"I haven't moved since you moved," Alec pointed out, staying still and calm behind Reid's shoulder. He didn't move to put the dagger away, though. If this vampire, this Marcus thought he was going to use his power to dictate this conversation, he was wrong.

"He doesn't need to tell me to back off unless you decide to be an idiot again," Alec added after a moment. He glanced at Reid and nodded. He wasn't going to interrupt whatever Reid wanted to do. He wasn't the guy who could weave words, talk people in circles. He was the guy with the Marks burned into his skin and the ability to toss people into walls.

"Talk," Alec ordered darkly. "Now. I'm not in the mood for your games."