Page 46 of Wine and Gods

“Who’s your deity?”

He held up the back of his hand, pulling the sleeve of his shirt up to reveal the golden thunderbolts on the back of his hand and forearm. “Zeus.”

Realization dawned in her eyes, a charming sparkle in her eyes. “Oh, he’s the father of the gods. No wonder you’re in charge.”

He didn’t bother to explain that being a devotee of Zeus wasn’t the determining factor of his status. Blaine ruled the city and led the city council because he was the strongest god-touched in Denver.

His gaze caught on Erin, and the realization struck him. Was he still the strongest? If Daniel’s description of their fight was to be believed, and if her markings and that bacchanal had been real, perhaps he wasn’t anymore. The thought chilled him to the bone, but he forced his face to still, lest he reveal his thoughts. This was a woman he could lose his mayorship to.

Hopefully, the young maenad’s interests were partying and drinking wine, not running the city council and planning budgets.

Blaine shrugged, helpless to return her smile. “I’ve been the Chief of Denver for nearly a decade, and under my rule, we’ve grown and prospered into the strongest economy throughout the S-Mart Division.”

Anger flashed in Erin’s eyes. “There’s more to prosperity than money for the Corporations. The people of this city are hungry and suffering.”

He should have expected the wildling would be a humanitarian, unaware of the bigger picture. “If you’d traveled to other cities, you’d appreciate how well the people have it here. They may not live in luxury, but they don’t starve.”

“My mother died in a factory accident a few years ago,” Erin replied, her voice brimming with emotion. “And hunger is common in this city of yours.”

No wonder her focus was on protecting the people. Blaine wanted to reach out to her, comfort her, but held himself back. He needed to bring her to heel. “How unfortunate. My condolences for your loss.”

She sighed and stared out over the city. “I doubt you’ve ever had to worry about a loved one surviving another week in the factories.”

They stood in tense silence, Blaine carefully considering how to respond. He could see the fire in Erin’s eyes, the conviction that drove her maenadic spirit. She would not be easily placated with platitudes or half-truths. If he hoped to bring her into the fold, he would need to tread carefully.

“You’re right, I haven’t suffered such hardships personally,” he began. “But I am not blind to the struggles many in this city face. The path we walk is narrow; we must balance the needs of the people with the demands of the Corporations who enable our prosperity.”

Erin scoffed. “Some prosperity, when children go hungry and workers die from unsafe conditions.”

Blaine raised a hand placatingly. “I understand your passion. But railing against the system will not create the change you seek. There are always improvements to be made, and I rely on voices like yours to illuminate where we have fallen short.”

He paused, considering his next words. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. But together, we can build something better, something lasting. It must be done thoughtfully, accounting for all perspectives. I know you want justice for the people now. With time and wisdom, we can make that dream a reality.”

Erin’s eyes blazed with an intensity that gave him pause. She would not be swayed by facile promises or incremental change. The mandate of her god compelled her to dismantle the status quo with reckless abandon.

Blaine knew he walked on a razor’s edge. If he could not temper her fervor and channel it constructively, she would burn the entire city down in her crusade. He silently cursed Dionysos for unleashing this force of chaos into his orderly domain.

“I don’t have time for pretty words, Blaine,” Erin said sharply. “Either join me in bringing actual change or get out of my way.”

Her bold challenge hung in the air between them. Blaine’s mind raced, searching for the right response. The wild maenad had called his bluff, and he had no simple answers.

“What can I do to help you meet your goals?”

Erin turned to him, conviction plain in the set of her jaw. “I need a club.”

“A dance club?” The city didn’t need another locale to drink and dance, but what had he expected a maenad to ask for?

“Not exactly. Think of it more as a temple to Dionysos.”

He nodded as if he understood. What would the city council do with this request?

“Do you have a location in mind? Perhaps something in the foothills outside the city?”

“No, I don’t want it out in the boonies where no one can reach it. It’s got to be centrally located, a place people can go to after work and recharge.”

“There are some locations you might be able to acquire. Of course, the city council has to approve all new construction and financing within the city, but I’m sure we can find a solution that will fit your needs.”

He had to manage her expectations and ensure this headstrong sprite of a girl didn’t sideline his management of the city.

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