The analytical part of Devin's mind wondered if Leo was an especially easy target for the exact reason he had identified earlier - that they were similar in how they treated themselves. He knew where to apply pressure.

"You'll be hearing little else if you insist on following me like some lost puppy. I am not interested in your company or your utterly naive sense of loyalty," he lied. If telling Leo to leave wouldn't work, he'd just have to drive him off. "Your idealism is a shield and nothing more."

One he regretted trying to break down, but he meant what he'd told Leo: he was, in so many ways, what his parents believed him to be. He was a monster by birth, and had learned to play the part both for vampires and for humans. Besides, he didn't deserve loyalty or companionship, and people like Leo didn't deserve to suffer the disaster Devin brought with him. Simple math.