Page 48 of King's Reckoning
"Less dramatic than expected," she replied, taking his hand again. "Multiple chapters agreeing to work together to protect the historical records. Turns out having a common enemy is quite the motivator."
Reed studied her face, seeing beyond her casual response. "You learned something important."
It wasn't a question, but Rowan nodded anyway. "My mother's family has legitimate claim to parts of this territory—claim that was erased from official records generations ago. She wasn't just protecting the truth. She was fighting for our rightful heritage."
Reed's thumb traced patterns on her palm as he processed this. "Explains why she was so thorough in her preparations. Why she made sure you'd be ready to continue her work."
"It changes everything," Rowan said quietly. "And nothing. The mission is still the same—protect the evidence, ensure it reaches the right authorities. But now..."
"Now it's personal," Reed finished. "Family legacy, not just historical justice."
"Exactly." She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. "I almost lost you today. Before I could tell you..."
His free hand came up to cup her face, fingers gentle against her skin. "Tell me what?"
"That whatever happens next, whatever this fight brings…I want to face it with you. Not just as allies or partners."
Reed's eyes softened, understanding filling them. "As family," he said simply. "The family we choose."
"Yes." The word was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of certainty.
His response was to draw her closer, his kiss gentle but filled with promise. When they separated, his smile held all the confirmation she needed.
"Rest," she told him, reluctant to leave but knowing he needed recovery time. "I'll be back soon."
"I'll be waiting," he replied. "For however long it takes."
As Rowan left the room, she found King waiting in the hallway. His expression suggested he'd witnessed their moment but was choosing not to comment directly.
"Barbara finished analyzing the historical claims," he said instead. "The evidence is overwhelming. If properly presented, it could force renegotiation of resource rights across the entire region."
"No wonder Blackwood's people are willing to kill for it," Rowan replied.
"And no wonder Elena went to such lengths to protect it." King's eyes met hers, understanding in their depths. "To protect you, her daughter. The rightful heir to what was stolen."
The implications hung between them—of heritage and inheritance, of justice delayed but not denied. Of a mother's determination that her daughter would reclaim what belonged to their family.
"We'll need to move soon," King continued. "Cole's people have intel that Blackwood's regrouping, bringing in more resources."
Rowan nodded, her mind already mapping their next steps. "Let him come. This time, we'll be ready."
As they walked back toward the conference room, Rowan felt a new strength flowing through her. Not mystical power, but something more fundamental—conviction born of truth. Of understanding exactly what she was fighting for.
Her mother's legacy. Her family's heritage. Her chosen future with Reed.
Some things were worth any price. Even blood.
Reed's hospital room was quiet except for the steady beep of monitors when Rowan returned. He looked better already, some color returning to his face as the treatments worked. But his expression was serious as she took her usual spot beside his bed, her hand finding his with practiced ease.
"Barbara showed me her analysis," he said without preamble. "About the artifacts being historical evidence instead of mystical objects."
"Changes things, doesn't it?" Rowan traced patterns on his palm, finding comfort in the small, intimate gesture. "Makes me feel almost foolish for believing there was something supernatural going on."
"Don't." Reed's fingers tightened on hers. "Elena understood exactly what she was dealing with. She just...presented it in terms people would fight to protect."
"By emphasizing family connections and heritage?" Rowan frowned. "That doesn't sound like Mom. She was all about hard evidence, documented proof."
"Think about it," Reed said, shifting slightly to face her better. "What's more likely to motivate MC members? Telling them about complex historical land claims and corporate interests? Or telling them they're protecting their family's rightful heritage?"
