Apologies for the lateness! It's been one hell of a week, and I didn't expect to have so much homework on the weekend. But next week is Spring Break so updates will be on time, I promise. ^^

Disclaimer: Dimitri? Rose? Mine? YES! ... Nah, I wish, though.


As our children napped, Dimitri and I watched TV and talked a little more about Adrian. We knew he was going to be a fairly constant presence since he was connected with Lissa, but we both agreed that he was hell when he got pissed.

As it turned out, Dimitri had self-confidence issues. Since he was now Strigoi, he kept trying to convince himself that with one wrong word, I would finally be fed up with him and leave. I easily assured him that wasn't the case at all. I loved him with all my heart, and if I didn't, then I wouldn't have tried to make us work in the first place.

That seemed to appease him, and I finally got the courage to ask the question that had been on my mind for almost four years now.

"Dimitri?" I murmured. His cool hand was stroking my hair, and his other arm was wrapped around my waist.

"Yes?" he breathed.

"When you were . . . in the cave -" He stiffened, but I continued like I didn't notice. "Were there any Strigoi that you became friends with?"

He relaxed a little, and I felt his content sigh. "Mmm, as a matter of fact, yes," he answered, kissing my jaw.

"Who?"

"His name was Caleb. He had a story quite similar to ours, actually." His voice was low and smooth, and I wanted nothing more than to kiss him senseless or fall asleep. I wasn't sure which one I wanted more.

"How so?"

Dimitri sat up a little more, apparently realizing that I wasn't going to forget our conversation, no matter how hard he tried. "He was born in the forties. He was twenty and engaged when he was changed. He had to leave her."

"She didn't go after him?" I asked, surprised. That seemed weird. They had to have been in love with each other if they were going to get married.

"He was human, Roza," Dimitri murmured. "His family assumed he had run away. But he wishes that he could have had what we have. He was the one who really convinced me to come back and give this a chance." He grinned at me.

I smiled back, kissing him quickly. "Remind me to thank him for that," I breathed.

Dimitri blinked suddenly, and his eyes grew sad. "I wonder where he is," he mused. "I'd like to talk to him some more. He was a very complicated being."

"Sounds like you," I teased.

Dimitri only gave me half a smile, and I realized that he was serious. Dimitri sighed softly. "He was even more self-loathing than I am."

"Wow," I remarked. "That's saying something." Dimitri nodded, understanding that I was being nice about it and in no way criticizing him. At least he realized that he had issues with himself and what he was, even though I didn't. "Well, we'll try to find him," I soothed, rubbing his arm.

Dimitri nodded, swallowing. "I hope so. I think he has the strength to stop killing." His eyes were fierce as he looked back up at me. "I just know it, Rose. If he really wanted to do it, he could stop. He hates himself enough that it would appeal to him. He didn't like taking the lives of humans. As long as nothing has changed, then it shouldn't be a problem," he murmured to himself.

"Dimitri, slow down. We'll find him and see what he says, all right?" He was acting almost obsessed with it, and that worried me.

His eyes flickered to mine, and he calmed. "You're right. I just - I want to help him. He was so angry with himself for what he had become, what he was doing - like I was and still am sometimes. But you always pull me through it. He doesn't have anyone. I feel sorry for him."

"It's okay to feel that way," I murmured, kissing his cheek.

He smiled at me tenderly and brought his lips to mine gently. "I love you," he breathed.

"I love you, too." We kissed slowly for a few moments before I heard little feet hopping down the stairs.

I pulled away from Dimitri and looked at my eldest daughter who was grinning widely at us. Dimitri's eyes widened. "Uh, good morning, Adrienne. Are you done with your nap?" Dimitri asked.

"Mhm." She nodded for emphasis and skipped over to the couch. She planted herself between us and took both of our hands. "Why do I have to take a nap? I wanna go to Aunt Lissa's," she whined.

"We know, sweetheart," Dimitri whispered, flipping into father mode.

He was such a good father. Adrienne frowned at us and began to pout. "When can we go to Aunt Lissa's?" she asked impatiently.

"When it gets dark, Adrienne," I reminded her. She scowled.

"Fine, Momma. Can me and Jermy and Sabina play a game when they wake up?" Her eyes sparkled.

"Yes, Adrienne. But only when they wake up," Dimitri murmured.

"Okay!" She grinned and hopped off Dimitri's lap. She disappeared, and it was only seconds before I heard screaming.

That little minx had woken up her siblings. Dimitri and I looked at each other. "We'll have to remember that next time," I said before running to our children's bedroom.


Sooo... Adrienne is a little evil. But she's adorable, so you can't hate her. ^^ I'm sorry for the short chapter, but I still technically gave it to you on the 14th as promised... Well, in my time, it's still the 14th.

A new character was introduced, and he will play a huge part in later chapters! Want to know anything about him, just review and ask. I'll reply. I promise.

Despite the short chapter, maybe we could get to 250 reviews? Please? Oh, and old readers, please review! I want to know you're still there. New readers, keep reviewing! I love seeing new faces!

- J.C.