Page 20 of King’s Reckoning (Blind Jacks MC #5)

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 injustices be 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."

Despite her exhaustion, Rowan felt warmth bloom in her chest at the mention of Reed. He'd been forced to remain in bed after their confrontation with Blackwood, his injuries demanding proper medical attention.

"Go,"

King said softly.

"We've got this covered. Besides..."

A slight smile touched his lips.

"Some things are more important than paperwork."

Rowan squeezed his hand briefly before heading for Reed's room. The secure ward was quieter now, most of the wounded having been evaluated and treated. But Reed had refused transfer to another facility, insisting on staying close until everything was resolved.

She found him propped up in bed, looking better despite the bandages visible under his hospital gown. His eyes brightened when she entered, that now-familiar warmth sending a flutter through her chest.

"About time,"

he said, holding out his hand.

"Was starting to think you'd forgotten about me."

"Not likely."

Rowan threaded her fingers through his, letting some of her tension ease at the contact.

"Kind of hard to forget the man who took three bullets for me. Who risked everything to protect what matters."

"Yeah, about that..."

Reed tugged gently until she sat on the edge of his bed.

"We need to talk about your tendency to take unnecessary risks. About your habit of putting yourself in danger."

"Says the man who literally jumped in front of gunfire,"

Rowan countered, but there was no heat in her words. Just relief that they were both alive to have this conversation.

"That's different."

Reed's thumb traced patterns on her palm, the simple touch both comforting and electrifying.

"Protecting you...it's not just my job anymore. Hasn't been for a while."

Rowan met his eyes, saw everything he wasn't saying written clearly in their depths. "Reed..."

"Let me finish,"

he said quietly.

"Facing death gives a man perspective. Makes him realize what truly matters. Who matters."

His free hand came up to cup her face.

"I love you, Rowan Matthews. Have since that day in the garage when you showed up trying to be tough but vulnerable underneath. Loved watching you earn your place, prove yourself to the club. Loved seeing you become the leader Elena knew you could be."

Tears pricked at Rowan's eyes, but she blinked them back.

"Even after learning everything? About Mom's research, about the land claims, about what this was really all about?"

"You're not just Elena's daughter or King's blood,"

Reed said firmly.

"You're Rowan. Strong, determined, brilliant Rowan who stood up to corporate interests and rival MCs to protect historical truth. Who brought multiple chapters together when they could have been tearing each other apart."

His thumb brushed her cheek.

"Who made me fall more in love with her every day we worked together."

This time Rowan didn't fight the tears that spilled over.

"I love you too,"

she whispered.

"So much it scared me at first. Especially after watching you take those bullets..."

Reed pulled her closer, careful of his injuries as he guided her to lie beside him on the narrow bed.

"Worth it,"

he said simply.

"You're worth everything."

Rowan curled carefully against his side, mindful of bandages as she soaked in his warmth. For the first time since this all began, she felt truly at peace. Truly home.

A knock at the door made them both look up. Cole stood there, his expression apologetic.

"Sorry to interrupt,"

the Devils president said.

"but we've got a situation developing. Blackwood's people are making moves we didn't anticipate."

Rowan started to rise, but Reed's arm tightened around her.

"What kind of moves?"

"They're destroying records,"

Cole reported grimly.

"Every document they can find related to the historical claims, every piece of research they can't secure. Creating a paper trail that suggests fraud and conspiracy."

"Eliminating evidence,"

Rowan realized.

"Making sure they can challenge the authenticity of what we've distributed."

"While setting up a narrative that discredits everything,"

Reed added.

"Classic corporate damage control."

"That's not all,"

Cole continued.

"We intercepted communications suggesting they're pressuring anyone who might support the claims. Including former academics who helped authenticate similar evidence in the past."

Fresh tension filled Rowan as the dark implications sank in.

"Dr. Beasley,"

she breathed.

"She helped authenticate some of the early documents. If they pressure her to recant..."

"Already on it,"

Cole assured her.

"Sent people to ensure she's safe. But there are others—researchers, historians, people who worked with Elena over the years. All potential targets for intimidation."

"We need to protect them,"

Rowan said, already reaching for her phone. But Reed caught her hand.

"We need to do this strategically,"

he said firmly.

"Coordinate with multiple chapters, set up safe locations and support networks. Create a system to protect these people and their professional credibility."

"He's right,"

Cole agreed.

"This isn't just about immediate protection anymore. We're looking at potentially years of legal challenges and corporate pressure tactics."

Rowan thought about everything they'd learned, about carefully preserved historical evidence and decades of suppressed land claims. About people who had helped document truths that powerful interests wanted buried.

People who now needed protection from those who would silence them through intimidation or worse.

"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 other through 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.

Reed's soft laugh suggested he knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Sleep first,"

he said firmly.

"Then future planning."

Rowan smiled as she snuggled closer, letting his steady heartbeat lull her toward much-needed rest. "Promise?"

His arms tightened carefully around her. "Promise."

And Rowan believed him. Because Reed Morrison was a man of his word.

Especially when it came to promises made to the woman he loved.

The woman who loved him right back, with everything she was.

Historical artifacts and corporate conspiracies aside, that was the only truth that really mattered.

A truth worth protecting. Worth fighting for.

Worth living for.