Page 74 of King's Reckoning
Her hand found Reed's automatically as she spoke. His fingers threaded through hers, that simple contact conveying more than words ever could.
"Besides," Reed added with a dangerous smile, "let them try something. Between Satan's Riders security, King's Chosen tactical teams, and Iron Fists perimeter control, that chapel's better defended than most military bases."
"And that's before accounting for the legal protection," Barbara noted, displaying chapel security schematics. "Rowan's authenticated documentation will automatically invalidate any attempt at corporate interference. Create a natural legal barrier around the ceremony."
Fresh alerts flashed across her screens, drawing their attention back to immediate concerns. "Multiple demolition teams reporting ready status. Iron Fists and King's Chosen in position at all four target sites."
Rowan studied the tactical displays, noting the smooth coordination between chapters. Former rivals now moved like well-oiled machines, combining their strengths to eliminate Blackwood's legacy systematically.
"Nice to see the old rivalries forgotten," King commented, pride evident in his voice. "Cole's Iron Fists working seamless operations with King's Chosen crews. Satan's Riders providing tactical support without hesitation."
"The alliance is evolving," Reed agreed. "Just like the legal precedent effect. Adapting to create something stronger than individual chapters."
His thumb traced patterns on her palm as he spoke, sending shivers down her spine despite the serious discussion. The intensity of their connection still surprised her sometimes—how quickly and deeply they'd bonded through fire and danger, and how he could still affect her with a simple touch.
"Incoming priority traffic," Barbara interrupted. "Surveillance just picked up unusual activity at the Portland facility. Multiple vehicles arriving outside normal patterns."
Her screens showed thermal imaging of trucks being loaded under cover of darkness. "Looks like they're trying to evacuate equipment before we can target the site."
"Not happening," Rowan said firmly. She pulled up tactical data with her free hand, already coordinating response teams. "Satan's Riders units, move to blocking positions. King's Chosen, prepare for rapid assault. I want that facility locked down before they can relocate a single piece of forgery equipment."
The familiar surge of determination thrummed through her as she prepared to implement Elena's legal strategy once again. But this time the sensation felt different—more controlled, more precise.
"Legal signatures shifting," Barbara reported, studying corporate filings. "The legal shield is already spreading through their systems. Even dormant forgery operations are starting to face challenges."
Rowan focused on the facility's communications, directing their legal team with careful precision. She felt Reed's supportive presence as she worked, his steady strength helping her maintain control over the complex legal interactions.
"Remarkable," Barbara breathed, watching the cascade of legal failures. "You're not just destroying their forgery operation anymore. You're systematically dismantling it at a fundamentallevel. Targeting specific vulnerabilities with surgical precision."
"Elena would be proud," King said softly. "Not just of your legal strategy, but of how you've learned to use it. To protect rather than simply destroy."
Rowan felt emotion tighten her throat at his words. Even now, months after learning the truth about her mother's plans, moments like this caught her off guard. Reminded her of all Elena had sacrificed to create this future.
"Teams in position," Cole reported through tactical channels. "Ready to move on your mark."
She squared her shoulders, pushing personal feelings aside to focus on the operation. But Reed's hand remained firmly clasped with hers, that physical connection keeping her grounded as she coordinated the assault.
"Execute," she ordered, watching alliance members flow into action. On Barbara's screens, corporate forgery protocols collapsed as Rowan's authenticated documentation invalidated their systems.
"You've gotten better at that," Reed murmured against her ear. "Controlling the legal precedent effect. Using it precisely rather than letting it spread randomly."
"Had a good teacher," she replied softly, leaning back against his solid warmth. "Someone who showed me strength isn't just aboutdestruction. That real power comes from protecting what matters."
His arms slipped around her waist as they watched the operation unfold. Former rivals working in perfect coordination to eliminate dangerous forgery operations, while behind them wedding preparations continued unabated.
"Two days," Tiffany reminded them with a grin. "Two days until you make it official. Think you can avoid demolishing any more facilities before then?"
"No promises," Rowan said, but she was smiling. "Still got a lot of Blackwood's legacy to eliminate. A lot of forged documents to destroy."
"And a lot of future to build," Reed added quietly, his lips brushing her temple. "Starting with making an honest woman of you."
"Nothing honest about what I plan to do with you after the ceremony," she murmured, just for his ears.
His low laugh vibrated through her, full of heat and promise. But before he could respond, Barbara's screens lit up with fresh alerts.
"Multiple corporate filing attempts detected," she reported. "They're trying to salvage forged data from the Portland site. Using some kind of new legal protocol..."
Rowan felt her confidence surge automatically in response, targeting and invalidating their desperate attempts at preservation. The sensation was becoming natural now—not just Elena'scarefully constructed legal strategy, but a true extension of her own capabilities.
