AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Because that's who I am. That's who we are. And no amount of fallout can change that.
The clubhouse is quiet when I return, the only sound the soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant barking of the dogs. Ghost is in the living room, sitting on the couch with a book in his hands. He looks up as I enter, his eyes immediately narrowing in concern.
"Ellie?" he asks, setting the book aside. "What's wrong?"
I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "I got fired today."
The words hang heavy in the air between us. Ghost is silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he's moving, crossing the room to pull me into his arms. I bury my face in his chest, the familiar scent of him—leather, smoke, and something uniquely Ghost—wrapping around me like a comforting blanket.
"I'm sorry, Ellie," he murmurs, his voice low and rough. "I know how much you loved that job."
I nod, tears stinging my eyes. "It's just...it was more than a job, you know? It was my purpose. My way of making a difference."
Ghost pulls back, his hands cupping my face. His eyes are serious as they meet mine. "Ellie, you still have a purpose. You're still making a difference. You don't need a job title to do that."
"But I need a paycheck," I say, trying to inject some humor into the situation. It falls flat, and Ghost's expression softens.
"We'll figure it out," he promises. "You're not in this alone, Ellie. You have me. You have the dogs. We'll find a way to keep doing the work you love."
His words are a balm to my wounded pride, and I find myself leaning into his touch. "Thank you, Ghost," I whisper. "For everything."
He smiles, a small, genuine smile that makes my heart flutter. "Anytime, Ellie. Anytime."
We spend the rest of the evening curled up on the couch, talking about our plans for the future. Ghost is full of ideas, from starting our own rescue organization to lobbying for stricter animal cruelty laws. His enthusiasm is infectious, and for the first time since I lost my job, I feel a spark of hope.
Because Ghost is right. I still have a purpose. I still have a mission. And with him by my side, I know we can face whatever comes our way. Because we're a team, and together, we're unstoppable.
As I fall asleep that night, Ghost's arms wrapped around me, I can't help but feel a sense of peace. Yes, I've lost my job. Yes, the future is uncertain. But I have Ghost. I have the dogs. I have a cause that's worth fighting for.
And in the end, that's all that really matters.
CHAPTER11
Ghost
The roarof motorcycles fades into the distance, replaced by the soft whine of dogs and the rustle of leaves in the wind. I stand at the edge of the newly erected fence, watching as Ellie moves among the dogs with a grace that seems to calm even the most anxious among them. Our sanctuary. Our home.
The Reapers' property sprawls out behind me, a testament to the brotherhood that has become my family. Brick and Slash, the president and VP of the MC, have been working tirelessly to legitimize the club, to shed the shadows of our past. And now, they've thrown their support behind Ellie and me, behind our mission to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in need.
The sanctuary is a tangible symbol of that commitment, a beacon of hope in a world that often seems devoid of it. We've built kennels and a small clinic, a haven for the animals we rescue. Ellie runs it with a passion that never ceases to amaze me, her heart as boundless as the sky above us.
I watch as she kneels beside a pit bull, her hand gentle on its scarred head. The dog's tail thumps against the ground, a testament to the trust Ellie has earned. It's a sight that never fails to stir something deep within me, a warmth that spreads through my chest and settles in my soul.
We've filed for nonprofit status, a move that will allow us to expand our operations and help even more animals. It's a daunting task, filled with paperwork and legalities that make my head spin. But Ellie navigates it all with a determination that is nothing short of inspiring.
The MC has been instrumental in this endeavor. Brick and Slash have thrown their full support behind us, their commitment unwavering. They've seen the darkness that lurks in the corners of the world, and they're determined to fight it, just as Ellie and I are.
I turn my gaze back to the sanctuary, to the dogs that have found a second chance within its fences. They're the reason we're doing this, the reason we fight. And as I watch Ellie with them, her laughter floating on the wind, I can't help but think that we're creating something beautiful here. Something that matters.
The sanctuary is more than just a place for the dogs. It's a symbol of hope, of change. It's a testament to the power of compassion and the strength of determination. And as I stand here, watching Ellie in her element, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. We're doing this. Together. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I glance over at Angel, the youngest member of the MC, hunched over a laptop. His fingers fly over the keys, his brow furrowed in concentration. I've been training him to help with the club's tech operations, and he's been catching on brilliantly.
Angel is quiet, reserved. He keeps to himself, much like I used to. I see a lot of my younger self in him, and it's that recognition that prompted me to bring him into my world of tech and coding. He's got a knack for it, a natural talent that's been honed with practice and dedication.
In the past, I'd kept him at arm's length, too wrapped up in my own demons to engage with him. But now, I'm making it a point to bring him into my work, to mentor him. It's a new experience for both of us, but one that's proving to be rewarding.
Angel isn't just helping with the club's tech operations, though. He's also been lending a hand at the sanctuary, running background checks on potential adopters. They're not entirely legal, these checks, but they're necessary. We need to ensure that the dogs we've worked so hard to rehabilitate are going to good homes, to people who will care for them as they deserve.
