Chapter 4: Becoming His Wife

Grace's POV

I gripped my phone. Dad sounded pleased with himself.

“You've already decided I'm going to say yes, haven't you?”

“Seven days, Grace. That's all those people have before they lose their home.”

“Then send me the lender's confirmation of the extension.”

“Stop behaving like you don't trust your own father.”

“You borrowed against Mum's property without telling me. Why would I trust you?”

He hung up without answering.

Sarah watched me from across the kitchen table. “What did he say?”

“He claims we have seven more days, but he won't send proof.” I picked up the contract Laura Brooks had asked me to bring. “I'm not going back to that estate without my lawyer.”

The following morning, Laura called after speaking with the lender.

“The extension is genuine,” she confirmed. “But your father remains responsible for the loan. Unless the debt is settled, Rosewood can still be taken.”

“Can we make sure Daniel pays the lender directly?”

“That's what I'll insist on. We also need written confirmation that Rosewood is released from the debt.”

By noon, we were sitting opposite Daniel and Margaret at the Carter estate. Dad had arrived before us, and his expression soured when he saw Laura.

“Grace, this is a family arrangement,” he complained. “Why involve an outsider?”

“Because it's my marriage,” I replied. “And I'm the one being asked to sign away my rights.”

Laura opened her folder. “I'm representing Grace. Nothing will be agreed without her consent.”

Margaret examined her. “How unnecessary. Daniel has already been generous.”

“Then putting his promises in writing shouldn't be a problem,” Laura answered.

I glanced at Daniel. He was watching me, and the familiar pull of our bond made my stomach flutter. I hated that I still wanted his attention after everything he'd said.

“Grace, I'm glad you came,” he said.

“I'm here to discuss the contract.”

“I understand.”

Laura placed the agreement before him. “Four hundred and eighty thousand dollars must go directly to Rosewood's lender. We also require confirmation that the property is no longer security for the loan.”

Dad leaned forward. “And the remaining money?”

“Your company's debts are separate from Grace's interests,” Laura replied.

“You're turning my daughter against me!”

“No, Dad.” I met his angry stare. “I'm finally asking questions you don't want to answer.”

Daniel picked up his pen. “Rosewood's debt comes first. Thomas will arrange payment once the revised agreement is executed.”

Margaret frowned. “William was promised seven hundred thousand dollars.”

“He'll receive whatever remains under the arrangement,” Daniel replied. “But Rosewood must be protected.”

Laura turned another page. “We also need safeguards against anyone borrowing against Rosewood again without Grace's consent.”

“Why would that be necessary?” Margaret asked.

“Because my father already did it once,” I answered.

Dad looked away.

Daniel nodded. “We'll have the property documents reviewed and put the appropriate protections in place.”

I loosened my grip on my handbag. For the first time, Rosewood's future seemed less hopeless.

“Now the custody provision,” Laura continued. “Grace will not accept any clause removing her parental rights if the marriage ends.”

Margaret straightened. “The Heir Covenant protects the succession. A Carter heir belongs to this family.”

“A child isn't property,” I said.

“Don't be childish. An Alpha's heir has responsibilities.”

“And a mother has rights,” Laura replied. “The clause must be removed.”

Daniel looked at his mother. “I've already agreed to that.”

“Daniel, think carefully.”

“I have.”

Laura continued. “Grace must also retain control over her medical care. No compulsory fertility treatment or pregnancy deadline.”

Margaret gave a disbelieving laugh. “Then what exactly are we paying for?”

My stomach dropped. Dad had called me an embarrassment, but hearing another woman discuss my body as something her family was purchasing made me feel sick.

Daniel put down his pen. “Mother, that's enough.”

“I'm asking a reasonable question.”

“No. You're treating Grace as though she has no say over her own body.”

I looked at him. He sounded genuinely angry, and I wished he'd shown that same anger when she'd questioned my worth as Luna.

Laura waited until Margaret fell silent. “Do you accept those conditions?”

“Yes,” Daniel replied. “Have your office send the revised wording.”

“And Grace will retain access to Rosewood and her own finances,” Laura added.

“Agreed.”

Dad shifted in his chair. “Surely she won't need to run that place after she's married.”

“Rosewood isn't something I'm giving up,” I said. “Mum built it, and those people depend on me.”

Daniel met my eyes. “Then you'll continue running it.”

I wanted to thank him, but I remembered what he'd said yesterday.

*Because I need an heir, Grace. Not a Luna.*

Laura closed her folder. “There's one final matter. What title will Grace hold after the wedding?”

Margaret's expression hardened.

“The council must recognize a Luna,” Daniel answered.

“And will you seek that recognition?” Laura asked.

“Once the succession is secure.”

I stared at him. “So I'm still expected to marry you without knowing whether you'll ever claim me?”

“Grace, I've agreed to everything else.”

“Those are rights I should never have had to negotiate.”

Daniel glanced at Laura. “Could we speak alone?”

Laura looked at me, and I nodded. She followed Dad and Margaret out, leaving us beside the window.

“I meant what I said about protecting Rosewood,” Daniel told me. “Your father won't use it against you again.”

“I appreciate that. But it doesn't erase what happened yesterday.”

“I know.” He stepped closer. “I've been thinking about you since you left.”

His scent surrounded me, and my wolf responded before I could stop her. When he lifted his hand toward my cheek, I wanted to lean into his touch.

Instead, I stepped back.

“Please don't.”

Daniel lowered his hand. “Grace…”

“I can't pretend we're a happy couple when you're still unwilling to claim me.”

Before he could answer, the door opened.

Margaret entered carrying a cream envelope.

“Good. You're both here,” she announced. “I've prepared the wedding announcement. The ceremony will take place in three days.”

I stared at her. “Three days? I haven't even agreed to marry him!”

Margaret ignored my protest and turned to Daniel.

“The invitations will identify Grace as your contractual wife. There will be no Luna title until she produces an heir.”