They knew. They had to. Why else would the freaking Head of Guardian Operations be calling me?!

Oh, God. If they knew about me, did they know about Dimitri and Eddie, too? What I'd done was stupid, and irresponsible, but they didn't deserve to pay the price for it. Ignoring Dimitri's bulging eyes and worried look, I put on my most professional attitude.

"What do you want to know?"

"Well, perhaps we could start with your thoughts on the mission. How you spent your days, what you did?"

"Um… sure. Except I have no way of knowing you are who you say you are. You'll excuse me for being cautious, but you could be anyone. Guardian and Novice missions are confidential, and if I had been on a mission recently, I'd be stupid talking to some random who rings me up about classified matters without some sort of verification."

Oh hell. I was just trying to buy myself some time, but I'd just called the Head of Guardian Operations 'some random.'

"You make an excellent point, Novice Hathaway," he replied. "I take it you know the number for Guardian Headquarters?"

"I do."

"Then I will terminate this call, and you can ring it. Tell reception your name and that I am waiting for a return call from you."

The line went dead.

"I have to call him back," I wailed to Dimitri. "He wants to know about the mission!"

"Don't incriminate yourself. Don't confirm or deny any wrongdoing unless he spells it out," Dimitri instructed. He was trying to keep it together for my sake, but I could tell he was freaked out, too.

"Here goes nothing," I grizzled, dialing Guardian Headquarters and identifying myself.

"Ahh, Novice Hathaway," the same voice as before greeted me when I was transferred through. "Satisfied now I'm not 'some random'?" He sounded amused.

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. It's just I don't know you, and I didn't want to talk to someone I shouldn't."

"Quite so," he replied. "As I said – I'd like to speak with you about your recent mission with the Alchemists. How you spent your days and that sort of thing."

"Sure. There were nine of us at the compound. Six Novices, three Guardians. We were there to guard, if necessary, and also keep an eye on a nearby site of Strigoi activity. As well as those duties we were involved in teaching intensives with each of the Guardians."

"What sort of intensives?" He sounded curious.

"All sorts of things. Combat, sparring, Guardian policies and procedures, professional ethics, conflict resolution. We even learned to cook a bit which sounds silly but was actually pretty useful for people like me who grew up at an Academy and never learned that stuff."

I was nervous and rambling, I realized.

"So how would your days run?"

"We had a roster setup by the mission leader. We'd rotate between household duties, hiking in a small group to observe the area where Strigoi were known to have been, training and theory."

"You weren't bored?"

"There wasn't time to get bored, sir. We were on the go from dawn 'til past dusk."

"You did Guardian training with all three Guardians?"

"Yes, and it was helpful. They all had their different areas of skill, and there aren't a lot of female Guardians or Novices, so I got a lot out of training with the other women."

"Yes… There were two other female Novices and your mother there, is that right?" he asked. I had no idea why he was asking – surely he had the file there in front of him.

"Yes, that's right."

"And how would you describe your relationships within the house? Harmonious?"

I wasn't sure where he was going with this, but I played along.

"Yeah for the most part. I mean, things are always a little strained between my mother and me, and it's always difficult living in such close quarters, but we mostly got along alright."

"No misunderstandings or cultural differences?"

"Oh, plenty!" I laughed. "We're Guardians, or training to be, not robots. But we were able to work together cooperatively," I said, hoping he'd leave it there.

"And the Alchemists? What did you see of them?"

"Well, I was on a run with one of the Guardians when we saw a car leave the premises," I outlined. "And I was also present when Guardian Hathaway toured the Alchemist's building."

"Ahh, yes. Tell me about that."

"We were only in there for a few minutes. Guardian Hathaway did all the talking. Basically, it was a huge open room with a computer room and a bathroom in separate rooms. There were eight large tables, like really big dining tables, but they'd covered them with sheets so we couldn't see what was on them."

"And the Alchemist you met?"

"Male and late forties or early fifties."

"Was he happy to work with you?"

"Not really. He was wary and kept his distance, but he was civil. I got the feeling he didn't like having to interact with us, but that it was a necessary evil."

"How did you find working with him?"

"It wasn't an issue for me. I was there with a job to do, and I did it," I replied stiffly.

"And did you like your time on the mission? Did you enjoy it?"

I thought about it for perhaps the first time. It had been hard living with my mother, harder than I'd anticipated. Elizaveta hadn't made it any walk in the park, either. But I'd learned a lot and a lot about myself. And it had meant lots of time with Dimitri – even if it weren't private.

"I did, sir. I learned a lot. And I loved the daytime schedule."

There was a pause, and I could hear him taking notes.

"I've read the report about the Strigoi encounter on the way back to the Academy. Five kills?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Bringing your total to…?"

"Nine, sir. And a zvezda."

He made a whistling noise through his teeth.

"That's a lot – tell me how you earned them."

Again I didn't understand why he was asking. Surely he had access to this information already?

"My first two were earned in Spokane at New Years. The zvezda was from the battle at St. Vlad's, the next two molnija were from the rescue the next day and then five in the attack on the way back to St. Vlad's."

"So how many did you kill in the battle of St. Vlad's? I know you got a zvezda, but you must have some idea of how many you killed?"

No one had ever asked me that before. Not even Dimitri. And the thing is, I had a rough idea. Christian and I had spoken about it, and we put the figure somewhere in the twenties. I thought low twenties, he thought high.

"Somewhere between twenty and thirty, Sir."

"Some of those you killed with the help of a Moroi fire user, is that right?"

"That's right."

"And you were comfortable working with them?"

"I was worried at first. I mean, my whole life has been about protecting Moroi, so it was weird to fight alongside one. But as a Guardian to be, I have to use whatever I can to get the job done. Strigoi are adapting, so we need to as well."

"Hmm." It was hard to tell whether he thought this was a good or a bad thing.

"And you're in Russia now, I believe?"

"Yes. I'm training ahead of my trial and graduation."

"Going to graduate from St. Basil's, right?"

"That's right. Meredith and Eddie from the mission are here, too."

"Taking part in the elimination fights?"

"I hope to, sir."

"Well show those Russians St. Vlad's students can hold their own, alright?" he joked.

"You went to St. Vlad's?" I asked, immediately realizing it was quite a personal question.

"That I did. St. Basil's always claim to have the best fighters – it's about time someone took them down a notch or two!"

"Well, sir, I'll do my best!"

"Good. Well best wishes with that, Hathaway. You and I will talk again soon."

I disconnected the call, turning to face Dimitri.

"What did he want? Does he know about what happened on the mission?"

"I don't know, and I don't think so. He sounded like he just wanted to chat?"

"Roza – the head of Guardian Operations, the man ultimately in charge of every Guardian in the world, doesn't ring a Novice just for a chat!" Dimitri snapped sounding worried.

"I know that," I replied. "But that's what it sounded like."

"You two look very… satisfied!" Eddie teased when we arrived back at Kirill's flat.

"Shut it, Castile," Dimitri barked, still out of sorts after Croft's call to me.

"What's up his ass?" Eddie asked after Dimitri went to collect Sonya and Meredith's bags to take to the car.

"I got a call this morning about the Alchemist mission. We're not just sure why and we're both a bit on edge."

"Yeah, Meredith and I got calls this morning, too. Guardian Croft? He said he was preparing a report for the Guardian Council. Something to do with an idea for practical training?"

I almost sagged in relief.

"He didn't ask anything about… you know?!"

"Nah. Just wanted to know what we did every day, what it was like working together and that sort of stuff. It seemed a bit of a pointless call, really. Meredith said so, too."

"Comrade – Meredith and Eddie got calls as well. Croft is writing a report for the Guardian Council," I said when Dimitri reappeared with the girls' bags. "Something about practical training."

"That's good," he said casually, but his whole demeanor instantly relaxed, and he wrapped his arm around my waist and kissed my temple. "I told you there was nothing to worry about!"

I cuddled him, mentally rolling my eyes. He'd said nothing of the sort!

Once the van was packed, Sonya and Meredith wanted to hit the shops, so the six of us piled in and drove to the largest mall in the area.

"Are you shopping? The fabric on some of your boxers is looking a little thin… I think you could use some new ones," I suggested playfully to Dimitri.

"Roza!" he hissed, flushing adorably and checking in the rear vision mirror to see if anyone had heard me.

"It's ok, baby," I soothed, using the affectionate term he'd moaned in passion again and again last night. "They know I see you in your underwear… and out of it…"

"Gross, Dimka. Just buy some new boxers, alright?!" Sonya demanded. "We don't all need to hear about it!"

"I'll have you know your brother looks very sexy in his underwear," I started, knowing the public disclosure would horrify my Russian God. "I like it when he wears nice tight briefs, but he says he's more comfortable in..."

"La la la la la la la la," Sonya interrupted loudly, sticking her fingers in her ears.

"Rose!" Dimitri barked at the same time, lips pursed and red-faced.

"Well it's just the truth," I mocked, squirming on the seat a little. If I couldn't sit comfortably, I didn't see why he should either!

"Right. So first stop men's underwear," Eddie said stifling a snigger. "Anything else us guys need to pick up?"

"I'm fine," Dimitri said through gritted teeth.

"Me too," Kirill declared, the corner of his mouth twitching as he regarded Dimitri. I could see he wanted to laugh, but he was courting Sonya and wanted to stay on Dimitri's good side!

"Great! Zombie Apocalypse: 2056 is showing at the cinema. If we catch the 1 pm session, we can meet up with the ladies at three and be on the road back to Baia so we'll be home by dark," Eddie suggested hopefully.

"I want to see that!" Dimitri enthused.

"Zombies, Comrade?" I scoffed. I mean, seriously movies these days were far-fetched and just ridiculous. "Honestly? Who believes that stuff?!"

"It's not about believing, it's about escapism."

"You know, sometimes I wonder what would happen if a Moroi went out and showed their fangs off to the humans," Meredith said with a giggle.

"Oh! I've seen that! It's gold! Liss and I did it one Halloween when we lived in the human world! I dressed up in a tight, black, short as hell dress with my boobs pushed up and all black eyeliner and stuff, and Liss dressed up as an angel. We went trick or treating, and everyone looked at me like I was the freak and then Liss popped her fangs. People thought they were fake, of course, but it was still awesome!"

"Did anyone freak?" Sonya asked curiously. "They look real!"

"Nah… She just said she bought them on eBay."

We walked around the mall, splitting up while Dimitri grudgingly bought new boxers, almost blowing a gasket when I jauntily suggested he model them for me later.

"It's not funny, Rose! I need the Novices to respect me!"

"They do respect you. That's the reason it's so funny to hear about you in your underwear…"

Dimitri groaned and ignored me as he paid for his purchases.

We met up at the food court, quickly eating before the guys headed to the cinema and us girls went shopping for Sonya. She automatically headed to the tight clothing she'd always favored, but Meredith and I steered her toward a more mature look.

"So what were you and Kirill whispering about before you came to bed last night?" Meredith asked as she was flicking through some tops, looking for new things for Sonya to try on.

Sonya blushed, and a pretty smile spread across her face.

"Kirill needs to stay here for a few weeks because of the new store. He's going to start the workers on the demolition of the unit. He's planning to come back to Baia for a few days in a fortnight, and he was suggesting I come back here a few weeks after that to give the contractors my instructions for the unit."

"Has he asked you to live with him, yet?" Meredith pressed.

"Kind of. Last night he asked me if I could see myself living in Omsk if everything worked out."

"And you said yes, of course?" I clarified.

"Of course," Sonya said giggling. "I know it seems like it's happening fast, but I've always liked him. It feels like the right decision."

"Have you talked about the baby?"

She nodded.

"He said he doesn't care who the father is - he's ready to settle down, and he's always regretted not dating me years ago. He wants the three of us to be a family and for him to be Papa to the baby. He even talked about maybe getting married before the baby arrives."

Meredith and I both grinned. That was big news indeed! If he was talking about marriage already, it was only a matter of time before Sonya would be engaged.

"How do people announce their engagement in Russia?" I asked curiously. Sonya gave me a loaded look before she twigged I meant her not Dimitri and me!

"In Baia usually the families get together on Sunday before Church. He gives a ring and she accepts it in front of both families, and then the two families walk to Church together, and the girl wears the ring. The priest usually makes a blessing for the couple at the end of the service as a way of announcing it, and then after Church, everyone congratulates the couple and looks at the ring."

"It sounds very romantic," Meredith said.

"I suppose so," Sonya replied, looking a little embarrassed, but hopeful too.

"Well if he might propose, you'll need a dress for Church!" Meredith exclaimed excitedly.

"He still might not…" Sonya said looking uncertain.

"Then you'll have a nice dress to wear some other time," I responded with a smile. "Come on – let's get looking!"

"So Kirill spoke with your sister about getting married," I announced, sitting on the side of our bed, brushing my hair. "It sounds like he's really keen."

We'd got back to Baia just before dusk. Later than we'd intended, thanks to a protracted farewell between Kirill and Sonya. She'd accompanied us back home while Kirill had to stay in Omsk. We'd had a subdued dinner, Sonya in an irritable mood, and now we'd all retired to bed.

"I know. After the movie, he talked to me," Dimitri smirked.

"So?"

"So he's planning to visit in a fortnight for a day or two, and then two weeks after that, he's hoping Mama and Babushka will visit Omsk for the day with Sonya to see the progress on the unit. He wants to show them he can provide a suitable place for her."

"And then?"

"And then he's planning to propose."

"How old is she?" I asked. I knew Sonya was younger than Dimitri, but not by how much.

"Twenty-two."

"That's very young to be married," I said, disapproval in my tone. Where was this coming from? I was happy for them!

"Not if they're in love."

"Still. It seems so young! How can she be sure she isn't going to change her mind? She's barely experienced the world! She has her whole life before her. Tying herself down – aren't you worried she might regret it?" I asked, my voice panicked.

"Are we still talking about Sonya now, ангел?" Dimitri checked, his voice tender.

My eyes dropped to the floor. He was right – I was talking about me.

"I don't know if I'm ready for that. Marriage."

"It frightens you?"

"A little," I admitted sheepishly. "The only married people I've known are Lissa's parents."

"What scares you, Roza?" he asked, sitting beside me on the bed and taking the brush from my hands before clasping them in his own.

"I don't know. It seems so permanent!" I couldn't bring my eyes to meet his. I was trying, in vain, to calm myself but now we were talking about it, I was getting more and more freaked out!

"Are you not sure that you want to be with me?"

"No! I mean I'm sure. It's just…"

"Just?" I could hear the hurt in his voice.

"It's just I'm not ready, alright?!" I snapped, pulling my hands from his. "I'm scared! Things are happening so quickly, and there's so much change going on! I don't know what I want, but I'm not ready to get married!"

"Rose? Roza?! I haven't even asked you. This was about Sonya remember?!"

I stopped in my tracks. He was right.

"Rose I'm not about to propose. Is that what's worrying you?"

I nodded.

"It's not that I don't want to one day. Just not yet," I explained in a small voice.

"I know that," Dimitri soothed. "There's a lot to settle before we go there. And I do want to ask you one day. I want us to promise to always be together through the good and bad times. But not yet."