Chapter 26

Charles

As Eason left, the atmosphere in Grace's pack house seemed to shift into a more relaxed state. My eyes wandered around the dining room as I listened to Eason leave. Richard continued sleeping in my arms, soundly.

Grace returned, she seemed more assured and ready for what was going to happen next. She wore a smile that hinted at her readiness. Her strength was evident, and I felt a sense of admiration for the alpha before me.

“Eason’s off to plot vicious plans,” Grace said. “I thought maybe I could show you to an office you can use.”

I nodded. “At your lead.”

Grace led me through the corridors of the house, the rich scent of wood and history filling the air as we walked. It was a different area of the ground floor than the kitchen. The walls were adorned with antique paintings of former alphas. Finally, Grace opened the door to an office, and I stepped inside, my eyes taking in the cozy space. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. The walls were adorned with shelves of books. The desk, made of dark wood, bore the signs of years of use but retained an air of elegance.

I turned to Grace, gratitude and appreciation evident in my eyes. "Thank you for providing me with a space to work," I said, my voice genuine.

Grace smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression. "Of course, Charles. I want you to feel comfortable and supported during your time here."

I stepped closer to the desk, running my fingers along its smooth surface. "It's a beautiful room," I commented, my gaze wandering over the books that lined the shelves.

"My father used it as his study, and I… haven’t been in here since he died.”

I looked at him. “You’re certain about me using this room?”

She nodded.

“I have my own office. A little more scienc-y,” she wrinkled her nose. “Besides, I can’t understand most of the records in here.”

I chuckled. “Very well.

I nodded, settling into the chair behind the desk. I found the records I was looking quickly.

"Before we delve into the production process, Grace, I believe it's crucial for us to take a comprehensive look at the overall structure of Wolfe Medical," I began, observing the transition in her expression from anticipation to a touch of confusion.

She tilted her head, clearly intrigued. "The structure? I was planning on placing an order to restart production. Why do we need to analyze the structure?"

Leaning back, I folded my hands and explained my perspective. "While resuming production is indeed important, there are alternative strategies that could contribute to the company's stability and growth. Specifically, I propose we examine the possibility of streamlining the company's operations by consolidating certain departments."

Grace's brows furrowed slightly as she processed my words. "Streamlining by consolidating departments?"

Gesturing toward the surroundings, where the essence of her pack home was palpable, I continued. "Imagine, for instance, that we consolidate Procurement Departments across various pack operations—the police force, fire department, medical division, and others. By doing so, we can potentially unlock resources and real estate that can be repurposed. Given the recent layoffs, this approach offers a chance to optimize expenditures and create new avenues of revenue."

She frowned. “But the pack endowment…”

“Are you certain it’s completely in tact?” I asked. “And do you think all of those empty positions will be easily filled?”

I observed Grace's expression evolve from confusion to understanding. The concept was gradually taking root, and I could see the wheels turning in her perceptive mind.

“Well, eventually we’ll hire all those people back.”

“Eventually, you’ll need to, but a good consolidation is one that can sustain expansion as well. It's about maximizing our resources to their fullest potential," I added. "By eliminating inefficiencies and redundancies, we can redirect these resources to areas that require the most attention. Not only will this bolster the company and the pack's financial health, but it will also position it for sustained growth."

Grace's gaze met mine and she sank into the chair across from me, clearly still turning it over in her mind.

“You’re saying selling more isn’t the easiest thing to do right now to help the financial state of the company.”

I nodded. “Exactly.”

“My father set up the company as it is now,” she worried her lip. “I’m… really not sure about changing the structure…”

I smiled. “It’s not a drastic change, not now. It shouldn’t be necessary. Think of it less like starting from scratch and more like improving what’s there by adding safeguards and eliminating any other lingering drains on the company that Devin has left behind.”

Her eyes hardened and she nodded. “Where do we start?”

"With reviewing the existing departments, identifying areas where consolidation could yield benefits," I smiled. “A fair warning: it will be very, very boring.”

Grace's lips curved into a determined smile. "It can’t be worse than tanking. Let’s do it.”

I moved to the other side of the table so we could sit side by side as I spread out the documents I found. Grace ran out to get the updated paperwork to add to he discussion. As Grace and I dived into the intricate details of Wolfe Medical's financial landscape, I couldn't help but be impressed by her determination to set things right. She was shaky on concepts, but she listened and caught on quick.

As her head was bent over a page of pack financials, I allowed my gaze to linger on Grace for a moment, observing the furrow of her brows as she concentrated on the numbers before us. Her dedication was admirable, and it only fueled my desire to help her succeed and my desire for her.

"Charles," she began, drawing my attention back to our task. "You're quite knowledgeable about budgeting and optimizing resources for the pack. How did you become so comfortable with this?"

I met her gaze, a flicker of memories from my past crossing my mind. "I inherited a complex situation at a young age. When I assumed leadership of the Lycan clans, I was faced with the responsibility of managing our resources. Budgeting became second nature as I navigated the challenges of leading our community."

I thought back to my father. “Admittedly, my father had been tutoring me for a long time. I was on the cusp of going to college here in the States when he died.”

She nodded. I could see the weight of her own past in her eyes. "I can relate in a way," she admitted. "After my father's passing, I suddenly found myself in charge of Wolfe Medical and the pack. But I was still grieving and overwhelmed, which is probably why it was so easy for me to hand control over to Devin."

She shook her head. “You’ve already figure out that I didn’t know much of anything about business. Just the thought of sitting where he say, doing what he did, felt like acknowledging he was really gone, and I just couldn’t.”

She shook her head. “I ran. I can admit that. I regret it more and more every day.”

My heart ached for her as she spoke of her struggles. "Grief can cloud our judgment and lead us to make choices we may later regret."

She sighed, the expression on her face a mix of regret and determination. "I see that now. But with your help, I’m beginning to believe that it will be okay.”

I leaned in slightly, our arms brushing against each other in the process. "You're doing an excellent job, Grace. And as I promised, I’ll help you restore Wolfe Medical and Mooncrest to rights."

She nodded. “Thanks… for everything.”

She looked back down. “What is a procurement department for a school supposed to do?”

I looked down and started to explain. She scooted her chair closer to the table, the scent of her captivating me. As we delved into the company's financial records, her focused energy was contagious. As much as we were engrossed in our work, I couldn't help but feel the electric current passing between us. Every accidental touch set my senses ablaze, and I struggled to maintain my composure. The line between professionalism and desire was thinning, and it was becoming increasingly challenging to ignore.

Time seemed to blur as we combed through the numbers, exchanging ideas and strategies. It was sweet torture at its finest. The chemistry between us was undeniable, impossible to ignore, and I found myself yearning for something that could complicate matters significantly.

As Grace's fingers brushed against mine once again, I fought to steady my breathing. The air seemed charged with an intensity that was palpable.

A glint of light flickered through her eyes, that burning red as they grey bright with excitement.

“You’re saying we could free up five hundred thousand if we just put everyone in one building?” She bounced in her seat. “That’s enough to pay for the lien against the equipment!”

I bit my lip and took a deep breath, basking in her excitement and doing my best not to pull her into my lap and taste her mouth.

“That’s exactly what I mean, and if you update the phone system…”