Before I can answer, the music cuts. A new announcement tune swells, drawing all attention to the raised dais. Guests shuffle into place, journalists rush forward, cameras snapping like gunfire. Harlan Bright steps into the spotlight, beaming, while Darius waits off to the side like the guest of honor who knows he owns the moment no matter who's speaking.
A ripple of excitement moves through the crowd. Then the mayor begins to speak, and the noise sinks into reverent hush.
"Time to hear big bullshit," Astrid mutters, her hands full with plates of mini pastries. Figures she'd find the one upside to all this.
I keep my expression composed, but my eyes never stop moving, scanning the crowd for danger.
Harlan launches into his speech, all practiced cadence and polished smiles. How this deal will change Briar Hollow for the better. How it will put the county on the map, boost business,create opportunities, usher in an era of prosperity, and all in an environmentally responsible way.
Jace leans toward Winston. "This could be good forCole's. Turn things around."
Winston doesn't even look at him. "The devil always talks sweetest before he asks for your soul. If he showed you the truth, you'd never sign."
Jace presses his lips tight, looking exasperated. I get both sides. On the surface, this is a dream deal for a small town. If Winston and Jace were normal bar owners, not coyote shifters tangled in supernatural politics, itwouldbe a gift.
Harlan beams brighter as he shifts to the climax. "And now, the man who needs no introduction…"
Darius steps forward. They clasp hands, hearty and performative. The mayor radiates pride.
Then Darius takes the stage. The effect is immediate. The crowd falls silent. No more murmurs or shuffling.
Darius adjusts the microphone and lets the silence stretch, the master of every space he enters.
"People of Briar Hollow," his voice rolls out warm and resonant, charisma woven through every syllable, "it is an honor to be here tonight. To stand among you, not above you, as a partner in shaping the future of this remarkable town."
His gaze sweeps the crowd. When his eyes find mine, his mouth curves just enough to make my stomach tighten.
"This is a place with history, with roots that run deep. Families who have weathered every storm. Communities that have endured, even when overlooked by the world beyond. That resilience is what drew me here."
The crowd leans closer like he's some prophet handing down scripture.
"And resilience must be rewarded. Briar Hollow deserves not just survival, but prosperity. Together, we can open doors—to opportunity, to recognition, to growth. My foundation is committing not only money, but decades of experience in sustainable development. Renewable energy. Education. Green technology. A chance for Briar Hollow to lead, not follow."
Polite applause ripples, journalists scribbling like hungry vultures.
Darius waits, then lifts his hand. The crowd stills. His eyes flick to me again, weighted and deliberate.
"Change can feel… unsettling. Some would rather cling to the past, even when it no longer serves them. But the future demands courage. Demands we let go of what holds us back. That weclaimwhat isours."
Another glance. Another smile that never touches his eyes.
"Son of a bitch," Kayden mutters under his breath.
"Don't let him bait you," Asher counters quietly.
Darius's voice dips, softening for effect. "This is not just business. This is a partnership. Briar Hollow will not be consumed—it will be elevated. Nurtured. Protected." Then, almost a whisper, meant for me: "Sometimes, to protect something… you have to hold it tighter."
Donna exhales sharply. "He's not even subtle."
Darius straightens, charm turned up to full volume. "So let us walk forward together. Stronger. Brighter. Rooted in tradition, unafraid of what lies ahead. Tonight, we plant the seeds of something greater, something that will endure for generations."
The crowd bursts into applause. Cameras flash like fireworks. Reporters surge forward.
Just before he steps back, his eyes lock on mine again. That smile, possessive and knowing, burns like a brand I can't scrub off.
"He's only obvious to those of us who know better," Tomas mutters. "To everyone else, he sounds like salvation."
"I don't wanna bethatguy again—" Jace starts.
