The bond

Marcus' back straightened at Gabriel's menacing aura, but he still lifted his chin and held the vampire's gaze. Gabriel stopped just before them, his eyes still fixated on Marcus. Esme stepped in front of her friend and put her hands on her hips, causing the vampire to slowly look down at his mate. 

"Are you serious right now?" Esme asked irritably. She did not like Gabriel treating Marcus like he was that vampire he'd just tortured moments ago; they weren't even on the same level. 

"I am very serious right now. I trusted Marcus to keep you safe, and not once but twice, I felt through the bond that you are hurt," Gabriel drawled as his eyes moved back up to Marcus, the iciness seeping into those crystal blue orbs. 

"It was not his fault!"

"I take full responsibility," Marcus spoke up from behind her; she sharply turned her head to look at him with widened eyes.

Was he crazy?!