by Ellie Jean
All rights reserved.
Editor: Ellie McLove—My Brother’s Editor, www.mybrotherseditor.net
Formatting/Book Cover: Stacey Blake—Champagne Book Design
Visit my webpage at ellie-jean.wixsite.com/author
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a review. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or places is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced throughout this work of fiction, which has been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
WARNING: The book is recommended for readers aged 18+. Please do not read if sexual situations, violence, and explicit language offend you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
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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 wou
ldn’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.”
“The girls love having you around. Never doubt that. You’re part of this whole family too. It’s us and them and I know you keep trying to get Mom and Dad on the same page as us, but when it’s a one-way battle, sometimes it’s best to sit back and let them make the next move.”
A sigh carries through the phone and it’s the same conversation we end up having each weekly phone call. “Yeah. I guess it’s back to agreeing to disagree.”
“It only makes you sad, and I’ve had enough of Mom putting the guilt trip on me when I try to have a conversation with her.”
“I get that, but I have to keep trying, they’re our parents.”
“In name only.” A tinge of sadness washes through me, for Melody mostly because she tries so hard to pull us all together, but it won’t happen. “Anyway, I thought you’d want to know Crystal wants you there soon.”
“I’ll give her a call on my break and schedule a time. Don’t forget our usual dinner date on Wednesday. I’ll see you then.”
Hell, I forgot about that. Meeting for wood-fired pizzas weekly, this week it’s not going to work. “Actually, Mel, I’m going up to the cabin for a few days. I need to get my head on straight. So I’ll have to postpone this one.”
“Anything I can help my big, bad, dangerous brother with?”
I smirk, listening to her ridiculous description of me.
“No, just stay out of trouble ‘cause I’m not around the corner to save your ass for a few days.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll try but can’t promise anything.”
Knowing how reckless my little sister can be, a party animal, dancing and karaoke junkie every night of the week, anything is possible. I’ve run out of fingers to count how many times I’ve had to help her drunken butt out of a sticky situation.
“Try and be safe and call me anytime. Love you, Melody.”
“Love you best, big brother.”
Disconnecting the call, my head spins thinking of the potentially dangerous situations she gets herself into, but she’s an adult and like a parent, I have to let the reins go when it comes to her. Smothering her only makes matters worse.
I won’t be gone too long. The shit I need to sort out alone is complicated but necessary.
It’s for the best.
Firing up the engine, the low rumble vibrates through me. Until you’ve been in a monster of a car like this, you can’t understand how the blood pumps and the sound of the motor and muffler dances through every cell in the body, electrifying it completely.
It’s heaven.
My hands run over the black steering wheel, my heart beating in sync with the engine. I press the throttle down, easing the car around the garden bed and toward the exit, my eyes cast up to the rearview mirror. Parts of the hospital and my family are behind me.
It’s time.
Thud… Thud… Thud… Thud…
My feet pound the sidewalk, my head bangs, and my lungs burn.
I have to get away.
There’s no way of unseeing what I saw five minutes ago.
Why is this happening to me? I’m a florist. I keep to myself and all I’ve been trying to do is make my own way in this world, without the help of anyone.
Sometimes I wonder if in another life I wronged someone because I’ve got my life together finally and entering that one typical hospital room has changed the course of my life once again.
I’d started slowly, but my legs are now sprinting as fast as they can go. My eyes on alert, searching for enemies coming my way. There was only one man in the room, but there could be more watching for problems.
A problem like me.
Sweat droplets slip down my heated cheeks and my arms swing by my sides, keeping me upright.
He can’t get me.
It can’t end like this.
I’ve always prayed I would live a long life, with a husband who would devote his time to making me the most cherished person on the planet. Living in a house that was out of the city with three or four children and a pet Russian Blue cat. Flashes of the cat curled up on the sofa on my lap swirl in my vision.
“Crap.” My foot hits the edge of the pavement and my ankle twists, spearing me onto the road. “Oouch.” Gray edges surround my vision instead of the fluffy cat, and my knees ache like shards of glass have shredded my skin. My shoulder crumples and pain jolts through. There’s a screech of tires and I’m engulfed in smoke.
Footsteps fall. “Fuck, are you alright?” A loud, deep voice echoes. My hand holds my shoulder, my head dips farther.
Something brushes my back, and I jump.
“I have to go.” Lifting my head, my focus is on the trees stretching out in front of me, not the dark shadow looming over me. “I have to get out of here.”
“Baby, you’re not going anywhere like that.” A smooth, commanding voice interrupts the thudding of my racing heartbeat.
Immediately, my body stills and the air catches in my lungs. Spreading over my body is a tingle that I haven’t felt in years. I never thought I’d experience it again.
Turning my head, my eyes are wide, and I look to the face of a well-built man and pray that it is the person I thought I had lost forever.
Shadows cross his face and he’s looking me up and down, checking me out for damage. I can’t see his eyes clearly.
Heck. What am I doing? I’m an idiot.
Realization kicks in that I’m in danger, and I need to push my long-forgotten teenage thoughts and dreams aside.
My eyebrows crease and I push my legs under me to assist me in getting up considering my arms are out of action. “I am so.” Gritting my teeth, my body slowly rises.
A warm hand clasps around my waist, and I have help to straighten to my full height. Which isn’t much. Shuffling my foot to right itself, I place weight on it. “Christ, that hurts.”
“I told you. You aren’t going anywhere.” It’s then I finally register there is a guy in my personal space, with his hand on my body. And I’m not freaking out.
Damn.
I’m about to die, and now I become immune to the closeness of men. Just my luck.
Casting my gaze to my left, I’m met with dark eyes etched with concern and black hair falli
ng over the face of a well-built man. The stubble adorning his face matches the ruggedness of his dark jeans and leather jacket. Authority radiates off him.
Dizziness passes over me and it’s not from almost being squashed.
“He’ll find me. I need to move.” I’m pleading with this scary man, who looks a hundred times more deadly than the guy I’m running from, yet my stomach has stopped churning and my breathing has steadied.
“The only way you’re moving is with me.” There’s a softness to his voice, concern and care, and my head spins again. Another wave of deja vu hits me.
What is it about his voice? His words?
Probably nothing. Shaking my head, I put it down to being rattled and having a major crisis taking over my life.
I nod and resign my fate for the minute to the hands of this beefcake in front of me. At this point in time, I have no choice. It’s stay and certainly be killed or go with the dangerous-looking man. At least if it is my last breaths I take with him, I will go with a smile on my face knowing I have finally been near a real guy.
That I’ve been able to speak to a very masculine guy and let a male of perfection touch my skin.
I try to talk, but my voice is muted.
Awkwardness returns.
Of course. It couldn’t last longer than a minute. Unsure of how to move or speak again to this man, actually that’s any male, his grip tightens on my waist and I’m guided toward a huge orange car gently.
My head swings from side to side, trying to catch a glimpse of anyone near us. The night sky is coming and the light is getting minimal.
“You’ll be safe with me.” Shutting the door closed, my hand rests on my shoulder still and my knees throb.
“Okay.” My eyes stay alert, watching for any sign that I’m going to be attacked from outside and now inside the car.
The car starts with a loud grumble and my body vibrates in the leather seat. “Umm… hmmm… I live… umm… snap!” I shut my lips tight and shake my head. Yep, this is more me. My heart thumps against my ribs. The car moves and I close my eyes to gather my wits that are lying scattered back in the hospital room I delivered flowers to less than an hour ago.
