Page 69 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"Oh, Will," Natalia says softly, putting an arm around me. "It's okay to have conflicted feelings. You and Rogue have a lot of history, not to mention a child together."

I lean into her embrace, grateful for her understanding. "I feel like I'm losing all the resolve I've built up over the years. Seeing him with Wren, how good he is with her... it's making me question everything."

Natalia is quiet for a moment, then asks gently, "Have you thought about telling Wren the truth? About who Rogue really is?"

I look over at my daughter happily coloring away, oblivious to the turmoil in my heart. "I've been thinking about it," I admit. "She's already figured out something's not right about this 'vacation'. Maybe it's time."

Natalia squeezes my hand encouragingly. "Whatever you decide, I'm here for you."

I take a deep breath, making my decision. "Wren, sweetie? Can you come here for a minute? Mama needs to talk to you about something important."

Wren looks up from her coloring book, curiosity in her eyes as she comes over to join us on the bed. I pull her into my lap, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

"Wren, sweetie, remember how you asked me why we're really here?" I start gently.

She nods, her little face serious. "Because of the bad people?"

"That's right," I say. "But there's something else I need to tell you. It's about Rogue."

Wren perks up at the mention of his name. "What about him, Mama?"

I stroke her hair, gathering my courage. "Well, honey, Rogue isn't just my friend. He's... he's your daddy."

Wren's eyes go wide. "My daddy? Really?"

I nod, watching her face carefully for her reaction. "Yes, sweetheart. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. It's complicated, but Rogue is your father."

Wren is quiet for a moment, processing this information. Then she looks up at me, her eyes shining. "Is that why he plays with me so much? Because he's my daddy?"

I feel tears pricking at my eyes. "Yes, baby. He loves you very much."

"Can I call him Daddy now?" Wren asks eagerly.

I hesitate, glancing at Natalia, who gives me an encouraging nod. "If you want to, sweetie. But maybe talk to him about it first, okay?"

Wren nods solemnly then throws her arms around me in a tight hug. "I'm glad Rogue is my daddy," she whispers.

As I hold my daughter close, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. It feels right, finally having the truth out in the open.

Natalia squeezes my hand. "You did the right thing, Will," she says softly.

I nod, wiping away a stray tear. "I just hope Rogue agrees."

As if on cue, there's a knock at the door. Natalia goes to answer it, and I hear Rogue's voice in the hallway.

"Rogue!" Wren calls out excitedly. "Mama told me you're my daddy!"

I freeze, watching as Rogue steps into the room, his eyes wide with surprise. He looks at me questioningly, and I give him a small nod.

Rogue kneels down, opening his arms to Wren. "That's right, sweetheart," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm your daddy. And I love you very, very much."

As Wren throws herself into Rogue's embrace, I feel my heart swell. Despite all the danger and uncertainty surrounding us, at this moment, everything feels right.

Rogue looks up at me over Wren's head, his eyes shining with gratitude.

I just pray that I’ve made the right decision. The last thing I want is for Wren to be hurt.

TWENTY-ONE

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