SSWM - 619
Time crept forward slowly for the male. Though clothed and furred the male felt stripped before the woman. Nothing seemed to hide his heart from her, nothing was held up in defense against the soft voice and gentle touch. Never had the male felt so vulnerable before he met the blind woman, never had he thought that he could be hurt in such a way before sharing all the things he had shared with her. The woman knew more about him then anyone, she saw right through his scarred face, beyond the gruff tone and past the hard persona that was laid over the true nature that the coy hybrid owned. The milliseconds passed, and they felt like hours. It was his heart in his ears that thundered around him, causing the world around the pair to be drowned out. He had never known anyone as purely genuine and honest. He wanted to spend each waking moment with her, to share ever experience and to always work towards making her happy. Heath could never imagine knowing another he might hope to open himself to.
As it ticked by at fast as a herd of turtles, Heath thought of Jac. He lingered on the fringes of Heath’s mind, never truly sinking in deep. But he was there. What would he think? In all truth it didn’t matter. The King’s influence would sway the woman, Heath was sure of it, but he pushed all else away. He was left with nothing other then the Aceline female. Ruri sat before him, Gold eyes looking at her, hoping to see each change in her features. He wished to see the reaction, guess it before it truly came to light. If she was to reject him, Heath wanted to know immediately. There would be no hesitation, and then later a likely guilt. If she didn’t wish to be his, then Heath would manage that fact. In his way he would deal and he would continue to move forward in hopes of pleasing her.
Time regained its speed, and the man watched as her jaw went slack. Mouth parted slightly, but her smile did not fade. He didn’t notice that he had begun to frown; worried that she would reject him. In all the world there were foes to face, large beasts that could rip him to bits with the clamp of their jaws and swing of their head. But it was the small collie woman that he feared must at this moment. She was the only one that had ever gotten close enough to his heart to truly touch it and thus hurt it. But as she spoke, the first falter made him flinch, and then with her hesitation Heath was about to simply say she didn’t need to answer. It would okay, she could think it over, and she could take her time. Though his heart stopped, and for a moment his eyes burned. But regaining her voice, she spoke again and the words jolted his chest and restarted the life giving beat.
Yes she spoke. Heath was swept away by the answer and the kiss she planted on his lips that he could do nothing more then return it. Her aim was sure and true, and Heath leaned in, a hand reaching to cradle the small of her back. The kitten rested on her lap, sleeping as the two broke their embrace. Heath watched her face, pale blue eyes filling his view. Breathless, Heath watched her a moment, his smile returning with a soft but diligent revenge. The tender words came as his breath was gained,
“I love you.” whispered so softly that it was doubtful that even Soleil heard the words.