Page 47 of Tides of Love

“Still happening… but the fire has likely delayed it.” Teague never sugarcoated the truth. “I know you want them to listen to reason sweetheart, but they might find a million excuses to delay.”

“Maybe.” Lucky shrugged, “But I won’t go down quietly, daddy.”

His father was endlessly patient because he didn’t point out that they didn’t go down quietly over Lyrica Beach either. He didn’t remind Lucky that losing and failing were not the same thing, but that the heart would break either way.

He didn’t say anything that would hurt. He just reapplied sunscreen to Lucky’s legs and refilled his water bottle.

Friends came later. Aurora and Serena had snacks for him, and Serena massaged his thighs while she kept him filled in on social media responses. Aurora brought cooling patches to put on his forehead and the back of his neck as the temperature climbed through the afternoon. Neither called him an idiot to his face.

Mateo of all people stopped by near four. He was dressed in a paramedic uniform rather than the usual SAR gear.

“You look fried.” The alpha smiled as he knelt beside Lucky, pressing a thermometer to his skin. “And you’re getting warmer than I like.”

“And you look exhausted.” Mateo had deep bruises beneath his eyes.

“Was supposed to be getting off shift but thought I’d stop by to check in here before seeing if they need more volunteers at the fire.” He sighed, “Tonio didn’t ask, but I figure he’ll appreciate an update that you’re okay.”

He smiled a little more, “Good, he shouldn’t ask… But I’m glad he has a supportive friend. Dad told me there were still some campers missing?” Lucky tried not to feel guilty.

The media presence on the beach had shifted several hours ago. Half went to the fire, half stayed. They were getting international attention online for his protest, but in turn he was splitting the attention of local reporters.

“The last three are still missing.” Mateo handed him a yogurt pack and filled a water bottle with powdered electrolytes. “I’ve been keeping up with the radio. The fire isn’t naturally occurring. Speaking from some experience, I’d reason the missing teens might be at the ignition point. People who were hiking nearby said they heard fireworks.”

Fireworks were banned for personal use on the island. Only licensed celebrations were allowed to use pyrotechnics. But that rarely stopped excited kids from figuring out ways around it. “…Do you think I should stop?”

It was a question he couldn’t ask his dad or Jack or any of his friends. Because they would try to assure him that his goal was noble. That’s not what he wanted to hear.

Mateo didn’t answer right away. He finished handing off the supplies he brought, eyes down as he clearly chewed on the inside of his cheek. “I think it’s not up to me. I think you’re doing this for a reason that you believe in, and I think the island has enough people who love it to do both things – fight a fire and fight for turtles. And maybe… Maybe it’s good sometimes, to be willing to do something even when you know it would be noble to set your own goal aside.”

There was nothing pretty about Mateo’s words. When he looked up, holding Lucky’s eyes, there was nothing accusing in them, only a gentle confidence that eased Lucky’s fears. Mateo called him selfish like it was a compliment.

“Let Tonio worry about the fire. You worry about the turtles. And I’ll worry about both of you, for his sake.” Mateo grinned, squeezing Lucky’s shoulder.

“Thank you, Mateo.” Antonio had good people around him. Lucky truly appreciated that.

“De nada, amor.” Mateo pinched his cheek lightly, “Smile more. That’s all Antonio tells me about, that pretty smile of yours. Don’t let this kill it.”

“I won’t. I promise.” And for good measure, he gave the alpha a beaming smile that clearly eased the tension in Mateo’s shoulders.

Mateo left with a wink and Lucky allowed himself to sink into the moment. Good friends could change anything. The feeling of being alone in a crowd vanished entirely. A second wind, or maybe a third at that point, loosened his ribs until he could breathe easier for a little bit longer.

The tipping point came an hour later.

He only knew something was changing when a ripple went through the crowd. The music came to a jarring halt, leaving him to crane his neck down the beach. Voices raised over the crowd as excitement mounted. “They found all the kids!”

A collective sigh of relief spilled from the crowd before the party ramped up with renewed fervor. Someone was grilling as beers were passed out.

And then Jack came stumbling down the beach looking like he’d run a mile. “Lucky!” His cry drew eyes as he went to his knees in the dune beside his brother.

“Jack?” Lucky furrowed his brow. “Aren’t you supposed to be at town hall waiting for the meeting to end?” Jack arched a brow, gulping down oxygen as he waited for Lucky to inevitably catch up. “Oh… Oh!?”

Jack nodded excitedly, knocking Lucky’s hat back to kiss his forehead before scrambling onto the bucket. Lucky had to tip his head back to watch as Jack cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted over the music to gain everyone’s attention. “Hey! We’ve got news!”

Music softened as eyes turned to them. Jack was grateful when Serena handed him a megaphone. Lucky watched the crowd, taking in the press who pressed closer.

“Effective immediately! All plans to clear the land for sale will be halted pending finalization of land ownership.” Jack was holding up his phone, reading from it as if he’d written the speech on his way over. Knowing his brother, he likely did. “Negotiations with foreign corporations will be held pending internal review and further discussions with various Island entities such as but not limited to the Paradise Marine Research and Rehabilitation Center.” There was a pause as Jack took a breath, “For now? …Victory!”

Lucky felt tears burn his eyes. His hands were shaking so badly, Teague had to handle the key. “You did it, Lucky. You got them to pause, to at least listen…”