"What do you mean?" Dax asks, sitting up straighter.
"The old Snowpeak Resort."
Snowpeak. Haven't thought about that place in years. The old ski resort thirty minutes out, closed down after bankruptcy. Last time I drove past, the main lodge looked like a horror movie.
"Snowpeak's been abandoned for eight years," Derek points out. "The place is a wreck."
"The main lodge is structurally sound," Xavier continues with growing conviction. "I've reviewed the property records and inspection reports. The building can accommodate up to twelve hundred people, with adequate parking."
"It's also condemned with no power, no water, and enough health code violations to shut down the county," Ryan adds.
"Which is where Griff's expertise becomes invaluable," Xavier says, turning toward our pack's construction expert. "With proper planning and coordinated effort, we could have the main lodge operational in just under a month.”
Griff straightens like someone offered him the chance to build the Pyramids. "A month? Xavier, that place needs major restoration. Electrical, plumbing, structural repairs—we're talking months."
"We don't need months of renovation. We need one month of focused effort to make it safe and functional for a single event." Xavier's voice carries persuasive authority. "Temporary power, basic plumbing restoration, structural safety assessment, cosmetic improvements."
"That's still massive," Derek says, but I can hear interest creeping into his voice.
"Massive undertakings require coordinated teams and proper resource allocation," Xavier replies. "Which is why we need both packs working together."
"You're talking about a lot of work in a short timeframe," Dax points out. "Permits, inspections, licenses—"
"I can handle permitting," Griff interrupts, his excitement building. "I've got connections with the county. Emergency event permits can be fast-tracked."
"Electrical work alone would take weeks, not one,” Derek adds. "That building's been without power for years."
"Not rewired, just restored to basic functionality," Griff corrects. "Temporary electrical for lighting and appliances. We're not building a permanent installation, just making sure people don't trip in the dark."
Ryan looks up from his phone with genuine interest. "Catering for almost a thousand would require industrial kitchen facilities."
"The main lodge has a commercial kitchen designed for resort guests," Xavier confirms. "With proper cleaning and basic equipment restoration, it should be adequate."
"Should be adequate isn't exactly a guarantee," I point out.
"Nothing about this situation comes with guarantees," Xavier replies. "But the alternative is telling Emma her wedding is impossible."
Before anyone can respond, Xavier's phone buzzes with the distinctive ringtone he uses for hospital emergencies. He glances at the screen and his expression immediately shifts into crisis mode.
"I need to take this," he says, already reaching for the phone. "Dr. Blackwell."
The conversation that follows is conducted in medical shorthand that tells us someone's having a very bad night. Xavier's voice remains calm and clinical, but his scent carries the sharp focus he gets when lives are on the line.
"...need to stabilize before transport...yes, I'll be there in fifteen minutes...prep OR 2 and call in the surgical team..."
He hangs up and starts gathering his things with efficient movements. "I have to get to the hospital. Can you all continue this discussion without me for a while?"
"Go," Dax says immediately. "We'll figure this out."
Xavier pauses at the door, his mint scent carrying notes of determination mixed with barely controlled panic. "Think about what I said. About the resort. About what we owe Emma and Savannah."
With that, he's gone, leaving us five alphas to process what just happened. The small office feels even more cramped without his authoritative presence, and I watch as everyone shifts uncomfortably in the sudden void.
Dax slumps forward in his chair, burying his face in his hands. "He's lost his mind," he says, his voice muffled by his palms.
"Completely insane," Derek agrees.
"Absolutely impossible," Ryan adds, shoving his phone into his pocket and crossing his arms defensively across his chest.
