Page 1 of Midnight Rebel

Chapter 1

Colt

The rumbleof my Harley echoes off the cobblestone streets of Midnight Falls as I roll into town. Carved pumpkins leer from every windowsill, their flickering grins a mockery of welcome.

It’s as if the whole damn place is frozen in time, perpetually celebrating Halloween.

I gun the engine, the roar ricocheting between buildings as I turn onto the winding drive leading to The Manor. The old place looms ahead, a gothic monstrosity against the darkening sky.

Ivy chokes its stone walls, and cobwebs cling to every corner. Jack-o’-lanterns line the steps, their carved smiles twisted and mocking.

The familiar weight of duty and expectation settles on my shoulders as I kill the engine. Before I can even dismount, the massive oak door creaks open as if the house is welcoming its prodigal son home.

Margaret Montgomery steps out, elegant as ever in her blazer and pearls. But the faint lines around her eyes betray her stress.

“Colton, darling, you made it!” Her voice is gentle reprimand laced with relief.

“Hey, Mom.” I step forward, giving her a quick hug. The scent of lavender and lemon furniture polish—smells of my childhood—cling to her clothes. “How’s it going?”

Her heels click on the marble floor as she leads me inside. “Oh, you know. Busy with ball preparations, as always.”

I follow Mom into the parlor. Velvet curtains and grim portraits frame a room frozen in time. Ignoring the ancestors’ judgmental gazes, my eyes lock on a dark stain spreading from the ceiling. The once-rich burgundy curtains hang crooked, faded to rust in spots.

I perch on the edge of a stiff armchair, facing Mom. Her back’s ramrod straight, like always.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Colton. It means a lot,” she says, her voice soft but pointed.

A knot forms in my gut. Should’ve seen this coming. I’ve been dodging this place—and her—for too long. I force a light tone. “Couldn’t miss the big event, right?”

Mom’s smile tightens, not reaching her eyes. “No, I suppose not. Especially not with everything that’s been happening lately.”

I meet her gaze, keeping my expression neutral. “Anything I should know about?”

She sighs, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her slacks. “A chandelier fell in the ballroom last week. Before that, there were electrical issues in the east wing.” Her voice drops. “Probably just the house’s age showing.”

“A chandelier?” My frown deepens, my pulse ticking up. Something’s off here.

“It’s causing quite a stir,” she continues, trying to sound casual. “We’ve had three wedding cancelations this month.” Worry edges into her voice despite her efforts.

Unease settles in my gut. “Isn’t Frank handling the upkeep?”

“Frank’s been working overtime,” Mom says quickly, but her eyes betray her concern.

“How can I help?” The words slip out automatically.

Hope flashes across her face. “Oh, Colton. If you could take a more active role in managing the estate?—”

I cut her off, my voice gruffer than I intended. “Mom, we’ve been over this. I can’t drop everything and move back here.”

She rallies quickly, but I hear the unspoken plea. “Of course, dear. I understand you have your own life with Apex Solutions.”

I grit my teeth, pushing down the familiar guilt and resentment. “I’ll be at the ball. And I’ll have some associates monitoring the grounds in case there’s trouble.”

Mom’s brow furrows. “Associates? Your motorcycle club friends?”

I study Mom’s face, noting the tightness around her eyes, the slight tremble in her hands as she smooths her already-perfect hair. There’s more eating at her than losing business.

“Mom, what’s really going on? I know that look.”

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