To the person reading this, My Savage is dedicated to you. I will never be able to express the gratitude I feel when someone reads any words I have written.
I am blessed that you chose to read this story.
Enjoy!
“Fuck. You’re like your daddy. A fighter.” Thoughts run through my mind surrounded by the people I care most about in this world, huddled together in a small, white, sterile room. The only thing that could make this scene better is if my sister Melody was here. I guess some of us have to work a normal nine-to-five job.
“Shhh… no cursing in front of the baby.” Crystal, who should be a fucking mess, inside and out, presents herself perfectly and coos at Tanner holding their precious bundle. Her eyes not wavering from the sight I never in a million years thought I’d see. My three brothers, in every sense of the word besides the blood running in our veins, all hold on to someone that is more valuable and rare than their own lives in this snapshot of a moment.
Slate wraps his arms around the waist of Emerald, looking over her slender shoulder at the chubby, pale-skinned prince. A heavily pregnant Lace sits next to Crystal, while Caden crouches in front of her, rubbing her swollen belly. The love swamping this room is overwhelming, but what everyone needs after the last brutal year.
“You’re more like him each day too, T.” I blink to remove the wetness developing in my eyes. “Cuddly, soft, and all gooey-eyed. Actually, are you going bald like him?” I jest out loud to hide my true feelings. Slate and Caden nod and laugh with me, the girls stare and smirk at the tattooed monster holding the newest addition to our family. Tanner’s gaze doesn’t leave his sleeping son’s and his smile doesn’t waver. It’s been a permanent fixture since Jayce Tanner Grayson came out of the neonatal special unit yesterday after being in there for three long, torturous weeks.
Crystal had refused to leave the hospital until their son could be brought home with them. Tanner had stayed for the majority of the time, which was now his priority, doubling the security of the areas where Crystal and Jayce were. Nothing would be hurting them now, or in the future. I had organized tighter security for all of them. It wasn’t only my brothers’ lives in danger now, it was their families too.
“This is our future now.” Tanner’s eyes spear around the room and we all see the determination set in his eyes. “We protect fearlessly what belongs to us. There’s nothing more important than the people in this room.”
“Agreed, brother.” My finger runs over Jayce’s soft, now plump cheek and I watch him safely cocooned by his father’s arms. He doesn’t react to my touch. Staying asleep. I struggle to breathe in deeply. I love every fucking person in this room more than myself, but I need to escape. Not because I’m feeling pity for myself because I’m alone. I couldn’t give a damn about that. It hasn’t crossed my mind once about settling down, but because I feel restless.
The men I have grown up with have found their sole purpose for living. The changes are slowly but certainly creeping in. Our businesses bring heat to us and now their loved ones. The way Slate, Caden, and Tanner look in the eyes of their women could cause a nuclear blast. I can sense there’s more change coming. We’ve all talked about running legit businesses, but it’s fucking harder said than done when every scrap of LA wants to bring you to your knees to take over and make our city worse than what it is already.
I can say one thing, and that’s we never kill for the sake of killing, there’s always a fucking good reason. The parasites waiting in the shadows for our demise are bloodthirsty, power-hungry jackals. Concerned only with money and prestige. And themselves. Heat courses through my veins, a simmering rage boils in my stomach. I would kill anyone on this planet who tries to mess with our family. It’s good that there’s a change happening, but I need to work out how I fit in with it.
“As much as I’m loving the Brady Bunch feel in here, I have places to be.” Slapping Tanner on the shoulder, I do the same to Caden and smile at Lace. “I’ll catch you all soon.”
Emerald drags me in for a hug and Slate watches fiercely.
“You know you’re part of this?” Emerald whispers in my ear as I wrap my arm around her gently. Fucking with Slate is so easy.
“I know.” My voice sounds gruffer than I intend.
Releasing her, I walk to the door and Slate joins me.
Crystal calls out, making us stop. “Tell Melody to come and visit me at the apartment as soon as possible. I know she’s crazy busy, but I want her to meet the newest family member.”
“Will do.” Resuming my way out the doorway with Slate, a waft of grape gum hits my nose, sincerity evident in his eyes. “You need us, you know where to call.”
“Back at you.” Clapping his back, I open the door and leave, inhaling a lungful of air. My shoulders drop but my chest stays tight. I know this is the right thing to do for myself. They don’t have to know. For now, anyway.
But I haven’t been away from these guys in… a very long time.
I have to.
I need clarity.
Space away from everyone will hopefully help me see what it is that I want.
What it is that I am searching for or holding out for.
With the cruel and dangerous past months, quiet and space has been a luxury we haven’t had. I know I sound like I’m whining. Most would say these unruly times have been brought upon by ourselves. The Savage Shadows finally getting their own back.
Karma for all the crime we have done.
They wouldn’t be wrong.
Our dark lives, vicious dealings with the underworld, and corrupt businesses.
This world is me.
I’ve asked myself the same question over and over. Do I want to be part of the change coming?
The adrenaline, pain, and ferocity is ingrained in me.
Power, killing, and ruthlessness consume me.
Even if I could transform, it’s not something I want to give up or switch.
All of the callousness, malice, and coldness is me.
Striding past the extra security, I nod and make my way to the outside of the hospital, heading straight to my custom 1970 Chevelle SS.
My pride and joy.
Emerald worked on her for weeks, surpassing how well I thought she could get her to ride and race. That girl’s a goddam genius when it comes to cars.
And taming Slate.
Placing my Ray-Bans on, the bright orange paint reflects dramatically off the sunrays that are starting to subside, giving way to the darkness. I unlock the door, looking at the hospital and where I came from. Heaving in a few breaths, I look at the pavement and get in the car.
My finger goes straight to speed dial. The cell connects and I open my mouth to say hi, but my sister’s energetic voice swamps me.
“Did you see him? Is he cute as a button? I know he must be, having Tanner and Crystal for parents. When is she coming home? I need to see Jayce.”
“Whoa, Mel. Slow down.”
“I’m so excited for them, Ocean.”
“I know, we all are. I thought I’d let you know before I left the hospital that Crystal wants you to drop by as soon as you can to meet Jayce.”
“She’s the best. I really need to spend more time with them. I know I’m younger than them, but they make me feel included.”