Page 129 of Born Savage

Star.

She sucked in her breath, moving her hand over mine and clicking on the file. As soon as it opened, I recognized Star’s face in the woman. The eyes were the same, the chin. The same grin.

As the woman moved forward into the camera, she spoke directly to her daughter.

“My beautiful little girl. When you finally see this, I will have been gone a long time. I did what I could to protect you, knowing one day we’d be separated. But know I did everything to ensure you would be safe. You were my whole world.”

Star’s breath hitched and she reached for my hand.

“From what I’ve been told, you will be protected from the evils of the world and one day hear this message. Just know that I would do it all over again to have you in my life. You are very special. I always called you my little star because you were, but you need to learn the truth about your father. About who you are.”

I squeezed my hand over hers, certain what we were both about to hear could change everything.

“Your name is Savannah Lily Washburn, the daughter of Anthony Washburn.”

“No,” Star whispered. “That can’t be.”

“Whatever you’ve heard about him and whatever his crimes, I believe in my heart he loved you. Take the name and know you will be different. You will be a reason the world will change and will be rebuilt. I know that in my heart and soul. And remember, you will forever be your mama’s little star.”

There were no words that could ease her pain, no understanding of how much the knowledge would alter her way of thinking.

“I’m partially to blame for all this.” She jerked up, moving away as if unable to tolerate being near me.

“No, you are not. You are a child born in love.”

“We can’t be together. How is that allowed? What will the people of Eden think?”

I moved toward her and she still tried to back away. I refused to allow her, pulling her into my arms. “The people already know. And you are not your father. You are brave and kind, loving and exactly what the people of this country need. What I need.”

“You’re not angry with me?”

“How could I be angry? It all makes sense. Our fathers took two different roads, one choosing good and the other evil. Now, we bring those roads back together as they should be, forging a better world.”

“From the ashes.”

“Yes.”

She wasn’t convinced. I gripped her chin, lifting her head. “Phoenix.”

“Savannah.”

With a slight smile, she gripped my shirt. “What do we do now?”

“We wait until the time is right. Then we will defeat evil. But only if we’re together. Side by side.”

As I captured her mouth as I’d done so many times before, I was reminded of how important our connection was and how very much I needed her in my life.

Prophecy or no prophecy, she was my everything.

The moment I broke the kiss, we both felt an incredible energy surrounding us. Perhaps there was some truth to the saying that love conquers all.

With a heavy sigh, she started to step away and I knew the moment something terrible was wrong.

Just before she collapsed in my arms.

My reaction was as unpredictable as the moment.

I started to freak out, gathering her into my arms while every thought revolved around whether she’d surrendered to some horrible disease. All my fault. I should have kept her more protected.