Page 10 of Shadow

As Shadow stumbled upstairs, his limbs heavy with fatigue, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the familiar comfort of his room.

With a sigh, he kicked off his boots and collapsed onto the bed, the mattress offering a welcome respite to his tired body. He didn’t even have the energy to peel off his clothes, opting instead to let them remain where they were as he drifted off into a deep slumber.

In the darkness of his room, the image of Camilla lingered in his mind, her face hauntingly beautiful as she appeared in his dreams.

In Shadow’s dream, he found himself standing on the edge of a vast ocean, the waves crashing against the rocky cliffs below. The air was heavy with the scent of salt and brine, and the sound of the sea echoed in his ears like a haunting melody.

As he gazed out at the endless expanse of water, he saw her standing on the shore, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. Camilla.

She looked like some forgotten goddess. Her long hair billowed in the breeze, and her eyes were full of warmth. Camilla smiled at him and Shadow was a goner. Shadow felt a magnetic pull, drawing him closer to her.

He hesitated, torn between the safety of the shore and the allure of her presence. But in the end, he couldn’t resist her call. With a sense of exhilaration and trepidation, he plunged into the dark waters.

****

As Shadow stirred awake, the remnants of his dream clung to his mind like cobwebs. The unnerving dream ended with Shadow, washing up on a sandy beach with Camilla.

He could still feel the sand clinging to his skin as he rolled on top of her. She had smiled up at him in invitation as he pressed his aching cock against her slick pussy. As he kissed her, he entered her and she felt amazing and warm. A perfect fit.

“Just a dream,” he muttered to himself.

Besides, Camilla might not even be ready for that. Fine with him. Shadow could be patient when it came to Camilla. He needed to know her plans first, though.

If she wasn’t ready to contact her family and friends, he could convince her to stay in Hanging Grove for a little while. Here, he could keep a close watch on her.

Shadow would certainly make sure no one would bother or hurt her again.

Sitting up groggily, he rubbed his eyes and felt the stickiness of sweat clinging to his skin. With a grunt, he dragged himself out of bed and stumbled into the shower room. Under the spray of hot water, the fog in his mind began to clear. As he scrubbed away the grime of the previous day, he found himself formulating a plan.

Camilla’s face flashed in his mind, and he remembered her wearing the motel’s robe the night before. It struck him that she probably didn’t have any belongings of her own. Once out of the shower and dressed, Shadow resolved to do something about it. He would ask some of the old ladies in the clubhouse if they could spare some clothes for Camilla and the other women.

Maybe Rooster would lend a hand too—since he had plenty of free time like Shadow. He made his way downstairs, the scent of brewing coffee greeting him. After grabbing a cup in the kitchen, Shadow joined the other bikers in the common area, his mind still focused on his plan. He spotted Rooster chatting with a few other bikers.

He approached his friend. “You free today?” Shadow asked him.

Rooster scratched his head. “I guess I am. What’s up?”

Shadow filled him in. Rooster nodded in agreement, offering to help however he could.

Together, they approached some of the old ladies in the clubhouse, explaining the situation and asking if they could spare any clothes for Camilla and the other women.

The women were more than willing to help, and soon they had a pile of donated clothes ready to go. With the clothes sorted, Shadow and Rooster headed out to grab breakfast for everyone.

As they rode to the nearest diner, Shadow realized he wanted to make sure Camilla felt safe, even in this unfamiliar environment.

After grabbing breakfast, Shadow made a quick stop at a nearby store to pick up a cheap cell phone for Camilla. He knew it wasn’t much, but it would give her a way to contact him—or anyone else—whenever she needed.

They then returned to the motel with their supplies. As they parked their motorcycles in the parking lot, they were surprised to find Priest and a prospect already there, deep in conversation. He was guessing that meeting with Breaker last night was just for show if Priest was here. Unless Breaker sent him. No, Priest was probably here of his own accord.

“We’re arranging transports for Elena and Mary,” Priest explained as he glanced up from his discussion. “They made contact with their family yesterday, and they’re going home today.”

Shadow nodded in understanding. It was good news, knowing that some of the women would be reunited with their loved ones soon. The selfish part of him was a little relieved Camilla had been reluctant to contact anyone.

Noticing the clothes and breakfast supplies, Priest nodded in approval.

“Good call. Hey, Ernie,” Priest acknowledged the prospect who had accompanied him. “Help them distribute the food and clothes.”

“Sure thing, Priest,” Ernie replied.

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