Page 25 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"So soon?" Lochlann asks, his tone mocking. "But we were just getting to know each other."

I force a smile. "Another time, perhaps. It was nice to meet you, Lochlann."

As I gather my things, Ivy finally speaks up. "I'll walk you out, sis."

Once we're outside, I turn to her. "Ivy, what the hell was that? Are you okay?"

She glances nervously over her shoulder before meeting my eyes. "I'm fine," she says, but her voice trembles slightly. "Lochlann is... intense sometimes. But he cares about me."

"Ivy—" I start, but she cuts me off.

"Just... be careful, okay? With this Rogue guy. I don't want to see you get hurt."

Before I can respond, Ivy gives me a quick hug and hurries back inside. I'm left standing on the sidewalk, a knot of unease growing in my stomach. Something is very wrong with this situation, but I can't quite put my finger on what.

As I walk home, my mind races. The way Lochlann questioned me about Ezra, the fear in Ivy's eyes... it all feelsconnected somehow, but I'm missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

I pull out my phone, debating whether to call Ezra. I want nothing more than to hear his voice, to feel the safety and comfort he provides. But I hesitate, remembering how stressed he seemed yesterday. I don't want to burden him with my paranoid thoughts.

In the end, I send him a simple text.

Me: Thinking of you. Hope your day was good. Miss you.

His reply comes almost immediately.

Rogue: Miss you too, Little Flower. Sweet dreams.

The message brings a smile to my face, chasing away some of the darkness from dinner. Whatever is going on with Ivy and Lochlann, whatever dangers might be lurking, I know Ezra will protect me. He may have his secrets, his dangerous side, but I trust him completely.

As I get ready for bed that night, I can't shake the feeling that something big is coming. The tension between Ezra's world and my family's secrets feels like it's building to a crescendo. But as I drift off to sleep, I hold on to the warmth of Ezra's words and the memory of his touch. Whatever storms may come, we'll weather them together.

My dreams that night are unsettling; a swirl of shadowy figures, Lochlann's cold eyes, Ivy's fearful face, my parents' constant criticism, the loneliness I feel when I’m with them. But through it all, I see Ezra, reaching out to me, pulling me to safety. When I wake, I'm left with a lingering sense of unease, but also a fierce determination.

It's time to stop being the passive, invisible Willow my family sees. It's time to take control of my own life.

As I get dressed for class, I make a decision. Today, I'm going to do what I’ve always wanted. I’m going to be me. I won’t letmy family make me feel small. I’m going to live my life the way I want and how I deserve.

SEVEN

ROGUE

SIX WEEKS LATER

The shrill ring of my phone jolts me awake. I carefully extract myself from Willow's sleeping form, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before stepping out of the bedroom to take the call.

"Yeah?" I growl, my voice rough with sleep.

"Church. Now." Storm's tone is clipped, urgent. "We've got a situation."

"On my way," I reply, already moving to get dressed.

I glance back at Willow, peaceful in her sleep, and feel a pang in my chest. The past six weeks with her have been so good. She’s the woman of my dreams. But fuck, things are so fucking complicated, I can feel it all starting to unravel.

The ride to the clubhouse is quick but helps clear my head.

The chapel is tense when I enter, my brothers' faces grim. Storm stands at the head of the table, his knuckles white as he grips the edge.

"The Hawks made another fucking move," he says without preamble as I take my seat. "Hit three of our gun shipments last night."

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