Chapter 3: Failed Negotiations
"So, how many alphas were you supposed to be meeting with?" Andrew asked, checking the mirror and Maxwell sighed. Maxwell leaned back in his seat, before glancing at the other man.
"Two. Brothers." Andrew grunted, before opening his door, turning off the car, and taking the keys. Maxwell felt uneasy with Andrew's behaviour, and it only got worse when Andrew came around to the passenger side and opened the door for him. "Andrew, I'll be fine. Do you think I'm unable to take care of myself?" Andrew furrowed his brows, and Maxwell frowned.
"It has nothing to do with you being unable to defend yourself. I believe you are more than capable. It's more about being on an even ground. If there are going to be at least two of them, why can't you have two on our side as well? I promise I'll stay out of your way. I just want to be there for support." He smiled at Maxwell, and Maxwell could feel himself folding. He frowned further, clearly displeased, and watched as Andrew's expression fell into one of sadness. Maxwell ran his hand over his face, already exhausted.
"Fine, fine. You can come, but you sit in your seat and keep your mouth closed. You have to ask permission to speak." Andrew brightened immediately.
"I will do so, unless there is a security threat. Are these acceptable terms?" He teased, and Maxwell narrowed his eyes. Andrew knew he was pushing his luck, but he couldn't help himself. Maxwell needed everything to be black and white. He hated when he didn't know where the situation was going, which was why Andrew was being so insistent. He would be kicking himself for days if he got hurt while on his watch.
"I'll agree to your terms if you give me a warning that things are getting dangerous." Andrew held out his hand to shake on it, and with narrow, suspicious eyes, Maxwell took his hand. Andrew grinned, before helping the man to stand up with said hand. Maxwell dusted himself off as Andrew locked the car, and the two of them headed for the main entrance.
Now that Andrew had managed to join Maxwell in his meeting, he took in his surroundings. This was a very swanky hotel. Probably a place Andrew would only spend an anniversary in if he was really trying to impress. It felt like the rooms probably cost $500 for the most basic room.
Andrew glanced at Maxwell, whose profile was lit from the side by the lights of the lobby and took in his crisp dark blue suit, white dress shirt, and brighter blue tie. His hair wasn't out of place, and his eyes reflected the light of the lobby in a way that made him look lonely. He fit in here, oddly enough. Andrew could see him in this world easily, and it felt like miles away from Andrews.
Andrew smiled secretly to himself, clenching one of his gloved hands tightly. It was a good thing that they became neighbours. Otherwise, Andrew wouldn't know Maxwell at all, and he was enjoying hanging out with his new friend. He also enjoyed being able to help out this way, and see a different world he wouldn't normally see.
Upon entering the lavish lobby, Maxwell was treated like royalty. Andrew, who still had no idea what exactly it was that Maxwell did, kept his cool. Any time someone approached too quickly or too close for his comfort, he got in between them, checking with Maxwell, before allowing the person to approach.
He did this with everyone, and since Maxwell wasn't chiding him, he kept doing it. Once the two of them had gotten all the information that Maxwell needed, they headed for the elevators. Inside, it was just the two of them, and Maxwell shot Andrew a strange, but calculating look.