Page 17 of Crow’s Haven (Savage Legion MC #15)

Principal Davis joins us quickly, being calm and professional. Ms. Fields sits opposite, her back rigid, she’s clearly defensive. My nerves coil tighter.

Crow speaks first, direct and calm. “We understand Scout and Chase broke a rule. Bringing the frog was a stupid thing to do. But my old lady says the way they were spoken to is unacceptable.”

Principal Davis listens closely, turning to Ms. Fields with raised brows. “What exactly happened?

Ms. Fields huffs indignantly. “I was firm, but fair. Those boys caused significant disruption, and I refuse to tolerate disrespect.”

“Disrespect?” Crow leans forward slightly, voice low but authoritative.

“My boys aren’t disrespectful. Can they be curious?

Absolutely. Mischievous? Sometimes. But disrespectful?

No. Did you consider that they might’ve simply been excited to share something they found interesting? They’re kids, that’s what kids do!”

Ms. Fields reddens. “I don’t believe it matters. This is a classroom, not a field trip.”

“It matters,” Crow interrupts gently but clearly. “They’re six-year-olds. Learning, making mistakes, figuring out boundaries is part of their job, what you people call age-appropriate behavior. Your job is to guide, not humiliate.”

I chime in, “Why do you have the two little chairs in the classroom at all? It seemed very much like some kind of humiliation ritual, especially with the way you spoke to them.”

“I didn’t humiliate them,” she states loudly.

Principal Davis raises a hand, cutting off the tension smoothly.

“I believe we’ve discussed this before. You were told to remove the time-out chairs and to use gentle reminders and redirection rather than harsh reprimands.

These boys are well-behaved and loved. Their caregivers clearly take their responsibility seriously. ”

Ms. Fields stiffens further, silent. Principal Davis meets my eyes, sincere. “I apologize for your experience today, Ms. Jackson. Rest assured, this will be addressed.”

“Thank you,” I reply quietly, voice steady despite my racing heart.

Crow’s hand gently squeezes mine under the table, steadying my nerves.

As the meeting concludes, Ms. Fields excuses herself briskly, leaving us with Principal Davis, who sighs gently. “I’ll be keeping an eye on the situation. Please don’t hesitate to call if anything else concerns you.”

We thank him again, stepping out into the bright hallway. My shoulders sag slightly, relief flooding through me. Crow’s hand remains warm on mine, thumb brushing lightly against my knuckles.

“I’m sorry about all this,” I whisper, looking up at him.

“Don’t be,” he says simply, eyes softening. “You were amazing in there. Standing your ground, protecting our boys.”

Our boys. Those words wrap around my heart warmly and tight. “I just... couldn’t let her talk about them like that.”

“Exactly.” He gently cups my jaw, thumb stroking my cheek softly. “You stood up for them, without hesitation. You have no idea what that means to me.”

I nod, grateful that he didn’t think I went overboard. Crow trusts me with his children, and I never want to do anything to make him doubt that I have their best interest at heart.

“They’re in kindergarten,” I whisper softly, holding his gaze. “I don’t know why people can’t just let them be kids.”

“Don’t worry, they’re tough,” he murmurs back, his voice deepening. “This isn’t gonna emotionally scar them. And if it does, we’ll get them someone to talk to about it.”

He reaches out and pulls me in for a tight hug. When he loosens his hold, I pull back and clear my throat. “We’d better rescue the boys. We can take them out of school early, just this once. They looked pretty upset when I saw them in the classroom.”

He nods, squeezing my hand gently. “Yeah. Let’s hope Freddy survived too.”

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 and warm. “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.

The minute the bike stops, Scout and Chase unbuckle their harnesses and helmets and bolt towards the chaos. Scout tackles the inflatable first, yelling dramatically as he bounces wildly, pulling Chase right behind him. Crow shakes his head, chuckling softly as he watches them go.

“They’ll destroy that thing if we’re not careful,” he murmurs, amused.

“Naw, those things are made to take all the abuse kids can throw at it,” I tease, nodding at the pile of kids tumbling together, shrieking joyfully.

Adults linger nearby, chatting casually while keeping half an eye on their rowdy children.

I recognize a few of the men Crow introduced me to before.

There is Siege, Tank, Rigs, and Zen. They wave warmly, nodding in greeting.

Their old ladies offer welcoming smiles and congratulate me on getting his property cut.

The camaraderie is amazing. I realize how rare this is, how lucky I am to be here, with the brotherhood.

Crow leads me towards the back patio, his hand warm on my lower back, protective and possessive in equal measure. He guides me to an empty picnic table, close enough to watch the boys but quiet enough for us to have our own space. Crow piles his plate with burgers, chips, and fresh fruit.

“Hungry?” Crow asks, settling beside me, close enough that our thighs brush.

“Starving,” I admit, leaning into his side as he feeds me a strawberry. I catch his eye, savoring the intimacy of the gesture.

“You look happy,” he murmurs softly, watching me closely, eyes warm.

“I am happy,” I whisper honestly. “I love how your club brothers come together for something like this.”

He smiles gently, fingers brushing mine as we watch the chaos unfold. Scout and Chase have teamed up with Siege’s kids, launching coordinated attacks on the inflatable castle’s walls. I laugh softly, leaning into Crow’s shoulder, “I hope that thing is insured.”

Everything is going great until I see Roxy slinking around. The club girl moves through the crowd with easy confidence. My stomach tightens, as memories of her earlier warning come flooding back, threatening my peace. She spots us immediately, her gaze lingering pointedly before she strolls closer.

“Crow,” she purrs, her voice deliberately sweet, ignoring me entirely. “Haven’t seen you around in a while. Wanna dance, big boy?”

Crow’s body stiffens slightly beside me, his expression shifting, quiet yet unmistakably firm. “No. I don’t.”

She frowns, her smile faltering. “Come on, it’s just a dance.”

He rises slowly, his movements deliberate, careful, stepping just close enough to speak privately. I tense slightly, wondering what he’s going to say to her. I watch their quiet conversation.

His voice is low but carries enough that I hear clearly. “Listen carefully. I have an old lady now. That means no more talking, dancing, or making out with club girls. See that property cut on her back? That makes her family, not someone you get to intimidate or disrespect. Understand?”

Roxy’s eyes flash with annoyance, mouth pressing into a tight line. But whatever she sees in Crow’s expression is enough to silence further protest. She nods sharply, turning away quickly, heels clicking angrily on the patio stones.

Crow returns to me, reclaiming his spot without hesitation. He reaches for my hand, his thumb brushing tenderly across my knuckles.

“You okay?” he asks gently, concern darkening his gaze.

“I’m okay,” I reply quietly, heart still racing. “Thank you for doing that.”

He leans closer, eyes serious, fierce with sincerity. “I meant every word, Ladybug. Nobody disrespects you. Not in front of me.”

Warmth floods through me, gratitude and pride mixing sweetly. I squeeze his hand softly. “I believe you.”

He relaxes, eyes softening again as we watch the boys, their joy untouched by adult tensions. Scout tackles Chase playfully, laughter spilling from their mouths. I like to see the boys so carefree and happy.

“You handled that perfectly, you know,” Crow says quietly, nudging my shoulder gently. “Earlier at the school. Now here, too.”

“I just did what felt right,” I admit honestly, watching him carefully. “Your boys matter to me.”

“I know they do.” He cups my jaw softly, tilting my face gently upward. “You matter, too. Don’t forget that.”

The tenderness in his voice makes my heart squeeze painfully, beautifully. I have to tell him.

Now.

“Look, there’s something you need to know about me. I probably should have mentioned it earlier—”

I’m just about to tell him my dark secrets when the boys come flying across the lawn and land in our laps. Since it’s getting to be dinner time, we distract them with food.

As evening spins out without drama, the laughter grows louder, the music softer, while lights twinkle gently overhead. The boys eventually collapse on the grass, exhaustion finally catching up to their endless energy. Crow lifts Chase easily into his arms, Scout trailing behind sleepily.

“Time to go?” I ask softly, smiling gently as I stroke Chase’s soft hair.

“Yeah,” Crow replies warmly, voice tender. “I think we wore them out.”

We head towards his bike, and he wakes Chase up to buckle him into the sidecar. Once his eyes are open, it’s like he got his second wind. I help Scout in beside him, and buckle him in.

I pause briefly, looking back at the clubhouse, lights warm in the darkness, laughter still drifting softly.

The leather cut rests comfortably around my shoulders.

I run my fingers gently over the patch, pride swelling through me.

I’m part of something bigger now, something good and real.

Let’s just hope I can hang onto it when I tell Crow the truth.

Crow’s arm slips around my waist, pulling me close against his side. He kisses my temple gently, lips warm and lingering. “You ready?”

“Yes,” I whisper, heart full, my voice steady. “I’m ready.”

We get comfortable on his bike, and he rides off with all of us in tow.

I know our path forward won’t always be easy. There will still be shadows, moments of fear, and truths to confront, but right now I feel like anything is possible.