13

I'm confused because I explained my reasons in detail in the questionnaire, the one she just flipped through, but she leans back and grips the arms of her chair with one eyebrow raised.

"I read your notes but I'd like you to elaborate more before we try to find a solution to your problems."

"I'm a single father of two, and one of my daughters is dating a vampire."

She motions for me to continue.

"He's an empath, and they're constantly using his ability to try to break the rules I've set in place when it comes to their relationship." I run my hand through my hair. "She's just a kid, and I'm trying to be a good father. It's just me. I want to raise her and her sister right, and I can't do that with him in my head."

Jane nods and looks at something on her computer. "We know about Jasper Whitlock and his abilities. We're still in the process of testing and getting him registered, so he's going to the same school as …"

"Alice."

"Alice." Her lips curve upward. "I also saw that you've requested a shield. Those are rare, you know."

"I can't ban them from seeing each other. I'm not stupid." I sigh. "I'd like to have a second pair of eyes on them when they're together, but I've done some research, and if I have any chances of keeping an empath from influencing my mind, I'm going to need a shield."

She hums thoughtfully. "That's true."

"I'm desperate, Ms. Volturi," I tell her, ready to beg for help. "I'm not comfortable knowing that he can take control of me whenever he wants. My threats are just words to a vampire, but if I had a shield, I wouldn't have to worry about his influence when it comes to my daughter."

"Well, you came to the right place. I also saw that you prefer a vegetarian. Is there a specific reason behind that?"

My heart starts racing because I don't want to insult her, and she smiles softly. "Please speak freely, Mr. Cullen."

"Jasper worked hard to convert to vegetarianism because that was one of the main stipulations I made when Alice brought him home," I explain. "I know there are laws that would keep her safe for the most part, but it was more for my peace of mind. He's at our house a lot, and I'd hate to wave human blood in front of his face if the vampire I hire follows the traditional diet, if that makes sense."

"It does and that's very thoughtful of you considering the circumstances." She taps her pen against her chin, her deep red eyes lighting up. "I think I have the perfect vampire in mind. She's exactly what you're asking for, but she isn't on V.C's payroll."