Chapter 1: Sold to the Alpha

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 the money or proceed against the property.”

I followed him outside before the residents could overhear us.

“Please, we have children here and elderly wolves who can't afford private care. Give me another month.”

“I can't authorize that.”

“Then give me the number of someone who can.”

He handed me a business card. “You can appeal, but I wouldn't expect an extension.”

I watched him drive away, then looked at the notice again. I'd sold my mother's necklace last week to repair the boiler. Sarah hadn't received her full salary in two months, and I'd been buying groceries with money meant for my rent.

Now someone wanted almost half a million dollars.

“Grace?” Sarah appeared at the doorway, wiping her hands on her apron. “Tell me that's not what I think it is.”

“Dad borrowed money against Rosewood.”

“Without telling you? That man hasn't paid a single bill here in years!”

“Keep your voice down. The residents don't know yet.”

Sarah glanced at the notice. “What are you going to do?”

I folded it into my bag. “I'm going to make my father explain himself.”

William Bennett was smiling when I entered his office.

“Grace! Good. I was about to call you.”

“Did you use Rosewood as collateral for a loan?”

His smile disappeared. “You could at least greet your father.”

“Did you?”

“Sit down. We have something important to discuss.”

“I have twenty-three people who could be homeless by Friday. I'm not sitting down.”

He sighed and pushed a folder across his desk.

“I've found a solution to our financial difficulties.”

“Our difficulties? You borrowed the money.”

“And I intend to repay it.”

“With what?”

“A marriage.”

I frowned. “Whose marriage?”

“Alpha Daniel Carter has agreed to take a wife. His family is willing to settle the outstanding debt as part of the arrangement.”

“Then I wish him and his bride every happiness.”

“Don't be difficult, Grace. You're the bride.”

I stared at him before letting out a disbelieving laugh.

“What's funny?” he demanded.

“You think you can sell me to a stranger because you can't manage your business?”

“Watch your mouth! Daniel Carter is the Alpha of Veyrhold. Women from the wealthiest families in Moonfall would give anything to marry him.”

“Then let him marry one of them.”

“None of them comes with our particular arrangement.”

I opened the folder. My name, age, family bloodline, and a list of medical requirements filled the first page. One word appeared repeatedly throughout the document.

Breeder.

“What is this?” I asked, looking up at him.

“The Heir Covenant. Daniel needs a legitimate heir to secure his position, and you need a husband who can provide for you.”

“I already provide for myself.”

“You run a charity that loses money every month.”

“Because you keep taking money from it!”

He slammed his palm against the desk.

“Enough! I've tolerated your disrespect for years. Do you think anyone else would offer this opportunity to a woman like you?”

I knew exactly what he meant. He'd spent years reminding me that I was too big for the dresses my cousins wore and too heavy to attract a respectable husband.

“If I'm such an embarrassment, why does he want me?”

“Because you're a healthy wolf of childbearing age, and your bloodline meets the council's requirements.”

“So he hasn't even met me?”

“He's seen your details.”

“My details? Like I'm livestock?”

“Stop being dramatic. You'll live in a mansion, wear expensive clothes, and have servants waiting on you.”

“What I've always wanted is for you to leave Rosewood alone.”

Dad rose from his chair.

“Your mother built that place, Grace. If you refuse this marriage and those people lose their home, you'll have to live with knowing you could have saved them.”

My throat tightened. “Don't bring Mum into this.”

“Then do something she'd be proud of.”

I wanted to throw the folder at him, but there was something else I needed to know.

“How much is Alpha Carter paying you?”

Dad hesitated before answering. “Seven hundred thousand dollars.”

“Rosewood owes four hundred and eighty thousand. What happens to the rest?”

“My company has obligations.”

I gripped the folder. “You're using my marriage to save your business.”

“I'm saving this family!”

“No. You're saving yourself.”

He came around the desk, his face reddening.

“You have until tomorrow morning to decide. The Carter family expects us at their estate.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then don't come crying to me when Rosewood closes.”

I headed for the door, but his voice stopped me.

“One more thing, Grace. Don't embarrass me in front of the Alpha. He's not a man who tolerates disrespect.”

I left without answering.

By evening, I'd called the lender twice, spoken to a lawyer I couldn't afford, and calculated how much we'd need to relocate every resident.

We didn't have enough.

Sarah found me in the kitchen, staring at the figures.

“You haven't eaten,” she said, setting a plate beside me.

“I'm not hungry.”

“You've said that since breakfast.”

I pushed the papers toward her. “Even if we move everyone, Mrs. Walker needs a specialist clinic. The children might be separated, and Mr. Harris can't manage stairs anymore.”

Sarah studied the figures. “There's no way to raise this by Friday.”

“I know.”

“Then what about the marriage?”

I looked away. “What choice do I have?”

“Your father created this mess, Grace.”

“And the residents will suffer for it.”

Sarah sat opposite me. “Have you even seen the Alpha?”

“On the news.”

“Well, at least he's handsome.”

I gave her a look, and she squeezed my hand.

“I'm trying to make you smile. Whatever happens, don't let your father convince you that you deserve this.”

My phone vibrated before I could answer.

Dad had sent another message.

The Carter family has confirmed tomorrow's meeting. Wear something appropriate. I've attached the full agreement. Read it before you arrive.

I opened the document, expecting the same conditions he'd shown me that afternoon.

Instead, there were several additional pages.

Sarah leaned closer as I scrolled through them. “Grace, what does that mean?”

I stopped at a section titled Maternal Rights and Succession.

Upon the birth of a recognized heir, primary guardianship shall be vested in the Carter household. The birth mother shall have no automatic claim to custody following the termination of the marriage.

I read it twice. If I married Daniel and had his child, his family could claim custody if our marriage ended.

“Grace?” Sarah touched my arm. “What is it?”

I called Dad before I could lose my nerve.

He answered on the fourth ring.

“Have you finally come to your senses?”

I stared at the agreement, remembering how he'd spoken about my future as though it belonged to him.

“Dad, did you agree to let Daniel Carter take my child away from me before I've even had one?”