Chapter Eleven

I wasn't really sure where to take the story after Emilia was born, but I think I have an idea. I will finish this book as soon as possible because I have ideas for more VA fanfics, Morganville Vampires fanfics, and a second book to finish for The Bevoegdheid and I have this thing where I won't allow myself to start short stories-like fanfics-while writing another short story. I assure you I have all of next week off and I will work hard to finish this and start new ones. I'm ultimately having writers block, but that's merely a brick in a whole wall. Keep reading! Fan, Vote, Comment, and read The Bevoegdheid!!!!!!!!!! Thank you. 

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Chapter Eleven 

                                                   Four years later

                                                          ~o0o~

Emilia screamed. We were surrounded by them. Them? Who were they? I felt like an outsider looking in, but there I was. I was standing in front of Rose and she was desperately clinging to Emilia. Emilia! She was frightened-beyond it. She was fragile, cold, and rigid with terror. Rose such a contrast-a beautiful, lovely contrast. She was graceful in the slightest movement, strong, and her anger and will to stay alive could be tasted in the air. She was deadly to say the least, but would not let go of our daughter. That left me, rightfully so. I squared my shoulders and made eye contact with them. Or was it only one person? Was it-were they-people at all? As I asked these questions I heard a laugh-deep in someones throat. Then mine felt sore as a cool and damp hand reached out and cut off all air I had. I gasped, or tried,  and watched as one of the creatures stalked toward Rose. Or was it the only one? Was I still being choked? Rose yelped as Emilia fought out of her grasp, suddenly appearing to be at least six years old, and ran right into the figure. The thing grabbed her neck and twisted. I heard her neck snap. She was gone, and so was I. Rose was next; and all I could do was let the darkness that held assurance of no pain take me over. I sat up quickly in bed and looked over at my two girls. Not a scratch. I sighed in relief and wondered why I had such a nightmare on such a beautiful occasion. Today was Emilia’s fourth birthday and she was so excited. She had crawled into bed with Rose and I, neither of us having the heart to say no. Emilia was snuggled into me and Rose was unconsciously competing for my closeness. I smiled and laid flat on my back, pulling Emilia to my other side. Rose didn’t hesitate to grab my neck and pull herself up next to me. “Roza?” I whispered. 

Her eyelids fluttered, “Hm?” 

“I need to get up and start cooking Emilia breakfast.” 

“No. Your mom said she’d do it. Stay with me.” Rose plead and I was too willing to comply. My mom had flown in for three days and tomorrow would be her last day here. With Rose peaceful in my arms I decided to let my mom take breakfast duty and fell back into a slumber. No nightmares this time. 

Rose’s Point of View 

I woke up for the second time. This time I couldn’t go back to bed though. “Mommy!” I sighed and smiled. 

“Emilia?”

“Get up! It’s my birthday!” She was leaning back on her two calves in the curve of my hip, and had crazy bed head. Dimitri, on my other side, rolled over and opened his eyes.

“It’s not your birthday...” he teased. It outraged her.

“Yes it is!”

“No. I’m pretty sure that was last week.”

“No! Mommy tell him!” She wailed. 

I kissed her forehead, “Daddy’s mean, huh?”

“Yeah...”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. What shall we do with him?” Emilia grinned and Dimitri chuckled. 

“I don’t think I could handle the wrath of two Hathaway's.” That made me smile. I examined my husband and realized how tired he appeared. Not a look he wore often. 

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah Daddy, you look like hell.”

“Emilia!” Dimitri and I chided in unison. She grinned. Uh. She is a Hathaway. 

“Seriously Comrade.”

He smiled, “Just didn’t sleep well.”

“Even with two, fine Belikov women in bed with you?”

He chuckled, “Emilia isn’t a woman.” Oh lord. He was so protective. 

“I don’t know. I was thinking we could go to the mall today. Find her a man. He’d be eleven, of course. You know-seven years. Just like us.” He practically growled. 

“Ew. Mom, why is Dad so old?”

“Just the way he is.”

“But-that’s gross.”

“Good, at least I know you won’t fall in love with your teachers.” Dimitri nodded. 

“I’d kick their ass.” He muttered.

“You know how big of a hypocrite that makes you, right?” 

“It’s my birthday!” Emilia screamed. I focused my attention on her and smiled. 

“I think Grandma has a surprise for you downstairs.” She squealed and ran out of the room. Dimitri sighed and reached over to pull me against him. “I love you.”

“Mmm...think we have time for a quickie?”

“Guardian Belikov! How crudely inappropriate.” I mocked horror and he smiled. 

“Haven’t you heard? I seduced my seventeen year old student, married her, and knocked her up.”

“Perv.”

“For what I’d like to do to you right now? Probably.”

“Shower?” My tone was breathy. 

“Definitely.” 

                                            ~o0o~

Olena glanced up at me when I came downstairs and I flushed. Did she hear anything? She smiled warmly and winked. Oh, she might have. “Where’s Dimka?” 

“Wrapping presents some last minute presents.” 

“Unwrapped you pretty good.” Christian’s snarky comment was as surprising as it was unwelcome. 

“Not today Sparky.” I glared at him and Lissa came in the room. 

“Rose be nice.” She chided. Always defending her narcissistic husband.  

“Yeah Rosie. Be nice.” He pouted and I smiled. 

“Later Jackass.” I turned to Lissa, “When did you guys get here?”

“Soon enough to hear you climax.” Christian. My eyes widened and I glanced at Olena, who was blushing herself, but she was smiling. 

“That one was out of line Christian.” Lissa looked at him disapprovingly and he melted. 

“Sorry Liss.”

“What does that mean?” Emilia peered up innocently from her pancakes and my eyes got even wider. 

“Climax is a very, very dirty word that Uncle Chris should not have used in front of you.” Dimitri came to my rescue and punched Christian in the arm, whispering something in his ear only I was close enough to hear. “In front of my mom? Really?” I smirked and took Dimitri’s hand. 

“Where did you put the presents?” I asked him quietly. 

“With the rest.” he whispered. “Breakfast?” he asked me louder and I nodded. He grinned.