Page 48 of Mating With My Grumpy Alphas
Cassian Black? What the hell was he doing out here, and why did he want to meet in the middle of nowhere instead of at the ranger station? That bastard was the one about to destroy this entire place. He wasn’t exactly someone I wanted to do any favors for.
“On my way,” I reluctantly said into the radio. It wasn’t like I had a choice. By making the request through dispatch it looked like it was part of my job and I wasn’t about to neglect that or make anyone think I was either.
I turned my truck in the direction of the logging road, already feeling myself disappearing into a black cloud of anger as I did. At least I could take my mood out on him in person. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Twenty minutes later, I spotted his expensive SUV parked at the trailhead, looking completely out of place among the hiking trail markers and conservation signs. Cassian was leaning against the hood, wearing what probably counted as his version of outdoor gear. Clean hiking boots that had never seen actual mud, and a perfectly fitted outdoor jacket that screamed designer label.
But when he looked up as I approached, something in his expression made me reassess. He looked tired, strained, likesomeone carrying weight he wasn’t sure how to bear. I hated that it made me concerned about him rather than happy he wasn’t walking through this whole thing unscathed.
“Thanks for meeting me,” he said, straightening up. “I know this seems strange, but I couldn’t risk being seen talking to you in town.”
“What’s this about, Cassian?”
He glanced around, making sure we were alone, then pulled out a manila envelope. “I need you to have this. Documentation that should help with your environmental appeal.”
I took the envelope but didn’t open it, studying his face instead. “What kind of documentation?”
“The real environmental impact studies. The ones my family commissioned and then buried when they showed too much potential damage.” His voice was bitter. “Water contamination projections, wildlife habitat destruction maps, seasonal migration disruption data. Everything they’ve been downplaying in the public reports. But more importantly the confirmation that continuing with the development will mean severely restricting the water supply to Hollow Haven. Enough that you’ll see severe droughts within the first five years and then a complete disruption by ten.”
This could change everything, I realized, feeling the weight of the envelope. But something didn’t add up. “Why would you have access to buried reports?”
“Because I’m supposed to be the good son. The heir apparent who handles public relations while the real decisions get made in private.” He laughed, but there was no humor in it. “What they don’t know is that I’ve been documenting every corner they’re cutting, every regulation they’re bending, every lie they’re telling about environmental impact.”
I stared at him, trying to process this completely unexpected development. “You’re sabotaging your own family’s project?”
“I’m trying to save fifteen acres of protected habitat from becoming a playground for people who already have too much money.” His voice carried conviction I hadn’t expected. “I’ve seen what development like this does to communities. I’ve spent enough time in corporate boardrooms to know that‘economic opportunity’usually means profits for investors and minimum-wage jobs for locals.”
“Why?” I asked bluntly. “And why are you telling me?”
“Because I’ve been watching how you fight for this place. Because you’re the kind of person who drives someone home when their car breaks down. Because you fix things instead of replacing them.” He paused, something almost vulnerable in his expression. “Because this community means something, and it doesn’t deserve to be destroyed.”
“What happens when your family finds out?” I asked.
“They cut me off completely. Disown me, probably.” His smile was bitter. “But that was going to happen eventually anyway. I’ve never been the son they wanted. Too much conscience, not enough ambition for profit.”
“That’s a hell of a price to pay for doing the right thing.”
“Some things are worth the price.” He gestured toward the envelope. “Everything you need for a successful appeal is in there. Environmental violations, falsified reports, recorded conversations about fast-tracking permits. Enough evidence to stop construction and probably trigger state investigations. You could probably get the council to back off if you drop it in their lap as well.”
I felt something tight in my chest loosen for the first time since the council meeting disaster. “This could actually work.”
“Itwillwork. The question is what you do with the victory afterward.”
“Mea
“Meaning this community is going to need people who care about protecting what matters. People who understand that some things can’t be replaced once they’re destroyed.” He glanced toward the forest surrounding us. “People like that omega photographer who’s been documenting wildlife rehabilitation. People who understand the connection between conservation and community.”
The way he mentioned Willa made me look at him more carefully. “You know about Willa’s photography?”
“I know Rhett has been talking about tomorrow night’s exhibition. He needs someone like her, someone to show him the beauty in life outside of a car engine.”
There was something in his tone that suggested he understood more about having passions stolen by family expectations than he’d initially let on.
“Environmental appeals take time,” I said, focusing back on practical concerns. “They’re talking about breaking ground in six weeks. The council is in their pocket and I’m not in the business of blackmailing people. This needs to be done right.”
“They are. With this evidence, you can file for an emergency injunction. Stop all construction immediately pending full investigation.” Cassian pulled out his phone. “I’ve already contacted state environmental protection services. They’re expecting your call. ”
The hope flooding through me was almost overwhelming. After weeks of feeling helpless, watching corporate money steamroll over environmental protections and community concerns, suddenly we had a real chance to win.
