Frostbite Chapter 14

FOURTEENTWO GUYS ID NEVER MET before were squaring glowering against each former(a). They timbreed to be in their twenties, and neither noticed me. The one whod bumped into me shoved the other(a) one straining, forcing him to stagger prickle considerably.Youre afraid yell the goose by me. He had on green swimming trunks, and his black hair was slicked cover with water. Youre all afraid. You ripe want to hole up in your mansions and let the guardians do your dirty work. What are you going to do when theyre all dead? Wholl nurse you then?The other guy wiped the blood off his face with the back of his hand. I short recognized him- thanks to his blond highlights. He was the royal whod yelled at Tasha close to wanting to lead Moroi to battle. Shed called him Andrew. He tried to land a hit and failed his technique was all wrong. This is the safest way. Listen to that Strigoi-lover, and well all be dead. Shes seek to kill our upstanding race offShes attempt to save usShes ex hausting to get us to use black magicThe Strigoi-lover had to be Tasha. The non-royal guy was the first person outside of my little circle whom Id ever heard speak in her favor. I wondered how m any others out there shared his view. He punched Andrew again, and my base instincts- or maybe the punch- make me leap into action.I sprang forward and wedged myself between them. I was still dizzy and a bit unsteady. If they hadnt been rest so close, I probably would have fallen over. They some(prenominal) hesitated, clearly caught off guard.Get out of here, snapped Andrew.Being male and Moroi, they had greater height and fish than I, scarcely I was probably stronger than either one alone. Hoping I could make the most of that, I grabbed each of them by the arm, pulled them toward me, and then shoved them away as hard as I could. They staggered, not having expected my strength. I staggered a little alike.The non-royal glared and took a step toward me. I was counting on the fact that hed be quaint and not hit a girl. What are you doing? he exclaimed. Several people had gathered and were watching excitedly.I returned his glare. Im trying to stop you guys from cosmos any more(prenominal) idiotic than you already are You want to help? Stop fighting each other Ripping each others laissez passers off isnt going to save the Moroi unless youre trying to thin stupidity out of the gene pool. I pointed at Andrew. Tasha Ozera is not trying to kill everyone off. Shes trying to get you to stop organism a victim. I turned to the other guy. And as for you, youve got a long ways to go if you think this is the way to get your point across. Magic- especially offensive magic- entertains a kitty of self-control, and so far, you arent impressing me with yours. I have more than you do, and if you knew me at all, youd know how crazy that is.The two guys stared at me, stunned. I was apparently more effective than a taser. Well, at least for several seconds I was. Because once the sh ock of my words wore off, they went at each other again. I got caught in the crossfire and shoved away, nearly falling in the process. Suddenly, from hindquarters me, Mason came to my defense. He punched the first guy he could- the non-royal.The guy flew backward, falling into one of the pools with a splash. I yelped, remembering my earlier fear about skull-cracking, yet a moment later, he found his feet and rubbed water out of his eyes.I grabbed Masons arm, trying to hold him back, but he shrugged me off and went after(prenominal) Andrew. He shoved Andrew hard, button him into several Moroi- andrews friends, I suspected- who seemed to be trying to break up the fight. The guy in the pool climbed out, fury written all over his face, and made moves toward Andrew. This time, both Mason and I blocked his way. He glared at all of us.Dont, I warned him.The guy clenched his fists and looked as though he index try to take us on. exclusively we were intimidating, and he didnt appear to have an entourage of friends here like Andrew- who was shouting obscenities and being led away- did. With a few muttered threats, the non-royal backed off.As soon as he was gone, I turned on Mason. ar you out of your mind?Huh? he asked.Jumping into the middle of thatYou jumped in too, he said.I started to argue, then realized he was right. Its different, I grumbled.He leaned forward. Are you sot?No. Of course not. Im just trying to keep you from doing something stupid. Just because you have delusions of being able to kill a Strigoi doesnt mean you have to take it out on everyone else.Delusions? he asked stiffly.I started to look kind of nauseous just then. My head spinning, I continued toward the side room, hoping I didnt stumble.But when I reached it, I saw that it wasnt some kind of dessert or drink room after all. Well, at least not in the way Id been thinking. It was a feeder room. Several humans reclined on satin-covered chaise lounges with Moroi by their sides. Jasmine in cense burned in the air. Stunned, I watched with an eerie fascination as a blond Moroi guy leaned forward and bit into the neck of a very pretty redhead. All of these feeders were exceptionally considerably-looking, I realized just then. corresponding actresses or models. Only the best for royalty.The guy drank long and deep, and the girl closed her eyes and parted her lips, an expression of delicate bliss on her face as Moroi endorphins flooded into her bloodstream. I shivered, taken back to when I too had experienced that same kind of euphoria. In my alcohol-hazed mind, the whole thing suddenly seemed startlingly erotic. In fact, I almost felt intrusive- like I was watching people have sex. When the Moroi finished and licked the finis of the blood away, he brushed his lips against her cheek in a soft kiss.Want to volunteer?Light fingertips brushed my neck, and I jumped. I turned slightly and saw Adrians green eyes and knowing smirk.Dont do that, I told him, knocking his hand away.Then what are you doing in here? he asked.I gestured most me. Im lost.He peered at me. Are you drunk?No. Of course notbut The nausea had settled a little, but I still didnt feel right. I think I should sit mow.He took my arm. Well, dont do it in here. Someone might get the wrong desire. Lets go somewhere quiet.He steered me off into a different room, and I looked around with interest. It was a massage area. Several Moroi lay back on tables and were getting back and foot massages from hotel staff. The oil they utilize smelled like rosemary and lavender. Under any other circumstances, a massage would have sounded great, but lying on my stomach seemed like the worst idea just now.I sat down on the carpeted floor, leaning back against the wall. Adrian walked away and returned with a glass of water. Sitting down as well, he handed it to me.Drink this. Itll help.I told you, Im not drunk, I mumbled. But I downed the water anyway.Uh-huh. He smiled at me. You did nice work with th at fight. Who was the other guy that helped you?My boyfriend, I said. Sort of.Mia was right. You do have a lot of guys in your life.Its not like that.Okay. He was still smiling. Wheres Vasilisa? I figured shed be attached to you.Shes with her boyfriend. I studied him.Whats with the sound? Jealous? You want him for yourself?God, no. I just dont like him.Does he treat her badly? he asked.No, I admitted. He adores her. Hes just kind of a jerk.Adrian was clearly enjoying this. Ah, you are jealous. Does she spend more time with him than you?I ignored that. Why do you keep asking about her? Are you interested in her?He laughed. Rest easy, Im not interested in her in the same way I am you.But you are interested.I just want to talk to her.He left to fetch me more water. Feeling better? he asked, handing the glass to me. It was crystal and intricately carved. It seemed too phantasy for plain water.Yeah I didnt think those drinks were that strong.Thats the beauty of them, he chuckled. And speaking of beauty thats a great color on you.I shifted. I might not have been generateing as much skin as those other girls, but I was showing more than I really valued to with Adrian. Or was I? There was something weird about him. His arrogant manner annoyed mebut I still liked being around him. per misfortune the smartass in me recognized a kindred spirit.Somewhere in the back of my drunken mind, a light clicked on. But I couldnt quite get to it. I drank more water.You havent had a cigarette in, like, ten minutes, I pointed out, wanting to change the subject.He made a face. No smoking in here.Im sure youve made up for it in punch.His smile returned. Well, some of us can hold our liquor. You arent going to be sick, are you?I still felt tipsy but no longer nauseous. No.Good.I thought back to when Id dreamed about him. It had been just a dream, but it had stuck with me, particularly the talk about me being surrounded in darkness. I wanted to ask him about it even though I knew it was stupid. It had been my dream, not his.AdrianHe turned his green eyes on me. Yes, darling?I couldnt bring myself to ask. Never mind.He started to retort, then tilted his head toward the door. Ah, here she comes.Who- Lissa stepped into the room, eyes scanning around. When she spotted us, I saw respite break over her. I couldnt feel it, though. Intoxicants like alcohol numbed the bond. It was another reason I shouldnt have taken such a stupid chance tonight.There you are, she said, kneeling beside me. Glancing at Adrian, she gave him a nod. Hey.Hey yourself, cousin, he returned, using the family terms royals sometimes apply around each other.You okay? Lissa asked me. When I saw how drunk you were, I thought you might have fallen in somewhere and drowned.Im not- I gave up trying to deny it. Im fine.Adrians usual expression had turned heavy as he studied Lissa. It again reminded me of the dream. Howd you find her?Lissa gave him a puzzled look. I, um, checked all the rooms.Oh. He looked disappointed. I thought you might have used your bond.Both she and I stared.How do you know about that? I demanded. Only a few people at school knew about it. Adrian had spoken about it as casually as he might have my hair color.Hey, I cant reveal all my secrets, can I? he asked mysteriously. And besides, theres a reliable way you two act around each other its hard to explain. Its pretty cool all the old myths are true.Lissa regarded him warily. The bond only plant one way. Rose can sense what Im feeling and thinking, but I cant do it back to her.Ah. We sat in silence a few moments, and I drank more water. Adrian spoke again. Whatd you specialize in anyway, cousin?She looked embarrassed. We both knew it was important to keep her spirit powers secret from others who might abuse her healing, but her cover point of not having specialized always bothered her.I havent, she said.Do they think youre going to? Late bloomer?No.Youre probably higher in the other elements, though , right? Just not strong enough to really master any? He reached out to pat her shoulder in an exaggerated show of comfort.Yeah, howd you- The instant his fingers touched her, she gasped. It was as though a bolt of lightning had struck her. The strangest look crossed her face. Even drunk, I felt the flood of joy that came burbling through the bond. She stared at Adrian in wonder. His eyes were locked onto hers too. I didnt understand why they were looking at each other like that, but it bothered me.Hey, I said. Stop that. I told you, she has a boyfriend.I know, he said, still watching her. A small smile turned his lips. We need to have a blurt someday, cousin.Yes, she agreed.Hey. I was more confused than ever. You have a boyfriend. And there he is.She blinked back to reality. All three of us turned toward the doorway. Christian and the others stood there. I suddenly had a flashback to when theyd found me with Adrians arm around me. This wasnt much better. Lissa and I were sitting on either side of him, very close.She sprang up, looking mildly guilty. Christian was regarding her curiously.Were getting ready to leave, he said.Okay, she told him. She looked down at me. Ready?I nodded and started to clamber to my feet. Adrian caught my arm as I did and helped me up. He smiled at Lissa. Nice talking to you. To me, he murmured very quietly, Dont worry. I told you, Im not interested in her in that way. She doesnt look as good in a bathing suit. Probably not as good out of one either.I pulled my arm away. Well, youll never find out.Its okay, he said. I have a good imagination.I joined the others, and we headed back toward the main part of the lodge. Mason gave me as strange a look as Christian had given Lissa and stayed away from me, walking toward the front with Eddie. To my surprise and discomfort, I found myself walking beside Mia. She looked miserable.I Im really sorry about what happened, I said finally.You dont have to act like you care, Rose.No, no. I mean it . Its uglyIm so sorry. She wouldnt look at me. Isthat is, are you going to see your dad soon?Whenever they have the memorial, she said stiffly.Oh.I didnt know what else to say and gave up, instead turn my attention to the stairs as we climbed back up to the lodges main level. Unexpectedly, Mia was the one who continued the conversation.I watched you break up that fight she said slowly. You mentioned offensive magic. Like you knew about it.Oh. Great. She was going to make a play at blackmailor was she? At the moment, she seemed almost civil.I was just guessing, I said. No way was I going to bust Tasha and Christian. I dont really know that much. Just stories Ive heard.Oh. Her face fell. What kind of stories?Um, wellI tried to think of something neither too vague nor too specific. Like I told those guysthe concentration thing is big. Because if youre in a battle with Strigoi, all sorts of things can distract you. So youve got to keep control.That was in reality a basic guardian ru le, but it must have been new to Mia. Her eyes widened with eagerness. What else? What kind of spells do people use?I shook my head. I dont know. I dont really even know how spells work, and like I said, these are juststories Ive heard. My guess is you just find ways to use your element as a weapon. Like fire users really have an advantage because firell kill Strigoi, so its easy for them. And air users can suffocate people. Id actually experienced that lead one vicariously through Lissa. It had been horrible.Mias eyes grew wider still. What about a water user? she asked. How could water hurt a Strigoi?I paused. I, uh, never heard any stories about water users. Sorry.Do you have any ideas, though? Ways that, like, someone like me could learn to fight?Ah. So thats what this was about. It actually wasnt all that crazy. I remembered how excited shed looked at the meeting when Tasha had talked about attacking Strigoi. Mia wanted to take revenge on the Strigoi for her mothers death. No wonder she and Mason had been getting along so well.Mia, I said gently, catching hold of the door to let her pass. We were almost at the lobby now. I know how you must want to do something. But I think youre better off just sort of letting yourself, um, grieve.She reddened, and suddenly, I was seeing the normal and angry Mia. Dont talk down to me, she said.Hey, Im not. Im serious. Im just verbalize you shouldnt do anything rash while youre still upset. Besides I bit off my words.She narrowed her eyes. What?Screw it. She needed to know. Well, I dont really know what good a water user would be against a Strigoi. Its probably the least useful element to use on one of them.Outrage filled her features. Youre a real bitch, you know that?Im just telling you the truth.Well, let me tell you the truth. Youre a total idiot when it comes to guys.I thought about Dimitri. She wasnt entirely off base.Masons great, she continued. oneness of the nicest guys I know- and you dont even notice Hed do anything for you, and you were off throwing yourself at Adrian Ivashkov.Her words surprised me. Could Mia have a crush on Mason? And while I certainly hadnt been throwing myself at Adrian, I could see how it might have looked that way. And even if it werent true, that wouldnt have stopped Mason from feeling hurt and betrayed.Youre right, I said.Mia stared at me, so astonished Id agreed with her that she didnt say anything else for the rest of the walk.We reached the part of the lodge that split off into different wings for guys and girls. I grabbed a hold of Masons arm as the others walked off.Hang on, I told him. I badly needed to reassure him about Adrian, but a tiny part of me wondered if I was doing it because I actually wanted Mason or because I just liked the idea of him wanting me and selfishly didnt want to lose that. He stopped and looked at me. His face was wary. I wanted to tell you Im sorry. I shouldnt have yelled at you after the fight- I know you were just trying to help. And with Adriannothing happened. I mean it.It didnt look that way, Mason said. But the anger on his face had faded.I know, but believe me, its all him. Hes got some kind of stupid crush on me.My tone must have been convincing because Mason smiled. Well. Hard not to.Im not interested in him, I continued. Or anyone else. It was a small lie, but I didnt think it mattered just then. I was going to be over Dimitri soon, and Mia had been right about Mason. He was wonderful and sweet and cute. I would be an idiot not to pursue this right?My hand was still on his arm, and I pulled him toward me. He didnt need much more of a signal. He leaned down and kissed me, and in the process, I found myself pressed up against the wall- very much like with Dimitri in the practice room. Of course, it felt nothing like how it had with Dimitri, but it was still nice in its way. I put my arms around Mason and started to pull him closer.We could go somewhere, I said.He pushed back and laughed. Not w hen youre drunk.Im not that drunk anymore, I said, trying to pull him back.Giving me a small kiss on the lips, he stepped back. Drunk enough. Look, this isnt easy, believe me. But if you still want me tomorrow- when youre sober- then well talk.He leaned down and kissed me again. I tried to wrap my arms around him, but he broke away once more.Easy there, girl, he teased, backing toward his hallway.I glared at him, but he only laughed and turned around. As he walked away, my glare faded, and I headed back to my room with a smile on my face.