RPOV
I thought staying in Montana would be to our—me and Lissa's—advantage, that the guardians at St. Vlad's wouldn't be able to figure out we were there the whole time. But they outsmarted us. And that's how Lissa and I ended up in one of many guardian vehicles, on our way back to the academy. I was in shotgun, next to Dimitri who was driving, Lissa was in the back with another guardian.
Though I tried my best to ignore it, Dimitri's presence was overwhelming. I still couldn't get over the fact that I had met him before—and not knowing is something I can't deal with. No one uttered a word, but I could feel Lissa's feelings through the bond. She was frightened, confused, and a little irritated. I couldn't blame her. After two years on the run, we end up getting put back to the place we tried to avoid.
"You look annoyed," Dimitri said. He shot a quick glance my way then back to the road. I grunted in response, but I felt a warm, fuzzy feeling at the sound of his voice. The effects of Lissa's bite had worn off. "I'm sorry," Dimitri continued. "But the Academy is safer for the Princess. It's a miracle the two of you were able to make it two years unharmed, but the Academy's wards will keep any Strigoi away." The warmth of Dimitri's voice made me want to faint. If I had been standing, I'm sure my knees would've given out.
"We were doing fine on our own," I mumbled. I crossed my arms over my chest. I snuck a peek at Dimitri, and noticed a very small smile on his perfectly sculpted lips. Even sitting down, Dimitri looked like a giant. Over six-feet, I'm positive. And through his very weird-looking cowboy duster, I saw delicious looking, well-defined muscles.
"I'm not saying you did did a bad job," Dimitri said softly. "You protected the Princess for two years on your own, no ordinary dhampir would have been able to do that." I felt my heart flutter. He glanced at me quickly. "I'm impressed with you."
My cheeks heated. I quickly looked at my lap, my hair falling around my face.
"Thanks," I whispered. I heard, very quietly, Dimitri say 'You're welcome.'
When we reached the Academy, I was still felt flustered by Dimitri's words. When we got out of the car, Dimitri motioned us to follow him. I looked at Lissa cautiously, but followed.
"We're going to see the Headmistress," Dimitri said, looking at me with those deep brown eyes. I couldn't help but notice those thick, dark eyelashes that framed those beautiful eyes. My mouth went dry, all my words froze in my throat. "She'd like to discuss a few things with you." I nodded, too dazed to reply.
When we reached Kirova's office, I felt my chest tighten. Kirova never liked me. She adored Lissa, though. With her being the last Dragomir and all. Dimitri opened the door for me, smiling warmly. I mumbled a thanks and entered. After letting Lissa through, Dimitri walked in and closed the door.