Page 56 of King's Reckoning
"We'll need resources," she said slowly. "Legal teams, media connections, ways to ensure these experts can testify without fear of reprisal..."
"Already working on it," Cole replied. "Multiple chapters have pledged support. After what happened here, they understand the importance of protecting these historical records. Of ensuring the truth finally comes to light."
"And the club?" Rowan asked quietly. "How are the brothers handling everything they've learned?"
"Better than you might think." King's voice came from the doorway as he joined them. "The truth about the artifacts, about Elena's research...it actually connects to many of their own family histories. Makes them even more committed to seeing this through."
"Plus," Cole added with a slight smile, "they've seen how you handle yourself. How you face challenges head-on. Blood relation or not, chosen family or not...you've earned their respect."
Fresh warmth bloomed in Rowan's chest as Reed squeezed her hand. She'd spent so long worrying about living up to Elena's legacy, about proving herself worthy of King's name. But in the end, it wasn't about bloodlines or inherited status.
It was about choices. Actions. The willingness to protect what mattered, no matter the cost.
"So what's our next move?" she asked, already thinking through her options.
"First, you rest," Reed said firmly. "You've been going nonstop since this started. Let others handle the immediate concerns while you recover."
"He's right," King agreed. "Cole and I can coordinate with the legal teams. Barbara's already working with the King's Chosen and Iron Fists to establish secure communications with key witnesses. Take a few hours, both of you. You've earned it."
Rowan wanted to argue, but exhaustion was starting to hit hard. And the thought of staying curled against Reed, safe in his arms while others handled the crisis...
"A few hours," she conceded. "But wake me if anything urgent comes up."
"Nothing more urgent than taking care of each other," Reed said softly as the others left, closing the door behind them.
Rowan smiled as she settled more comfortably against his side. "When did you get so insightful?"
"Around the same time I fell for my sergeant's daughter," he replied, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Speaking of which... Once we're both recovered, maybe we should discuss what comes next."
Rowan's heart quickened at the tone in his voice. "Next?"
"Well, traditional MC protocol has certain steps when a Road Captain wants to make things permanent with someone..." His voice held a mixture of seriousness and warmth that made her pulse race. "Conversations to be had. Futures to be planned. Commitments to be made."
"Reed Morrison," Rowan said, pushing up to meet his eyes, "are you talking about our future together?"
His smile was tender, with just a hint of that confidence she'd first found so irritating and now found irresistible. "I'm talking about more than just working together or supporting each otherthrough a crisis. I'm talking about building something lasting. If you're interested."
Rowan felt joy bubble up in her chest, pure and bright despite everything they still faced. "I'm interested," she said softly. "Very interested."
His kiss was gentle but full of promise, and Rowan melted into it. They had so much left to handle—protecting witnesses, supporting the legal process, ensuring the historical truth remained intact despite the legal challenges ahead.
But right now, in this moment, nothing mattered except the man holding her. The future they would build together.
No mystical connections or supernatural elements needed. Just love, trust, and the strength of genuine commitment.
"Rest," Reed murmured against her hair as exhaustion finally pulled her toward sleep. "I've got you."
Rowan smiled as she drifted off, safe in his arms. They would face whatever came next together—club business, corporate legal challenges, witness protection networks.
But first, they would take this moment for themselves. Would celebrate finding each other, choosing love alongside duty.
Because some connections went deeper than family history or club hierarchy.
Some bonds were simply meant to be.
And Rowan intended to explore every aspect of this particular connection for the rest of their lives.
Starting just as soon as they both recovered enough for proper planning.
