** Chapter 2**

I woke up during the night with a terrible fever. Dimitri sat up playing nurse over me.

'You my doctor tonight?' I asked more as a joke.

'Rest.'

'What happened to you face?' I asked only noticing now, a deep cut above his eye and cheek. Trying to sit up.

'I'm fine. Just a few scraps. Your mother took care of it for me. Now lay still.' He said laying a new nice cold cloth on my forehead. He took my hand and I laced our fingers together.

'You are burning up.' He muttered. I nodded my head.

'We should get you back at court so you can get proper medical care.' He said and started to pack up our things.

'But our weekend…'

'No, Rose. We're going now.' He said in his god like guardian voice at me. I did not argue further and fell back asleep. I was woken when I was being carried to the car and lay out on the back seat. I moaned in pain hearing muffled voices and then we were off driving back the entire way back to court. Again I was woken when I was painfully carried to a gurney and rush off to another wing of the hospital with Dimitri giving them the step by step what happened to my leg in our fight. They open up my leg again and rushed me off to a very sterile room where they put me under and started to work on my whole leg. Coming to in a sun filled room. I have IV's coming from my arm. Looked around and saw, Abe, mom and Dimitri sleeping in chairs around me. Dimitri's western novel fell on his chest. Like he knew I was awake, when he to woke-up.

'Hey.' He said softly, kissing my hand.

'Hi.' I said with a scratchy throat. He gave me a glass of water. I drank then gave him back the glass.

'You look better.' He finally said spoke again.

'I feel better,' I said the same way softly. I feel so guilty for ruining our weekend off.

'I'm- I'm sorry.'

'Sorry for what?'

'For messing with our weekend together.' He sat forward some more and closed his novel and put it down on my night stand.

'Rose, you know I would do anything for you, but you did not mess with our weekend at all.'

'Yes, I have.'

'Stop, it now please. Rest now.'

'I'm sorry.' I said again almost near tears, but I did what I was asked and fell back asleep. Before my eye lids close I said: 'I love you, Dimitri Belikov.'

'I love you to Rosemarie Hathaway.' He said and gave me a kiss then I fell asleep completely. I was jolted awake when I open my eyes in my own room in my apartment. Dimitri lay fast asleep next to me holding me in his arms on my double bed. Darn it my legs hurts and I need to go to the bathroom so I slip out of his arms. I got to the bathroom just in the nick of time.

I limp back to bed then got in looking at my god of a man sleeping so soundly, he looks so wonderful and beautiful. Looking around to see if I can see any medication and there it is on the side table next to the couch. Rummage through the bag and found the strong pain killers. I drank it and lay back down in bed next to Dimitri. I slip back into his arms as I fell asleep again. I was so gently woken with soft kisses on my neck with very familiar lips and Dimitri's intoxication scent.

'Hi, sleeping beauty.' He said against my neck.

'Morning. This is such a nice way to wake-up to.'

'Oh it is, is it?'

'Yes.' I said then turned around to face him as I wench a couple of times as I now face him. Cupping his face. He kissed my palm. We moved closer and started kissing more deeply as our kissing turned up the heat in my whole body and I notice now he was to. Soon we were completely naked and fully engaged in the most earth shattering love making ever. Making love with my injury had it's down sides but laying in the dark in Dimitri's arms was the best place to ever be. Hearing his heart beat, feeling his breath against my cheek but most of all his warmth and intoxicating smell. Feeling both very satisfied and beyond happy, my eye lids just don't want to stay open at all and I drift off.

Waking up Sunday morning with Dimitri watching me sleep.

'Good morning, sexy.' I said smiling up at him covering my naked body with a sheet till under my arms.

'Good Morning beautiful. So sexy, huh?' He asked me with a smile, while giving me a kiss.

'Yes.' I answered through a yawn. He chuckle a little as he brush my wild hair out of my face.

'I've ordered us some breakfast. It should be here shortly.' He said.

'You are such a great provider. I just want to take a shower first.' I said kissing his bare chest.

'You need some help?'

'I'll let you know.'

'Okay.' He said then gave me a fantastic kiss, almost made me reconsider the shower and even breakfast. I just want to drink in as much of him before he leave again. He pulls away from our kiss and just looks at me.

'What's wrong?' I could see it all over his face and it's in his eyes.

'I'm just drinking in as much of you as I can. According to Christian's schedule there is at least a 2-5 months stretch before we would see each other again.' He said as my mouth drops open. 'What?' He asks me.

'I was just thinking that exact thing about the drinking in every part of you, I mean. 2-5 months, I will die for sure without seeing you.'

'The feeling is mutual my Roza. Now go- go take a shower. I'll be here.'

'Okay.' I gave him one last kiss then got out of bed. Hopping to the bathroom and got in the shower and it felt so fantastic, washing my hair and shaving all over. I got out and dried off and was busy brushing my teeth when Dimitri pop his head in the bathroom door.

'Breakfast is here.' I nodded my head then finish up in the bathroom. I quickly attend to my leg changing the bandages. It was awkward at the back so Dimitri stepped into help me. Once done and now fully dressed, we walked to the dining table. Sat down and start eating. Looking at our food it almost remind me of our breakfast's at Dmitri's mother house back in Russia. I ate till I couldn't eat anymore. Drinking my coffee watch Dimitri eat his breakfast. Watching him brought a smile to my face. Got my bag of pills the doctor send along and started reading all the instructions on all of the bottles. I took what I have to and drank it with my coffee. Dimitri finished the last of his toast then sit back drinking his coffee.

'Hans was here earlier. He said we should come over to HQ today so they can add to our molnija marks.'

'What really?'

'Yes.' He shyly smile at me.

'Maybe we can go after you took a shower.'

'Sound great to me. I won't be long.' He said drinking the last of his coffee.

'There is no rush.'

'I know, but the quicker I make, the more time we have together.' It made me smile as he jog off to the bathroom. I got busy drying my hair. I was finished with my hair and was busy putting on my sneakers when he came back out shaven and smelling heavenly. He was busy getting dress as I just watch him get dressed. He was pulling on his boots. He got busy drying his shoulder length hair and tie it back. I made a bun with mine. We head out. We drove to the guardian HQ. Walked very painfully into headquarters where our tattoo artist was waiting for us when we arrived.

If I have been granted to get my molnija marks from all my strigoi kills in Russia my neck would have been full by now, but because it was a time of my life I really don't want to remember I shoved it all off as nothing. Sitting now getting my three marks and Dimitri his three. The tattoo artist asked if I would like to re-ink my other marks as well, I said yes. Knowing how long these tattoo's take to heal. A few extra won't make any difference. They cover my tattoos and I waited for Dimitri, who was talking to Hans. They joined me where I sat on a chair resting my leg a bit.

'Guardian Hathaway.'

'Guardian Slovinsky.' I said shaking his hand.

'Doctor Miller gave me the load down on your injuries. We both agree that you take a half day shift for the next three weeks with your leg.' I wanted to protest but Hans continued. 'You and Guardian Castile will have half day duties together.'

'Thank you sir.'

'How is your leg today?' Hans asked between Dimitri and me.

'It's being quite smart today already.'

'I see, go home and get some rest.' He said more like an direct order kind of way.

'I'll make sure of that guardian Slovinsky.' Dimitri finally spoke then we all shook hands and parted ways. We drove to a nice café nearby and had some nice lunch before we finally drove back to my apartment. Dimitri carried me in. I love the fact that he insisted on carrying me inside. So I did not protest at his request. I drank my medication then went to bed. My leg was swollen badly and my handsome man prompt a pillow under my foot to get some of the swelling down. Dimitri settled down next to me on the bed. With my hand laced with his, he picked up his novel and I fell asleep tucked in under his arm

The next morning we were both up early and Dimitri pinned me down on the bed kissing me. Things got hot so fast before I know it we were both inside one another. It was so wonderful the whole hour. It was really- really fantastic I for one didn't want it to ever stop, but my darn leg started aching so much that we finally had to stop. Lying in each others arms out of breath. We drank in all the time we have together, before his flight set out this afternoon. We took a shower together. Man was it great. I attended to my leg once I'm half dressed, trying my best to attend to the back of my leg, but it was not an easy task. Dimitri was busy shaving and as he finished up and saw me struggling and took over from me.

'Thank you.' I said standing still as his wonderful hands got to work on my legs. Closed my eyes and just feel him working.

'It's my pleasure, Roza.'

'You know I can never ever grow tired of you calling me that.' I said looking down into his warm loving eyes.

'Oh, my Roza. I don't think it's even possible to grow tired of you and your blinding beauty.' He said as he got back up cupping my face. He was only dressed in a towel around his lower half. I turned and wrap my arms around his waist and planted kisses on his chest. I heard him in take a couple of sharp breaths when I faced him again. He looked deep into my eyes as he pushed a lost strain of my hair behind my ear then kissed me full on my lips. It was earth movingly good. We pulled apart then got settled in front of the TV.

Guess what we are watching old western movies. We ordered an early lunch and we ate together in our comfortable silence. We don't always need to say anything just being together is enough for us. When the time came to drive Dimitri back to the airport, I was in tears. Dimitri drove as I stared out the window so he can't see my tears. We drove onto the tarmac where the jet stood. Quickly dried my tears before facing him, but because this is Dimitri we are dealing with, he already noticed it immediately.

'Roza, please don't cry.'

'I'm gonna miss you so much.' I said burying my face in his chest.

'I'm going to miss you much more.' He said kissing the top of my head. We said our goodbyes and he finally board the jet. He promised to call me the moment the jet lands. The jet took off and I drove back to court crying the whole hour's drive. You can get use to someone so quickly then once they are gone that void is unbearable. I can't even listen to music. Back at my apartment it suddenly looked too big for me. Later I ordered in my dinner then settled in for the evening. My phone rang and it was Dimitri letting me know they landed safely and that he loves me and miss me already like crazy.

My dinner arrived as a happy distraction and I ate then after another shower I got into bed. Dimitri forgot his after shave and a few other pieces of his clothes here. Which was to my delight a good thing. Two of his shirts and one of his jeans. I cleared a whole drawer for them but decided against it. I lay his clothes out beside me on the bed so his side can keep smelling like him. After along time of tossing and turning I finally fell asleep. I was up before my nocturnal day started being back at my post as 1st guardian to the queen I got the latest load down. Eddie filled me in on everything.

I got Lissa's schedule for the whole week. Memorizing everything for the up and coming week. After a week of half day duties, then next two weeks was full day duties for me to compensate for the void in my chest. It was by the third week I had to check in with Dr Miller when he scolded me for not looking after myself better. My leg is healing but not as well as it should be. He gave me new supplies so I can take care of my leg. I'm just glad my stitches was taken out, last week. Dimitri and I call each other every night once our moroi have gone to bed and we're on guard.

I threw myself into protecting Lissa 24/7 and again going back on my espresso coffee as my main food group to function and always be alert. Two months has pasted and Lissa is finally settled in at college. Eddie and I have worked constantly to keep Lissa safe in Leigh university. A human school and without the wards to protect her we need to be in constant alert mode. As all my friends and best friend which is Lissa that my birthday that my birthday is in two and a half weeks. Not feeling like much celebrating because it's just a painful reminder of my sucky birthday last year when I set out to hunt down the man I love, Dimitri. When he was still strigoi back in Siberia. Lissa is studying in her suit. Eddie and I am going over out guard detail for the night when we both sensed our enemy lurking. There are strigoi lurking outside. We got Lissa secured.

I ordered Eddie to stay close to Lissa when I set out to face the two strigoi in the shadows of the trees outside Lissa's building. We had one other guardians that stepped out with me and the other one stayed with Eddie to keep Lissa safe. I face the first strigoi it was like being back in Russia as a repeat button was being pressed. Darn they were fast and so strong. This one threw a few punches and me being a guardian kept up with his swings I took a hit on my right cheek and flew backward into the brick fence knocking the wind right out of me. I recovered quickly and ran at him with my stake.

He was still laughing with his other strigoi friend when I staked him; the utter surprise on his dying face was something to remember. The second one turned on my and we circled each other when I leaped at him knocking him to the ground. Standing on his arms and sitting on his chest I pressed my stake very slowly against his face and neck. He screamed in agony as it scorched him. It sizzled as I drag it over his skin.

'Who send you?' I asked him as the other guardian walked closer with his stake in his hand.

'Screw you!' The strigoi yelled at me. I pressed the tip of my stake into his neck.

'I'll ask you only one more time. Who send you?'

'Mandy Wiggins! Mandy Wiggins!'

'Why?' I said burning him some more with my stake.

'She said the last heiress is here and we need to bring the heiress to her.'

'Where is Mandy? Where can I find her?'

'On the country side of Pennsylvania, it's called 'The Morty Estate'.' He spilled his guts then while I still have him pinned down with a lot of struggle I finally staked him with a half a scream from him. I phoned Chad a local alchemist that lives nearby to come clean up the strigoi bodies in the dark alley, we dragged them into. The four of us being in guardian over drive mode we went into action immediately. I phoned Hans and debriefed him on all the info I got. He was grateful for the info because he have heard of this Mandy strigoi and now knowing where they hide out they can plan our attack accordingly. According Eddie, in Spanish, 'The Morty Estate' means in English 'the death estate'. Go figure.

Lissa was quite shaken up and why too concerned about me. She checked me over because she saw me hit the wall so hard. I told her I'm perfectly fine but she brushed it off. Getting back on our guardian duties as I lay with Lissa holding her like the old days when we were on the run from the academy so she can calm down till she fell asleep. With all the excitement she was so exhausted that she fell asleep rather fast. I just kept hugging her close. When I felt her completely relax I got back to my duties. The alchemist checked in with us to tell us the job is all done and he was off again. All four of us were on extra high alert after that strigoi attack. The next two weeks where quite till one Saturday evening around past one in the AM when another handful strigoi showed up.

We put in orders for wards being put around Lissa's building. I finally learned the other two guardians names was, Ian Mandez and Mario Luna. But now face with another strigoi attack Ian stayed with Lissa while Eddie, Mario and I set out taking on the four strigoi out in the park. As I head out the door I told Ian to call our alchemist friend ahead of time. My adrenaline already coursing through my body putting me in battle gear. We each took on a strigoi head on. My opponent battered me pretty good with his speed and strength. You can by the my the way he fought that he has been a strigoi for a while. One of the females strigoi yelled something she saw happening to one of them.

My opponent looked at her and at that split second I took my shot right into his heart. He fell quickly when Eddie and turned on her. She was cornered, she lunged at me because I was the bigger threat to her then Eddie. She scratch me. Three deep gushes across the length of my forearm. I kept her attention on me when Eddie moved around her and staked her from behind. The woman's face turned to shock as she blew out her last breath. I heard Mario struggle behind me. They were in a fist fight. Eddie and I joined Mario where he faced two at the same time. We all stood back to back nod at the sometime then attacked. Being slapped into that same brick fence this time just harder than the first time.

I heard something crack by the force I was slammed into the wall. I saw stars in my vision but could make out Eddie and Mario both staked their strigoi. They dragged all the dead bodies in the alley of before. Eddie being the first at my side helping me to my feet. I learned that my pain has not set in yet. Lissa being Lissa wanted to heal me. I told her no, knowing the dark effect it has on her and me not being bonded to her means I can't take it from her anymore. She wanted to protest then thought better of it. My arm in a sling, I was driven to a human hospital by Ian where they took x-rays of my arm. My arm is broken in two places. The bone in the middle of my forearm and near my wrist.

I luckily didn't need a operation just a cast. Yes my whole arm is in a cast for the next six weeks. Back at Lissa's suite, Eddie filled Hans in on the events of the evening. Lissa took some sleeping pills while we were at the hospital so she can sleep. She has her second last test for the semester tomorrow. I started on our endless paper work. Halfway through the night I was done with my report and my fifth cup of espresso coffee. Eddie swears I don't have any more blood in my veins because it all turned to coffee. Ian and Mario both chuckled as they drank their coffee. The three of them all took turns sleeping. I refused for the past four months. Dimitri still calls me every day or me him depends who misses who the most.

My birthday is Saturday which is in four days time. Looking at my arm in the cast. I know my birthday wouldn't be that much different than last year. Resting my head against the window looking at the sun rise. Lissa was up early which snap me out of my haze as I made her and myself some more coffee so she can wake-up and go over her notes before her test later this morning. She was shocked to see my whole arm in a cast. Mario was up first. The others soon followed. Later we all set out as Lissa took her test in a large lecture hall. The whole next day was the same as she took her last test. This being winter break the snow have not set in completely yet. We all set out for the airport to go back to court.

Once we landed queen Lissa, Eddie, Ian, Mario and I drove back by escort. We secured her living quarters and the four new royal guards took over from the four of us. I refused but Lissa ordered me to go rest and ensure me that she's perfectly safe here at court. I head over to guardians HQ, saw Hans and handed him my four month reports. He showed me to the tattoo artist where three extra molnija marks are being added in my neck. After that I head to my apartment. Where to my surprise was being used by someone I have missed so much for the past five months. I know he said two months but Lissa's schedule took longer and both our schedules got scrabbled quite a bit. I dropped my bags and ran into Dimitri's arms.

'Oh my Roza, I have missed you so.'

'Not as much as I missed you Dimka.' We kissed then he pulled away looking at my arm.

'I heard what happened and about this Mandy strigoi. How did you manage to get that information?'

'I learned a few tricks back in Siberia.'

'Handy.'

'Very.'

'So how long do you have to walk with this thing?' He motion to my cast.

'Six weeks.'

'It's a wonder you haven't broken every bone in your body over the years.' He said shaking his head.

'Well I broke my right leg in third grade falling out a tree. Then my right arm in fifth grade in a fight protecting Lissa from a bully.' He just smiled at me

'I still can't believe you're here. When did you two arrive?'

'Four hours ago. Let me guess, Lissa ordered you a time out because you hardly slept for the past four months.'

'Yes.'

'How long are you off for?'

'Five days.' I answered. He gave me another hug as we sat on the couch. I took a pillow and lay down on his lap as he played with my hair he always loved so much. Careful not to come near my new tattoo's. I fell asleep in the safety of my man's arms almost instantly.