Page 19 of Savage Obsession
I look around venom and watch as Reaper steps around the half-frozen Vulture tossed on the floor.
“You’re not the enemy, sweetheart. You’re his daughter. That’s two different things in my book.”
Knots made of pure tension and instant fear inside me loosen. I wish I could say I’m braver than I look, but that’s not so true.
I step out from behind Venom. The sheet I have wrapped around me is not the most flattering, but I didn’t exactly have all the time in the world to find something to wear while guns were going off outside the window. All I can do is hold the man’s gaze and keep my spine straight.
Reaper’s gaze is sharp and assessing, not cruel when it lands on mine. I stick my hand out because my mama raised me to have manners no matter what.
Pinning my shoulder back, I offer a shaky yet firm, “Willow Caine. Thanks for not judging me by the blood in my veins. It’s a first.”
Reaper takes my hand in his. “Reaper. That’s sad to hear. I’m sorry about that.”
The edges around his eyes soften with what I perceive as genuine sorrow. “Not your doing, but thank you.”
Heavy boots thud in behind him, and the cabin fills with big men and bigger energy.
Savages. I can spot one a mile away. They carry themselves differently than any Vulture ever could.
I think it’s pride and morality that makes them stand out. My father thinks it is pompous arrogance and the world should be rid of everyone wearing a Savage cut.
I can’t change his limited thinking. No one can. Tonight proved that.
Snow shakes from the men’s shoulders and with them they bring the scent of finality. Like an ending is coming and they are the bearers of that energy.
Venom curses under his breath. “Wonderful. Parade night. Please come in and scare Willow half to death.” Despite the cold tone, venom reaches out and does that male thing all dudes do. He clasps their hands and does a cute little shoulder boop. I would never describe it like that to him, but it is what it is.
I hold in a small laugh as venom turns to me and quickly makes introductions to his Savage brothers.
“You know Reaper, our president,” Venom says, chin-lifting around the circle.
“I do.”
I store the first impression that comes to mind about each man as we go down the line.
“This is Ash. Our VIP.”
Piercing gaze, can see to the soul, controlled fury simmering just under the surface. Got it.
“And Beast. Our Sergeant-at-Arms.”
Silent, broad as a door, Sergeant-at-Arms ink glaring and in your face. He’s a teddy bear. I just know it.
I take the next man’s hand while I use the other to hold my sheet firmly around my boobs.
Venom moves to the next.
“Cipher. All things geek. I don’t even try to keep up when he talks code.”
I offer a soft laugh and get a smile from the man in return.
I glance at Cipher’s tattooed knuckles, and I get the feeling he’s a restless mind in constant motion as he fidgets with the edge of his cut.
“Storm.”
Gray eyes that don’t miss a detail. He’s clocked me, the room and the stash of weapons on the counter the second he walked in.
“And Roman’s on the door. He prefers space and silence.”
