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Terri

CHAPTER 32

ADRIAN'S POV

Our hearts were completely and utterly broken. Rose was beyond devastated. How much shit could one person possible endure without going completely insane. I am so tired of seeing her hurt, both of us hurt. It wasn't fucking fair to have to go through so much anguish in

such a short amount of time. What did we ever do wrong to deserve any of this? We had had enough. If I were honest, I would just admit that this was my fault. If only I would have just left her alone. Christ, what am I thinking, I would be nothing without Rose and Ethan. I

just really hope that Tatiana doesn't harm him. It will literally kill Rose to have anything happen to her baby boy. Not to mention myself. I loved my son beyond words. I keep imagining him propped up on my stomach with my knees supporting his little back; with him

smiling at me. He had just learned to reach for his toys, and starting to speak baby babble. His smile was the most wonderful thing I've ever seen. I can't imagine never seeing that smile again. I heard Rose sobbing as I am pulled from my memories of Ethan.

"Rose?..Baby?" All the lights were off in Ethan's nursery. She was on the floor, lying in the fetal position beside his empty crib; holding on to his blanket, and favorite stuffed animal. I pulled her off the floor; onto my lap and cradled her. I had no idea how to make this better

for her. "Tell me what to do Sweetheart. I don't know how to comfort you. I feel so helpless."

"Just bring him back to us Adrian. We can't lose him." Her tears starting to fall fast as she spoke the next question, the one I was dreading to hear her ask. "What if she kills him?" Her face was full of despair.

"We will find him. She won't do that, she can't." I honestly didn't know if Tatiana, the Strigoi Tatiana would do such a thing or not.

I held her in my arms; running my hand through her hair, and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I promise we will find him and bring him home."

Rose had turned her attention to her father's conversation that he was having with Pavel. "Sir, I have contacted Guardian Alberta Petrov, as you requested; she will arrive within a few hours with 10 additional Guardians from the Academy."

"Thank you Pavel. I knew I could count on you to get things done. You're an exceptional man." Abe slapped him on the shoulder as a sign of gratitude. The grief was overwhelming evident in Abe's voice.

ROSE'S POV

I walked out in the living room to where Abe and Pavel were talking. "You requested for Alberta to come with other Guardians?"

"Yes, of course Kiz. I would do anything to get my grandson back. He needs to be home, safe with his momma."

"What about their charges Dad? They shouldn't leave their Moroi to help me find my son. I am only a Dhampir. What importance am I to take precedence over a Moroi life?" My voice was lifeless, dead. I felt hollow, for I nothing left inside of me.

Abe walked over to me; placing his strong hands on my shoulders. "I don't ever want to hear those words come out of your mouth again." I looked up at him with confusion.

"What?" I ask; lowering my head, trying to hide the shame on my face. I would never put any Moroi life before the life of my own son's. It was never going to happen. They no longer came first, he did.

"You are my daughter, and you are of great importance to me. It doesn't matter if you are Dhampir. And would someone please explain what the Hell that is supposed to mean anyways. A Moroi life is not better than yours. Nor is it more valuable than yours. The only

difference between us is the fact that I drink blood; and you are physically stronger, and in my opinion, better than Moroi. My grandson is better than all of us. He is special, Rose. Ethan is going to be of great importance. I can feel it." He put his fingers under my chin, forcing

my eyes up to meet his. "We will get him back, I promise you Kiz. Do you trust me?"

"Yes. I trust you extensively." I replied with the same dull expression.

Abe and I both whirled around to face Pavel. He was in the process of answering his cell phone. "Pavel here. Yes, I understand. Please escort Guardian Petrov to the residence of Adrian Ivashkov and Rose Hathaway."

"Thanks Pavel for skipping the formalities. " I gave him a tiny smile. It was all I was capable of giving at this point.

Guardian Morozov walked into our apartment with Alberta as 10 other Guardians following behind.

Alberta walked over to me. "How are you doing Rose?"

My eyes started to betray me with the tears that wanted to escape. "Not that good. But, thank you so much for coming Alberta. I really appreciate it."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. You need us and we will be there for you, anytime." She said while stroking my arm. "Rose, you look exhausted and you are going to need your rest. We need you to be in your best fighting form, so we are able to find your little boy. Let

us work out some details. We will call you if we need anything, I promise."

I glanced over my shoulder to see Adrian on the couch; shoulders slumped, face buried in his hands. We both had been suffering so much. I needed him to come to bed with me. He desperately needed some rest also. I was never going to make it through this without him and

vice versa.

"Come on babe. Let's go lay down for awhile." I took his hand, pulling him off the couch, and leading him to our bedroom.

We got in bed and wrapped our arms around each other. "Go to sleep sweetheart. I will stay awake in the event that they need one of us. You need your rest." He whispered while playing with my hair, trying to soothe me. I didn't have the heart to tell him that nothing would

soothe me. Not until we had Ethan back home with us.

I laid my head on Adrian's chest; listening to the steady beat of his strong heart. "Adrian?"

"Yeah?" He said while kissing my hair.

"Do you think he is cold or hungry? Maybe he is crying for me, you, both of us. He hasn't had a bottle for hours, he has to be starving. He doesn't have his favorite blanket to keep him warm. He needs you to play with him before he falls asleep.

And Ethan can't sleep without his kisses from us." I took a deep breath and released it; trying to calm myself. "Adrian, I can't make it without him." The tears were flowing freely from my eyes, saturating his shirt.

"I don't know hun. I can't give you an honest answer. I don't have one. But, I can promise we will find him. I will bring him back to you, even if I have to give my own life to have him safe in your arms again."

I heard the silent sobs trying to be released from his chest. He was fighting his emotions, trying to remain strong for me.

"I know you would. I am lucky to have you." I stretched my neck to give him a small kiss on his lips.

"Rose, please don't say that." He took a deep breath and exhaled it loudly.

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't you want me to tell you the truth about how I feel?" I gazed up at his face. He was staring straight at the ceiling with silent tears sliding down his cheeks.

"This is my fault Rose. I am the blame for her taking him and trying to destroy you. This is my family, once again causing you pain. My aunt took our baby boy and is using him to get to you or me. Christ, I have no damn idea what she wants anymore. She has nothing to

achieve by doing this, nothing."

I propped myself up on my elbow to get a better view of his face. "Adrian, please don't think like that. I never want you to feel that way. You have brought nothing but happiness in my life. You have changed mine and Ethan's life for the better and we both love you

immensely. I could live two lifetimes and never give back to you all that you've given me, never."

His beautiful green eyes, glistening with tears, gazed into mine with so much love and adoration, it almost took my breath away. "Thank you for loving me." He said; cupping my cheeks and very lightly brushed his lips to mine.

"Please get some rest. You need it, you're exhausted."

I closed my eyes as sleep eventually found me.

ADRIAN'S POV

I was relieved that she was able to finally fall asleep. I listened to her gentle breathing while feeling her chest rise and fall with each soft breathe she took.

I could hear Abe, Pavel, and Alberta in the other room, discussing possible tactics and locations that Tatiana could have went with Ethan.

A few hours may have passed when I felt Rose stirring beside me. I knew she wouldn't stay asleep for long, even though she is entirely drained of all her energy. I've never seen her so exhausted before. But, even that couldn't keep her from wanting to find Ethan.

"Did you sleep at all?" She whispered to me.

I didn't want to answer her; knowing she would start worrying about me too!

"Hey, you're awake. You didn't sleep long." I pointed out to her.

"I couldn't sleep well. I kept having terrible dreams. "I pulled her close; hugging her tight against my body. We lay together; not needing to say any words, just being close to one another was enough.

We heard the Guardians talking in the living room, when one particular subject caught our attention.

Guardian Morozov was speaking to Pavel and Abe. "I found this envelope in the mailbox belonging to Lord Ivashkov and Princess Rosemarie."

Rose got up from our bed; while walking to the living room to talk her father. "Dad, what is in the envelope?" Her voice was so hoarse from crying. She was depleted; emotionally and physically spent.

Abe handed her the envelope that was simply addressed to Rosemarie. She opened it up and pulled out the contents.

"Read it aloud." Abe had requested of her.

Rose swallowed hard before she read the note.

Little Boy Blue

Mountains So High In The Skies

Adrian And Rosemarie Will Come Alone

If Not, You Will All Mourn When Baby Ethan Dies.

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN.

Tomorrow at 12:00 midnight in the garden.

"What does that mean?" Rose pleaded for an answer to the cruel riddle.

"I know what it means." I spoke with so much hatred towards Tatiana, that I barely recognized my own voice. "She means Blue Mountain. It is where my great grandmother had lived, Tatiana's mother's home.

It is located just south of Court, about an hour drive from here. If you remember in our dreams together, I would take you to her gardens." I reminded Rose of the location.

"Should we leave now?" Rose had excitement, nervousness, and anger all mixed together in her voice.

If she gets close to Tatiana, I knew she would kill her. Without a doubt, I was scared for tomorrow to come. I was afraid of the outcome. Someone was going to die and I don't want to lose anyone I love. Rose was ready for this fight.

I saw it there as she read the letter; her anger was consuming her.

"No way in hell, are you two going alone." Abe was partially shouting at no one in particular. "It is entirely too dangerous. You will take Guardians with you."

"No, I will not dad. Did you not hear what I read from that note? She said she will kill him. And since when did I become this helpless little girl? I may have taken time off as a Guardian to be a mother full-time, but I will always be a Guardian at heart.

I killed dozens of Strigoi when I was in Russia. Or did you forget that? I even killed the man that I loved. So, I think if I was able to achieve that, I can easily do this. Besides, she took my son from me and I would literally kill anything or anyone to get him

back home safely. You better believe it. Now, let's get our plans set in motion because Tatiana Ivashkov is going to meet her match. One of us is going to die tomorrow night and I can guarantee that it is not going to be me."

Rose was sure of the fight set before her. I just pray it all works out according to her plan.

I had that strange gut feeling that I had once before and that's what has me worried.

Guardian Alberta had entered the room to inform us that Guardian Ivanov was now conscious and talking.

Rose was the first to comment on his condition. "We need to get over to the clinic now to find out with he can tell us about Tatiana. Anything little thing may be able to help us."

I turned to her. "Rose, we already know where she is at. What information could he possibly have that would help us any further?"

"Well for one, he may be able to tell us if she had someone helping her. I don't want to go in to this meeting not knowing who all the players are." Rose was in total Guardian mode. She was more determined now than I had ever seen her,

at least not since she made that fateful trip to Russia.

"Okay then let's get over to his room and see what he can tell us." I grabbed her hand pulling her in the direction of the clinic. "While we are there maybe we can stop to see how Hailey is? Maybe she will remember something for us also."

It was coming up on 10:00 am as our entourage made our way into the medical clinic.

Dr. Olendski had only given permission to Abe, Pavel, Rose, and me to enter the room to question Luka Ivanov.

I felt sorry for him; he was a really decent guy, we had known each other since school. He was too young to have to be willing to give his life for one of us. But, now was not the time to focus on him.

In less than 10 hours time, Rose and I will be in for the fight of our lives.

We entered his room to see him sitting up in the bed. "First of all, I am deeply sorry that I let you down Your Majesty." He bowed his head in respect.

Rose stepped forward and started with her line of questioning. "Tell us from the beginning what happened. Do not leave any detail out no matter how small you feel it may be. Anything will help."

"I will do my best, Princess." He started to say, but she quickly interrupted him.

"Please just Rose, okay? Now go ahead."

"Yes Rose. Guardian Kozlov and I were escorting the prisoner, Tatiana Ivashkov, back to her cell. I really didn't see or sense anything unusual but, out of nowhere I felt an object strike the back of my head.

I spun around in the direction of where I was struck and I saw a man just briefly before I lost consciousness. The last thing I heard was Nikita screaming, there was nothing I could do for her. I am so sorry I am not able to tell you what the man looked like."

Rose kept up with the questioning; refusing to give up on any details he may be able to give her. "Can you tell me if he were Strigoi?"

"No, he was Dhampir. I am 100% sure." He looked at Abe and Guardian Pavel. "How is Nikita?"

"Guardian Kozlov lost her life in the line of duty. I am sorry son." Abe reached forward and patted Luka's shoulder. Guardian Ivanov nodded before lowering his head with great sadness.

If I didn't know better, I would say that he was in love with Guardian Kozlov. "I am really sorry Luka." I said to him with sympathy.

"It's one of the sad facts of our line of work, Adrian! What happened? Why would you need all this information, Am I allowed to ask?" He gazed at me, hoping I would answer his question.

"Our son was kidnapped by Tatiana after she turned strigoi and escaped." My voice was starting to slip a little.

"I am sorry Adrian. I had no idea. If I can do anything to help you.."

"Thanks Luka. You already have. Now get some rest." I said as we exited his room, shutting the door behind us.

ROSE'S POV

"Where do you know him from?" I was curious because I have never seen Adrian around any Guardians or ever speaking of any, other than our close friends.

"I went to school with Luka. We were friends actually." He gave me a small smile.

I just wanted to get this over with. When I killed this bitch, we will have our lives back. I wanted Adrian to have some peace. He deserved it more than any of us.

As we walked towards Hailey's room Dr. Olendski stopped us before we could enter. "She hasn't regained consciousness yet. I think it would be best if we waited a while before visiting.

She had a bite mark on her neck and we need to make sure that there are no signs of her possibly being Strigoi. I hope you understand."

"Is that possible from just a bite?" I always thought it involved much more than that .

Dr. Olendski gave me a confused look. "Well yes. If she is close enough to being depleted of her blood, through either a bite or by other means. In Hailey's particular case, she had an open wound to her head.

If she is at the state of almost total depletion and if a Strigoi force feed her enough of it's tainted blood, she could turn."

"I never knew that." I turned to Adrian; questioning him with a look. He just shrugged his shoulders signifying he hadn't known either.

We thanked the Doctor and left the clinic; to return to our home, and to finish our plans.

Alberta, Pavel, and my Dad; along with Adrian and myself had decided on a game plan that we were all comfortable with. I had agreed to let the Guardians post a quarter mile from Adrian's great grandmother's house.

Adrian was going to have an alert button, so to speak. He would push it in the event we were to need any help. It was highly unlikely I would let him trip it off, since this bitch was mine for the staking.

Everyone in our group bid there farewells before we set off to get Ethan back. Lissa was standing beside our car, crying. I felt the nervous, scared, and sorrow filled emotions flow like a flood through our bond.

I hugged her tight. "Lissa, don't worry. I am coming back with Ethan. We will be fine. You need to trust in me."

She sniffled back her tears. "I do trust in you. Please come back safe. Promise me."

"I promise. I will see you soon." I kissed her cheek as Adrian started the car; signaling that it was time to go. I pulled from Liss and got in the car.

I took my seat next to Adrian. "Are you ready to do this?" He questioned me.

"Absolutely, I've never been more ready for anything in my life." My voice filled with confidence.

He put the car in gear and hit the accelerator. "Let's Roll."

I promise to update quickly..Didn't want to start a battle and

have to stop half way through it. The next chapter will

have more action…I promise. Thanks Terri