Chapter 141

Charles

Grace was going to be the death of me. The heat beneath the fur was almost stifling now, but it was nothing compared to the way everything in me was burning for her. Just getting her off like a horny teenager was making it hard to think, hard to focus.

What's worse is that I knew I could have had her. She would have enjoyed it, maybe been more embarrassed that she was unconscious for more of it than she thought, but I had refrained because of honor and maybe too much maturity. Grace needed me to be sensible enough for the both of us. She was still unsettled, still uncertain.

Still, the temptation to have her, to do everything and anything I wanted to her, was still there in the slickness between her thighs and the painful ache of my cock pressed up against her.

I closed my eyes, unsure of how I'd managed to control myself. I wasn't even fully in the clear of adrenaline, fight-flight-or-fuck reactions, and here I was, cuddling this beautiful woman with her breasts still pressed to my chest, her leg over my hip and barely an inch away from thrusting into the tight, wet clench of her body.

I looked down at her. Her cheeks were flushed with color, and no matter how much I wanted to have her, I wanted her to rest more.

"Must be love," I whispered, shaking my head. It damn sure wasn't my honor.

The quiet of the lake and the forest grew deeper as the town nearby went to sleep, and slowly, I started to doze off because staying awake was just going to make me think of all the things I shouldn't be.

It was easier than I anticipated because before I realized it, I was waking up to the gentle warmth of the morning sun on my back. The barrier around the porch had adjusted, so I wasn't burning up, but we were warm and cozy. I turned over, its rays casting a soft glow throughout the cabin. Stretching, I kissed Grace's cheek. She looked peaceful in her slumber.

I slipped out from under the fur and looked back across the frozen lake. I realized then how much I'd missed coming here. I left the fire blazing before wrapping Grace in a blanket and carrying her inside.

She murmured. "Where are you kidnapping me to now?"

"A bed. You seem still tired."

She opened her eyes. "But... I have to redeem myself."

I smirked as I reached the bedroom. "I have no doubt that you will, but not right now."

She pouted. "You can't tell me you're not in the mood."

"Babe, I'm always in the mood," I smirked. "But if we get started, we'll miss breakfast, I'll be in trouble, and we'll have some pretty nosy visitors heading our way."

I kissed her again. "Trust me, I can wait until we have plenty of time if it means we'll actually have the time."

She seemed put out, but as I ushered her through getting cleaned up and changed, her stomach growled, and she seemed more agreeable to leaving the cabin.

I pulled a hat onto her head and headed out, not bothering with a coat but putting on my cloak.

She hummed thoughtfully as the wind picked up, and I drew my hood.

"What?"

"You can add combat witch to the list of acceptable costumes."

I laughed and took her hand. "So glad you approve. Come on."

The walk through the snow-draped forest was as quiet and beautiful as I remembered. The sun's gentle rays filtered through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow on the pristine white canvas that stretched ahead of us. It was a serene, almost magical atmosphere, as though the entire world had been hushed by winter's embrace.

Grace pressed closer to me, tucking her nose into the deep burgundy wool scarf around her neck. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and contentment as we walked down the forest path towards town.

We eventually reached Lake Town, a witch settlement, where small, enchanting shops lined the cobbled streets. I'd spent a lot of time here as a child and took most of my witch training here among the mountain slopes. The buildings bore intricate designs, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The town had always made me think of fairytales.

"Welcome to Lake Town, home of the Lake Town Coven," I said, leading her down the street after the crowd that was heading to the main hall. "There's only one restaurant in the whole town, and everyone eats breakfast there."

Grace winced. "Does Lake Town have any ties to Noir?"

"Maybe some distant married in relation, but nothing like what you're thinking. Lake Town's known for training combat witches who end up being recruited for the Witch Military or the Lycan Enforcers."

She blinked. "There are witches among the Lycan Enforcers?"

I smiled. "Yes. I'd tease you about being surprised, but you had that odd--"

"Charles!" She cried, her face bright red. "Leave me alone."

I chuckled and ushered her into the large tavern. People were already lining up for food. The aromatic symphony of herbs and spices enveloped us, reminding me of easier times. I felt my whole body relax. The interior was an eclectic mix of warm, earthy colors and plush furnishings, giving the place a cozy and inviting feel. The walls were adorned with enchanting paintings that seemed to shift and change as you looked at them.

"Damn it!" I turned to look at Audrey as she approached. "I really thought I was going to win when Seraphina said you'd come up here with a woman."

I laughed. "When are you going to learn not to bet against your mother? Come here."

I enveloped her in my arms, and she squeezed back.

"Welcome back," Aubrey said. "So glad the moonlight led you home."

"It was the light of torches and the draw of family," I said and kissed her forehead before turning her to introduce her to Grace.

"This is Aubrey, my cousin. Her mother runs the Lake Town Tavern."

Aubrey embraced her tightly. "I'm so glad all that nonsense is over with Blood Moon. You did well."

She stepped back and pinched Grace's cheek. "Warrior hearted. You'll be trouble. I can't wait for you to meet that wench."

I shook my head. "Aubrey, please. Not before breakfast. Where is she?"

"Is that Charles?"

I turned quickly, catching her in my arms before she had a chance to launch herself at me. My aunt, Sura, was a tiny woman, barely reaching my sternum, but she was one of the fiercest people I'd ever known. I hugged her tightly.

"So good to see you in good health."

She swatted me. "Don't act as though I am old or ailing. Where is this woman Seraphina told us about?"

I turned to introduce her. Grace looked nervous as Sura looked up at her and hummed.

"I'll have to tell your uncle to pay up."

I shook my head. "When will you all stop betting against her?"

"When she stops being stingy with the cookies!"

I laughed, catching up with Aubrey as Sura tugged Grace towards the front of the hall to the family table. Grace looked back at me with wide eyes, but she didn't pull away. Sura introduced her to the rest of her portion of the family before settling her in the seat that would have been meant for Tessa had things been different. My heart lurched seeing Grace there. Sura cast me a knowing grin and pat my arm.

"We heard about your... counseling."

I huffed. "I can't hide anything from you."

"Not in this lifetime." I rounded the table, greeting the rest of the family before taking the seat beside Grace.

"Did I pass the test?" Grace asked.

"Ask me again after we've eaten."

She winced, but she nodded and followed my lead, flipping over the mug as the pitchers floated up and down the table. Baskets of bread and breakfast pastries floated around, and soon, Grace's nervousness faded.

They welcomed her with open arms, engaging her in conversation about everything but Blood Moon and Mooncrest, to my relief. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and lively conversation, which was a delightful change from the weight of the world that had been on her shoulders.

The hall was alive with it the way it always was, but watching Grace interact with my family had to be the best part. Her smile was radiant, and her laughter was like music in the room. It was a moment of pure, unburdened happiness.

As we savored our meal, I couldn't help but glance at the viewing screen in the corner of the room, broadcasting the coverage of the recent events in Mooncrest, highlighting Grace's incredible resilience in the face of the Blood Moon attack. The image of her at the podium filled the screen and started a murmur around the hall.

"Looks like Eason's working hard," I said as the coverage started to emphasize the fact that Grace was the first female alpha to stand against Blood Moon. "You're well on our way to getting a lot of other firsts, aren't you?"

Grace frowned midbite of her fourth muffin. I smiled and flicked a few crumbs from her cheek.

"First woman to fall asleep on me." She scowled. "First werewolf Lycan Queen."

Her eyes widened.

"First female Senator, too."

Her eyes softened, and she swallowed.

"Maybe."

Breakfast was a long, drawn-out affair, but when it ended, everyone dispersed, and we walked the whole town, meeting other people from my childhood. It seemed like everyone was happy to tell Grace whatever she wanted to know. We ate lunch at a stall that served hot meals by the bowl and took a walk around the training grounds. We ate dinner at the tavern with my uncle, who kept giving me knowing and proud looks. Sura loaded us up with a huge basket of leftovers before we left.

As the sun set over the picturesque witch town, we headed back towards the cabin.

"That was more fun than I thought," she laughed. "The last time I met family, it was a shit shot."

"Glad my family didn't add to your horror stories."

I drew her closer.

"So... what time is breakfast?" Grace asked.

" Around eight."

"... you think we have enough time to make it up to you before then?"

I smirked. "I'll race you."

Grace shot off.