Page 28 of King’s Reckoning (Blind Jacks MC #5)

The wedding dress hung like a ghost in the corner of Rowan's office, its delicate fabric a stark contrast to the tactical gear and weapons scattered across her desk. Three computer screens showed demolition operations in progress while Barbara's latest legal analysis scrolled endlessly beside seating arrangements and floral designs. The juxtaposition would have made Elena laugh—her determined daughter planning both systematic destruction of corporate forgeries and celebration with equal precision.

"Four more facilities tagged for tonight,"

Reed said from the doorway, his presence causing the familiar flutter in her chest despite the intensity of everything they'd been through together. His eyes lingered on the dress before meeting hers, heat and admiration mixing in his gaze.

"Unless you'd rather postpone again? Give us time to finish eliminating Blackwood's forgery operation first?"

Rowan shook her head, studying fresh satellite imagery of their targets while trying to ignore how good he looked leaning against her doorframe. Marriage shouldn't make her heart race after all they'd been through together, but something about Reed Morrison still managed to knock her off balance.

"No more delays,"

she said firmly, forcing her focus back to the tactical displays.

"We've pushed the date back twice already because of operations. Besides..."

She glanced at the dress again, allowing herself a small smile.

"The alliance needs this. Needs to prove we can do more than just destroy corporate forgery operations."

As if to emphasize her point, she received a notification that another legal challenge had succeeded against Blackwood's documentation somewhere in Nevada. Three weeks of systematic demolition had strengthened her confidence in Elena's legal strategies, turning carefully documented evidence into precision instruments against corporate theft.

"Speaking of destroying things,"

Barbara interrupted through their comms, her voice carrying the excited edge that meant she'd found something significant.

"You'll want to see this data from the Seattle facility takedown. Something interesting in the legal precedent readings."

The professor's screens appeared on Rowan's main display, showing complex interconnections from their latest operation.

"The title protection isn't just invalidating their systems anymore. It's actively challenging basic corporate protocols. Making it impossible to even establish rudimentary forgery operations."

She highlighted specific data streams that made Rowan lean forward.

"Look at these connection patterns. Your mother's documentation isn't just responding to forgery attempts. It's anticipating them. Shutting down potential legal loopholes before they can be exploited."

"Elena's ultimate failsafe,"

Reed said quietly, moving to study the data over Rowan's shoulder. His proximity sent electricity dancing along her nerves, a reaction no amount of legal training could suppress.

"Not just destroying their forgery operation, but making sure it can never be rebuilt."

"Better than that,"

Barbara replied, excitement clear in her voice.

"The documentation shield appears to be evolving. Adapting to counter their attempts at salvaging forged data. These legal challenges are more sophisticated than anything in Elena's original documentation."

"Your mother's evidence is exceeding all projected results,"

Barbara continued, pulling up comparison data.

"These legal adaptations... Elena designed the basic framework, but the courts are taking it far beyond her original specifications."

Rowan felt Reed's hand settle on her shoulder, grounding her as she processed the new information. His touch helped steady the mix of pride and unease that always came with discussing her mother's legal legacy.

"Speaking of specifications,"

Tiffany's voice cut in.

"The chapel's security upgrades are complete. Surveillance systems are integrated with the decorative elements just like you wanted."

She appeared in the doorway brandishing tablet displays of the modified wedding plans.

"Though I still say hiding security cameras in flower arrangements is a bit paranoid, even for an MC wedding."

"Better paranoid than sorry,"

King added, joining them with fresh intelligence reports.

"Blackwood's employers aren't the only ones interested in Rowan's documentation. That dress might as well have a target painted on it."

"Which is exactly why we're doing this,"

Rowan replied, standing to face him.

"Showing everyone that the alliance is more than just tactical operations and demolished facilities. That we can build something permanent."

Her hand found Reed's automatically as she spoke. His fingers threaded through hers, that simple contact conveying more than words ever could.

"Besides,"

Reed added with a dangerous smile.

"let them try something. Between Satan's Riders security, King's Chosen tactical teams, and Iron Fists perimeter control, that chapel's better defended than most military bases."

"And that's before accounting for the legal protection,"

Barbara noted, displaying chapel security schematics.

"Rowan's authenticated documentation will automatically invalidate any attempt at corporate interference. Create a natural legal barrier around the ceremony."

Fresh alerts flashed across her screens, drawing their attention back to immediate concerns.

"Multiple demolition teams reporting ready status. Iron Fists and King's Chosen in position at all four target sites."

Rowan studied the tactical displays, noting the smooth coordination between chapters. Former rivals now moved like well-oiled machines, combining their strengths to eliminate Blackwood's legacy systematically.

"Nice to see the old rivalries forgotten,"

King commented, pride evident in his voice.

"Cole's Iron Fists working seamless operations with King's Chosen crews. Satan's Riders providing tactical support without hesitation."

"The alliance is evolving,"

Reed agreed.

"Just like the legal precedent effect. Adapting to create something stronger than individual chapters."

His thumb traced patterns on her palm as he spoke, sending shivers down her spine despite the serious discussion. The intensity of their connection still surprised her sometimes—how quickly and deeply they'd bonded through fire and danger, and how he could still affect her with a simple touch.

"Incoming priority traffic,"

Barbara interrupted.

"Surveillance just picked up unusual activity at the Portland facility. Multiple vehicles arriving outside normal patterns."

Her screens showed thermal imaging of trucks being loaded under cover of darkness.

"Looks like they're trying to evacuate equipment before we can target the site."

"Not happening,"

Rowan said firmly. She pulled up tactical data with her free hand, already coordinating response teams.

"Satan's Riders units, move to blocking positions. King's Chosen, prepare for rapid assault. I want that facility locked down before they can relocate a single piece of forgery equipment."

The familiar surge of determination thrummed through her as she prepared to implement Elena's legal strategy once again. But this time the sensation felt different—more controlled, more precise.

"Legal signatures shifting,"

Barbara reported, studying corporate filings.

"The legal shield is already spreading through their systems. Even dormant forgery operations are starting to face challenges."

Rowan focused on the facility's communications, directing their legal team with careful precision. She felt Reed's supportive presence as she worked, his steady strength helping her maintain control over the complex legal interactions.

"Remarkable,"

Barbara breathed, watching the cascade of legal failures.

"You're not just destroying their forgery operation anymore. You're systematically dismantling it at a fundamental level. Targeting specific vulnerabilities with surgical precision."

"Elena would be proud,"

King said softly.

"Not just of your legal strategy, but of how you've learned to use it. To protect rather than simply destroy."

Rowan felt emotion tighten her throat at his words. Even now, months after learning the truth about her mother's plans, moments like this caught her off guard. Reminded her of all Elena had sacrificed to create this future.

"Teams in position,"

Cole reported through tactical channels.

"Ready to move on your mark."

She squared her shoulders, pushing personal feelings aside to focus on the operation. But Reed's hand remained firmly clasped with hers, that physical connection keeping her grounded as she coordinated the assault.

"Execute,"

she ordered, watching alliance members flow into action. On Barbara's screens, corporate forgery protocols collapsed as Rowan's authenticated documentation invalidated their systems.

"You've gotten better at that,"

Reed murmured against her ear.

"Controlling the legal precedent effect. Using it precisely rather than letting it spread randomly."

"Had a good teacher,"

she replied softly, leaning back against his solid warmth.

"Someone who showed me strength isn't just about destruction. That real power comes from protecting what matters."

His arms slipped around her waist as they watched the operation unfold. Former rivals working in perfect coordination to eliminate dangerous forgery operations, while behind them wedding preparations continued unabated.

"Two days,"

Tiffany reminded them with a grin.

"Two days until you make it official. Think you can avoid demolishing any more facilities before then?"

"No promises,"

Rowan said, but she was smiling.

"Still got a lot of Blackwood's legacy to eliminate. A lot of forged documents to destroy."

"And a lot of future to build,"

Reed added quietly, his lips brushing her temple.

"Starting with making an honest woman of you."

"Nothing honest about what I plan to do with you after the ceremony,"

she murmured, just for his ears.

His low laugh vibrated through her, full of heat and promise. But before he could respond, Barbara's screens lit up with fresh alerts.

"Multiple corporate filing attempts detected,"

she reported.

"They're trying to salvage forged data from the Portland site. Using some kind of new legal protocol..."

Rowan felt her confidence surge automatically in response, targeting and invalidating their desperate attempts at preservation. The sensation was becoming natural now—not just Elena's carefully constructed legal strategy, but a true extension of her own capabilities.

"Let them try,"

she said calmly, watching system after system fail.

"Every attempt just makes the legal momentum stronger. Makes it better at protecting what matters."

And that, she realized, was Elena's true legacy. Not just the power to destroy dangerous corporate overreach, but the ability to safeguard something better in its place.

The dress gleamed softly in her peripheral vision as alliance members coordinated their assault. In two days, she would wear it to formalize a different kind of bond—one based on choice rather than careful legal calculation.

Some connections, after all, ran deeper than authenticated documents or land claim markers. Some bonds were simply meant to be.

"Facility secured,"

Cole reported with satisfaction.

"No salvageable equipment remaining."

Rowan smiled as Reed's arms tightened around her. Another victory for the alliance. Another step toward making sure Blackwood's legacy stayed buried in ash and broken dreams.

And in two days, they would celebrate a very different kind of legacy. One built on trust and love rather than careful legal precision.

That was worth any number of demolished facilities.