Page 35 of Eco-Activist’s Mountain Men (Mountain Men Reverse Harem #4)

Eric

I t’s the morning of the helicopter visit, and to be honest, none of us is any clearer on Luna’s plan than we were a couple of days ago.

Toby and I helped her with the banner. We flipped it upside down so we had just a plain white background, then painted, in huge block letters: UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT .

A fine sentiment—but unless we actually find an alternative buyer, I can’t see how that helps. I asked Luna, but she just smiled sweetly and told me to “shut my face and wait and see.”

The banner’s in place now, carefully positioned by Toby, who used the scissor lift to raise Jack into the canopy so he could tie it off at just the right height for maximum effect.

It looks professional, the words snapping bright in the breeze.

Considering it was hand-painted, it turned out surprisingly well.

We outlined each letter first, then filled them in with red, waiting for the paint to dry before folding the canvas.

Luna insisted we take our time, and she was right—the result is bold and unmistakable.

In the distance, I hear it: the steady thump of an approaching helicopter.

“Here he comes,” Toby calls, grinning like this is all some kind of prank he cooked up.

“Let’s get into position, boys.” Luna hustles us into the center of the clearing, right beneath the banner.

“Good. Me in the middle. Squeeze in—we want to make sure the cameraman can fit us all in the frame. Now… smile and wave!”

The chop of the rotors is deafening as Collier’s chopper hovers overhead. Dust whirls around us, but Luna’s undeterred. She blows extravagant kisses at the camera, while the rest of us wave with big grins plastered on our faces.

We can’t see the cameraman’s expression—his face hidden behind the lens—but the man seated beside him is unmistakable. Tim Collier. And he looks furious. Not just annoyed—livid.

The chopper hovers for a few moments, as if the pilot’s waiting for instructions. Then, without warning, it banks west and heads back toward Portland, shrinking fast into the horizon.

We all cheer.

“Okay, Luna, darling,” Jack says, his arm snug around her waist. His voice is calm, but I can hear the steel beneath it—the leader demanding answers now that the battle’s over. “You’ve had your fun. We trusted you, and whatever you’ve done seems to have worked. Spill—what did you do?”

“What did I do?” Her tone is playful.

“Yes,” Jack presses, dead serious. “Simple question. Tell us.”

“Yeah, come on, Luna,” Toby chimes in, eyes sparkling. “Don’t leave us hanging.”

“Well, if you must know…” She pauses, savoring the suspense. “I bought the company.”

Silence. Stunned, absolute silence. Even the trees seem to hold their breath.

“You did what?” Toby asks, laughing like he thinks this is one of his own jokes.

“I said, I bought the company.”

“What—you mean Mackenzie Forestry Services?” Jack asks, frowning like he’s sure he misheard.

“Well… yes.”

Jack shakes his head, trying to process. “How? When?”

“The usual way. Cash purchase. Daddy’s very wealthy. I’ve got several unlimited reserve cash cards. I can buy anything—within reason.”

“You bought the—how much did you pay?” Toby asks, voice high-pitched now, like he’s on the edge of cracking up.

“Four and a half million. I spoke to Pat—lovely man, by the way—and we agreed to go with the average of three independent valuations. Came to four and a half, and we were both happy with that. So we shook on it—metaphorically speaking.”

“So… you own the company now?” Luke finally asks. His arms are crossed, face set, as if he’s waiting for her to admit she’s joking.

“Not exactly.” She gives a sly little smile.

“What do you mean, not exactly?” Jack presses. “Come on, Luna—who owns it? You? Your dad? Who?”

“We do.”

More silence. Heavier this time.

“What do you mean we do ?” Jack sounds even more confused than before.

“The five of us,” she says simply. “You, Toby, Eric, Luke, and me. Twenty percent each. The paperwork’s in the post, but if you check your emails, you’ll find a notification and a request to sign the forms and send them back to the accountant for filing. Or you will by the end of the day.”

I blink. I can barely comprehend what she’s saying.

“And what about Collier?” Jack asks, his tone sharpening.

“Oh yes, I forgot to mention. I bought his company, too.”

“What?” Toby half-laughs, half-shouts.

“Yes—well, sort of. I bought a majority shareholding. He kept getting into debt and selling portions to lenders. I approached them and made offers. I now own sixty-three percent. Makes me the majority shareholder—and the decision-maker. So I sacked Collier.”

“You what?” Jack’s voice is hard, incredulous.

“Sacked him,” Luna repeats breezily. “Removed him as CEO. I cited unethical management practices and dismissed him without notice, as I’m entitled to in a case of gross misconduct—bringing the company into disrepute through Kill Climate Change.

If it gets out, he could face criminal charges, and he knows it.

I don’t think we’ll hear from him again. ”

“So… what are you going to do with Collier Logging?” Luke asks, wary, his eyes narrowed like he’s scanning for traps.

“Oh, I’ve acquired it for us. Technically, Mackenzie Forestry Services bought it.

It’ll all come under the Mackenzie name now.

We’ll lose the ‘Collier’—as far as I can tell, it doesn’t have a good reputation.

Better to stick with Mackenzie. Now it’s about three times the size it was a few days ago, and it has new management. Cool, huh?”

Jack leans forward, voice firm. “Let me get this straight. Collier tried to buy Mackenzie cheap by tanking its value. Instead, you bought Mackenzie, Mackenzie bought Collier’s company, and now Collier no longer owns his business, and he’s out of a job. Is that it?”

“Yeah, more or less,” Luna says with a shrug.

“He still owns thirty-seven percent, but Daddy thinks his lawyers can persuade him to sell it cheap in return for me promising not to sue him for millions for attempted murder. That might be tricky to prove, but I doubt he’ll risk it.

So yeah… we got his business as well as ours. ”

“Jesus Christ, Luna,” Toby mutters. His grin is still there, but there’s awe in his eyes now.

Jack shakes his head. “How did you even know how to do all this?”

“Didn’t I tell you I started a business administration degree before I dropped out to join Kill Climate Change?

And anyway, I’m my daddy’s girl—he taught me loads.

He helped a little, too. I used his accountant and lawyer when I needed them.

But I worked it out. I must say, I’m quite pleased with myself. ”

She beams, glowing with pride.

“Mommy and Daddy are delighted,” she adds. “Daddy says I’m a chip off the old block, and Mommy’s just glad I’m not hanging around with activists anymore and have what she calls ‘a proper job managing a company.’”

Of course, we all tried to refuse the shares, but Luna wouldn’t have it.

She said she’d rather be a little bit wealthy with her friends than a lot wealthy on her own, and that she couldn’t run the business without us anyway.

With Jack and the rest of us as part-owners, Mackenzie would be a solid company the Forestry Service would trust. On her own, she’d struggle to show the credibility needed to win contracts.

So now we’re tied together two ways—first in love and friendship, and now in business.

Pat Mackenzie gets a fair price for his company, which means he can look after his wife properly and get her the treatment she needs without worrying about the cost. We keep our jobs, share the profits, and have a say in the future. Jack’s already talking about growth.

As for me, I’m just… thrilled. A few days ago, I was dreading my future—imagining myself trapped in academia, one of those gray old professors who never left the ivory tower, droning on about theories they only half understood. The very type I’ve always despised.

Now everything’s different. I’m a co-owner in a forestry business making a tangible difference. Doing something real. Positive. My fellow owners are the four people I’ve come to love and respect most. I have a career and a family, all rolled into one. What more could I want?

It still amazes me how much life can change in a single day. Yesterday, we were standing with that banner, watching Collier’s helicopter bear down on us, wondering what would happen next. Now, we’re co-owners of Mackenzie Forestry Services and about to hold our first board meeting.

“It’s a lovely day,” Luna announces. “Let’s do it in the yard.”

We all agree, so the five of us pile out with coffee mugs and settle at the long picnic table. At the last second, I dash back to grab a pad and pen. If we’re going to be serious about this, we should document decisions. I flip to a fresh sheet, uncap my pen, and wait.

“Okay, okay, let’s bring this meeting to order, you clueless no-hopes,” Luna says with mock authority.

Toby pops up and salutes like he’s in a marching band. Luna smacks his arm. “Sit down and try to act normal for once, you idiot.”

We laugh, but underneath the humor, there’s weight. This is real. We’re responsible now—no more hiding behind Pat’s orders. The decisions are ours.

“Right,” Luna continues. “First things first. Jack, you have the most experience. You know how to talk to business people. You should be the CEO—Chief Executive Officer, Toby. The guy in charge.”

“Thank you, Luna, but I’m not a complete moron,” Toby mutters.

“Well, that’s a pleasant surprise.” She smirks. “Anyway—Jack as CEO. Agreed?”

We all nod.

“You good with that, Jack?”

He hesitates, then nods. “Yeah. I worked alongside Pat for years. I think I can handle it.”

“You can,” Luna says firmly. “We’ll support you.”

I jot it down: Jack, CEO.

“Toby, you’re next.”

“Huh?” He looks up, feigning confusion.

“Grow up. You act like an idiot, but you’re smarter than you let on. You should take a strategic role. How about Chief Production Officer? You’ll handle product strategy, keep us delivering what we promise, and represent us to customers.”

“Oh, Jesus.” His grin falters. “I mean… yeah. Okay. What about the trucks?”

“Keep doing that, too. This is about responsibilities, not just titles.”

Luke speaks up, steady and certain. “He’d be perfect for it.”

“Gee, thanks, man,” Toby says, slapping Luke on the back.

I note it: Toby, Chief Production Officer.

“And Luke,” Luna continues. “No one can do what you do. You’re COO—Chief Operating Officer. Jack decides what, you figure out how. You’ll keep this place running.”

Luke nods. “Got it.”

I frown slightly. “How does that differ from Toby’s role?”

“Good question, sweetie,” Luna says with a smile. “Toby’s big picture. Customers, strategy, external. Luke’s boots on the ground, getting it done. Make sense?”

“Yes,” I say, relieved. “Much clearer.”

“Eric,” Toby pipes up. “What about the Doc?”

“Eric’s Chief Scientific Officer,” Luna says without hesitation. “He leads research, R&D, innovation, and makes sure our science matches our business strategy. Sound good?”

“Oh gosh, yes—I mean, I’d love that. Conferences, research, helping Jack plan the future—yes.”

“Exactly. You’ll also be our scientific spokesperson. Write articles, impress customers with our innovation. That’s your lane.”

I write it down, my pulse quickening: Eric, Chief Scientific Officer.

“Go Doc, go Doc,” Toby chants.

“Shut up, Toby.”

“And you?” Jack asks Luna.

“Me? CRO—Chief Revenue Officer. Sales and marketing. I’ll handle the charm offensive.” She winks.

“That fits,” Jack says simply.

“Sounds good,” Luke agrees.

“Works for me,” Toby adds.

“What about finance and legal?” I ask. “We’ll need proper oversight.”

“Good point,” Luna says. “We’ll use Daddy’s contacts for now—an accountant and a lawyer. Keeps us safe.”

I scribble it down: Outsourced CFO/legal. “That matters,” I say. “We can’t afford mistakes.”

Jack nods at me. “Good call, Eric.”

Warmth spreads through me. I’ve never felt more included.

“One more thing,” Luna says. “This lodge. If we’re living here as owners, it changes. Starlink internet, proper bedrooms, private bathrooms, and a real office. I want my own en-suite shower.”

No objections—her money, her call.

Toby raises a hand.

She sighs. “What now?”

“I just want to know if it’s standard practice for the Chief Revenue Officer to sit in the CEO’s lap during meetings—and whether it’s exclusive, or if we all get a turn?”

“You want to sit on your brother’s knee? Be my guest.”

“Not exactly what I meant?—”

We collapse in laughter.

Jack clears his throat, smiling. “Let’s celebrate. Toby, bring out the bottle.”

“Sure thing, Mister CEO, Sir.” Toby salutes and trots off, returning with a bottle and a tray of mismatched glasses.

Jack takes the bottle, holding it like treasure. “Lagavulin sixteen-year. I was saving it for a special occasion. This feels like it.”

He hands it to Luna. “You made this happen. Pour.”

She pops the cork and pours five amber measures. The whisky glows in the sunlight.

I clear my throat. “May I propose a toast?”

“Go ahead,” Jack says.

I swallow. “I know I’m the most junior in terms of experience.

But I want to say this: each of you is not just my good friend, but my colleague.

I feel lucky to be here. Together, we can make this business greater than it’s ever been.

My toast is to Mackenzie Forestry Services.

May its trees grow tall and may we all find peace, happiness, and fulfillment in our work. ”

“Well said, Eric.”

“Amen.”

“Damn right.”

We raise our glasses. The whisky burns smooth and smoky down my throat, and for the first time in my life, I feel not like an outsider—but like I’m home.