Page 77 of King's Reckoning
The displays showed members from different clubs mixing freely, the connection and cooperation between such different people from different walks of life causing emotion to swell in her chest.
"It's beautiful," Rowan said softly, watching former enemies become true family through the security cameras. "Like Mom knew exactly what we'd need to build something permanent. Something worth protecting."
"Speaking of protection," King interjected with a slight smile, "I believe we have a wedding to conduct. Unless you'd rather spend your ceremony analyzing security feeds?"
Rowan laughed, finally turning away from the displays. "No, you're right. Time to focus on what really matters."
She took King's offered arm, feeling a surge of determination and purpose. But this time it felt different—not just about fighting corporate greed, but about unity. About bringing people together instead of driving them apart.
The chapel doors opened to reveal rows of leather-clad chapter members standing in respect. Satan's Riders next to King's Chosen, Iron Fistsalongside allied clubs—former rivals united in common cause. And at the end of the aisle...
Reed waited for her, his eyes holding everything she'd ever needed to see. Love, trust, pride, and absolute certainty that this was exactly where they were meant to be.
Behind her, Barbara's screens displayed the unprecedented alliance. But Rowan didn't need security data to tell her what she already knew in her heart.
Some connections went deeper than carefully documented evidence. Some bonds were simply meant to be.
The traditional wedding march had been replaced by the deep rumble of idling motorcycles outside—Satan's Riders and King's Chosen providing a uniquely MC honor guard. Rowan felt the vibrations through the chapel floor as King guided her down the aisle, the sound mixing with the subtle hum of celebration from the gathered chapters.
Through her carefully concealed earpiece, she heard Cole's quiet confirmation of continued security. "Perimeter holding steady. Air support reports clear skies. Looking good, boss lady."
But Rowan barely registered the tactical updates. Her attention was fixed on Reed, watching his expression shift from awe to pure love as she approached. He stood tall and proud in his cut, the sergeant-at-arms patch gleaming alongside the new vice president rocker he'd earned. Moreimportantly, his eyes never left hers as she walked toward their future.
Barbara's monitoring station showed the alliance strengthening with each step, the gathered chapters' combined presence creating something more powerful than mere tactical cooperation. But for once, Rowan didn't need surveillance data to understand what was happening. She could feel it in her heart—the way her mother's careful planning was creating bonds far beyond mere legal protection.
"It’s all coming together," Barbara whispered through the comms, excitement clear in her voice. "The chapters are about to become extended family, the way it always should have been."
King squeezed Rowan's arm gently as they reached the altar. His eyes held pride and understanding as he placed her hand in Reed's—the formal transfer of protection that meant so much in MC tradition. But they all knew Rowan had never needed protecting. She'd been raised to be a protector herself.
The ceremony itself was a blend of MC tradition and carefully disguised security measures. The unity candle contained sophisticated motion sensors. The flower arrangements concealed tactical surveillance equipment. Even Rowan's bouquet incorporated specialized monitoring devices.
But none of that mattered as she met Reed's eyes, saw everything they'd been through reflectedthere. The firefights and facility demolitions, the alliance building and legal victories, the gradual transformation of careful documentation into something far more meaningful.
"We gather today," Cole began, having insisted on performing the ceremony himself, "to unite not just two people, but two worlds. The old traditions of the MC life, and the new future we're building together."
His words carried extra weight given recent events. Around them, the chapel pulsed with increasing energy as more chapter members arrived, filling the pews. Former rivals sat shoulder to shoulder, their combined presence amplifying the alliance throughout the chapel.
"The bonds we forge today," Cole continued, "go beyond patches and territories. Beyond carefully gathered evidence or tactical advantages. They represent something stronger—the choice to stand together, to protect what matters, to build something permanent."
Rowan felt Reed's hands tighten on hers as Cole spoke. Through their joined fingers, she could sense the MC members in attendance watching with love and support and a fierce pride that charged the air around them.
As Cole led them through their vows, the connection, the bond forming between the chapters concentrated where Rowan and Reed's hands joined, their bond hinging on their union.
"The rings you exchange," Cole intoned, his voice carrying the weight of both MC tradition and newfound alliance unity, "represent more than just marriage vows. They symbolize the unbreakable circle of family we've forged together." He cast a meaningful look at the assembled MC members, who murmured their agreement.
Reed's hands were steady as he slipped the ring onto Rowan's finger. She felt a surge of emotion in response, imagining her mother’s careful planning had resulted in all of this and wondering what she’d say if she could be there now to witness their formal joining.
"I promise," Reed said softly, his eyes never leaving hers, "to stand beside you through whatever comes next. To be your partner in both battle and peace. To help protect what matters and build something worth fighting for."
His voice dropped lower, meant just for her, "And to never let you face another corporate battle or land claim crisis alone."
Rowan couldn't help smiling as she took his ring in turn. Trust Reed to blend romance with tactical awareness. It was one of countless reasons she loved him.
"I promise," she began, feeling emotion pulse in time with her words, "to be your equal in all things. Your partner in both alliance leadership and everyday life. To use everything I am—my mother's daughter and all—to protect our future together."
Through her earpiece, she heard Barbara's quiet whisper, "You two are going to make beautiful babies."
An amused smile bloomed on Rowan’s face, but her attention remained fixed on Reed as Cole continued the ceremony. The way his eyes softened when she slipped the ring home. The gentle squeeze of his fingers acknowledging both her formal vows and the private promises they held.
