Page 35 of Savage Protection
Waiting for you, Doc.
The nickname still makes me smile. He never lets me forget how fiercely he loves me, how hard he fought to bring me home. Some days, I still wake before dawn, tangled in his arms, breathless with gratitude that we survived and that we have this chance.
I lock the classroom and step outside, the air thick with jasmine and the humid sweetness that comes with late spring in New Orleans. Beast waits in the shade beneath a twisted oak, a bouquet of roses in one hand, my helmet dangling from the other. The Savage crew and their ladies all lean against a row of gleaming bikes, the rumble of engines a low, reassuring promise that my family always has my back.
Beast grins at me, looking every inch the outlaw king and all mine. He holds out the roses, pink as the blush that rises on my cheeks. “Figured you deserved something beautiful for making it through finals week.”
I take the roses, burying my nose in their delicate petals. “You always know what I need.”
He tugs me close, his mouth warm on my temple, his hands strong and steady around my waist. “That’s because you’re my whole world, Layla. Always.”
Harlow calls out, “Tell her the big news, Beast!”
I raise a brow. “What big news?”
Cipher, all wry smile and sarcasm, flashes a plane ticket from two bikes over. “Yep! We’re heading to Chicago for the big meet-up. Bratva Savages, Genesis men, the whole criminal circus. You ready for some serious introductions?”
My stomach flips. I’ve heard stories that are all wild, legendary, terrifying about Harlon and his crew at Club Genesis. There was even more about Ares and the Bratva Savages. I had no idea Veles was Ares’ brother. Hearing that and that Reaper is best friends with Ares had my heart on the floor for a solid month after learning that particular piece of news.
Beast’s low, teasing voice in my ear settles the nerves. “I can see the worry on your face. You’ll love them. And don’t worry about Ares. You saved yourself, Layla. They’ll respect that.”
We all laugh as Isa and Everly start arguing over which crew throws the better party. Harlow walks over and wraps an arm around my shoulder and hands me a homemade granola bar. “Energy for the road,” she says, and I swallow past the knot in my throat. This family saved me as much as Beast did.
I tuck my helmet under my arm, stepping away from the chaos for a moment, letting it all wash over me. A year ago, I was running for my life, afraid to trust, to hope, to want more. Now, I’ve taken over for Daniel permanently and teach chemistry, run lesson plans, write new chapters of my book at night, and wake up wrapped in Beast’s arms. I’ve never felt stronger or more at peace.
It still blows my mind, sometimes, how easily New Orleans became home. Everything here is a little slower, a little brighter than back in New York. The people talk to you like they’ve known you forever. There’s always a party, always music in the streets, and somehow, despite everything, there’s laughter in my days.
I found out months ago that Beast had been paying my rent on the New York apartment the whole time he was hunting forme. I’d called expecting to hear I’d lost my place, only for my landlord to tell me Beast had kept everything waiting for me.
I thanked Beast with tears and laughter, and we spent a weekend hauling every box, every book, every dream I’d left behind down to New Orleans. He turned the Savage safe house into our little haven, all exposed brick and sunlight and shelves overflowing with my books, his tools, and the bits of life we’re building together.
A deep, familiar rumble startles me from my thoughts. Beast revs his bike, then reaches into his pocket for his sunglasses. “You ready, Doc?”
I reach into my own bag and pull out something I’ve been carrying for days, waiting for the right moment. He helps me onto the back of his bike. Settled, I hold up a slim white stick with two unmistakable pink lines in front of his face.
“By the way,” I say, voice trembling with laughter and tears, “We’re going to be parents!”
For a second, time stands still. Beast blinks, his mouth falling open, then his grin splits his face wide open, pure joy burning in his eyes.
The cheers that break out around us could shatter glass. Harlow tackles me with a hug, Arabelle shrieks, Everly starts crying, and Beast lifts me off the bike, spinning me in a circle as the Savage crew whistles and whoops.
He sets me down, his hands on my cheeks, his voice thick. “You are my miracle, Layla. I swear, every day with you is better than the last.”
The world spins, wild and bright and full of love. The men start their engines, the women all smile, and Beast tucks me against his chest, his lips finding mine in a kiss that tastes like forever.
As the convoy pulls out of the lot, heading north toward whatever adventure awaits, I tuck myself into Beast, the city fading behind us, the promise of a new life shining ahead.
I survived the fire. I found my forever in the savage who walked me through it. Now, we move on to our next chapter stronger, protected, braver, and wrapped up in the wild, outlaw love that saved us both.
