Page 81 of Rogue’s Reckoning

Then I see him. Lochlann. He steps out of the car, very much alive, his face bruised but his eyes gleaming with malice.

Terror grips me as I realize Ezra was wrong—Lochlann isn't dead. And now he's here, at the clubhouse, where we were supposed to be safe.

"Wren!" I call out, trying to keep the panic from my voice. "Go inside and find Daddy, right now!"

To my immense relief, Wren doesn't question me. She must sense the urgency in my tone. She takes off running toward the clubhouse door.

I stand frozen, watching Lochlann's eyes track Wren's movement. A cruel smile spreads across his face as he turns his gaze to me.

"Hello, Willow," he says, his voice sending shivers of revulsion through me. "Miss me?"

I want to run, to scream, to do something. But fear has me rooted to the spot. Where are Ezra and the others? Why aren't they coming out?

Lochlann takes a step toward me, and I finally find my voice. "Stay away from me," I warn, though my voice shakes.

He laughs, and it’s a cold, mirthless sound. "Or what? Your biker boy isn't here to protect you now, is he?"

“He’s right behind those doors,” I tell him. “You’d better leave.”

The snarl that forms on his face is sinister. It reminds me of the night he violated me; how he broke a piece of me. Terror takes over my body as he prowls toward me.

Lochlann's face twists into a snarl as he lunges for me. Before I can react, his fist connects with my jaw, sending me stumbling backward. Pain explodes through my head as stars dance in my vision.

"You stupid bitch," he growls, grabbing my arm roughly. "You thought you could hide from me forever?"

I try to scream, to call for help, but Lochlann clamps his hand over my mouth. With brutal strength, he drags me toward his car. I kick and struggle, but it's no use—he's too strong.

As he shoves me into the backseat, I catch a glimpse of the clubhouse door opening. My heart leaps with hope—Ezra! But Lochlann slams the car door shut before I can see who emerged.

The engine roars to life as Lochlann peels out of the lot. Tears stream down my face as I pound on the window, screaming for help. But it's too late. The clubhouse fades from view as Lochlann speeds away.

"Please," I sob, terror gripping me. "Please, just let me go. I won't tell anyone, I swear."

Lochlann's cold laugh chills me to the bone. "Oh Willow," he says, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. "We're just getting started."

As the car races down the highway, taking me further and further from safety, from Ezra and Wren, I close my eyes and pray.

Please let Wren have found Ezra in time. Please let them be coming for me. Please don't let this be the end.

But as Lochlann's cruel laughter fills the car, a part of me fears it might already be too late.

“Tell me, whore, where is that cunt of a sister of yours?” he growls.

My brows knit together. “Ivy?” I ask, wondering why the hell he’s questioning me about her.

His bark of laughter chills me to the bone. “Who else would I be talking about? Where the fuck is she?”

“I don’t know,” I say, my voice trembling. “I haven’t seen Ivy since the night you raped me.”

Lochlann's eyes narrow dangerously in the rearview mirror. "Don't lie to me, bitch. I know you've been in contact with her."

I shake my head, confused and terrified. "I swear, I haven't seen or spoken to Ivy in years. Not since that night."

He slams his hand against the steering wheel, making me flinch. "Bullshit! She disappeared right after you did. I know you two planned it together."

My mind races, trying to make sense of what he's saying. Ivy disappeared? But why? And why does Lochlann think I know where she is?

"I didn't plan anything with Ivy," I insist, my voice shaking. "I left on my own after... after what you did to me. I haven't had any contact with her or my parents since then."

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