Reid was much better at talking than Alec was. He knew how to talk circles around both mundanes and Downworlders. Alec was content to just stand there, watching intently and waiting for a signal that he might be needed. The vampire, Marcus, seemed to be listening and Alec thought that maybe they'd actually get somewhere.

That was until Marcus' comment about sex. Alec tensed and was about to dart forward and wrap his fingers around that neck when Reid started beating on the vampire mercilessly. Alec hadn't known he'd that anger, that rage inside of him.

He let it happen for a few seconds before he moved, reaching for Reid's arm to pull him back. He wasn't trying to save Marcus but he was trying to prevent Reid from breaking his hand (if he hadn't already) and getting himself into trouble with the mundane authorities.

"Stop. Stop," Alec ordered, clamping down on Reid and holding him tight. "He's not going to tell us anything. Save your strength."