Page 117 of Deadly Sweet

I know I should go over there too, but I don’t, waiting to see what she does.

The bigger boy lifts the basketball to take a shot, and my eyes widen when I see Savannah pull a switchblade out of nowhere, flick it open, and stab the basketball.

It makes the boy’s head snap over to her, shock taking over his features. She leans in, hand up with the blade still in the deflated ball, and whispers something to him.

I’m not sure what she said, but it has him running out of the room like a kicked dog with his tail between his legs, his little friends running after him.

As Savannah bends over to help the little boy who was crying on the ground to his feet, I start to walk over to him.

“If they give you any more trouble, you call me, okay?” she asks, slipping him a piece of paper.

He smiles brightly through his tears at her and nods. “Okay.” When he looks up and sees me, his smile turns shy. “Hey, Mr. Holloway,” he says. Damn it. My heart breaks even more when I see it’s Carter Rockwell. He’s a little boy who's been coming to hang out with me every lunch hour for the past two years. I didn’t recognize him with the longer hair.

Was this the reason why? Was the bullying so bad that he felt like he needed a teacher to protect him and didn’t know how to ask?

I know his home life isn’t good. His parents are jokes if you ask me. Shouldn't even be allowed to have kids. But I can’t do anything about it. And, believe me, I’ve tried. The best I can do is give him a safe place when he’s at school.

Would it be too much of me to ask if Caleb could pull some strings? Would getting CPS involved make his situation worse?

“Hey, Carter.” I try to hide the lump in my throat. “How’s your summer going?”

He bites his lip, wiping at his eyes. “I’m excited to go back to school.” That hurts to hear.

“Same.” I grin. “I’ve missed our lunchtime hangouts.”

His face brightens, and I try not to get choked up. “Me too! Can I come back again this year?”

“Heck yeah, my door’s always open.”

“Awesome.” He smiles and looks up at Savannah and then at me. “Do you know her?”

“I sure do. This is my Omega.”

“Wow,” he whispers. He leans in, covering his mouth with his hand, and not so quietly says. “She’s a badass. But don’t tell my mom I swore.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “I think she’s pretty badass, too.” I wink. “Don’t worry, your secret's safe with me.”

“I have to go. I’ll see you at school, Mr. Holloway,” he says and looks up at Savannah. “Thank you. I hope I get to see you again.”

“Bye.” Savannah waves after him as he goes. When he’s out of sight, she spins to face me.

“What did you say to that boy?” I ask her, crossing my arms with an amused brow.

She pulls the switchblade out of the basketball, tossing it behind her before closing the blade and placing it in her bra.

“I told him that if he keeps bullying people, there’s always bigger and badder bullies. And if he didn’t stop, one was gonna find him.” She grins.

“Please tell me you didn’t threaten to kill him?” My eyes widen in horror.

“No,” she scoffs. “I’d never hurt a kid, I’ve told you this. Even if he’s a little fucking shithead who needs a taste of his own medicine. I did however tell him I’d find someone to deal with him if he didn’t fuck off.”

“Savannah,” I groan, bringing my face into my hands. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Kiss me and tell me I’m pretty.” She laughs. “Maybe take me home and fuck me, mark me, and make me yours.”

Heat fills me as I lift my head to find her watching me with pure lust.

“Really?” I ask, nervous flutters in my stomach.Is this really happening?

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