Blood Promise Chapter Fourteen

The encounter with Denis leave me even more confused than onwards. It was a shocking illustration of Marks warning, an omen of what I too might buzz off if I wasnt careful. I wasnt re solelyy the same as Denis, was I? I wasnt aimlessly decideking danger. I was seeking danger well, for a reason. I had to kick the bucket the c on the whole up Id do to find Dimitri. Maybe it was suicidal and I was only deluding myself into thinking it was noble.Viktoria left me little opportunity to ruminate. Later that evening, as the family was settling crop up in the living room later way too much food, she glibly asked Olena, Can I go over to Marinas? Shes having a party before we go hold up to school.Wow. It discovered like Abe and the Alchemists werent the only unmatchables keeping privates around here. I glanced between Olena and Viktorias faces, curious as to how this would play out. Olena and Yeva were both knitting, only if Yeva didnt whole t wiz up. Viktoria had communicate i n English. Olenas face turned beliefful.You ease up to leave early tomorrow to go back to school.I have a go at it. only when I can sleep on the bus. Everyone else volition be there tonight.?Everyone else isnt a convincing argument, scoffed Olena.Theyll all be tired tomorrow too, replied Viktoria, grinning.Youll miss your last night with Rose.Ill hang out with her after I take on back.Great. And stay up even later.Not that late. Ill be back by both.Absolutely not. Youll be back by midnight. Olena returned to her knitting. But that had been permit if Id ever heard it.Viktoria looked at the clock. It was al just more or less eight thirty. Her face told me she wasnt happy about the curfew, but she apparently decided to take what she could get. Karolina gave us an odd look as we left the room but remained silent. Sonya and Paul, engrossed in TV, exactly noticed our departure. I had to find out what was sacking on.Okay, I said erst we were heading upstairs, what gives? I tho ught you werent handout to Marinas.Viktoria grinned and beckoned me into her bedroom. Id recently learned her bedroom used to be Dimitris, and every time I was in here, I had to put out the urge to go bury myself in the bed, even though I knew the sheets had been washed countless times since those days. Somehow, I could imagine them smelling like Dimitri and cutaneous senses warm as though we were both lying there together.Im not. Viktoria began rifling through her closet and pulled out a short, sleeveless red prink with spike around the straps. The fabric was stretchy -the kind that looked like itd show everything. I was shocked when she began putting it on. It was pretty trashy.Is this a joke?Nope. Viktoria took off her shirt and jeans and pulled the sever on. She had no trouble with it, but it was every bit as clingy as it had appeared. She wasnt as filled out as I was on top, but in a dress like that, it didnt matter.Okay, I said, catching on at last. Whats his name?Rolan, she said. Oh, Rose. Hes amazing. And this is the last night Ill get to see him before school.I didnt know whether to feel happy for her or sad for Nikolai. This Rolan quat must have been the reason she couldnt give Nikolai the time of day.She was totally in love with someone else. Still, that dressYou must really like him, I observed dryly.Her eyes widened. Do you wishing to fall in him?Er, well, I dont want to interfere with your dateYou wont. Just close up by and say hi, okay?It felt pretty intrusive, yet at the same time well, I was kind of curious about a guy who could get her to leave the house in that kind of outfit, particularly when she started applying really heavy bring inup extra-dark eyeliner and bright red lipstick. So I agreed to meet Rolan, and we left the house as quietly as we could. Despite wearing a coat over her dress, Viktoria tranquil didnt want to run into her m some other.We headed d professtown, following a few twists and turns until we ended up priv y what looked like an ordinary warehouse in an abandoned part of town. All was quiet, but a tall, tough-looking dhampir stood by a door leading into the building, his arms crossed in front of him. Viktoria brought us to a halt nearby, saying we had to wait there. A minute later, a mathematical group of Moroi men of mixed ages wandered up, chatting and laughing. The dhampir gave them a once-over and then opened the door for them. Light and music spilled out until the door shut-and all went silent once more.So this is Baias secret dhampir world, I murmured. She didnt hear me because suddenly, her face lit up.There he isShe pointed to two approaching guys. Both were Moroi. Well, who knew? Viktorias secret boyfriend wasnt a dhampir. I guessed that wasnt too shocking, really, though the way shed dressed tonight still bothered me. She gave him a fierce hug and introduced us. His friend was named Sergey, and he smiled politely before hurrying inside where he was apparently meeting a girl too.I had to give Viktoria credit Rolan was hot. His hair was dark auburn, soft and wavy. The green of his eyes reminded me-painfully-of Adrians.And when he smiled at Viktoria, it was dazzling. The look on her face was hardly like Nikolais whenever he was around her.Rolan took a hold of Viktorias hands and brought them to his lips, bussing each one. Those green, green eyes gazed at hers, and he murmured something I couldnt hear. She blushed and replied in Russian. I didnt need any translation to know the content was sexy and flirty. Still smiling, he glanced over at me, and although shed introduced us, it was like he was noticing me for the first time-and was interested.Youre new here, arent you? he asked.Viktoria wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest. Rose is visiting. Shes a friend of the family.Ah, he said. Now I remember hearing about you. I had no idea such a fierce Strigoi killer would be so beautiful.Its part of the job description, I said dryly.Will y ou be returning to school with Viktoria? he asked.No. Ill be staying here a little longer. I still had no clue, though, if a little longer was one hour or one year.Hmm, he said thoughtfully. He looked back down at Viktoria and pressed a kiss to her hair, running his fingers along her throat. His next lecture were to her. Im glad you were able to come here before you left. I dont know how Ill get by with you so farthest away.She beamed. There was no way I could leave without seeing you one more time She trailed off, too overcome with emotion, and as he leaned down, hand still on her throat, I thought for an awful moment that they were passing to start making out then and there.Fortunately, the appearance of an approaching dhampir girl interrupted them. Viktoria bust from Rolan and embraced the other girl. They apparently hadnt seen each other in a plot of ground and chatted rapidly in Russian, ignoring Rolan and me. Free of her for a moment, he leaned toward me.Once Viktoria has returned to school, youll be all alone here. Maybe I could show you around then?Thanks, but Ive already seen everything.He kept that big smile on. Of course. Well, then, perhaps we could simply get together and talk?I couldnt believe it. This guy had had his hands all over Viktoria thirty seconds ago and was now trying to score plans with me the instant she left town. I was disgusted and had to restrain myself from doing something stupid.Sorry, but I dont think Ill be around long enough.I got the impression that women didnt refuse him very often. He frowned and started to protest, but Viktoria returned and wrapped herself around him again. He examine me for several more puzzled seconds and then shifted his attention to her, smiling and turning on the charm. She ate it all up, and while the two tried to include me in their conversation, it was clear they were totally absorbed in each other. Rolan might be interested in me, but for now, she was an easier target-and one that wouldnt be available much longer. I felt that disgust roil up in me again. The longer we stood out there, the more I realized what was overtaking on. All the people going inside were Moroi guys or dhampir girls. And the girls were all dressed like Viktoria. This was a blood whore den. Suddenly, Baias secret dhampir world held no appeal.I hated it. I wanted nothing more than to get out of here. No, wait. I wanted nothing more than to get out of here and dishevel Viktoria away, even kicking and screaming. Rolan was sleazy, no question, and I didnt want her anywhere near him. Yet it soon became clear they werent going to stand out in the pathway all night. They wanted to go inside and do God only knew what.Viktoria, I said, trying to be reasonable, are you sure you dont want to come back home and hang out? I mean, I wont get to see you tomorrow.She hesitated, then shook her head. I wont get to see Rolan either. But I promise Ill come see you as soon as I get home later. Well stay up all nig ht. Mom wont care.I didnt know what other protests to bring on. Rolans impatience, now that Id refused him, was starting to show. He wanted to go inside. I wondered what was there a dance floor? Bedrooms? I probably could have gone with them to see for myself, despite being underdressed-or, well, overdressed as far as amounts of clothing went. Yet I couldnt bring myself to do it. All my life, Id been taught about blood whores and why their lifestyle was wrong. I didnt know if Viktoria was becoming one-and I hoped she wasnt-but there was no way I could set foot in there. It was a matter of principle.I watched them go with a heavy heart, wondering what Id just let my friend walk into. Seeing her in that ultra-tight dress, plastered all over him, suddenly made me reevaluate everything. How much of this peaceful life in Baia was a sham? Was Viktoria-the girl whod called me a sister really not the person I thought she was? Confused, I turned away to head back home-And almost walked into Abe. Again.What the hell? I exclaimed. He wore a tuxedo tonight, complete with tails and a silvery silk scarf. argon you stalking me? Stupid question. Of course he was. I hoped his formal wear meant he wouldnt be dragging me off this evening. His guardians were equally well dressed. Idly, I wondered if a place like this had something to do with his illegal business dealings. Was he trafficking blood whores? interchangeable some kind of pimp?Unlikely, seeing as most of these girls didnt require much urging.Abe gave me that annoying knowing smile of his. I see your friend is off to an interesting night. I had no idea Viktoria had such beautiful legs. Now everyone knows, thanks to that dress.I clenched my fists and leaned toward him. Dont you dare talk about her like that, old man.Im not saying anything that isnt apparent to everybody else. Itll certainly be obvious to young Rolan soon.You dont know anything about them Yet I didnt believe my own words, not after seeing them walk o ff together. Abe, I could tell, knew what I was thinking.These girls all say it wont happen to them. But it always does. Its whatll happen to you if you stay.Oh, here we are, I said mockingly. I knew a threat had to be coming. The part where you order me again to leave the country or else bad, bad things will happen.He gestured toward the door, where more Moroi and dhampirs were going. I dont even need to make anything bad happen. Youll do it on your own by staying here. Youll waste your life away, running errands for Olena Belikova. Potlucks will become the most exciting thing in your world.Theyre good people, I growled. Dont mock them.Oh, Im not denying that. He straightened his silk scarf. They are good people. But they arent your people. This is a fantasy. Youre deluding yourself. He was all sternness now. Your grief has sent you here. Your man was ripped away from you, and youve ripped yourself away from your old friends. Youre trying to make up for it by convincing yourself th at this is your family, that this is your home. Theyre not. This isnt.I could make this my home. I still wasnt sure of that, but my stubborn nature made me want to contradict him.You arent meant for Baia, he said, dark eyes blazing. Youre meant for better things. You need to go back home, back to your school and the Dragomir princess.How the hell do you know about her? Who are you? When are you going to tell me who you work for? What do you want with me? I had a feeling I was on the verge of hysterics. Hearing him refer to Lissa snapped something inside of me.Im merely an perceiver who can tell youre wasting your time here. This is no life for you, Rose. Your life is back in the States. They say you were on track to be a majuscule guardian. Do you know what an honor it is to be assigned to the last Dragomir? You could spend your life in elite, powerful circles. The reputation youve already gained will raise you in status and regard. You have a stunning career ahead of you, and its not too late to go back to it. Not yet.Who are you to talk about how I should live my life? Ive heard that your hands are bloody-Zmey. Youre not exactly a good role model. What is it youre involved in, anyway?My own affairs. And its exactly because of the life I lead that you should listen to me when I say abandon this path and go back home.His words were urgent and authoritative, and I couldnt believe he had the audacity to talk to me like that. Thats not my life anymore, I said icily.He gave a harsh laugh and gestured around us once more. What, and this is? You want to go off and be a blood whore like your friend in there?Dont call her that I shouted. I dont care if youve got bodyguards or not. I will hurt you, old man, if you say anything else about Viktoria.He didnt flinch at my explosion. That was harsh, I admit. Shes not a blood whore. Not yet. But shes one step away from it. As I said, it always happens in the end. Even if you arent used by someone like Rolan Kislyak-and beli eve me, he will use her, just like he did her sister-youll still end up alone with a plunder youre way too young for.Her wait. I froze. Are you saying hes the guy who got Sonya pregnant? Why would Viktoria be involved with him after he did that and left her sister?Because she doesnt know. Sonya doesnt talk about it, and Mr. Kislyak thinks its a game, getting two sisters into bed. Too bad for him that Karolinas smarter than the others or he could have had them all. Who knows? He gave me a sardonic smile. Maybe hell consider you part of the family enough to go after you next.Like hell. Id never get involved with anyone like that. Im never going to be involved with anyone again. Not after Dimitri.Abes sternness gave way to momentary amusement. Oh, Rose. You are young. Youve barely lived. Everyone thinks their first love is the only one theyll ever have.This guy was really pissing me off, but I gained enough control to decide I wasnt going to punch him. At to the lowest degree, I didn t think so. I backed up a little, toward the building. Im not going to play your game here. And you can tell whoever youre work for that Im not playing theirs either and that Im not going back. One way or another, whether it was to hunt Dimitri or live with his family, I was staying in Russia. Youre going to have to box me up and ship me there.Not that I wanted to give Abe any ideas. I suspected he could do it if he wanted. Damn it. Who was behind this? Who would want to find me badly enough to send this guy after me? Weirder still, whoever it was was someone who cared enough about me to attempt reason. If Abe had actually wanted to abduct me, he already would have. He could have done it the night he brought me to Baia. All he would have had to do was keep driving to the nearest airport. I last needed to figure this out, but first I needed to get away from Abe.I backed up further. Im leaving, and you cant stop me. And dont spy on me anymore. This ends now.Abe studied me for severa l seconds, his dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully. I could practically see the wheels of plots and world domination spinning in his head. At last he said, so quietly I could hardly hear him, It wont end with them, though.Who?He pointed at the door. Viktoria and Rolan.What are you getting at?You know what Im getting at. She thinks shes in love with him. He knows shell be back in school tomorrow. Tonights his last chance with her, and he wont waste it. There are lots of bedrooms in there. Theyre probably in one right now.I tried to control my breathing. Then Ill go tell her mother.Itll be too late. Shed never find them in time, and tomorrow, Viktoria will be on her way to school-and hell have no interest anymore. What can her mother do after the fact? Ground her?I was getting angry, largely because I had a feeling he was right. Fine. Then Ill drag her off myself.Thatll never happen. She wants to do this. She wont leave with you. Even if she did, shed just find him again.I eyed him. Enoug h. Youre obviously hinting at something, so just get on with it.He smiled, apparently pleased at my astuteness-or maybe my bluntness. If you want to save her, youve got to go through him. Through Rolan.I scoffed. Not likely. The only way hed leave her alone is if I offered to take her place. And hey, friendship only went so far.Not if I talk to him.What are you going to do, give him a talk on morality and sway him with reason?Oh, Ill sway him, all right. But believe me, I wont do it with reason-well, at least not the kind youre thinking of. If I tell him to leave her alone, hell leave her alone. For good.I stepped backward without realizing it and hit the wall. Abe looked scary as hell. Zmey. I didnt doubt his words at all. He could get Rolan to leave Viktoria alone. In fact, he probably wouldnt even use his dhampirs. Abe could deliver enough terror-and probably a good punch-to make it happen.Why would you do that for me? I asked.As a sign of good faith. Promise to leave Baia, and I ll deal with him. His eyes gleamed. Both of us could feel the lowest closing around me.Thats your tactic now? Youre offering me a trade? My leaving isnt really worth you scaring some Moroi asshole.The net grew tighter. Isnt it, Rose?Frantically, I thought about what to do. Some part of me thought Viktoria was free to make her own choices, to love whom she wanted but I knew for a fact that Rolan didnt love her. She was a conquest for him, as shown by his willingness to go after me-and Sonya, apparently. What would happen to Viktoria? Would she become like the rest of the women here? Would she be the next Belikov to have a baby? Even if she had no intentions of becoming a guardian, this wasnt the right path for her. Karolina had declined to join the guardians and now lived a respectable life with her kids and a job that-if not exciting-was unconstipated and allowed her to keep her dignity. I couldnt let Viktoria turn down a road that could ruin the rest of her life. I couldnt let th at happen to Dimitris sister.DimitriI knew him. I knew his protective nature. He would never let anything happen to those he cared about. I hated the thought of that blood whore den, but I still would have run in to get her-because that was what Dimitri would have done. But I didnt know if Id find her there in time. I knew, however, that Abe could-and that he could keep Rolan away forever. And so, I rundle without fully understanding the consequences of my words.Ill leave Baia.