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