Don't Go Into The Woods

Chapter 24

Dimitri

The mood set in a dark undertone. Only a dimly lit lamp situated in the corner of the room was left on. Beside the wooden table which the lamp stood on was a long maroon colored armchair. Vladimir cleaned out his pipe before lighting it up again and leaning back in the armchair. A creak of the wooden floor alerted him that there was someone in the room. He looked up to see his youngest son, Dimitri had entered. They exchanged concerned expressions with one another. The others had turned in for the night already. Dimitri had missed out on the family meeting that had taken place and ended moments before his arrival. He had come home much later than expected. Dimitri had his reasons to do so and Vladimir wanted to know what they were.

He blew out a large puff of smoke before speaking up to his son."Is she safe?" Vladimir asked first.

"Yes. I remained behind for a bit just to make sure." Dimitri replied. "Everyone gone to bed?"

"Yes. We had a family discussion. Take a seat so I can tell you what was said." Vladimir said.

Dimitri did as he was told and took a seat across the room on another armchair situated almost directly opposite to the one his father was seated on.

He remained quiet and watched as his father released another puff of smoke before looking over at Dimitri and continuing on with the conversation. "They want to stay a little bit longer to assist just in case."

"Why? I have everything handled." Dimitri said firmly. "There is no need for all of you to stay."

"Your sister does not seem to agree with that." Vladimir said.

"Anastasia is overreacting!" Dimitri said.

"That is what I said too once and look what happened to your mama!" Vladimir words silenced Dimitri at once. Vladimir lowered his pipe somewhat before he continued to speak to him. "We are always stronger as a pack and you know she is special. She needs protection." Dimitri remained still. Vladimir could see that his son was not entirely pleased with what he was being told. unfortunately Vladimir was only trying to do what was right. "If it makes you happy, I will send your uncle and brothers home with their wives. I will stay behind with your sister." Vladimir continued. Dimitri remained still yet again. "We will find a place to stay near to town without attracting too much attention to us." Vladimir lifted his pipe back to his mouth.

Dimitri, who had heard enough, rose to his feet from the armchair."Is that all? I think I should call it a night." Dimitri said, trying not to sound rude and disrespectful towards his father in any way.

"Yes. That is all." Vladimir said. "Goodnight Dimitri."

"Goodnight papa." Dimitri said before walking off out of the room, leaving his father to ponder in his own thoughts as he finished off his pipe.

If savannah needed some sort of protection then Dimitri was determined to be the one to protect her regardless of whether his father or sister mingled in. Anastasia could be worried for nothing, but seeing that Savannah had become so interested in the woods since her arrival here, Dimitri felt it was best to not be foolish.

He undressed and climbed into bed quietly.

Her safety was all that mattered to him. The question Dimitri seemed to struggle answering at this moment in time was would he be able to protect her from his world seeing as he clearly just couldn't keep away from her?

Dimitri laid there in bed on his back, staring up at the ceiling above him. His bright yellow eyes glowing in the dark.

Would she accept him?

Could he keep her safe if she did?

Why couldn't he keep away from her?