14
Theo
I could’ve saidit’s not what it looks like, except it was exactly what it looked like.
My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach and I almost groaned when I saw who had busted us. Of all the people, it just had to be Adriel. Of course. He was the most mortifying option, after all.
A beat of silence passed, then Adriel roared, “What is going on here?”
If I had picture frames on the walls, they probably would’ve fallen and shattered at the force of his voice. I only winced, but Maxwell shrieked. In an embarrassing motion, he tripped backwards, his cock slipping out of me and causing the cum to gush out.
And obviously, all of this happened while I was still handcuffed to the bed. I stared at the ceiling and wished aliens would come abduct me so I could get the hell out of this mess.
Adriel didn’t even have the decency to act like he was embarrassed, or even given us a moment to get dressed. Dick.
Since Maxwell was busy being utterly humiliated and trying to cover himself up, I took on the responsibility of responding to my brother.
“Well, we were having sex,” I said sarcastically. “And obviously you know what that is, since you have a child, so I’m not sure why you’re even asking.”
Adriel glared at me like he wished I’d burst into flames. “I’m aware of that,” he ground out. “I’m askingwhy!”
Maxwell hurried to undo the handcuffs holding me to the bed. When they fell off, I rolled my shoulders and casually slipped into a pair of boxers so I wasn’t totally naked. Maxwell was fully dressed again, except for his glasses. He stared at the ground, his face beet red.
It was one thing to embarrass me, but not him. Not my mate.
I marched up to Adriel and returned his glare.
“How did you even know we were here, and what we were doing?” I demanded. “Are you spying on us?”
“I don’t need to spy on you,” he growled, pointing firmly in the direction of a fruit bat hanging in the hallway. She shot me a sheepish glance and I realized what had happened.
“Oh.” I frowned. “The bat stole the lube and condom fromyourroom, didn’t she?”
Adriel nodded deliberately, not taking his eyes off me. “Yes. It wasn’t difficult to put two and two together after that.” He swept a hand towards Maxwell. “So, would you like to explain to me, Theodore, why I found you being intimate with a human? A human I specifically told you tostay awayfrom?” He stuck a finger into my chest. “And on top of that, why you thoughtlyingto Pierce and I was a good idea?”
“Because you were being ridiculous!” I argued. “You can’t just ban me from going outside or interacting with any human!”
“Yes, I can,” he repeated, his voice dire. “As the oldest vampire in this household, I’m fully in my right to decide that. Especially if you’ve proven yourself to be unstable.”
I forced myself to remain calm. His words were only meant to provoke me, to prove his point. I crossed my arms and dug my nails into my skin as a distraction.
“A one-time slip doesn’t constitute me being unstable,” I countered. “The man wasn’t even hurt, Adriel. How many times are we gonna go over this?”
“As many times as it takes for you to get it through your thick head!” Adriel snapped. “What were you thinking, having sex with a human? Do you know how dangerous it is for a vampire as young as you?”
“First of all, you and Pierce are the ones going around banging humans, okay? You did it before me, so--”
“I’d watch your tongue, if I were you,” Adriel growled.
“I’m sick of watching my tongue! I’m not letting you boss me around anymore. I’m a grown man, and an alpha. So just back off, Adriel!”
“Theodore--”
“Don’t full name me,” I snapped. “It’s not intimidating.”
I knew I was pushing his buttons and pissing him off, just the same way he was doing to me. He deserved it.
“Are you so selfish that you’d risk this human’s life for your pleasure?” Adriel snarled.
