Laura’s POV
I stood by the window, arms crossed tightly, watching Maxwell and Xavier through the glass. Their lips moved, faces unreadable. I couldn’t make out what they were saying—but when Xavier sank down on the porch steps like a beaten dog, I just *knew*. Max was considering it.
I turned away, heart pounding with disbelief.
Maxwell came back in quietly, his eyes softer than they should be.
“Laura,” he said gently, reaching for my hands. “I know how you feel. Trust me, I do. But he’s my cousin. He’s all I have left from that bloodline. He wants to fight beside us. I believe... I believe he’s telling the truth.”
I pulled my hand back, incredulous. “Max, please tell me you’re joking. What does he want this time?”
“He says he’s burned. Homeless. His father tried to kill him—twice. T
