Page 29 of King’s Reckoning (Blind Jacks MC #5)

Dawn painted the chapel in shades of amber and gold as Rowan studied Barbara's latest security scans. The professor had outdone herself integrating surveillance systems into the wedding decorations—each flower arrangement and fabric drape concealed sophisticated monitoring equipment. From her position in the makeshift bridal suite, Rowan could track every approach to the building while pretending to focus on final dress adjustments.

"Seven Satan's Riders members just passed the outer checkpoint,"

Cole reported through her earpiece, his voice barely audible over Tiffany's excited chatter about hair and makeup.

"All verified clean. No weapons beyond standard carry, no suspicious gear."

"King's Chosen escort team confirms clear routes to all fallback positions,"

Reed added, and just the sound of his voice sent electricity dancing along her nerves.

"Iron Fists have air surveillance locked down. Nothing's getting within five miles of this chapel without us knowing."

Rowan smiled slightly as she watched more guests arrive through the security feeds. The gathering looked exactly like a traditional MC wedding on the surface—leather cuts mixing with formal wear, bikes lined up in precise formation outside. But beneath the expected chaos lay carefully planned defensive positions and overlapping fields of fire.

"Security systems running smoothly,"

Barbara noted from her mobile command center, disguised as a wedding planner's station.

"No sign of suspicious activity or unauthorized vehicles. Though..."

She paused significantly.

"There is an interesting atmosphere developing in the main sanctuary."

"What kind of atmosphere?"

Rowan asked, suddenly more focused on the professor's screens than her reflection in the full-length mirror.

"Almost like the gathered members of all these chapters are creating something new,"

Barbara replied.

"The alliance seems to be...solidifying somehow with everyone together in one place."

Before Rowan could pursue that intriguing development, Tiffany swooped in with the veil.

"Enough monitoring screens. You're getting married in an hour, and I won't let security protocols ruin your perfect day."

"The security protocols are what's making this day possible,"

Rowan pointed out, but allowed herself to be turned away from the displays. Through her earpiece, she heard King coordinating final defensive positions with a mixture of Satan's Riders and King's Chosen teams.

"Your father figure has security handled,"

Tiffany insisted, making minute adjustments to the elaborate lace.

"Reed's got tactical oversight locked down. Let them do their jobs while you focus on being a bride."

As if summoned by her words, King appeared in the doorway. The sight of him in a crisp black suit and tie was almost as surprising as Rowan in her wedding dress. His weathered features were framed by neatly trimmed hair and a freshly shaved face—a stark contrast to his usual leather-clad, rugged appearance. The King's Chosen president patch was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a subtle silver tie clip and matching cufflinks.

Despite the formal attire, his commanding presence remained unmistakable, though softened now by the emotion that flickered across his face as he took in the sight of Rowan in full bridal attire.

He stopped short at the threshold, momentarily speechless—a rare state for the normally decisive newly minted MC president. The man who could command a room full of outlaw bikers with just a glance now seemed humbled by the significance of the moment.

"Elena would..."

He had to clear his throat before continuing.

"She would be so proud. Not just of what you've accomplished with the alliance, but of who you've become. Who you've chosen to be."

Rowan felt tears threatening as she met his eyes in the mirror.

"She planned so much of this. Gathered so much evidence to protect these lands. But she couldn't have predicted Reed. Couldn't have calculated what choosing love over careful strategy would create."

"No,"

King agreed softly.

"Some variables even Elena couldn't factor into her plans."

He moved to stand behind her, his presence steady and sure.

"Though I suspect she'd approve of how you've adapted her carefully documented evidence. Turned tools for legal battles into foundations for protecting what matters."

"Speaking of protection,"

Barbara interrupted through their comms.

"That feeling of unity is intensifying in the sanctuary. The combined presence of so many chapter members seems to be strengthening the alliance somehow."

Rowan turned back to the monitoring screens despite Tiffany's protests. The security displays showed the chapel filling with members from different clubs, all mingling in ways that would have been unthinkable months ago.

"What kind of strengthening are we talking about?"

"It's like..."

Barbara paused, clearly choosing her words carefully.

"It's like the common purpose between clubs is creating a kind of harmony, like they were meant to work together rather than fight."

"Elena's final gift to the alliance,"

King said thoughtfully.

"Using the same documentation that stops corporate land grabs to strengthen bonds between chapters instead."

Fresh alerts flashed across the security feeds.

"Multiple vehicles approaching from the north,"

Cole reported.

"Professional driving patterns, blacked-out windows. Not on the guest list."

"Satan's Riders intercept team moving to engage,"

Reed added immediately. Rowan could hear engines roaring through his comm link.

"King's Chosen providing backup. We've got it handled, baby. Focus on getting ready."

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 Chosen working 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 guard reports 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 they would 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."

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 Fists alongside 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. More importantly, 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 reflected there. 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.

"By the power vested in me by both MC tradition and alliance authority,"

Cole proclaimed, genuine joy evident in his voice.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife."

The chapel resonated with energy as Reed pulled her into their first married kiss. Rowan was distantly aware of Barbara's commentary about alliance patterns and chapter unity, but none of that mattered. Not with Reed's arms around her and their future stretching bright before them.

Cheers erupted from the gathered chapters as they turned to face their assembled family, past rivalries forgotten in celebration. Iron Fists clasped hands with allied club members, the alliance bond stronger than old territory disputes.

"Perimeter still secure,"

King reported through the tactical channel, though his voice held more pride than professional detachment.

"The alliance might have something to do with that,"

Barbara added, still monitoring the complex security patterns.

"Anyone would be crazy to mess with this kind of protective barrier around the chapel. Any attempt at interference would be spotted immediately."

Rowan smiled at the irony as Reed led her back down the aisle. Elena had gathered evidence to stop corporate land grabs, but that same careful documentation was now strengthening the very bonds that would prevent such theft from happening again.

Outside, the combined roar of dozens of bikes filled the air as chapters prepared for the wedding procession. Satan's Riders and King's Chosen formed precise honor guard formations, their cuts bearing patches that once marked them as enemies.

"Ready to ride?"

Reed asked softly, helping her arrange her dress as Tiffany fussed with last-minute adjustments.

Rowan met his eyes, seeing everything they'd built reflected there. The alliance that had grown from careful tactical cooperation to true family. The love that had transformed legal strategy into something far more meaningful.

"With you?"

She smiled as he helped her onto his bike. "Always."

The chapel pulsed with energy and celebration as they led the massive procession away. Behind them, dozens of chapters rode together, unified by bonds stronger than territory or tradition.

Elena's final gift to them all, Rowan realized. Strength in numbers, a force to be reckoned with.

Barbara's continued predictions of deepening, unbreakable bonds echoed in her ear as they rode away. The chapters weren't just coordinating anymore. They were creating lasting harmony where conflict once ruled.

But Rowan didn't need security data to understand what truly mattered. She felt it in Reed's solid presence as they led their family toward the future. In the thundering engines behind them representing dozens of chapters choosing to ride together.

Their bonds would reach deeper than legal evidence or protection strategies. Some connections were simply meant to be.

And as she held tight to her new husband while their massive escort thundered through the streets, Rowan smiled. Elena had gathered countless documents in creating her legal defense. Had assembled precise evidence for specific purposes.

But she couldn't have predicted this—the way careful legal strategy would evolve into something far more powerful. The way destruction would lead to rebuilding. The way rivals would become family.

The way love would transform everything.