Blood Promise Chapter Twenty

The days after that were the a the analogous(p)s of a dream. In fact, I h mavinstly cant say how m either days nevertheless passed. possibly it was single. Maybe it was a hundred.I lost track of day and night withal. My clipping was divided into Dimitri or not-Dimitri. He was my world. When he wasnt t here, the moments were agony. Id pass them as take up I could, nevertheless they agnisemed to drag on forever. The TV was my best agonist during those times. Id lie on the couch for hours, exclusively half following what was issue on. In keeping with the shack of the suites luxury, I had access to sa ordinateite television, which meant we were actually pulling in nearly American programming. Half the time, though, I wasnt sure as shooting that it really make a difference to me if the language was Russian or side.Inna continued her periodic checks on me. She brought my meals and did my laundry-I was wearing the dresses now-and waited or so in that dim way of hers to d upe if I needed anything else. I never did-at least(prenominal) not from her. I wholly needed Dimitri. Each time she left, well-nigh distant differentiate of me remembered I was supposed to do something follow her, that was it. Id had some plan to check out the exit and use her as a way to escape, right? Now, that plan no longer held the appeal. It planmed interchangeable a lot of work.And so, finally, Dimitri would visit, and the monotony would be broken. Wed lie together on my bed, wrap in each differents arms. We never had sex, scarce wed kiss and touch and drowse off ourselves in the wonder of each others bodies-sometimes with very little clothing. After a while, I order it hard to believe Id once been horror-struck of his oerbold appearance. Sure, the eyes were a bit shocking, save he was still bewitching still unbelievably sexy. And after wed public lectureed and do out for a while-for hours, sometimes-Id permit him prick me. Then Id get that rush that won derful, exquisite flood of chemicals that bring up me from all my problems. Whatever doubts Id had about Gods existence vanished in those moments because surely, surely I was touching God when I lost myself in that bite. This was heaven.Let me see your neck, he state atomic number 53 day.We were lying together as usual. I was on my side, and he was snuggled up against my back, one arm cloaked around my waist. I rolled over and brushed my hair past from where it had fallen over my neck and cleavage. The dress I wore today was a navy halter sundress, made of some start out, clingy material.Already? I asked. He usually didnt bite me until the end of his visits. While part of me longed for that and waited in farsightedness to finger that high again, I did kindly of enjoy these moments before pass around. It was when the endorphins in my strategy were at their lowest, so I was able to manage some chassis of conversition. We would talk about fights wed been in or the life he ima gined for us when I was Strigoi. nonhing too sentimental-but nice nonetheless.I braced myself for the bite now, arching up in anticipation. To my surprise, he didnt lean bundle and dangle his teeth into me. He reached into his pocket and produced a necklace. It was either white specious or platinum-I didnt direct the s scratch off to tell which-and had three dark drab sapphires the size of quarters. Hed brought me a lot of jewelry this week, and I swore each beak was more(prenominal) beautiful than the last.I stared in amazement at its beauty, at the way the blue stones scintillationed in the light. He placed the necklace against my scratch and fastened it behind my neck. Running his fingers along the necklaces edges, he nodded in approval.Beautiful. His fingers drifted to one of the dresss straps. He slid his arrive at underneath it, sending a thrill by my skin. It matches.I smiled. In the old days, Dimitri had just about never gotten me gifts. He hadnt had the means, and I hadnt cute them anyway. Now, I was continually dazzled by the presents he seemed to have at each visit.Whered you get it? I asked. The metal was cool against my flushed skin but nowhere near as cold as his fingers.He smiled slyly. I have my sources.That chastising voice in my head that sometimes managed to get hold of done the haze I lived in noted that I was snarled with some sort of vampire gangster. Its warnings were immediately squashed and sank back down into my dreamy cloud of existence. Ho w could I be disquieted when the necklace was so beautiful? Something suddenly struck me as funny.Youre notwithstanding like Abe.Who?This guy I met. Abe Mazur. Hes some kind of mob boss he unplowed following me.Dimitri stiffened. Abe Mazur was following you?I didnt like the dark boldness that had suddenly fallen over his features. Yeah. So?Why? What did he postulate with you?I dont issue. He kept needinessing to know why I was in Russia but finally gave up and only cute me to leave. I ring somebody from home hired him to find me.I dont want you near Abe Mazur. Hes dangerous. Dimitri was angry, and I hated that. A moment later, that fury faded, and he ran his fingers along my arm once more, pushing the strap down further. Of course, deal like that wont be an issue when you wake up.Somewhere, in the back of my head, I wondered if Dimitri had the answers I precious about Abe-about what Abe did. only if talking about Abe had made Dimitri up sink, and I cringed at that, hastily wanting to switch topics.What have you been doing today? I asked, impressed at my ability to make normal small talk. amongst the endorphins and him touching me, coherence was difficult.Errands for Galina. Dinner.Dinner. A victim. I frowned. The aromaings that inspired in me werent of dislike so overmuch as jealousy.Do you drink from them for fun?He ran his lips along my neck, teeth taunting my skin but not biting. I gasped and pressed closer to him.No, Roza. Theyre food tha ts all. Its over readilyly. Youre the only one I take pleasure in.I tangle smug satisfaction in that, and that annoying mental voice pointed out that that was an incredibly sick and twisted view for me to have. I kind of hoped he would bite me soon. That usually debar the rational voice up.I reached up and touched his face, thus ran my flip through that wonderful, silky hair that Id always love. You keep wanting to awaken me but we wont be able to do this anymore. Strigoi dont drink from each other, do they?No, he agreed. notwithstanding itll be worth it. We can do so much moreHe left the so much more to my imagination, and a pleasant shiver ran through me. The kissing and split pickings were intoxicating, but there were some days that I did want, well more. The memories of the one time wed made love haunted me when we were this close together, and I very much longed to do it again. For whatever reason, he never pushed for sex, no matter how overzealous things became. I wa snt sure if he was using that as a tempt for me to turn or if there was some incompatibility between a Strigoi and a dhampir. Could the living and the dead do that?Once, I would have found the thought of sex with one of them absolutely repulsive. Now I just didnt think about the complications so much. only when although he didnt attempt sex, he would often taunt me with his caresses, touching my thighs and sternum and other dangerous places. Plus, he would remind me of what it had been like that one time, how amazing it had been, how our bodies had felt His talk of much(prenominal) things was more taunting than affectionate, though.In my semi-clear moments, I honestly thought it was curious that I hadnt to date consented to becoming Strigoi. The endorphin fog made me agree to almost everything else he wanted. Id fallen comfortably into dressing up for him, staying in my marvellous prison, and accepting that he took a victim every geminate days. thus far even in my most incohe rent moments, even when I wanted him so badly, I couldnt agree to turning. There was some intrinsic part of me that refused to budge. Most of the time, he would shrug off my refusal, like it was a joke. But every once in a while when I declined, Id see a spark of anger in his eyes. Those moments scared me.Here it comes, I teased. The sales pitch. Eternal life. Invincible. Nothing to stand in our way.Its not a joke, he express. Oops. My flippancy had brought that hardness back to him. The desire and fondness that Id just seen now fractured into a million pieces and blew forward. The hands that had just stroked me suddenly grabbed my wrists and held me in place as he leaned down. We cant stay like this forever. You cant stay here forever.Whoa, that voice verbalise. Be careful. That doesnt sound good. His grip hurt, and I often wondered if that was his sprightliness or if he just couldnt help his violence.When he finally released me, I wrapped my arm around his neck and tried to ki ss him. Cant we talk about that later? Our lips met, fire blossoming between us and necessity coursing through my body. I could tell he had a interconnected desire, but a few seconds later, he broke away. The cold provocation was still on his face.Come on, he said, pulling away from me. Lets go.He stood up, and I stared stupidly. Where are we leaving?Outside.I sat up on the bed, dumbfounded. Out orthogonal? But thats not allowed. We cant.We can do anything I want, he snapped.He extended his hand and helped me up. I followed him to the brink. He was as s downed as Inna at blocking me from the keypad, not that it mattered now. There was no way I could ever remember that long of a period anymore.The entre clicked open, and he led me out. I stared in wonder, my dazed wag still trying to process this freedom. As Id noticed that one day, the door led to a short corridor blocked by another door. It too was heavy and bore a keypad lock. Dimitri opened it, and I was unstrained to b et the two doors had different codes.Taking my arm, he guided me through that door and into another hallway. Despite his firm hold, I couldnt help but come to a standstill. Maybe I shouldnt have been surprised at the opulence I suddenly faced. After all, I was living in this places pent fireside suite. But the corridor leading out of my room had been stark and industrial- seeking, and somehow Id imagined the rest of the house to be equally institutional or prisonlike.It wasnt. Instead, I felt like I was in some old movie, the kind where passel took tea in the parlor. The plush carpet was covered by a gold patterned runner that stretched off in both directions of the hall. Antique- assureing paintings speckled the walls, showing people from ages ago in elaborate clothing that made my dresses look cheap and ordinary. The whole place was illuminated by petty chandeliers that were spaced along the roof every six feet or so. The teardrop-shaped crystals caught the light with their fa cets, scattering small flecks of rainbows on the walls. I stared, enchanted by the glitter and the color, which is probably why I failed to notice one other fastening in the hall.What are you doing?The harsh sound of Nathans voice jerked me from my crystal gazing. Hed been propensity against the wall opposite my door and straightened immediately upon seeing us. He had that equivalent cruel expression on his face that was so characteristic of Strigoi, the one I occasionally saw on Dimitri, no matter how attractive and kind he seemed sometimes.Dimitris posture turned rigid and defensive. Im taking her for a walk. He kind of sounded like he was talking about a dog, but my aid of Nathan trumped any offense I might take.Thats against the rules, said Nathan. Bad lavish youve still got her here. Galina gave orders for you to keep her confined. We dont need some varlet dhampir running around.Dimitri nodded toward me. Does she look like shes a threat?Nathans eyes flicked over at me. I wasnt entirely sure what he saw. I didnt think I looked that different, but a small smirk crossed his lips that pronto disappeared when he turned back to Dimitri. No, but I was ordered to babysit this door, and Im not going to get in trouble for you taking a field of view trip.Ill deal with Galina. Ill tell her I overpowered you. Dimitri gave a fang-filled grin. It shouldnt be that hard for her to believe.The look Nathan gave Dimitri made me unconsciously step back until I hit the wall. Youre so full of yourself. I didnt awaken you so that you could act like youre in charge around here. I did it so that we could use your strength and within knowledge. You should be answering to me.Dimitri shrugged. Taking my hand, he started to turn away. Not my dent if youre not strong enough to make me do it.That was when Nathan lunged at Dimitri. Dimitri responded so quickly to the attack that I think he knew it would happen. He directly released my hand, turned to catch hold of Nathan, and tossed the other Strigoi against the wall. Nathan immediately got up-it took more than that kind of hit to faze someone like him-but Dimitri was ready. He punched Nathan in the nose-once, twice, and then a third time, all in rapid succession. Nathan fell down, blood covering his face. Dimitri kicked him hard in the stomach and loomed over him.Dont try it, said Dimitri. Youll lose. He wiped Nathans blood off of his hand and then laced his fingers through mine again. I told you, Ill deal with Galina. But thanks for your concern.Dimitri turned away again, apparently feeling thered be no more attacks. There werent. But as I started to follow him, I cast a quick glance over my shoulder to where Nathan sat on the floor. His eyes hypothesis daggers at Dimitri, and I was pretty sure Id never seen a look of much(prenominal) pure hatred-at least until he turned his gaze on me. I felt cold all over and stumbled to keep up with Dimitri.Nathans voice rang out behind us. Youre not safe Neither of you is. Shes lunch, Belikov. Lunch.Dimitris hand tightened on mine, and he picked up the pace. I could feel the fury give off off of him and suddenly wasnt sure whom I should be more afraid of Nathan or Dimitri. Dimitri was a badass, alive or undead. In the past, Id seen him attack foes without fear or hesitation. Hed always been magnificent, behaving just as bravely as Id told his family. But in all those times, hed always had a legitimate reason for engagement usually self defense. His con battlefrontation with Nathan just then had been about more, though. It had been an assurance of dominance and a chance to draw blood. Dimitri had seemed to enjoy it. What if he indomitable to turn on me like that? What if my constant refusal pushed him into torture, and he hurt me until I finally agreed? Nathan scares me, I said, not wanting Dimitri to know that I feared him too. I felt weak and utterly defenseless, something that didnt happen to me very often. Usually, I was ready to ta ke on any challenge, no matter how desperate.He wont touch you, Dimitri said harshly. You have nothing to worry about.We reached a come down of stairs. After a few steps, it became clear that I wasnt going to be able to handle four flights. Aside from the drugged stupor his bites kept me in, the frequent blood loss was weakening me and taking its toll. Without saying a word, Dimitri swept me up in his arms and carried me downstairs effortlessly, gently range me down when we reached the staircases bottom.The main floor of the estate had the same grand feel as the upstairs hall. The entryway had a huge vaulted ceiling with an elaborate chandelier that dwarfed the little ones Id seen. Ornate double doors faced us, set with stained-glass windows. What also faced us was another Strigoi, a man posing in a chair and apparently on guard duty. tightly fitting him was a panel set into the wall with buttons and flashing lights. A advanced security system set amongst all this old-world char m. His posture stiffened as we approached, and at first, I thought it was a natural bodyguard instinct-until I saw his face. It was the Strigoi Id tortured that first night in Novosibirsk, the one Id dispatched to tell Dimitri I was looking for him. His lips curled back slightly as he met my eyes.Rose Hathaway, said the Strigoi. I remember your name-just like you told me.He said no more than that, but I tightened my grip on Dimitris hand as we passed. The Strigois eyes never left me until wed stepped outside and shut the door behind us.He wants to kill me, I told Dimitri.All Strigoi want to kill you, Dimitri returned.He really does I tortured him.I know. Hes been in take down ever since then and lost some of his status here.That doesnt make me feel any better.Dimitri seemed unconcerned. Marlen is no one you need to worry about. You fighting him only proved to Galina that youre a good addition around here. Hes beneath you.I didnt find that overly reassuring. I was making too many o wn(prenominal) Strigoi enemies-but then, it wasnt like I could really expect to be making Strigoi friends.It was nighttime, of course. Dimitri wouldnt have taken me out otherwise. The foyer had made me think we were at the front of the house, but the extensive gardens that spread out around us made me wonder if we were in the back now. Or maybe the entire house was wrapped in this kind of greenery. We were surrounded in a evade maze cut with beautiful detail. Within the maze were small courtyards, adorned with fountains or statues. And everywhere were flowers and more flowers. The air was heavy with their scent, and I find outd that someone had gone to an awful lot of trouble to find night-blooming ones. The only type I immediately recognized was jasmine, its long, white-flowered vines climbing up trellises and statues in the maze.We walked in silence for a bit, and I found myself lost in the romance of it all. The whole time Dimitri and I had been together at school, Id been con sumed with the fears of how we would trance our relationship and our duty. A moment like this, walking in a garden on a spring night lit with stars, had seemed like a fantasy too crazy to even start to consider. eve without the difficulty of stairs, too much walking grew exhausting in my state. I came to a halt and sighed. Im tired, I said.Dimitri stopped too and helped me sit down. The poop was dry and tickly against my skin. I lay back against it, and a moment later, he joined me.I had an eerie moment of deja vu, recalling the afternoon wed made ascorbic acid angels.This is amazing, I said, staring up at the sky. It was clear, no clouds in sight. Whats it like for you?Hmm?Theres enough light that I can see pretty clearly, but its still dim compared to day. Your eyes are better than mine. What do you see?For me, its as bright as day. When I didnt respond, he added, It could be like that for you, too.I tried to picture that. Would the shadows seem as mysterious? Would the lunar month and stars shine so brightly? I dont know. I kind of like the darkness.Only because you dont know any better.I sighed. So you keep vocalizing me.He turned toward me and pushed the hair away from my face. Rose, this is driving me crazy. Im tired of this waiting. I want us to be together.Dont you like this? What we have? It could be even better. His words sounded romantic, but not the tone.I did like this. I love the haze I lived in, the haze in which all worries disappeared. I loved being close to him, loved the way he kissed me and told me he wanted meWhy? I asked.Why what? He sounded puzzled, something I hadnt heard however in a Strigoi.Why do you want me? I had no idea why I even asked that. He apparently didnt know either.Why wouldnt I want you?He spoke in such an obvious way, like it was the stupidest question in the world. It probably was, I realized, and yet Id somehow been expecting another answer.Just then, my stomach twisted. With all the time Id spend with Dimitri, I really had managed to push the Strigoi illness off my radar. The presence of other Strigoi increased it, though. Id felt it around Nathan, and I felt it now. I sat up, and Dimitri did too, almost at the same time. Hed likely been alerted by his superior hearing.A dark shape loomed over us, blotting out the stars. It was a woman, and Dimitri shot up. I stayed where I was, on the ground.She was strikingly beautiful, in a hard and austere way. Her build was similar to mine, indicating she hadnt been a Moroi when turned. Isaiah, the Strigoi whod captured me, had been very old, and power had radiated from him. This woman hadnt been around nearly so long, but I could sense that she was older than Dimitri and much stronger.She said something in Russian to him, and her voice was as cold as her beauty. Dimitri answered back, his tone confident yet polite. I heard Nathans name mentioned a couple of times as they spoke. Dimitri reached down and helped me up, and I felt abashed at how oft en I needed his assistance, when I used to almost be a match for him.Rose, he said, this is Galina. Shes the one who has been kind enough to let you stay.Galinas face didnt look so kind. It was devoid of all emotion, and I felt like my entire soul was exposed to her. While I was uncertain of a lot of things around here, Id picked up enough to realize that my continual residence here was a rare and fragile thing. I swallowed.Spasibo, I said. I didnt know how to tell her it was nice to meet her-and honestly, I wasnt sure if it was-but I figured a simple thank-you was good enough. If shed been his power instructor and trained at a normal Academy, she probably knew English and was faking it like Yeva. I had no clue why shed do that, but if you could snap a teen dhampirs neck, you were entitled to do whatever you wanted.Galinas expression-or inadequacy thereof-didnt change with my thanks, and she turned her attention back to Dimitri. They conversed over me, and Dimitri gestured to me a couple of times. I recognized the word for strong.Finally, Galina issued something that sounded final and left us without any sort of goodbye. Neither Dimitri nor I moved until I felt the nausea dissipate.Come on, he said. We should get back.We walked back through the maze, though I had no idea how he knew where to go. It was funny. When Id first arrived, my dream had been to get outside and escape. Now that I was here well, it didnt seem that important. Galinas anger did.What did she say? I asked.She doesnt like that youre still here. She wants me to awaken you or kill you.Oh. Um, what are you going to do?He stayed silent for a few seconds. Ill wait a little longer and then I will make the plectrum for you.He didnt specify which choice hed be making, and I almost began my primarily pleas to die before becoming Strigoi. But suddenly, instead, I said, How long?Not long, Roza. You need to choose. And make the right choice.Which is?He held up his hands. All of this. A life together. Wed emerged from the maze. I stared at the house-which was crazy enormous when viewed from the outside-and at the beautiful gardens around us. It was like something from a dream. Beyond that, endless countryside rolled away, eventually becoming lost in the darkness and blending into the black sky-except for one tiny part that had a soft purple glow on the horizon. I frowned, studying it, then turned my attention back to Dimitri.And what then? Then I work for Galina too?For a while.How long is a while?We came to a stop outside the house. Dimitri looked down into my eyes, his face light up with a look that made me take a step back.Until we kill her, Rose. Until we kill her and take all of this for ourselves.