Maverick's fingers tightened gently around Julius's hand, his voice soft but firm. "Let me join as the captain, Julius. I can handle this."
Julius's gaze locked onto Maverick's, his own eyes filled with a mixture of concern and conflict. "I know your abilities, Maverick, but what we hunt isn't like the ordinary vampires you've fought before. This is different—it's dangerous. Us, the Silver Bloodline, we have powers, an edge that lets us stand on equal footing with vampire rulers."
Before Julius could continue, Maverick cut him off. "I killed Ruben. I haven't reported it yet."
Julius closed his eyes, exhaling deeply. The weight of Maverick's confession hung in the air between them. He spoke quietly, "I'm worried about your safety, Maverick."
Maverick sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. "You like it when we're together," he teased, his voice lowering as he leaned closer. "Ever since you were twelve, stalking me like some kind of psycho."
