"Rose. We're here. In Novosibirsk," our Captain- Hunter Balan- gently woke me.
"Already?" That dream must have been longer that I thought.
"Yes. How are you fighting in, and with, heels? Did Belikov get to that?"
"In, and with, I'm okay. He did- like midnight woods courses."
"Okay. That's what I needed to hear. Here," he handed me a pair of silver stilettos. "They are real, charmed, silver. Stakes in disguise. You're the only one of the girls to have charmed ones." Wow! That was unexpected. "Now," he turned to face the team, "you know the plan. Five teams of four- a girl in each one. Go get dressed, split into your teams and head for the clubs. Keep it efficient and get through as many as possible. Don't forget to call the Alchemists for clean up and kill count. I'd like to be done here in two weeks to move on to our next location. Dismissed."
The girls were ready before the guys- make up and all. Then again, there was only five of us to fifteen of them, and only two bathrooms on the plane.
We hit the first club an hour and a half later. My alarm told me there was at least a Strigoi in here and five minutes later I spotted him. He left with a girl and my team cornered him in an ally. I had him down eight minutes later and the guys called the Alchemists for clean up. One down and god-only-knows how many more we'd face tonight.
Five hours later I had my answer- quite a few. We'd been to eight clubs and taken down thirteen Strigoi. I'd taken out nine Strigoi alone. The guys liked to restrain them to give me a clear shot the their heart.
We regrouped at our hotel, debriefed and headed off to our rooms. I had my own one and loved the privacy. My cell rang as soon as I was dressed for bed- it could only be Dimitri with that timing.
"Hey!" I answered. "You've been watching- I can tell by the timing," the smile was evident in my voice and I was grinning like a fool.
"Roza," the relief was evident. In his voice, as was a trace of amusement. "Do you know what I've seen tonight-day- whatever?"
"Enlighten me."
"Eight clubs. Silver stiletto stakings. The Alchemists doing the run arounds. Nine kills by you alone. And other guys hands all over you."
"Chill Comrade. You know I'm not interested in them- only you. They're only team mates and we have to blend. One day down, twenty-one to go."
"I know. But still, you're mine."
"Yeah. I am- remember that. You also know I've got my own room."
"Yup. I'm glad. I love you Roza. So much. So, so much."
"I love you too Dimitri. I hate that you're not here."
"I can feel it. I can feel how much this hurts you. Know this my Roza, I'm proud of you, so, so proud."
"You've trained me well, so well. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."
"You're the one who had the potential, the one who took whatever I threw at you. You're the goddess."
"No. I'm not a goddess- you're the super hot, ridiculously sweet and loving, Russian battle god."
"As if!" he teased. "You're much better than me- you are a goddess, my goddess."
"Okay. I'm your goddess, but that is all."
"I'll take whatever I can get," the smile was clear in his voice.
"Love you comrade! What have you been up to without me?"
"Hmm. My own training, shifts, and keeping an eye on you."
