What about us: Vampire Academy

Our Daughter. Chapter 38

Abe's POV

"That's not funny Abe." Janine hissed through gritted teeth.

"Who said I was trying to be funny." I answered back firmly. "I may not be a honest man but this is something I wouldn't lie about."

If I was telling anyone else that their decreased daughter was alive, I would of broken the news in a gentle manor. However, from my experience with the fiery red headed Guardian, I knew Janine Hathaway didn't respond well to the gentle approach. She needed a frank and  firm conversation.

"She. Is. Gone." She spat, as usual covering her feelings with anger.

I sigh heavy. Thank goodness I sent one of my Guardian's to Nepal with proof.

"Look we can argue about this until the end of time but that would be pointless." I grumble at her. "Have you opened the documents I have sent you?"

"The ones in the envelope your goon keeps trying to give me?" I must give Guardian Burnett a bonus for dealing with the mother of my child. "No."

"Janine, just look at the document." I instructed, holding back my frustration. "You need to see this."

"Fine!" She snapped, "Guardian Burnett, hand me those damned papers."

"Yes Ma'am." I heard a stress Burnett reply.

The next minute or so all I could hear was the soft ruffle of paper, until I heard a strangled gasp.

The shuffling of paper intensified and I can only assume she is flicking through the recent pictures of Rose or could it be the research that Tatiana conducted. Not being able to see what was happening was bloody frustrating but I knew better than to interrupt.

"It can't be true." She finally muttered.

I was unsure if she was addressing me or not but I answered anyway. "It's true."

"I can't believe it." She quietly sobbed to herself.

Smiling down the phone, I explained have our daughter was shadowed kissed, bonded to Lissa and how that bond keeps her tied to the land of the living.

"How long?" She suddenly asked, her voice low.

Uh oh. "How long?" I asked playing dumb.

"How long have you know she was alive?" I didn't like her agitated tone.

"A while." I admitted.

"And you are only letting me know now?" She growled, working herself up into a infamous Hathaway rage.

I had learnt long ago that the only way to descale a angry Janine was to head her off at the start. If you let her get into her stride of shouting, she won't stop until her point is made.

"Janine." I start. "You haven't been taking my calls and with what happened with Tatiana you could probably understand why I didn't want a paper trail. So no telegram's." I knew it was a low blow but it still grated me that Janine's preferred form of communication with our then child daughter was through a telegram.

"I...I...."

"It doesn't matter. Rose is now safe with me in Russia."

"Why Russia?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"Rose needs to graduate, so I enrolled her into the school of her choice." I explained.

"Ah St Basils." I could almost picture her tight red curls bouncing as she nodded. "That's the school Belikov went to. I'm not surprised she picked it. She kind of hero worshipped him."

It took every ounce of my control not to laugh. Janine had hit the nail on the head. Rose does hero worship the Russian but he worships her more.

"You will be proud to know that in the little time she has been there, she has become the favourite to graduate top female novice." I tell her, partly to move the conversation away from Belikov and partly because I am proud as punch myself.

I can't deny that I'm not looking forward to Janine finding out that Rose and Belikov are in a relationship.  I can see it all in my head now; Janine flipping her lip, the shouting match between my daughter and my baby mama and finally me trying to calm Janine down while Belikov does the same with Rose. We will be like a real family.

"I am proud." Janine replied almost defensively.

I rolled my eyes and decided to was time to wrap things up.

"Burnett has everything you need to get to Russia. Call me when you know a date for your arrival."

"Abe? I can't just come to Russia!" Janine snapped with sudden panic.

"Why ever not?" I snap back, ignoring Pavel's warning look.

"I don't have the luxury to just pack up and leave. I have a charge Abe!" She shouted. "You have no idea what it's like to be a guardian, we have to put our charge before anything else! Even my daughter."

"Cut the bullshit Janine. Your charge has had 16 years of perfect service from you, having a week or two off will not blemish any record you hhold. Also I know that you have at least three months worth of leave saved up. So you have no excuse not to come and for the last time she is our daughter! I have as much right to her life as you do."

And with that sentence I did the one thing I promised myself wouldn't happen. I lost my temper and patience.

"At least think it through Burnett isn't due to leave for a few more days." I offered the olive branch but then add my warning. "If you don't come Janine, never contact either of us again."

Ending the call, I stored my cell in my pocket and straightened my suit in irritation.

"Don't you think you where a tad harsh." Pavel asked in Turkish.

"No. Janine needs to know how serious I am." I replied. Pavel had been my Guardian for over twenty years and his opinion meant a great deal to me.

"Fine, it's your decision." Pavel shrugged. "I will have Burnett update me frequently."

"Good. What about Agatha?"

"Her story seems legitimate." Pavel said pulling out his own phone. "As we have already researched Victor, we know that they are half siblings and that Victor stole her inheritance. There is no indication that she had seen or spoken to any of her Moroi family since she was 18. But I have our tech guys digging deeper, they will have more information in the next 24 hours."

"Good. Keep me updated on anything you find." I order as I smooth back my hair. "I need to return to my daughter and our guests."