Be warned, there be smut here. Ngl, this was one of my favourite smut scenes to write. Enjoy!

I felt more like a person after a shower. My body was still sore, my skin sporting some impressive bruises on my stomach and face. Even one around my throat that was distinctly hand-shaped. I expected them to hurt more, but they looked worse than they were.

I'd always healed somewhat quickly, and now I understood why—those special bloodlines.

I told Alberta I was going to find some food, and she went to speak to some people. I had to promise three times that I wouldn't run off again before she let me out of her sight. It was getting late in the day; I'd decided I would pack what I had tonight and then leave tomorrow morning. Move back to my crappy apartment.

I considered leaving the city. Maybe I could try to convince Riley to come with me. Get us both away from this craziness.

As I made my way to the cafeteria, I noticed the others giving me looks. I guessed my nighttime stroll had become the latest gossip at Saint Vlad's. Ignoring the disapproving looks, I piled food on my plate and then searched for a place to sit.

My eyes landed on a familiar blonde across the room.

Lissa jumped when I dropped into the chair beside her with a smirk. "Bet you're glad you stayed home last night."

Her eyes widened, turning from Adrian and Christian, arms wrapping around me. "Oh my gosh! Rose!" She pulled back, eyes flicked across my face. "I tried to come to see you, but you were sleeping. Are you okay?" she asked, then frowned, "No, you're not okay."

Before I could get a word out, I felt a warmth spread through my body, my eyes closing at the sensation. When I opened them, the constant ache I had felt in my head was gone. My hand went to my stomach, prodding where it had felt tender before. My eyes lifted to hers, "You didn't have to do that."

"It's fine," she assured me with a warm smile.

I shifted my attention to Adrian, looking him over for any injuries. He smirked, waving me off. "Don't worry, little dhampir. The guardians got there before anything happened." Despite his relaxed posture and easy smile, I could see the tightness in his eyes.

Last night was a close one for both of us.

"Is Riley okay? What did you tell her?" When I checked my phone earlier, I just had a text from her saying it was good seeing me. I had been expecting a breakdown.

Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, after she stopped screaming and demanding we take you to the hospital, I compelled her to forget it all happened. As far as she knows, we walked her to her car and then she went home."

I released a slow breath. "That's probably for the best." There was a small part of me that was disappointed. After everything we had gone through together, I felt like I was betraying Riley by keeping this hidden from her.

"Is it true you made a flame thrower?"

I leaned forward to look at Christian. Often, when I was with Lissa, he never spoke much to me other than to make a sarcastic comment that I often replied to by giving him the bird. I shrugged, shifting back to start eating. "It's just hairspray and a lighter."

He laughed. "That's brilliant."

Adrian joined in, "It was impressive, though why is that a Brittany?"

The memory brought a smile to my face. "There was a girl that used to work at the diner that tried it once. Almost set the place on fire."

I continued to tell them more stories as I ate, enjoying the lighter mood. I didn't know how to tell them I was planning to leave; I realised I would miss them, especially Lissa. I'd only known her for two weeks, and yet we had already grown so close.

It would be hard to say goodbye.

My hand hovered an inch from the door, poised to knock for the past minute. After realising how much I would miss Lissa, it made me think of Viktoria. I had been a bitch to her this whole time while she was nothing but the caring friend she had always been. I couldn't leave without telling her that things were good between us.

Yet, standing outside the apartment she shared with her family, I was hesitant. Not of seeing her but of everyone else. Dimitri lived here, and that would just be awkward to see him, and then there was their grandmother that may hold the answers about my parents.

I'd accepted that by leaving, I was losing that chance of getting answers, but if she was here now, maybe I could get some.

My decision on what to do was taken from me when the door opened. Olena stood in the doorway and gave me a knowing smile. She waved me into the room, "Come in, Roza."

With a shy nod, I stepped through the doorway. "Sorry for just dropping by. I…" I trailed off, unsure what to say.

"We were expecting you," she told me, tilting her head towards the kitchen table.

I didn't notice when I first entered that Alberta was seated at the table, steaming mug in hand. Beside her was the same old lady that had been in my apartment two weeks ago. My jaw dropped as our eyes met.

"You?"

"Rose!" I was almost knocked off my feet. Viktoria crashed into my side and locked me in a bruising hug. "Are you okay?" she demanded, pulling back to look at me. Not waiting for a response, she released me and punched me in the arm.

"Hey!"

"What were you thinking! You can't just go out like that. What if you died?" She hit me again. Even through the anger, I could hear the slight tremor in her voice. My guilt at pushing her away grew. I pulled her in for another hug.

"I'm sorry, Vika," I apologised, "I didn't mean to worry you."

"Rose," Alberta called, gesturing to the chair beside her, "Why don't you join us."

It had been years since I'd seen Alberta, yet I could tell that there was something on her mind—something important. Breaking apart from Viktoria, I gave her a small smile and took a seat at the table.

Olena whispered something to Viktoria; her face dropped before she nodded and left the room with a wave my way.

My eyes drifted to Yeva's; they were just as sharp as I remembered them, watching me with a calculating glint. I felt like she was sizing me up.

"Dimitri mentioned you were planning on leaving," Alberta started, cupping her mug. Guess we were jumping straight in.

"What is the point in staying here?" I tapped my nails against the table, avoiding her eyes.

"It's not safe out there."

I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair. "Pretty sure it's not safe out there for anyone. Why do I have to stay locked in here?"

Alberta shared a look with Olena before turning back to me. "It's more dangerous out there for you."

"Because the Strigoi are after me, right? Dimitri said the same shit to me the night he brought me here. Are you going to tell me why?" This time both women looked to Yeva.

Alberta frowned, "I don't know the exact reasons—only your parents do." Her hand covered mine, squeezing it, "But I know that when you are out there without a way of protecting yourself, you're in danger."

"So what? I have to stay here and not live my life anymore? I don't want that." I pulled away from her touch and crossed my arms. "Look, my parents obviously didn't want me in on any of this. So I will give them what they want and disappear again."

"Rose, they never wanted that."

I slammed my hands on the table. "Then what did they want! They knew where I was. Why did they leave me and let me think they're dead?" The memory of our burnt house flashed in my mind. I swear I could still smell the burnt wood; and feel how my eyes burned from the smoke, and tears fell as I accepted that my family was gone.

Alberta's eyes softened, locking with Olena's. "She deserves to know."

"Know what?" I crossed my arms over my chest.

Indecision crossed her eyes before Olena nodded. "In the days before the fire, your parents contacted us to organise an apartment for the three of you to live in here," Olena started, her voice gentle as she explained, "They showed up earlier than we expected. Janine was badly injured, and Abe was panicking. They both were."

I leaned forward, listening intently. It was information that I had already gained from Adrian, but it was more than they had been willing to tell me before. "What happened?"

"I don't know everything," Olena admitted, "but I do know that they didn't intend to leave you on your own."

The words were hard to believe; the hole in my heart was still there despite how earnest she sounded. "Then why didn't they say anything when they found me?"

"They looked for you. Abe had people all over the country looking for you for months. It wasn't until Dimitri found you eight months ago that they knew you were in this city. By that point, they believed you would be safer if they didn't get too close. That's why they asked Dimitri and Viktoria to watch you and make sure you weren't harmed."

I curled my hands into fists. None of this made me feel better, bringing more questions than answers. "But what are they keeping me safe from?" When neither woman answered me, I turned on Yeva. She knew—I could tell from the way she watched me. "Tell me."

We stared at each other for a while before Yeva shook her head, "Not yet." Her eyes shifted from me to Alberta, "Let her fight. Soon she'll be ready."

I straightened up in my chair, "What? You mean fight Strigoi?"

Last night scared me; that was true, but there was also something about fighting them that felt right. There was an itch under my skin—a craving to fight again and be better at it.

I knew I could be better.

Alberta cocked her head, crossing her arms. "Would you feel less trapped—less inclined to run off again?"

My eyes widened. "You would take me out?"

"Considering you tried to take on three and even managed to kill one is proof enough that you have the potential. It will be a lot of hard work, and you have to listen to what I tell you, but yes. I will take you out on patrols with the other guardians."

My heart skipped a beat. No one told me I succeeded in killing a Strigoi. I didn't know if I felt good for taking one of them down or bad for killing something.

Alberta raised her eyebrow, waiting for a response.

If what they said is true and it's dangerous for me to be out there, then I couldn't leave and risk Riley's life again. I had to decide now what I really wanted to do; I couldn't keep changing my mind.

I needed to commit to what I chose to do.

Determination washed over me; squaring my shoulders, I nodded. "Okay. Let me start doing something useful, and I'll stay."

Walking back to my apartment, I felt better, more sure of myself. Before, I only stayed to learn more about my parents and only became more depressed by it. But now, I would stay for myself.

Reaching the floor of my apartment, I stopped short.

Standing in front of my door was Dimitri. I watched as he approached the door, halted, rubbed the back of his neck and then shook his head. When he turned and saw me, he stopped. At first, he was surprised and then his expression shifted to become guarded.

I glared at him, "What do you want?"

His jaw clenched, "I was going to check on you, but now I see it's a waste of my time."

"How fucking kind of you. Are you a dick to all the girls you lead on? Or am I just special?" Something about Dimitri got under my skin; the rejection I felt still stung. I should never have wasted my time on him.

His eyes flashed. "I never led you on. I never—Just because you have a crush, it's not my problem. I'm sorry if you're hurt, but that is not my fault."

"God, you are full of it. Look at you trying to act like you're above it all. I already know you broke the rules when you started talking to me. If anyone has a crush here, it's you!" I spat at him as I pushed past, unlocking the door and stalking in.

Seeming not ready to drop the conversation, Dimitri followed me in. His hand caught my arm, making me spin to face him. "I only did that to keep you safe. It's my job."

I yanked out of his grip. "I already told you, your job is done."

"You're still going to run away? I thought you were stronger than that."

His words felt like a slap; the disappointed look in his eyes made it worse. "What I choose to do is my choice. Didn't I already tell you to leave me alone?" I pushed my hands against his chest, barely managing to make him stumble.

"I would if you weren't making stupid decisions!" he retorted. We were both getting more worked up, glaring at each other.

"The only stupid decision I made was thinking you weren't a complete dick!"

"Grow up!"

"Fuck you!"

I wasn't sure when the switch flipped—how we changed from insulting one another to pressing our bodies together.

Dimitri's head dipped down to mine, lips pressing against mine as his hands wrapped around my shoulders. For a moment, I froze. For a split second, I wondered what the hell was happening.

And then I stopped caring.

My hands gripped the front of his shirt, pulling him towards me as I returned the kiss. He spun us around, closing the front door before he pushed me up against it. I was on my toes as we kissed feverishly, hands exploring, trailing along my skin and slipping under my shirt.

Then the switch flipped again.

Dimitri ripped his mouth from mine. With shocked eyes, he turned from me, taking steps away. "What…" he started, trailing off as he dragged a hand through his hair. "You shouldn't –"

My body felt wired; his body heat lingered even though he was no longer near me. At his words, my eyes snapped to his, cutting him off, "You kissed me, asshole."

His face flushed, eyes hardening. "I shouldn't have let myself—this is a waste of time."

"Yeah?" I marched over to him with a scowl, "Well, you're a waste of my time! I hate you!"

Our eyes met, and the tension between us snapped again.

When he stepped forward, we were embracing rather than fighting. Bolder, his hands grasped the back of my knees, hoisting me up to wrap my legs around him.

With two steps, Dimitri had me seated on the kitchen counter, hands on my hips to pull them towards his. I gasped at the contact, squeezing my legs.

I had had sex before; it had been fine, none of mind-blowing. Yet, as Dimitri's fingers dragged across my skin, venturing up the back of my shirt and then down to my waist, it felt like a fire was lit along the same path. He knew what he was doing; that was obvious enough by the skilful things he was doing with his tongue.

He broke apart from me long enough to strip me of my shirt. The look in his eyes as they roamed my body made my heart flutter in anticipation. A moan left my mouth when his hands found purchase on my breasts, massaging them through my bra.

I could feel him hardening in his pants, rubbing against me as our lips met again. My hands ventured; with nimble fingers, I unbuttoned his jeans and dragged down the zipper. My hand slid past the waist of his boxers and grasped his length. Dimitri's body tensed, and his head dropped to my shoulder, inhaling sharply.

I moved my hand with quick yet firm strokes, hearing his breath become heavy from the stimulation. When he lifted his eyes to mine, I could still see the fire from our fight, but now, there was an almost animalistic passion in them that felt like it would consume me whole.

"Roza," he growled out, gripping my waist almost painfully so, "do you want this?"

Part of me wanted to laugh that he felt the need to confirm despite the fact I had my hand wrapped around his cock. I dragged my hand down to the base, squeezing firmly while holding his eyes, enjoying how they darkened with lust.

"Don't fucking stop, comrade."

He lifted me again, having to release him to hold on. As he walked, I busied myself with sucking hickeys along his shoulder and up to his neck, a smirk on my lips when I found a spot that made him groan.

Once in my room, he threw me to the bed. Hungry eyes on mine as he stripped his shirt and then his jeans, tossing them away from him. I was on my knees on the edge of the bed, grasping at his arms as I pulled him onto it with me.

I had seen him shirtless; felt just how strong he was. The idea of feeling him on top of me, using that strength, made my core clench. I didn't want to take it slow. I wanted it hard and fast.

I pushed my tights down, shifting my weight to remove them from my legs. Dimitri's hands skimmed the bare skin, dragging up my back; his fingers unhooked my bra. Once my breasts were freed, his mouth latched on to the nipple of one and his hand on the other.

I arched my back, pressing into his touch. Sparks of pleasure shot down to my lower stomach with each twist of his fingers and nip of his teeth. He cupped me over my underwear. I knew he could feel how wet I was, my arousal evident.

Fingers twisted into his hair; I angled his head back to meet my eyes. "Fuck me, Dimitri."

This wasn't something sweet and loving; the passion between us was lit by anger.

Dimitri's jaw clenched, the corner of his lips quirked up, a hint of a smirk, before he stood from the bed and removed his boxers. I took the chance to reach for my bedside table. It was wishful thinking that made me bring them, but now I was glad I did. I retrieved a condom from the drawer and then passed it to Dimitri.

A look crossed his face as he took the foil-covered packet, but wordless tore it open. I removed the last piece of clothing I wore, now as bare as Dimitri was. My bottom lip caught between my teeth as I ran my eyes up his naked body, feeling a wave of warmth spread through me.

Eyes settling where his cock jutted out, long and hard, I felt my desire grow.

Dimitri rejoined me on the bed, large hands gripping my body and positioning me on his lap. As more of a courtesy than a need, his fingers brushed against my entrance. One thick finger slipped in before being followed by a second. He pumped his fingers into me, stretching me to be sure I was ready. Seeming pleased, he removed his fingers and then angled himself until the head caught.

My fingers dug into the meat of his arms as I sunk down. I dropped my head back as a low moan escaped from the feeling. I felt filled to the brim; the stretch burned but felt good. I only took a moment to adjust before I began to move.

Dimitri's hands cupped my ass, lifting to encourage me to move faster. His dark eyes watched my every movement, a look of awe and hunger in them. His hips met mine, shifting the angle to hit deeper.

His hand moved to the back of my head, fingers curling around my hair and using it to tilt my head back so his lips could cover mine. My whole body was aware of his, the feeling of him thrusting inside me, dragging over that perfect spot each time—The sounds I made swallowed as his tongue tangled with mine.

Everything felt heightened, my lower stomach clenching as he brought me closer each time our hips met.

"Dimitri," I gasped, whining when the angle changed.

His mouth moved down my neck again, leaving a trail of hot wet kisses that I knew would leave a mark. "Is this what you wanted, Roza?" he asked, voice low and husky. Using the grip on my hair, he pulled to expose more of my neck.

My nails bit into his skin. It was so perfect yet not enough. "I need more. I want more."

He made a sound in the back of his throat that sounded like agreement before I was lifted off his lap. I barely had a moment to speak as Dimitri positioned me on the bed on my hands and knees, and then his body draped over my back.

He entered in one smooth thrust, going deeper than before. I mewed at the new position, bracing myself as he began to fuck me again.

One hand cupped my breast as the other braced on the bed beside me. Feeling the weight of him above me was consuming, yet I felt safe surrounded by him like this. Curving my back so my hips were angled up, I allowed him to take control.

The room was filled with my breathless cries of pleasure and the sounds of our bodies meeting. With more leverage, Dimitri pounded into me deeper and harder. Each thrust made my body jolt forward, using his hold to pull me back.

Lips latched on my shoulder, sucking the skin and then soothing it with his tongue. The ecstasy he brought me was unbelievable; I could barely hold myself up. Only his strength kept us both from falling against the bed.

"Fuck!" I panted. It kept building, feeling him get close as his pace became more erratic, pistoning into me. "Dimitri," I begged. I didn't know what I was asking for, only that I needed him to do something to bring me over the edge.

The hand on my chest left and went straight to my clit. It didn't take much; his finger rubbed firmly against the bundle of nerves as he continued to dominate me. My body tensed, my core tightening around him as I cried out from my orgasm. Wave after wave, it crashed into me.

My eyes closed, and my chest dropped to the bed as my arms gave out. Dimitri continued above me, close to finishing. After a few more thrusts, his groan of satisfaction filled the room, and he collapsed on top of me.

We both laid there trying to catch our breaths. Our skin was damp with sweat, and yet it didn't bother me. Even the weight of him on me still didn't irritate me—it felt right.

My breath caught in my chest, and the realisation of what happened hit me.

I had sex with Dimitri, and I loved it.

"What was this, Rose?"

I blinked at him, unsure of how to answer because even I didn't know.

After we shifted away from each other, we stayed on the bed for a few minutes in silence; Dimitri eventually got up to remove the condom. When he returned, he sat on the edge of the mattress, watching me with an impassive face.

I didn't know what to call what just happened or how to even approach it. What started as an argument turned into amazing sex that I loved every second of. I floundered before scowling, "It was something I'm not doing again, obviously."

His expression became indignant, eyes narrowing. "So this was what? A mistake?"

"Lapse in judgement."

He stood from the bed, pulling his jeans on with quick motions, back muscles tensing. I scolded myself for shivering at the memory of just how powerful those muscles felt. He turned back to me, glowering, "Let me know when you decide to grow up."

I laughed, "That's rich coming from you! You don't even know what you want." My previous feelings of happiness were gone, and the anger returned. I stood from the bed, yanking a t-shirt over my head to cover my body. "Stoic Dimitri, always being a good little soldier. How far up is that stick in your ass?"

"Real mature. At least I don't run away from my problems."

"No, you just pretend they don't exist," I shot back at him. We both stalked closer, meeting at the foot of the bed. Our chests brushed as we glared at each other.

Suddenly, we reached for each other again.

His arms wrapped around my back, lifting me up until my feet were no longer on the floor. My hands twisted in his hair as my mouth caught his. The energy between us was thick; our anger again became passionate as we deepened the kiss, a clash of teeth and tongues.

Dimitri's lips trailed down to my jaw, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses to my neck. "You're wearing my shirt." The words practically growled. I moaned, lifting my legs to wrap around his waist.

I levelled my eyes at him, challenging him, "Do something about it."

The shirt was removed from my body in seconds, and then we both fell to the bed again.

This was my first time writing angry smut, and I think it turned out okay.

Please let me know what you think, I was both excited and anxious about posting this one.

Thanks!