Page 63 of Rogue’s Reckoning

I flinch at the reminder of my past failure. "I know I failed you before," I say softly. "But things are different now. I won't let anything happen to you or Wren. I swear it."

Willow's shoulders slump slightly. "I just... I can't expose Wren to that life, Rogue. The violence, the danger... She's innocent."

I kneel in front of her, taking her hands in mine. "I know, Little Flower. And I hate that I'm putting you in this position. But right now, the clubhouse is the safest place for you both. Please, let me protect you."

She looks at me for a long moment, conflict clear in her eyes. Finally, she sighs. "How long?"

"I don't know," I admit. "Until we neutralize the threat. A few days, maybe a week or two at most."

Willow closes her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she opens them again, there's a steely determination there. "Okay. But I have conditions."

"Anything," I say quickly.

"Wren doesn't see or hear anything violent. No guns, no club business discussed around her. And she doesn't find out who you really are, not like this."

I nod solemnly. "I promise. We'll keep her away from all of that."

Willow stands up, her posture straightening. "Give me an hour to pack and explain things to Wren. I'll tell her we're going on a surprise vacation or something."

As she moves to wake Wren and start packing, I feel a mixture of relief and guilt. I hate disrupting their lives like this, but knowing they'll be safe eases some of the tension in my chest.

An hour later, we're loading bags into her car. I insisted on her driving them instead of having them ride on my bike. Wren is excited about the "surprise trip," chattering happily as we get her settled in the backseat of Willow’s car.

As I start my engine, I watch as Willow turns to me. She’s standing at the car door, her voice low so Wren can't hear. "I'm trusting you, Rogue. Don't make me regret it."

I meet her gaze, trying to convey all the sincerity I feel. "I won't let you down, Willow. Not again. I promise."

As we pull away from Willow's house, I can't help but feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I'm not just protecting my club now—I'm protecting my family.

We pull into the lot, and I'm relieved to see that most of the bikes are gone. The brothers must be out securing our properties or gathering intel. It'll make it easier to get Willow and Wren settled without too much commotion.

Ghost meets us at the door, his expression serious but kind. "Willow." He nods in greeting. "It's good to see you. I wish it were under better circumstances."

Willow gives him a tight smile. "Thank you for having us," she says politely, but I can hear the strain in her voice.

Ghost kneels down to Wren's level. "And you must be Wren," he says with a warm smile. "I've heard a lot about you."

Wren, suddenly shy, hides partially behind Willow's leg. "Hi," she says quietly.

"We've got a room set up for you and your mom," Ghost tells her. "Want to go check it out?"

Wren looks up at Willow, who nods encouragingly. "Go ahead, Little Bird. I'll be right behind you."

As Ghost leads Wren inside, Willow turns to me. "Rogue, I need you to promise me something."

"Anything," I say immediately.

"Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll get Wren out safely. Even if... even if something happens to me."

My heart clenches at her words. "Nothing's going to happen to you, Little Flower. I won't let it."

She shakes her head. "Just promise me, Rogue. Please."

I take her hands in mine, looking into her eyes. "I promise, Willow. Wren's safety comes first, always."

She nods, seeming satisfied. As we walk into the clubhouse, I can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of a very dangerous game. But with Willow and Wren here, the stakes have never been higher. I'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe—no matter the cost.

As I lead her and Wren into the clubhouse, there's a tense atmosphere. There aren’t a lot of people here yet, but soon it will be full with my brothers and their families. I show Willow and Wren to their room. It’s not much, but it’s small and clean.

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