The blow was almost physical, a punch in the gut. Alexandria’s paled, and she suddenly found herself examining the immaculate kitchen floor. Everything reminded her of the terrible price she paid for remaining alive. There had to be a way to change back. If a vampire or a… a Carpathian could bring her across, then modern medicine must have an antidote. She would secretly do research, find a way to take care of Joshua by herself, without the help of Marie or Stefan, and certainly without Aidan. He was becoming far too indispensable for her liking.
She sensed his golden eyes on her, knew he was watching her closely, could feel the exact moment when his mind reached out to hers. She deliberately resisted, wanting to exert her independence.
His laughter was soft and taunting. “Are you going to wear shoes when we take Joshua to school, or do you plan to escort him barefoot?” he asked softly, unconcerned with her defiance.
“I don’t think you need to come, Aidan. I’m quite capable of taking Josh to school all by myself. You have to remember, I’ve been doing it for some time now.”
He reached out and tugged a lock of her hair. “True, piccola, but that is not the point. I had to research the school very quickly, and while Stefan checked it out for me, I really have not had a chance to evaluate it for myself. This will be a good opportunity to do so.”
“You’re guarding me.” She made it an accusation.
He shrugged lazily. He saw no reason to deny it. “That, too.”
She flashed him a resentful look. All at once tears were burning behind her eyes, and that only made her more angry. “I don’t need a guard.”
“I know better.”
She caught him by the arm. “Joshua, hurry and finish your breakfast, then brush your teeth. Aidan and I are going to talk. Come into the living room when you’re ready to leave.”
“Okay, Alex,” Joshua replied.
Though her small fingers wrapped barely halfway around his powerful wrist, she dragged Aidan out of the kitchen. “You can’t keep me prisoner, Aidan. And I know you aren’t guarding me to keep me safe. What’s out there that would hurt me? You said yourself vampires can’t be out past the dawn. I can go with Joshua alone.”
“You have no idea what you are facing. The light, even the early-morning light, will hurt your eyes, and the sun will burn your skin. You will have to wear especially dark glasses and get used to the sun gradually. As your lifemate, I am responsible for your health and safety, and I must protect you at all times, even from yourself. If you wish to accompany Joshua to his school, than I will go also.”
“You’re making certain I return. Your coming with us has nothing to do with Joshua’s school or my safety. You think I’m going to take Josh and run for the nearest airport. If I had any brains at all, I would. You can just stay here, Aidan, and let me take care of my brother. I’ve been doing it for years.” Her blue eyes were flashing at him, fiery with determination and defiance.
Aidan allowed a slow, masculine smile of amusement to soften his mouth. “And a very good job you have done, Alexandria. Joshua is a fine boy. He has stolen the hearts of all of us who reside here. But I would be remiss in not escorting the boy at least once to his new school. Apparently he has had problems in the past with a bully or two, and he made it clear that a show of force could be very helpful in establishing better relationships. I will have Stefan bring the limo around.”
“You aren’t listening to me, Aidan.” But he had successfully defused her anger. She wanted Joshua to be happy. She had been only too aware of his troubles at the old school. If he wanted the big car and a few big adults around to back him up and make a strong first impression, then who was she to deny him?
“I don’t think I like you very much, Aidan. You always seem to get your way,” she capitulated reluctantly.