Page 13 of Savage

Savannah marveled at how the two women spoke so openly from their little personas. Her research on littles suggested many kept their dynamic private. Yet, these two seemed perfectly at ease, even in front of others. She expected this behavior at The Citadel during the playdate but was surprised by it here. She wondered if this openness extended beyond the clubhouse or if The Watchmen’s base was simply another designated safe space, like The Citadel.

“That sounds amazing,” Savannah said, pulling away from her thoughts and back to the conversation. “Maybe I’ll try it next time.”

“So, how did you get from brunch to the clubhouse?” Mackenzie inquired.

“After brunch, I went to Day & Night, and um…” Savannah faltered, searching for the right words. She didn't usually lie. Lying to the girls was a lot harder than she thought it would be. “I was checking my email and got a… threatening text. I guess the owner?—”

“Trinity,” Emilee interjected. “She’s Lucky’s woman. Lucky’s the club president.”

“Yeah, Trinity,” Savannah continued. “She noticed I was upset and told our waitress, who was on break, to check on me–”

“That’s Delilah, her best friend. She’s here a lot too,” Emilee interrupted again.

“Em, stop interrupting!” Mackenzie scolded. “She can’t even finish her story.”

“Oh! Sorry!” Emilee mimed zipping her lips.

Savannah gave a small smile. “Savage was there, still talking to Delilah. He came back to the motel and asked me about thetext and after our conversation, he decided to bring me here until I can find a better place.”

Emilee nodded. “Yeah, that motel is awful. Lots of bad stuff happens there.”

“I’m glad you said yes,” Mackenzie added. “The clubhouse is super safe. The officers’ rooms are nice, and there’s always an armed member here.”

“Armed?” Savannah asked, her voice tentative.

“Every club member is a former special forces operator. They’re highly trained,” Emilee explained gently. “Sadly, there are dangerous people out there, and it’s better for the good guys to be prepared.”

Savannah nodded, feeling out of her depth. “I’ve never even seen a gun,” she admitted.

“Neither had I,” Emilee said. “But Daddy took me to a shooting range so I wouldn’t be scared. I hope I’ll never have to use one, but now I at least understand them.”

Savannah shuddered slightly. She couldn’t imagine herself handling a weapon.

Mackenzie chimed in. “I don’t think we’d ever need to. We’re never alone, and there’s always someone nearby.”

“You’re never alone?” Savannah asked, surprised.

“Not really,” Mackenzie replied. “Most businesses in town are owned by The Watchmen or Valhalla members, so we’re always within their orbit. Even when we go shopping alone, there’s someone familiar nearby.”

“Valhalla?” Savannah asked.

“It’s like a small, gated community on the outskirts of town,” Emilee explained. “All the men who live on Valhalla are also former special forces operators, several of them, like Mad Dog and Bull, are members of The Watchmen. The guy who owns The Citadel, Jay, lives in Valhalla.”

“Wow,” Savannah said. “That’s a ton of special forces operators in one area.”

“Yeah,” Emilee said. “Arrow said it’s like a base for retired operators. You know, when they get out of the military, they can feel like they’ve lost the brotherhood. Many of them settle down near active-duty bases. In a way, Valhalla is like a military base but for veterans and Grand Ridge is like the towns outside of military bases but instead of being filled with active-duty members, it's filled with veterans.”

Savannah thought about what they were saying. All the servicemen she’d ever met were honorable and duty bound. She had a hard time imagining them committing crimes and becoming members of a lawless motorcycle club. Something wasn’t lining up. Unless maybe they were dishonorably discharged or something, like maybe they’d committed war crimes? No. There was not a chance.

“Anyway,” Emilee said brightly, “we could show you around town. Trinity’s hosting a Paint and Sip this week. Want to come?”

“Paint and Sip?” Savannah echoed.

Emilee grinned. “Wine, crafts, and painting. It’s super fun. Of course, anything with alcohol isn’t a little playdate, so we have to be our adult selves when we go to these. She hosts lifestyle munches, too. But, anyway, the next event is adult and open to the entire town.”

“I’ll have to get special permission,” Mackenzie said, looking down at her hands.

“Uh oh,” Emilee said. “What did you do this time, Mak?”

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