Free Swerve by Amarinda Jones Page A

Clare craned her neck. “Is that fire?”
    It was indeed fire. It looked like it was growing out of his hand almost like an extension of the man. But that was crazy. No one could produce fire like that.
    Regardless of the how and the what. Sholto was walking directly towards them.
    “Shit.” Mary stood up.

    “Fuck.” Clare followed her.
    “Simon—” Mary called out before correcting herself. “– I mean Swerve.”
    Simon looked from Mary to Sholto. “Run.”
    Mary kicked off her heels and grabbed her sister’s hand. “You heard the man.”
    “I hate running,” muttered Clare as Mary pulled her along.
    “Well, I’m not keen on dying.” Before they could get more than a couple of steps they ran into a woman. Her dark hair, eyes and the black lace, almost old world dress that covered her from top to toe stopped the sisters in their tracks.
    “Come with me,” Socia Black ordered in a tone that was not meant to be anything but a demand.
    “Who are you?” Mary was agog. She was pretty sure her socially careful sister Fran didn’t have alternative friends like this.
    “Yes,” Clare purred with interest. “Who are you?”
    Mary rolled her eyes. Now was not the time to pick up would be lovers.
    “Someone who can save your asses. Simon can look after himself.”
    “You know Simon?” What the hell was going on here? “How?” Jealousy pricked at her mind.
    “I’m not going to do twenty questions.” Socia gave each woman a hard push to make them move.
    Despite the jealousy and the possibility that a mad man planned to disrupt her sister’s wedding, which in truth would have made it a normal Dalton dysfunctional event, Mary trusted the woman who urged them on. “Who are you people?” Her.
    Simon. Sholto. What was going on?
    “You don’t want to know,” Socia murmured.
    “Oh, but I do.” Mary pulled her sister along as they rounded the side of the reception centre.
    “Mary Dalton, you may not know me but I will keep you safe.”
    The way the dark haired woman spoke sent a shiver up Mary’s spine, yet she instinctively knew she didn’t doubt the woman’s word.
    “Strange how everyone seems to know my name all of a sudden.” Mary wanted to sound calm and in control but too much was happening at once.
    “Destiny names few, and many remember.” Socia responded as she led them to the front of the building.
    “Destiny?” Again Mary felt the shiver run through her.

    “Are you single?” Clare asked Socia.
    Mary stopped in her tracks. They were at the front entrance. People were coming and going and there was traffic and noise on the streets. Hiding in plain sight was always a smart move. She looked at the dark woman beside her. She was, in essence, beautiful. Fine, smooth skin, intelligent eyes that held more secrets than the owner could bear and lips that were crooked yet quirky as if they smiled only when it was safe to do so. “Who are you?” Mary asked again. Somehow, she knew this woman was important.
    “My name is Socia Black.” She looked around her and then nodded as if satisfied. “And I must leave you.”
    Mary stood for a long moment and exchanged a look with Socia that filled her with strength yet also made her feel a deep sense of loneliness in the dark woman.
    “Look after yourself, Socia Black.”
    Socia looked surprised at the words directed at her. “I always do.” She reached over and touched Mary’s shoulder. “You’re Simon’s woman, therefore you’re his weakness and Sholto knows it. Be careful.”
    “He’s not after me. I’m no one special.”
    “You and Simon will change the world.”
    “And Sholto?”
    Socia smiled a quick thin smile. “He will get what he deserves.” And with that she turned and walked away.
    “Who was that dark woman?” Clare was agog.
    “Destiny,” Mary murmured.
    Simon had been initially surprised when Socia appeared. Rarely did he see her in the daytime so whatever had brought her to them had to be important. Although he