Blood Promise Chapter Twenty-One

Dimitri didnt elaborate. I was too startled by his words and the rest of the nights purgets to even k right away how to begin to address them. He took me cover version inside, previous(prenominal) the Strigoi on guard duty, and upstairs to my suite. Nathan was no longer show upside.For a few brief moments, that nagging voice in my head spoke loudly lavish to break through my addled thoughts. If I had no guard in the hall(a) and Inna returned soon, I had a very approximate chance of threatening her plentiful to get place of here. Admittedly, that would mean Id need to deal with a house of God l bingle(prenominal) knew how many Strigoi, however my escape odds were better in the house than in this room.Then, almost as soon as those thoughts appeargond, they vanished. Dimitri snaked his arm around me and pulled me to him. It had been chilly kayoedside, and even if his body was cold, his clothes and jacket provided some warmth. I snuggled closer to him as his hands ran all all over me. I thought he was exit to bite me, exclusively it was our mouths that met, hard and furious. I disguised my fingers in his hair, trying to pull him closer to me. Meanwhile, his fingers were stream permit against my bare leg, pushing my skirt up almost to my hip. Anticipation and eagerness lit every go away of my body. I had dreamed just well-nigh the cabin for so long, remembering it with so very much longing. Id never expected anything give care that to happen again, precisely now it could, and I was astonished at how badly I valued it.My hands moved down to his shirt, undoing all the scarcelytons so that I could touch his chest. His skin unperturbed mat up like ice, a startling contrast to the burning within me. He moved his lips from mine, down to my neck and shoulder, pushing down the dresss strap as he covered my flesh with hungry kisses. His hand was still on the side of my bare hip, and I frantically tried to pull his shirt tally altogether.Suddenly, with a surprising abruptness, he jerked away and shoved me down. At first, I thought it was just more of the foreplay between us, until I realized he was by design pushing me away.No, he say, voice hard. Not yet. Not until youre awakened.Why? I asked desperately. I couldnt think of anything extract him touching me-and, well, another bite. Why does it matter? Is in that location is thither a reason we cant? Until Id have intercourse here, evoke with a Strigoi had never occurred to me perhaps it just wasnt possible.He leaned toward me, putting his lips near my ear. No, but itll be so much better if youre awakened. Let me do it allow me do it, and then we can do anything we necessityIt was a bargaining chip, I realized vaguely. He indispensabilityed me-it was written all over him-but he was using the lure of sex to get me to give in. And honestly? I was this close to accepting. My body was decree my mind- almost.No, I whimpered. I Im scaredThat dangerous look softened, and while he didnt exactly look like the Dimitri from before, there was something a light less Strigoi about him.Rose, do you think Id do anything that would hurt you? Somewhere, hadnt there been a discussion about how my options were to turn or die?The latter seemed like it might hurt, but I didnt mention that just now.The bite the turning would hurtI told you Itll be just like what weve already do. Youll enjoy it. It wont hurt, I swear it.I looked away. Damn it. Why couldnt he still be sinister and scary? It was so much easier to put my foot down and resist. Even in the mania of passion, I was able to resist. But somehow seeing him like this, calm and reasonable well, it was too close to the Dimitri Id loved. And that was hard to turn away from. For the first time, it make turning Strigoi seem not so bad.I dont know, I said lamely.He released me and sat up, frustration filling his features. It was almost a relief. Galinas patience is running out. So is mine.You said we still have t ime I just need to think more How long could I use that excuse? The constricting of his eyeball told me not much longer.I have to go, he said harshly. in that location would be no more touching or kissing, I could reveal. I need to deal with some things.Im sorry, I said, both confused and afraid. I didnt know which Dimitri I treasured. The terrifying one, the sensual one, or the almost-but still not quite-gentle one.He said nothing. Without any other warning, he leaned down and bit into the tender skin of my throat. Whatever feeble escape strategies I had were bypast. I closed my eye, nearly falling over, and only his arm wrapped firmly around me unplowed me upright. Just like when we kissed, his mouth was warm against my flesh, and the feel of his tongue and teeth move electricity through me.And like that, it was over. He pulled away, licking his lips as he still continued to hold onto me. The fogginess was back. The world was wonderful and happy and I was without any cares. Whatever hed been worrying about with Nathan and Galina meant nothing to me. The fear Id felt moments ago my disappointment over sex my confusion-I didnt have time to worry about any of that, not when life was so beautiful and I loved Dimitri so much. I smiled up at him and tried to hug him again, but he was already leading me to the couch.Ill see you later. In a flash, he was at the door, which saddened me. I wanted him to stay. Stay forever. Remember, I want you-and I would never let anything bad happen to you. Ill protect you. But I cant wait much longer.With that, he go away. His words made me smile more broadly. Dimitri wanted me. Vaguely, I recalled intercommunicate him outside why he wanted me. Why on earth had I asked? What answer had I wanted? Why did it matter? He wanted me. That was what counted.That thought and the wonderful endorphin rush enveloped me as I lay on the couch, and I felt drowsiness overtaking me. Walking over to the bed seemed like too much work, so I st ayed where I was and just let sleep come.And, unexpectedly, I found myself in one of Adrians dreams.Id pretty much stipulation up on him. After my first desperate attempts at escape in the suite, Id finally convinced myself that Adrian wasnt coming back, that Id sent him away for good. Yet here he was, standing right in comportment of me-or, well, at least his dream version was. Often we were in the woods or a garden, but today we stood where wed first met, on the porch of an Idaho ski lodge. Sun shone down, and mountains soared off to the side of us.I grinned broadly. AdrianI didnt think Id ever seen him look as surprised as he did just then. Considering how mean I usually was to him, I could understand his feelings.Hello, Rose, he said. His voice sounded uncertain, like he was worried I might be playing a trick on him.You look good today, I told him. It was true. He wore dark jeans and a printed button-down shirt in shades of dark blue and turquoise that looked fantastic with h is dark green eyes. Those eyes, however, looked weary. Worn. That was a little odd. In these dreams, he could shape the world and even our appearances to what he wanted, with only a little effort. He could have looked perfect but instead appeared to be reflecting real-world fatigue.So do you. His voice was still wary, as he eyed me from head to toe. I was still in the clingy sundress, my hair down and loose, the sapphires around my neck. That looks like something Id normally dress you in. Are you asleep in that?Yup. I smoothed down the dresss skirt, mentation how pretty it looked. I wondered if Dimitri had liked it. He hadnt said so specifically, but he had kept telling me I was beautiful. I didnt think youd come back.I didnt think I would either.I looked back up at him. He wasnt like his usual self at all. Are you trying to act out where I am again?No, I dont care about that anymore. He sighed. The only thing I care about is that you arent here. You have to come back, Rose.I cros sed my arms and flounced onto the porchs railing. Adrian, Im not ready for anything romant-Not for me, he exclaimed. For her. You have to come back for Lissa. Thats why Im here.LissaMy wakeful self was pumped full of endorphins, and it carried over here. I tried to remember why I should be so worried about Lissa.Adrian took a step forward and studied me carefully. Yeah, you know, Lissa? Your best coadjutor? The one youre bonded to and sworn to protect?I swung my legs back and forth. I never made any vows.What the hells the matter with you?I didnt like his agitated tone. It was ruining my good mood. Whats the matter with you?You arent acting like yourself. Your aura He frowned, unable to continue.I laughed. Oh yes. Here it comes. The magical, mystical aura. Let me guess. Its black, right?No it He continued scrutinizing me for several(prenominal) heavy seconds. I can barely get a fix on it. Its all over the place. Whats going on, Rose?Whats happening in the waking world?Nothings hap pening, I said. Nothing except me existence happy for the first time in my life. Why are you acting weird all of a sudden? You used to be fun. Figures the first time Im finally having a good time, you go all boring and strange.He knelt down in strawman of me, no trace of humor anywhere. Theres something wrong with you. I cant tell what-I told you, Im fine. Why do you have to keep coming and trying to ruin things for me? True, Id desperately wanted him to come a little while ago, but now well, that wasnt so important. I had a good thing with Dimitri here, if only I could figure out how to solve all the not-so-good parts.I told you, Im not here for me. Im here for Lissa. He looked up at me, wide-eyed and earnest. Rose, I am begging you to come home. Lissa needs you. I dont know whats wrong, and I dont know how to help her. No one else does either. I think I think only you can. Maybe being apart is whats hurting her. Maybe thats whats wrong with you now, why youre acting so weird. Com e home. Please. Well heal both of you. Well all figure it out together. Shes acting so strange. Shes reckless and doesnt care about anything.I shook my head. Being away isnt whats wrong with me. Probably not whats wrong with her, either. If shes really worried about spirit, she should go back on her meds.Shes not worried thats the problem. Damn it. He stood up and began pacing. Whats wrong with you two? Why cant either of you see theres something the matter?Maybe its not us, I said. Maybe its you imagining things.Adrian turned back toward me and looked me over again. No. Its not me.I didnt like any of this-not his tone, expression, or words. Id been excited to see him, but now I resented him ruining my good mood. I didnt want to think about any of this. It was too hard.Look, I said. I was happy to see you tonight but not anymore, not if youre going to sit and accuse me and make demands.Im not trying to do that. His voice was gentle-the anger was gone. The utmost(a) thing I want is to make you unhappy. I care about you. I care about Lissa, too. I want you both to be happy and live your lives like you want but not when youre both heading down destructive paths.He almost made sense. Almost seemed reasonable and sincere. I shook my head.Stay out of it. Im where I want to be, and Im not coming back. Lissas on her own. I jumped off the rail. The world swirled a little, and I stumbled. Adrian caught my hand, and I jerked away. Im fine.You are not. Jesus Christ. Id swear youre drunk, except the auras still not right for that. What is it? He ran his hands through his dark hair.It was his typical sign of agitation.Im done here, I said, trying to be as civil as possible. Why on earth had I wanted to see him again? It had seemed so important when I first arrived. Send me back, please.He open up his mouth to say something, then froze a few moments. Whats on your neck?He reached forward, and addled or no, I managed to dodge pretty efficiently. I had no idea what he saw o n my neck, and I had no interest in comeing out. Dont touch me. Rose, that looks like-Send me back, Adrian So much for my politeness.Rose, let me help-Send. Me. prickleI shouted the words, and then, for the first time, I managed to pull myself out of Adrians dream. I left sleep altogether and woke up on the couch.The room was still and silent, the only sound my rapid breathing. I felt all tangled up inside. Usually, so fresh from a bite, I would be floating and gleeful. Yet, the encounter with Adrian had left part of me troubled and sad.Standing up, I managed to make my way to the bathroom. I flicked on the light and winced. It hadnt been very bright in the other room. at once my eyes adjusted, I leaned toward the mirror and pushed my hair out of the way. I gasped at what I saw. There were bruises all over my neck, as well as signs of fresher wounds. around where Dimitri had just bitten me, I could see dried blood.I looked like a blood whore.How had I never noticed this before? I wet a washcloth and scrubbed at my neck, trying to get the blood off. I rubbed and rubbed until the skin turned pink. Was that it? Were there more? That looked like the worst of it. I wondered how much Adrian had seen. My hair had been down, and I was pretty sure most of it had covered my neck.A rebellious thought came to my head. What did it matter if Adrian saw or not? He didnt understand. There was no way he could even come close.I was with Dimitri. Yeah, he was different but not that much different. And I was sure I could find a way to make this work without becoming a Strigoi. I just didnt know how yet.I tried to reassure myself over and over, but those bruises kept staring back at me.I left the bathroom and returned to the couch. I turned on the TV without really watching, and later a while, the happy fog rolled over me again. I soon tuned out the TV and returned to sleep. This time, my dreams were my own.It took a while for Dimitri to come again. And by a while, I mean alm ost an sinless day. I was getting twitchy by that point, both because I missed him and because I missed the bite. He usually visited twice a day, so this was the longest Id gone without the endorphins. Needing something to do, I preoccupied myself with making myself as beautiful as possible.I sorted through the dresses in my closet, choosing a long ivory silk one that had purple flowers very well painted into the fabric. It fit like a glove.I wanted to wear my hair up, but after looking at the bruises again, I distinct to wear it down. Id been provided with a curling iron and makeup recently, so I worked my hair over carefully, turning the ends up in perfect little curls. Once made up, I stared happily at my reflection, certain Dimitri would be happy too. All I needed now was to put on some of the sharp jewelry hed given me. But when I turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of my back from the side and saw Id missed fastening a clasp. I reached around to do it but couldnt get a ho ld of it. It was in that perfect spot just out of my reach.Damn, I muttered, still grappling with the hook. The mar in my perfection.Just then, I heard the door open in the other room, followed by the telltale sound of a tray being set on the coffee table. A stroke of luck.Inna I called, walking out of the bathroom. I need you to-Nausea rolled through me, and as I stepped into the living room, I saw that Dimitri wasnt the source. Nathan was.My jaw dropped open. Inna stood near him, waiting patiently by the tray, eyes downcast as always. I immediately ignored her and then looked back at Nathan. Presumably, he was still on guard duty, but that had never actually included him coming inside. For the first time in a while, some of my action instincts kicked in, assessing escape options. My fear urged me to back away, but that would trap me in the bathroom. Best to stay where I was. Even if I couldnt leave the room, this gave me the most lacuna to maneuver.What are you doing here? I as ked, surprised at how calm I sounded.Taking care of a problem.I didnt really need any pointers to figure out the subtext here. I was the problem.Again, I fought the urge to back up. Ive never done anything to you. It was faulty logic to a Strigoi. None of their victims ever did anything to them.You exist, he said. Youre taking up space here, wasting everyones time. You know how to find her-the Dragomir girl-yet youll offer nothing remotely reusable until Belikov gets off his ass and awakens you. And in the meantime, Galina forces me to waste time watching you and keeps promoting him because hes convinced her that youre going to be some amazing asset to us.It was an interesting set of grievances. So um, what are you going to do?In a flash, he stood in front of me. Seeing him so close triggered that memory in my minds eye-him biting Dimitri and starting all of this. A spark of anger kindled in me but didnt do much in the way of development. Im getting the information one way or anoth er, he hissed. Tell me where she is.You know where she is. Shes at the school. There was nothing useful in giving up that news. He knew she was there. He knew where the school was.The look he gave me showed he was not happy about me providing knowledge he already had. Reaching out, he gripped my hair and jerked my head painfully back. Wearing my hair down maybe hadnt been so useful after all. Where is she going? She wont stay there forever. Is she going to college? TheRoyal Court? They must have made plans for her.I dont know what they are. Ive been away for a while.I dont believe you, he snarled. Shes too valuable. Her next would have been planned out a while ago.If it is, no ones shared it with me. I left too soon.I shrugged by way of answer. Rage alter his eyes, and I swear, they grew redder.Youre bonded You know. Tell me now, and Ill kill you quickly. If you dont, Ill awaken you to get the information, and then Ill kill you. Ill light you up like a bonfire.You youd kill me onc e I was one of you? Foolish question. Strigoi felt no loyalty to each other.Yes. Itll destroy him, and once Galina sees how unhinged he is, I exit return to my original place by her side-especially after I stamp out the Dragomir line.The hell you will.He smiled and fey my face, running his fingers along my neck and the bruises all over it. Oh, I will. It really will make things easier if you just tell me now. Youll die in ecstasy rather than being burned alive. Well both enjoy it. He wrapped his hand delicately around my throat. Youre definitely a problem, but you are beautiful-especially your throat. I can see why he wants youWarring emotions played within me. Logically, I knew this was Nathan-Nathan, whom I hated for having turned Dimitri in the first place. Yet my bodys need for Strigoi endorphins was raising its head too, and it barely mattered that it was Nathan. What mattered was that his teeth were only a breath away from my neck, undimmed that sweet, sweet delirium.And wh ile one hand held my throat, the other ran down my waist, down to the curve of my hip. There had been a sultry edge to Nathans voice, like he wanted to do more than just bite me. And after so many sexually charged encounters with Dimitri-encounters that never resulted in anything-my body almost didnt care who touched it. I could close my eyes, and it wouldnt matter whose teeth bit into me or whose hands peeled off my clothes. Only the next fix would matter. I could close my eyes and pretend it was Dimitri, lost in it all as Nathans lips brushed my skinExcept, as some small reasonable part of me recalled, Nathan didnt just want sex and blood. He eventually wanted to kill me.Which was kind of ironic. Id been dead set-no pun intended-on killing myself when I got here, lest I become a Strigoi. Nathan was offering me that now. Even if he turned me first, he planned on killing me immediately afterward. Either way, I wouldnt have to spend eternity as a Strigoi. I should have welcomed this. But just then, as my bodys addiction predicted for his bite and that bliss, I realized something with startling clarity I didnt want to die. Maybe it was because Id gone almost a day without a bite, but something small and rebellious woke up in me. I would not let him do this to me. I would not let him go after Dimitri. And I sure as hell wasnt going to let him hunt down Lissa.Pushing through that endorphin cloud that still hung around me, I summoned up as much willpower as I could. I dug deep, remembering my years of training and all the lessons Dimitri had given me. It was hard to annoy those memories, and I only touched a few. Still, enough came to spur me to action. I lunged forward and punched Nathan.And accomplished nothing.He didnt budge. Hell, I dont even know if he felt it. The surprise on his face promptly turned to mirth, and he laughed in that horrible way Strigoi did-cruelly and without any real joy. Then, with the greatest of ease, he slapped me and knocked me acros s the room. Dimitri had done nearly the same thing when Id arrived and attacked him. Only I hadnt flown quite as far or had so miniscule an effect on him.I slammed into the back of the couch, and good God, did it hurt. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I realized the idiocy of fighting someone vastly stronger than me when Id been losing blood all week. I managed to straighten up and desperately sought my next course of action. Nathan, for his part, seemed in no hurry to respond to my attack. In fact, he was still laughing.Glancing around, I latched onto a truly pitiful course of action. Inna stood near me. Moving with a speed that was painfully slow-but better than I expected myself to manage-I reached for her and wrapped my arm around her neck. She yelped in surprise, and I jerked her harder against me.Get out of here, I said to Nathan. Get out of here, or Ill kill her.He stopped laughing, stared at me for a moment, and then laughed even harder. Are you serious? Do you honest ly think I couldnt stop you if I wanted? And do you honestly think I care? Go ahead. Kill her. There are dozens more just like her.Yeah, that really shouldnt have been a surprise either, but even I was a bit taken aback by how easily he could throw away a faithful servants life.Okay. Time to go to Plan B. Or maybe it was Plan J? Frankly, I was losing track, and none of them were very good anyway OwInna suddenly elbowed me in the stomach. I released her in my surprise. She spun around with a strangled scream and socked me in the face. The blow wasnt as hard as Nathans had been, but it still knocked me over. I tried to catch a hold of something-anything-as I uncivilised but failed. I hit the floor, my back slamming against the door. I expected her to come right back at me, but instead, she darted across the room and-God help us all threw herself into a defensive posture in front of Nathan.Before I could fully process the weirdness of her trying to protect someone who was willing to l et her die, the door suddenly opened. Ow I said again, as it hit me and pushed me aside.Dimitri swiftly entered. He looked from face to face, and I had no doubt mine showed signs of both Nathans and Innas attacks. Dimitris fists clenched, and he turned toward Nathan. It reminded me of their scuffle in the hallway, all rage and malice and bloodlust. I cringed, bracing myself for another horrible confrontation.Dont, warned Nathan, face smug. You know what Galina said. Touch me and youre out of here.Dimitri strode across the room and came to stand in front of Nathan, knocking Inna aside like a rag doll. Itll be worth facing her wrath, particularly when I tell her you attacked first. Rose certainly bears the marks of it.You wouldnt. He pointed at Inna, who was sitting dazed on the floor from where Dimitri had knocked her over. Despite my own injuries, I began crawling over to her. I had to know if she was all right. Shell tell the truth.Now Dimitri looked smug. You really think Galina w ill believe a human? No. When I tell her how you attacked me and Rose out of jealousy, shell let me off. The fact that youll be so easily defeated will be proof of your weakness. Ill slice your head off and get Roses stake from the vault. With your last breath, you can watch her drive it through your heart.Holy crap. That was a little worse than Nathan threatening to burn me-wait.My stake?Nathans face still bore insulting arrogance-at least to me. But I think Dimitri must have seen something that satisfied him, something that made him think hed gotten the upper hand. He visibly relaxed, his smirk growing larger. Twice, Dimitri said softly. Twice Ive let you go. Next time next time, youre gone.I reached Inna and gently held out my hand. Are you okay? I murmured.With a look of hate, she recoiled and scooted away. Nathans eyes fell on me, and he began backing toward the door.No, he said. Twice Ive let her live. Next time shes gone. Im the one in control here, not you.Nathan opened the door and Inna stood up, stumbling after him. I stared, mouth agape at the events that had just taken place. I didnt know which of them I found more disturbing. Looking up at Dimitri, I grappled with what to ask him first. What were we going to do? Why had Inna defended Nathan? Why had Dimitri let him go? None of those defiant questions came to my lips, though.Instead, I burst into tears.