Collateral Damage

- TWENTY ONE -

Dimitri's POV

I sat by her unconscious frame staring at the empty bottle of scotch and the photo album wound in between her arms. I wanted to reach for it but something told me that I didn't want to know. I just couldn't understand how someone so calm and collected was going through such a hard time. It was obvious to everyone that she was struggling with something, but it's Rose, she wouldn't tell me.

I hadn't slept since the funeral and I doubt she had a decent night's sleep either. It was morning in the human world, so god knows how long she has been out here. Rose hadn't changed much, she was still the same on the outside, just aged. But what can you expect it's been almost 17 years.

It wasn't until the other day that I had realized how much I hurt her. I thought I was doing the right thing by leaving her, but I didn't think it would change her. Rose's heart ache begins with me and I will be forever sorry. I just hope that Scott treats her right.

Rose deserves so much better than what she got from me, Scott seems like an okay man. You can see it in their eyes their love for each other. I wish I had stayed at the academy, maybe then she would look at me like that.

Groaning pulled me out of my thoughts. I glanced down at Rose as she stretched and opened her eyes. She yawned and then sighed before looking at me. "Morning," I muttered and she rubbed her eyes.

"Morning Comrade," she giggled, the alcohol was obviously still in her system. "Oops. I can't call you that anymore. We aren't friends." She attempted to stand but I jumped to help her. "I am perfectly capable of walking by myself Belikov."

Rose took a step and began to fall forward. "Shit," she muttered and I wanted to curse her for her language. But I didn't.

"Let me help you home."

"Home pfft. I don't have a home, I should be in jail for all of the things I am responsible for." There was an edge to her voice. I ignored her comment and slipped her up into my arms, bridal style. "I never forgot what you smelt like Comrade." She whispered before passing out. I placed the book on her lap, I knew she wouldn't remember it when she woke up so I placed a kiss to her head.

I carried her small frame tightly as I made my way back to Adrian's apartment. I twisted the handle with my hand to find that it was locked. I knocked thrice on the door and waited. I kicked the door and I heard rustling before the door opened.

Scott ran a hand through his hair as though he had just woken up. "What happened?" he asked, showing me to the spare room.

"She is drunk." I replied, setting her down and covering her over. I threw the book over to Scott.

He flicked through the pages as though he had never seen it before. "Of course she is."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I jumped to her defence.

"I don't know what your remember Guardian Belikov, but Rose has quite an intense love for a drink."

I gestured to the book, "What's in there? Why does in spark her Scotch burner?" he clenched his jaw as he looked at the book.

"There are pictures of her daughter in here," he said.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, she doesn't have a child. She would have told me.

"Why do you care Guardian?"

"I loved her Scott, much more than you could imagine." I replied, folding my arms over my chest.

"You're him aren't you? The one that broke her heart." Scott said and I nodded.

"I am responsible for her running away." I replied.

"No," he said, walking me to the door. He waited for me to be standing outside before saying, "She left because she was pregnant." He shut the door in my face.

Pregnant? Rose and I couldn't conceive, we're both dhampirs.

She cheated on me.