Page 76 of King's Reckoning
But Rowan was already studying tactical displays, noting how smoothly alliance members moved to counter the potential threat. The chapel seemed to pulse with their coordinated movements, almost like it was responding to their unity of purpose.
"Interesting," Barbara murmured, tracking both the approaching vehicles and the movements of their people. "The alliance coordination is actually strengthening our tactical response. Optimizing reaction times and movement patterns between chapters."
"Elena built more than just legal protections into those documents," King said with quiet pride. "She created a way to bring people together. To turn rivals into family."
"Vehicles breaking off," Cole reported with satisfaction. "Looks like they thought better of crashing this party. Satan's Riders teams standing by in case they try circling back."
Rowan watched the tactical feeds show their unwanted visitors retreating, but her attention was drawn to the security displays. The chapel was filling with members from different clubs, all setting aside old rivalries to celebrate together.
"The alliance is solidifying," Barbara noted. "The connection between chapter members remains elevated. The documentation your mother created seems to be actively strengthening the bonds between chapters now."
"Mom's ultimate strategy," Rowan said softly. "Not just stopping corporate land grabs, but building something better in its place. Using the same carefully gathered evidence to protect and unite instead of just challenge and fight."
A knock at the door interrupted further analysis. Tiffany opened it to reveal Cole, his Iron Fists cut exchanged for a surprisingly well-fitted suit.
"Perimeter's locked down tight," he reported, then stopped short at the sight of Rowan in her dress. A rare genuine smile crossed his face. "Damn, girl. Morrison's not going to know what hit him."
"Speaking of Reed," Rowan said, unable to keep the question from her voice. "Everything okay with the final security sweeps?"
"Your future husband has this place wrapped up tighter than a military installation," Cole assured her. "Satan's Riders and King's Chosenworking seamless operations together, Iron Fists providing air coverage."
He moved to study Barbara's displays, whistling softly at the security coordination. "That's new. The alliance cooperation getting stronger?"
"And more sophisticated," Barbara confirmed, highlighting specific details. "The gathered chapters aren't just working alongside each other anymore. They’re actively coordinating between different clubs. Creating harmony where there used to be conflict."
"Elena's ultimate chess move," King said with quiet admiration. "Using Blackwood's own tactics to unite the people they tried to control. Turning carefully documented evidence into a force for bringing chapters together instead of driving them apart."
Fresh movement on the tactical displays drew their attention. "Wedding party arriving," Reed reported through the comms. Rowan's heart skipped at the sound of his voice despite the tension she felt inside, as if waiting for it all to implode any second. "All routes secure, honor guard in position."
Through the chapel's windows, she could see the impressive formation of Satan’s Rider and King’s Chosen bikes escorting the wedding party side by side in perfect coordination. The surveillance displays showed their movements shifting in precise harmony.
"Perfectly aligned," Barbara noted with fascination. "The bond between chapters is just makes them more efficient and effective. They’re better riders, better fighters, better protectors."
"Better family," Rowan corrected softly, watching former rivals work together seamlessly to ensure her special day remained secure. "That's what Mom really built with her documentation—the foundation to bring people together. To create stronger personal connections."
A final alert flashed across the security feeds, the chapel's main doors opening to admit the first wave of guests. Rowan felt a surge of emotion as more chapter members entered, their newfound friendships creating a palpable sense of unity in the space.
"Fifteen minutes," Tiffany announced, making final adjustments to Rowan's veil. "Time to focus on becoming Mrs. Reed Morrison instead of analyzing security protocols."
But Rowan's attention was caught by something in the security feeds—a new pattern emerging as the sanctuary filled. "Barbara, are you seeing this? The alliance is..."
"Creating something self-sustaining," the professor finished excitedly. "Your mother’s vision of the chapters uniting is coming together, strengthening the very bonds that will undoubtably hold the alliance together."
"Five minutes," King announced softly from the doorway. "Reed's in position. Honor guardreports all approaches secure." He paused, studying the security displays. "Though I'd say we have more than just tactical security working in our favor now."
Rowan nodded, watching the chapter members interact with each other peacefully. The chapter members had spread throughout the chapel, creating an invisible web of cooperation between former rivals.
"Mom built all this from her evidence," she said wonderingly. "Not just the ability to stop corporate land grabs, but to strengthen the very bonds that would protect us from them. To turn this endeavor into something that brings people together instead of tearing them apart."
"Elena always did think ten steps ahead," Barbara agreed, still analyzing the security feeds. "But I don't think even she could have predicted this level of unity. The alliance has evolved beyond her original vision, creating possibilities she never imagined."
A soft knock interrupted further discussion. Tiffany opened the door to reveal Cole, his expression unusually serious.
"Everything's ready," he reported. "Chapel's secure, guests are seated, and..." He smiled slightly. "Your groom is practically vibrating with anticipation up there."
Rowan felt her heart skip at the mention of Reed. Through all the chaos of the past months, his steady presence had been her anchor. Now theywould make that connection official in front of everyone who mattered.
"Security feeds show everything’s all clear," Barbara added, but her attention was caught by something in the data. "Rowan, look at how they're interacting."
