MAXIMILIAN HATES THE taste of bitterness inside his mouth. Seeing his mate fighting through death and finally reaching his side is something he never wanted to happen again. He never felt such agonizing thrill in his entire 500 years in life. Yet when he was ready to strike the vicious rascal down, his mate had shifted back to her human self with all her naked glory only to beg for the man's leniency.

It was out of his logic.

He refused to accept this.

His mate was 'naked'. All the way, he can't really accept this.

Max decided he could let the man go that night. He needs to hear his mate's reason as to why sparing the man was a smart move. With all her clothes on of course. Max didn't need to see the red cinnabar mole on the left side of her waist nor the curve of her back while they talk.

The sight was not for the people of Little Maddison. Not also for his love rival, Fin. He had the brown wolf rendered into an unwanted sleep. Throwing him at the nearest dumpster, he was pleased when he saw his mate back in her white rabbit form.

He stepped on the cement and squatted to her side. "I reckon you don't have a place to stay for the night," he prompted, "Would you stay with me? You know I won't stop worrying 'til I know you're somewhere safe."

Max would like to know her more too. And the wet street was not a good place to strike up a conversation. He needs to know who is Fin for the lovely fair-skinned woman.

The rabbit jumped on his hand. Max let her climb up to his shoulder and snuggle there. It felt warm. Max can feel her fragile heart beating. "Only sniffing, mate? Are you sure you don't want a bite?"

A flimsy rabbit swatted his cheek. He squinted. "Now, now. You like to be physical with me too. It's good that you're open and honest to me."

Max fixed his hair with a hand. He nodded solemnly. "Hold tight, sweetheart."

DOLLY COULDN'T MAKE herself shift. When she risked the idea earlier, she was raked with Max' appreciative eyes. Now that they are inside Maximilian's spacious apartment, she could not muster the courage to shift. Under the brightly lighted ceiling, her boldness popped like a balloon. She became insecure and weary.

Maximilian's delight was because he couldn't see clear to her body. The street was dim and she was sure Max' only saw the flash of her skin and not the scars it has. Dolly had opted to hop on his side while the man suggested to make dinner for both of them.

"I don't know what do rabbit shifters eat. I'm really sorry, sweetheart." Max rummage through the kitchen's pantry. Dolly couldn't believe the amount of pasta that the guy kept. "I… I only have these. Do you like to eat pasta, darling?"

'No.' Dolly did her best to nod and pretended she knew the logic of eating those regularly. 'Max, don't you know what fruits are?'

"Okay, then. I'll cook us something special." Max tapped the counter. After a great while, he sighed. "I'd really like to know more about Fin, Dolly. Would you mind telling me?"

'Telling you?' Dolly understood that she needed to shift for them to talk. She looked at him with her pained eyes before starting to shift.

She didn't see how Max stared at her legs before pretending to stack the pastas in front. "Do you want clothes? I only have mine though. You can use a bathrobe if you're not comfortable."

Dolly's eyes fluttered with shame and restlessness. Her flaws are clear and distinct now. There's no way Max will still want her. "Bathrobe, please?"

Max' image vanished with the wind into a quick puff of smoke. With just five seconds, he emerged from the apartment's only bedroom. His smile laced with charm. "Oh, look at this, darling. I have a black robe here."

Dolly laughed at that. "You act so surprised. Your apartments interior design is black and white."

His smile deepened. He offered the robe without glancing at Dolly's body. She was surged with disappointment. 'I knew it.'

"It made you smile though." Max adjusted his vest. "Please don't mind the smell of detergent. My landlady was careless this morning."

"Oh…" Dolly defended Mrs. Shelly with a gentle tone. "This apartment is the biggest here in Little Maddison. No one has rented it for years that's why she never spent anything to refurbish this. Please don't get mad at her."

Max focused on cooking. He nodded. "I won’t be once we have a sincere talk, Dolly. Should we start knowing each other more? I'd really like to know what happened to that scar on your lower back."

Dolly's teeth rattled. "It's hideous! I know, I know. It happened when—"

"Before we launch on that, I just want you to know that it's not hideous. I have lived for hundreds of years and I saw how life and death quickly pass me. Believe me when I say a scar like that is not a tag of shame but a proof that you have gone something bad and you live through it when most often drop dead and perish." Max used too much force on the knife. It had bended to the side. "If we're going to be together somehow I'd like you to know that I have those too. Dolly, Maximilian Adenhart is not perfect. But I'd like to tell you every single details of why I am not. That way, maybe, you'd still like me anyway."

Dolly's heart squeezed. She stared at his back for a moment before letting the robe fall down her shoulders to her lap. "Then… I don't need these robes."

"What?" Max turned wide-eyed and surprised. It was a novelty for Dolly to see a reserved and calm man being fidgety in her presence. "Why? Are you not afraid I'm going to drain you or something?"

"No." Dolly resolutely gathered the robes on her lap. "You cook, I'll talk. Go on."

"You sure?" Max asked for a second time before continuing his task. "I'm known for my talent in multi-tasking. I can watch you while I cook?"

Dolly chuckled heartily. "No!"

She's only teasing the man. Dolly covered her body with the bathrobe. Now she feel good and comfortable.

"O-kay." Max frowned but eventually asked, "so… about that scar?"

She heaved a long breath. "It was when I ran to the fields. My dad kept on shouting that they must get me. The four rogues didn't hesitate and chase after me. One of the rogue's hand landed on my body and it hurt. His claw almost tear me apart, Max. I... I don't hate those men. I hated my dad for asking them to kill me. I wished for a sudden death that night but it didn't happen. I'm afraid of the pain but I want it all to end. It was the most confusing thing that occurred to me."

He remained quiet but Dolly noticed the unnatural stiffness of his shoulder.

"I don't want Fin to die because somehow he helped me, Max. When you raised your hand and you were so intent to kill him, I feel so bad. He carried me despite my bloody state and drive out of our neighborhood. He—"

"The rogues didn't chase after the two of you?"

"Yes," Dolly answered gratefully, "yes, they didn't. Which was lucky for the both of us."

"Darling, how much do you know about rogue wolves?"

Dolly stilled. "They're vile! Monsters!"

Max smacked his lips. "Yes, baby. They're monsters. Monsters with their hearing skill a little bit more enhanced than your regular wolf. They are called monsters because of their drastic temper switch, and stinky fur."

"What do you mean, Max?" Dolly hugged herself. She felt cold just by remembering her past.

"Nothing, love." He finished chopping the spices. "Fin is a peculiar alpha wolf. You don't mind me doing a brief check on his state, yes?"

"Do whatever that you want but please don't kill him."

"Hmn." He brought out a large saucepan from the cabinet. Dolly enjoyed looking at his back. "What's the name of your neighborhood, darling?"

"Sta. Mesa. Why do you ask?" Dolly rubbed the silky fabric on her hand. "Max?"

"Oh, it is nothing." Max' nonchalance ebbed Dolly's worry. "Let me share something about myself now, okay?"

"Sure!" Dolly knew he's interesting. Knowing his five hundred years worth of story, she felt as though she would hate every woman mentioned in it.

MAX WAS A scion of his father's legacy ever since he was born. He didn't have time to ask for 'whens' and 'whys'. He is a kid prided by his parents only because he know how to follow orders. He started studying the moment he was able to speak gibberish. It was the requirement so he could be considered as a unique and worthy kid for the elders' eyes.

Janette had always hated this.

She had hoped Maximilian would live a normal life for a kid. And while her intention was noble, it was too late for him. Max had grown up with a mindset that calls to work and work only. He saw no wrong with dying in the line of serving the coven. To spend all his days caged in the four cornered wall of his office at the highest tower, overlooking the vast city he protected as his territory. Janette clashed with him so he would consider himself too.

Max had given in to her orders last month. The sole reason why he's going for a vacation. Janette hated him but that's only because they grew up on different principles.

Max knew now that working and only working is not the purpose of life. He could die with a lot of money in hand but he couldn't drag anyone with him to willingly lay by his side and pray resurrection with god.

No one.

"You never dated?" Dolly asked with an anxious expression. "I won't believe you even if you'll say no."

"On the note of a 'proper' relationship? No." Max held the delicate wine glass in hand and swirled the red liquor. "My family had always made sure I had enough supply of human blood in my house. They sent women— darling, please don't make that face. They were not abducted. They're being paid and they knew the drill. If not, the shifter council would be at my tails for misconduct."

"Then…" Dolly suddenly felt that the wine taste sour and bitter at the same time. She looked down on her plate. "You must have a wife or a girlfriend already?"

"I said I never had a 'proper' relationship, Dolly." Max wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I needed them to be alive. I needed them so I could feed. As for the rest, I needed them for fun. Five hundred years, sweetheart. Five hundred years of my life and I wasn't even aware when are you going to be born or where I could find you "

"I know, I know." Dolly winced. "I don't get why am I asking this. It's unbecoming of me, right? I mean—"

"You're uncomfortable?"

"Yes."

Max leaned on his chair. "Then don't be anymore. I'll stop feeding from them. I'll order them to be sent away. Is that okay for you?"

"I… I can't live with you for now." Dolly thought she must commit reciprocity and successfully end her ties first with Fin before running away with Max. "I need to talk to him and clear things up before I start anything with you, Max."

Max was woodened on the chair. "You're not going to stay here tonight?"

"I'm going to stay for the night but I have to go out in the morning. Allow me?" Dolly said hopefully.

Max blinked. "Don't ask me for those things. Just let me know your plans and I'll see if I can assist you or help."

"Oh…" Dolly became elated. She hugged the robe closer to her skin. "You're really great, Max!"

Max welcomed the sight with a thoughtful expression. He needs to call the council for some background checking.

IT WAS MIDNIGHT when Jeffrey accepted his call. The kid sounds jubilant and honored despite Max calling him on ungodly hours. But then, Max had appointed him a work that requires no sleep. It should be nothing for Jeffrey.

"Uncle!" the kid greeted, "How was your first day?"

"Now that I had met my fated mate? It's fortuitous at best. Let's get that over. Don't talk loudly because she's sleeping, okay?" Max side-eyed the bedroom before sitting on the couch. "She had a rough day."

"You've met your…" Jeffrey shouted but he caught up in a second. He whispered, "… your fated mate?"

‘’There’s no need to whisper though because we’re talking through the phone?’

"The one and only, kid. The one and only." Max rolled his eyes. His neck warmed with a rare bright pink glow. "Think about it. Am I not blessed? She decided to stay for the night too— she wants to be with me. I can feel it!"

"Wow, uncle, I—" Jeffrey laughed with unease. "You're not like your usual self."

"Not like my usual self?" Max' smile faltered. "And how am I usually? Seems like you know me so well."

"Uh, first… you initiated talking to me. And when you do, you only talk about the work related stuff. You're basically boring!"

"Kid," Max mumbled, "are you willing to bet with me? I could transport at your side for five minutes."

"No-oh!" Jeffrey boo-ed him. "If that's true then why would you agree on riding my van yesterday? Just accept it, uncle. You've changed."

Max raised his brow. "No one can change overnight. That is called pretention. That's not change because it takes a long time to bend a certain habit. However, I am indeed willing to change."

"Tsk!" The guy whistled. "Oh, great esteemed sir, I agree. I agree."

"I'm surprised your mother hasn't told you about this yet, kid."

"Apart when she told me you're a dick? There's no more, sir."

Max guffawed. "Silly Janette. Of course she's bitter. She hates when I'm proven right."

"That's my mother, uncle," Jeffrey reminded him.

He snorted. "And what?"

"And you're right about her."

Max enjoyed his fake obeisance. He approved. "Mikael raised you well, Jeffrey."

"My dad and you were best buddies. Anyways, sir, is there anything I can do?"

'Good kid.' Max eyed his pale hand. His mate's caramel complexion looks so much healthy and just perfect. "I want you to check someone, Jeffrey."

"Who is it?"

"Fin Hardaway." 'The thorn in my throat.' Max unbuttoned his vest. "He's a rascal a few hundred meters away from me. Anything about him, record it and send it to me. Have Cedric Mallory investigate a place called Sta. Mesa. Further details about it, I'm going to send right away after I fill in a document."

"Uh…" Jeffrey coughed. "Uncle, you can just text it, you know?"

Max stared at the telephone with unwelcoming expressions. "It doesn't look formal, you idiot."

"Sir, your mood swings are getting frequent. When was the last time you fed?"

"I hate feeding from humans," Max curt reply came cold. "That's all."

"Sir, what happened with Milani is not a fault on your side—"

Maximilian dropped the call. He hates being reminded over things he wanted to forget.

WAKING UP NEXT to Maximilian is the luxury that Dolly wants to afford in her life from now on. That's why when she woke up from her deep sleep, her initial thought wasn't to brush her teeth or prepare breakfast but to hurry on her own apartment to have a sincere talk with Fin.

Max had keep his word and did not crawl the bed while she slept. The man chose the small chair at the bedside and sat there 'til he was able to nap.

Dolly was happy with his principles though a little part of her wants him to make an initial move to her. She didn't know what to say to him. Imploring her needs to be pampered seems a little immature and insecure. Especially when Maximilian was a man of old age.

His long, wavy hair curled at the back of his ears. His face gleamed with sunlight. A wayward lock of hair brushed his temple. Even in his light sleep, Maximilian still has his unearthly glamour. As though he wouldn't want anyone having a picture of him with his tie askew.

Dolly would like to mess his perfectly ordered appearance.

"Good morning!" She cleared her unruly thoughts and beamed. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did…" Max opened one eye and sigh. "Yes. It was one of those quiet sleep that I rarely had."

"Why is that?" Dolly moved out of the bed. "Are you insomniac?" she asked worriedly.

The man snickered. "Asking a vampire if he's insomniac… only you, Dolly. Only you."

Her cheeks reddened in shame. She was giddy at the same time. "Is there something wrong, Max?"

"Nothing. The truth is, I seldom sleep. I'm half dead, darling. No need sleep for the dead."

Dolly instantly hated his words. "Please don't refer to yourself as 'dead' when I'm still alive. I don't know why but it irks me." She bended to fix the sheets.

Max' lips twitches in curiosity. He stood from the chair to help her. "Then, darling, think of it this way. You sleep while I lay beside you to guard you from harm. Isn't that romantic?"

Dolly scrunched her nose in protest. She said deliberately, "I'd rather have the both of us tangled beneath the sheets."

It was too late to reconsider her words. Max was already wooden on the other side of the bed. Pale pink tongue went past the thin lips to wet the dry skin. He mumbled, "Can you… not go today? We talk then… have that nice rolling under these after?"

She nearly squealed in excitement. It was great to know that she's not the only one hoping for a physical interaction. She had never tried being intimate with anyone before and with her stellar impression of Max, along with the fact that they are true mated, then warming up for something advance for the both of them is no problem for her.

She had expected it nothing less.

"Why don't we eat breakfast?" Max' avoided her gleaming eyes and walked to the door. "I know how to make pancakes!"

Dolly doesn't know why she liked his hopeful face. It was as though he was hoping for a compliment from her. She nodded. "That's great. I'd like to have one."

"Coming right up."

It's a pity that Dolly has to go somewhere else after this.

MAX REFUSED TO say goodbye to Dolly. He hoped to see her soon. Sooner than an hour or two. After watching the woman's back, walking away clad in his white shirt and shorts, with eyes tinged of worry, Max cleaned the plates with heavy shoulders. He made sure that the house was sparkly clean before taking a bath.

There's restlessness buried deep in Max' gut. He cannot ignore it even if he already promised to Dolly that he won't follow suit.

“He's okay now. He should be okay by now. He won't hurt me.”

'How can you be so sure, darling?' Max rubbed his chest with forceful fingers. The area didn't blush but it bloomed in blue and violet colored bruise. 'You forgot what happened last night? He almost claw your heart out.'

Was the bond between the two that strong that a logical reasoning can't explain?

It soured his mouth. He hated this feeling. He felt left out by someone who was supposed to make him happy.

Max disliked the deafening sound of a hair blower. It's one of the things that he can't understand.

He padded the empty living room without a single piece of cloth covering his manly bits. He was dauntless against the wide panel of glass overlooking a narrow, barren road. He pressed the numbers on the telephone while waiting to let his hair dry.

"Hello! This is Jeffrey Duvas of the—"

Max' face filled with wonder when he heard his nephew's strange voice. It was hoarse and tired. "Dumb kid, are you sleeping inside the office?"

"Uncle?" Jeffrey stirred. He coughed. "Uncle, I'm sorting the details now. I'm on my way of sending this to you by a crow with a cartridge tied on its leg—"

"Or my laptop accepts electronic mails. What is your problem, Jeffrey?"

"Certainly, certainly I can tell you the intel now since the available information are too scarce to fill in a page, Sir." The kid grumbled, "Seriously, I can't follow the template you sent last night."

Max became indignant. "You unsalvageable beast—" He sighed with annoyance. "Fine, fine. Tell me."

"Fin is the pack second of the Sarthis pack. The territory was known for its unconventional and eccentric ways. Up to date, they treat women and male omegas with disrespect and unimportance. According to Fin's record, he got a quite temper and the lad was arrogant. The pack was never blessed with 'fated mate' pairings, you can guess why, Sir."

A connection with the odds is something that the vampires took great pains to protect. They have faith that the coven's longevity depends if the Heavens decided that they are obedient enough. That is why oftentimes the vampire shifters are associated with occultists.

Still, inequality perceived through generation of misinformation. The coven can't have a female member in the ruling class. Although women are treated as the queen of a household, they hold no power in the government.

"It revealed that Fin had once a fated mate. The pack saw it as a curse rather than Heaven's blessing because... he got a male mate. Sarthis pack persevered in breaking the mating pull. Fin know that killing his own mate will accumulate great karma in his life. The alpha wouldn't want his own pack plagued because of Fin's misfortune. They ordered a woman for him to bond with."

Max grimaced at the situation. He would not befriend any wolf if it's possible as long as he lived. 'Fine, Cedric Mallory is indeed a hybrid. Whether he's half an alpha wolf, he's still got a vampire blood in him. So I'm not 'entirely' friends with one wolf. Only half.'

"So he's bonded with someone already?"

"No. No one wants to be with him. The elders wouldn't risk their daughter's life in the Sarthis pack. That's why they chose to go to the nearest neighborhood to buy a lowly shifter for Fin."

Max' breath paused. It was a long while before he successfully contain half of his anger. "So my guess was right. Dolly was never saved from the start. She was sold."

"They tried to establish a mutual state for the both of them but Fin's abnormality progressed too fast. That's why the alpha of the Sarthis pack resorted to a direct approach and bought the rabbit shifter from her family."

His chest was full of suffocating bubbles. Max wanted to hit something— or someone.

He was pampered despite all his boring life. Max had never personally experienced shifter trafficking. He always solved the problems about vampires abducting humans for blood with an iron heart. He never spare one criminal once proven guilty. This was the first time that a person close to him was a victim of trafficking.

Max wanted to wipe the Sarthis pack from the council's records.

"You've been acquainted with Cedric by now, right, kid?" His voice went unbelievably soft. "Call him and order a hunt under my name. Tell him this is the only time I'll blackmail him."

"Actually, Sir..." Jeffrey tattled, "He's the—"

"What?" Max huffed. "No more talk, Jeffrey. Get used to the work or go back home and hide under Janette's heavy skirt."

The kid went silent for a great while. Max dropped the call and crossed his arms. Warmth seethed in his bones but he still felt cold.

He never stopped feeling cold for a few months now. He needed to feed.

Max closed his eyes. 'Feeding was never a good idea for me.'

He had a sudden need clawing on his throat. He desired to see Dolly's smiling face right at the moment.

Only his small, white and fluffy bunny can make him feel grounded amidst this ringing in his ears.

'Darling, are you safe?'