Savage Heart (Savage Island Book 1)

by Maggie Walsh

  “I hear you, Russell. I hear you coming and it’s a blissful, beautiful sound,” Gill rasped as he did his best to catch his breath.

  Savage licked what cum remained on his mate’s shaft, then lifted up, breathing hard, and thanked the fates for this miraculous gift. His fated one’s responses to his touch were amazing. If this was how Gill behaved when he received a blow job, Savage couldn’t wait to experience what it would be like to have his cock inside his mate, making Gill his own for eternity.

  Slowly Savage stood and went into the adjoining bathroom. Running the water until it was warm, he grabbed a washcloth, cleaned himself, rinsed it, then walked back into the bedroom. Gill was still sitting there, naked and asleep.

  Quietly walking over to Gill, Savage gently washed off his mate’s shaft and between the man’s legs. Gill’s cock began to twitch once more, and as much as Savage wanted to wake him and claim his mate, Savage knew that his fated one was not physically ready for that type of activity. Instead, he kneeled down and covered Gill with a blanket just as a soft knock came to the door.

  Savage quickly fixed himself, walked to the door and opened it wide. Grey was standing there, and said, “Hey, Savage, I came to check on Gill and see if I could do a treatment.”

  Savage stepped aside allowing his friend to enter. “He’s asleep.”

  Grey sniffed the air then turned to Savage. “Is that the smell of sex, Savage?”

  Savage sighed and walked to the balcony he had been on earlier. “I didn’t mean for anything to happen, Grey. I tried to restrain myself, but one thing led to another and…”

  “Savage, the man almost died. He’s human and needs time to heal. You can’t be overexerting him that way and you know it,” Grey stated firmly as he followed Savage outside.

  “I didn’t have intercourse with him, Grey. We just… look I know it shouldn’t have happened, but I can’t say I regret it because I don’t. Now it’s done, and I don’t want to hear anything else about it,” Savage snapped.

  “I’m going to go and see if there is anything I can do for Gill,” Grey said as he walked back into the bedroom.

  Grey was right and Savage knew it. He had no business doing what he did with Gill while the man was trying to heal. Yet, Savage knew he had been telling the truth when he had told Grey he couldn’t regret the experience, but he could regret the timing of it. Needing to gather his thoughts, Savage shifted. Large blue feathers began to form on his arms creating magnificent wings. The feathers continued to flow down his back and on the top of his head as scales formulated on his chest and legs. Savage grew larger and larger while spikes began to pop out on his forehead and his snout lengthened.

  Savage took off into the sky allowing his dragon to take over. He flew higher and higher until his island was a mere speck in the vast waters below. Thinking about all that he and Gill had spoken about brought Savage a mix of emotions. Some made him want to smile, others made him want to fly to Maddox and eat Gill’s father. However, he figured that Gill would be devastated to know that his father was dead by the hands of his own mate even though the man had been such a big shit towards him.

  Needing another type of peace, Savage took a nosedive towards the water, then quickly shifted into a dolphin as he entered the ocean. Savage swam hard and many of the sea creatures greeted him.

  The ability to talk to all animals, mammals, and amphibian life was one of the best parts of Savage’s many gifts. Today it would prove to be a blessing.

  Seeing the pod of Orcas swimming towards him, Savage could have smiled had it been one of his abilities when in shifted form. Using his mental link Savage said, “Hello, Walter. How are your wife and children?”

  “Good, thank you, Savage. It’s a marvelous day for a swim. Although every day is marvelous for my family and I. How are you and the upper level world these days?”

  Savage swam next to Walter, saying, “I met my mate.”

  “Oh, Savage, that’s fantastic. I couldn’t be happier for you.” Walter turned a bit, yelling out to his wife, “Lisa, Savage met his mate.”

  “Congratulations, Savage. There is nothing better than finding your soulmate. I speak from experience,” Lisa happily said.

  “Thank you, Lisa. I can’t wait to claim him,” Savage replied.

  “Do you mind me asking why you are waiting? It isn’t like you haven’t earned the right after all these millennia. I would have thought you would’ve pounced on him at the first intake of breath,” Walter said with a laugh.

  “Walter, you are horrible,” Lisa said with a giggle.

  “Who is Uncle Savage gonna beat up, mama?”

  Lisa gasped and looked at her mate. “Now see what you did?” Looking at her son, Lisa quickly said, “Uncle Savage isn’t going to fight anyone. Now go play with your twin sister, Dean.”

  “But I heard daddy say Uncle Savage is gonna pounce someone. When I get big enough I’m gonna pounce someone too. I’ll go up real high, flip to the sky and smash that big ole fishing boat,” Dean said, quickly swimming high and jumping out of the water, then flipping sideways back into the water.

  “Dean Mitchel, you do that again without your father or me and you will be grounded for a week. Now go to your sister as you were told,” Lisa scolded.

  “Aaah mooommm.”

  Lisa swam and used her fore flipper to smack Dean on his tail towards his sister.

  “You got in trouble. You got in trouble,” Donna said in a singsong tone.

  “Shut up brat,” Dean muttered, chasing his sister around a large coral bed.

  Savage laughed hearing the two children squealing in play, wondering if he and Gill might be blessed someday. That was something else he probably should tell his fated one. Savage had the ability to bless them with as many children as they might want to have, but what if Gill didn’t want kids. Savage had always hoped to have some babies of his own when the time was right. Would Gill agree?

  As if reading Savage’s mind, Lisa said, “Just think soon you can have children of your own and have the pleasure of being brought to insanity which no foe has been able to accomplish in so long a life. I don’t know what’s worse, a curious son wanting to prove he’s a man, or a daughter who just discovered there are such things as boys.”

  Savage laughed. “If my fated one wants to bless us with children I will look forward to the challenge.”

  “You didn’t answer my question, Savage. Why have you not claimed your mate yet?” Walter asked.

  Savage sighed and explained everything to his friends. He, Walter and Lisa had known each other for many years. He enjoyed their company and did his best to keep them safe from whale boats trying to harpoon their catch to sell for their meat, oil, and blubber. Walter and his family stayed in the safety of Savage’s dome area around the island, but that didn’t mean that some asshole wouldn’t try to come past Savage’s borders. Nothing was completely foolproof.

  “Oh the poor man. At least it sounds as though he’s on the road to recovery. I wish you both all the best,” Lisa said, her voice filled with compassion.

  “Yes, we both do, and don’t beat yourself up over your encounter with Gill. It isn’t unexpected after waiting for your fated one for so long that you might lose a bit of control, but it sounds as though he was just as willing. Before you get all mopey and self-recriminating, remember he is a grown man who knows his limits. Just let him dictate where things go from this point on,” Walter suggested.

  “Thank you. I guess I should be getting back to him,” Savage said.

  The sound of a whale screaming through the water caused all the adults to stop and turn. Lisa shouted, “Dean!”

  Savage turned to see Dean caught in a net as his sister frantically pulled and tugged trying to get her brother free.

  Lisa, Walter, and Savage quickly made their way to the netting. The net had wrapped around his body to the point Dean’s dorsal fin lay almost flat on his back.

  “Mommy! Daddy! Help!” Dean begged in a panic.

&nbs
p; “Hold still, baby, we’re here,” Lisa shouted sounding just as panicked as her son.

  Savage knew if he didn’t do something fast, Dean could drown. Whales might swim in the ocean, but they breathed air just as humans and if Savage couldn’t get the boy out of this net, he couldn’t surface to catch his next breath.

  Thinking quickly, Savage shifted into a glorious aqua-green water dragon. “Hold very still, Dean I don’t want to cut you.”

  Lisa brushed against her son, calmly talking with him as Walter comforted their distraught daughter. Savage slowly cut through the netting with his sharp claws and once the last line was sliced through, he shouted, “Get him to the surface.”

  All of them rose to the top of the ocean and Dean blew out water and drew in a deep breath. Savage looked around but saw no ships or anything else that could have placed that net. Then Dean’s words came back to him. Savage turned to the family and saw them cuddling close. “Walter, when Dean talked about smashing that old fishing boat what was he talking about?”

  “Dean insists he saw a large boat a few days back. I thought it was his imagination, but after what just happened, he might be right,” Walter stated still cuddling his son, daughter and wife.

  Nodding, Savage said, “I want you guys to stick close to the island until I can figure out what’s going on. I’m going to send Heath out to check for more nets.”

  “Will do. You go take care of your man. If I or anyone I know see any boats we’ll get word to you,” Walter stated.

  Giving a nod, Savage took off towards the shores of his island and quickly shifted into an eagle to make it home faster. Just as he landed on the balcony, his phone which still sat on the table began to ring. He answered without looking at who was calling.

  “Savage, it’s me Wade. We found Flyer. He’s a little banged up and in the hospital, but the doctors are hopeful he’ll make a full recovery,” Wade said.

  “That’s great news. And what of the other man, Ireland?”

  “He’s fine. He’s… he’s Flyer’s mate, Sav. Anyway, it’s a long story with Flyer being a stubborn ass, but Ireland is fine. He headed home to see his family.”

  “That’s a good thing I guess but is there a problem with their mating?” he asked.

  “Nothing to concern you. I’m sure it’ll all work itself out. You just stay there with your own mate.”

  “Okay. So what happened with the cartel?”

  “We had some help from Illan and his men and the bad guys have been dealt with. Well, at least the ones we could get to. I have men searching their ranch as we speak. I’ll call you if anything comes of it, even if it’s just to tell you there is no news.”

  After hanging up, Savage looked to see Grey, Lani, and Heath watching him. Savage immediately told them what happened with Dean, then ordered, “Heath go check those waters. I want a report when I get back, on netting, traps, any boats around the area, and anything else you think might be problematic. How is my mate?”

  “He was still sleeping when I checked on him a few minutes ago,” Grey replied.

  “Good. I may have to return to Maddox on business depending on Wade’s news. If that happens, Grey, you’re in charge and I will need you to watch out for my mate. Make sure he has anything and everything he needs,” Savage said as he turned to head into his suite.

  “You sound like you’re leaving right now,” Lani said as they walked with him.

  “No, not now, but again, depending on what information Wade calls with, I may have to leave quickly so I want everyone to know now what my wishes are. In the meantime, I’ll check on Gill.”

  CHAPTER 7

  It had been two days since he had woken up in this lavish home and Gill was feeling much better. Yes, his back still caused him some pain from certain movements, but all-in-all he felt okay. That of course didn’t stop his mate from treating him like a porcelain doll.

  But he really couldn’t complain, Russell had been wonderful, taking care of his every need, making sure he was well fed, well rested, and even got some sun. Every day after breakfast, Heath would come in and help him do some stretches and such. It was his own version of physical therapy and even though they had only done it for two mornings now, Gill could feel the difference.

  Once they were done, Russell would return and help him get washed up. Those were his favorite times. Gill wanted to be shy and all while Russell washed him in the large jacuzzi tub, but once his body sank into its warmth and Russell’s big, strong hands began to move over his body, Gill just accepted what was happening and closed his eyes as he sat back and relaxed.

  After that, Russell would take him out to the balcony and place him on a lounger, so he could put his feet up, then Russell would put the top part half way down, so he was reclined. Russell would put a glass filled with the most delicious iced tea he had ever had, with mint in, along with a pitcher of the tea on a nearby table, and a Kindle already downloaded with a ton of books in different genres. Gill would lean back, close his eyes and lift his chin so his face was toward the sky, then he would sit in the sun and bask in its rays.

  “Someone is looking particularly relaxed today. It’s a very good look on you,” Russell said as he joined Gill.

  He opened his eyes and met Russell’s gaze, giving him a smile, he replied, “I am, thank you. This is so beautiful here. I love the feel of the sun on my face and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore coming from below. How far are we from the beach?”

  “From in the back of the of the property here, it’s about a half mile hike. From the front of the compound it’s a bit further. The circumference of the island is approximately twenty miles, but the total area is around fifty square miles.”

  “Wow, that’s pretty big for an island, right?”

  “It’s not as big as say Tahiti, but it’s a fairly good size for this region. Why, are you looking to run a marathon?” Russell asked with a smile, and Gill knew he was teasing.

  “Absolutely,” he replied with a chuckle. “No, I was just curious. I know you said it was a private island and you own it, and you said it was somewhere in the Pacific, so I was wondering where exactly we were. French Polynesia? Near the equator? Closer to South America? Or are we closer to New Zealand? And how do you keep people, like tourists off your island?”

  “Well, let’s see, we’ll start with your first question. Yes, we are somewhere in the Pacific. Not close to New Zealand, closer to South America. Not part of French Polonaise, or near the equator, and with my powers and magic, I am able to keep everyone away from the island. Boats, ships, even military ones can go right past us and not even see us. Planes can’t spot us from the sky, and even the humans’ satellites can’t locate us.”

  Gill’s brows raised high. “So, we’re not located on any map and it’s all concealed by magic? That is so cool.”

  “Yes, it is. On the far side of the island there is a volcano, but it’s been dormant for thousands of years. There is probably the most stunning tropical forest on the planet here, with predominantly unique creatures. My lagoons have the most beautiful crystal-clear water you have ever seen and are perfect for snorkeling if you would like to try that. There are also a few waterfalls and caves, as well as the rarest plants of all kinds. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, you name it. I have a coffee plantation, a banana plantation, grapes, olives, tea, as well as a few others, that are all kept close to the compound. They are not that big, but big enough to sustain the inhabitants of the island, human and beast alike.”

  “Wow. I would really love to see that someday?”

  “That’s exactly why I have come for you. How would you like to go out into the keep today for our lunch?”

  Gill looked at him with confusion. “The keep? What is that?”

  “Have you ever seen a large castle and surrounding it was a high brick wall?” Russell asked.

  “Oh yes.”

  “That wall is called the curtain wall and the courtyard within the wall is called the keep. We usually just c
all it the courtyard around here. So would you like to join me for lunch there today? I thought we could go down and stretch our legs, enjoy this beautiful day, and maybe take a small trip outside the compound gates.”

  “Really?” Gill asked excitedly as he sat up.

  “Yes, really. Come, I’ll help you,” Russell replied joyfully, as he slid his hands under Gill’s legs and behind his back, then lifted him from the lounger. He then walked back into the room and sat him in the wheelchair that awaited him.

  Gill was so excited that he was about to see more of the house than just Russell’s bedroom and the back gardens, as well as the ocean beyond. Although he did love the view of the gardens, the forest and the ocean and had even spotted a pod of whales swimming by once, there was so much more he wanted to explore. He had never seen a whale before in person, or even an ocean for that matter.

  When Russell placed him in the hated chair, a bit of Gill’s enthusiasm faded, but he stopped those thoughts quickly. Russell had brought the chair in the previous day, and Gill thought it was silly. With Heath’s help he could stand and walk a bit now, but he learned quickly that when it came to his wellbeing and safety, there was no winning an argument with Russell. And both Russell and Heath told him he shouldn’t push himself too much, or he might risk injury again and take longer to heal, and that was the last thing he wanted.

  So Gill pushed back the thought of the wheelchair and focused on where he was heading. He wondered if taking a trip to the beach would be out of the question. Gill so wanted to put his feet in the water and look at the vastness of the ocean with his own two eyes. He had many wishes to explore the island and see everything he could before he had to return home to Maddox.

  Home. He didn’t want to go home. He would rather return to the shelter in Crystal or go with his original plan to run far away, than to ever have to go back to his parents. In all honesty, Gill would rather stay right here.

  He was quickly falling in love with the place and the people. He enjoyed his therapy sessions with Heath and found him to be very funny and sweet, even though he still wouldn’t tell Gill what kind of shifter he was.