Page 82 of Rogue’s Reckoning

Lochlann's laugh is cold and cruel. "You expect me to believe that? Your precious sister watched me fuck you and didn't do a damn thing to stop it. You really think she just walked away after that?"

His words bring back the horror of that night; the betrayal I felt at seeing Ivy just standing there while Lochlann violated me. Tears sting my eyes as I push the memory away.

"I don't know what happened to Ivy," I say, fighting to keep my voice steady. "And I don't care. She's dead to me after what she did."

Lochlann is quiet for a long moment, his eyes flicking between me and the road. Finally, he speaks again, his voice low and dangerous.

"Well, if you don't know where she is, I guess I'll just have to make do with you," he says, a cruel smile twisting his features. "I'm sure your biker boy will be very interested in getting you back. And who knows? Maybe Ivy will come out of hiding to save her baby sister."

Terror grips me as I realize what he's planning. I'm bait—for Ezra, for Ivy, for anyone Lochlann thinks he can use me against.

As the car speeds down the highway, taking me further and further from safety, from Ezra and Wren, I close my eyes and pray harder than I've ever prayed before.

Please let Ezra find me. Please let this nightmare end. Please don't let Lochlann hurt me again.

But as I open my eyes and see Lochlann's cruel smile in the mirror, I fear my prayers may go unanswered.

TWENTY-SEVEN

ROGUE

The chapel doors burst open as Wren comes running in, tears streaming down her face.

"Daddy!" she cries. "A bad man is talking to Mama!"

My blood runs cold at her words. I'm on my feet in an instant, rushing out to the lot with my brothers close behind. But we're too late—all I see is a black sedan speeding away, kicking up dust.

"Fuck!" I roar, slamming my fist against the nearest wall. This can't be happening. Lochlann is supposed to be dead. Willow is supposed to be safe.

Ghost puts a hand on my shoulder. "We'll find her, brother. We won't let that bastard hurt her again."

I nod grimly, forcing myself to focus. Willow needs me to keep it together right now.

"Hades, check the security cameras. See if you can get a plate number or anything useful," I order. "Tempest, call our contacts. See if anyone's spotted Lochlann or knows where he might be headed."

As the brothers spring into action, I kneel down in front of Wren, who's still sobbing. "It's okay, sweetheart," I tell her,trying to keep my voice calm. "We're going to find Mama and bring her home. I promise."

Wren throws her arms around my neck, clinging to me tightly. "I'm scared, Daddy," she whimpers.

"I know, baby," I say, holding her close. "But I won't let anything happen to Mama. Or to you."

As I comfort our daughter, my mind is racing. How the fuck did Lochlann survive? And why take Willow now? What's his endgame?

One thing's for sure: I won't rest until I find Willow and make Lochlann pay for ever laying a hand on her. This time, I'll make damn sure he stays dead.

"Rogue!" Hades calls out. "I've got something!"

I pass Wren to Natalia, who's come out to help, and rush over to where Hades is reviewing the security footage.

"Look," he says, pointing to the screen. "You can just make out part of the plate number. It's not much, but it's a start."

I nod, committing the partial plate to memory. "Good work. Anything else?"

Hades shakes his head. "Not yet, but I'm still looking."

Just then, my phone buzzes. Unknown number. With a sense of dread, I answer.

"Hello, Rogue," Lochlann's voice sends a chill down my spine. "Missing something?"

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