Page 117 of Ice Rebel

“The land alone is worth more than that, Dad.”

“Not really, son, and the buildings are in need of work, most of the equipment has seen better days. The company is only in it for the land.”

I glanced at the name. “Consolidated Technologies. Never heard of them.”

“They’re a huge international firm from right here. I looked them up. A Fortune 100 company with a decent reputation. Not great, but decent. However, I worry about what they’d do to the land.”

“Don’t sell.”

“I have a bad feeling they’ll use some strongarm tactics to get what they want. Plus, of the six families, seven now with the Watkinses affected, three are eager to move on.”

“Why? North Bend is amazing. The land. The economy. Everything.”

“Maybe so, but you need to remember so many people felt as if they were stuck here for decades.”

It dawned on me what he was saying. “Because we’re shifters.”

“Yeah. Now, with the cash in hand, they can go and do all the things they’ve wanted to do their entire lives. You can’t blame them.”

He was right. “This is our home.”

“Let me ask you a question,” he said, easing his arms behind his head. “Now that it’s been established Chelsea is your mate, how do you feel about the girl?”

“She’s great. What’s not to like? She’s talented and beautiful, caring. Fun to be with.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “I see how you two are together. You’re falling hard for her and that has only so much to do with the fact she’s your mate. Right?”

“Okay, yes.”

“She’s a great girl and I can tell she’s going to be very good for you. Just like Georgia is for Ford, and Sloane is for Beck. Plus, you guys have your lives now, the NHL for them and my guess if you want it, that’s what will happen for you too. If you want it. If you want to become a used car salesman, I have a feeling that girl who absolutely adores you will be right by your side.”

“Dad. It’s not that simple.”

“It never is. I had a heart attack and it took that happening before I admitted to myself that the beautiful woman who happens to be your mother deserves to enjoy all the things she gave up. That’s why I’m seriously considering accepting the offer.”

I honestly had no idea what to say. How selfish would I be to beg him not to sell?

“Yeah, I get it.”

“No, I don’t think you do and that’s fine. You will one day. Trust me. Your mother and I just want you guys to be happy.”

“What about the house?”

“We might be able to keep the house. That’s one of the codicils I had in mind. There will be a huge buffer.”

“But all the land we used to run freely in will be gone, wiped away.”

He nodded very slowly. “Yes, it will be.”

“Damn it.” I knew what I wanted to do. I could feel it in my bones.

“We’ll deal with this later. Now, go enjoy the party. I’ll be right there. I promise.”

As I walked out, I returned to the kitchen instead, angrier than I’d been in a long time. With my hand fisted, it was all I could do not to drive a hole into the wall.

“What’s wrong?”

Hearing her voice always calmed me, but right now, I was at the point of no return. “The damn tech company is breathing down my dad’s neck and that of several decent families to sell. Not even close to market value either. I don’t want that for my father. For my siblings. For me. I love this place. The ice rink. The mountains where I could run freely.”