Running into Saunders had been a stroke of luck. I'd wondered how to play this, but his company would make things easier.
"What I have to say should only be heard by the most trusted people," I explained.
He nodded.
"It's going to be a hell of a story, isn't it?" he mused.
"Yep," I acknowledged with a grim smile.
"I have to ask – are you the only one to make it out?"
"I'm afraid so," I said. He nodded, but I saw the flash of sorrow cross his face.
"My brother…" he explained.
"I'm so sorry," I said. We both understood.
We walked through the foyer at Headquarters and Saunders swiped us through into the back part of the building. He swiped us through several other doors before we were finally in a long corridor. There were various doors, but he stopped at Guardian Mitchell Erskine's. A controversial choice to replace Schoenberg as Head of the Guardian Council when he'd retired, the word was Erskine was completely out of his depth. Saunders knocked twice, and the voices on the other side of the door stopped.
"Enter," a deep voice intoned. Saunders opened the door, and we both stepped into the room.
"Belikov! What the hell?" It was Art Schoenberg. For a usually unflappable guy, he was looking pretty astonished. "I had to tell your girl you were dead. I hope you've let her know otherwise?!"
"I have. She's here at Court with me. Shopping," I said with a grin, shaking his hand before clapping each other on the back. Saunders shot me a surprised look putting two and two together. Erskine was staring at me curiously, so Art made the introductions.
"Erskine, this is Belikov. He was one of those thought captured in Saunders' mission. Belikov, Guardian Mitchell Erskine – Head of the Guardian Council."
I nodded my head politely.
Indicating for us to sit, Art looked at me and asked, "So what the hell happened?"
"Well, I was captured and taken to the Strigoi army's manor," I started.
"The one that burnt down?" Erskine interrupted. If he did this every minute, we were going to be here for hours.
"Yes. I'll get to that," I explained. "In a nutshell, I was captured and held there for five weeks. I knew the Strigoi in charge from when she was a Guardian, and she gave me a choice; be turned or be killed. She gave me five weeks to decide, during which time I scoped out the manor. Last Friday, which is the day I was to be turned, there was a meeting of her full army at the manor. I destroyed the mansion with them all inside it and escaped."
"Did you kill many?" Erskine said looking at me with an inscrutable expression.
"I believe the entire army was killed," I said. "Around a thousand."
"There were a thousand?" Erskine said raising his eyebrows. Saunders also looked surprised. Their estimates had indicated more like two hundred.
"About that," I confirmed. "This had all been going on for much longer than was perhaps thought."
Over the next hour, I went through everything with them. The scouting party, being captured, the Guardian and Moroi observation rooms, what I had learned during my time at the manor, and finally my escape.
"I'm not sure if it's complete, but this ledger was outside the Dhampir and Moroi observation rooms. It outlines those turned and those killed."
Art and Erskine looked at it, noting the date of the first entries. By far the sharper of the two, Schoenberg asked, "I see it indicates deceased or awakened. How was it decided who was turned?"
I took a breath finally making the decision that had plagued me ever since I'd first taken the book. Many of these Dhampir had been sent unwillingly into battle, knowing they were going to die. I couldn't blame a man for making the decision that he wanted to continue some sort of life rather than dying in terror as the feedbag for a bunch of hungry Strigoi. Either way, they were dead now - and their families deserved the comfort of believing their sons died heroes.
"I'm not entirely sure. They'd observe the captives for three or four days then some were turned, the others killed. Because Galina recognized my name, she pulled me out of the observation dorm after only a few hours, so I'm not across all the intricacies of it," I said, following my lies with truth.
"So after you escaped?" Erskine queried.
"I went to my family's house in Baia about six hours away. I had nothing on me other than the ledger and what I was wearing. I stopped at my family's house a few hours to eat, shower and book flights to the States. I flew here via my last allocation at St. Vladimir's so I could pick up clothing, my stakes, and other personal items."
Art looked at me. He knew I'd flown straight back to Roza, but the twinkle in his eye hinted that he understood.
"The garrison in Moscow received a call about the fire. Was that you?" Erskine asked suspiciously.
"Yes, it was. As the head garrison in Russia, I knew they'd have a list of all Guardians close enough to make sure the manor was rubble by nightfall. I take it that's what happened?"
"It is," Art confirmed.
I nodded in relief.
"You should have stayed and made your report," Erskine said, focusing on the admittedly significant break in Guardian protocol. "We would have brought you straight back here."
"Mitchell, the man killed a thousand Strigoi, had the presence of mind to bring out proof of those taken and made sure the garrison knew to finish destroying the place. I think we can agree that in such a unique situation, novel decisions might need to be made," Art rebuked in exasperation.
Erskine nodded, backing down.
"You're right. Belikov is a hero, and we should acknowledge that. Perhaps a formal reception?"
"No!" Art and I both said at the same time, Saunders nodding in agreement with us.
Art went first.
"A celebration will indicate just how serious the threat was and how close it came to succeeding. It may well cause panic amongst Moroi, and might give others ideas on how to move against us in the future," he argued.
"I agree. And a Guardian known to have killed a thousand Strigoi might as well kill himself now," I stated. "Every Strigoi will want to have a go at taking him down. Plus no one will want to be guarded by someone who's a target for Strigoi. Any public acknowledgment is going to take away my livelihood, and I have a family to support," I explained. Art gave me a shrewd look. He knew I wasn't talking about my relatives in Baia.
"So what do you suggest?" Erskine asked me levelly.
"I'd be happy with a Zvezda, a couple of paid weeks off and help finding a suitable new allocation," I admitted.
"And a spot on the Guardian Council," Art suggested, looking at Erskine. "He's the youngest ever Blood Master Seven, plus he knows more about this operation than anyone so his insight into how Strigoi are adapting might be useful. He's probably killed more Strigoi than everyone else in this building put together, and he's had experience private guarding across two countries, guarding a high profile charge, leading a retrieval team, mentoring and working at an Academy. I think his skills and experience would be invaluable, and I intend to nominate him for Hogan's position when he steps down at the next meeting," Art informed him.
Now that was a surprise and completely unexpected. Being on the Guardian Council was a tremendous honor. I nodded to Art, acknowledging the compliment he was paying me.
"Thanks, Art. Right now, though, I need to focus on getting a new allocation."
"Of course. Erskine, I'll go with Belikov to see what's currently available. I think we can all agree he's earned his choice of where to next?" he asked the other men, both of whom nodded.
Art, Saunders and I stood, shaking hands with Erskine.
"Belikov? You got time for a coffee first?" Art asked, giving me a look that told me he wanted to talk. Saunders nodded, bidding us farewell.
"Sure thing," I replied. "What about that pâtisserie around the corner?"
My eyes scanned the shop as we walked in, but Rose was no longer there. I hadn't expected her to be, but my woman did have a liking for pastries and treats, and I hadn't missed the way her eyes had lit up like Christmas when I'd mentioned this place. Quickly seated, Schoenberg looked at me with amusement.
"So. Daddy, eh?"
"Yep!" I said with a huge grin.
"You'll need to come up with a story," he said. "If anyone finds out two Dhampir…"
"I know," I groaned. "We just need to go somewhere where no one has too many questions… I'm starting to think we might have to disappear into the human world for a while; come back in a year or so with the child. Rose has lived in the human world before when she was on the run with the Princess, so I know she'll be able to handle it. But it will be hard for her to be away from all her supports, especially with a baby."
"See what's on offer allocations wise. Maybe something will crop up? Would you consider overseas?"
"At this stage, I'll consider anything, Art. I just want to get Rose settled and comfortable as soon as possible. Her blood pressure is high, and I don't want her stressing out about where we're going to live or affording things for the baby. Of course, Tasha isn't helping with her blood pressure."
"Tasha Ozera?" he queried. "She was there when I told the Princess about your reallocation. She seems very taken with you… Alberta said she has a whole fantasy love built up. Do you think she's going to be a problem?"
"Absolutely," I sighed. "She's another good reason just to get out of here. If Rose didn't have to graduate, I'd leave now. Disappear into the human world without a trace."
"Could you negotiate something with the school? Let her do her exams remotely or something like that?" he asked.
"With the pregnancy and everything else, I think they've already been a lot more accommodating than we have reason to expect," I admitted. "I'm stunned they didn't just expel her."
"Dimitri, after what you pulled off in Russia, you're in a position to call in some very big favors. Work out what you need – Erskine and I can make the calls to make it happen."
"Thanks, Art," I said gratefully. "I may need to take you up on that."
"Surely I won't need anything that big?" I gasped in alarm, looking at the maternity pants Alyce was holding up.
"You will if you keep eating like you did at the pâtisserie earlier," Alyce chortled. We'd been shopping for what seemed like hours and were now making our final selections. Alyce had been hugely helpful as a shopping companion. She'd matched my gestation with the sizing so I'd have the right sized clothing for the season. She also asked about upcoming events like my graduation and graduation dance I needed to buy for.
"You might as well get the stuff now. You won't feel like shopping later on and this way it's all ready for you."
Since I'd be heavily pregnant over summer, we'd bought a lot of floaty maxi dresses with cute cardigans if I needed extra warmth. She'd also insisted on a couple of maternity bathing suits. I'd argued there was no way I'd be going near a swimming pool once my bump was any bigger. She assured me that once it was hot and I was more heavily pregnant, my give a shit factor would reach zero.
Giving that particular pair of maternity pants a miss, we were in the second last store when my thoughts turned to Dimitri. He hadn't called, and I was a little worried; it had been ages since he'd left me at the pâtisserie. Almost as though thinking about him made him think of me, my phone pinged.
Reported in at headquarters. All well. Bumped into Art Schoenberg and having coffee before checking out available allocations. I miss you, milaya. Love your Comrade.
I smiled before quickly texting back, Miss you too, Comrade. Am buying underwear. There are so many choices – any requests? Love Roza xoxo
The phone was silent for about ten seconds before it pinged back, RED! I love you in red lace.
I smiled. Red lace it was then! I was actually surprised at the selection available and that some of it was downright sexy!
"Maternity underwear has come a long way," Alyce said noticing my surprise. "Come on – let's get you fitted."
"Fitted?!" I gasped.
"Yes fitted. Don't be shy, if you plan to breastfeed you'll need to get used to whipping your breasts out…"
I hadn't thought about that.
"Is it hard? Breastfeeding?" I asked apprehensively.
"It was easy for me, but every woman is different. I found it convenient – anywhere we went I had what was needed for him," she explained. "And I didn't have much money when he was born, so it was also cheaper!"
I thought about it. I liked the idea of breastfeeding Junior. The book I'd been reading stressed the health benefits, so I decided to at least give it a go. So I got fitted for a range of wire-free and nursing bras, and I had to say the moment I tried one on I regretted not getting one earlier. They were so comfortable! I got a few practical nudes, beiges, blacks, and whites. And then I bought quite a lot of sexy ones in bright colors, but mostly reds.
"Red's a good color for you," Alyce acknowledged.
"It's Dimitri's favorite," I said with a naughty smile.
"Guardian Belikov?"
I nodded.
"So what's the go there? You're together, but you're also pregnant…"
I'd been waiting for this question.
"There was always something between us, but he was my mentor at school, so we never went there. He was reallocated but came back, and I was pregnant and alone. He always wanted to be a Dad, and he's not my mentor anymore, so we're together now. As far as he's concerned, he's the father in every way."
"Wow you're lucky," she said. "I mean the guy is sex on a stick and you can tell he adores you!"
"I adore him, too. I mean, it's complicated with me still at school and all that – but we'll figure it out."
After insisting I buy a couple of large but lovely kimono style dressing gowns and what seemed to be an industrial supply of breast pads, Alyce declared us done, which is just as well as I was close to reaching saturation point. I was trying to subtly suggest heading home, but Alyce suggested one last stop.
"Have you bought anything for the baby yet?" she asked.
"Not a thing," I admitted shyly.
"You've already given the credit card a beating," she laughed, looking at the shopping cart we had to use to accommodate everything I'd bought. "Why don't you pick up some things for the baby? Just a special outfit or two? Come on – this place has the cutest stuff," she cajoled steering me through into the babywear store. And maybe it was the hormones or, well, I don't know. But I wanted to buy everything!
Since we didn't know the gender, I settled for some cute little newborn outfits in unisex designs and colors, including the sweetest little newborn onesie with 'Mama's Little Guardian' on it. I guess there was an advantage in shopping in a Dhampir area of town - because I'm willing to bet none of the Moroi babywear shops were going to stock that!
Back at the car Alyce and I started the not inconsiderable task of packing everything inside. We used the whole trunk and the backseat but finally got it all in.
"Don't worry – the guys can unpack it at the other end," Alyce assured. "Although you'll probably need a new suitcase or two to get it back to school with you."
School. I was nervous about going back. I knew once I was there the chances of Dimitri having to leave were high. He couldn't stay with me there forever. He'd probably need to start at his new allocation, and I had to stay and graduate. Suddenly my good mood from shopping was gone, and I just wanted to go back to the unit and have a good cry.
It didn't take too long to get back to the guest quarters, but when I did Abe was waiting.
"Did you have a good day, Rose? Shop up a storm?" he asked kindly. His face was a picture of confusion when I burst into tears.
"He's going to leave me. I want to share all this with him, and he's going to go away," I wailed.
"Who is?" Abe asked perplexed.
"Dimitri," I wailed, throwing myself on the sofa and burying my face in my arm. "He's going to leave me!"
I heard what sounded like swearing in another language and then Abe demanded, "Pavel – find Belikov. If he's already taken off, bring the bastard back."
I didn't understand what was going on. I was about to ask what was happening when Pavel announced, "I've just tried to call him - his mobile's been disconnected."
Abe looked furious and was starting to bark instructions in another language when the door opened and in walked my Russian God.
He looked at impassive Pavel, angry Abe and me crying and then he exploded.
"What have you said to her? You know she's meant to stay calm! Why are you upsetting her?!" he demanded, walking over to where I was sitting on the sofa.
"What's wrong, milaya?" he asked soothingly, sitting beside me and scooping me into his arms.
"I don't want you to leave," I whimpered, cuddling in against his chest.
"What? It's not me. She's upset you've decided to abandon her!" Abe growled looking truly terrifying.
"I'm not leaving!" Dimitri exclaimed. "Milaya?! What makes you think I'm going anywhere?"
"When we get back to school. You'll have to go on a new allocation and leave me," I cried. "I had three and a half months without you. I don't think I can do it again."
Dimitri put his fingers under my chin and lifted my face to look at him.
"I'm not going anywhere, Roza. Do you hear me? If I have to take the next two months off and live in a tent just outside campus grounds, I am not going to leave you. Please don't stress. I'll find a way for us to stay together, do you hear? I love you. I love our baby. I don't want to be apart ever again."
His eyes shone with love and sincerity, and I gave him a sheepish little smile.
"I'm sorry. I think it's the hormones. I'm just so teary at the moment," I moaned.
"I know darling. Now did you take your blood pressure when you were out today?" he asked.
"I did," I said proudly, showing him the readings I'd recorded on my phone. He quickly studied them.
"They look ok. It's probably going to be way up, but you're due for another one now."
I took out the cuff and placed it around my arm the way Dr. Olendzki had shown me. Sure enough, the reading was through the roof.
"Milaya!" he remonstrated. "You need to stay calm. The whole reason I brought you here was to rest and not worry."
"I'm sorry," I whispered. "It's just everything's such a mess. I just wish everything was settled."
"I know," he soothed. "I'm working on it. Now I saw Alyce's car on the way in, and it looks packed. Pavel, could you ask the Guardians to help Rose? You can tell them which packages you want to bring in here to show Abe and I and which ones you want to be taken upstairs to our room," he suggested.
I nodded, keen to show him the little things I'd bought for Junior. I knew Abe probably had to report on my spending to my father, but Dimitri was right; some things, like the underwear, could go straight upstairs.
I stood up and brushed my lips against his.
"I love you," I told him. "And you wait till you see what I bought for Junior!"
As soon as she went outside with Pavel and the Guardians, I turned to face Abe.
"Abe I appreciate everything you're doing for us, but you can't let her get upset like that. And in case I didn't make it clear enough yesterday, I'm not going anywhere!"
"Then why was your phone disconnected?" he demanded.
"Remember I talked about needing to get Rose off campus? It's because I have a stalker. A Moroi woman. She stalked my late charge, and now she has this entire relationship between she and me invented in her mind. She's the one who told the whole school Rose is pregnant, and she knows I'm back from my allocation and has been ringing incessantly. When Rose and I were out this morning, I got a new number. Rose has it, and I'll give it to you and Pavel."
"You think this woman is a threat to Rose?" he asked cold as ice.
"Last time she attacked my charge's new girlfriend, so yes. I'm worried enough to want Rose off campus."
"So any news on an allocation?" he asked. "You were going to headquarters today, weren't you?"
"Yes. I had a meeting there and looked at the current log of allocations. There's nothing even remotely suitable," I grumbled. "I thought of taking her home to Russia, but I feel it would be too much for her. She wants to deliver her baby in America with her own doctor if she can. Besides, Tasha knows where I live, and you know how small Baia is; there'd be no escaping her. I'm starting to think the only solution might be the human world, at least for a while."
Abe raised his eyebrows. "It's a big step."
"I know," I sighed. "But the hours and conditions of most Guardian allocations just aren't conducive to helping her as she becomes a mother."
Rose walked back in then, followed by four Guardians each carrying a mountain of parcels.
"It looks like more than it is," she assured Abe nervously, "but I didn't get that much. Although there's also quite a bit of underwear upstairs."
"Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "You can go out again tomorrow and again the day after if needs be and get more," he added, completely misunderstanding her concern.
I laughed and pulled her onto my lap.
"What do you want to show us first?" I asked, sitting surrounded by bags and parcels.
Alyce came in and helped go through all the bags. I had to hand it to them – they'd done a great job. Rose showed how almost everything she'd bought was mix and match, and explained that a lot of the dresses and cardigans could still be worn once she was no longer pregnant.
"It looks like you had fun," I commented, loving the happiness on her face.
"I did," she said with surprise. "I've never liked shopping before, but then it was mostly Lissa buying me what she wanted to see me in. It was so much fun to be able to choose what I want," she said with excitement. "Abe please thank my father and tell him I really appreciate it."
"I'll let him know," he promised, giving Rose an indulgent smile.
"Now close your eyes, Papa," she said, looking at me with excited eyes. "And put out your hands…"
I did as I was bid, and felt a scrap of fabric drop into my hands. I opened my eyes to see a baby's sleepsuit with 'Mama's Little Guardian' printed on it. I looked up, and my Roza was gazing at me expectantly.
"Oh Roza," I whispered overflowing with my love for her and our child. I pulled her against me and kissed her tenderly.