Abe held my gaze a bit longer and then broke into an easy smile. ?Of course, of course. This is a fa

Abe held my gaze a bit longer and then broke into an easy smile. ?Of course, of course. This is a family gathering. A celebration. And look: here?s our newest member.? Dimitri had joined us and wore black and white like my mother and me. He stood beside me, conspicuously not touching. ?Mr. Mazur,? he said formally, nodding a greeting to both of them. ?Guardian Hathaway.? Dimitri was seven years older than me, but right then, facing my parents, he looked like he was sixteen and about to pick me up for a date. ?Ah, Belikov,? said Abe, shaking Dimitri?s hand. ?I?d been hoping we?d run into each other. I?d really like to get to know you better. Maybe we can set aside some time to talk, learn more about life, love, et cetera. Do you like to hunt? You seem like a hunting man. That?s what we should do sometime. I know a great spot in the woods. Far, far away. We could make a day of it. I?ve certainly got a lot of questions I?d like to ask you. A lot of things I?d like to tell you too.? I shot a panicked look at my mother, silently begging her to stop this. Abe had spent a good deal of time talking to Adrian when we dated, explaining in vivid and gruesome detail exactly how Abe expected his daughter to be treated. I did not want Abe taking Dimitri off alone into the wilderness, especially if firearms were involved. ?Actually,? said my mom casually. ?I?d like to come along. I also have a number of questions—especially about when you two were back at St. Vladimir?s.? ?Don?t you guys have somewhere to be?? I asked hastily. ?We?re about to start.? That, at least, was true. Nearly everyone was in formation, and the crowd was quieting. ?Of course,? said Abe. To my astonishment, he brushed a kiss over my forehead before stepping away. ?I?m glad you?re back.? Then, with a wink, he said to Dimitri: ?Looking forward to our chat.? ?Run,? I said when they were gone. ?If you slip out now, maybe they won?t notice. Go back to Siberia." notice. Don't worry, Roza. I'm not afraid. I'll take whatever heat they give me over being with you. It's worth it.
----Richelle Mead, Last Sacrifice