Cambria Chapter
Cambria:
I tried to concentrate on the evening and have fun with the Pagans. And I did have it. But I was distracted by Shadow. He stuck to my side almost without a break. It made it hopeless to be able to pretend I wasn’t deeply captivated by Shadow.
We’d been here for over three hours. The surprise of the night had been great to witness.
It was clear that Keno had no idea this was anything other than a regular night.
His relief when they presented him with his permanent cut and took back the generic prospect one had been evident.
I liked the road name they had given him—Eagle.
Shadow explained it was a play off his Native American roots and the fact that he could spot things and shoot like no one else.
There were rounds of toasts and lots of back-slapping. His smile never faded. I saw the yearning on Dylan’s face. He was dying to have the same thing happen to him. I asked how long he had left, and Shadow whispered, “Two months.”
I asked if he’d make the cut. I thought it would be terrible if he didn’t.
I liked him and Keno—I mean, Eagle. Wow, that would take a minute to get used to saying.
Shadow told me as long as he didn’t screw up royally, then yes.
Learning more about the intricacies of club life always made me want to know more.
There was so much to it. Way more than I ever imagined.
I shoved all thoughts other than revelry out of my mind. I had some drinks and was loose. The only downside was that it made me unable to keep an iron grip on my emotions and desire for Shadow. I knew I was walking a dangerous edge, but I refused to care.
At the moment, Shadow was off talking to Chaos about something. I was seated at the bar with Betty and Jalisa. I saw their eyes shift toward the door. Before I could glance over to see what grabbed their attention, Jalisa looked back at me and put her hand on my arm.
“Looks like tonight is another first for you. Have you met any of the bunnies or hangers yet?” Jalisa asked.
“No, why?”
“The bunnies just walked in. And that means any minute now, the hangers will be arriving. I want you to know that they’ve been educated to leave committed men alone.
Unless someone new comes in the hanger category tonight, those I can’t promise won’t keep their paws off our men.
The thing to know is, if one steps out of line, you have to show them that the guy is taken.
I always do it nicely. However, if they continue to do it after you’ve told them, then all restraint is off.
You can literally slap them into line if you want.
If you want to go darker, let me know. We should’ve told you about the bunny bonfire and its parameters.
No worries, I’ll do it before next weekend,” she explained.
“Why are you telling me this? You and Betty are the only old ladies,” I reminded her.
“You’re a goner on Shadow. We’re not blind,” Betty added.
Mortification made my face flush red. Oh God, how did they know? Had I been that obvious?
“I-I don’t know what you mean.” I tried to lie.
“Girl, it’s clear as day. And before you say he doesn’t see you that way, like hell he doesn’t. The man practically put a sign on you, and he rarely leaves your side. Making it official is a matter of when, not if,” Jalisa said.
I was about to argue more when they pointed behind me.
Unable to resist, I turned around. Three women sashayed around the room.
They were headed up to different guys. None of them was Shadow, thank God.
I wasn’t sure how I’d cope watching him with one.
And if he led one away to a private room, I’d die.
I wasn’t clueless about what these types of women represented in an MC.
“Get up and go over to Shadow. Silk, Cheeks, and Shandi, if they see you with him, will think twice before offering themselves to him,” Jalisa said.
“Whether I like him or not, he hasn’t even kissed me. Shadow sees me as an obligation or, at most, a friend. I have no right to pretend a claim that isn’t there,” I protested.
“Well, let’s see what you think now,” Betty said.
Peeping back across the room, I saw that five more women had entered. All eight women were dressed extremely slutty. In comparison, I felt dowdy. I debated whether I should leave. There was no way one of them wouldn’t offer herself to Shadow.
I saw Shadow walk away from Chaos. He was coming across the floor. I wasn’t sure if he was headed toward me or one of them. Heart in my mouth, I waited. And then my stomach plummeted when, halfway across, he was stopped by a woman placing herself in front of him. They started conversing.
Unable to watch or listen to what Betty and Jalisa had to say, I stood up and walked off. Blindly, I glanced around. My gaze happened to land on Ryder. All the Pagan men were sweet and super friendly to me, but I felt the closest to Ryder after Shadow. I went to him. I had no clue why.
He smiled when he saw me approach him. He held out an arm, which I slid under. “Hey, it’s about time you came and spent some time with me. Are you alright?” His smile changed to a frown.
“I’m great. Why wouldn’t I be?” I said with false happiness.
“Cambria, you might fool some others, but not me. Talk to me.”
I shook my head. The words were stuck in my throat. The urge to turn and see what was happening with Shadow was almost too much. Tears misted my eyes. Ryder tightened his hold on me.
“Come with me,” he said gruffly.
I let his tug move my feet. We were headed for the hallway that led to the spare rooms. The roar of voices seemed to run together. I studiously avoided glancing at Shadow. I stumbled, causing Ryder to bring me close.