richellemead-vampireacademy01-vampireacademy-110824015328-phpapp02

"To kill her," said Dimitri flatly. "They were lovers.”
The entire Strigoi thing shifted into new focus for me. Running into a Strigoi I knew during the
heat of battle was one thing. Purposely hunting down someone…someone I'd loved. Well, I
didn't know if I could do that, even if it was technically the right thing.
"Perhaps it is time to talk about something else," said Victor gently. "Today isn't a day to dwell
on depressing topics.”
I think all of us felt relieved to get to the mall. Shifting into my bodyguard role, I stuck by
Lissa's side as we wandered from store to store, looking at all the new styles that were out there.
It was nice to be in public again and to do something with her that was just fun and didn't
involve any of the dark, twisted politics of the Academy. It was almost like old times. I'd
missed just hanging out. I'd missed my best friend.
Although it was only just past mid-November, the mall already had glittering holiday
decorations up. I decided I had the best job ever. Admittedly, I did feel a little put out when I
realized the older guardians got to stay in contact through cool little communication devices.
When I protested my lack of one, Dimitri told me I'd learn better without one. If I could handle
protecting Lissa the old-fashioned way, I could handle anything.
Victor and Spiridon stayed with us while Dimitri and Ben fanned out, somehow managing not
to look like creepy stalker guys watching teenage girls.
"This is so you," said Lissa in Macy's, handing me a low-cut tank top embellished with lace.
"I'll buy it for you.”
I regarded it longingly, already picturing myself in it. Then, making my regular eye contact
with Dimitri, I shook my head and handed it back. "Winter's coming. I'd get cold.”
"Never stopped you before.”
Shrugging, she hung it back up. She and Camille tried on a nonstop string of clothes, their
massive allowances ensuring that price posed no problem. Lissa offered to buy me anything I
wanted. We'd been generous with each other our whole lives, and I didn't hesitate to take her up
on it. My choices surprised her.