17
Maxwell
When Theo left the room, I let out a heavy sigh and crumpled to my knees. Tears beaded in the corners of my eyes as the adrenaline faded and a whirlwind of emotions hit me.
This was a total disaster.
“I screwed up,” I muttered. “I’m sorry.”
Adriel and Pierce were completely silent. It was only when I glanced up that I realized the two were staring at eachother like a pair of barn owls, having some kind of silent exchange.
They finally turned to me. Adriel approached me, offering a hand. As I got to my feet, he spoke, and his previous animosity was completely gone.
“Maxwell,” he said. “What you did was… absolutely ridiculous. Rash, and reckless. Maybe even stupid.”
I frowned.
“But I can’t deny that it worked,” Adriel admitted. “I cannot believe Theo didn’t succumb to his urges.”
I firmly shook my head. “He didn’t.”
“That’s what my brother is trying to say,” Pierce said with a small smile, patting Adriel on the shoulder. “He has a difficult time admitting when he’s wrong.”
Adriel shot him a glare, then rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen enough evidence to the contrary to change my opinion.”
As his words settled and registered in my brain, a shock went through my system. I perked up immediately. “Wait, it did?”
He nodded. “A vampire as young as Theodore shouldn’t be able to withstand a temptation that strong. If I’m being honest, I’m surprised you’re still alive.”
I winced. Maybe it wasn’t a very smart plan, after all.
“But heisalive,” Pierce added gently. “Maxwell, my stance on Theo wasn’t as strong as my brother’s, but even I know what you put Theo through was incredibly difficult. There are plenty of vampires much older than Theo that would’ve struggled to remain in control.”
“Oh, wow.” I blinked, taken aback. “I mean, Theo seemed uncomfortable, but I didn’t realize it was that bad...”
Adriel nodded. “You’re lucky to be alive.” He paused, looking like he wanted to say something else. “But perhaps lucky isn’t the best term.”
“Are you finally giving our brother credit where it’s due?” Pierce asked with a smirk.
“I suppose he’s earned it,” Adriel muttered. “I truly didn’t think he would have it in him to walk away from something like this. All this blood,” he said, gesturing to the pool on the floor. He wrinkled his nose. “Maybe you should clean up, doctor.”
“Er, right,” I said.
I darted to another room to change out of the bloodied clothes, then returned to mop up the blood and sanitize the floor. Adriel and Pierce both seemed slightly less tense when it was cleaned up. I hadn’t realized until then that the smell had probably affected them, too.
“Why was Theo’s reaction to my blood so strong?” I asked.
Pierce was the one who spoke up. “Because he’s in love with you, Maxwell.”
I blushed fiercely.
“When a vampire claims their mate, their reaction to their mate’s blood becomes a double-edged sword,” Adriel explained. “It’s both the most alluring, intoxicating scent in the world--and the life essence of the mate they’re sworn to protect.”
Guilt stabbed me. “I suspected Theo might have a heightened reaction to my blood, but I didn’t realize it would bethatintense.”
“Another reason why Theo surprised me tonight,” Adriel admitted, running a hand through his hair, as if embarrassed. “A vampire his age, with so little experience, walking away from the spilled blood of his mate? It’s unheard of.”
“Adriel,” Pierce murmured. “I think you owe both of them an explanation.”
