“Hewasfree to come and go as he pleased,” Pierce said, then paused. “But I’m not sure if his presence here will be a help or hindrance to you. I agree with Adriel. I think it’s best he stay away from the mansion for now.”
I threw my hands up in frustration. “So I’m not even allowed to be around my friend anymore?”
Pierce’s eyes were unblinking and deep as he watched me like a hawk. “He can stay the night.”
That doesn’t answer my question at all,I thought bitterly.
But Pierce was done with the conversation. “Go on and cool off now. We all need some time to clear our heads.”
“Fine.”
I left the dining hall angrier than when I entered it. Pierce and Adriel were crazy if they thought I was going to avoid humans for, what, the next fewcenturies? Especially when all I’d done to deserve this punishment was to protect my best friend.
I stopped mid-stride as Pierce’s words echoed in my head.
I’m not sure if his presence here will be a help or hindrance to you.
You’re underestimating your feelings.
You would do anything to protect him. You care for him.
I scowled and walked faster like the thoughts were a dark cloud chasing me. Why was Pierce so caught up on that? Just because he used to be a psychiatrist didn’t mean he was right about everything going on inside me.
I wasn’t in love with Maxwell. I cared for him as a friend. A close one, yes. But it wasn’t love.
It couldn’t be.
