Carpathian 03 - Dark Gold

with his large frame blocking out most of the light, throwing a protective shadow over her, she clenched her teeth against the burning sensation. With her eyes closed behind the dark glasses, she kissed the top of Joshua's head. "Have a good day, Josh. See you tonight." She was astonished that she could sound so normal.
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    "Will you be there when I get home?" he asked anxiously. He still hated letting her out of his sight, still feared he would lose her. Lately, the feeling had crept into his dreams—nightmares, really—that Alexandria was gone far from him forever. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and buried his face on her shoulder.
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    "What is it, Josh?" At once, her own fears and physical pain were swept aside so that she could comfort him.
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    "Nothing bad is going to happen to you, is it?" His anxiety was in his voice, in the tautness of his small body.
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    Alexandria wanted to answer him, to reassure him, but the words caught in her throat and refused to come out. Only a tiny sound escaped, of something between terror and pain.
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    "I will be with Alexandria while you are at school, Joshua," Aidan said softly, the smooth, easy pitch of his voice so pure, it was impossible not to believe him. "I will never allow anything or anyone to harm her. You have my word on that. And even if she is resting when you get home, Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    she will be up in the evening to be with you."
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    In his sister's arms, Joshua visibly relaxed, and Aidan patted the boy's head, a rush of affection unexpectedly washing over him. Joshua was wrapping himself around his heart.
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    But behind the dark glasses, Aidan's eyes were restless, searching, an uneasiness growing in him.
    He was able to tolerate the light of morning, but the price of being Carpathian, a creature of the darkness, would eventually steal up on him and claim his great strength.
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    "I'll be home at two-thirty," Joshua announced like a little adult, and he kissed Alexandria one last time.
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    "Your lunch," Stefan reminded him, handing the boy the backpack Marie had purchased for him a few days earlier.
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    "Thanks, Stefan," Joshua called as he ran after a boy who had already become his friend. "Jeff!
    Hey! Wait up."
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    Alexandria tried to watch him run, but the light nearly blinded her, like needles piercing her pupils, making them water continually. She had no option but to close her eyes tightly. She drew her knees up and huddled miserably against the back seat. Aidan shifted, a mere rustling on the rich leather, but she could feel the warmth and comfort of his solid frame beside her. Still, she didn't want his comfort. She didn't want anything to do with him. He had promised Joshua that he would look after her, that she would always be there for the boy, but she couldn't face living the life of a creature existing off the blood of others. No sun. No day. No real sharing of Joshua's life. She groaned softly and covered her face with her hands.
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    Stefan shut the door, blocking out the terrible light, and Aidan's arm circled her slender shoulders. "It will not be like this for all time, cara ."
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    "It's not even nine o'clock in the morning. The sun is barely up yet." Sobs were trying to push past the lump in her throat.
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    "Your skin must become accustomed to daylight slowly." She felt the brush of his mouth on the top of her head.
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    Stefan started the car.
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    "Wait," Aidan commanded, and Stefan obeyed instantly, turning in his seat in inquiry. Aidan remained silent, scanning the surrounding area, a slight frown touching his mouth. "Perhaps we could use the services of Vinnie del Marco and Rusty. Please get them here immediately, and instruct them to remain with Joshua until he is safe within the walls of our home. Arrange for one of their associates to remain with Marie as she goes about her business, and please ensure that she postpones as many errands as possible." His voice was even and calm, without alarm, yet it frightened Alexandria.
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    "What is it?" she demanded. Stefan was asking no questions. Obviously he was well aware of the significance of Aidan's orders. "Tell me. Joshua's my brother. Is he in some kind of danger?"
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    Aidan's arm tightened around her as the car pulled away from the school, preventing her from leaping from the moving vehicle in an attempt to get back to Joshua. Alexandria struggled, but he Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv