Tim's hands tightened on the steering wheel, and Ali caught the sharp change in his scent.
"I need to go," Ali told Scott, ending the call.
"Seven figures," Tim said.
"It's just money."
"It's never just money."Tim checked his mirrors, but Ali could feel his attention focused entirely on her."That's an offer that could change your whole life."
"My life already changed."Ali reached for his hand, but Tim shifted to adjust the radio, avoiding her touch.The rejection stung more than it should have.
Her phone rang again.This time it was a number she didn't recognize.
"Ms.Franklyn, this is Deputy Attorney General Sarah Martinez.I'd like to discuss a proposition that could benefit both your convoy and the broader supernatural community."
Ali's magic activated involuntarily.Golden threads of light wound around her fingers.Through their mate bond, she felt Tim's instant alertness, his protective instincts surging.
"What kind of proposition?"
"We're prepared to offer full immunity to all convoy participants in exchange for your cooperation in a federal investigation into Sheriff Cottonmouth's activities.Your photographs and testimony could help us build a case against systematic corruption in supernatural community policing."
Tim pulled the truck over so abruptly that Ali had to brace herself against the dashboard.His scent had gone sharp with territorial fury, and she could see the golden flecks expanding in his dark eyes.
"Put it on speaker," he growled.
Ali hesitated, then complied.
"Ms.Franklyn?Are you still there?"
"I'm here.What exactly would cooperation involve?"
"Testimony before a federal grand jury about Sheriff Cottonmouth's activities.Documentation of the medical supply interdiction scheme.And we'd need Mr.McGraw to surrender himself as the convoy leader to demonstrate that federal authorities are taking appropriate action."
"Surrender himself?"Ali couldn’t believe this was happening.
"It would be purely symbolic.Minimal charges, probably community service and a fine.But politically, we need to show that there are consequences for organizing unauthorized convoys, even in service of legitimate medical needs."
Tim was already shaking his head before the deputy attorney general finished speaking."No deal."
"Mr.McGraw, this arrangement would protect the other convoy members while allowing Ms.Franklyn to become a powerful advocate for supernatural civil rights.She could do tremendous good on a national platform."
"I said no deal."
Ali stared at him.A soft amber glow pulsed beneath her skin as the implications sank in.This was exactly the opportunity she'd dreamed of—a chance to make real change instead of just documenting problems.But Tim was dismissing it without even discussing it with her.
Just like Cottonmouth always had.
"Ms.Franklyn," the deputy attorney general continued, "perhaps you'd like to consider this privately?We're not asking for an answer today."
"She doesn't need to consider anything," Tim said."We're not interested."
Ali ended the call and turned to face him."We?"
"What?"
"You said we're not interested.Since when do you make decisions for both of us?"
"Since I'm trying to protect you from making a mistake that could destroy your life," he gritted out.
