Page 5 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"You did good tonight, Rogue," he says finally, his voice gruff. "But I can't shake the feeling you're holding something back."

I stay silent, waiting for him to continue.

Storm sighs, finally meeting my eyes. "Bones told me about the background check you had him run. Willow Bennett. Care to explain?"

I clench my jaw, weighing my options. Lying to the president is a serious offense, but telling the truth could open up a whole new can of worms.

"I met her at a bar earlier," I admit finally. "Something about her stuck with me. I wanted to know more."

Storm's eyes narrow. "And the fact that her sister is involved with the Hawks? That just a coincidence?"

"I didn't know about that connection when I asked Bones to look into her," I defend myself. "But yeah, it's got me worried, especially after what Lochlann said tonight."

This catches Storm's attention. "What did he say?"

I recount Lochlann's cryptic words, watching as Storm's expression darkens.

"This complicates things," he mutters, more to himself than to me. He's silent for a long moment, before fixing me with a hard stare. "I need you to get close to this girl, Rogue. Find out what she knows about the Shadow Hawks and whether she's involved in any of their dirty business.”

I feel my stomach drop. "You want me to use her?"

Storm's expression is unyielding. "I want you to protect this club—by any means necessary. Are we clear?"

I nod, even as I feel a part of me rebel against the order. "Crystal."

As I leave the chapel, my mind is in turmoil. The thought of using Willow, of potentially hurting her, sits like lead in my gut. But I swore an oath to this club, to my brothers. Can I really put one girl I barely know above all that?

Back in my room, I pull out the notebook again, staring at Willow's name scrawled inside the cover. I made a choice when I picked up this notebook, setting something in motion that I can't take back now.

With a heavy heart, I reach for my phone and dial the number that’s scrawled on the inside of the notebook. It’s time to get close to Willow.

TWO

WILLOW

The shrill ringing of my phone startles me awake. I fumble for it in the dark, my hands clasps it and then I glance down at it, squinting at the bright screen.

Unknown number.

My finger hovers over the decline button, but something makes me answer.

"Hello?" I say groggily.

"Willow Bennett?" a deep, gravelly voice responds. My breath catches. I don’t recognize that voice. Who is this guy and how did he get my number?

“Yes, this is she,” I manage to reply, suddenly wide awake. "Who is this?"

There's a pause on the other end. "You were at O'Malley's bar last night. I, uh, found your notebook. Thought you might want it back."

My heart races. Could this be the mysterious guy from the bar—the one with the intense eyes and leather jacket? The one who was on my mind until the moment I fell asleep.

"Oh! Yes, thank you," I stammer. "I've been looking everywhere for that."

"I can meet you somewhere to return it," he offers. "If you're free."

I glance at the clock. It’s almost seven in the morning. My first class isn't until ten. I could find some time to meet him. "Sure, that would be great. There's a coffee shop on campus called The Grind. Do you know it?"

"I'll find it," he says. "See you in thirty?"

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