The internal conflict that Mitchell was going through was evident on his face. He was proud of Sam for speaking his mind--he always was, loved to encourage him. But for the first time he was also seeing Samandriel blame himself for what had happened, and that was just wrong.
"No," the vampire said quietly, tears still threatening to spill. "No, Sam. The fault lies with me. You're my responsibility, in the eyes of the law. I was foolish to let you out by yourself, but I couldn't see the harm in it. I thought you'd be safe here."
He swallowed, wishing he could do this without an audience. "I don't want you to leave," he continued. "Sam...Samandriel...you are everything to me. Let me help you. Please."