True Love Is Real

Adrian's Pov

I helped Katherine out of the car and wrapped my arm around her waist. I saw Demetri standing against the wall waiting for us. 

"Please do not start anything with him tonight." Katherine said to me. I looked at her and nodded.

"I promise. As long as he doesnt." I said. My parents followed us inside with Demetri following behind them. "Reservation for Ivashkov."

"Table for five?" the host asked.

"Yes."

"Follow me." I pulled Katherine beside me knowing I had to keep her close so I didn't snap. "You're waiteress will be with you guys shortly." I pulled out Katherine's chair and kissed her cheek. I sat across from her and smiled. Demetri took the seat beside her and my parents on both sides of me.

"So. What is tonight about?" Demetri asked.

"We just figured both of our families should get together. It is better since the two of us are together. I know we all have...unresolved issues." I said looking at him.

"Becuase she picked me and not you?"

"Demetri. Not tonight." Katherine said.

"I don't care that she picked you Demetri. I love your sister and I'm happy that I am with her. She makes me a better person and I don't know where I would be without her in my life. Yes I was hurt after what Rose did to me. She cheated on me while we were together and where I am at times a player as my reputation has shown but when I'm with someone that matters to me. Loyalty to that person." I said looking at Katherine now. She smiled at me and I laid my hand over hers.

"I don't see what you see in her to be honest." my mother said. Katherine's smile faded and I watched my father just stare at my mother. "I mean really? She's a guardian. What can she bring to my family."

"That isn't your decision." I said looking at my mother.

"I am personally happy our son found someone he loves. My opinion. Guardian or moroi." My father said. I looked at him surprised. "What?"

"Just shocked you would say that. I thought you of all people would want me to be with a royal."

"There's something I haven't told you. I guess now is the time to say it."

"Don't." my mother said.

"No one asked you Danielle. A very long time ago when I was still in school I was late to class. I passed the gym and saw the young dhampirs training. There was one I was mesmerized by. Her name was Alex. She was beautiful. Everyday I would go to the gym and watch her. I finally got up the courage to ask her to dinner with me. We started going out and well I introduced her to my parents and they hated it. Yelled. Said I had to be with a royal. Arranged marriage. I never saw her again. So from that day I decided. When my child came to me with someone they loved. I would approve for their happiness. Not mine."

"You loved that girl?" my mother asked.

"Yes. I fell in love with her." I looked at Katherine and saw her looking down. Our waitress then walked up.

"Hi my name is Alex. What can I get for you guys to drink?" she asked. My father looked up at her.

"Alex?"

"Nathan? How long as it been?"

"Over 20 years. This is my son, Adrian. His girlfriend, Katherine."

"And you're wife I assume? Lovely to meet you all. Why don't I get another waitress to cover this table."

"Probably best." my mother said.

"Danielle. Manners." my father said. I kept my eyes on Katherine. "How about a bottle of champagne and red wine."

"Your favorites. You don't change." Alex said. She wrote it down and walked off. 

"Katherine? You okay?" I asked.

"Will you guys excuse me for a few minutes. I think I need some air." she said standing up.

"I'll go talk to her..."

"Let me." My father said. I watched him follow her and I just sat there. Unsure of what to do.