Page 51 of Rogue’s Reckoning

Ghost's eyes flash with a mixture of guilt and frustration. "And what would you have done if I had told you? Gone charging off to find her? Forced your way back into her life when she clearly wasn't ready?"

His words hit me like a punch to the gut because I know he's right. If I had known about Wren earlier, I probably would have done exactly that.

"You're right," I admit grudgingly. "I would have fucked things up even more. But that doesn't make it okay that you kept this from me."

Ghost nods solemnly. "I know, brother. And I'm sorry. I was trying to do right by everyone, but I see now that I should have handled it differently."

“But yet again, I’m the one who’s fucked over. You and your fucking dad knew how much Willow meant to me. You both knew how much it fucking plagued me to doubt her, but it didn’t matter. Then shit went south and you both forbade me to go after her. All to save your own skin. I’ve played along with the demands, Ghost. I did what you asked—as my brother, my president, as my best friend—and this is how you repay me?” I shake my head. I’m so angry and betrayed right now. “I wanted to go after her. I would have had you not stopped me. I would have gotten to know my child, Ghost.”

His eyes close and I know that my words have hit him hard.

“I fucked up. Christ, I fucked up more than I can ever make amends for, but so did you. I’ve had your back since we were kids and I always thought you had mine.”

His eyes snap to mine. “I do,” he says vehemently.

“Bullshit,” I hiss. “You don’t. You know how much Willow means to me. It’s been five years and I’ve not fucked anotherwoman. You chose Natalia over the club, over something that affects a brother. You fucked up, Ghost.”

I turn on my heel before I lose my cool any more. I storm out of the clubhouse, needing to get away before I say or do something I'll regret. Anger and betrayal are coursing through me, making it hard to think straight.

I hop on my bike and take off, no destination in mind. I just need to ride, to feel the wind against my face and try to clear my head. But no matter how fast or far I go, I can't outrun the thoughts swirling in my mind.

FIFTEEN

WILLOW

“Will,” Nat says. Her eyes are wide and filled with pain, tears pooling in them as she stands at my door.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask, my brows furrowed. I haven’t seen her this upset in a long time. I pull her into my arms and hold her tight. I hate seeing her cry. I want to do whatever it takes to fix it.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers, her body trembling. “I’m so sorry, Willow.”

The furrow in my brow deepens. “Hey, it’s okay. You need to calm down, Nat. It’s not good for the baby.”

I found out she was pregnant only days ago and I’m so happy for her. So damn happy. I know she’ll be a great mom. She’s been the best aunt to Willow.

“Please don’t hate me,” she cries, her body burrowing into mine.

“Nat, you’re worrying me. What’s going on?” I ask, my heart racing. I’m worried now. I have no idea what’s happening.

“Rogue,” she gasps. “He knows about Wren.”

My blood runs cold at Natalia's words. I feel like the ground has dropped out from under me.

"What?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.

Natalia pulls back, her eyes red and puffy. "I'm so sorry, Willow. I didn't mean to tell him. It just slipped out when I was talking about my pregnancy. I mentioned that you'd been through it before and he put two and two together."

I stumble backwards, my legs hitting the couch. I sink down onto it, my mind reeling. Rogue knows about Wren. The secret I've kept for five years, the one thing I've protected above all else, is out.

"How... how much does he know?" I manage to ask, my voice shaking.

Natalia sits beside me, taking my hand in hers. "Just that you have a daughter named Wren, and that she's five years old. He figured out she must be his."

I close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing. This can't be happening. Not now, not when we've finally found some stability.

"What did he say?" I ask, dreading the answer.

Natalia hesitates. "He was... upset. Angry that he didn't know. He wanted to come see you right away, but I told him he couldn't just barge into your lives."

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