Shadow, page 7
Jake attempted to shove Camilla into the back seat of the car, but she refused to be cornered. Seizing the opportunity, she drove her knee into his groin with all her might.
Jake’s grip faltered as pain shot through him, giving Camilla the chance she needed to break free. With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Camilla darted away from Jake’s grasp, her mind racing with possibilities.
However, she knew she couldn’t let her guard down just yet. Jake still had his gun. Just as she began to plan her next move, she spotted Shadow on his motorcycle.
Shadow wasn’t alone. Riding alongside him were Rooster and two other bikers. He had brought backup. That gave her relief, but it was momentary.
Camilla’s breath caught in her throat as she locked eyes with Shadow. Without a moment’s hesitation, he dismounted from his Harley. In one fluid motion, he drew a revolver from inside his jacket.
“You’re of no use to anyone dead!” Jake yelled.
She dared to look over her shoulder and swallowed when he pointed his gun right at her head. She froze, realizing these might be her last few seconds on earth. Regret filled her. This would’ve never happened if she didn’t go behind Shadow’s back.
“Camilla, get on the ground!” Shadow ordered.
His words broke her momentary paralysis. Camilla tasted the dirt as she dropped to the ground, her heart pounding in her chest. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the world around her blurred.
And then, in an instant, the silence shattered as both Jake and Shadow unleashed a barrage of gunfire. The deafening roar of the shots rang in Camilla’s ears, drowning out all other sound save for the thunderous pounding of her own heart.
Fear gnawed at Camilla’s insides as she surveyed the horrific scene before her. The other bikers were shouting, their voices hard to make out. She spotted Jake first, lying unmoving on the ground. Good riddance, she thought. Camilla then quickly sought out her man.
There, she saw Shadow on the ground, crimson spreading across his jacket. A cry of alarm escaped her lips as she scrambled to her feet, racing to his side. Rooster was already there, bent over Shadow, checking his vitals.
“Rooster … is he…” Camilla’s voice faltered, the words catching in her throat.
She couldn’t bring herself to voice her worst fears. Shadow wasn’t moving and she started to go numb. No, this couldn’t be happening. She was talking to him just now. God, this was so unfair.
“He’ll be all right,” Rooster reassured her, his tone firm. “He was just shot in the shoulder.”
At first she had a hard time processing his words but finally they got through. Shadow wasn’t dead, just hurt. A wave of relief filled her.
Camilla knelt beside Shadow, her hands trembling as she reached out to him. He opened his eyes, groaning in pain, but when his gaze met hers, a small smile graced his lips. In that moment, all of Camilla’s worries seemed to dissipate.
He reached for her hand, and she grasped it tightly. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over. She almost lost him today, she realized.
“Don’t cry, baby,” Shadow whispered. “I’ll be all right.”
It was crazy that he was reassuring her despite being in pain. That was just like her man.
“I thought you were gone,” Camilla confessed.
“No,” Shadow said softly, his gaze unwavering. “I’ll always be here for you.”
“He needs to see a doctor,” Camilla insisted, her voice firm as she turned to Rooster.
He nodded in agreement.They scrambled. An hour later, they arrived at Hanging Grove Medical, where Shadow was taken in for treatment.
As the medical staff worked to extract the bullet lodged in Shadow’s shoulder, Camilla took a moment to make an important phone call. Not telling her brother she was alive right after her rescue was a terrible move on her part, Camilla could see that now.
“Jake’s dead,” she began when her brother, Fernando, answered. She recounted the events that had unfolded, the danger they had faced.
“What about you? Are you hurt?” Fernando’s concern was evident in his voice.
“I’m unharmed, thanks to Shadow,” Camilla replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
“Camilla, for God’s sake. Come home,” Fernando said, voice strangely vulnerable.
****
Camilla remained resolute. “No, we tried doing it your way. If you want to talk, you can visit me here,” she said firmly. “Either way, my decision is made. I’m staying here with Shadow in Hanging Grove, Brother.”
Reluctantly, Fernando agreed. They ended the call, leaving Camilla to gather her thoughts as she waited for news of Shadow’s condition.
Entering the room where Shadow was being treated, Camilla was unsurprised to find Rooster and his other MC brothers there. Rooster caught her eye and without a word, he ordered everyone out, giving them privacy.
Camilla offered him an appreciative smile before taking a seat beside Shadow’s bed. He made space for her, his gaze filled with warmth despite the pain etched on his face.
“We need to talk,” Shadow began. She nodded, knowing they shouldn’t delay this conversation.
“You can’t run off just like that, Camilla. I thought I meant more to you,” Shadow began.
“You mean the world to me,” she replied. “That’s why I did it. I thought by settling this myself, I was protecting you. But look how that turned out. I’m so sorry for putting you through this, Shadow.”
Shadow reached out, his touch gentle as he cupped her cheek. “No one could predict what happened,” he said reassuringly. “Next time, talk to me first before doing anything reckless. We’re in this together.”
“I will,” Camilla promised.
She then hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I talked to my brother.”
Shadow’s eyebrows furrowed slightly in concern. “What did you tell him?”
“That if he wants to talk, we’ll do it here,” she explained. “But I put my foot down and told him firmly that my place is here with you.”
“Do you think I’ll have to fight him?” he asked.
Camilla thought for a moment, considering her recent conversation with Fernando. “Jake’s betrayal would hit him hard. But I think I could convince him I’m much safer here with you,” she said with confidence.
“Good,” Shadow said.
Camilla settled in beside Shadow and stayed with him until he fell asleep.
Chapter Ten
Shadow guided the motorcycle to a stop, feeling the rumble of the engine quieting beneath him.
As he swung his leg over and dismounted, he noticed the tension radiating off Camilla. It wasn’t surprising. They were about to face Fernando in person, after the turmoil of the previous week with Jake.
“Hey,” he murmured, drawing her close before they stepped toward the roadhouse entrance. “You’ve got this.”
His words were meant to reassure her, and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. He felt her relax against him, her nerves visibly easing as she nodded in response.
In truth, Shadow was proud of Camilla for orchestrating this meeting with her brother on neutral ground.
They weren’t going into this alone. Rooster and two other bikers stood nearby, providing backup in case things went sideways.
While the likelihood of a fight breaking out was slim, Shadow knew it never hurt to be prepared.
“Thank you,” Camilla whispered.”I feel better with you here.”
Shadow squeezed her hand gently. “Ready?” he asked, already starting toward the entrance of the roadhouse. Camilla nodded.
Two men in sharp suits blocked the entrance as Shadow and Camilla approached. Shadow’s muscles tensed instinctively, and he moved his hand near the concealed revolver in his jacket.
Camilla’s reaction was different; she seemed to recognize them. With a nod from her, the men stepped aside, allowing them passage without a word.
As they entered the dimly lit interior of the roadhouse, Shadow couldn’t help but notice the eerie emptiness of the place. It was as if Fernando had cleared it out entirely for their meeting. Only one waitress lingered by the bar, casting a curious glance their way.
His attention was immediately drawn to the central table, where Fernando stood as he caught sight of them. He was the only one seated, flanked by two of his men, both armed.
Camilla hesitated as she saw her brother, and Shadow gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, feeling the tension in the air thicken.
Fernando’s eyes narrowed as he watched them approach, his expression unreadable. Camilla took a deep breath, steeling herself, before stepping forward.
“Brother,” she murmured. “I’m glad you came.”
Fernando seemed taken aback by her greeting, but as she embraced him, he reciprocated, though his gaze remained fixed on Shadow.
After they parted, Shadow stepped forward, extending a hand in greeting. “Shadow,” he introduced himself.
Fernando hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering to Shadow’s outstretched hand before meeting his eyes. After a few tense seconds, Fernando finally shook Shadow’s hand, the gesture firm but not entirely welcoming.
“I understand you’re the man who saved my sister,” Fernando stated, his voice measured. “But that doesn’t mean I automatically trust you.”
“Fair enough,” Shadow replied evenly.
Camilla couldn’t help but roll her eyes at their exchange as they settled into their seats. Fernando signaled for the waitress, and they ordered beers.
“Camilla,” Fernando began. “Jake’s betrayal was a blow to us all, and it won’t happen again.”
“You can’t guarantee that,” Shadow interjected.
He could sense the tension building between them, recognizing that Fernando was a man accustomed to having his words taken as law.
Shadow’s interruption earned him a scowl from Fernando, but Camilla stepped in before the tension could escalate further.
“Shadow’s right,” Camilla said. “I’m safer here with him. No, I want to stay here with him.”
Fernando began to argue, but Camilla wasn’t finished.
“Brother, you’ve watched over me your entire life,” Camilla continued. “I’m grateful for your protection, but at times it felt stifling.”
She shot a quick glance at Shadow, who offered her a reassuring nod. Emboldened, she began to share with Fernando the joys and experiences she had found in Hanging Grove.
Shadow couldn’t help but feel a swell of affection for her. She was an extraordinary woman, and he knew deep down that he wanted her by his side forever. Though technically, he hadn’t asked her yet, he decided to wait until after they resolved this important conversation with Fernando.
Fernando let out a sigh, his expression weary yet accepting.
“While I don’t agree with your decision, I respect it,” he conceded. “You’re a grown woman, and if Shadow can guarantee your safety, I have nothing more to say.”
“I’ll give my life for her,” Shadow stated firmly, meeting Fernando’s gaze.
“You better not break your promise. If you do, I’ll come for you, and your death won’t be easy,” Fernando warned.
A silent understanding passed between them as they shook hands, sealing their agreement. With a nod from Fernando, he and his men exited the roadhouse, leaving Camilla and Shadow alone at the table.
A sigh of relief escaped Camilla’s lips, her shoulders visibly relaxing as the weight of the confrontation lifted from her. Shadow couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was the best outcome they could have hoped for, given the circumstances.
Leaning across the table, he pressed a tender kiss to Camilla’s lips, feeling her response as she kissed him back.
“Now that’s settled, I have a surprise waiting for you back home,” he told her.
Camilla raised her eyebrows. “What kind of surprise?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Shadow grinned. “You’ll just have to wait and see,” he said.
Camilla chuckled softly, leaning forward slightly as if trying to coax the secret out of him.
“Come on, give me a hint,” she pleaded.
Shadow simply shook his head. “It’s worth the wait, I promise,” he assured her.
Camilla sighed dramatically, but there was a glimmer of excitement in her eyes as well.
“Fine,” she relented. “But it better be good.”
“Trust me,” he murmured, his gaze never leaving hers. “You won’t be disappointed.”
****
As they arrived back at the MC compound, Shadow led Camilla by the hand into the building. Rooster and the other bikers had already gone ahead.
The atmosphere inside was electric, filled with the buzz of excitement and anticipation.
As they stepped further into the room, Camilla’s breath caught in her throat. A rush of emotions washed over her as she took in the scene before her—the vibrant decorations, the smiling faces of their friends, the soft melody of music filling the air.
A WELCOME HOME banner adorned the wall, and a buffet awaited them on the table.
Camilla turned to Shadow, her eyes wide with astonishment. “Shadow, what’s all this?” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.
In response, Shadow reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, producing a small velvet box. A gasp escaped Camilla’s lips as she watched him kneel before her, her heart pounding with anticipation.
With trembling hands, Shadow opened the box to reveal a glistening diamond ring.
“Camilla,” Shadow began, his gaze filled with possession and tenderness. “From the moment I met you, my life has been forever changed. I can’t imagine a future without you by my side.”
Tears welled in Camilla’s eyes as she listened to his words. She nodded, unable to find her voice as she realized what was happening.
With a tender smile, Shadow took her hand in his.
“Will you marry me and be my old lady, Camilla?” he asked.
And as she looked into his eyes, Camilla knew without a doubt that her answer would be yes. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she nodded, her heart bursting with joy as she whispered her response.
“Yes, Shadow,” she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. “Yes, a thousand times yes!”
With a joyful smile, Shadow slipped the ring onto her finger and it was done. She was officially his.
The End
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BONUS SAMPLE CHAPTER
BENDING IRON
Fallen Saints MC, 5
Winter Sloane
Copyright © 2021
Sample Chapter
I can’t fall asleep, Amber Chase reminded herself. She peered over the bus seats, heart racing. Amber half expected David to climb up the steps to the bus, wearing one of his expensive business suits and a Cheshire grin on his face. Her hands started shaking. David should still be at work at his fancy Manhattan office. He liked to drink with his lawyer buddies on Friday nights, she remembered.
A man entered the bus. Same height and muscular build as her ex-boyfriend. A woman, probably his girlfriend, said something in his ear that made him laugh. Not David. Amber checked the watch on her wrist. The watch with the big circular display and worn leather strap used to belong to her dad. She’d left behind the gold Rolex David gave her for their first-month anniversary. She had zero regrets. That Rolex felt heavy like shackles. David only showered her with gifts when he felt guilty about hurting her.
The bus was supposed to leave five minutes ago. Was there going to be a delay?
Her most valuable possessions were stuffed in the packed backpack at her feet. An elderly black woman in her early fifties made her way to the seat next to her. She gave Amber a warm smile, then sat down. Amber was too full shot of nerves to return her smile.
She pulled out her cell phone from the pocket of her jeans, then stared blankly at the black screen for a few seconds. Right. Amber had forgotten she turned the dratted thing off to avoid receiving any more calls and messages from David. Once she arrived at her destination, she’d block his number. Redemption, Illinois. Population? Less than two thousand. Amber had chosen Redemption at random.
Amber was a born and bred city girl. Small towns freaked her out, or maybe she read too many thrillers which were often set in small towns. Either way, David would never think to look for her in Redemption. It would just be a pit stop. A place to lay low for a few weeks before moving on to greener pastures. Hopefully, by then, David would have forgotten all about her. In a month or two, David would have a new girl on his arm. She didn’t envy that woman. Amber pitied her because she would have to live through the same nightmare Amber did.
Her panic subsided a little when the bus started to move. Finally, they were leaving the station. She leaned against her seat. The woman next to her busted out her knitting needles and yarn. Amber envied her. She wished she knew how to knit. She heard it was a calming hobby.
“I have an extra pair of knitting needles if you’re interested, dear,” the woman said, noticing her stare.
“No thanks, I’m good. I don’t even know how to knit,” she admitted.
“It’s a four-hour journey. I can teach you,” she offered. “I’m Mary, by the way. I own the Cherrywood Inn in Redemption.”
“Amber,” she said, not willing to offer more information about herself. David didn’t like her talking to random strangers, but she was no longer under his control. “And I’d like that. Thank you.”
Needles and yarn kept her mind occupied for the entirety of the drive. Mary turned out to be a patient and great teacher. By the end of her journey, she made a simple baby blanket. She held out the piece of bright red cloth. Emotions clogged in her throat. Memories she locked in a box weeks ago threatened to spill out.
