Into the Ether - Complete

Spring, When New Things Grow: Part 23

I still couldn't believe the little bitch had somehow convinced Dimka the kid was his. I mean for fuck's sake – the guy had always been so smart. All I could say is she must be a demon in the sack if she'd managed to make him forget that Dhampir couldn't reproduce together. I growled to myself pushing that thought away. I didn't want to think about that bitch with my Dimka, but especially not the two of them in bed together.

When Christian had called to tell me Dimka had survived his mission and was back, I knew it was a sign from God that I was being given a second chance. We had been given a second chance. I'd loved him so long and so well – it was our time to be together. It was going to be perfect! He would come live with me in Minneapolis, and we could teach together. I'd wanted to start my own studio for a while now, and between the two of us, we could manage it. We'd have to spend a year or so building up the business, but then Dimka could take over the classes while I took time off to have our baby.

With Lissa and Christian at Lehigh, we'd be able to fly down to spend weekends with them and perhaps they'd like to visit us over their Christmas break? My current unit would be too small, but there was a gorgeous little house I drove past on my way to the studio every day that was up for sale. It had a big front porch and a beautiful shaded front garden perfect for our little one to play in. It needed a bit of work, but Dimitri had always been handy.

I sighed with contentment, already picturing decorating the nursery together, cooking side by side in our kitchen, going to bed together every night then Dimka keeping himself busy between my thighs. Everything was going to be perfect; as soon as I got the little bitch out of the way.

I'd been trying to ring Dimka ever since Christian had told me he was back, but his phone was always off or rang out. I bet the bitch didn't want him talking to me. But I kept trying. I knew eventually, he'd be able to slip away from her and speak with me. I pressed redial, expecting to yet again hear the phone was switched off, so I was surprised when I got a different message. His phone had been disconnected! That cow! I bet she was behind this. She was always trying to get between Dimka and me!

I quickly dialed another number. Christian's. It also rang out. How dare he?! I had raised that boy like my own! I'd fought against my brother and sister in law to protect him. I'd been disfigured, given up all my twenties and part of my thirties to raise and support him, and the ingrate wouldn't even take my call? I'd show him. I'd show them all that Tasha Ozera was not a woman to be messed with.

Getting a chair from my kitchenette, I stood on it and reached up to the top of my wardrobe to get my small travel suitcase. Quickly stocking it with pants, jeans, and tops I added my sexiest lingerie as well. One look at me in my underwear and Rose would look like a little girl playing dress-ups in Mommy's clothes. Sure she had the hips and bust I lacked, but I had the figure of a supermodel – and isn't that what all men wanted?! I was just grabbing my toiletries from the tiny bathroom when my phone rang. I grabbed it off my bed, recognizing Christian's number.

"Sorry I missed your call," he said amiably. "I was in the library, and the librarian goes psycho if we answer our phones in there. What's up?"

I listened carefully to his voice. He seemed genuine.

"Same old," I said casually. "Just ringing to see how you and Lissa are."

"Yeah, we're good. Drowning in assignments but with only two months of school, you'd expect that. I think I'm eating, sleeping and breathing schoolwork at the moment," he grumbled.

"Sounds like you need to have some fun," I said.

"Don't I know it."

"So I keep trying to call Dimka, and he never answers," I said casually. "Is he still around on campus?"