"Ai!" Julian reaches up to rub his sore head. "One hundred and seventy-seven." He pouts. "And I didn't have a chance to go scouting around for her friends. I was too busy trying to keep her from killing me."
He leans forward, peering over Alex's shoulder as the smaller vampire checks to see if the coast is clear.
"Yes," Julian agrees quickly. "Very lucky." He hesitates and puts a hand on Alex's arm. "I am sorry, Alex. Please do not be angry with me. Did you never make a mistake when you were young?"