“I’m happy to report Angelique is feeling much better, and Polly has taken her upstairs for a wash and some rest. Simeon, however, is feeling quite disoriented,” Max said, coming into the study. “He’s currently passed out on the floor of his cell and will most likely need a few days to recover from the blood loss.”

“Serves him right,” Bennett said as Max walked past. “She should have drained him.”

Max poured himself a drink, and pulling out his chair, he stopped to observe the three women sitting opposite his desk. Ruby and Lisa both had a tinge of color sweeping across their cheeks, a hint that their health had returned, yet Bennett’s skin was almost as white as her teeth. Max poked his tongue against his cheek, and going to the front of his desk, he sat on its edge.

“Speaking of drained,” Max said, focusing on Bennett. “Polly mentioned your daywalker friends gave everyone a drink before they left, but by your pallor, Bennett, it appears you missed the snack.”

“I was busy dealing with Napoleon. I’ll get something when I get home.”

“If that’s all you needed, I’d have Victor fetch some of our supply, but it’s not what you need, and we both know it,” Max said, his eyes settling on the blood oozing from the wound on Bennett’s thigh. “That’s still bleeding far too much for my liking.”

Bennett didn’t have to look down to see the blood. Her boot was filled with it. “It’ll be fine, Max.”

Max took a slow breath, and setting his glass aside, he got to his feet. Taking off his smoking jacket, he laid it across the desk and then began rolling up his shirt sleeve.

“Stop what you’re doing, Max,” Bennett said, shaking her head. “I won’t feed on you.”

“And why not?”

“For the same reason you couldn’t fight alongside us tonight. Originals are not permitted to put themselves in harm’s way, and that includes giving others your blood. I appreciate the gesture, Max, but I won’t do it, and there’s nothing you can say that’ll change my mind.”

Max pursed his lips for Bennett’s contumacious expression was one he had seen before. Both Ruby and Lisa had unconsciously shied away from the obstinate woman sitting between them, and Max’s cheeks raised just a smidge. He drew in another breath and then knelt in front of Bennett.