Page 122 of Sway's Peace
She was standing at the top of the now still stairs. They had stopped moving, a safety feature no doubt since the city was under attack. She was wearing a farasie style dress, her hair unbound and free, looking up at the Humility as it continued to rain fire upon them.
She was okay.
“I got this!” Loyalty said, smacking his arm. “Go get her so we can get out of here.”
Sway gave him a single nod of thanks before running to the stairs. He was about halfway up, opening his mouth to call out to her, when suddenly Veesway was there. Running at Grace, he grabbed her arm and yanked her back, dragging her out of sight.
Sway’s crest was up at full height. Anger burning icy cold in his veins.
Quiet a bold male he was to just put his hands on Sway’s female. Though, he supposed, it was his own fault. He’d given him no reason to be afraid.
For so long, Sway had been chasing the memories of his former life. Trying to reclaim his pacifism, believing that would bring him some measure of peace.
When, all along, he should have been emulating Tanin. His captain would never have allowed anyone to lay their hands on his mate. And if they did so, he would probably remove their hands. He wouldn’t do it with a great deal of fiery anger either. Just the calm confidence of a male that did not make threats. He only meted out consequences.
Sway crested the top of the steps, ready to chase his female down. But it was unnecessary. In the short time she had been out of his sight, she’d managed to break herself free of Veesway’s grasp. She was standing more than a few steps way from him, hands in tight fists down at her side, glaring at him with the bravery of a female unafraid of her foe.
“Female,” Veesway was saying as Sway slowed to a walk. “I am not-”
His father caught sight of him then. His eyes widened. And it was tempting to chase him down immediately and punish him for the crime of taking Grace away.
But that’s not where Sway went first. He had to feel her in his arms. He had to hold her again and know that she was safe.
Most importantly,sheneeded to know that she was safe.
His arm went around her belly, trapping her arm to her side. His other hand, quite without thinking, wrapped up and around and closed around her neck. He didn’t squeeze. His claws didn’t prick. He didn’t actually want to choke her. But his grip was firm as he pulled her back against his chest.
“Grace,” he breathed, right in her ear, the sound a rough melody deep in his throat.
Her breath caught as she leaned back against him. He didn’t even think she realized she did it. Her body just relaxed against his. As she should.
“Sway,” she breathed, her lip trembling in relief.
He kissed the side of her head. Nuzzling her gently. “Are you alright?”
“Yes,” she mumbled, still stunned.
“Good.” He kissed her temple once more before focusing past her, the tender expression melting into a cold glare as he looked upon at his father.
“You,” Veesway hissed, some of his crest feathers broken and dangling around his face. “How dare you come back here?”
“One moment, Grace,” Sway said, his grip on her tightening fractionally. “I need to deal with this, then we can go.”
“Are you okay?” She asked, her voice soft and concerned.
She was so sweet. Too good for a male like him.
But it would also take a better male than him to give her up.
“I’m fine,” he promised, releasing his grip and stepping aside so he could walk past. His father glared at him but made no moves – to run, fight, or defend.
Was hethatconfident Sway wouldn’t do anything? Or was he just so accustomed to the luxury of his peaceful existence, it didn’t evenoccurto him to try to defend himself?
Veesway kept his gaze. Glaring him down. Not a trace of the fondness and relief and love that once filled those eyes.
Sway didn’t know if it was better or worse that there was no shame there. He was at least standing by his decision. He couldn’t be accused of being uncertain in his beliefs. But the fact that he really feltnoremorse after exiling and disowning his own young was a blow.
Really, though, it didn’t matter. It just baffled Sway that Veesway didn’t do a single thing to defend himself when Sway reared back and punched him full on the mouth.
