Page 18 of Savage

She let out a breath. “I’ll try.”

“That’s all I ask,” he said. Then, with a small but unmistakable smile, he added, “Now, shall we have some dinner?”

CHAPTER 7

SAVANNAH

Savannah's fork hovered over her plate, the scent of meatloaf and gravy momentarily forgotten as she watched Irish gently feed Makenzie a spoonful of peas. The casual display of dominance and submission sent a shiver down her spine, at once thrilling and unsettling. She was here. In The Watchmen’s clubhouse, eating dinner with several of the officers and their littles. She wanted nothing more than to be here on her own volition, instead of being forced against her will to spy on them. She listened carefully to the conversations going on around here, hoping to hear something that would set her free.

"Eat up, little girl," Savage's deep voice rumbled beside her. "Can't have you wasting away on us."

She ducked her head, cheeks flushing. "Yes, Sir," she murmured, taking a bite of creamy mashed potatoes. She’d learned her lesson when she’d slipped and called him Daddy before. He didn’t correct her this time, instead offering a wink of approval. She took another bite of potatoes, Tater was an amazing cook, she was learning, and he had a love for all things potatoes. Makenzie had told her how he included spuds of some sort at darn near every meal.

Across the table, Makenzie smirked. "No one tells you what to do, right Savvy?"

Savannah smiled as Emilee laughed. “Maybe I spoke too soon.”

“You think?” Makenzie said with a chuckle.

“No one tells you what to do?” Savage repeated. “It’s a good thing I’m not a no one.”

Ignoring the heat she felt radiating from his gaze, she turned her attention to Emilee who was huffing beside her, pushing her peas around her plate.

“Eat your peas, kitten.”

"I’s no wanna eat them."

Arrow gave a warning look, took the spoon from her hand and filled it with peas. He guided the spoon to her lips. "Open up.”

Emilee clamped her mouth tightly closed and shook her head.

“She doesn’t like vegetables,” Tater said, from next to Arrow. “The first time we met, she gave all her green beans to Clover.” The beautiful dog laying across the room in front of the fireplace heard her name and lifted her head. When no one called her, she dropped it back down again.

“I’d happily give my green beans to her, too.” Savannah said. “Who likes green beans?”

“The problem is, little girls don’t like any vegetables at all. It’s up to their daddies to make sure they get all the nutrition they need to be healthy,” Savage said.

“That’s not true, Uncle Sav!” Makenzie countered. “I like corn!”

“Corn isn’t a vegetable, it’s a grain.” Savage said.

“Technically they are both,” Savannah told them. “When my mom was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago, we took a nutrition class together. The nutritionist said corn aidsdigestion, helps with heart health and is a great source of fiber, among other things. I was surprised too, but corn is super healthy.”

“But we don’t digest corn,” Makenzie said.

“That’s not true either. I said the same thing!” Savannah said. “The nutritionist told us you digest the inside of corn just not the outer covering. But the outer covering is good too, it acts as a probiotic in our guts. I didn’t believe her at first until I looked it up myself.”

“Wow!” Emilee said. “Daddy, do you hear this? Does that mean we can eat more corn and less green vegetables?”

“Maybe. Right now, you are going to eat your peas, Kitten.”

“Nope. I nos wanna.”

“Emilee, you will open your mouth right now and take a bite of your peas. You are not being a very good example for your new friend on how to listen to your Daddy.” A tiny pout formed before Emilee reluctantly opened her mouth, swallowing the peas.

Savannah felt like she was intruding on something sacred. They trusted her to show her their most vulnerable sides, something they didn’t air out in public- she knew from talking with Makenzie, their families weren’t even aware of the dynamics. She should feel honored they were letting her in, but she didn’t. She felt like a fraud. Guilt gnawed at her. At the end of all of this, she’d be lucky if she didn’t have an ulcer.

The conversation shifted as the group discussed the upcoming motorcycle ride and the barbecue cook-off. The lively chatter filled the room, making Savannah feel, just for a moment, like she belonged. The laughter and camaraderie enveloped her. She listened intently, tucking away bits of information to remember to send to Zeb later.

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