Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 14 - The Cat With the Cream

Following Nikita to the lift, Dimitri a few steps behind, I was honestly petrified. At the time, calling my father had seemed the best solution to the problem of hiding me from Strigoi. If you asked me, now, I might have chosen to risk the Strigoi instead!

Observing Dimitri in the lift, he had his impassive Guardian face on, giving nothing away. I knew he was anxious, but there was no outward hint of it. In his pressed uniform, bright polished combat boots and hair neatly tied back, he looked the picture of a professional Guardian. He also looked sexy as hell! I'm so glad he was here with me. Meeting my father was daunting, but with Dimitri there, I knew it would be ok.

Stepping out on the fourth floor, Nikita led us across to a double set of doors. Knocking and opening one door he announced us.

"Novice Hathaway and Guardian Belikov."

Walking into a surprisingly small sitting room, I saw a dark haired, dark eyed man stand from a sofa, nervously brushing his hands on his pants. He held one out to me, holding mine lightly and looking at me in wonder.

"Rose."

"Yes," I said, regarding him too. At around five foot eleven he was tall, but not for a Moroi. With a golden hue to his skin, and glossy dark hair, it was clear where my looks had come from. He was dressed in a white linen long sleeved shirt and a pair of tan pants with brown slip-on loafers. From the limited information Mom had given me, I knew him to be around forty years old.

Suddenly remembering my manners, I motioned to Dimitri who was standing at ease, although to my knowing eye looking anything but.

"This is Guardian Dimitri Belikov."

Turning to Dimitri with a smile, Abe dropped my hand to shake his.

"Guardian Belikov, I believe Janine and I owe you a huge debt. Please accept my heartfelt thanks." Dimitri was saved the necessity of replying by the arrival of Suzanne.

"Welcome home, Mr. Mazur. You must be tired after your travels. I have coffee and some of those pecan danishes you like," she said, carrying a tray with a coffee pot, some plates, a platter with pastries and some small coffee cups. Remembering Suzanne's earlier comment about Abe being cranky when he was hungry, I was grateful for her thoughtfulness, so I shot her a smile. Returning my smile with an encouraging look, she left the room, pointedly closing the doors behind her.

"Ahh, Turkish coffee! Have you tried it, Rose?" Abe asked.

"No. I've heard it's very strong?"

"Yes. It's an acquired taste, I suppose. Would you like to try a cup?"

While I didn't usually drink coffee, I thought it would be nice to make an effort.

"Sure."

"And you, Guardian Belikov?"

"Dimitri. Yes – thank you."

Sitting to pour the coffee Abe looked up.

"Please sit down, sit down," he said. 

Seating myself at the other end of the sofa from Abe, I saw Dimitri awkwardly lower himself to an adjacent couch. He looked all legs and uniform. I could tell he was uncomfortable as hell.

Handing him a coffee, Abe commented, "So Dimitri, you're Rose's teacher at St. Vladimir's?"

"More of a mentor, Mr. Mazur. She was behind in her studies after leaving school with Princess Dragomir. Rose had extra academic classes with her teachers to catch up when she returned, and I was asked to train her in combat skills."