Next Generation Dhampirs

Welcome to Paradise

"So," Sydney began, once we sat down, "How are you feeling about this trip?"

I looked down at the menu absentmindedly and said, "I've always wanted to go to Europe. I've heard it's beautiful. And during the summer they have all these festivals that are supposed to be a lot of fun."

"I meant," she countered, "How do you feel about spending two and a half months with a bunch of guys?"

I sighed. "I don't know. I'm kinda relieved that you're going, at least."

Sydney looked at me ruefully. "I think we'll be able to hold our own." I smiled slightly, then ordered. I ate until I was full, barely tasting half of what I had gotten.

"Slow down there!" Sydney cautioned, "We don't need you getting sick before we leave."

"Sorry," I replied sheepishly, chewing my burger a little slower, "I haven't eaten in 3 days."

"I know," she said, "And I'm really sorry about everything that's happened these past few days. I heard your parents were a little upset about all this."

"That's an understatement."

"I can imagine. Your parents are both so protective. Everything they do is to keep you safe. That's the only reason-"

"They're on board with me going to St. Vlad's. I know. I don't know, I guess... I guess it just feels like they're giving me up again. I mean, Dimitri did ask if there was any other option, but I'm sure that there is! No one's even trying anymore when it comes to me and Declan."

"Jessica, you don't think Adrian and I want to protect, not just Declan, but you too? We don't want anything to happen to you two, and if St. Vlad's works as a temporary solution until we can find some other way to keep you guys out of trouble, then that's what we're willing to do."

I looked up at her from my plate. "Declan never officially agreed to go, you know."

You know I'm going though, he thought, I wouldn't let you go alone.

Get out of my head!

Sydney smiled. "He'll go," she said matter-of-factly.

I finished eating and was about to get up and pay, but Sydney offered. "Let's make it my 'welcome back' gift to you."

"You really don't need to-"

"But I want to."

We walked out of the restaurant and headed our separate ways to go pack for the trip. It was almost 4 am, which meant any minute I would be getting a call to go out to the air field.

Dimitri came to find me in my room, and shortly after Rose joined him.

Shortly before 6, he got a call and hung up almost immediately. "Ready to go?" he asked.

"Almost," I replied, struggling to close my last bag.

"Here," Dimitri said calmly. He picked me up and set me on top of the suitcase then zipped it beneath my legs.

"Thanks," I said lightly, bouncing off the suitcase.

I had only packed two: one for formal wear like uniforms and dresses, toiletries, plus a few weapons (you never know...) and the second with regular clothes and swimsuits. Dimitri had left his bag outside my door. Of course he only needed one. He always wore the same thing.

Rose carried one of my bags down to the jet for me and helped me get my stuff onboard. Once we said goodbye, Dimitri and I boarded. Everyone else was already there. Sydney sat with her laptop near a window, Christian curled up with a book on the opposite side of the jet, and on the couch towards the back, facing a television screen, were James and Declan.