Ambushed. Struggle. Taken. Those three words kept circling around in my mind. Christian had never received a call from Dimitri. I had waited for hours. Abe had avoided me the entire time. I just knew something was wrong. But everyone seemed to be keeping their distance from me. Maybe it had been to protect me. Maybe they were trying to do something about it. No matter what it all ended the same way.
And my mind could not process how it had been possible. They were suppose to be fine. They had guns with them. And training that would put most to shame. But yet it had not been enough. Not only that they had not had enough back up. I should have known. I should have stopped him, made him stay here with me. Where it was safe.
Dimitri and Adrian had been taken. They had killed the other two guards with them, Pavel and Darius, making it clear that they had not been wanted. The letter I had been forbidden from reading had somehow ended up on my lap. Christian had gone and stolen it from my father. The threats he had told me about were nothing compared to what was written on that letter.
The grim on his face told me everything I needed to know. Christian had spent so much time comforting me, for no use though. They were still gone. And there was more he wanted.
Victor wanted not only Dimitri and I. No he wanted Adrian, Mason, and Christian too. He had even threatened Lissa and Andre's lives. And the worse was the threat to my baby. The talk of cutting the child out of me and leaving it to die was just too much for me to handle.
Victor was everything I had imagined him to be. He held nothing back in the letter. Going into every detail, of how and where. He had everything planned, and seemed so sure of himself. It was like he was writing something that had already happened. The fear I held seeped into my bones. I felt like there was nothing I could do to stop him, there was nothing anyone could do to stop him.
And now this man had two out of the five people he wanted. He had my love, fiance and father of my baby Dimitri. My good friend Adrian. And with them the man had my heart. My friends and family were everything to me. Dimitri was everything to me. I needed him back, my baby and I both did.
They had been ambushed on the long road to the cabin. A car had pulled out in front of theirs, causing them to veer off the road. Bullets and bullet holes were found in and around the trees. Reports of a struggle, given by someone walking near by in the woods. And last were the tracks leading down the road were the captors car had sped away.
At the moment there were no leads. There was nothing left behind that could let them know where they had gone. An now no one had seem them. It was almost like they had just disappeared off the face of the planet. How were they suppose to bring them back if they had nothing to go on.
"Rose you need to calm down. Everything will be fine." Christian pulled me into a hug. But even that felt like nothing to me. At the moment I felt numb.
"Look at me. I'm going to help you ok? That baby is not going to come out without its father being there. They are both my friends and I plan on doing whatever it takes to get them back." At that moment I believed him. Christian was a smart ass and sometimes just a straight out ass but he had proved to me to be loyal, loyal and hands on.
"What are we going to do?" I wiped at my tears and sat up straight. I had to pull myself together, if not I would never get my Dimitri back.
"They took them for a reason. They want something, and I don't think they are going to leave without the rest of what they want." He gave me a pointed look, but I understood what he was saying.
Victor had gone all out. He wanted the five of us. And nothing was going to stop him from trying to get all of us. It was just a matter of time before we fell into his trap. What would it be? Would it be easy to spot? Whatever it was Christian was right there was a reason. And Victor had a plan, something we did not seem to have.
But what could the two of us do. If anything whatever we did would make anything Victor would do worse. He did not want anyone else. It was us he was seeking. If we tried to mess with him, he could hurt other people. Innocent people. But then again if we did nothing something bad could happen, something worse than what Victor already had planned.
"What do you think we need to do?" Christian eyed me warily his eyes staying on my baby bump a little longer than needed. I knew me being pregnant would stop him, I just hoped he saw how much I needed to help him.
"Its risky Rose, and I don't- I shouldn't put you or the baby in danger." I saw how hard this choice was for him. But he also knew I wanted in on his plan, nothing was going to stop me.
"I'll be fine. We'll be fine." I rested my hand on my baby and waited patiently for him to continue.
"He's going to have people watching us. You, me and Mason. He's going to wait for a moment like how he got Dimitri and Adrian." I flinch at the thought. "So we need to bait him..." A knock had Christian stopping. Tasha walked in looking grim.
"Can I speak to you Christian." He nodded slowly to her but got up, but not before making sure I was fine. I gave him a quick wave, whatever the hell that woman had to say would probably not take much time.
"Meet me in my office." Tasha's voice was blank, vacant. Something was missing. I just knew she knew something. And what could she possible tell Christian that she could not tell him in front of me.
Christian walked out and it took Tasha several moments to turn around and look my way. She looked me up and down, a slight grimace on her face.
"What do you want Tasha?" My voice sounded a lot stronger than I felt. I had no time for her bullshit, not right now.
"I have something for you. I was going to give it to your father but, I was afraid if I did they would harm them." I stood up as quickly as I could and walked towards her.
"What is it? Is it about Dimitri and Adrain?" She looked down at me again, her eyes taking all of me in. When her eyes settled on my swollen stomach she looked sad, and like she was fighting a battle.
"Here." She handed me an envelope. On it in clear handwriting was my name. I was about to ask her about it but she walked out faster than I could. I ripped the letter open in seconds. I had no time to waste, I already knew who it was from.
Dearest Rosemarie,
As you can see I have gotten a portion of what I came here for. Your mother was a fool to think she could keep you safe. Ibrahim was even more of a fool.
Get away from the group.
You give yourself and your baby up and those around you will remain alive. Ibrahim will live, your little brother. Even Lissa and Andre. But if you do not come by sunset today I will make sure you watch everyone you love and care for die before your eyes.
A reward will be given to you if you can convince Mason and Christian to come with you. I can assure you, giving yourselves up willingly will be a lot better for all.
Think fast Rosemarie.
Sincerely,
V.D
Before I could even process what the letter said it was being ripped from my hands. Masons eyes scanned the letter quickly, no doubt taking in every single detail. His hands started shaking and he started to walk to the door, just as I was about to stop him, he stopped on his own.
I took a deep breath, what he did next would dictate our future. Everyone's future. Could Mason help me? Could he stay calm long enough to not do something rash. I just needed him to think this through, to see what could happen if he gave that letter to Abe.
"Who gave this to you?" My mouth dried up. I was afraid if I told him Tasha did he would go after her.
That could ruin everything. But what if I should tell him, what if she had something to do with all this. The calls to New York, the way she hated me, and wanted Dimitri all for herself. No matter what though, I could not say, it could make things worse. Or help. How was I suppose to know though.
"Mason I- I... I can't tell you. Look at that letter. Everyone we love and care for. I can't- couldn't be able to deal with that." His eyes narrowed as he studied me.
Mason never listened to most things I said. But this was a dire situation. I could see the wheels in his head turning. I just only wished I knew what was going on in there. Would he turn around and involve Abe? Or would he do what I knew and thought was right. Self sacrifice for the better of those we loved.
"What are planning on doing Rose? Turning yourself in?" He gave a humorless laugh, and then turned serious as he noticed that was exactly what I had been planning on doing.
"Rose you cannot- will not give yourself in to this man. He is fucking crazy! What makes you think if you turn yourself in that you would get Dimitri back?" He stepped closer to me his eyes boring into mine. "What makes you think your baby will survive this whole ordeal?"
"Mason I have to try. And.. And as much as I hate it, whats my life worth when so many can live." Anger was clear in his eyes. He took the last step separating us and grabbed me shoulders. It was clear that Mason was afraid, but his anger was taking over.
"I promised him to make sure no harm ever came to you. Do you understand I intend on keeping that promise." Mason looked so lethal at the moment.
Why would he promise Dimitri that though? Did they know this could happen, would happen?
It was weird seeing him this way, so fierce, so determined. Mason never showed this side of himself. It took me a moment to find my composure. I wanted to call him out but then it all hit me. This was the Mason I had never seen. This was guardian Mason. The man that had sworn to protect and serve. This was the Mason I had thought was bad. How wrong I had been.
"Mason, but look where this had come." His eyes flickered around the room before landing on me again.
"We can't give up. Abe is certain he knows where they are!" Mason was trying to get me to understand to do as he told, and right then and there I made a decision.
" You're right. I just am so scared Mason." His eyes turned soft and he pulled me into a hug, being mindful of my baby bump.
No matter what I always loved Mason. He always did things in hopes to make my life better. Most of the time his choices had been wrong, but his heart was always in everything he did. He could try and be the bad guy, at the end of the day Mason was anything but. He was the good guy, the good guy who in the end always got hurt.
I had never seen Mason with a girlfriend. He had given up a normal life in order to raise Eddie and me. He chose late night movies with us, instead of going out on a date. Or even going out with friends. He had given up so much for me already, and I was certain I could not ask him to give up anymore.
Mason and I had our ups and downs, in the end he would always be my brother. Abe was not his biological father, though he gladly took the place of being his father. Mason and Eddie both looked up to him as a father figure. As the strong willed man he was. It was why I could see Mason running to him, getting Abe to do something about the letter.
So many things passed through my mind right then. How could I just give myself up. Would it really be that easy? Not only that I did not know what would happen to me, to me or my baby. I loved my baby so much. My mind was once again on full speed. How could I put my baby in danger.
I had never held such love for anything in my entire life. Even the love I held for Dimitri did not seem as strong. Maybe it was maternal instinct. Maybe I just knew that it was right to love my baby boy so much. But I also knew something were more important than this. Which is why I believed I was a horrible mother. I just needed some time to think, alone, without interruptions.
Mason did exactly what I needed him to do. He walked out of the room, claiming he had to let Abe know. He assumed I would sit still. Assumed I would just sit back and do nothing. It just only showed how little he knew about me.
I walked out of the room faster than I thought I could. My belly slowed me down but not enough to get caught. I had to get out of the building before anyone noticed me. It was not an easy task but somehow, someway I managed. The only problem was I did not make it to the car without being spotted. I wasn't planning on turning myself in. No I just needed some time alone. To think about everything that was happening. A drive around the block would be exactly what I needed.
"Rose! Rose!" I tried to speed up but it was useless. Being six months pregnant was really taking its toll on me.
I fumbled with the car key. I had just enough time to get in and speed off, but luck was just not on my side. I just needed to get to Dimitri. Do something, anything but sit around and wait. Waiting was only going to make things worse. I knew what they wanted, why would I endanger everyone else's lives. The only problem was my nerves were getting the best of me. My keys fell to the ground, and the person had caught up with me.
"Rose, what the hell." Christian bent down and got my keys, as he stood up he looked around confused. I grabbed for my keys but he pulled them away.
"Where are you going? And alone?!" His eyes narrowed at me as I reached for the keys again.
"I'm going, I have no time to waste. I just need to be alone, Christian, alone." Christian was not going to take that as an answer though.
"Rose, don't be stupid we need a plan, going out alone is only going to end up with you being taken." I sighed loudly, he was right, but my mind was just not thinking straight.
"I can take care of myself. I mean I learned self defense from you." He rolled his eyes and opened his mouth. I was ready to banter with him, to turn around and walk back to the building. I knew he was right, going out alone had been crazy of me. Abe could and would find Victor, along with Dimitri and Adrian. Though things never seem to go the way you plan.
He was about to retort back with something, when suddenly he fell to the ground.
The cause of this was some hitting him over the head with a bat. Panic surged through me. There was no way they would be this bold. We were right in front of the guardian building. I had no time to look around though, all my attention was on Christian. His head was bleeding, and it was bleeding a lot. Oh god was he dead. I went to check on him when arms wrapped around my wrists.
"Why look here boys." I was turned around and was met with jade green eyes. Those eyes looked so familiar. I had seen them almost on a daily basis. The thought that this man could be related to her scared me, a lot.
"My do you look so much like your mother." My eyes widened the moment I noticed who this was. This had to be him. Victor.
I tried to pull away but my effort was pointless. I wasn't going anywhere but where this man wanted me. There was only one thing I could think to do and that was to attack. I had been willing to turn myself in. But now in the face of danger I wanted to get away. To save myself and my baby. There had to be another way to get Dimitri and Adrian back.
I kicked out catching his knee, enough for his grip to loosen. I pulled away and started to run, but was quickly stopped by another man. I struck out again, only this time my hit was caught before it made contact. My eyes closed as the sensation of falling filled me.
I felt myself falling and fear coursed through me. A fall like this would harm my baby, and I knew as soon as I hit the ground I would not be standing up again. My poor baby depended on me and I had been so stupid to even come outside. My hormones had been on a rampage, I just needed some air. This had all been so much for me.
Right before my hip hit the ground though I was stopped. The same man I tried to hit was holding me upright and hauling me to a waiting SUV. One that Christian was currently being thrown into. I only had one option left. Someone had to be around. I started to squirm in his arms, anything for him to let go, but he held me tightly. So I did the only thing left to do.
"Help! Some help!" I made my body dead weight as the man continued to drag me. "HELP!"
My heart was beating so hard I could barely hear anything around me. Someone had to hear me, someone close by. This was after all the guardian headquarters. Blood was rushing to my brain as I noticed that this was all my own fault. I had been planning on leaving, exposing myself. But I had not wanted Christian or anyone to come with me. I had been brave, certain, confident. Now I was only scared. I had no idea what was to come, and there was nothing I could do about it.
"Rose! Christian!" I looked up just in time to watch Abe, Mason and a few more people running our way. All had guns out and ready. Abe looked like he could kill alone with his glare. I felt relief for about two second, until I noticed how far off they were, and what was in their way.
They were too late. I had been so stupid to leave the safety of the building. I was in the SUV before they could come close enough. My hands were tied behind my back, as gun shots went off. I could see the the struggle but could do nothing about it. Abe was now fighting a man twice his size, while Mason tackled one to the ground. But no matter what they did it was too late. Victor had jumped into the drivers seat and was speeding off.
All I could feel were the hot tears going down my cheeks. My mind was reeling, every thought possible going round and round. Would I ever see them again? Was I going to live? How would my baby make out?
But the one thing that kept repeating was how this was all my fault. I could have avoided this. But at what cost? Would they all be dead had I not? Would Victor kill them regardless?
First off, I know this is not as long as all of my other chapters. But I could not for the life of me think of anything else to add. I have literally gotten to the almost end and want this to be perfection. Though I am not sure I did this chapter justice. Anyways thank you all for the wonderful loving reviews. What did you think of this chapter? Is it really Victor? What will happen next? Will they be found? I know Rose was a little stupid to leave the building but please take into consideration that she is 6 months pregnant and her hormones are going crazy. A pregnancy can be very hard and she's going through a lot emotional, so her decisions may not be the best. Anyways review and the last chapter will be written soon!