Page 62 of Rogue’s Reckoning

We spend the next few hours strategizing, planning how to protect our businesses and our people. But even as I contribute to the discussion, my mind keeps drifting back to Willow and Wren.

As the meeting winds down, I pull Ghost aside. "Brother, I need to talk to you about something."

Ghost raises an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

I take a deep breath. "It's about Willow and Wren. If Lochlann finds out about them..."

Understanding dawns in Ghost's eyes. "You're worried he'll use them against you."

I nod, my jaw clenched. "I can't let that happen, Ghost. I won't let them get hurt because of me. Not again."

Ghost puts a hand on my shoulder. "We'll protect them, brother. Whatever it takes."

"I need to get them somewhere safe," I say. "Somewhere Lochlann can't find them."

"It’s necessary. But Willow's not going to like it. We’re going on lockdown and that means every woman and child stays here."

I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "I know. But I'd rather have her angry at me than in danger."

"Talk to her," Ghost advises. "Explain the situation. She needs to understand the risk."

I nod, knowing he's right. But the thought of telling Willow about Lochlann, of potentially uprooting her and Wren's lives, makes my stomach churn.

I make my way out of the clubhouse. The need to see Willow and Wren is consuming. I climb on my bike, my mind made up. I need to see them now.

The ride to her house feels longer than usual. My thoughts feel chaotic, a mixture of worry and determination. By the time I pull up in front of her place, the sun is rising.

I hesitate outside Willow's door. I know I'm about to upend her life again. But keeping her and Wren safe has to be my top priority. I take a deep breath and knock.

After a few moments, I hear movement inside. The door opens to reveal Willow, looking sleepy and confused in her pajamas.

"Rogue? What are you doing here so early?" she asks, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm sorry to wake you," I say softly. "But we need to talk. It's important."

Willow's expression turns wary, but she steps back to let me in. "Is everything okay?"

I follow her to the kitchen, where she starts making coffee. As the familiar scent fills the air, I try to figure out how to explain the situation.

"Willow," I start, my voice grave, "there's a threat. To the club, and potentially to you and Wren."

She freezes, her hand halfway to grabbing a mug. "What kind of threat?"

I explain about the Shadow Hawks, about Lochlann taking over as president. With each word, I see the color drain from Willow's face.

"Lochlann?" she whispers, her voice shaking. "He's back?"

I nod grimly. "And he's gunning for us. Which means you and Wren could be in danger if he finds out about you."

Willow sinks into a chair, her eyes wide with fear. "What do we do?"

“Ghost has ordered a lockdown. Everyone goes to the clubhouse and stays there until the threat is over.”

Willow's eyes widen in alarm. "The clubhouse? No, absolutely not. I can't take Wren there."

I run a hand through my hair in frustration. I knew this wasn't going to be easy. "Willow, please. It's the safest place for you both right now. We have security, manpower. We can protect you there."

She shakes her head vehemently. "Protect us? Like you protected me last time?" The words come out harsh, and I see regret flash across her face immediately.

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