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As Always I Own Nothing..Richelle Mead does…Lucky Girl!
Enjoy!!! Terri
CHAPTER 33
ADRIAN'S POV
For the first twenty minutes of our drive we remained in complete silence; apprehension, nervousness, and believe it or not, excitement filled the small space in our car.
Rose was practically bouncing out of her seat with anticipation for what was about to happen. She was scaring the hell out of me; acting too eager to face this fight.
I mean I understand she was anxious to get to Ethan, and so was I. But, she was consumed with bloodlust. I was truly frightened for the end results.
I gave her a sideward glance and ask. "Are you doing okay over there?"
She gazed at me with a puzzled look. "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"
I raised an eyebrow at her and smiled. "I don't know. It seems like you are about to jump out of your own skin. You seem so eager to fight her. She is a Strigoi now, and that makes me nervous, that's all."
She shook her head at me and then she spoke. "Adrian, I just want to get Ethan back safe and put all of this behind us. I am trying to focus on the positive; finding him safe, and staking that bitch through her heart.
I am sorry to say that about your family, but.... No, I am not sorry. She deserves whatever she gets. Besides, don't worry. This isn't my first rodeo, cowboy." She gave me a weak laugh.
I reached across middle console of the car, taking her hand in mine. "I know you've done this before, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. And you're right, she does deserve to die.
Please don't feel the need to justify whatever it is you have to do to her. I am with you and Ethan, as always. You two are my family." I brought her hand to my lips; giving it a kiss.
We were 10 miles outside the estate when Rose's phone alerted us as it started ringing.
ROSE'S POV
"What's up old man?" I answered, looking at the caller id.
"Pavel and I are following you all the way into the estate." He stated it with a tone; making me aware he wasn't taking no for an answer.
"Why? You heard what she threatened. Do you not even care what she could do to my son?" It was harsh to say, but he was pissing me off with the chances he wanted to take.
"Rosemarie I will not satisfy your ridiculous question with an answer. However, I will not attend the meeting between Tatiana and yourselves. We will be concealed; you will not even know of our presence.
I ask you if you trust me, you said you did. Now, let me do what I need to do. I will not interfere unless I am absolutely needed. Understand?" He was clearly offended by my previous remark.
"Yes, I understand... Dad?.... I am sorry I offended you. I know you love Ethan more than anything and you would never do anything to compromise his safety. I don't know what I was thinking when I accused you."
I was ashamed of myself; for treating my dad with disrespect. I knew he would do anything for us. He didn't deserve that kind of treatment.
"It's okay Kiz. Please be careful. I love you kid. Now go kick some Strigoi ass." He was laughing as he hung up his phone.
Adrian was glancing in my direction; he wanted me to fill him in on what was going on. "What was that all about?" He quizzed me.
"My dad wants to enter the estate grounds with us. He says he and Pavel will stay hidden in the event we need him right away. I guess he is nervous that with the other Guardians a quarter mile away;
their response time would not be fast enough, in the event of an emergency." I rolled my eyes at the thought that I couldn't take care of myself. Although those words never came out of his mouth, it was just my own assumption.
"Cut him a break Rose. You and he just got to know each other, not to mention you just gave him his first grandchild. He doesn't want anything to happen to either one of you. I trust in his decisions completely.
There is a lot of good in Abe. He is a great man and I believe he would do anything in the world to keep you both safe." Adrian was staring at me with utter seriousness.
"I know. It's just that, I feel like everyone has lost their confidence in my abilities as a Guardian."
"Rose, please don't tell me that part of you is wanting to do this all alone because you feel you have something to prove.. I refuse to see you harmed by trying to convince us that you're still some sort of badass.
I wouldn't stand by and watch you get hurt. Besides, we all know what kind of badass you are. I wouldn't fuck with you. Well… never mind." He gave me a mischievous grin.
"Let's save our son and we can discuss the rest later." I gave him a smile.
My phone was shrieking again. "Hello, Guardian Petrov."
"Hey Rose, We are at our secure location and we will be ready in the event Lord Ivashkov trips his alarm. Please don't do anything rash; if you need us, use us. We are here for you. Good Luck."
"Thanks Alberta. You also!" I hung up my phone and took a deep breath. I knew we were getting close to his family's place.
ADRIAN'S POV
It was 11:40 when we pulled up to the gates of the residence. I punched in the code on the gates as they opened for us to enter. I watched in the rearview mirror as Abe and Pavel slid inside the gates on foot.
I was shocked at how fast and sleek Abe was in his movements. He was able to move beside Pavel with the same ease and grace. I know without a doubt he could kick ass like a Dhampir. I am curious to where he got his training from.
He and Rose were so much alike; no denying they were father and daughter.
I parked the car and turned to Rose. "The gardens are located in the back of the property. It will take us 10 minutes or so to walk to them. Are you ready babe?"
"Without a doubt, let's go." She opened the door and stood outside the car; taking in her surroundings. I have seen Rose while she was training, but I have never seen her in an actual fight with a Strigoi.
It's going to literally kill me to stand back and watch her do this alone.
I walked around the car to stand in front of her. I put my fingers under her chin and forced her to meet my eyes. I needed her to know for what I was about to say was very important.
"Rose, I need you to listen to ever word I am about to say. Okay?"
She nodded her head at me. But, her eyes widened with worry. "I love you very much. I can't have you rushing in there to meet your destiny and not hear me say it one more time.
Also, this is imperative, if at any time you are able to get Ethan safely and leave, do it! Do not worry about me or anything else. Do you understand me? No matter what happens to me, you get Ethan and yourself to Abe.
Having the two of you safe is all that matters to me. You come first."
Her eyes danced nervously as tears started to form. "What are you planning to do Adrian? I could never leave you. So, don't ask me to do it. We came here together and the three of us are leaving here together."
I placed my hands on both sides of her face; pulling her lips to mine, as they crashed together. I never wanted her lips to leave mine, but we had to go. I hugged her tight and whispered to her.
"Remember how much I love you, my Little Dhampir." I entwined my fingers with hers as we walked silently towards the gardens.
As we approached the gardens, Rose turned to me. "Strigoi, I can sense her. Be careful." She let go of my hand and pulled her stake from its sheath.
A moment later, Tatiana suddenly appeared in the gardens. Her appearance was down-right creepy. She had pallor white skin and bright red eyes. Even her voice had taken on a more sinister sound.
"How nice of Princess Rosemarie and Lord Adrian to grace me with their presence." Her words were dipping with venom and hatred.
"Fuck off! Where's our son? " Rose spat at her.
Tatiana laughed the most evil, scary laugh I had ever heard. This bitch was going to give me nightmares for weeks. "Interesting choice of words Rosemarie… our baby? HAHAHA! You disgust me.
Adrian, how could you let yourself be deceived by this slut? Or is it Dimitri's old Bloodwhore? Did you enjoy having him take your blood? You must have. Because you let a Strigoi have your body."
She was taunting Rose, trying to hurt her with her nasty remarks, but Rose wasn't falling for it.
"Shut up Tatiana. We are not here to play your games." I shouted at her. "Tell us where Ethan is."
"Games?" She laughed her crazy laugh again. "Dear Adrian the games are just beginning."
Without any warning; I was grabbed from behind with a knife being put to my throat. Rose spun quickly with her stake poised and positioned to kill whoever had grabbed me.
"Ambrose?" Rose questioned with utter shock on her face. "Why?"
I tried to struggle out of his hold. But, he was strong; stronger than me, and every time I tried to move his knife would cut me slightly.
"What did she promise you Ambrose? A life of immortality? Do you really want that for yourself? To kill others for their blood? Why? You have a choice. Why would you want to become something evil?"
Rose was trying to reason with him; to no avail.
"Do not answer her questions Ambrose. You owe her nothing." Tatiana sneered at him.
"Where's my baby Tatiana?" Rose was screaming at her now; her patience wearing thin.
Out of nowhere; we heard a baby crying, wailing shrills. It was Ethan. Within a blink of an eye, Tatiana had disappeared and then reappeared holding Ethan in her arms.
"He is such a beautiful baby. It will be a shame to kill him. Wait!...... Has there ever been a Strigoi infant?..haha..I guess that would be cruel. My only opinion is to kill him. It would be better for everyone."
Rose started to rush towards her. "Give me my baby. I swear to God I am going to fucking stake you in your cold heart."
Tatiana brought Ethan's neck to her lips. "Stop right there, Rose. I don't want to end our game too quickly. What would be the fun in that?"
"No, Rose Stop! What do you want Tatiana?" I pleaded with her to tell me what her demands were.
She turned to Ambrose and nodded as if she were signaling him to follow one of her orders.
He took the knife away from my throat; grabbing my wrist, and sliced it deeply . The blood started to flow freely from my vein. I knew what her plan was. Rose turned to me with sheer horror written all over her face.
"Rose, I am fine. Remember what I told you. Do what I said. Understand me?" I pleaded for her to listen to me.
Tatiana started laughing once again. "Oh! I do love a dramatic show. Like I said before Adrian, you were always the theatrical one with the over-active imagination. But, I guess it's time to move on with phase two of my game plan.
It seems Rosemarie that you have a choice to make."
"What choice, you demented old hag? I am sick of your damn games, just give me my baby." Rose was furious.
"Is that your choice? But, you didn't give me a chance to tell you your options." Tatiana teased Rose with her cruel taunts.
"Again, what are choices you're babbling on about?" Rose demanded of her.
She clapped her hands together, and followed with a grand sweep of her assembled audience. "Well, one of them has to die Rose. Will it be your second choice; your consolation prize, Adrian or Dimitri's son, Ethan?"
She was leering at Rose; her smile was the cruelest thing I had ever seen.
"Please don't leave me hanging with all this suspense. Will it be choice number 1 or choice number 2?" She hissed her taunting words.
I couldn't let Rose make a decision like this. She would never forgive herself for the outcome. I knew this was going to come to happen; I had felt it coming, but I didn't want to tell Rose. This was going to kill her.
Tatiana has me slowly bleeding to death anyways. I could feel myself starting to get cold from the blood loss. I wasn't walking away from this; knowing I was going to die today.
"Take me Tatiana. Give Ethan to Rose. Take my life, spare his." I shouted at her to take me.
The tears were forming in Rose's eyes. "No Adrian. I can't lose you too!"
"Everyone shut up! Ambrose, bring my disappointment of a nephew to me." Ambrose walked me over to Tatiana . She handed Ethan to him as they exchanged us. One for the other. I was so grateful that Ethan was free of her clutches.
I knew Rose could kill Ambrose with no problems if she had to, to get Ethan from him.
Tatiana spoke again as she demanded Ambrose like her puppet on a string. "Give the bloodwhore her bastard child." She spat the words out of her mouth as if they were poison.
He walked over the Rose and handed a screaming Ethan to his momma. Ethan instantly stopped crying as soon as he was placed in Rose's arms. Rose smiled a menacing smile at Ambrose.
"Are you sure you want to die for her? You do know that after I stake her, I am going to kill you too, right?"
He quickly backed away from Rose because he knew she meant every word she spoke.
"Rose, I want you to take Ethan and get out of here. The two of you are safe. Please go. Remember how much I love the both of you. Leave now!" I pleaded with her to listen to me.
"I won't leave you Adrian. If you have to die then we all die together." Her eyes bore into to mine. I knew she meant it. She would die here with me.
"No one in my family will die tonight." Abe stepped out of the darkness with Pavel at his side. "Give me the baby Rose." I knew what Abe was encouraging Rose to do. He wanted her to finish this, once and for all.
Tatiana screamed. "No! You will NOT defeat me. You will suffer." She sank her fangs in my neck as I felt my consciousness slowly start to slip away. Rose was the last thought my mind could register as darkness swallowed me.
ROSE'S POV
"No…No!!!!!" I handed Ethan to my father as I dashed towards Tatiana while she sank her fangs into Adrian's neck. It all happened in slow motion as I ran towards her.
I couldn't comprehend a thing that was happening around me as I saw her trying to force her tainted blood down Adrian's throat. My eyes focused on something I thought I would never see again….. Dimitri.
Dimitri stood before me. I faltered.
"Dimitri?" I ask.
Tatiana shrieked a horrible sound while she took in Dimitri's apparition. Frightened, she instantly stopped trying to force her blood upon Adrian. He lie still, so lifeless.
She took advantage of my sudden stupor, my grief from seeing Adrian lying there, and seeing Dimitri come back briefly to help us. She spun around so fast and back-handed me;
causing me to slightly lose my balance, and knocking my stake from my hand.
She smiled a terrible smile at me. "You let another man die. Guardian Hathaway, what a joke! You didn't even try to save my nephew. I guess it sucks to second choice. Oh wait! It does and I should know."
"Fuck you Tatiana. I don't blame my dad for dumping your ass. You're nothing but a bitch. He had to be desperate to fuck someone like you." I was enticing her to come at me. I wanted her bad.
She stepped towards me. I extended my right fist and connected with her jaw. I threw punches repeatedly as blood was spraying from her wounds. She let out a god awful growl while she threw a punch at my face; breaking my nose.
I felt it pop and damn did it hurt. I glanced at the ground, seeing Adrian still lying there, not moving. The anger in me soared through my veins like a wildfire. I had to get him out of here. I had to help him.
I couldn't let him die, not here, not like this. I felt the anger consume me like I was being possessed by all the darkness I ever took from Lissa, multiplied by 10. I wanted to kill Tatiana. No, I needed to kill her.
The desire to kill her took over my mind. I could no longer control myself. I hit her over and over again. I had no control. I was beating her with everything I had in me; blow after blow.
I kicked off my right foot delivering a roundhouse kick to the side of her head as she fell to the ground. Strigoi or not, I was kicking her ass into oblivion. As she lay there on her back; I straddled on top of her.
I gave her the most antagonizing smile. "This is where it ends. You will never bother me or my family again. I hope you enjoy hell because that's where I am sending you."
I lifted up my stake and brought it down with so much force, penetrating her heart. Her mouth gaped opened; within seconds her features went slack. She was dead.
I immediately jumped off of her body and ran to Adrian. "Babe, can you hear me?" As much as I wanted to scream for him to wake up and talk to me; I knew I would be wasting time. He needed my help, not hysterics.
I felt for his pulse; it was weak, but it was still there. Thank God. I ripped the bottom half of my shirt and made a tourniquet for the bleeding wound on his wrist. I knew it wouldn't stop it completely but, it would slow it down until we got him some help.
I tripped the alarm that was in his pants pocket to alert the Guardians that we needed them. I was destined to save him. There was no way in hell I was letting him die.
"Hold on, Babe. I am getting help. If you can hear me, please keeping fighting. I love you."
I screamed for help. "Dad, we need help. Have Pavel get your vehicle. We need to get medical attention for Adrian now. He can't die. I need to get him to take my blood. It may help him; he's lost too much of his own; he needs to be replenished somehow."
My dad shouted at me. "Rose, you can't risk it. He may be turning Strigoi. She forced her blood into his body. He may not be able to stop one he starts feeding."
I looked at my dad with alarm. "I don't care. I will take that chance. I love him. I would never just let him die. I would give him every last drop of blood I had if it meant I could save his life."
"Pavel, give me your knife." I demanded and he knew not to deny my request. He handed me the knife without any hesitation.
I propped Adrian's head up on my lap as I brought the knife to my wrist making a small cut, but big enough to get a good flow of blood. "Baby, you have to drink from me."
I put my wrist to his lips so the blood would flow directly in to his mouth. Within a couple of minutes he had slightly opened his mouth and then latched onto my wrist. It was painful at first, but I didn't care. All I cared about was saving him.
The Guardians had arrived on the scene; poised and ready for the fight. But, as they glanced around they had seen Tatiana was already dead and Ambrose was on the sitting on the ground in handcuffs.
"Guardian Petrov, we need to get Adrian for medical attention immediately. Can I trust to put my grandson in your hands? I need you to take him back to Court.
I will call for Vasilisa Dragomir and Christian Ozera to pick him up from the clinic after he has been examined thoroughly. I will inform them that you will be arriving with him shortly and you will call them when you arrive." Abe had commanded of her.
"Also, inform that we will be bringing in Adrian Ivashkov and he will need immediate medical attention."
I glazed up to meet Alberta's eyes. "I will guard him with my life." She said, reaching for Ethan; removing him from Abe's arms. There were five Guardians to follow on her flanks. I knew he was in good hands.
The other Guardians stayed to take Ambrose into custody; then dispose of Tatiana's body properly.
I was suddenly getting weak from all the blood that Adrian was still taking from me. Pavel quickly removed him from my wrist by picking him up; rushing him to the waiting SUV as my dad scooped me up his arms, running with me.
I sat in the back seat with Adrian's head nestled in my lap. I was slightly out of it from the endorphins his bite released into my system. But, I instantly snapped out of it when I heard the most wonderful sound.
"Little Dhampir?" He croaked; while reaching for me.
I grabbed his hand. "I am here Baby. You're fine. We are on our way to get you some help."
His eyes locked with mine. "Don't leave me." It was the last thing he said as he passed out.
I screamed at Pavel. "Get this fucking car moving faster, NOW!"
I felt the vehicle accelerate. I whispered to Adrian. "I would never leave you. Hang on baby."
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Terri
