Page 64 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"I know it's not much," I say apologetically, wishing I could give them both more. "But you'll be safe here."

She gives me a soft smile, her hands trembling and her eyes wide. "Thank you."

As Wren explores the room excitedly I turn back to Willow. "I need to go help with preparations," I say quietly. "Will you be okay here?"

"We'll manage," she replies, her body trembling.

I hesitate, then gently touch her cheek. Heat rises through me and I suck in a deep breath. "I meant what I said before, Little Flower. I'll keep you both safe."

She doesn’t pull away from my touch. Fuck, am I making progress? "Just be careful, Rogue,” she whispers.

As I reluctantly pull my hand away from Willow's cheek, I feel a deep ache in my chest. I want nothing more than to stay here with her and Wren, to hold them close and shield them from all the danger lurking outside. But I know I have responsibilities to the club that I can't ignore, especially not now.

"I'll check on you both later," I promise. "Try to get some rest if you can. It's been a long morning."

Willow nods, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and worry. As I turn to leave, Wren's small voice stops me.

"Rogue?" she calls. "Will you come play with me later?"

My heart melts at her innocent request. "Of course, sweetheart," I assure her with a smile. "As soon as I can, okay?"

Wren grins, seemingly satisfied with my answer. I catch Willow's eye one last time before I close the door behind me, trying to convey all the things I can't say out loud. That I love them both more than anything. That I'll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

NINETEEN

ROGUE

"How are they settling in?" Ghost asks as I enter the common room.

I run a hand through my hair, sighing heavily. "As well as can be expected, I guess. Willow's scared, even if she's trying not to show it."

Ghost nods grimly. "Can't say I blame her. This is a fucked up situation."

"Yeah," I agree. "But we'll handle it. We always do."

Just then, Hades bursts through the door, his face grim and his eyes filled with anger. "Brothers," he says urgently. "We've got trouble. The Hawks just hit Sultry Saint's. They torched the place."

My blood runs cold at his words. It's starting. The war we've been preparing for is finally here. They took out the strip club we own.

Ghost's expression hardens. His jaw tenses and his fists clench at his side. "Casualties?"

Hades shakes his head. "No one was hurt, thank fuck. But the damage is extensive."

"Alright," Ghost says, his voice steely with determination. "Call everyone in. We need to regroup and plan our next move."

As the brothers start to gather, I can't help but glance back towards the hallway where Willow and Wren are staying. I made a promise to keep them safe, and I intend to keep it. No matter what it takes.

I take my place at the table, my mind racing with all the ways I’m going to hurt these bastards. The Shadow Hawks need to stop with their shit. Time and time again they try to best us and it never works out. We’ll end them, there’s no doubt about that.

Ghost calls the meeting to order, his voice filled with anger. "Alright, brothers. The Shadow Hawks have made their first move. They've torched Sultry Saint's."

A burst of angry curses fills the room. Sultry Saint's is one of our most profitable businesses, and its loss will hit us hard.

"This is just the beginning," Ghost continues. "We need to be prepared for more attacks. They'll likely target our other businesses next."

"What's the plan, Prez?" Tempest asks, his normally jovial face set in grim lines.

Ghost leans forward, his eyes hard. "We strike back. Hard and fast. Show these fuckers we're not to be messed with."

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