Tasha.

She didn't look one bit pleased to see me here and she showed it with the evil glare she shot me.

"Watch it!" I cried.

"I'd be careful if I was you." Tasha snarled back.

For some reason the comment made me shiver inside. Like it had a double meaning to it. I shrugged it off and hoped I was wrong as I crossed the grounds and found Dimitri. He had just started his guardian duties and was walking a few yards in front of me.

"Comrade wait up!"

"Roza, you shouldn't be out here," He said in a thick Russian accent.

"I know I –I had to see you."

"You'll freeze out here, go back in side,"

"No!"

He gave me an exasperated look before removing his leather duster and placing it over my shoulders. I pulled the coat closer to me. The slight scent of his aftershave still lingered there.

"I had to see you,"

A lump formed in my throat and I began to sob. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. I knew if we where caught out here we would be both in serious trouble this time but I couldn't seem to move from the spot I was standing in.

"Roza"

Dimitri pulled me into his arms and spoke in gentle tones.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too, Roza."

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and once more sorry for late update. So Tasha –hmmm what evil plots of destruction are you planning?! And what else was said in the office? why has Kirova suddenly had a change of heart? …Stay tuned and please review!