Adriel met my eyes and nodded.
Beside me, Theo’s expression became serious. He sat back, slightly tensed.
“It was centuries ago, before even Pierce was turned,” Adriel said. “It was a different time back then. Things were difficult. Technology was poor, and so were the people.” He rubbed his temple. “I was around your age when this happened, Theo. Not much older. In any case, there was a human I favored in the nearby village. Not in a romantic way, mind you, but certainly a platonic fondness. A simple baker, who I knew gave handouts to the poorer villagers. One night, while out late, he was attacked by bandits. I snapped. It set me off terribly. I lashed out at the bandits, killing them all, and once I was drenched in their blood, I was unable to stop.”
Theo and I listened in horror. His hand squeezed mine a bit tighter.
“When I came to, nearly half the village was gone.” Adriel stared up at the ceiling, like he was trying to escape the memory. “Including the human I favored.”
“Adriel,” Theo murmured. “I had no idea.”
When the two brothers met each others’ eyes, the pain between them was clear.
“That is why I was afraid for you, Theo,” Adriel said quietly. “And for you, Maxwell. I know firsthand how difficult it can be for a young vampire to control their urges. I didn’t want history to repeat itself. Not with you two. Not my family.”
Theo got up, crossed the table, and gave his oldest brother a hug.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I was being an idiot, too. I know I was being reckless.”
Adriel looked embarrassed. He gave Theo a firm pat on the back before Theo returned to my side and held my hand again.
“I still don’t think what you were able to do is normal,” Adriel admitted. “You’re the exception, not the rule.”
Theo scratched the back of his head. “So, I guess that means I’m special?”
Adriel’s lips twitched into a smirk. “I suppose you are. Just don’t get too cocky.”
“So does this mean Theo and I can be together freely? Without sneaking around and making up excuses?” I asked.
Adriel nodded. “Yes.”
“Good, because neither of you are very good at lying in the first place,” Pierce added. “It was killing me trying to pretend I believed your chicken pox scheme.”
“Do not even get me started on that,” Adriel said with a groan, pinching the bridge of his nose. “The most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard…”
Theo shot me a lopsided grin. “I guess Pierce was right. Young vampires really do stupid things for love, huh?”
