Shadow Rider (Vampire Academy Fanfic)

Chapter 22 - Rose

Friday was here, and we were all waiting for Thanatia to show up at the gym. It was very late in the vampyric day, almost 2 a.m. The guardians were fidgety, though energetic. Dimitri and I were joined by eight other guardians, and with Thanatia we would be eleven.

When she entered at last, I noticed she wasn't wearing her cloak. Perhaps it would be too noisy. What surprised me, was that she wasn't alone.

A novice was with her, a dark-skinned guy with short-cropped curly hair. He managed to look nervous and cocky all at the same time.

No way. She couldn't be bringing this kid with us. That was insane.

'What's he doing here?' I hissed. My vehement tone caused the novice to shoot Thanatia a questioning look.

She regarded me with a stony expression. 'It's his first challenge.'

'You're gonna get him killed,' I said, disgusted.

Fear began to creep into the novice's eyes, as he began to grasp the reality of the situation.

'He very well might,' Thanatia said, expressionless. She turned away from me and faced the other guardians.

I stared at them, willing any of them to challenge her decision, but none of them dared to oppose her. I glanced at Dimitri. He looked unhappy, but his mouth was set into a grim line. It was the expression he wore when he felt like he could do nothing about a situation.

'How are you all feeling?' Thanatia asked, allowing some emotion to seep into her voice. 'The Moroi should join us in a moment.' She cocked her head. 'In exactly ten seconds, actually.'

Ten seconds later, Casimir walked into the room, a handful others with him: Christian and another fire user, Mia...Rhonda and Abe. Yikes, this was a surprise. Abe hadn't even told me he'd arrived. And Rhonda? For Casimir to have picked her, she had to be particularly skilled.

Abe strolled up to my side as soon as he saw me. He was, as usual, dressed in a most spectacular fashion. He wore black striped dress pants, a purple silk shirt, and an emerald scarf.

'Rose, you and I on yet another dangerous mission. It seems you've inherited your sense of adventure from your father.'

'Hey Abe,' I said, offering him a half hug. 'Nice of you to join us.'

'How could I resist, Rose?' He glanced back at Rhonda. 'Have you met her?' he asked me, his eyes alight with interest.

'Yes.' I studied him carefully. God, my father had no shame.

'She's an interesting woman, don't you think?'

'Very interesting. Also, not something I want to discuss with you.' I gave him a pointed look.

He looked mortified. 'Oh no! You mustn't think that.'

I held my tongue, walking over to Dimitri instead. Naturally, Abe followed.

'Ah, Belikov,' he said, by way of greeting.

'Nice to see you again, Mazur,' Dimitri said politely.

'I trust you're taking good care of my very young daughter?' Abe narrowed his dark eyes at Dimitri. He just loved making him uncomfortable.

'Cut that out,' I said sharply. 'I can take care of myself. And you for that matter,' I said, giving him a challenging look.

Abe laughed, patting Dimitri on the shoulder before joining Casimir and Rhonda in discussion.

After five minutes, Thanatia spoke, her voice eerily devoid of any emotion. She seemed distant, as if her attention was focused elsewhere.