Frostbite Chapter 15

FifteenI WAS TRYING TO PAINT my toenails the next morning- non easy with such a god-awful hangover- when I heard a knock at the door. Lissa had been gone when I woke up, so I staggered across the room, trying not to razing my wet nail polish. Opening up the door, I saw one of the hotel staff standing outside with a large box in both(prenominal) arms. He shifted it slightly so that he could peer roughly and look at me.Im looking for Rose Hathaway.Thats me.I took the box from him. It was big but not all that heavy. With a quick thank-you, I shut the door, wondering if I should drop tipped him. Oh well.I sat on the floor with the box. It had no markings on it and was sealed with packing tape. I found a pen and stab hunch at the tape. at at one time Id hacked off enough, I opened the box and peered inside.It was filled with perfume. at that place had to be at least thirty little bottles of perfume packed into the box. Some Id heard of, some I hadnt. They ranged from crazy expensi ve, movie-star caliber to cheap kinds Id perkn in drugstores. Eternity. Angel. vanilla superfluousct Fields. Jade Blossom. Michael Kors. Poison. Hypnotic Poison. Pure Poison. Happy. Light Blue. J?van Musk. Pink Sugar. Vera Wang. One by one, I assembleed up the boxes, read the descriptions, and then pulled out the bottles for a sniff.I was about halfway through when reality hit. These had to be from Adrian.I didnt know how hed managed to guide all of these delivered to the hotel in such a short make out of time, but money can make almost whatsoeverthing happen. Still, I didnt need the attention of a rich, spoiled Moroi apparently he hadnt picked up on my signals. Regretfully, I started to place the perfumes back in the box- then stopped. Of course Id return thembut there was no harm in sniffing the rest before I did.Once more, I started pulling out bottle after bottle. Some I just sniffed the cap of others I sprayed in the air. Serendipity. Dolce & Gabbana. Shalimar. Daisy. Not e after situation hit me rose, vio permit, sandalwood, orange, vanilla, orchid By the time I was finished, my nose unless worked anymore. All of these had been designed for humans. They had a weaker sense of smell than vampires and even dhampirs, so these scents were extra strong. I had a new appreciation for what Adrian had meant about only a splash of perfume be necessary. If all these bottles were fashioning me dizzy, I could only think what a Moroi would smell. The sensory overload wasnt really helping the headache Id woken up with either.I packed up the perfume for real this time, stopping only when I came to a certain kind that I really uniformd. I hesitated, holding the little box in my hand. Then, I took the red bottle out and re-sniffed it. It was a crisp, sweet fragrance. There was some kind of fruit- but not a candied or sugary fruit. I racked my brain for a scent Id once smelled on a girl I knew in my dorm. Shed told me the name. It was like a cherrybut sharper. Cu rrant, thats what it was. And here it was in this perfume, mixed with some florals lily of the valley and others I couldnt identify. Whatever the blend, something about it appealed to me. Sweet- but not too sweet. I read the box, looking for the name. Amor Amor.Fitting, I muttered, seeing how many love chores I seemed to have lately. besides I kept the perfume anyway and repacked the rest.Hoisting the box up in my arms, I took it down to the battlefront desk and acquired some packing tape to reseal it. I also got directions to Adrians room. Apparently, the Ivashkovs practically had their own wing. It wasnt too far from Tashas room.Feeling like a delivery girl, I manner of walkinged down the hall and stopped in front of his door. Before I could manage to knock, it opened up, and Adrian stood before me. He looked as surprised as I felt.Little dhampir, he express cordially. Didnt extend to see you here.Im returning these. I hoisted the box toward him before he could protest. Clum sily, he caught it, staggering a bit in surprise. Once he had a profound grip, he took a few steps back and set it on the floor.Didnt you like any of them? he asked. You want me to get you some more?Dont send me any more gifts.It isnt a gift. Its a public service. What woman doesnt own perfume?Dont do it again, I utter firmly.Suddenly, a voice behind him asked, Rose? Is that you?I peered beyond him. Lissa.What are you doing here?Between my headache and what I had assumed was some interlude with Christian, Id blocked her out as best I could this morning. ordinarily I would have known the instant I approached that she was inside the room. I opened myself up again, letting her shock run into me. She hadnt expected me to show up here.What are you doing here? she asked.Ladies, ladies, he said teasingly. No need to fight over me.I glared. Were not. I just want to know whats going on here.A breath of aftershave hit me, and then I heard a voice behind me Me too.I jumped. Spinning around, I saw Dimitri standing in the hallway. I had no clue what he was doing in the Ivashkov wing.On his way to Tashas room, a voice inside me suggested.Dimitri no doubt always expected me to get into all sorts of trouble, but I think seeing Lissa there caught him off guard. He stepped past me and came into the room, looking between the three of us.Male and female students arent supposed to be in each others rooms.I knew pointing out that Adrian wasnt technically a student wasnt going to get us out of trouble here. We werent supposed to be in any guys room.How do you come up doing this? I asked Adrian, frustrated.Do what?Keep fashioning us look badHe chuckled. You guys are the ones who came here.You shouldnt have let them in, scolded Dimitri. Im sure you know the rules at St. Vladimirs.Adrian shrugged. Yeah, but I dont have to follow any schools stupid rules.Perhaps not, said Dimitri coldly. however I would have image youd still respect those rules.Adrian rolled his eyes. Im kind of surprised to find you lecturing about underage girls.I saw the irritation kindle in Dimitris eyes, and for a moment, I thought I might have seen the loss of control Id teased him about. But he stayed composed, and only his clenched fists showed how angry he was.Besides, keep Adrian, nothing sordid was going on. We were just hanging out.If you want to hang out with young girls, do it at one of the public areas.I didnt really like Dimitri calling us young girls, and I kind of felt like he was overreacting here. I also suspected part of his reaction had to do with the concomitant that I was here.Adrian laughed just then, a weird kind of laugh that made my discase crawl. Young girls? Young girls? Sure. Young and old at the same time. Theyve barely seen anything in life, yet theyve already seen too much. Ones marked with life, and ones marked with deathbut theyre the ones youre worried about? Worry about yourself, dhampir. Worry about you, and craft organisation about me. Were the ones who are young.The rest of us just sort of stared. I dont think anyone had expected Adrian to suddenly take an abrupt trip to Crazyville.Adrian was calm and looked dead normal again. He turned away and strolled toward the window, glancing casually back at the rest of us as he pulled out his cigarettes.You ladies should probably go. Hes right. I am a bad influence.I ex deepend looks with Lissa. Hurriedly, we both left and followed Dimitri down the hall toward the lobby.That wasstrange, I said a couple of minutes later. It was stating the obvious, but, well, someone had to.Very, said Dimitri. He didnt sound angry so much as puzzled.When we reached the lobby, I started to follow Lissa back toward our room, but Dimitri called to me.Rose, he said. Can I talk to you?I felt a sympathetic rush of feeling from Lissa. I turned toward Dimitri and stepped off to the side of the room, out of the way of those passing through. A party of Moroi in diamonds and fur swept past us, anxious looks on their faces. Bellhops followed with luggage. People were still leaving in search of safer places. The Strigoi paranoia was far from over.Dimitris voice snapped my attention back to him. Thats Adrian Ivashkov. He said the name the same way everyone else did.Yeah, I know.This is the second time Ive seen you with him.Yeah, I replied glibly. We hang out sometimes.Dimitri arched an eyebrow, then jerked his head back toward where wed go on from. You hang out in his room a lot?Several retorts popped into my head, and then a golden one took precedence. What happens between him and me is none of your business. I managed a tone very similar to the one hed used on me when making a similar comment about him and Tasha.Actually, as huge as youre at the Academy, what you do is my business.Not my personal life. You dont have any say in that.Youre not an mature yet.Im close enough. Besides, its not like Ill magically become an adult on my eighteenth birthday.Clearly, he said.I blushed. Thats not what I meant. I meant- I know what you meant. And the technicalities dont matter right now. Youre an Academy student. Im your instructor. Its my job to help you and to keep you safe. Being in the bedroom of someone like him well, thats not safe.I can handle Adrian Ivashkov, I muttered. Hes weird- really weird, apparently- but harmless.I secretly wondered if Dimitris problem might be that he was jealous. He hadnt pulled Lissa aside to yell at her. The thought made me slightly happy, but then I remembered my earlier distinctiveness about why Dimitri had even wandered by.Speaking of personal lives I suppose you were off visiting Tasha, huh?I knew it was petty, and I expected a none of your business response. Instead he replied, Actually, I was visiting your mother.You going to hook up with her too? I knew of course that he wasnt, but the quip seemed too good to pass up.He seemed to know that too and merely gave me a weary glance. No, we were looking over some new data about the Strigoi in the Drozdov attack.My anger and snarkiness dried up. The Drozdovs. The Badicas. Suddenly, everything that had happened this morning seemed incredibly trivial. How could I have stood there arguing with Dimitri about romances that might or might not be happening when he and the other shielders were trying to protect us?Whatd you find out? I asked quietly.Weve managed to track some of the Strigoi, he said. Or at least the humans with them. There were witnesses who lived nearby who spotted a few of the cars the group used. The plates were all from different states- the group appears to have split up, probably to make it harder for us. But one of the witnesses did look one plate number. Its registered to an address in Spokane.Spokane? I asked incredulously. Spokane, Washington? Who makes Spokane their hideout? Id been there once. It was about as boring as every other backwoods northwest city.Strigoi, apparently, he said, deadpan. The address was fake, but other evidence sho ws they really are there. Theres a kind of shopping plaza that has some underground tunnels. Thereve been Strigoi sightings around that area.Then I frowned. Are you going to go after them? Is somebody going to? I mean, this is what Tashas been saying all along. If we know where they are He shook his head. The guardians cant do anything without permission from higher up. Thats not going to happen anytime soon.I sighed. Because the Moroi talk too much.Theyre being cautious, he said. I felt myself getting worked up again. Come on. Even you cant want to be careful on this one. You actually know where Strigoi are hiding out. Strigoi who massacred children. Dont you want to go after them when they dont expect it? I sounded like stonemason now.Its not that easy, he said. We answer to the Guardian Council and the Moroi government. We cant just run off and act on impulse. And anyway, we dont know everything yet. You should never walk into any situation without knowing all the details.Zen l ife lessons again, I sighed. I ran a hand through my hair, tucking it behind my ears. Whyd you tell me this, anyway? This is guardian stuff. Not the kind of thing you let novices in on.He considered his words, and his expression softened. He always looked amazing, but I liked him best like this. Ive said a few thingsthe other day and todaythat I shouldnt have. Things that insulted your age. Youre seventeenbut youre capable of handling and processing the same things those much older than you do.My titty grew light and fluttery. genuinely?He nodded. Youre still really young in a lot of ways- and act young- but the only way to really change that is to treat you like an adult. I need to do that more. I know youll take this training and understand how important it is and keep it to yourself.I didnt love being told I acted young, but I liked the idea that he would talk to me like an equal.Dimka, came a voice. Tasha Ozera walked up to us. She smiled when she saw me. Hello, Rose.There w ent my mood. Hey, I said flatly.She place a hand on Dimitris forearm, sliding her fingers over the leather of his coat. I eyed those fingers angrily. How dare they touch him?Youve got that look, she told him.What look? he asked. The stern look hed purposeless with me vanished. There was a small, knowing smile on his lips. Almost a playful one.That look that says youre going to be on duty all day.Really? I have a look like that? There was a teasing, mocking tone to his voice.She nodded. When does your shift technically end?Dimitri actually looked- I swear- sheepish. An hour ago.You cant keep doing this, she groaned. You need a break.Well if you consider that Im always Lissas guardianFor now, she said knowingly. I felt sicker than I had last iniquity. Theres a big pool tournament going on upstairs.I cant, he said, but the smile was still on his face. Even though I havent played in a long time What the- ? Dimitri played pool?Suddenly, it didnt matter that wed just had a discussion about him treating me like an adult. Some small part of me did know what a compliment that was- but the rest of me cherished him to treat me like he did Tasha. Playful. Teasing. Casual. They were so familiar with each other, so completely at ease.Come on, then, she begged. just one round We could take them all.I cant, he repeated. He sounded regretful. Not with everything going on.She sobered a little. No. I suppose not. Glancing at me, she said teasingly, I hope you realize what a hard-core role model you have here. Hes never off duty.Well, I said, copying her lilting tone from earlier, for now, at least.Tasha looked puzzled. I dont think it occurred to her Id be making fun of her. Dimitris dark look told me he knew exactly what I was doing. I immediately know Id just killed whatever mount up Id made as an adult.Were finished here, Rose. Remember what I said.Yeah, I said, turning away. I suddenly wanted to go to my room and veg for a while. This day was making me tired already . Definitely.I hadnt gotten far when I ran into Mason. Good God. Men everywhere.Youre mad, he said as soon as he looked at my face. He had a knack for discovering my moods. What happened?Some authority problems. Its been a weird morning.I sighed, unable to get Dimitri off the brain. Looking at Mason, I remembered how Id been convinced I wanted to get serious with him last night. I was a head case. I couldnt make up my mind about anyone. Deciding the best way to demote one guy was to pay attention to another(prenominal), I grabbed Masons hand and steered him away.Come on. Wasnt the deal to go somewhereum, private today?I figured you werent wino anymore, he joked. But his eyes looked very, very serious. And interested. I assumed it was all off.Hey, I stand by my claims, no matter what. Opening my mind, I searched for Lissa. She was no longer in our room. Shed gone off to some other royal event, no doubt still practicing for Priscilla Vodas big dinner. Come on, I told Mason. Well go to my room. deflection from when Dimitri inconveniently happened to be passing by someones room, nobody was really enforcing the mixed-gender rule. It was practically like being back in my Academy dorms. As Mason and I went upstairs, I related to him what Dimitri had told me about the Strigoi in Spokane. Dimitri had told me to keep it to myself, but I was mad at him again, and I didnt see any harm in coition Mason. I knew hed be interested in this.I was right. Mason got really worked up.What? he exclaimed as we walked into my room. Theyre not doing anything?I shrugged and sat on my bed. Dimitri said- I know, I know I heard you. About being careful and all that. Mason paced around my room angrily. But if those Strigoi go after another Moroianother familydamn it Theyre going to wish they werent so careful then.Forget about it, I said. I felt kind of miffed that me on a bed wasnt enough to deter him from crazy battle plans. Theres nothing we can do.He stopped walking. We could go.Go where? I asked stupidly.To Spokane. There are buses you can catch in town.I wait. You want us to go to Spokane and take on Strigoi?Sure. Eddied do it too we could go to that mall. They wouldnt be organized or anything, so we could wait and pick them off one by one I could only stare. When did you get so dumb?Oh, I see. Thanks for the vote of confidence.Its not about confidence, I argued, standing up and approaching him. You kick major ass. Ive seen it. But this this isnt the way. We cant go get Eddie and take on Strigoi. We need more people. More planning. More information.I rested my hands on his chest. He placed his over them and smiled. The fire of battle was still in his eyes, but I could tell his mind was alter to more immediate concerns. Like me.I didnt mean to call you dumb, I told him. Im sorry.Youre just saying that now because you want to have your way with me.Of course I am, I laughed, happy to see him relax. The nature of this conversation reminded me a little of th e one Christian and Lissa had had in the chapel.Well, he said, I dont think Im going to be too hard to take advantage of.Good. Because there are lots of things I want to do.I slid my hands up and around his neck. His skin was warm beneath my fingers, and I remembered how much Id enjoyed kissing him last night.Suddenly, out of nowhere, he said, You really are his student.Whose?Belikovs. I was just thinking about when you mentioned needing more information and stuff. You act just like him. Youve gotten all serious since youve been hanging out with him.No, I havent.Mason had pulled me closer, but now I suddenly didnt feel so romantic. Id wanted to make out and forget Dimitri for a while, not have a conversation about him. Where had this come from? Mason was supposed to be distracting me.He didnt notice anything was wrong. Youve just changed, thats all. Its not bad just different.Something about that made me angry, but before I could snap back, his mouth met mine in a kiss. Reasonable discussions sort of vanished. A bit of that dark temper started to rise in me, but I simply channeled that intensity into physicality as Mason and I fell on top of each other. I yanked him down on the bed, managing to do so without stopping the kissing. I was nothing if not a multitasker. I dug my nails into his back while his hands slid up the back of my neck and released the ponytail Id just made minutes ago. Running his fingers through the unbound hair, he shifted his mouth down and kissed my neck.You are amazing, he told me. And I could tell that he meant it. His whole face glowed with affection for me.I arched upward, letting his lips press harder against my skin while his hands slipped under the bottom of my shirt. They trailed upward along my stomach, just barely tracing the edge of my bra.Considering wed just been having an argument a minute ago, I was surprised to see things escalating so quickly. Honestly, though I didnt mind. This was the way I lived my life. Everythin g was always fast and intense with me. The night Dimitri and I had fallen victim to higher-up Dashkovs lust charm, thered been some pretty furious passion going on too. Dimitri had controlled it, though, so sometimes wed taken things slowlyand that had been wonderful in its own way. But most of the time, we hadnt been able to hold ourselves back. I could feel it all over again. The ways his hands had run over my body. The deep, powerful kisses.It was then that I know something.I was kissing Mason, but in my head, I was with Dimitri. And it wasnt like I was simply remembering either. I was actually imagining I was with Dimitri- right now- reliving that night all over again. With my eyes closed, it was easy to pretend.But when I opened them and saw Masons eyes, I knew he was with me. He adored me and had wanted me for a long time. For me to do this to be with him and pretend I was with someone else It wasnt right.I wiggled out of his reach. No dont.Mason stopped immediately becaus e thats the kind of guy he was. too much? he asked. I nodded. Thats okay. We dont have to do that.He reached for me again, and I moved farther away. No, I just dont I dont know. Lets call it quits, okay?I He was speechless for a moment. What happened to the lots of things you wanted to do?Yeah it looked pretty bad, but what could I say? I cant get physical with you because when I do, I just think about the other guy I actually want. Youre just a stand-in.I swallowed, feeling stupid. Im sorry, Mase. I just cant.He sat up and ran a hand over his hair. Okay. All right.I could hear the hardness in his voice. Youre mad.He glanced over at me, a surging expression on his face. Im just confused. I cant read your signals. One moment youre hot, the next youre cold. You tell me you want me, you tell me you dont. If you picked one, thatd be fine, but you keep making me think one thing and then you end up going in a completely different direction. Not just now- all the time.It was true. I had gone back and forth with him. Sometimes I was flirty, other times I completely ignored him.Is there something you want me to do? he asked when I didnt say anything. Something thatll I dont know. Make you feel better about me?I dont know, I said weakly.He sighed. Then what do you want in popular?Dimitri, I thought. Instead, I repeated myself. I dont know.With a groan, he stood up and headed for the door. Rose, for someone who claims she wants to gather as much information as possible, you really have a lot to learn about yourself.The door slammed behind him. The noise made me flinch, and as I stared at where Mason had just stood, I realized he was right. I did have a lot to learn.