Page 11 of Knotted By my Pack

People murmur. Some nod. Others exchange looks, cautious but intrigued.

“My proposal is simple. A luxury hotel at the old docks near the harbor, with chain hotels in town to accommodate visitors. The trails that run through the area would connect it all, leading tourists right into the heart of Driftwood Cove. We’re talking cruises, boat rentals, a marina upgrade. This town could become a destination, drawing in visitors year-round, which means more jobs, more businesses, more money flowing into local pockets.”

But he doesn’t stop there. Over the next several minutes, he outlines the entire vision—how construction would boost short-term employment, how partnerships with local vendors could give Driftwood Cove’s businesses national visibility.

He talks infrastructure improvements, tourism cycles, and even off-season events to keep the town alive in the colder months. He speaks like a man used to boardrooms and bottom lines, but he’s adapted it for this crowd—less numbers, more future.

And when he finally stops talking, it’s not abrupt. It’s calculated. He pauses, letting the words settle.

“I know change can be hard,” he finishes, scanning the crowd, “but I hope I have your support. I’d be happy to take questions.”

A beat of silence follows before Rowan’s packmate Jake, the mayor and fish vendor, raises his hand. “Where exactly are you building this luxury hotel?”

Julian’s smile doesn’t falter. “Near the harbor.”

That gets more murmurs, some louder this time.

Jake leans back in his chair. “And the trails? Are these the ones near the cliffs?”

“Yes. They will connect to the hotel, making it easier for visitors to experience the beauty of the area.”

Julian gestures like he is painting a picture with his hands. “Think about what that could mean for business. Restaurants, guided tours, fishing charters. People will come here looking for an escape, and they’ll spend their money while they’re at it.”

Lockwood is nodding. Jake doesn’t see eye to eye with his assistant and is actually shaking his head as Julian talks.

I shift in my seat, thinking about the amount of work this could mean for me if Julian uses local materials. A project this big would keep my construction company busy for years.

Still, something about him doesn’t sit right with me.

Then Cora stands, and my focus sharpens.

Julian glances her way, his polite smile still in place.

“You’re tearing down the docks?” she asks, her voice steady.

Julian nods. “The docks would have to be renovated as they are a safety hazard at present.”

Cora crosses her arms. “The docks are history. Our town grew up around those docks.”

A few people hum in agreement. An older man near the front nods.

Cora takes a step forward. “Those docks have been here for ages. That’s where the first trading post stood when this town was nothing but a handful of families trying to survive the winters. The fishing boats that dock there? They have been passed down through generations. Tom’s own grandfather repaired nets on those planks. My best friend took me to watch the sunrise from that pier when we were kids. It’s not just wood and nails, it’s Driftwood Cove.”

Cora does have a point. Tom is one of the oldest fishermen in town, and he’s always by the docks doing a bit of fishing by himself. Tearing out the docks would ultimately displace him. But what caught me off guard was the mention of the trip to the pier when we were just kids.

I had no idea it meant so much to her.

Julian clasps his hands in front of him, his smile never slipping. “I hear you. I do. But progress means making tough decisions. The town can still honor its history and grow.”

Cora lifts her chin. “Growth at what cost? You bring in tourists, and then what? Big businesses follow. Chain restaurants. Malls. The small businesses that make this town unique will suffer.”

Julian exhales through his nose, clearly reining himself in. “I understand the concern, but if we do this right, we can finda balance. We will bring in new business while preserving what makes Driftwood Cove special.”

Cora does not look convinced. Neither do half the people in the room.

Julian scans the crowd and adjusts. “I’ll take your concerns into consideration. This is why I wanted feedback before I proceed. Are there any more comments or questions?”

More people raise their hands.