Before I could lecture her on animal safety, Augustus nodded like he was steeling himself for something.
“Let’s go,” he said. “I know a safe house in this city—I’ll carry you both.”
Alexis looked at the three Titans chained around his waist with disbelief.
I nodded in agreement. The House of Ares was the House of War for a reason. Its heirship was earned through unfathomable pain and endurance.
A few minutes later, mud splattered as Augustus stomped forward.
He held Alexis against his chest bridal style, I leaned against his arm for support, and chains clattered as he dragged three Titans behind him.
Alexis mumbled as she lulled in and out of consciousness.
Augustus didn’t falter. A muscle in his jaw ticked, the only sign that he was in pain, as he continued to stalk forward, a stoic behemoth.
When we made it to the edge of the grassy park, two figures stepped forward in the rain, blocking us.
Augustus clutched Alexis tighter to his chest.
I grabbed my gun.
“What are you doing with her?” an elderly woman demanded. Her chest was drenched in blood and she swayed like she was seconds away from passing out.
“Lucia, be careful. They’re Spartans,” an old man warned her.
“I don’tcarewhat they are.” She glared at me. “Where are you taking her?” Her voice warped strangely in my missing ear.
Augustus gaped down at her.
Humans didn’t approach Spartans.Ever.
“Excuse me?” I asked, stunned by her hubris.
Another woman stepped up next to her and pointed at Alexis. “She saved us—sowhatare you doing with her? Answer the question. We won’t let you hurt her.”
I chuckled sarcastically. “She’s ourwife. She’s none of your concern.”
More people sidled forward, standing behind the idiots blocking our path. They crossed their arms and scowled up at me likeIwas the problem, not one of the men who’d justsavedher.
“Move aside.” I raised my gun.
I’d mow them down for the audacity of thinking they had a right to her.
“Put your weapon away.” Augustus’s voice was clipped as he shook his head at me.
The world hissed in the downpour as I slowly lowered my weapon but didn’t re-holster.
Fine, I’ll just kill them all with my bare hands.
Augustus cleared his throat, tension melting off his face, as he donned his mask—the nice guy, the eldest heir, the leader.
“Don’t worry, folks.” His voice rang with sincerity as he addressed the growing crowd.
Dozens more people spilled out from side streets and buildings to block our path.Where the fuck did all these humans come from?
There were so many of them. It was disgusting.
“On my honor as the eldest heir of the House of Ares,” Augustus said. “I promise that I’m taking Alexis Hert, heiress to the House of Hades, to get medical treatment. No harm will come to her under our care. I solemnly swear, she is ours to protect.”
