I should have known it'd come down to this. This hunting trip is a bad idea. I blamed Abe, of course. He's the one who planned it intentionally with my boyfriend, Dimitri.
A few hours before the trip, I warned Dimitri no to be fooled by Abe's charming words. I told him that Abe Mazur is the serpent dude with skills and he could slither his way to the point where he could get a person trapped without breaking a sweat. He's a spoiled old man who usually gets what he wants depending on whatever methods, ways or techniques he uses. And to top it all, my mom, Janine Hathaway wanted to tag along, which is another potential danger to this trip.
“Okay, comrade. Last chance to escape. Leave before all Hell break loose,” I warned while dumping all my clothes on the bed.
Dimitri is being Dimitri, who seems all packed and ready to go- mentally preparation included. As for me, I really didn't want to go. I practically whined, complain a lot and pretended to cry to drag the time, until at the very last moment where I've no choice but to agree with this hunting trip. Dimitri helped me with my last minute packing. He picked the clothes that he likes and folds it into my bag pack. A pair of jeans and simple T-shirts was his choice. Yet, no lingerie. I decided to slip the sexy one in, just in case. Funny that I thought of dirty things at this time. If I'm going, I must at least have sex with Dimitri just to keep my mood happy on this trip.
“After killing so many Strigoi, I think I can survive your parents,” he said confidently.
Cocky much, is he? He has no idea who my parents truly are. They can be the worst nightmares if they wanted to. I rest my hands on my hips and looked at him with my sternly eyes. “Are you sure? Janine, I can handle, but Abe? He's mysterious and sneaky. I'm pretty sure he's capable of killing you.”
“Rose, I promised your father. We've already made a plan. We're just going to have to deal with it.”
“I remember specifically that you advised me to stay away from Abe. Maybe you should take your own advice.”
“Is it that difficult to trust me on this?”
“Oh, I trust you. There's no doubt about that. It's him that I don't.”
And suddenly, there's a craving need to worry about Dimitri. I've known him more than a year now. The first time I met him was the day he kicked my ass when Lissa and I had been on the running for two years from St. Vladimir Academy. He was so strong and powerful and I could smell leadership just from that looks of his. When we got back to the academy, he defended me when Ms. Kirova wanted to kick me out of school. Dimitri knew my talent, which was the shadow kiss bond between Lissa and me. He used it as an excuse so that I could stay; so that once I become a true guardian, we could use it as a tool to protect Lissa better. And he was right. I ought to owe him. He was my mentor turned lover- a very sexy kind that I couldn't simply keep my mind off. It was until the night when Victor Dashkov's charmed necklace caused mine- and surprisingly Dimitri's- last defense of barrier from each other to break. Thus, surrendering ourselves to that temptation. The temptation grew to admiration, and admiration grew to love. He and I knew better because this act of foolish love was forbidden to such that he was seven years older than me. Above all, we're going to be Lissa's guardians and a distraction is something we cannot afford with when we're protecting the last Dragomir. They come first.
Both of us were confused, not knowing what to do with our true feelings. I fought his reasons and he fought mine, up to the point when he decided to stay mutual- a mentor and a student relationship- nothing more. But that didn't last long when I knew him so well, that I figured him out simply because we think alike. Our relationship bloomed and it was a decision to keep it a secret until a tragedy befell on St. Vladimir where Dimitri was taken away and was turned into a Strigoi. It was the darkest day of my life because Dimitri and I had plan for us to be together, even though our relationship were at its peak of complexity. I dropped out of school to keep my promise, which was to find Dimitri and kill him. The choice I made was my own. Guardians’ moral code might say that it was a selfish act and a mistake to ignore our duties, but they were wrong too say such words to me because at that time, I wasn't a guardian… yet. If it was such a mistake, then it was mine to bare. So, I abandoned the guardian’s motto because at this very moment, Dimitri comes first.
And I did find him. Well, technically he was the one who found me. At first, I hesitated my chance to kill him. My heart weight out with what my mind wanted to do, which was to stab Dimitri's heart with my stake. I couldn’t do it and he took advantage of me. He confined me in a very nice room of a Strigoi hotel and abused me with fang bites that caused me to get high with endorphin. He wanted me to turn into a Strigoi willingly- Awaken they may call it, so that he and I could control the world. Yet, a promise is a promise. God gave me a second chance and I took it. I drove my stake right through his heart, or so I thought. Somehow, he survived.
Spirit has its wonders. That I’ve to agree upon. After coming across this couple and the information they’ve given, I worked my ass to find a cure for Dimitri, which included busting Victor out of prison. It was the only way to find his brother, Robert Deru. Robert has vital information of how to turn a Strigoi back, and what were the odds when it was Lissa the one who was able to turn Dimitri back to himself by using spirit. The experience was unexplainable with its uniqueness. He said it was like reborn into this world, a new dawn, a second chance at life. At first he was lost, scared and confused, but then everything came back to him, including his memories of before and after he was turned. He refused to see me. I was mad for all the right reasons because A, the search of a cure was my doing and B; I’m his love of his life. How can he not want to see me? Then he said that didn't want me because he felt guilty with what he had done. I told him that we could start all over again, forgive each other and finally be together, but he gave me a hard 'no'. It was heartbreaking and I finally accepted that we're through. He could spend his life crying out of guilt for all I care, while I was on the road of a heartbreaking recovery. I moved on with another man. And yet, no matter how much I tried my very best to forget Dimitri, Adrian and I just wasn't meant to be. It has always been Dimitri. It's his love that has kept me strong and we were so right for each other. If I'm willing to sacrifice so much for him after all this journey, I'm allowed to say that that is love. And my heart, body and soul shall forever belong to him. He finally forgave himself. With that, I able to fall in love with him all over again and he to me too.
It was a long journey, our hardship and yet we’ve survived through it all, except for my parents. This is something that hasn't occur to me until today. Killing Strigoi, yeah no problem. Boyfriend who is an ex-Strigoi, tough but acceptable. But facing a kickass mom who is one of the top guardians and a mobster dad that has everyone seems to fear of? Now that's Hell. Will we survive from my parents’ death trap? I highly doubt it.
“Maybe this trip isn't such a good idea. We should cancel it, immediately. You shouldn't agree to any of this.” I baffled at the thoughts of Abe aiming a shotgun to Dimitri's head.
But no. He shook his head in disagreement. Dimitri the brave decided to stick around and face the music. And when he said 'face the music', he meant facing my parents with whatever unfortunate series of events. “We're going to get through this. You and me, sailing together- metaphorically speaking.”
“We're good as dead- That’s metaphorically speaking,” I pointed that out, just to give him a hint to change his mind.
His eyes so dark, so mysterious casting a stare that made my deepest soul weaken. He has that confident looks that told me everything is going to be just fine. I was completely under his gazing spell and without notice, his clever hands found my waist and our forehead touched. When I was about to say a few words, he quickly sealed his lips on mine and did further more with his tongue, erasing all of my worries.
The worries return, of course. Abe sat behind the wheel, yapping about how fun it's going to be and how awesome he'd chosen this car as his choice for this trip. He supposed to rent a family SUV, but his tasteless in fashion has blinded his reasons with the situation at hands. So instead of the SUV, he rented a pimp purple car that has hydro pumps making it bounce with a touch of a button. We’ve to stop for gas a couple of times because the car burned the fuel far too quickly. Dimitri and I are not going to pay for his foolish choice.
Our destination is unknown because Abe preferred to keep it as a surprise. The sky is clear of blue with no clouds covering the glare of the sun, which is a guaranteed of hot weather. Here I was, sitting in the passenger's seat; imagine myself killing Abe- Rose Hathaway style. I need a careful plan on what to do with him first. Oh I could list every detail of death threats, particularly since I have Abe's blood in me. Yeah, that's another thing we have in common and more to assurance that he’s truly my dad. The problem is that if I choke him, he’ll go out of the control with the steering wheel. Ergo, we're all dead. Not a good start on this trip.
“Why don't we all play a game to kill the time?” Abe suggested to my mom.
“That's a good idea. What game are we going to play?”
“Let's play 'TRUTH'. Each have to ask question to the specific person and he or she has to solemn do swear to answer it truthfully. We must all pledge to God for we only speak of truth in this game, agree?”
“Agree!” exclaimed Janine, smiling brightly than ever as she crossed her heart. Dimitri nodded and I scoffed for a reason. Why? Because my parents staged this from the beginning. Abe suggested playing his game version of Truth & Dare without the 'daring'. My mom can fight, but she definitely can't act. The smiling part gave it away. It was obvious that this hunting trip is a scheme to get Dimitri. Everyone knows it. It's only a matter of time with who's going crack the fact first. I guess this is a silent game within a game.
I turned my head to Dimitri. He sat apart from me, enjoying the view outside the car window. He might look like a quiet teenager, but from the way his lips sealed tightly, I knew he was holding his laughter off. He thought that this is funny.
“Rose? What do you think?” asked Abe.
I decided to give Dimitri a taste of my agony. “Why not? Let's play.”
“Ratio three is to one. It is decided base on votes.” Abe and Janine gave an exchange looks. Dimitri raised one eyebrow at me and I tried to imitate that look but failed. And so, I just shrugged. Abe further explained the rules of the game and made us all swear to God before starting. “Since I'm the ring leader and the one who suggested this game, I shall be honored to start the question. So, Belikov... Any past girlfriends I should be worried about?”
Right on target, Abe. I thought. “You? Wasn't it supposed to be me?” I interrupted. There's no rule for interrupting.
“Ah, right. You're the one who's dating him. Please do forgive me for my insensitivity,” said Abe. He tapped his finger on the wheel, profusely regretted to set a rule about interruption. The junior zmey outsmarted the senior one. “Where was I? Oh yes. Belikov, any woman that we should be worried about?”
“No, sir. I don't have past girlfriends.” Dimitri shifted himself comfortably in the seat and looked at Abe as if this challenge is not an issue.
Abe sighed. “I really don't like to repeat the rules of this game.”
“I may have a crush on this one girl, but that was a long time ago. Still, my answer has been the same: there's no girlfriend.” he admitted.
“Who is she? I'm curious to know.”
Right! Who is she?! How come Dimitri never mention to me about this mysterious crush of his? I only remember Dimitri was married to dolls almost ten times when he was young, and that came from Karolina's lips. Then again, Dimitri always shut his personal life to everyone else except me. Way to go, old man. I'm curious to know too.
“Her name is Inna.”
“If it isn't such an effort, may I know her family's name?”
“No, you may not.”
“You're not answering truthfully.”
“I did. I just truthfully refused to answer you.”
Holy shit! My boyfriend is smart and careful and he purposely didn't mention the girl's last name. Maybe I shouldn't worry about Dimitri after all. Abe has finally met his match. He gripped the wheel tighter, infuriated by Dimitri's smart respond. But before Abe could say anything, I quickly pulled out the rule breaker. “That's your third question. Not more than that, remember?”
“Fine,” Abe grumped for the first time. I read his face and I'm guessing that this is only the beginning. He grinned and said, “Janine, dear. Your turn.”
Janine took a deep breath and finally asked, “Dimitri, tell me honestly. Did you have sexual intercourse with Rose back when she was in school?”
“Mom, that's private!” I scowled, mortified by Janine's question.
Janine turned to the back seat and glared at me. “This is serious. I need to know what your activities at school were?! Did you ever think for once that your affection for each other may jeopardize your future? You were seventeen, for Christ sake! And you!” Janine point a finger at Dimitri, “You supposed to know better!”
“It's a little too late to get hysterical, don't you think? I'm over eighteen. Get over it!”
Janine ignored me. She then glared at Dimitri, her eyes demanding for an answer.
“No, I didn't have sex with her in school,” said Dimitri. What he meant was that we'd sex outside of school building. More specifically, in an abandon cabin somewhere in the academy. He's telling the truth without actually lying. And suddenly, I know how to play this game. 'Specific' is the way to bend around from the truth. “Her activities were like the other students in St. Vladimir. In additional an hour or plus of extra training with me. She's a quick learner, but you already know that. I'm sure you're proud of her.” He leaned forward and looked into Janine's eyes with understanding and compassion. “And yes. I did think plenty of times about our actions. I would be lying to myself if I say that what we had was a mistake, but you have to understand that I’m truly and madly in love with Rosemarie Hathaway. Janine, I want you to know that your daughter didn’t just save Lissa. She saved me. She has sacrificed everything to get me back. She even saved me from my fears of rejection and accusation. She defended me, erasing any doubts that I’m no longer a Strigoi. Above all, she saved my humanity when I was at most vulnerable. If the tables were turned, I’m willing to do the very same as she did for me, and maybe more. My affection for her runs deeper than anything of Earth's given depth. I love her not as a student, but as a woman she has grown into- a strong, courageous and intelligent character that I believed she has inherited from the two of you. And I have no one but to thank you both for bringing her to this world.”
Dimitri answered not only one, but all three questions smoothly with passionate and love. Janine wiped her tears off with a tissue and I could tell she was moved by his little speech. Abe was scoffing mad. He, of all people, didn't like being weaseled around. As for me, all I wanted to do is to hug and kiss my man thoroughly.
“You had sex with her, didn't you? You touched my baby girl?” blurted Abe.
Knowing a personal life has its limits, especially when my parents drilling Dimitri for his- and my- dirty secrets. Asking if he’d sex with me was too straightforward and I've no choice but to pull out the red flag. “It's not your turn to ask any question, old man.” I pointed out, believing that I'm the official referee here.
“I asked on your mother's behalf,” Abe countered.
I looked at my mom, signaling and begging her to shut Abe up from asking any further sensitive stuff. She pursed her lips and her forehead wrinkled, concerning on which side she should be. Her eyes shifted from me to Dimitri back and forth. Finally, she turned to Abe and said, “Abe, stop it! Dimitri is a romantic man. You have to accept him.”
“I'll accept him when I accept him,” scowled Abe. My father's true color has finally popped a little.
“When was the last time you've been romantic?!”
“Are you saying I don't have the romanticism in me? I'm offended! I tend to have the sparks wherever I go.” He waved his hand like he was some kind of royalty.
“That's flirting. It's different from romance.”
Abe grumbled, drumming his heavily gold- ringed fingers. He sighed, drowning himself in a deep of thoughts and said, “Janine, my dear, do you really want to know when the last time I’ve been romantic was?” His eyes drifted to Janine's, giving her a smoldering look that made Janine utterly blushed in an instant. Their eyes connected, invincible fireworks sparked and trust me. Even though I'm sitting in the back seat, I could feel the intense chemistry rumbling the space between my parents.
Janine broke the stare and avoided staring at Abe for too long. God knows she might faint here and now. Her eyes were everywhere but him. “Keep your eyes on the road,” she advised while her fingers itching for a button to switch on the stereo. A country romantic song by Shania Twain is playing. I heard it before; couple of times on the radio. The lyrics was simple yet meaningful. It was beautiful written and it somehow got Janine's attention.
Abe smiled a wicked smile and dragged his eyes back on the road. Feeling irritated, Janine was about to turn the dial when Abe shooed her hand away. “No, no. I want to listen to this song. It's has a romantic vibe.” Janine gave up and stared out the window. Once the song is over, he turned the volume down and said, “Remember the first day we met at the Bazaar flee market in Istanbul, Turkey? You were on Szelsky petrol. Then you got yourself into trouble with the people and I was the one who saved you.”
“How can I forget?” Janine gave a sarcasm smile. “You stroked a vile and preposterous deal.”
“Let me tell you something about your mother, Rose. She was exactly like you. Strong, stubborn to the core, irritatingly short tempered, but beautiful.” Abe stressed on the last word. I caught my mom rolled her eyes. Dimitri and I leaned back comfortably on our seats. Oh goody. A good way to avoid our personal life and didn't realize we've jumped into theirs. “I had a young informant coming in to deliver a special package for both me and my client. It was top secret. I was promised to have it delivered on time. It was so intense that even for a second late; it'll consider as a confidential breach and may cause the peace between two clans to subvert. You mother, unfortunately, almost ruined my business. My client and I were at the rendezvous, which was at the coffee shop by the alley, awaiting for it to arrive. We've waited and waited. The package wasn't delivered. I wasn't happy. My client was panicked. Two clans were at risk here. So I told him to return to the hotel, hold off the 'Code Red' and gather any information about the informant whereabouts: where he'd stay and who his contacts were, etcetera, etcetera. I, on the other hand, decided to go undercover to find out what'd actually happened. I received a contact with a man who worked for the informant. He explained that his boss was beaten to a pulp in a hotel he'd stay and was arrested by a woman with red hair. I asked whatever happen to the package. He said that the woman has it. And so, I disguised myself as a tourist, went to the hotel and tracked the woman with red hair.
“At first, I thought she was an enemy who wanted to imperil the exchange. Then, I learned that she's just a guardian who doesn't have any connection with my business. Either way, she thought that my informant was an assassin who wanted to kill that fat Szelsky, her assigned Moroi.”
“Do not speak of my charge that way. He’s a noble man.” hissed Janine.
“Hush now, love. Let me finish my story. The children are listening.” Abe waved her off.“Anyways, by the time I tracked her down in one of the shop at the Bazaar, my client, an idiot as he was and still, sent a code over to one clan. Thus, his people kidnapped her and she was taken to a deserted building left to be questioned. I got there as quickly as I could, made a negotiation with no one but this woman.” Abe cocked his head to my mom.
“You made me their enemy! You'd me fool,” she accused.
“You can't expect them to understand the situation. You’re Swedish. You didn’t understand my people’s language. They were going to kill you, literally. I got you out, didn't I?” he shrugged. “Anyhow, we pitched on a new plan which was to get my informant release based on mistaken identity or wrongfully accused. My client got the package back with the help of your mother, of course.”
“This means, I’d to sneak into the guardian’s evidence chamber.”
“The original plan was a double deal. Once the package is delivered, I'm to replace it with the replica without my client notice. However, the package was so well guarded. I needed a 'distract'er to waive both clans off. I thought of doing 'Mr. Charles' job, which was using my client as a traitor, but your mother was a better choice. Her task was simple: Distract Moroi during their gala ball event.”
“I can't believe you'd make me wear a dress.”
Abe grinned widely. “A very sexy one- bareback. We dressed nicely and waltz a little under the big chandelier. You do remember that, don't you?”
Janine smiled a soft smile. “I did Mr. Charles.”
“Indeed. Your mother crashed the party by accusing one of the members of the clan as a suspect of Slezsky's assassin. She brought in a lot of guardians as a backup. And that was my cue to get in, steal the package, replace the replica and get out.”
“You used my authority to your advantages.”
“It was such an adventure.”
“You're avoiding my question.”
“It wasn't a question to begin with.”
There it was again- the sparks clashing each other.
“So, this nazar?” I asked. “When did you give it to mom?” I've forgotten that it was Dimitri's turn to ask. He didn't mind.
“Before your mother was kidnapped, she was in the shop that sold luck stones, charmed bracelets and necklaces. She could neither decide which to buy nor understand the meaning behind each item in that shop. So, I chose and bought the one that has the closest meaning, and I gave it to her the very same night she wore that sexy dress. It was the night she tamed a ravishing snake and also the night that gave an ending result- a person sitting in the back seat.” Abe winked at Janine and she flirtatiously giggled.
That person is me. Oh God, if this go on, I'm going to puke.
“Now, Belikov… About that girl's name-”
Damn. Abe is back to interrogation. I still have no idea what he does for living. My mom said that he's an influential businessman who never gets caught for anything illegal. So, he does something illegal in a legal way? Maybe he's a super spy or some kind of Godfather to an underground clan. I don't know. My money is on the Godfather since manipulation is one of his favorite games. I should ask him what his professionalism one of these days, but not now. Now, I've got to find a way to protect Dimitri from my parents, especially from Abe.
“Nope! Still my turn, old man. Tell me. You're planning to shoot my boyfriend in the back, aren't you? Is that what you mean by hunting?”
“Now, I wonder what happen to that girl who called me 'dad' the other day. She was so innocent, quite demanding, very loud and literally didn't think before doing something silly. I miss her so much.”
“Answer the question.” I gripped the driver's seat.
“Men hunt for greater goods.”
“What's that mean?”
“It means everyone has his or her own intention with this hunting trip.”
Abe or Abraham or Ibrahim Mazur, my forever serpent father, never gives me a straightforward answer. Yup, I definitely need sex with Dimitri tonight.
A few hours before the trip, I warned Dimitri no to be fooled by Abe's charming words. I told him that Abe Mazur is the serpent dude with skills and he could slither his way to the point where he could get a person trapped without breaking a sweat. He's a spoiled old man who usually gets what he wants depending on whatever methods, ways or techniques he uses. And to top it all, my mom, Janine Hathaway wanted to tag along, which is another potential danger to this trip.
“Okay, comrade. Last chance to escape. Leave before all Hell break loose,” I warned while dumping all my clothes on the bed.
Dimitri is being Dimitri, who seems all packed and ready to go- mentally preparation included. As for me, I really didn't want to go. I practically whined, complain a lot and pretended to cry to drag the time, until at the very last moment where I've no choice but to agree with this hunting trip. Dimitri helped me with my last minute packing. He picked the clothes that he likes and folds it into my bag pack. A pair of jeans and simple T-shirts was his choice. Yet, no lingerie. I decided to slip the sexy one in, just in case. Funny that I thought of dirty things at this time. If I'm going, I must at least have sex with Dimitri just to keep my mood happy on this trip.
“After killing so many Strigoi, I think I can survive your parents,” he said confidently.
Cocky much, is he? He has no idea who my parents truly are. They can be the worst nightmares if they wanted to. I rest my hands on my hips and looked at him with my sternly eyes. “Are you sure? Janine, I can handle, but Abe? He's mysterious and sneaky. I'm pretty sure he's capable of killing you.”
“Rose, I promised your father. We've already made a plan. We're just going to have to deal with it.”
“I remember specifically that you advised me to stay away from Abe. Maybe you should take your own advice.”
“Is it that difficult to trust me on this?”
“Oh, I trust you. There's no doubt about that. It's him that I don't.”
And suddenly, there's a craving need to worry about Dimitri. I've known him more than a year now. The first time I met him was the day he kicked my ass when Lissa and I had been on the running for two years from St. Vladimir Academy. He was so strong and powerful and I could smell leadership just from that looks of his. When we got back to the academy, he defended me when Ms. Kirova wanted to kick me out of school. Dimitri knew my talent, which was the shadow kiss bond between Lissa and me. He used it as an excuse so that I could stay; so that once I become a true guardian, we could use it as a tool to protect Lissa better. And he was right. I ought to owe him. He was my mentor turned lover- a very sexy kind that I couldn't simply keep my mind off. It was until the night when Victor Dashkov's charmed necklace caused mine- and surprisingly Dimitri's- last defense of barrier from each other to break. Thus, surrendering ourselves to that temptation. The temptation grew to admiration, and admiration grew to love. He and I knew better because this act of foolish love was forbidden to such that he was seven years older than me. Above all, we're going to be Lissa's guardians and a distraction is something we cannot afford with when we're protecting the last Dragomir. They come first.
Both of us were confused, not knowing what to do with our true feelings. I fought his reasons and he fought mine, up to the point when he decided to stay mutual- a mentor and a student relationship- nothing more. But that didn't last long when I knew him so well, that I figured him out simply because we think alike. Our relationship bloomed and it was a decision to keep it a secret until a tragedy befell on St. Vladimir where Dimitri was taken away and was turned into a Strigoi. It was the darkest day of my life because Dimitri and I had plan for us to be together, even though our relationship were at its peak of complexity. I dropped out of school to keep my promise, which was to find Dimitri and kill him. The choice I made was my own. Guardians’ moral code might say that it was a selfish act and a mistake to ignore our duties, but they were wrong too say such words to me because at that time, I wasn't a guardian… yet. If it was such a mistake, then it was mine to bare. So, I abandoned the guardian’s motto because at this very moment, Dimitri comes first.
And I did find him. Well, technically he was the one who found me. At first, I hesitated my chance to kill him. My heart weight out with what my mind wanted to do, which was to stab Dimitri's heart with my stake. I couldn’t do it and he took advantage of me. He confined me in a very nice room of a Strigoi hotel and abused me with fang bites that caused me to get high with endorphin. He wanted me to turn into a Strigoi willingly- Awaken they may call it, so that he and I could control the world. Yet, a promise is a promise. God gave me a second chance and I took it. I drove my stake right through his heart, or so I thought. Somehow, he survived.
Spirit has its wonders. That I’ve to agree upon. After coming across this couple and the information they’ve given, I worked my ass to find a cure for Dimitri, which included busting Victor out of prison. It was the only way to find his brother, Robert Deru. Robert has vital information of how to turn a Strigoi back, and what were the odds when it was Lissa the one who was able to turn Dimitri back to himself by using spirit. The experience was unexplainable with its uniqueness. He said it was like reborn into this world, a new dawn, a second chance at life. At first he was lost, scared and confused, but then everything came back to him, including his memories of before and after he was turned. He refused to see me. I was mad for all the right reasons because A, the search of a cure was my doing and B; I’m his love of his life. How can he not want to see me? Then he said that didn't want me because he felt guilty with what he had done. I told him that we could start all over again, forgive each other and finally be together, but he gave me a hard 'no'. It was heartbreaking and I finally accepted that we're through. He could spend his life crying out of guilt for all I care, while I was on the road of a heartbreaking recovery. I moved on with another man. And yet, no matter how much I tried my very best to forget Dimitri, Adrian and I just wasn't meant to be. It has always been Dimitri. It's his love that has kept me strong and we were so right for each other. If I'm willing to sacrifice so much for him after all this journey, I'm allowed to say that that is love. And my heart, body and soul shall forever belong to him. He finally forgave himself. With that, I able to fall in love with him all over again and he to me too.
It was a long journey, our hardship and yet we’ve survived through it all, except for my parents. This is something that hasn't occur to me until today. Killing Strigoi, yeah no problem. Boyfriend who is an ex-Strigoi, tough but acceptable. But facing a kickass mom who is one of the top guardians and a mobster dad that has everyone seems to fear of? Now that's Hell. Will we survive from my parents’ death trap? I highly doubt it.
“Maybe this trip isn't such a good idea. We should cancel it, immediately. You shouldn't agree to any of this.” I baffled at the thoughts of Abe aiming a shotgun to Dimitri's head.
But no. He shook his head in disagreement. Dimitri the brave decided to stick around and face the music. And when he said 'face the music', he meant facing my parents with whatever unfortunate series of events. “We're going to get through this. You and me, sailing together- metaphorically speaking.”
“We're good as dead- That’s metaphorically speaking,” I pointed that out, just to give him a hint to change his mind.
His eyes so dark, so mysterious casting a stare that made my deepest soul weaken. He has that confident looks that told me everything is going to be just fine. I was completely under his gazing spell and without notice, his clever hands found my waist and our forehead touched. When I was about to say a few words, he quickly sealed his lips on mine and did further more with his tongue, erasing all of my worries.
The worries return, of course. Abe sat behind the wheel, yapping about how fun it's going to be and how awesome he'd chosen this car as his choice for this trip. He supposed to rent a family SUV, but his tasteless in fashion has blinded his reasons with the situation at hands. So instead of the SUV, he rented a pimp purple car that has hydro pumps making it bounce with a touch of a button. We’ve to stop for gas a couple of times because the car burned the fuel far too quickly. Dimitri and I are not going to pay for his foolish choice.
Our destination is unknown because Abe preferred to keep it as a surprise. The sky is clear of blue with no clouds covering the glare of the sun, which is a guaranteed of hot weather. Here I was, sitting in the passenger's seat; imagine myself killing Abe- Rose Hathaway style. I need a careful plan on what to do with him first. Oh I could list every detail of death threats, particularly since I have Abe's blood in me. Yeah, that's another thing we have in common and more to assurance that he’s truly my dad. The problem is that if I choke him, he’ll go out of the control with the steering wheel. Ergo, we're all dead. Not a good start on this trip.
“Why don't we all play a game to kill the time?” Abe suggested to my mom.
“That's a good idea. What game are we going to play?”
“Let's play 'TRUTH'. Each have to ask question to the specific person and he or she has to solemn do swear to answer it truthfully. We must all pledge to God for we only speak of truth in this game, agree?”
“Agree!” exclaimed Janine, smiling brightly than ever as she crossed her heart. Dimitri nodded and I scoffed for a reason. Why? Because my parents staged this from the beginning. Abe suggested playing his game version of Truth & Dare without the 'daring'. My mom can fight, but she definitely can't act. The smiling part gave it away. It was obvious that this hunting trip is a scheme to get Dimitri. Everyone knows it. It's only a matter of time with who's going crack the fact first. I guess this is a silent game within a game.
I turned my head to Dimitri. He sat apart from me, enjoying the view outside the car window. He might look like a quiet teenager, but from the way his lips sealed tightly, I knew he was holding his laughter off. He thought that this is funny.
“Rose? What do you think?” asked Abe.
I decided to give Dimitri a taste of my agony. “Why not? Let's play.”
“Ratio three is to one. It is decided base on votes.” Abe and Janine gave an exchange looks. Dimitri raised one eyebrow at me and I tried to imitate that look but failed. And so, I just shrugged. Abe further explained the rules of the game and made us all swear to God before starting. “Since I'm the ring leader and the one who suggested this game, I shall be honored to start the question. So, Belikov... Any past girlfriends I should be worried about?”
Right on target, Abe. I thought. “You? Wasn't it supposed to be me?” I interrupted. There's no rule for interrupting.
“Ah, right. You're the one who's dating him. Please do forgive me for my insensitivity,” said Abe. He tapped his finger on the wheel, profusely regretted to set a rule about interruption. The junior zmey outsmarted the senior one. “Where was I? Oh yes. Belikov, any woman that we should be worried about?”
“No, sir. I don't have past girlfriends.” Dimitri shifted himself comfortably in the seat and looked at Abe as if this challenge is not an issue.
Abe sighed. “I really don't like to repeat the rules of this game.”
“I may have a crush on this one girl, but that was a long time ago. Still, my answer has been the same: there's no girlfriend.” he admitted.
“Who is she? I'm curious to know.”
Right! Who is she?! How come Dimitri never mention to me about this mysterious crush of his? I only remember Dimitri was married to dolls almost ten times when he was young, and that came from Karolina's lips. Then again, Dimitri always shut his personal life to everyone else except me. Way to go, old man. I'm curious to know too.
“Her name is Inna.”
“If it isn't such an effort, may I know her family's name?”
“No, you may not.”
“You're not answering truthfully.”
“I did. I just truthfully refused to answer you.”
Holy shit! My boyfriend is smart and careful and he purposely didn't mention the girl's last name. Maybe I shouldn't worry about Dimitri after all. Abe has finally met his match. He gripped the wheel tighter, infuriated by Dimitri's smart respond. But before Abe could say anything, I quickly pulled out the rule breaker. “That's your third question. Not more than that, remember?”
“Fine,” Abe grumped for the first time. I read his face and I'm guessing that this is only the beginning. He grinned and said, “Janine, dear. Your turn.”
Janine took a deep breath and finally asked, “Dimitri, tell me honestly. Did you have sexual intercourse with Rose back when she was in school?”
“Mom, that's private!” I scowled, mortified by Janine's question.
Janine turned to the back seat and glared at me. “This is serious. I need to know what your activities at school were?! Did you ever think for once that your affection for each other may jeopardize your future? You were seventeen, for Christ sake! And you!” Janine point a finger at Dimitri, “You supposed to know better!”
“It's a little too late to get hysterical, don't you think? I'm over eighteen. Get over it!”
Janine ignored me. She then glared at Dimitri, her eyes demanding for an answer.
“No, I didn't have sex with her in school,” said Dimitri. What he meant was that we'd sex outside of school building. More specifically, in an abandon cabin somewhere in the academy. He's telling the truth without actually lying. And suddenly, I know how to play this game. 'Specific' is the way to bend around from the truth. “Her activities were like the other students in St. Vladimir. In additional an hour or plus of extra training with me. She's a quick learner, but you already know that. I'm sure you're proud of her.” He leaned forward and looked into Janine's eyes with understanding and compassion. “And yes. I did think plenty of times about our actions. I would be lying to myself if I say that what we had was a mistake, but you have to understand that I’m truly and madly in love with Rosemarie Hathaway. Janine, I want you to know that your daughter didn’t just save Lissa. She saved me. She has sacrificed everything to get me back. She even saved me from my fears of rejection and accusation. She defended me, erasing any doubts that I’m no longer a Strigoi. Above all, she saved my humanity when I was at most vulnerable. If the tables were turned, I’m willing to do the very same as she did for me, and maybe more. My affection for her runs deeper than anything of Earth's given depth. I love her not as a student, but as a woman she has grown into- a strong, courageous and intelligent character that I believed she has inherited from the two of you. And I have no one but to thank you both for bringing her to this world.”
Dimitri answered not only one, but all three questions smoothly with passionate and love. Janine wiped her tears off with a tissue and I could tell she was moved by his little speech. Abe was scoffing mad. He, of all people, didn't like being weaseled around. As for me, all I wanted to do is to hug and kiss my man thoroughly.
“You had sex with her, didn't you? You touched my baby girl?” blurted Abe.
Knowing a personal life has its limits, especially when my parents drilling Dimitri for his- and my- dirty secrets. Asking if he’d sex with me was too straightforward and I've no choice but to pull out the red flag. “It's not your turn to ask any question, old man.” I pointed out, believing that I'm the official referee here.
“I asked on your mother's behalf,” Abe countered.
I looked at my mom, signaling and begging her to shut Abe up from asking any further sensitive stuff. She pursed her lips and her forehead wrinkled, concerning on which side she should be. Her eyes shifted from me to Dimitri back and forth. Finally, she turned to Abe and said, “Abe, stop it! Dimitri is a romantic man. You have to accept him.”
“I'll accept him when I accept him,” scowled Abe. My father's true color has finally popped a little.
“When was the last time you've been romantic?!”
“Are you saying I don't have the romanticism in me? I'm offended! I tend to have the sparks wherever I go.” He waved his hand like he was some kind of royalty.
“That's flirting. It's different from romance.”
Abe grumbled, drumming his heavily gold- ringed fingers. He sighed, drowning himself in a deep of thoughts and said, “Janine, my dear, do you really want to know when the last time I’ve been romantic was?” His eyes drifted to Janine's, giving her a smoldering look that made Janine utterly blushed in an instant. Their eyes connected, invincible fireworks sparked and trust me. Even though I'm sitting in the back seat, I could feel the intense chemistry rumbling the space between my parents.
Janine broke the stare and avoided staring at Abe for too long. God knows she might faint here and now. Her eyes were everywhere but him. “Keep your eyes on the road,” she advised while her fingers itching for a button to switch on the stereo. A country romantic song by Shania Twain is playing. I heard it before; couple of times on the radio. The lyrics was simple yet meaningful. It was beautiful written and it somehow got Janine's attention.
You've got a way with word,
You get me smiling even when it hurts.
There's no way to measure what your love is worth,
I can't believe the way you get through to me.
You get me smiling even when it hurts.
There's no way to measure what your love is worth,
I can't believe the way you get through to me.
Abe smiled a wicked smile and dragged his eyes back on the road. Feeling irritated, Janine was about to turn the dial when Abe shooed her hand away. “No, no. I want to listen to this song. It's has a romantic vibe.” Janine gave up and stared out the window. Once the song is over, he turned the volume down and said, “Remember the first day we met at the Bazaar flee market in Istanbul, Turkey? You were on Szelsky petrol. Then you got yourself into trouble with the people and I was the one who saved you.”
“How can I forget?” Janine gave a sarcasm smile. “You stroked a vile and preposterous deal.”
“Let me tell you something about your mother, Rose. She was exactly like you. Strong, stubborn to the core, irritatingly short tempered, but beautiful.” Abe stressed on the last word. I caught my mom rolled her eyes. Dimitri and I leaned back comfortably on our seats. Oh goody. A good way to avoid our personal life and didn't realize we've jumped into theirs. “I had a young informant coming in to deliver a special package for both me and my client. It was top secret. I was promised to have it delivered on time. It was so intense that even for a second late; it'll consider as a confidential breach and may cause the peace between two clans to subvert. You mother, unfortunately, almost ruined my business. My client and I were at the rendezvous, which was at the coffee shop by the alley, awaiting for it to arrive. We've waited and waited. The package wasn't delivered. I wasn't happy. My client was panicked. Two clans were at risk here. So I told him to return to the hotel, hold off the 'Code Red' and gather any information about the informant whereabouts: where he'd stay and who his contacts were, etcetera, etcetera. I, on the other hand, decided to go undercover to find out what'd actually happened. I received a contact with a man who worked for the informant. He explained that his boss was beaten to a pulp in a hotel he'd stay and was arrested by a woman with red hair. I asked whatever happen to the package. He said that the woman has it. And so, I disguised myself as a tourist, went to the hotel and tracked the woman with red hair.
“At first, I thought she was an enemy who wanted to imperil the exchange. Then, I learned that she's just a guardian who doesn't have any connection with my business. Either way, she thought that my informant was an assassin who wanted to kill that fat Szelsky, her assigned Moroi.”
“Do not speak of my charge that way. He’s a noble man.” hissed Janine.
“Hush now, love. Let me finish my story. The children are listening.” Abe waved her off.“Anyways, by the time I tracked her down in one of the shop at the Bazaar, my client, an idiot as he was and still, sent a code over to one clan. Thus, his people kidnapped her and she was taken to a deserted building left to be questioned. I got there as quickly as I could, made a negotiation with no one but this woman.” Abe cocked his head to my mom.
“You made me their enemy! You'd me fool,” she accused.
“You can't expect them to understand the situation. You’re Swedish. You didn’t understand my people’s language. They were going to kill you, literally. I got you out, didn't I?” he shrugged. “Anyhow, we pitched on a new plan which was to get my informant release based on mistaken identity or wrongfully accused. My client got the package back with the help of your mother, of course.”
“This means, I’d to sneak into the guardian’s evidence chamber.”
“The original plan was a double deal. Once the package is delivered, I'm to replace it with the replica without my client notice. However, the package was so well guarded. I needed a 'distract'er to waive both clans off. I thought of doing 'Mr. Charles' job, which was using my client as a traitor, but your mother was a better choice. Her task was simple: Distract Moroi during their gala ball event.”
“I can't believe you'd make me wear a dress.”
Abe grinned widely. “A very sexy one- bareback. We dressed nicely and waltz a little under the big chandelier. You do remember that, don't you?”
Janine smiled a soft smile. “I did Mr. Charles.”
“Indeed. Your mother crashed the party by accusing one of the members of the clan as a suspect of Slezsky's assassin. She brought in a lot of guardians as a backup. And that was my cue to get in, steal the package, replace the replica and get out.”
“You used my authority to your advantages.”
“It was such an adventure.”
“You're avoiding my question.”
“It wasn't a question to begin with.”
There it was again- the sparks clashing each other.
“So, this nazar?” I asked. “When did you give it to mom?” I've forgotten that it was Dimitri's turn to ask. He didn't mind.
“Before your mother was kidnapped, she was in the shop that sold luck stones, charmed bracelets and necklaces. She could neither decide which to buy nor understand the meaning behind each item in that shop. So, I chose and bought the one that has the closest meaning, and I gave it to her the very same night she wore that sexy dress. It was the night she tamed a ravishing snake and also the night that gave an ending result- a person sitting in the back seat.” Abe winked at Janine and she flirtatiously giggled.
That person is me. Oh God, if this go on, I'm going to puke.
“Now, Belikov… About that girl's name-”
Damn. Abe is back to interrogation. I still have no idea what he does for living. My mom said that he's an influential businessman who never gets caught for anything illegal. So, he does something illegal in a legal way? Maybe he's a super spy or some kind of Godfather to an underground clan. I don't know. My money is on the Godfather since manipulation is one of his favorite games. I should ask him what his professionalism one of these days, but not now. Now, I've got to find a way to protect Dimitri from my parents, especially from Abe.
“Nope! Still my turn, old man. Tell me. You're planning to shoot my boyfriend in the back, aren't you? Is that what you mean by hunting?”
“Now, I wonder what happen to that girl who called me 'dad' the other day. She was so innocent, quite demanding, very loud and literally didn't think before doing something silly. I miss her so much.”
“Answer the question.” I gripped the driver's seat.
“Men hunt for greater goods.”
“What's that mean?”
“It means everyone has his or her own intention with this hunting trip.”
Abe or Abraham or Ibrahim Mazur, my forever serpent father, never gives me a straightforward answer. Yup, I definitely need sex with Dimitri tonight.
