“I told him you were safe and well, but you had business at our estates,” I explained. “I hope that was a sufficient answer.”
With a slight blush, Maxwell scratched the back of his hair. “Yeah, that’s okay. Honestly, I’m mostly surprised anyone was worried about me. I mean, I basically went missing and… No one else has noticed?”
Caleb shot Maxwell a sympathetic glance. “I’m sorry.”
“What Margaret did to you wasn’t fair,” I told him. “I know none of us have discussed your fate as of yet, but we will. I apologize it’s taken so long.”
“My fate?” Maxwell asked. “Oh, god, you’re not gonna kill me after Caleb gives birth, are you?”
“No!” Caleb cried.
Maxwell shot me a wary look.
“Nobody is going to hurt you,” I promised. I crossed my arms. “Besides your lack of freedom, we’ve all been gracious to you, haven’t we?”
Maxwell sighed. “Yeah, you have. Not what I was expecting from vampires, to be honest. Except for Margaret, you’ve all been nicer than I thought you would be. Even if Theo can’t get my name right half the time.”
I chuckled. “Oh, heknowsyour name. He simply likes you too much to use it.”
“What?” Maxwell blurted out, his face turning red.
“He likes having another friend around here,” I continued. “After all, you three humans are the first friends he’s had since his turning. He’s only had two vampire brothers to hang around with for a while now. Your presence has been good for him.”
“Oh.” The red in Maxwell’s ears faded slightly. “I see.”
“I like having you around, too,” Caleb said. “Even if you are my doctor and freak me out sometimes.”
Totally flustered now, Maxwell could only nod. Eventually he cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve got some notes to fill out, so…”
“Got it.” Caleb stood, ready to leave, but his eyes were fixated on the screen one final time.
“Would you like copies?” Maxwell asked.
I put my arm around Caleb. “Yes, please. The very first picture of our child is one we should keep.”
“Sure.” Maxwell printed out one for each of us and handed them over. “Here you go. And don’t forget to come back in two weeks. Drink some blood before then, too.”
Caleb grinned. “I’ll try. Thanks, Maxwell. You’re the best half-vampire-baby doctor in the world.”
“Well, I sure hope so,” Maxwell mumbled with a shy smile.
