Page 38 of Crow's Haven
I laugh softly, stepping back, warmth and strength flowing between us. Together, we head back towards the classroom, side by side, ready to face whatever comes next. I’m annoyed to find the boys still sitting in those stupid chairs at the front of the classroom.
Crow doesn’t knock. The door is open, and he barges right in. “I wanna have another word with you, Teach. You wanna talk in the hallway or just do it right here?”
She startles in her seat. “You aren’t supposed to be here. What are you doing in my classroom?” Her voice keeps getting more and more high-pitched as she talks.
“I came to take them out of school early,” Crow says sharply.
Her mouth opens and closes a few times, and she finally says, “Why wasn’t I notified of any appointments for today? Why are you pulling them out of school?”
The kids are all riveted on the back and forth between Crow and their teacher. So am I, if I’m being honest.
Crow shakes his head. “You ask an awful lot of questions for someone with no authority over me. My tax dollars pay for your salary, not the other way around.”
I reach out to touch Crow’s arm, thinking we need to take this out in the hall, like he suggested before. He glances at me. Not taking my eyes off his, I say, “Chase and Scout, get your backpacks. We’re leaving.”
Mrs. Fields’ eyes narrow on him. “You can’t just come barging into my classroom any time you like and cart my students off.”
Crow takes a step closer to her, “Why do you still have my boys sitting in those little shame chairs? Your boss already told you that was inappropriate.”
“I was fixing to send them back to their desks.”
“Well, I’m fixing to file another complaint against you.”
“Take your boys and leave,” she finally says, her tone dismissive.
“Gladly,” I say, tugging on Crow’s arm.
The boys come racing from the back of the classroom with their backpacks. And I gesture for them to come to me. Crow surprises me by grabbing both the little plastic chairs and walking out with them. I know without a doubt in my mind that he’s taking them to the principal’s office, so I usher the twins outside. I walk slowly with the boys and Crow catches up with us at his truck.
Since we arrived separately, we both have vehicles at the school.
Crow asks, “Anyone up for a trip to the clubhouse later on in the sidecar? It’s Rider’s daughter’s birthday today and there’s gonna be cake.”
Of course the boys go wild about that idea. We drive back home.
The day is edging into early afternoon, as we prepare to leave for the clubhouse. I’m still mad and anxious from the drama earlier in the day at school, but Crow seems calm, even cheerful, as he rounds up Scout and Chase, loading the boys into the sidecar with practiced ease.
“Hey,” he says, catching my hand gently as I pass him on my way around his bike. “Before we go, I got something for you.”
He reaches into the storage compartment on his bike and pulls out something folded neatly. My breath catches when I recognize the black leather cut, the unmistakable Savage Legion patch sewn proudly on the back.
“I had it made up this morning and one of the prospects dropped it off,” he says quietly, eyes meeting mine, sincere andwarm. “This is yours, if you want it. I know it’s early days, but I want you to be mine, darlin’.”
My heartbeat picks up. I know exactly what this is. He asked me to be his old lady, and I said yes. This is the way they mark their old ladies. Crow wants everyone to know I’m his. The significance of this moment makes my throat tighten with emotion.
“You sure about this?” I whisper, afraid he might take it back.
“Yeah, I’m sure. This cut means you’re family,” he finishes softly. “You deserve a good brother, and I plan to be one for you.”
I run my fingertips over the smooth leather, eyes stinging. “Then I’m honored.”
He gently helps me slip it on. The leather settles heavily over my shoulders, but it feels perfect. Crow’s eyes soften with pride, his thumb brushing my cheek tenderly. “Looks good on you.”
I lean into his touch briefly, warmth flooding my chest. “Thank you, babe.”
***
The clubhouse buzzes with excitement when we arrive. Families mill around, music drifting through open doors. Kids laugh and shout, running wild. There is a bounce house in the corner already buckling under their enthusiasm.
