Page 45 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"Aww, do we have to?" she pouts.

"Yes, sweetie. We need to get dinner started. Maybe we can watch a movie after?"

This perks her up, and she happily takes my hand. As we leave the park, she talks animatedly about the fun she was having and asks if we can go back again soon. I’m beyond happy that she’ll never have to deal with the neglect that I went through. I would never, could never, make my child feel so unloved and unimportant like my parents did to me.

As I start dinner, with Wren "helping" by mixing the salad, I think about my life and just how far I’ve come. I did what I setout to do. I became a teacher, just as I always wanted. I worked my ass off to make it happen.

"Mama, I'm done!" Wren announces proudly, holding up the salad bowl.

"Great job, sweetie," I praise, inspecting her work. "It looks delicious."

As we sit down to eat, Wren chatters away about her friends and what she’d like to do tomorrow. She also tells me about her upcoming ballet recital. I listen attentively, loving her enthusiasm for life. She's so innocent, so untouched by the darkness that once consumed my world. I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible.

After dinner, as promised, we curl up on the couch for a movie. Wren snuggles into my side, her warmth a comfort I never knew I needed until I had her. I think about Natalia, out on a date with her new boyfriend. I'm happy for her, truly. She deserves all the love in the world after everything she's done for us. But a small part of me can't help but feel envious. Not of her specifically, but of the ease with which she can open her heart to someone new.

The movie ends, and I realize Wren has fallen asleep against me. I carefully lift her and carry her to her bedroom. As I tuck her in, placing a soft kiss on her forehead, I whisper, "I love you, Little Bird. Sweet dreams."

Back in the living room, I pour myself a glass of wine, settle on the couch, and send Natalia a quick message.

Me: Wren has a sleepover next week. We need a catch up. Are you free?

She hasn’t been open with me about her new boyfriend. All I know is that she’s dating and I’m pretty sure it’s serious.

Natalia responds quickly.

Nat: Yes, definitely. Drinks and dinner at my place? xoxo

Me: Sounds perfect. Speak soon x

I smile. God, I’ve missed Nat. Although we speak practically every day, she’s been hesitant about telling me about her new guy. Maybe next week she’ll open up to me.

Natalia handsme a glass of wine as she takes a seat beside me. “Honey,” she says softly, “please don’t be mad.”

I wasn’t able to do dinner as by the time I got Wren settled at her friend’s house, it was late. But I’m here now and it’s finally time to get answers.

I shake my head. “I’m not mad, Nat. I’m truly not. Hurt, a little, but I know you and I know that for you not to be open means you’ve caught feelings and you’re trying to process everything.”

“I really like him,” she whispers. “Like really like him. But there’s so much about him that I don’t know.”

I reach out and hold her hand. “Falling in love is scary.”

“He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He’s in a motorcycle club,” she continues to whisper. My entire body freezes. It’s as though all the air has left my lungs. “He’s a great guy,” Nat tries to assure me.

“Oh,” I mumble, placing my glass down onto the table. “What’s his name?” I need my hands together so that she doesn’t see them shaking.

“Ghost,” Nat says with a beaming smile. “He’s amazing.”

My heart races. God, no. “Ghost?” I whisper, praying I misheard.

Nat laughs. “I know, I need to find out his real name. It’s weird calling him Ghost all the time.”

My hand trembles, and I’m struggling to breathe. “What motorcycle club is he affiliated with?”

“Saint’s Outlaws. He’s the president. He took over when his father died.”

God no. Oh no. I can feel the panic rise within me. No way she’s dating Ghost—the man who stood beside Rogue as they watched me be tortured.

My cell buzzes and I glance down at it. It’s from Helena, Wren’s friend's mom, along with a picture of Wren and Tamara playing with dolls.

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