Hi Everyone…You know I didn't really feel the love last chapter..I had a lot of hits but, not a lot of comments…That bums me a little. I do want to say a Big Thank You for the

comments I did get…You're guys already know I think you're great! This chapter scares me a bit..so please don't get too mad at me…:D

I Own Nothing….Richelle Mead has the honor of owning the VA series and characters..

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CHAPTER 23

ADRIAN'S POV

It's been two weeks since Rose told Olena Belikov about the baby. I held her in my arms that night until she finally cried herself to sleep. I hated for her to feel so much pain; matter of fact I've never

seen someone in that much pain. I can only imagine what Dimitri's family was feeling also. It was so difficult for everyone involved. Especially Rose, since it brought up all those feelings of regret and

blame. She will forever hold herself accountable for not saving him; for having to eventually free him. We have all told her that she had done something that took a lot of love, devotion, and bravery. I don't

know if she will ever truly believe that, but she needed to in order to live a reasonably happy life. I knew with her telling Olena; it would open wounds again. But, she needed to do that for his family, the baby, and

mostly herself. She just needs some time and hopefully, some peace.

I knew she loved me and I also accept that fact that some things will never change. He will forever be a part of her; whether she was carrying his child or not. They had something that could never be denied

or forgotten. So, I don't try to worry about things so much..I consider myself lucky.

However, I still can't seem to shake this feeling of despair. It is so strong, that it sometimes overpowers me. I am scared of whatever it is. It won't let my mind at rest. I am waiting for whatever it

is to come crashing in our lives; disrupting everything. I just have to keep telling myself to think positive, it's just difficult some days.

Today would be the worst of days, considering I was informed of Caitlin's return to work. I had a meeting with Tatiana asking, no demanding, she have Caitlin removed from her position. Of course, she refused.

I am quite sure the two of them are together on the whole situation with Rose. I wouldn't put anything past Tatiana at this point. I truly despised the woman. She was evil, deceitful, and greedy for power.

She disgusted me, along with Caitlin. They deserved each other as far as I was concerned. I didn't trust either one of them and I hated the fact I had to be around Caitlin. The worst part was knowing every time I

walk out this door to go to work; it hurts Rose knowing I am around her. Not that I blame Rose, and It isn't jealousy she is feeling any longer. I think it's the fact that she doesn't trust Caitlin's motives either.

I try to shake the thoughts from my head; But she could really push the issue of the threats that Rose had directed at her, even though she deserved it. Our society is so fucked up, it doesn't make a difference if

Caitlin started it or not; Rose would be at fault. I'd probably kill the bitch before Rose had a chance to grab a hold of her; if she decided to press charges. I didn't want to do it, but I will need to meet with Caitlin

today and try to sort this all out. I heard Rose coming out of the bedroom; she was awake.

She came out the door; taking my breath away, as usual. "Hey Baby!" I smile while looking up at her.

Giving me one of those smiles; one that would make any man give everything he owed to spend time with her. "Hey handsome. How long have you been up?" Hours…. worrying I thought to myself.

"A while…Did you sleep well?" I said while I got off the couch; walking towards her.

"I was, until I woke up and you weren't in bed with me." She wrapped her arms around my waist, well the best she could. Her belly was getting so big, it was hard for her to give me a real hug without it getting in the

way. I loved seeing her this way. I thought she looked radiate, beautiful. She would slap me if I said that to her; thinking I was lying.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to leave you alone. I was restless. So, I came out here not to disturb you." My mind wondering about the events that faced me today at work. I knew I should tell Rose about my plans to

confront Caitlin, but I don't want to worry her about it.

She and I had been together for the last two weeks. I had taken time off to be with her in the event she went into labor. We were at the two week point; the point where the Doctor said the baby would be okay if he

were born now. And Rose seemed to be feeling better, but that really didn't mean anything. We needed to keep her as stress free as possible. It made my decision about Caitlin even more absolute.

"So, Are you going back to work today?" She gave me a pouty look.

"I really hate leaving you to go back to work, but I have too! Actually I would love to spend all day, everyday with you. You would get so tired of seeing my face: you would want to trade me in." I said jokingly as I

kissed her warm, soft lips.

"Never! I would miss you terribly. I am finally used to the idea of you waiting on me hand and foot. What happened if I want a grilled cheese sandwich or have an itch? It will be torture to have to do those things

for myself." Rose performed with her most convincing whiny act. I couldn't help to laugh at her expression.

"Oh! Poor baby. I am glad you only keep me around for my cooking abilities and scratching techniques. I am sure if you have any of those needs while I am gone, it can wait until I make it home. What if I make

it up to you? I will take you out to dinner tonight….You should also invite Lissa and Christian. Give me a call at work and let me know what the plans are going to be; talk to you soon. I love you, little dhampir."

I gave her a half-cocked smile; kissing her once more before I walked out the door. The taste of her lips lingered on my mine; making me smile at the thought of her.

I walked into the office building; hoping I would not see Caitlin. I was strolling down the hall, en route to my office; I was glad that she wasn't at her desk. Honestly, I have no idea how she even had the nerve to

show up here. I guess I was wrong. I opened the door to my office only to find Caitlin sitting behind my desk; I guess her motives outweigh her common sense.

"What the hell do you think you're doing in here Caitlin?" I was beyond pissed; she was in my personal space.

"Adrian, Really? Maybe you should try NOT being so mean to me. After all, it was YOUR girlfriend who threatened ME?" There it was, the implied threat I was waiting for.

She was deliberately trying to piss me off; and it was working. "What the fuck do you want from me Caitlin?" I said as I glared at her.

"Do you really have to ask? There are lots of things I want from you, Sweetheart." She purred at me; thinking she may actually have a chance. She could sense that my patience was wearing thin. "Fine….I just want

you to have lunch with me at The Tavern..today." She was giving me a look telling me that I really didn't have a choice.

"Whatever…But don't think this blackmailing shit is going to get you anywhere. Understand? By the way; you do know that you are one fucked-up chic, right? I mean this fatal attraction thing you've

got going on with me is creepy. I am giving you some free advice; Get some fucking therapy….QUICK!" I was making it evident that I wasn't scared of her threats.

"Whatever! Dear. I will meet you at The Tavern at noon. Meet me at the bar." She made her way out of my office; slamming the door shut behind her.


ROSE'S POV

I got out of the shower and was waiting for Lissa to make her appearance. I was starving and we were supposed to go to lunch today. It was 11:30; and the baby was hungry too! He was kick-boxing my

ribs all morning; it seemed as though he was running out of room already. I can't believe I only had six more weeks until he was to be born. Lissa and I had plans to go shopping after lunch today.

We needed to get the nursery finished before he got here. I was starting to get nervous about the whole giving birth thing. Lissa and Adrian were both going to be in the delivery room with me. But, I

am still scared all the same.

I walked out to the living room when I heard a knock at the door. I turned the knob; opening the door.

"Hi! Liss. Come on in. I have to grab my purse and jacket. So, where am I taking you to lunch today?" I say as I walked to get my things.

"I was thinking we could go to The Tavern. I told Christian last night that was where we were probably going; in case he needed me." Lissa replied.

"Where is Sergei at?" I ask; concerned she didn't have her temporary guardian with her.

"He said he had to see Tatiana about something. Did your dad make it in yet?" She was trying to change the subject about her guardian leaving her before I got too pissed off.

"Not yet. He is supposed to be here tonight sometime. I really have no idea why he is coming in right now; something about business or whatever. And Janine isn't going to get here until after the

baby is born. She doesn't want to leave her charge right now. I really don't need her here anyways. I have you and Adrian. Do you think you can handle the birthing thing?" I nudged her hip with my own.

She scrunched up her nose. "I have to be, but it scares the hell out of me."

"It scares the hell out of YOU? Want to trade places?" I laughed at her expression.

Lissa's eyes widened and she grimaced at me. "God No! Let's go feed you and that baby. I know you're hungry."


ADRIAN'S POV

I have a bad feeling about this lunch meeting. I needed to relax, so I ordered myself a vodka rocks. I promised myself I would only have one; not to break my promise to Rose. I promised to not get wasted

anymore, but I still had the occasional drink. I look up and in walks satan; wearing a dress…Caitlin! She took the seat next to me; blocking my view from the door. Oh well, I figured I would just stay where I

was at. "Okay, You've got me here. What do you want? Seriously, no bullshit Caitlin." I left out a breath; sick of the games.

"I was considering filing charges against your girlfriend." She said with a smirk.

"Fiance." I corrected her; taking that smirk right off of her face.

"Whatever." She said, giving me a bitchy attitude. Suddenly her expression changed as if she had been expecting something; something that made her happy. This bitch was strange. Without any warning;

She grabs me and starts kissing me.


ROSE'S POV

Lissa and I walk into the restaurant and what I had seen took me completely by surprise. I saw Adrian And Caitlin sitting at the bar together; having a drink. She looked up at me; when her eyes meet mine

she grabbed Adrian and kissed him. WHAT THE FUCK! I AM GOING TO KILL HER! Lissa knew what was coming as she grabbed my arm; trying to pull me back. I yanked out of her grasp a little too

hard, but now was not the time for apologies. I saw Adrian pull back from her and I could tell he was pissed by his demeanor. I walked straight up to the bar and was prepared for anything; pregnant or not.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I growled at Caitlin; while grabbing her hair; pulling her away from Adrian.

Adrian's eyes widened; he was flabbergasted by my appearance. "Rose, What are you doing here? It's not what it looks like..I swear. Rose?" He was pleading for me to realize his innocence. I wasn't

interested in his explanation of things right now. I had bigger things to take care of.

I snapped at him. "Save it, Adrian!" His eyes filled with worry.

Caitlin smacked my hand away. "Get the fuck off of me, you low-life Dhampir bitch!" Oh no! That's not acceptable. Fuck her. I am kicking her ass now. I grab her off of the bar stool and got in her face.

"Are you sure to want to do this? You sad, pathetic, psycho Bitch!" I was giving her an out before I killed her.

She looked at me and sneered. "GO TO HELL. YOU STUPID BLOODWHORE!" Her retreat grace period was up. I had all I could take, this was it. She had her chance; she ignored it.

"Do you hear that?" I ask her with a smirk on my face.

"Hear what? You dumb bitch." Not a smart move blondie; pissing me off even more.

I drew back my fist and cracked her in the face; shattering her nose. "The sound of your fucking nose breaking, YOU… DUMB ..BITCH!"

There was sheer chaos. I had just broke a Royal Moroi's nose, in a public restaurant. I will probably go to jail or worse. I didn't even care at this point; the adrenaline racing through my body was

intoxicating. I had to leave; get out of here, before I killed her. I couldn't control myself. Adrian's eyes locked with mine; he reached for me. "Rose…You've got to get out of here. Lissa and I will use spirit

compulsion to get everyone to forget. Please go to the apartment. DON'T answer the door for anyone. Do you hear me? It wasn't what you think..She set me up. Please believe me. Now go." He implored

me to listen to him. I was so pissed off. I didn't want to listen to him, to anyone. I needed to calm down, hit something, fuck, I don't know. I decided to take a walk by the lake. I started to walk down the

narrow path….


ADRIAN'S POV

It was done…She achieved her mission. Caitlin got Rose right where she wanted her..trapped. Goddamnit! Can't anything go right? Just one fucking time. Is it too much to ask. Constant struggles, Constant

drama. I wanted to scream. I was at the edge; just ready to fall over. Lissa and I had used compulsion on every patron at the restaurant, but Caitlin left; remembering everything, and that was going to be a

problem. The next thing to happen just pushed me an inch closer to that edge.

I turned as I felt Lissa grab my arm. "I've got to go catch up with Rose." I told her; pulling free from her grasp.

She shook her head. "If you value your life; you better give her some time to calm down. You know Adrian, I guess you really aren't capable of change." She said while glaring at me.

"What the hell are you talking about, Cousin?" I was shocked by her sudden hostility towards me.

"You didn't have to take on Rose and her situation. She would have been fine. We could have handled it together. If you were going to screw around, then you should have left her; not making a fool of her

in front of all these people." She was barely containing her whispered tone.

I stepped close to Lissa; another inch closer to the edge. "You need to shut your damn mouth Cousin with all your insinuations. I was here with Caitlin; trying to persuade her not to press charges against

Rose. It was all a set up. I didn't see it until now. Wait! Caitlin left. We have to find Rose now!" I ran out the door; racing towards our apartment.

I threw open the door and ran in screaming Rose's name…she wasn't here. Instinctively I called Abe on his phone to make him aware what had happened; informing him I couldn't find her, and that I would

need his help when he arrived. He advised me that he would be landing in 10 minutes. I told him to call when he was on the ground. I hung up the phone; thinking of places she could have went….the lake.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me; Lissa struggling to keep up.


ROSE'S POV

I tried desperately to calm down, but it's so hard for me; with spirit effects, hormones, and my own problems. It gets to be too much for one person to deal with. I finally made my way to the lake, hoping

the memories of this place would help me relax. I had the oddest sensation come over me. Oh Jesus! My water broke; as a sharp pain stabbed through my abdomen, and I doubled over in pain. I cried out,

there was no stopping it this time. No! This can't be happening. I am so far from Court. How will I make it back in pain like this. The panic seared through my veins. I glanced around hoping to see

someone who may be able to help me. Just then, I spotted two black figures flanking my left and right; coming at me fast. I had no time to react, the first blow to the side of my head rendered me to my knees.

I tried to fight, but the labor pains were excruciating. I have no idea how many hits I had taken to my face and head. I was completely incapacitated. I remember one last blow to the right side of my head;

it was as if a dark blanket had been thrown over me, then the blackness consumed me.


SORRY GUYS..HAD TO STOP THERE IT WAS GETTING TOO LONG!

I PROMISE TO UPDATE QUICKLY! SORRY ABOUT CHANGING THE

POV'S SO OFTEN..HAD TOO! PLEASE REVIEW! :D TERRI

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