Page 54 of King's Reckoning
She didn't need to be told twice.
Reed was sitting up when she returned to his room, obviously having convinced Barbara to help him into a more dignified position. His face brightened when she entered, relief and something deeper evident in his expression.
"It's done?" he asked.
"It's done," she confirmed, moving to sit beside him on the bed. "The historical records are being reviewed by qualified authorities as we speak. What my mother protected all these years is finally where it belongs."
"And Blackwood?"
"Retreating to prepare legal challenges," Rowan said with a small smile. "But it's too late. The distribution was too widespread, the authentication too thorough."
Reed's hand found hers, fingers intertwining with ease. "So what happens now? For us, I mean."
Rowan studied their joined hands, thinking about everything they'd been through together. The prospect and the Road Captain. Enemies turned allies turned something far more significant.
"Now," she said softly, "we figure out what comes next. Together."
"I already know what I want," Reed replied, his voice low and intimate. His free hand came up to touch her face, fingers gentle against her skin. "Have known for a while now."
"Tell me," she invited, leaning into his touch.
"You," he said simply. "Us. Building something real together, now that all these secrets are finally in the open."
Rowan smiled, feeling a weight lift that she hadn't fully acknowledged was there. "I want that too," she admitted. "Have for longer than I realized."
His response was a kiss that held promise of much more—of a future beyond club politics and family secrets, beyond the mission that had brought them together but not the only thing keeping them that way.
When they separated, Reed's smile was unguarded in a way she rarely saw. "Your mother would be proud," he said softly. "Of what you've accomplished. Of who you've become."
"She'd like you too," Rowan replied, settling carefully beside him on the narrow hospital bed. "Would approve of your stubbornness and loyalty."
Reed laughed softly, drawing her closer despite his injuries. "High praise."
As they sat together, planning next steps and possible futures, Rowan felt a sense of completion she hadn't expected. She had come looking for her father, for answers about her mother's death. Instead, she had found a purpose that went beyond personal history, a family that extended beyond blood relations, and a partner who saw her strength as something to respect rather than control.
Elena Matthews had prepared her daughter well—not just for the mission of protecting the truth, but for recognizing what truly mattered when all was said and done.
Family. Legacy. Love.
And Rowan intended to honor all three, starting right now.
Dawn crept over the hospital grounds, illuminating the aftermath of the night's events. Multiple MC chapters had established a secure perimeter while representatives coordinated their united front. To any outside observer, it would look like a meeting between unusual alliances—nothing to suggest the significance of what had just transpired.
Rowan supervised the archiving of crucial documentation from the communications center, trying not to show how exhausted she felt. Every muscle ached from tension and exertion, but there was too much work left to do. Too many loose ends to secure.
"The authentications and verifications are done," Barbara reported, checking records one final time. "Elena's documentation protocols worked perfectly. Even if they challenge the evidence in court, the verification system is bulletproof."
"Good." Rowan watched as Devils members carefully organized copies of the historical records for transport. "Better that all this evidence of historical injusticesbe addressed."
"Speaking of addressing issues," King said quietly, joining them at the monitoring station. "Blackwood’s got his top lawyers gathering at the district courthouse, filing emergency injunctions to block consideration of the records."
"They’re trying to contain the damage," Rowan guessed. "Making sure their clients have time to prepare counternarratives."
"Which means we need to maintain our momentum," Barbara added. "Keep supporting the academic authorities who are reviewing the evidence."
Rowan nodded, remembering how effectively Elena had planned for this moment. Creating an authentication system so thorough that even the most expensive legal challenges couldn't undermine it.
"Ms. Matthews?" A nurse appeared in the doorway. "Mr. Morrison is asking for you. Rather insistently."
