Page 50 of Rogue’s Reckoning

When I make it to the clubhouse, I bypass the common room, not wanting to see Ghost. I’m beyond fucking angry at him. He should have told me about Willow having a child, regardless if that child was mine or not. He kept that a secret from me and I fucking hate that he did.

Once in my room, I grab some paper and a pen, sit on my bed, and start to write a letter. I need Willow to know that I’m sorry, that I’m not the asshole who didn’t deserve her, that I want to meet my daughter.

It takes me a few tries but I finally get it right, get it to say what I want to convey to Willow.

Willow,

I know I have no right to contact you after everything that happened. What I did—what I allowed to happen to you—is unforgivable. I've lived with the guilt and regret every day for the past five years.

I wanted to find you after what happened, to apologize, to help you, but I didn’t and I’ll always regret that, along with hurting you. I wish I could turn back time and undo my mistakes. I doubt my apologies mean anything, but if they do, I truly am very sorry for not protecting you when I should have.

I recently found out about Wren. Our daughter. I can't begin to express the emotions I felt when I learned I have a child. Joy, pain, anger, regret—they've all been swirling inside me.

I want you to know that I understand why you kept her from me. After what I did, I don't blame you for wanting to protect her. But I need you to know that I've changed. The man I was five years ago, the one who stood by and let you be hurt, he's gone.

I know I have no right to ask anything of you. But if there's any chance, any at all, that you would consider letting me be a part of Wren's life, I would be eternally grateful. I've missed so much already. I don't want to miss any more.

I'll respect whatever decision you make. If you never want to see or hear from me again, I'll understand. But I had to reach out, to let you know how sorry I am for everything and how much I want to make things right.

Whatever you decide, I want you to know that I'm proud of you. You've raised our daughter on your own, built a life for yourself. You're stronger than I ever gave you credit for.

I'm sorry, Little Flower. For everything.

Yours always,

Ezra.

I seal the letter in an envelope, my hands shaking slightly as I write Willow's name on the front. Part of me wants to tear itup, to pretend I never learned about Wren. But I know I can't do that. I owe it to Willow, to Wren, and to myself to try and make things right.

I find Natalia in the common room, talking quietly with Ghost. They both look up as I approach, tension evident in their postures.

"Nat," I say, my voice gruff. "Can you give this to Willow?" I hold out the envelope.

Natalia eyes it warily. "What is it?"

"A letter," I explain. "Apologizing for everything. Telling her how I feel about Wren. Asking if there's any chance she'll let me be part of their lives."

Natalia takes the envelope slowly, as if it might bite her. "I'll give it to her," she says cautiously. "But I can't promise she'll read it."

I nod. "I understand. Just... please make sure she gets it."

As Natalia leaves, I turn to Ghost. The anger I felt earlier is still there.

"Brother," Ghost starts, but I hold up a hand to stop him.

“Not now,” I practically seethe at him.

He raises a brow at me. In the decades that we’ve been friends, I’ve never spoken to him like this. “Rogue.”

I shake my head. “No, Ghost, don’t. You fucked up, brother. Fuck, you’ve fucked up and you can’t even see it.”

Ghost sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. "I know you're angry, brother. I get it. But you have to understand, I was trying to protect both you and Willow."

I scoff, my anger rising again. "Protect us? By keeping me in the dark about my own kid?"

"It wasn't my secret to tell," Ghost says firmly. "Natalia told me about Willow’s kid in confidence. I couldn't betray that trust. I had no idea Wren was yours."

"But you could betray mine?" I growl. "I'm your brother, Ghost. Your best friend. You should have told me."

---