Shadow’s Heart (Devil’s Inferno MC #3)

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Wreck

W aking up in Shadow’s arms, I can’t help but smile even after the events of last night. As much as I wanted to keep my nightmares away from him, I’m happy he knows and we talked. Talking to him certainly helped; I was able to get everything that happened off my chest, and by doing so I seem to have removed the weight that was holding me down. Maybe Flame was right in a way, and Shadow will be the one who helps me through everything, the same way Wrath did and continues to do for Flame.

I think my next step now that I’ve finally opened up to Shadow about everything that happened while Rex held me needs to be talking to Jake. I owe him fucking everything, and I know none of what’s happened could have been easy for him. He was well and truly stuck in the middle, with his MC on one side and The Khaos Group, well, mostly Rex, on the other. I also want to know if Rex is back yet and knows the truth. Part of me really feels sorry for him; he’s as much a victim in Megan’s games as me. The only difference was that he was her chosen weapon while I was the target. I can’t imagine someone who is part of The Khaos Group and prides themselves on helping the innocents and ridding the world of evil is going to take the fact he tortured a totally innocent man for three days well.

Rolling out of bed as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake Shadow, I head into the bathroom for a quick shower to hopefully help wake me up before dressing and heading downstairs to start coffee.

Today is going to be a coffee-fueled day after spending part of the night awake talking, but feeling this much lighter is so worth it. As I’m pouring my first cup, Shadow walks into the kitchen, looking adorable. His hair is sticking up in every direction, his eyes are hardly open, and he’s moving on autopilot towards the coffee. I hold out the cup I just poured myself. Clearly, he needs it more than me. Grabbing the cup, he takes a huge gulp and moans. The sound he makes should be fucking illegal. If he sounds this way when he drinks coffee, then just what kind of noises does he make in bed? Nope. Stop that train of thought right now, Avery King; I don’t need to be fully hard right this second. The semi I’m sporting from the moans he’s making while drinking coffee is bad enough.

“I’m going to head over to The Clubhouse this morning and talk to Jake.” I tell him, trying to distract myself.

“That’s probably a good thing. Did I tell you he offered to leave because of the role his family played in what happened to you?”

“The fuck. No, you didn’t; I hope you told him to forget that shit.”

“Of course I did. I wouldn’t have you back if it wasn’t for him.”

“Truer words have never been spoken.” Because that is the truth. Without Jake, things would have taken an entirely different turn. I wouldn’t be home; I’d either still be being tortured or dead. Megan would still be here manipulating away, and Rex would have eventually inadvertently killed a totally innocent man. Each and every one of us owe Jake everything.

After sharing a quick breakfast with Shadow, we head over to The Clubhouse in one of the SUVs. I still can’t ride my bike because of my ribs, and as much as I hate it, I know not to push myself too fast or too early. It will only set my healing back, and that’s the last thing I want. I’ll be back riding before I know it, and when I can ride, the first thing I’m going to do is go for a long ride to feel the power of my bike between my legs and the wind whipping around my face. There’s nothing in this world like riding. It’s one of the most freeing experiences life can offer.

Entering The Common Room, I’m shocked when a round of cheers goes up, along with shouts of welcome home. I don’t know why I’m so surprised; we’re not just a club; we’re a family. I know they all worked their asses off to find me, and even though I know they didn’t find anything, I’m grateful for each and every one of their efforts.

As each member comes over to either shake my hand, fist bump, or quickly hug me, I watch Shadow from the corner of my eye and can see him smiling. It’s the first smile I’ve seen off him that isn’t laced with guilt, worry, and sadness. If I knew coming over here would cause this reaction from him, I’d have been over a hell of a lot sooner.

Once everyone else has finished greeting me, Shadow informs me that he’s going to go and talk to Eagle while I have my chat with Jake, who’s just entered The Common Room. The moment Jake spots me, he stops dead in his tracks, eyes filling with both relief and worry. I was so right that I needed to come and talk to him. I can’t have him feeling worried about his place here or what my reaction to him might be. Filled with determination, I head straight towards him, making sure to smile so he knows he has nothing to worry about.