Shadow, page 6
Shadow entered the room, closing the door behind him. Breaker’s scowl deepened as he eyed Shadow, clearly not in the mood for pleasantries.
Without offering him a seat, Breaker got straight to the point. “I just received an interesting call from Fernando Hernandez,” Breaker said. Shadow’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Fernando’s name.
“What does he want?” Shadow asked, attempting to play it cool. In hindsight, he realized it was a bad idea.
Breaker’s gaze bore into him. “He demands we release his sister. Says he’ll go to war with us if she isn’t returned,” Breaker stated.
Shadow realized he owed Breaker and the MC an explanation. They were his family and they deserved to know about his and Camilla’s situation.
“He’s talking about Camilla,” Shadow said. “I didn’t mean to keep this information from you. I only found out the truth today.”
Breaker’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent. Shadow couldn’t discern whether this was a good or bad sign.
“Start from the beginning,” Breaker instructed, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk. Shadow took a seat and told Breaker all he knew.
“Do you know why Fernando’s right-hand man was in town today? He was a potential client,” Breaker stated.
Shadow frowned, connecting the dots. “So, Camilla bumping into him today was coincidental?” he asked.
Breaker ignored the question. “This is what you’re going to do,” he continued, cutting Shadow off. “You’ll return Fernando’s sister and personally apologize for—”
“Like hell I will,” Shadow interrupted, jumping to his feet. “Didn’t you hear what I said earlier? Camilla doesn’t want to go back to her family.”
“You’ll risk everything for this woman you hardly know?” he questioned, his tone skeptical.
Those words ignited a fire within Shadow. “Camilla is not just some woman,” he replied. “She was born to be mine.”
Chapter Eight
Camilla felt a pang of unease as she noticed Shadow’s absence from the bed. Unable to shake off the feeling, she slipped out of bed. After putting her clothes back on, she exited his room.
In the corridor, she found Rooster engrossed in his phone.
When he looked up and saw her, she wasted no time in asking, “Shadow’s gone. Do you know where he went?”
Rooster hesitated, seeming reluctant to divulge the information.
“I’m just worried, that’s all. Maybe it’s all in my mind,” Camilla added hastily, sensing his hesitation.
“It isn’t. Breaker, the prez, wanted to see him in his office,” Rooster finally admitted.
Curiosity and concern gnawed at Camilla as she pressed further. “Where’s Breaker’s office?”
Rooster provided her with directions. Despite knowing she shouldn’t interfere in Shadow’s MC matters, Camilla found herself standing before Breaker’s door.
This was ridiculous. Camilla should just head back and wait for Shadow in his room. She had already decided that when she heard snippets of conversation from the office. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but the fragments she caught made her stomach drop.
Breaker knew who she was, and soon Rooster and the rest of Shadow’s MC would too. Shadow’s words echoed in her mind: “She was born to be mine.”
Her heart beat a little faster. Shadow had automatically come to her defense and she didn’t doubt he’d do anything to keep her safe … even if that meant dying on her account.
Camilla couldn’t have that. Feeling overwhelmed, Camilla retreated to the safety of Shadow’s room.
As she picked up the cell phone he had given her, her hands began to shake. She had promised to face her brother alongside Shadow, but now she realized this was her battle to fight alone.
Staring at the screen of the phone, Camilla grappled with her options. She knew Breaker wouldn’t align with their plan. The Death Seekers had nothing to gain in this situation, and Camilla didn’t want Shadow or anyone else dying or getting hurt because of her.
Taking a few deep breaths, Camilla finally dialed her brother’s direct number. At first, it kept ringing, and she feared he might ignore the call upon seeing the unknown number. But eventually, he picked up.
“Who is this?” came Fernando’s familiar angry and suspicious voice.
“Fernando, it’s me,” she finally said, her heart racing.
Silence followed on the other line.
“Is it really you, Camilla? Jake tells me the Death Seekers are holding you captive,” Fernando’s voice was filled with concern.
“I don’t know what Jake told you, but none of it is true,” she interrupted, her words rushed with urgency.
But her brother wasn’t listening.
“And some biker named Shadow claimed you as his own—”
“I love him,” Camilla said plainly, her voice unwavering. “And I would do anything for him. That’s why I’m contacting you without him knowing.”
“Camilla, I don’t know what these bikers have put in your head, but you belong here, back with me. We’re family, and family sticks together,” Fernando reminded her, his voice strained with concern.
Camilla tightened her grip on the phone. “That’s why I reached out to you. We need to talk,” she said, determined to make him understand.
Camilla wasn’t going to make any promises yet, but she wanted to set things straight from the beginning. She had no desire to return to her old life, and she would make Fernando understand and respect her decision to stay in Hanging Grove with Shadow.
“There’s no need to send Jake or your men here. I’ll come to you,” she said firmly.
“No, I cannot risk losing you again,” Fernando said, his tone resolute.
He sounded hoarse, unlike his usual arrogant self. Maybe her disappearance had affected him, and for that she felt a pang of guilt for not immediately telling him she was alive.
“Jake will pick you up at the entrance of town,” Fernando said firmly.
“Pick anyone but Jake,” she said.
“Why?”
“Because he twisted what should have been a simple complication,” Camilla said. “I’ll go with anyone but him.”
Fernando let out a tired sigh. “Very well, Camilla. I’ll indulge you for now because these are special circumstances, but once you’re back home, you’ll need to adjust your attitude.”
Just like that, her sympathy for her brother faded. Camilla ended the call without warning.
Fernando always treated her more like a burden than a family member. Still, she had to do this.
Camilla found a piece of paper and wrote Shadow a quick note. As she finished, a stab of guilt hit her. She could picture herself in his shoes, reading her farewell note and feeling completely betrayed.
“This isn’t a farewell,” she whispered, setting the note down.
Camilla then slipped out of his room before he could return. She needed to grab some stuff from her apartment and text her boss that she’d have to take a few personal days.
Camilla didn’t anticipate she’d be away long because she had every intention of returning to Hanging Grove and to Shadow.
It didn’t take long for Camilla to pack a small bag and give her manager a call. She checked her watch and realized she should get going. Fernando’s lackey was going to pick her up in fifteen minutes.
Camilla took a final look around her small studio apartment, memories flooding her mind. This place had become her haven away from the rigidness of her past life. She remembered the countless moments spent cooking in the kitchen with Shadow, sharing how their day went over simple meals.
The living room held memories of quiet evenings spent cuddled up with Shadow on the couch, their attention focused more on each other than the movie playing on TV.
And at night, lying next to him, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, she had felt a sense of completeness and happiness she had never known before.
But now, it was time to leave it all behind, at least temporarily. Camilla quickly checked her bag to ensure she had everything she needed, then grabbed her phone and keys.
With one last wistful glance around the apartment, she turned off the lights and headed out the door.
****
Shadow closed the door to Breaker’s office behind him. Damn it, but he needed a drink after that conversation.
Camilla was probably still sleeping, so she wouldn’t mind if he snuck downstairs and had a pint or two. Shadow headed to the bar, surprised to find Rooster there.
“Judging by the expression on your face, that meeting didn’t go well,” Rooster said after they ordered beers.
“No, it didn’t,” Shadow said with a grimace.
“Talk to me, Shadow,” Rooster urged.
Since they’d been friends for a long time and always had each other’s back, Shadow did.
Rooster whistled after he was done. “Wow,” he said. “You knew your girl had ties to the cartel.”
“Yeah, we’re basically fucked,” Shadow agreed. “I was hoping Breaker would take our side, but he basically told me we were on our own.”
“I get why he would say that,” Rooster said, ignoring Shadow’s glare. “This isn’t the MC’s fight, Shadow. Whatever issues you and Camilla have with Fernando Hernandez—”
“I know,” Shadow cut in. “But she means the world to me, Rooster.”
“You two can’t get enough of each other. Everyone can see that, but…” Rooster began.
“If you’re going to ask if she’s worth it, save your breath. She is. I was planning on making Camilla my old lady. I was even going to ask you to help me choose a ring,” Shadow interrupted.
Rooster was silent for a few moments. “I didn’t realize it was that serious,” he finally said, finishing his drink.
“Look, whatever goes down, call me. I’m sure Breaker won’t mind if you get a small team together to act as your security detail when you decide to meet with Fernando,” Rooster offered.
“Thanks, Rooster. Those words mean the world to me,” Shadow said.
“You shouldn’t keep your girl waiting,” Rooster reminded him, and Shadow realized he was right.
Camilla might’ve woken up in the middle of her nap and might be wondering where he went.
After finishing his own beer, he returned to his room, only to find an empty bed and a hastily scribbled note on his bedside table. His heart sank as he read the words. He read Camilla’s note aloud. Each word felt like a dagger, piercing through his chest with every syllable:
Shadow, I know I promised we’d come up with a way to confront my brother together, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Breaker. I’m sorry to be doing this to you, but I decided to call Fernando directly and settle this matter on my own. I’ll convince my brother to leave us and the MC alone. Trust me. I love you, Camilla.
Shadow crumpled the note in his hand, his mind reeling with a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn’t believe she’d go behind his back like this, making such a monumental decision without him. Anger surged within him, mingling with fear and uncertainty. But beneath it all, a flicker of something else remained—posession and maybe even love.
Despite the turmoil raging inside him, Shadow couldn’t deny how much he cared about her. He knew he had to trust her, to have faith in her ability to handle the situation.
With a heavy sigh, Shadow smoothed out the note and placed it gently back on the bedside table.
But as the minutes ticked by, the weight of Camilla’s absence became more pronounced.
He couldn’t shake the feeling of foreboding that gnawed at his insides. His gut feeling told him something would go very wrong and she would need him by her side. She told him very little about her brother but what he knew didn’t paint the picture of a caring or thoughtful person. Fernando saw her a chess piece in his organization, nothing more.
There was a possibility Camilla still hadn’t left town. Shadow pulled out his cell phone and called her. It kept ringing, but she didn’t answer. His fourth call went to voicemail. She must’ve turned it off. Frustration boiled within him as he shoved the phone back in his jacket pocket. His mind raced with a hundred awful possibilities.
“Fuck this, I’m not just waiting around,” he said.
Without a second thought, Shadow grabbed the keys to his Harley. He headed back outside and looked for Rooster.
Shadow wasn’t a fool. He was possibly going against an entire cartel and he needed some backup. Starting a fight wasn’t his intention. He’d settle this peacefully if he could but if Fernando refused to listen to Camilla, then all bets were off.
Chapter Nine
Camilla stepped off the bus, her heart pounding with trepidation. From the bus stop, it was just a short walk to the gas station where she was supposed to be picked up.
Shadow had tried calling her earlier, but she ignored his calls and messages. She convinced herself it was for the best. Camilla had made up her mind. If Shadow was with her, her brother might never see reason.
Finally reaching the gas station, she waited at the curb. It didn’t take long before a black Mercedes with out-of-state plates pulled up.
The driver lowered his window, and she sucked in a breath. It was Jake. Didn’t she tell Fernando to send anyone but him?
“Get in, Camilla,” Jake ordered.
“I need to get something from the convenience store,” she said quickly, before turning on her heel.
Ignoring his yell, she pulled out her phone and immediately called Fernando. Camilla’s brother picked up after two rings.
“Camilla, are you in Juan’s car right now?” were Fernando’s first words.
“Juan? No, Jake’s here. I told you to send anyone but him,” Camilla began.
“Jake’s there even though I explicitly ordered him…” Fernando trailed off, and she heard someone talking to him in the background. They started to argue.
Camilla’s gut feeling told her something was wrong. She recalled the painful way Jake gripped her arm in the diner. He’d been shocked to see her alive, unhappy even.
“Camilla, listen to me,” Fernando said urgently. “Juan’s body has been found, and my men have reason to believe Jake’s the culprit. Under no circumstances do you get in the car with him, you understand?”
A cold chill went down her spine at those words. Camilla’s mind took her back to the day of her kidnapping, and she realized Jake was the last person she had spoken to that day.
Her memories of that time had been blurry, but lately, her mind started to clear as she began processing her trauma.
“Brother, I need to call someone,” she said.
“Camilla, no—” Fernando’s voice was cut off as she ended the call and dialed Shadow’s number.
He had every reason to ignore her call, except he immediately picked up. She could hear the wind and the rumbling of his motorcycle engine in the background. He was on the road.
“Camilla? Where are you?” he immediately asked.
“The gas station near the town entrance,” she said quickly. “Shadow, I’m in trouble. Jake.” Before she could say more, someone snatched the phone from her fingers.
Camilla found herself staring into Jake’s cold blue eyes. “You won’t need this any longer,” Jake said, ending the call and turning off her phone. He kept it inside his jacket pocket.
“You’re coming with me, Princess,” Jake said with a sneer.
“Like hell I will,” she snapped.
Before she could slip away, Jake grabbed her arm and started dragging her out of the convenience store. She tried to fight him, but he was bigger and stronger.
“Let go of me,” she hissed under her breath.
“Hey, man, the lady told you to leave her alone,” said one of the customers in the store.
He shut up when Jake pulled out a gun. Despair hit her as the puzzle pieces clicked into place.
“You betrayed my brother,” she whispered.
No one stopped them as they left the store. She didn’t blame anyone because she knew Jake wouldn’t hesitate to shoot anyone who got in his way.
“Took you long enough to figure it out,” Jake said with a scoff.
They reached his car now. Still not letting go of Camilla, he opened the door to the back seat. He released her but kept the gun pointed at her.
“Get in or else,” he said.
Camilla’s heart raced, and for a few seconds, she was paralyzed with fear. The old Camilla would have just done as Jake said, but the new her was furious.
“Jake, did you organize my kidnapping?” she demanded, glad her voice didn’t waver.
“I paid the Reapers a hefty sum too, and those idiot bikers botched the job,” Jake said.
She had to keep talking, she realized, to keep him distracted until Shadow arrived. Her man knew where she was, and as long as they were in Hanging Grove, Camilla still had a chance of getting out of this mess.
Camilla searched his eyes and found nothing but emptiness and cruelty there. That terrified her but she stood her ground.
“Why would you do this? Why put me through all that? Do you hate me that much?” she asked.
“This wasn’t the least bit about you. You were just a convenient tool,” he said with a laugh.
Her stomach dropped at those words, but she wasn’t shocked by them.
“So this was what? Revenge against my brother?” she asked.
“Your disappearance shattered him, and he was never the same. He became weak. My plan was working, then you had to reappear again,” Jake said.
“You planned on killing him and taking his place, didn’t you?” Camilla asked. “But his men won’t follow you. You’re just a second-rate crook.”
“Enough talking. Get in the car. I won’t ask you nicely again,” he said.
Hearing the rumble of motorcycle engines in the distance, hope flared in Camilla’s chest.
The scene crackled with tension as Jake’s furious accusation hung in the air. Camilla’s heart raced as she anticipated the imminent clash. She knew she had to act fast if she wanted to escape this dangerous predicament.
“You conniving bitch,” Jake said with a hiss.
