Moonfall's Plus-Size Breeder

Grace's POV“You have until Friday to clear the outstanding balance, Miss Bennett. After that, we begin foreclosure proceedings.”I stared at the man standing in Rosewood House's kitchen. Behind him, Mrs. Walker struggled to open a tin of biscuits while Sarah helped one of the younger children finish breakfast.“Friday is three days away,” I said, lowering my voice. “You can't throw twenty-three people out of their home with three days' notice.”“The notices were sent to the property owner six weeks ago.” He removed another document from his briefcase. “Your father acknowledged receipt.”“My father doesn't run Rosewood. I do.”“Then I suggest you speak to him.”I took the paper, but the amount at the bottom made me look twice.“Four hundred and eighty thousand dollars? Rosewood doesn't owe that much.”“That's the outstanding balance on the secured loan, including penalties.”“What secured loan?”“Miss Bennett, I'm only authorized to discuss repayment. My instructions are to recover th

Grace's POV The words hurt worse than anything Margaret had said. Daniel had recognized me as his mate, yet he stood beside his mother while she looked at me as though I were unfit to enter their family. “So she was right,” I said. “I'm good enough to have your child, but not good enough to stand beside you.” “That's not what I meant, Grace.” “Then explain it.” “Under the Heir Covenant, I must secure a legitimate successor to protect my position as Alpha. If I fail, Marcus can petition the council to appoint him regent. The council also controls recognition of a Luna, and until the succession is settled, I can't guarantee they'll recognize you.” Margaret folded her arms. “Daniel is offering you security most women could only dream of. You ought to be grateful.” “Security?” I looked at her. “Your contract says you can take my child if the marriage ends.” “Grace, that's enough!” Dad caught my arm again. “You've embarrassed us enough for one morning.” Daniel stepped between us.

Grace's POV“I haven't agreed to marry your son,” I told Margaret. “You can't announce a wedding without asking me.”Margaret placed the cream envelope on the table. “The council has already been informed. Cancelling now would embarrass Daniel.”“Then perhaps you should have spoken to me first.”“Mother, the wedding isn't confirmed,” Daniel said. “You will withdraw that announcement. Grace and I haven't reached an agreement.”Margaret's face tightened. “You're allowing her to make a fool of this family?”“I'm telling you not to announce decisions we haven't made.”She left, taking the envelope with her.I turned to Daniel. “You keep telling me I have a choice, yet your family makes decisions about my life without asking.”“I didn't authorize it, Grace.”“But you knew your mother wanted the wedding.”“Yes. I didn't know she'd already prepared the announcement.”He looked exhausted, but I couldn't bring myself to comfort him.“The council is holding a reception tomorrow,” he continued.