Happy new years, lovelies ❤️❤️

"Dimitri," Rose moaned, short breathless pants broken by gasps of pleasure. Dimitri's hips drew back slowly, then snapped back; the draw of his cock made her toes curl. Rose gripped the bottom of the headboard, attempting to meet his thrust as best she could.

Dimitri laid over her, pressing her body into the mattress with his imposing form. He had complete control of her and it gave him a thrill—she trusted him enough to be so valuable. His hands trailed up her arms to curl his fingers around hers, squeezing as he thrust deep again.

It was still so early; the sun had barely risen before Rose had woken to a gaze of desire aimed at her. Dimitri stole her breath with sweet kisses before any words were spoken, and she welcomed him into her embrace with a smile.

"Does that feel good, Roza?" he murmured; his tired voice was husky, accent thick. Little space was between their bodies, Dimitri rutting against her, dragging along the perfect spot that made her back arch.

"Yes."

He released one hand to lightly grasp her throat, fingertips stroking her jaw. "Do you want more?"

A smile pulled at her lips, excited by the confidence he had. Dimitri was far from the virgin she had met, now skilfully taking control in the bedroom. It wasn't that Rose searched for someone to dominate her; if that was all she wanted, she had plenty of demons to choose from. But none of them would be as caring as Dimitri. His focus was her pleasure—Rose wasn't just a hole to fuck.

To be able to give up the control and trust he wouldn't take more than she was willing to give was a high of its own. Mason had come close, but he could never be as tender as Dimitri; Mason never shared the control either. Rose knew if she wanted to roll them over and be the one pinning Dimitri to the bed, he would happily take his new role.

Mason feared the change in who had the power between them.

That was the difference in the end. Mason wanted Rose under his will, whereas Dimitri just wanted her.

Teeth scraped her shoulder, soothed by a kiss and lips that began to suck; she would have a hickey there. "Roza?"

She nodded, leaning into the hand around her throat. "I want more."

Dimitri released her other hand, finding leverage on the bed to pull back and thrust deep. "Say please," he replied with a smirk. He had learned from her and wanted to hear her beg for him.

It was a strange concept for him to accept at first, to want Rose to plead. Some of it was the insecurity that she might grow tired of what he had to offer and leave him. If she begged him, then she still wanted him. "Say please, and I'll give you anything," he promised, pressing deep so every inch of them touched.

He would keep his promise. If Rose wanted him, he would give her the world. It was only fair, for she was his.

"Can I have you?" she simpered, eyes closed in bliss. The closeness between them gave her such rapture. If she had her way they would remain like that, bodies tied up together that she couldn't tell where one started and the other ended. She wanted the intimacy—the vulnerability.

Dimitri's lips brushed the shell of her ear, "You'll always have me."

The words were like honey, sweet and warm as they wrapped around her, their embrace as comforting as Dimitri's. "Please."

His hips snapped against hers, repeated over and over again with a fineness. Dimitri took his time to ensure she was cared for—Rose's pleasure came first.

Moans grew louder, the broken gasps when he hit the perfect spot. His fingers tightened on her throat, feeling her body coil as she grew closer. One of Rose's hands moved from the bedframe to burying in Dimitri's hair, tugging it as she cried out. Pleas fell from her lips, encouraging him to go faster. Harder. She didn't want him to stop.

She never wanted it to end.

Rose felt the rush of endorphins when she reached her peak—the feeling so consuming that a confession she had never spoken threatened to escape. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip, hard enough to draw blood. Dimitri worked her through her orgasm, powerful thrusts that drew it out and brought him closer. Just one more before Dimitri stilled inside her and groaned his own release.

"Fuck," Rose huffed, laying slack under him. Her tongue brushed over her lip; the cuts healed almost instantly from the burst of energy Dimitri had given.

Two nights before, she hadn't held back after being attacked, and Dimitri had been fine. The next morning he had staggered for a few minutes, but after a coffee and some food, he was fine. Rose had stared in awe; a flutter of hope in her chest.

Dimitri could survive her demon side.

Kisses peppered her shoulders and back as Dimitri withdrew, fingers lingering on her neck as he rolled off her. "Was that okay?" he asked with apprehension.

Rose smiled again, following him across the bed to press her chest to his, staring into his eyes. "It was perfect. I loved it."

Their fingers intertwined again, always a spark when they did. Dimitri didn't look away from her; the red made the flecks of green in her eyes stand out—she was bewitching. "Good," he hummed.

"Do you feel okay?" Rose began, hand cupping his cheek as her eyes searched his face.

"You don't have to worry. I feel fine," Dimitri assured her.

Her lip caught between her teeth again. "You shouldn't. I mean, even full demons can be drained if I don't hold back." She needed more than previously—Abe was right, she was running out of time.

But if Dimitri could handle it she wouldn't have to leave.

"I'm a little tired, but it's also six in the morning, and we were up past midnight," he chuckled, remembering how they had made out on the couch, hands caressing under clothes. It was so carefree—domestic.

The past two days made it difficult for Dimitri to believe what was between them wasn't a relationship. They spent nights together—Rose hadn't left after the Halloween party two nights ago. Dimitri had called out of work just so they could spend every moment together. She even accompanied him grocery shopping and picked out snacks that were now housed in his pantry. Rose had items of clothes in his dresser, and a toothbrush in his bathroom, just as he had at hers. At what point could they no longer deny they were officially in a relationship?

"You have to work today, don't you?" Rose pouted, cheek laid on his chest. Her eyes closed as she listened to the strong beat of his heart.

"Unfortunately."

"Ivan will be happy," she commented, and Dimitri smiled.

The new truce between Rose and his best friend had been some of the best news he heard, even if he was still wary of it. Ivan had tentatively asked when Dimitri first called out if he had spoken to Rose. They agreed they should speak face-to-face before Ivan told Dimitri's family. He wanted to be sure that it wasn't another ploy.

Dimitri prayed that they would keep the deal—he missed his family. Even if his mother might have an issue with Rose, he knew Viktoria would be excited to meet her. And Yeva.

"Will you still be here when I get back?"

Rose stretched out, fingers gently brushing down his chest to his hips, and back up. "I have to go to my apartment." Dimitri couldn't keep the frown off his face, even when Rose peeked at him and laughed. "Don't worry," she assured, "I'll be back later. You promised me real food."

The smile returned to Dimitri's face as his arms wrapped around Rose and drew her closer. "I will make you real food."

He couldn't deny it for much longer. Dimitri and Rose were in a relationship, and he was just waiting for her to realise it as well.

Rose took her time to leave Dimitri's apartment; the morning spent lying on his couch eating the chocolate they bought for her the day before. Dimitri had shook his head fondly at her before he left, a kiss on her lips and a promise of desire in his eyes. Her heart had fluttered, anticipation for when he returned.

Everything was so easy when around him.

Before, if Rose had been attacked for being a half-demon, she would have returned home or gone to a bar and nursed a glass of whatever alcohol she could get. Being an outcast from both worlds left her with few places to go, and even fewer people to talk to. She always had Lissa, but she didn't understand, not really.

Dimitri did. Even if he didn't realise it.

She had been in a bubble staying at his house, her phone switched off and all her attention on Dimitri. It wasn't just for sex, and she enjoyed every second of it. It was a tease of a life she could have. If Dimitri could handle her powers as they grew, she wouldn't have to leave him.

The past few days could be their lives.

Rose had an extra bounce in her step as she walked back to her apartment; her head filled with thoughts of Dimitri. She was so preoccupied that she didn't notice the presence of another until she neared her building. Whoever it was stayed far enough away that she couldn't get a read on them; they could be human or demon. Both were after her lately. Rose flicked her hair over her shoulder, grumbling to herself in annoyance.

Rather than head to the front entrance, she entered her building through the parking garage, using the cars as cover as she waited to see if they would follow. The heavy door opened and closed moments after she had entered. Their footsteps were light, only taking a few steps before becoming silent again.

They knew she had caught on.

A deep sigh left her lips as she stepped out from behind the car. "Come out already," she called with her hands on her hips. She didn't have a weapon and hoped it wouldn't be another guy with a gun.

"Took you long enough," a familiar voice called, "You're getting sloppy."

Rose looked skyward with a groan. "What are you doing here, Mason?"

The redhead stepped into the open, dressed in black jeans and a blue shirt covered by a leather jacket; his hands buried in the pockets as he stalked forward. "Why do you think? You get stabbed and just run off? I've been looking for you for days. Where the fuck have you been?"

Each question was shot without pause for her to answer. Rose didn't bother trying; none of the answers she would offer would lead to anything but an argument. However, it seemed silence had the same outcome.

Mason reached her and grasped her arm, a snarl on his face. "You were with that human, weren't you?"

Rose was stunned at first but rolled her eyes and broke his hold. "Why do you care?" A conversation with Mason berating her wasn't something Rose wanted to stay around for; she spun on her heel and began to walk towards the stairwell. "What I do is none of your business," she called over her shoulder.

She managed to gain a few steps of distance before Mason gripped her wrist, fingers digging into her flesh. "Your father asked me to protect you. Where you go, I go." His hold was stronger, successfully bringing her to a halt. "Look, I don't care about your human. My concern is you, and so is Zmey's."

"I really don't care," she shot back. Mason's eyes narrowed; his irritation entertained her.

Mason stepped around Rose to face her, a smile growing on his face—the same kind that used to make her weak in the knees. "It's dangerous. I think it's best if you come back–"

"Don't even bother finishing that sentence," Rose groaned, her fingers curling into a tight fist. "I'm not going back there."

His eyes narrowed, a huff of frustration through his nose. He was trying to keep his temper; if there was one thing that didn't work on Rose, it was telling her what to do. "People are after you," Mason gently reminded, as if it was a terrifying situation. "Our side of the river is the only safe place."

She rolled her eyes, not bothering to conceal how little she cared. "I don't care about whatever war Abe is in. I'm not a part of it."

Mason laughed incredulously. "Not part of it? They stabbed you two nights ago, and then you just ran off." He advanced with a growl rumbling in his chest, "I thought you were dead! Searched the whole fucking city for you!"

"So?" she exclaimed. Grown tired of his hold, she jerked her arm and managed to break his hold again, "What I do here is none of your business."

"Rose," he started again, his hands held up as if that would calm her, "I'm trying to help you. Please, I'm doing this to keep you safe." His tone was softer, head tilted, and a fond expression on his face. The sudden shift caught her off guard.

There was a buzz in the air, almost a soft hum, but when she tried to focus on it her mind became disorientated. Rose took a hesitant step back, rubbing her temples with her fingers. The stress was getting to her. She glanced at the entrance to the building, a part of her urging her to get upstairs. "Mason, I don't want to deal with this right now. Just go back to your side of the river."

"I'm not leaving," he returned. His fingers brushed her arm, and she felt a jolt. The hum became stronger, washed over her and filled her senses. Mason grinned, closing the distance between them until their foreheads brushed. "It'll be okay, Rose. I'm doing this to protect you."

Their lips met, and a rush of power surged through Rose. The power of a full demon—so consuming and satisfying. Her hands curled around the labels of his jacket, holding him close as she took. Mason hummed, the sound like music to her ears.

The kiss was intense, feeding her…but it wasn't right. Something was off.

Rose broke the kiss, blinking to regain focus. Nothing about it felt right; even the energy she absorbed felt dirty. It didn't give her the same rush of passion it once had. As soon as their lips no longer touched, the satisfaction faded.

"This isn't right," she murmured. A haze filled her mind, stopping her thoughts from staying connected. It wasn't right, but she couldn't put her finger on why.

Mason's jaw clenched, his body tense as he tried to pull Rose back to him. "Yes, it is. You know this is right. We're meant to be together, Rose," he soothed, humming again.

That sound… It begged her to ignore her gut and to lean into the kiss again.

Maybe Mason was right.

The humming grew louder, pressing against her ears, whispering for her bow. Despite how sweet it sounded, she knew it was wrong.

"Stop fighting me."

Brown eyes flashed in Rose's mind.

Her eyes snapped open, ears ringing as the hum became a screech. She surged forward, shoving Mason away from her; the force caused his back to collide with the concrete wall.

The sound stopped. The pressure was gone, and Rose's heart was pounding.

Everything came back to focus.

"You," she growled, eyes pinned on Mason. "You fucking–"

His eyes were still yellow, teeth bared. "What the hell, Rose? Why are you doing this!"

"Why am I?" she exclaimed, feeling rage boil her blood. "You still think you can play me—can use me!"

"You need me. Stop trying to fight this!" he growled, a finger pointed in her direction, "Zmey said you are getting strong and he's right. I felt your aura before I even stepped foot in here."

"So what?" Rose threw her hands up, giving the pretence of not caring, but his words made her blood freeze. She was meant to have more time.

Mason snorted, staring at her in disbelief. "You aren't that stupid, Rose. You know what's going to happen." He advanced towards her, backing her up a few steps before her back hit the wall. Mason planted his palms on either side of her. "If you don't get your fill, you will become reckless. Forget just injuring a human—you'll kill them before you even realise it." Something must have crossed Rose's face, a flicker of fear that made Mason grin in satisfaction. "Your human won't be enough for you, Rose."

Rose stilled; a look of disbelief on her face. She wondered how she had ever felt feelings for him. For years, she had trailed after him. It hadn't been obvious to her the many issues between them until Dimitri showed her real affection. Mason was controlling; he only wanted her obedience. Dimitri wanted her affection; he cared about her happiness.

"You're jealous that I've chosen Dimitri over you," she laughed. Mason's eyes flashed dangerously.

Then the pieces clicked.

The smile dropped from her face. "You were trying to force me, and it didn't work."

Mason's powers were strong, able to bring demons under his thrall. He never used his full power on her, but she had seen others crumble under it. The only time it hadn't brought someone to their knees was when…

Fuck.

"You love him," he accused with a sneer. He was just as aware of the limitations of his powers. "You're in love with a human. Do you have any idea how stupid that is?"

Rose was at a loss for words. It was true.

"Your father warned you. Hell! We all did," he all but spat in her face. A dark look filled his eyes, "You're going to kill him."

She flinched, and Mason found her weak spot.

"I can feel it. Just that one kiss you took more than before, and I bet you still crave more." He scoffed, a twisted smile pulling at his lips, "You're going to kill the human you love all over again."

"I won't!"

A dark chuckle rumbled in his chest, not holding back. "Yes, you will. And when you are laying there with his dead body in your arms again, you'll know it's all your fault. And that bastard will follow you like a lamb to the slaughter just for a good fuck–"

Rose slapped him across the face, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet car park. Before Mason had just pissed off Rose, but now she was furious. She did need to take more when she fed, but that extra strength surged through her. It buzzed under her skin as she stared him down. "You know nothing about him."

"I know enough," Mason remarked, his knuckles brushing his red cheek. "I thought I could talk some sense into you, but I see that's not happening."

A chill went down Rose's spine.

"What would your father say if he knew Dimitri's family were demon hunters?"

The chill became panic. The bravo coursing through her moments ago faded, and she pressed her back to the wall behind her. Rose shook her head, "That's not–"

Mason's eyes were piercing. "Don't play dumb. You think that I wouldn't look into it?"

"Dimitri isn't a demon hunter. He would never hurt me."

"And you believed that?" Mason grabbed her wrists, holding both her hands painfully as he shook her. "Have you forgotten everything? Hunters killed your mother and have been hunting you ever since. And now, you are sleeping with one as if there's nothing wrong about it!"

Memories returned of the knife used to kill Janine—the seal of a hunter on the handle and the letter sent to Rose. They taunted her after killing her mother for having Abe's child.

It was supposed to be her.

Rose shook her head to clear the images. "Dimitri isn't like that."

Dimitri would never hurt her—even Ivan had agreed to a truce. Why would they be so against her when Dimitri was a half-demon too? But she couldn't tell Mason that.

"Do you think Zmey would care?"

Her eyes snapped to his; dread formed a lump in her throat. "You haven't told him, have you?"

Mason's lips pressed together, cold eyes studying her. "Not yet. I wanted to give you a chance to realise your stupidity first." His response gave her little relief.

"You don't have to worry about Dimitri or his family," Rose tried to defend, but it fell on deaf ears.

"This isn't a discussion, Rose. I'm not mentioning it as some casual conversation. This is your first and only warning," he snapped. "You have to break it off—never see him again."

"I'm not–"

"You will," he growled. "You are being attacked, and now you want to add the threat of hunters? Think about it, Rose. When your father finds out–"

"Don't," Rose begged, "don't tell, Abe. He doesn't need to know."

Mason towered over Rose, his hold never easing and the rage never subsiding. "End it and stay away from him. If I see you around him again, I will tell Abe, and he will kill him."

The threat made her blood freeze. She had known Abe long enough to know Mason wasn't lying. Even Mason was a wild gun.

Dimitri's life was in danger, and it was her fault.

Mason's stare burned into her, waiting for an answer.

Rose felt part of her break. "Okay," she hissed, "I'll end it."