Reality Bites - Wattys 2018 Shortlist

Chapter 71 - Did You Really?

In the end, I had let Dimitri finish feeding himself – but only because he insisted, and my stomach was grumbling so badly. I sat opposite Dimitri on his bed, and we shared the table between us as we ate. Mom and Abe were talking to us, and we must have appeared so rude because half the time Dimitri and I just stared at one another not hearing anyone else. As soon as we were done eating, Dimitri pushed the table aside, making room on his left-hand side for me to cuddle up with him, his left arm wrapped around me. I honestly never wanted to leave Dimitri's side ever again.

Once we were settled and comfortable, Pavel briefed Dimitri on what had happened, and all the Alchemists had to say. It was sobering news. Five Mazur Guardians and three Academy Guardians had not survived the attack. At least as many had been injured, although thankfully all but one had now been discharged. Pavel also confirmed what we had already known – that this had been another targeted attack, and the target was me.

As sad as it was that the farmhouse had not survived, it had done us a lot of favors. The Strigoi had rushed into the house from the rear just as most of the Guardians were escaping it from the front. The roof had fallen, and the fire took over, taking most of the Strigoi with it.

Guilt washed over me. Here I was blissfully happy because the one I loved had made it back to me, but eight other families out there were now grieving. It was hard not to feel responsible given I was the one the Strigoi had been after.

As if he could sense my thoughts Dimitri tightened his arm around me. "It's not your fault, milaya," he said, kissing my hair softly. But just because he said it didn't mean I believed him. Trying to change the topic, Mom asked me if I'd seen Lissa and how she was.

"Yeah – she's fine," I said. "I saw her an hour ago just before Dimitri woke up. Christian was still sleeping" I said rolling my eyes and feeling a little snarky.

"Well it was a rough night for him too," Mom said, earning a look from me.

"Oh I'm sure," I said, my sarcasm apparent.

Mom and Abe both looked at me oddly. "Rosemarie? What do you remember about last night?" my mother eventually asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean describe what happened" Mom clarified.

"Pavel and Kirk came and told us about Dimitri, and then I lay on the floor and screamed and cried for hours," I said.

"Sweetheart, that's not what happened. You sat still as a statue, but your bond with Lissa must have opened because she could feel part of what you were going through. She was hysterical. She had to be sedated, and even then she was moaning and whimpering right up until you knew Dimitri was still alive" Abe said.

"I don't remember any of that?" I said suspiciously.

"It's what happened" Mom confirmed. Pavel was nodding, too. Dimitri kissed my hair soothingly.

Poor Lissa! Now I felt bad for not giving her my full attention this morning. I'd just been so keen to get back to Dimitri. Cautiously I tried to mentally send her a message 'Lissa? Can you hear me?'

'Yes, Rose' Lissa mentally sent back, with palpable excitement. 'I think the bond is fully two-way now' she explained.

'Oh my God' I thought to her 'I'm so sorry about last night – I didn't realize you'd been in my head the whole time. I guess it makes sense though – the other times you've had access is when my emotions have been running high.'

'We can talk about this later, but I think last night might have blown the bond open permanently. Right now I'm just glad you're both ok. Let me know when he's back home and ready for visitors' she said kindly, and I knew she meant it.