Savage (Spartan Watchmen MC #4)

Chapter 17

SAVANNAH

A fter sex, Savage brought Savannah coffee in bed. Now, laying together, her fingers traced lazy patterns on his chest and her thoughts drifted to her sister, who she was meeting for lunch a bit later. "I can't believe how much has changed in such a short time," she murmured. "Nicole and Kayleigh... they're really okay to be on Valhalla? I know Nicole feels bad that she’s not paying some form of rent."

Savage nodded, his hand continuing to stroke her hair. "They are as safe and as welcome as they can be. The compound's locked down tight. No one gets in or out without their say-so, it's safer than many military bases I’ve been stationed at. Tell her not to worry about the money, there’s an abundance of it floating around Valhalla. In fact, it has one of the coolest HOA’s I’ve ever seen. The men who own the houses pay a monthly fee for water, electricity and trash. It’s the same amount every month. Regardless of usage. They split everything equally and no one complains. They really take care of each other."

A wave of relief washed over Savannah, but it was tinged with a hint of worry. "I saw how Slash looks at Nicole," she said, biting her lip. "He’s been hanging around a lot lately. I mean, I trust you guys, but..."

"But she's your sister, and you're protective," Savage finished for her.

Savannah nodded. "You don't know what she's been through, Savage. I’ve purposely not told you because she’s, my sister. You love me and that means you will do whatever it takes to protect those I love as well. I didn’t want you to get upset and go hunting him down or anything. Because you totally would. But her ex... he was a monster. He hurt her so badly, in so many ways." Her voice cracked, and she took a shaky breath. "I was so focused on our mom, I missed it. I missed his narcissistic controlling behavior. He was so kind to me and mom, but awful behind the scenes to her. Normally, I’m a good judge of character but when my mom was sick, I was consumed with her care and missed the red flags.”

Savage tightened his arms around her. "Hey, look at me," he said softly. When Savannah met his gaze, he continued, "You're not to blame in any of this and neither is Nicole. She and Kayleigh are part of a much bigger family now. They have the entire club watching out for them. In addition, I’m pretty sure Kayleigh has every single one of us wrapped around her pinky."

"I know," Savannah whispered. "It's just... old habits die hard, I guess. I've always felt responsible for Nicole, you know? Like I had to be the strong one."

Savage cupped her face gently. "You don't have to carry that weight alone anymore, little girl. We're family now, all of us. And family protects each other."

“What if she isn’t ready for a relationship? I haven’t talked to her too much about Slash… but…”

Savage thumb gently caressed her cheek as he nodded. "Sweetheart, I want you to understand something about Slash. He might look like a hardened badass, but underneath that tough exterior, he's one of the most honorable men I've ever known."

Savannah tilted her head. “Well, she did say he was nice."

Savage chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Slash, huh? He’s not usually described as ‘nice.’”

“She also said he’s…intense. You think he’s interested in her?”

Savage shrugged, though a knowing grin tugged at his lips. “Could be. Slash doesn’t make moves unless he’s serious. If he’s showing interest, it means something.”

Savannah bit her lip, her protective instincts flaring. “Nicole’s been through a lot. If Slash isn’t serious or doesn’t have the best intentions…”

Savage cupped her chin and turned her face to look at him. “You don’t have to worry about Slash. I’d trust him with my life.” Her brow furrowed, and Savage smiled softly. “You know the scar on his face?”

Savannah nodded. “Yeah, Nicole thinks it makes him look rugged, but I think it’s kind of scary.”

“It’s from his time in Afghanistan. Back when he was still Delta Force,” Savage explained, his tone steady. “He was on patrol and saw a man about to stab his wife in the face. She’d tripped, and Slash had helped her up, offering her his hand. Her husband didn’t like that. He lashed out at her for touching a man she wasn’t related to and came at her with a blade.”

Savannah gasped softly, her hand gripping Savage’s arm.

“Slash didn’t even think twice. He stepped between them, took the blade himself. Saved her life and her face in the process.” Savage’s voice was filled with admiration. “That’s the kind of man he is. Protective, caring, and yeah—he’s dominant, just like me. But he doesn’t play games, Savannah. If he’s interested in Nicole, you can bet he’s serious.”

Savannah relaxed slightly, though her brow remained furrowed. “I’ve never talked to Nicole about…this lifestyle. I mean, I didn’t know anything about it until I was told I had to go undercover as a little. I don’t know what she’d think about it.”

“That’s not your job to figure out,” Savage said, his lips quirking into a small smile. “It’s Slash’s job to find out where she stands and what she wants. He’ll handle it.”

A mixture of relief and lingering concern played across Savannah's features. She bit her lip, hesitating before asking, "But what about... you know, the lifestyle? You said he’s dominant like you. What if Nicole doesn’t want to be submissive to him? I’m not sure she has it in her.

"That's not for us to decide, little one," Savage said gently. "If Nicole's curious, it'll be up to Slash to introduce her to that world, if she hasn’t been exposed to it already. Trust and communication are key in any relationship, but especially in BDSM. They'll have to figure that out for themselves."

Savannah nodded slowly, processing his words. "I guess you're right. It's just... maybe I should talk to Slash and make sure he has–"

“Absolutely not,” Savage pulled her close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I know, you mean well, baby girl, but you are not to get involved in Slash’s love life.”

“It’s not just Slash’s love life, it’s Nicole’s too.”

“Your sister is a grown ass woman and a mother, she doesn’t need you mingling in her love life any more than Slash does.”

“But–”

“No buts, unless you want to find your butt being paddled.”

Savage’s phone ringing interrupted their conversation. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing. "It's Blade," he muttered, tapping the speaker icon.

"Savage, you there?" Blade's gruff voice filled the room. "Got Savannah with you?"

Savannah's heart quickened, why would he want her there? "I'm here, Blade. What's going on?"

“Just wanted to touch base about Lily. The Rejects thought she was the one who gave them up. They knew she worked for Jay. Jay is close friends with the detective that was out there. They never blamed Savannah for the ambush. We finally found her. She’s been hiding out for these last couple weeks. Jay’s girl was able to convince her to come out of hiding and talk to us.”

Savannah's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. She gripped Savage's arm tightly, her mind racing with possibilities. Poor Lily. Poor, poor, Lily. How terrified she must have been.

"They blackmailed her?" Savage echoed, his voice a low rumble. "How?"

"They had dirt on her family," Blade explained. "Threatened to expose some nasty secrets if she didn't cooperate. She's been trapped, just like..."

He trailed off, but Savannah knew he meant her. A wave of emotions crashed over her – relief, empathy, and a glimmer of hope she hadn't dared to feel before.

"Is she okay?" Savannah blurted out, her voice trembling. "Can we help her?"

Savage's hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"We're working on it," Blade assured them. "Now that we know the full story, we can protect her. She’s fighting me on it, but she is going to stay at my house. I’m not letting her out of my sight"

Savage raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t know you were good at playing babysitter, Blade.”

“Don’t push it,” Blade muttered, but there was no real heat in his voice. “Look, she’s a victim in all this, just like Savannah. I’m going to keep the brat safe even if that means pulling her across my knee and blistering her damn ass every single day.”

“She’s sitting right next to you, isn’t she?” Savage asked.

“Is it that obvious?” Both men laughed.

Savannah exhaled a shaky breath. “Thank you, Blade. I really like Lily. I’m glad she’s not…you know, one of them.”

“If she behaves herself, I might even take her to the BBQ this afternoon,” he said more for Lily’s benefit than theirs.

“I hope so. I’d love to give her a big hug,” Savannah said. “Please remember Blade, Lily doesn't deserve any of this. She was so kind to me, even when..." She trailed off, guilt threatening to choke her words. Savage pulled her closer, his warmth anchoring her.

"You both got caught up in something bigger than yourselves," he murmured. "But we're gonna make it right."

Savannah nodded. “If she’s not at the BBQ then when can I talk to her?” The girls had assumed she was guilty when she’d up and disappeared after the ambush. She wanted to reach out to her, knowing Lily likely needed a friend.

“I’ll let you know when Jay has a new phone for her. We don’t want anyone to trace where she’s at.”

"Keep us posted, Blade," Savage said into the phone.

As the call ended, Savannah looked up at Savage. "Do you really think they can help her?"

"We're the Watchmen, sweetheart. Protecting our own is what we do best." Savage's lips brushed her forehead. "Now, we've got a BBQ to get ready for."

A playful glint sparked in Savannah's eyes. "Race you to the shower?" she challenged, already wiggling out of his embrace.

Savage's deep chuckle rumbled through the room. "You better not run in the house, little girl!"

Savannah darted towards the bathroom, her giggles echoing off the walls. Savage's longer strides quickly caught up, his strong arms scooping her up just as she reached the doorway.

"Cheater!" she squealed, half-heartedly squirming in his grasp.

"I said no running," Savage growled playfully, swatting her behind half-heartedly.

As Savage washed her hair in the shower, Savannah marveled at how natural this felt. The easy banter, the tender touches – it was as if they'd known each other for years, not mere days. Everything she’d gone through with The Rejects had been horrific, but finding Savage made surviving it worthwhile.

Wrapped in fluffy towels, they moved to the bedroom to dress. Savannah hesitated, fingering the hem of a pastel sundress.

" Are you sure this is... okay for the BBQ?" she asked, suddenly unsure of herself.

Savage paused, jeans half-buttoned, and crossed to her. "Absolutely. You know the other women who are going to be there and that all the men accept you exactly as you are. You belong with us, Savannah."

Savannah slipped on the dress, twirling once. "How do I look?"

Savage's eyes darkened with appreciation. "Beautiful," he rumbled. "And entirely too tempting. We might be late to this BBQ after all."

Savannah laughed, playfully swatting Savage's reaching hands. "Daddy! We can't be late; I promised Nicole I'd be there on time. She’s not exactly comfortable with everyone, yet."

As they stepped out of the bedroom, Savannah paused in the doorway. Her hand traced the wood frame, and a wave of emotion washed over her. Just days ago, she'd been a frightened, desperate woman, running from a nightmare. Ready to pretend to be in love with Savage just to pay a debt. Now, she stood here, wrapped in the safety of Savage's love, truly committed to him and whatever future may come, surrounded by a community that had embraced her without hesitation, even after everything that had happened. Even after lying and deceiving them. They accepted her and forgave her without hesitation. She was truly blessed.

"You okay, princess?" Savage asked, a concerned frown on his face.

"I'm more than okay," she answered. "I'm... happy. Really, truly happy. I didn’t think I’d ever be happy again."

Savage pulled her close. "It’s a Daddy’s job to make sure his girl is happy, and you deserve every bit of joy that comes your way. I promise, Savannah, I’m going to spend the rest of my life loving you and making sure you are one very happy little girl.”