Lawrence looked away, avoiding Maverick's gaze. Instead of answering, he let out a gruff "Hm."
But that wasn't enough.
Maverick stepped closer and grabbed Lawrence's arm, forcing him to face him. His eyes burned with urgency.
"That means Julius could turn into a vampire too, if he loses his silver blood?"
Lawrence yanked his arm free, brow furrowing. "Maverick, I'm warning you." His voice was sharp, cutting. "The moment I tell you to leave, you leave. No questions."
He paused, biting his lower lip, then continued more quietly.
"If Prince Julius… if he ever turns, I'll handle him myself."
The weight of those words hung heavily between them.
Maverick lowered his eyes to the ground. His voice was almost a whisper.
"Then how did Willie Weston return to being human?"
Lawrence clenched his jaw. Rage simmered just beneath his skin, but he knew if he lost control, Maverick would only push harder. He hated lying—but he had to.
"I don't know." It came out colder than he intended.
