54. Whatever It Takes

Demetrius

Two things happen simultaneously, both catch me off guard.

But it’s the minutes prior that replay in my mind as I attempt to get a grasp of the reality ahead of me.

Xenia knew something was off. Of course she did. She’s extremely intelligent and well-versed in reading situations.

I should have caught on sooner, consulted her even. But in my overly confident stupidity, I ignored the warnings, instead allowing anger and the territorial side of my beast to overpower me.

Now it’s obvious it had all been intentional. These vampires taunted me, and like a brainless fish, I took the bait.

Since she regained her memory, there were a few things we could have handled differently.

We probably should have skipped out on the mind-blowing quickie, but it was one for the books.

We should have avoided conflict and looked for an exit. But knowing the one who attempted to unceremoniously take her blood was before me… well, I simply could not allow him to continue to breathe the same