My claws sprang out and I struggled with the urge to swat Adriel across the face. “I didn’t risk anyone’s life! Look, he’s still alive and kicking!”
Maxwell raised his hands, trying to calm the thick tension. “Um, guys--”
“Then why were youhandcuffedto the bed?” Adriel demanded, glaring daggers at me.
That time I didn’t have a quick response. I shut my mouth.
“That’s exactly what I thought,” Adriel said. “You were afraid of hurting Maxwell, so you took precautions.”
“Why’s that a bad thing?” I shot back. “Yeah, I was a little nervous because of all the doubt you put in my fucking head!”
“Watch your mouth, Theodore.”
My temper snapped. I snarled and shoved Adriel, pushing his chest. He didn’t move an inch. He just shook his head, looking down at me.
“How incredibly mature,” he said sarcastically. “Resorting to violence when you don’t get your way. That’s exactly what I’m trying to tell you, Theo. You can’t keep--”
“GUYS!”
We turned to Maxwell, who frowned at both of us.
“Adriel, I was the one who wanted to do this,” Maxwell explained firmly. “Theo didn’t pressure me or anything. And I was the one, er, on top.”
Adriel’s lips were a tight line. “I’m aware of that. I had a pretty good view, unfortunately.”
“Why are you being such an asshole?” I asked.
Maxwell shot me a sharp glance that was obviously meant to shut me up, but I was too angry. Adriel knew exactly how to annoy me.
“I’m being anassholeto protect Maxwell and keep him safe,” Adriel growled.
I felt my fangs sharpening and getting longer in my mouth. My claws dug into my fists. “You’re not protecting him. Don’t even try to act like you’re doing this for his sake. You just don’t want to be wrong. That’s why you keep pissing me off on purpose. You want to be right, as always, and you want me to be your dumb little brother.”
Adriel glowered. “Theo, that’s not--”
“Maybe you just don’t want me to be happy!” I snapped, throwing my hands in the air. “Is that it? ‘Cause it really seems like all you’ve done lately is ruin my chances at it!”
Maxwell latched onto my arm. “Theo, please calm down.”
Adriel took a step back. “Yes. You should listen to the doctor.”
“Stop patronizing me!” I snarled at Adriel.
Suddenly, Maxwell took my shoulders and spun me to face him. He glared at me. “Theo, stop.”
Although my body felt like it was on fire from anger, I hesitated. I unfurled my fists, letting my hands hang at my sides.
“Sorry,” I mumbled.
“Don’t be sorry. Look at me.”
He raised my head to make eye contact with him. His cool brown gaze reminded me of what was really important--my relationship with Maxwell, not my argument with Adriel. If I wanted to prove to my brother that we loved each other, I needed to calm down.
“Better?” he asked.
I nodded. I felt ashamed that I let Adriel’s poking and prodding anger me so badly.
“What’s going on here?”
