Twisted Protector

Letting Go

(Greyson's POV)

The silence that accompanied the death penalty statement screamed more than what words could. Greyson was not bothered, though. He knew that odds favored the slave because of the new knowledge coming. Even if Morganna and Lumiere voted otherwise, he knew Gabriella and Nathan would back him no matter what. Brady really didn't need to stress.

"There is testimony and evidence to give before we dual out punishment." Grey spoke up but didn't bother to stand since Brady was in his lap still. His hand stroked the back of his neck to calm him, even while refraining from baring his fangs at Samuel. Rationally, he knew he had nothing to fear from the other slave. He was not the one making the man he held scream in the bed. Everything would be okay, he told himself. A nod was given Cameron so she could address the room.

The stoic woman stepped forward before staring directly to the council members. "Samuel was ordered to attack Zachary by Draven's command. Therefore, Draven is responsible for this crime as the slave's master."

"I gave no such order." Draven sneered the words out from where he sat, waiting for his verdict. Morganna whipped her head in his direction, her fangs down as she hissed. "You are here waiting for your trial, not as council. You will speak when asked, Draven." Her voice was cool and stern, and Grey held back a snicker at the outraged look Draven gave to her.

"Enough. Carmen, please continue." Nathan spoke up. He was never one to deal with shenanigans at these meetings. Lumiere mumbled something to him and got a glare before looking back to the young woman who had the floor.

"Zachary has recovered enough to confirm this." A nod was given to a guard at the door, and he stepped outside the room to bring the mostly healed vampire inside. Zachary was even in uniform, and he felt more than saw Brady stir. The werewolf moved so his face could be closer to Grey's ear. "He looks a lot better, Greyson." The mumbled words got a nod in response, his eyes never straying from the front.

Lumiere spoke up at this point, his red eyes staring directly at the young guard. "Tell us what happened." The soothing tone he used was not missed upon Grey. That sweet nonsense was nothing but a trick. He had seen it enough in the past to know.

"I was doing my part of the patrol when I crossed Draven and his slave's path of return. He told Samuel to kill me because I questioned why he had shifters on our land. He attacked me after the second order." Zachary bowed before stepping back, indicating that he had nothing else to give.

"Interesting." Lumiere's gaze was on Samuel now, who still remained quiet and looking down. Draven just openly glared at any who met his gaze, basically damning any allies for himself.

Morganna's face held a strict frown as she stood, observing the room critically. "Even if that is the case, he attacked one of our members. As a slave, he'll never find a willing owner here. If pardoned, Samuel will have to be exiled from the coven." The words were given pointedly and matter of fact, like it wasn't sending a living person away.

There was barely even a pause after the words before Carmen stepped forward. "It should be my task to right my father's treachery. I will take Samuel as my slave, if permitted by the council."

Grey's hand stilled on Brady's nape, barely able to hide the shock from his face. Carmen never took a slave, claiming the idea ridiculous. He also thought she hated Samuel. In fact, he was almost certain of it. This idea must have come from guilt. He could not allow this to be. A slave pact was too serious. Samuel's body tensed, but otherwise, he still remained as he was.

Exiled was probably best for all. He opened his mouth to steer the topic back when Morganna beat him. "It will be allowed, so long as the verdict is not death." Her stern words and nod was a sign for Carmen to find a seat while they decided.