Page 13 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"Storm's called Church in an hour. We'll figure out our next move then."

As Ghost walks away, I head to my room in the clubhouse to shower and change. The events of last night feel like a distant dream now, the peace I felt in Willow's arms replaced by the familiar tension of club business.

But as I strip off my clothes, her scent still lingering on my skin, I know I can't just forget about her. Whatever this is between us, it's not going away anytime soon.

I step into the shower, letting the hot water wash over me as I try to clear my head. I've got to focus on the club, on the threat from the Hawks. But even as I tell myself this, my mind keeps drifting back to Willow's soft smile, her gentle touch.

As I dress in fresh clothes, my eyes land on my cut hanging on the back of the door; on the patch that marks me as a member of the Saint's Outlaws MC, the only family I've known for years. I run my fingers over the worn leather, feeling the weight of loyalty and brotherhood it represents.

But for the first time, I find myself questioning if this is all there is to life. If there could be something more, something... softer. Something like what I felt with Willow.

I shake my head, pushing these dangerous thoughts aside. I've got a job to do, brothers to protect. Whatever's going on with Willow, it'll have to wait.

Grabbing my cut, I head out to face whatever's coming next. But even as I steel myself for the storm ahead, a small part of me is already counting down the hours until I can see Willow again.

The clubhouse is buzzing with tension as I make my way to the chapel. Brothers are gathered in small groups, talking in low, angry voices. The loss of two of our own has everyone on edge, itching for real revenge.

I take my seat at the table, nodding to Storm as he enters. His face is set in hard lines, eyes blazing with barely contained rage. The room falls silent as he takes his place at the head of the table.

"Brothers," Storm begins, his voice low and dangerous, "last night, the Shadow Hawks crossed a line. They didn't just hit our shipment—they killed our brothers in cold blood."

A growl of anger ripples through the room. I feel my own fury rising as I think of the men we've lost.

"This isn't just business anymore," Storm continues. "This is war. And we're going to make those bastards pay."

He lays out the plan—a coordinated strike on multiple Hawks operations, designed to cripple their business and send a clear message. It's bold, risky, and exactly the kind of move that could either cement our power or destroy us completely.

As the details are hammered out, I find my mind drifting to Willow. What would she think if she knew what I was planning? The violence, the danger... it's so far removed from her world of classrooms and lesson plans.

"Rogue," Storm's voice cuts through my thoughts. "You'll lead the team hitting their main warehouse. Take Ghost, Savage, and Hades with you."

I nod, pushing thoughts of Willow aside. "Consider it done, Prez."

As the meeting wraps up, Ghost pulls me aside. "You good, brother? You seemed distracted in there."

I run a hand through my hair, sighing. "Yeah, just... got a lot on my mind."

Ghost's eyes narrow. "This about that girl? Willow?"

I hesitate, but nod. There's no point lying to Ghost. He knows me too well.

"Look, man," Ghost says, his voice low. "I get it. She's got you twisted up. But you gotta keep your head in the game. This shit with the Hawks... it's serious."

"I know," I growl. "Don't worry about me. I'll do what needs to be done."

Ghost studies me for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. Just be careful, yeah? With the Hawks and with the girl."

As I watch him walk away, I'm struck by the impossible situation I've found myself in. On one side, there's the club—my brothers, my family, the only life I've known for years. On the other, there's Willow—soft, innocent, a glimpse of a life I never thought I could have.

I pull out my phone, staring at Willow's number. I should call her, warn her to stay away. Tell her last night was a mistake, that we can't see each other again. It would be the smart thing to do,the safe thing. Instead, I don’t do any of that. I put my cell back into my pocket and focus on what needs to be done.

Whatever the hell is happening between Willow and I can wait.

FOUR

WILLOW

I can't stop smiling as I walk into my first class of the day. My body is deliciously sore in all the right places, reminding me of last night's passionate encounter with Rogue. I've never felt so wanted, so cherished.

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