"I love it," Griff announces with a grin that transforms his entire face, pushing off the wall with renewed energy. "This is the kind of challenge that separates real contractors from weekend warriors."
I lean back in my chair, studying him with growing disbelief. "Griff," I say carefully, my voice carrying the kind of measured tone I use when someone's about to do something spectacularly stupid, "that building's been abandoned for eight years. Even if we could get it functional, we're talking about hosting Emma's wedding in a construction site."
"Every venue is a construction site until someone makes it beautiful," Griff replies with insufferable confidence, his chest puffing out with alpha arrogance. "Most people don't have the vision to see potential."
Derek stops pacing abruptly, wheeling around to face him with obvious irritation. "Vision doesn't install electrical systems."
"No, but skilled labor and planning do. And we've got both." Griff starts pacing the cramped space with predatory excitement, his hands gesturing as he talks. "Derek handles structural assessment and repairs. I'll take electrical and permitting. Ryan coordinates catering logistics and kitchen facilities."
"What about Dax and Logan?" Ryan asks, uncrossing his arms to gesture between us.
"Dax handles environmental health and emergency services coordination. Logan..." Griff stops pacing and looks at me expectantly, his eyebrows raised.
I stand up slowly, feeling the weight of leadership settle on my shoulders like a familiar coat. "Logan handles project management and coordinates with the fire marshal for clearance and event permitting," I say, then cross my arms over my chest. "And points out that we're talking about seven weeks to make a condemned building suitable for almost a thousand guests."
"Seven weeks is plenty if we approach this systematically," Griff insists, his excitement making him bounce slightly on the balls of his feet. Week one, structural assessment. Week two, electrical and permitting. Week three, plumbing and utilities. Week four, cleaning and cosmetic work. Week five, inspections and compliance. Week six, decorating and preparation. Week seven, wedding."
“Assuming nothing goes wrong," Derek observes dryly, finally stopping his pacing to lean against the wall with his arms crossed.
I watch Dax shake his head slowly, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion and something that looks like defeat. The sight makes something hot and angry uncurl in my chest.
"Dax," I say, my voice carrying the alpha authority that makes people listen whether they want to or not. He looks up at me, and I see the exact moment my words hit home. "You're marrying your omega. You're supposed to do anything for her."
The silence that follows is heavy with implication. Dax's scent spikes with guilt and something that might be shame, while Derek and Ryan exchange uncomfortable glances. Griff stops bouncing, his expression sobering as he processes what I'm really saying.
"That's what this is about, isn't it?" I continue, stepping closer to Dax's chair, my voice dropping to something quieter but no less intense. "Xavier isn't just trying to save Emma's wedding. He's trying to prove to Savannah that we can be the pack she deserves instead of the disasters she's been managing."
Dax straightens slowly in his chair, his hands gripping the armrests. "Logan..."
"No, listen to me." I lean forward, bracing my hands on the arms of his chair so we're eye level. "Emma is stressed because her wedding is falling apart. But Savannah is ready to quit because we've been treating her like hired help instead of family. Xavier sees that. He's not doing this just for Emma, he's doing it for both of them."
The emotional weight of that realization settles over the room like a blanket. Derek stops leaning against the wall, his posture straightening as understanding dawns. Ryan's hand drops from his pocket, his attention fully focused for the first time since we started this meeting.
"Shit," Dax breathes, and I can smell the guilt rolling off him in waves.
"Yeah, shit." I straighten up, running a hand through my hair as my own emotions threaten to overwhelm me. "We've been so focused on the logistics, on the problems, that we forgot this issupposed to be about love. About showing the people we care about that they matter enough to move mountains."
Griff nods slowly, his earlier excitement tempered by something deeper and more meaningful. "That's why Xavier had that look in his eyes. That determined, slightly panicked look."
"Because he knows if we can't pull this off, we lose more than just a wedding venue," I finish. "We lose our chance to prove we're worth staying for."
"Nothing will go wrong because we won't let it," Griff says with quiet determination. "This is Emma's wedding. Failure isn't an option."
The office door opens and Xavier returns, looking harried but focused. "Patient's stable and prepared for surgery. I have maybe thirty minutes before I need to scrub in."
"We've been discussing your insane venue proposal," I tell him.
"And?" Xavier asks, settling back behind his desk.
"Griff thinks he can turn a condemned ski resort into a wedding venue in just under two months through sheer will and superior expertise."
"Griff can turn it into a venue because he has the skills, resources, and support team necessary," Xavier corrects, his voice carrying conviction. "The question is whether we're committed to making Emma's wedding a success, or letting fear prevent us from doing what needs to be done."
"All right," I say, feeling the alpha authority that's kept this pack together through countless crises. "Let's say we commit to this plan."
Dax looks around at his pack mates, reading the same determination I can smell in their scents. "We're in. Derek handles structural, Ryan coordinates catering logistics. I'll handle health and safety compliance."
"What about the bride?" Derek asks. "Does Emma know about this?"
