"All Abe's Guardians are having dinner together tonight. Kind of a meet and greet," Dimitri said looking at me carefully. I'd had a sleep after swimming and lunch and felt relatively rested.

"That's a nice idea," I murmured, a little disappointed we'd not be dining together. I'd planned to visit the kitchen for ingredients after a nap, but here it was almost 5 pm, and I had nothing arranged. "I'll take your mother and grandmother across to the cafeteria. It's pasta and pork chops tonight. Not their worst meal by a long shot," I laughed. Like me, Dimitri knew just how bad St. Vlad's meals could get!

"I stopped by Mama's unit on the way here. Babushka is tired and wants to stay in. The kitchen is sending them their meals. I was hoping you'd join me tonight, milaya?"

"At the dinner?"

"Yes."

"But I'll be the only pregnant one there!" I moaned.

"That's because you'll be the only woman there!" he chuckled.

"Not helping, Comrade," I snapped. Looking up, I saw disappointment flicker across my Russian God's face. I moved closer to him, putting my hand against his cheek. "Why do you want me there?"

"There are a few reasons," he mumbled.

"And they are?" I probed, seeing his ears turning red.

"Well, firstly Abe suggested sometime in the future we might like to travel. He said we could stay at some of his other residences in the short term, or I could even command one if you wanted to experience living somewhere for a year or two? Since everyone's here, it's a good chance for them to see you and get to know you."

"That sounds reasonable," I agreed, knowing we hadn't yet got to the real reason. "What else?"

"Abe and Pavel were keen for you to go," he muttered.

"I'm sure they were," I replied noncommittally. "I feel there's more to it...?"

"I want to show you off," he whispered in embarrassment. "You should have heard those guys after they saw you in your bikini today, milaya. They were all ogling you! I want to show them you're mine!"

"Comrade, I'm thirty-seven weeks pregnant! No one was checking me out. They were talking about Celeste."

"You're wrong. I mean, she got a lot of comments, too – but it's you they were interested in. I don't think you have any idea how beautiful you look. I want them all to know you're my girl."

"Don't you trust me?" I asked raising my eyebrows, still pitifully unable to raise either singularly, much to my disgust.

"Of course I do, Roza," he grumbled. "I just don't like listening to other men discuss whether they might have a chance with the woman I love, or imagining what she looks like without her swimsuit on."

"They said that?" I asked in astonishment.

"And worse," Dimitri grumbled. "I know it's wrong, but I want to show you off. You're so beautiful - you could have any man. I want every man to know you chose to give your love to me."

And there it was. The truth.

"I'm sure they know I'm yours. They'd know from Kirk."

"He refused to tell them how he knows you. Half of them think you're with him," Dimitri growled childishly.

"And it's important to you I go tonight?"

"Yes," he admitted.

"Then help me choose a dress," I said smiling at him. He'd had me as soon as he'd said he wanted to show me off. It was a big boost to my fragile self-esteem to know that even heavily pregnant he thought I was beautiful. "I only have one condition…"

My Russian God looked at me warily. "Yes?"

"I want you to present me as Guardian Rose Hathaway."

"What else would I introduce you as?" he asked cautiously, knowing he was in the middle of a minefield, but not sure where the explosives were buried.

"Rose. But I want them to know I'm a Guardian. And I'll be wearing my hair up so they can see I have molnija."

"If it's important to you," he agreed.

"It is."

I slipped on a dark red empire line dress. It was feminine and looked gorgeous with my garnet pendant. I even wore a pair of heels although they were a little chunkier and lower than I'd usually wear. I put my hair up into a messy, wispy bun I knew Dimitri liked, and also donned some natural makeup. Dimitri was standing in our room in jeans and a lightweight sweater when I came out of the bathroom. He was so sexy it wasn't funny! I'd slowly replaced the casual clothing he'd lost during the mission to Russia. Dimitri had always focused on function rather than fashion, and while the clothes I'd selected weren't expensive, they'd been bought by a woman who wanted him to look his best.

"You look handsome, Comrade," I complimented. Just because he was a man didn't mean he didn't need to be to be told I found him attractive.

"You look beautiful, Roza," he replied. "I wish we could stay in tonight, just the two of us…"

"Maybe we can leave early. I am very pregnant; everyone will believe it if I say I'm tired," I suggested cheekily. I cuddled into my man's embrace. Being back at the Academy had helped my mood a lot, as had spending time with Celeste, his Mama, and even Yeva. Olena had been every bit as lovely in person as she had been on the phone, although I'd copped a scolding for not telling them the minute I knew I was pregnant. She was very demonstrative and affectionate with me, which was taking some getting used to – although I did like it.

Walking hand in hand through the campus was pleasant. The sun had gone down, but with the night lighting on it was still bright enough. It wasn't until we were almost there that I realized the room we were going to was part of the hall where graduation had been held. Where Dimitri had been shot.

"She's gone milaya," Dimitri whispered reassuringly, brushing his lips against mine before holding the door open for me. I stepped through, feeling forty sets of eyes look up from four tables of ten. Crap. We must be late.

"Ahh, Dimitri, Rose," Abe said, standing to greet us both. He kissed both my cheeks and then shook Dimitri's hand. He walked back to the table, holding out the seat to his left for me. Dimitri sat beside me, giving me a supportive smile.

Almost as soon as we were seated, our entrées appeared. Alternate drop, Dimitri got medallions of beef in a red wine jus with steamed veg and colcannon. It looked mouth watering. I got seared salmon on carrot and asparagus spears served with a potato rutabaga gruyere gratin. I'm sure it tasted fine, but it didn't look like much compared to Dimitri's meal. Before I knew it, Dimitri had reached in front of me, exchanging my plate with his own.

"It's ok; I'll eat the fish," I offered unconvincingly.

Dimitri laughed.

"Don't be silly. I saw the way your eyes lit up when you saw the beef."

"It does look good," I conceded. "I'll save you a bite," I promised.

The one advantage of eating at the Academy – even when they were doing fancy food, they understood a Dhampir-sized appetite. Everyone here, bar Abe and I, had been exercising heavily all day. They needed filling substantial meals. The beef medallions were every bit as good as they looked. I was ravenous but had to remind myself to eat slowly, lest I get indigestion.

"Is the fish good?" I asked Dimitri guiltily.

"It's is, milaya," he assured me, scooping a mouthful on his fork and offering it for me to try.

"Hmm – that is nice," I admitted. Loading my fork, I served him a mouthful of my meal.

"That's good too," he said his eyes meeting mine and giving me a loaded look.

We looked up to see numerous curious eyes looking at us. I flushed and turned to speak with Abe, although I did rub Dimitri's thigh under the table, smiling when I felt his huge manly hand squeeze mine. Abe and I ate and chatted, Dimitri conversing with a Guardian on his other side. Finally, everyone had finished their entrée except me.

"Rose, would you mind if we started our presentation while you finish your food? Each of the commanders is going to introduce themselves, do a five-minute presentation on their location, present their Guardians and discuss their priorities in their area."

"That's fine, Abe. I'm sorry I'm taking so long. I'm really hungry, but if I eat too quickly, I get heartburn," I explained apologetically. I hadn't known my man was going to make a presentation. I knew public speaking was not his thing, but I was convinced he'd do a good job.

"You're alright," Abe assured me. "Please take your time."

On Abe's signal, Pavel stood up and explained the commanders would each be making a presentation about their location. The commander from Moscow was first, introducing himself as a thirty-eight-year-old Blood Master Three in charge of eight Guardians at that location. He used a data projector and iPad to show photos of the large four-story double-fronted townhouse that was Abe's home in Moscow. He introduced his team and outlined their current top priority as the formation of a cooperative area patrol with several other prominent private Guardian groupings in the immediate vicinity of the property, citing increased safety and efficiency.

After polite applause, the commander from Omsk spoke, followed by the commander from Istanbul then the commander from Paris.

"You own a place in Paris?" I hissed in awe at Abe.

"I own more houses than this," he said with pride. "These are just the locations where I keep a permanent force. The other homes I bring Guardians from my closest location when I visit," he explained. Finally, it was my Russian God's turn. I'd finished my entrée, and the plate had been removed, so I was able to give him my full attention. Knowing my lover so well, I could tell he was nervous, but no one else would have picked it.

Standing beside me, Dimitri introduced himself in the same manner as the other commanders; age, rank, and location. I heard surprised rumblings from those assembled when he mentioned his age and rank, but that was to be expected. He was very young to hold the position he did. However, the surprised rumblings at his age were nothing compared to when he introduced his team, ending with me.

"Finally Guardian Rose Hathaway; my partner currently on maternity leave," he said taking my hand in his. While he hadn't said I was employed by Abe, he hadn't clarified I wasn't. But I think they got the picture I wasn't his guarding partner!

At four and a half acres, the Pennsylvania property was easily Abe's largest. Dimitri outlined their current focus of making improvements and liaising with human contractors preparing it for Abe's inhabitation, as well as explaining that once ready, this property would be used for large scale entertaining and the challenges that presented. The Guardians were especially interested in the improved Guardian accommodations, noting the queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, large recreation area and well-appointed gym. Dimitri also described the running track to be added to the inside of the ward line.

"What are those outbuildings?" a Guardian from Omsk asked referring to a picture of the Guardian accommodations with the workshop and the cottage in the background.

Dimitri fiddled with the iPad bringing up before and after pictures of the workshop and cottage.

"The first is the workshop which will be converted back into a garage for the Guardian vehicles sometime next year once a new workshop is built. Above is a two-bedroom flat that has been prepared for visitors. The second building is the former caretaker's cottage. It was falling down, so has been extensively renovated and remodeled. That's where Guardian Hathaway and I live."

He said it boldly as if daring anyone to have an issue with it. I could see Abe sitting impassively beside me, but a quick glance at Pavel saw him looking around his Guardians astutely. Guardians tended to be a pretty level-headed bunch, but they were also generally young men and sometimes jealousies flared. Appearing satisfied with what he saw, Pavel nodded to Abe who stood up and ran through some practical announcements regarding the next fortnight at St. Vlad's and then announced mains were served.

Mains looked every bit as good as the entrées. Chicken breasts in a Dijon mustard cream reduction with seasonal veg or Moroccan slow-cooked lamb shanks with chic peas and spiced couscous. I looked at them both avariciously; unable to decide which I wanted.

"They both look good. Why don't we switch halfway through?" Dimitri suggested, ever the pragmatist.

"That's just one more reason I love you," I teased Dimitri, stunning the thirty-something Guardian sitting opposite us. Casual declarations of love between Guardians were rare.

"Because I understand I'll always come second to food?" Dimitri teased.

"Especially at the moment," I grinned, patting my stomach and looking at the chicken breasts in front of me.

"So Guardian Hathaway – when is your child due?" the Guardian opposite me asked curiously.

"The due date is in three weeks time, although I am desperate to go early. Being heavily pregnant is not very comfortable," I said pleasantly.

"So where will you have the baby?" he asked in confusion.

"Here. I grew up at St. Vladimir's, Guardian…?"

"Tekin."

"As I was saying, Guardian Tekin, I grew up here, and the doctor on staff has known me since I was four. When Dimitri mentioned the training camp being held here around the time of my due date, it seemed the perfect opportunity to come back and have our baby here."

I could see the 'our' hadn't gone unnoticed, but I didn't care. Since we intended to give Junior Dimitri's surname, people might as well get used to the idea.

"And then we'll have our youngest ever Mazur Guardian," Abe said with a big smile, silencing any further discussion.

"Abe's Moscow house was beautiful," I commented as Dimitri helped me unzip my dress.

"It was," my Russian God acknowledged, dropping a kiss onto the nape of my neck. "Did you enjoy the dinner?"

"I did, although I think my eyes were larger than my stomach," I admitted ruefully. "Those profiteroles nearly did me in!"

Dimitri laughed, unclasping my bra and taking it off before rubbing my sore breasts.

"They're feeling really heavy," I groaned.

"Maybe that means you're going to go early?" Dimitri suggested hopefully. I knew he, like me, was impatient to meet our little one.

"I wish," I groaned. "Your Mama said it definitely wouldn't be this week. But maybe she's wrong?"

"She isn't usually," Dimitri said apologetically.

I sighed theatrically.

"Oh well. Gives me more time to spend with Celeste and Alberta. Speaking of which, I thought I'd like to invite them to a big Christmas this year at the cottage. Last year's Christmas was horrible. I missed you so much, and I was so scared when I found out about Junior. This year I want the full deal. A huge Christmas tree, lots of presents, lots of food and all our friends!"

"That sounds perfect, milaya. Let's do it," Dimitri indulgently agreed.

"Thank you," I replied, spinning in his arms and kissing him gently. I climbed into bed, waiting for my Russian God to climb in beside me. I rolled towards him closing my eyes and nuzzling at his chest in the darkness. "You were very sexy speaking tonight," I cooed. "Commanding and powerful."

"It was nothing," he said, but in his voice, I could tell he was pleased with my assessment.

"I'm so lucky to have such a strong, imposing man as the father of my baby. I just wish I'd been the first to fall pregnant with your child. I understand, and I'm not too jealous…"

I felt Dimitri stiffen in my arms.

"What do you mean, milaya? You are the first woman to carry my child!"

"You don't need to lie, Comrade," I said, the lack of light concealing my grin. "Babushka told me about it, and it's ok. I'm not angry; just a little disappointed."

Dimitri sat up, switching on his lamp. Sitting naked in the lamplight he looked like the God he was. Appearing worried he took my hands in his.

"Rosemarie Hathaway. You are the only woman for me. I've never expected a child with anyone else, nor would I want to. I promise you, milaya – this is a first for both of us!"

"Then tell me about Ksenia," I whispered, looking at the sheets so he wouldn't see the telltale mirth in the depths of my eyes.

"Ksenia? Ksenia who?!"

"Ksenia. Karo's Ksenia."

Dimitri looked confused, and then a string of Russian escaped his lips.

"She told you about that?" he groaned. "When?"

"When we were swimming today," I said still feigning innocence.

"And I suppose Celeste heard it, too?" he checked.

"Yes – she was there," I confirmed.

"I can't believe she told you," he moaned. "What did she say?"

"That I wasn't the first to expect your baby. That I should ask you about Karo's Ksenia."

Dimitri pulled me into his taut arms, setting me on his lap.

"I swear she loves to embarrass me," he muttered. "Roza, Ksenia is a doll. Karolina's doll when she was little. You know Karolina is two and a half years older than me? Well, when I was seven, and she was nine and a half she decided to tell me about how babies are made. She was a bit light on the details, but she told me that if a man laid on top of a woman, nine and a half months later the woman would have a baby. She used two of her dolls to demonstrate. Mama was expecting Viktoria at the time, so I was curious.

"The next morning I woke up, and Karolina had left her old doll on my bed. I'd slept on top of it and was worried that even though it was a doll, it might still get pregnant. I asked Karo, and she assured me it would be and because I'd slept on it all night, there would be many babies and I'd get in huge trouble. I was stressing out big time, so I asked Babushka if a boy slept on top of a girl would she get pregnant. She assured me it was the truth, so I panicked. I hid around the house for two days crying before Mama could convince me to tell her what was wrong."

"Aww my poor Comrade," I cooed, stroking his face. "So you didn't get your sex doll pregnant?"

"It wasn't a sex doll!" Dimitri snapped in mortification, his face bright red. "And I didn't do anything with it! It was a rag doll, and I didn't even know it was still on my bed until the next morning! Surely Babushka mentioned that?!"

"She might have…" I admitted, dissolving into laughter.

"And Celeste heard all this?" he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

"Yes," I giggled, "but don't worry – I'm sure she won't remember."

"What makes you so sure of that?" he grumbled.

"Because some of the other stories she told us were so much more embarrassing!" I giggled.

Dimitri was already gone by the time I woke the next morning. It wasn't yet 8 am, so I went next door to Olena and Yeva's rooms to see if they'd breakfasted. When I discovered they hadn't, I suggested we visit the cafeteria together.

It was nice walking around the campus with them, pointing out the features of the place where I grew up. The route I chose took me past the Novice dorm block, and looking up I could see black soot surrounding what had been my dorm room window. The drainpipe I'd used to climb the side of the building was a charred, twisted mess now. I pointed it out as my room nonetheless.

"I hope she's found peace," I muttered, still uncomfortable about everything that had happened. Before Tasha knew about Dimitri and me, she'd been nice. I didn't dare bring it up around my man, but I felt hugely guilty – especially about that day in the gym when I'd taunted her about how good Dimitri was in bed. I'd known she was hurting, and it was a childish thing to do.

"Don't blame yourself, child," Babushka said, seeing my shiver as I looked up at what had been my room. "Things were never going to end well for Tasha."

"Still…" I said.

"Move on," Yeva ordered. "No one blames you."

"That's where you're wrong. Christian does. Lissa, too."

"Not really," she said. "They know where the blame lies."

"Maybe. But things can never go back to the way things were," I said sadly.

"No," she said sagely. "But would you want them to? You're doing it with your mother; time to create a relationship with your bondmate that works for you both, too. You need to repair that relationship. The time will come when you need it."

I didn't know what she meant, so I didn't say anything. I hadn't spoken with Yeva or Olena about Janine and me trying to find common ground, and I'm sure Dimitri hadn't either. My Russian God was right. Sometimes the old woman knew too much – especially when she was right.