“Clifford warned me you wouldn’t be happy about it.”
Max let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. “Not happy doesn’t begin to describe it. What were you thinking?”
Anger flared up inside Michael. He didn’t like being talked to as if he were a child. True, Max and Clifford were both older than him and had more experience battling vampires, but as the three of them worked together over the past several years, he had gradually assumed the leadership role. After all, he was a direct descendant of the family’s founder, and although the Brandts had never been tainted by any sort of aristocratic arrogance, those with the greatest powers had always been in the front lines of the never-ending war. Michael didn’t like being challenged.
“I was thinking that given everything Ms. Morgan saw and heard tonight, it might be a good idea to have her where we can keep an eye on her,” he said with a touch of frost in his tone.
“Have you forgotten everything you told us about what happened to Charlotte—”
Michael didn’t think about what he was doing, didn’t even become aware that he had moved until he realized that his face was only inches from Max’s. Max was five inches taller and at least sixty pounds heavier, but at the moment those things meant nothing to Michael. The anger and hurt that had exploded through him at the mention of Charlotte’s name made him forget about everything else.
Everything except the fact that he and Max had gone through hell together on numerous occasions. He had saved Max’s life more than once, and Max had saved his. Forget the ties of blood that bound them. The bonds forged in combat were even stronger. Michael wanted to hit him, but he couldn’t do that. Not Max. Michael forced the impulse down.
Max still looked stubbornly belligerent, but regret lurked in his eyes, too. “Sorry. I know you haven’t forgotten.” He took a step back. “But just because I crossed the line doesn’t mean you’re right about the Morgan woman. You should tuck her away out of sight in the clinic, along with that kid. She wouldn’t be any threat to our plans there.” He added, “And she’d be safe.”
Max made a compelling argument. Michael knew that. But it would be too much like kidnapping. Ted was a different story; he was hurt and needed the medical attention. Jessie had bounced back from the shock that had caused her to faint and was obviously fine now.
Unless that tough front she put up was just a facade. Only time would tell, and Michael wanted to find out.
He stepped back and said, “I came in here with you because I could tell you had something you wanted to get off your chest, Max. You’ve told me how you feel, and I appreciate that. But for now Ms. Morgan is going to stay here. We have some time. The clan leaders aren’t on the move yet. So it won’t hurt anything to see what she can do.”
Max just shook his head heavily, as if to say that Michael was going to regret this decision.
That same thought had already crossed Michael’s mind more than once.
They went back into the lodge’s living room where Clifford and Jessie sat on the sofa drinking coffee. Normal color had returned to Jessie’s face, and she no longer appeared to be on the verge of passing out again. In fact, she wore a smile on her face. Clifford could be charming when he wanted to.
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