Primal Desires

Chapter 29

Dimitri's POV

Rose and I stood side by side, staring at the closed door in front of us in silence. I could feel the anxiety radiating off of her and I knew that she was doing everything she could to stay calm and not panic.

"Roza, we don't have to do this if you're not ready," I stated, linking my hand with hers in reassurance. In that one touch, I felt her worry fade slightly at the knowledge that I was with her, here for her, but I knew that she was still scared inside.

After Rose and I opened up to each other the day before, we had spent the whole day in each other's arms, making up for lost time and relishing in the warmth of being close to one another again. We had spoken more in depth, exploring our thoughts and our worries before promising each other that no matter what happens, we would always talk to each other. We would always let the other know what we were feeling. One of the main sources of our issues in the last few months had been communication, and the presumption that one of us was feeling one thing or another without ever discussing it.

I had presumed Rose would resent me for my actions as a Strigoi...

Rose had presumed I would resent her for what Nathan had put her through...

We had both presumed at one time or another that we weren't enough for the other person...

And each time, we were wrong.

At the end of the day however, after we had lifted the weights off our shoulders, Rose suddenly blurted out that she had decided she wanted to visit her father and her friends. I was surprised to say the least; she had only just opened up to me again, which was already a huge step, and then she stated that she wanted to push herself even further. My shock was laced with a mixture of pride and concern – I was proud that she was making progress, but I was concerned that she was pushing herself too much too quickly. Still, I supported her, and the next day we set up a time to see everyone. Christian, Abe, Vasilisa, Eddie, Adrian... they were all waiting behind the closed door of Abe's guest housing.

"No, I know I don't have to. I want to," she replied, giving my hand a gentle squeeze in return. "I need to do this."

"I know you do Milaya, but you don't have to push yourself so soon – everyone understands that you've been through a lot."

She sighed deeply.

"Dimitri, I've isolated myself from everyone for nearly two weeks and it's not going to help me get better if I don't push myself to see them again."

"I know. I'm just worried about you. I want to make sure that you're okay."

"Thank you, Comrade," she smiled, my heart soaring at her use of my familiar nickname – the first time she had used it since she was taken. "I'll be fine - I promise. I won't freak out."

I smiled back at her before leaning down to place a gentle, reassuring kiss on her forehead. I was still worried for her, but I knew this was something she needed to do and I had told her I would be there for her no matter what, after all.

With a deep breath, she nervously reached out and knocked on the door three times before stepping back and waiting for it to open. Not five seconds later, it swung open to reveal an anxious Abe, wearing a typically vibrant scarf and jacket. At the familiar sight of her father, I felt Rose's anxiety fade instantaneously. There had been no need for her to worry.

Dropping my hand, she rushed forward and enveloped him in a tight hug, wrapping her arms securely around his neck. Instinctively, Abe responded, returning his daughter's act of affection.