Chapter 272

Grace

Days blurred into a whirlwind of activity. The news reports continued to churn out more and more stories about the clinical trials I hadn't announced and whatever else they thought made sense to publicize. It was irritating feeling like I was being rushed. It made me want to drag my feet even more, honestly.

Despite that, I found myself pushing forward with drawing up the plans for the clinical trials. I was pissed off, and it made diving into production easier. There were moments I could barely stand to leave the home, and I was sure that the despair of running out of time would swallow me whole, but the sheer magnitude of the impact I could have was enough to keep me going forward.

I'd glance at the challenge circle on my wrist and the courting band on my arm and feel a surge of strength would flow through me. It was like that whenever I thought of Charles, really. While streaks of gray were still creeping into my hair, the debilitating fatigue that had plagued me for weeks was starting to fade. My movements felt lighter, my energy levels steadier. It was more than I had ever hoped for, and taking the longevity pills seemed to help, too.

I almost felt... normal.

I hunched over my laptop, sifting through data and scribbling notes. Hours melted away, and the sterile environment of the lab morphing faded away. My dissertation review should be done within the month, so soon I'd officially by a doctor. I smiled at the thought.

A notification chime on my computer jolted me out of my concentration. A message flashed on the screen; the sender's address was unfamiliar.

"Human Medical Association..." Curiosity piqued, I clicked it open.

The message was brief and to the point. The HMA was aware of Moonlight Phoenix and its potential applications, as well as Wolfe Medical's vaccinations. They were particularly interested in exploring the possibility of creating treatments for certain strains of the human flu, particularly those linked to the Crescent Flu.

My heart skipped a beat. I thought of Richard and Cecil, then I frowned. I didn't think that humans could catch the Crescent Flu. If it was really just a version of the werewolf virus, shouldn't it turn them?

I took note to look into it and picked up the phone. A thrill of excitement shot through me. I started dialing the number on the bottom of the email. The woman on the other end sounded friendly, and was a high-tier manager of some kind. Once I'd gotten a time set for a formal call, I sat back and sighed.

At this rate, maybe, just maybe, I'd have that seat more than a few days before I died.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, the caller ID displaying Eason's name. A pang of guilt stabbed at me. I'd been so consumed by Moonlight Phoenix and getting ready for the clinical trials that I'd completely neglected to call him. Taking a deep breath, I answered the call.

"Hey, Grace," Eason's familiar voice filled my ear, warm and friendly. "Just checking in. Everything alright at Wolfe Medical?"

"Hey," I replied, forcing a smile into my voice. "Everything's… hectic, to say the least. Sorry, I haven't called sooner."

"Don't worry about it," he said, his voice laced with understanding. "Things must be crazy right now with that shitstorm of nonsense." He laughed. "Congrats on your engagement, by the way. You were practically glowing."

I smiled. "Thanks... any chance I'll be hearing about your engagement soon?"

He laughed. "Sometime after we get Ethan's sunburn under control, maybe."

We talked for a while. He told me about how he was settling into Northfall. His old professors had welcomed him back with open arms, stacks of research and enough work to get him through the rest of his program in record time. The fact that he'd started working part-time at a potions shop on the island in the middle of an Elven city blew my mind.

"A friend of a friend," he said. "Well... a friend of friend's dad at least."

We talked about the rumors around Moonlight Phoenix and what the next plans were, but I didn't ask for his input. There was a strange comfort in this simple exchange. It felt like we were actually back to just being siblings.

Hanging up, I cradled the phone for a moment, a contemplative silence filling the lab. I smiled and felt at ease, then I felt dumb. I groaned and called Eason back.

"It cannot be that bad already."

I laughed, feeling sheepish. "I just..."

"So there's something else going on?"

"I should have asked before... I'm not sure who else to ask... Esme's been pretty clear that it's not really her realm of expertise."

"Witch questions, cool. Shoot."

"It's about the prognosis," I stammered, then plunged ahead. "These… changes I've been feeling since the bond with Charles–"

"Bond?" Eason asked, his voice growing tense. "What bond?"

I bit my lip. "He's... Well, he said he's my mate."

"Do you have a mark?"

I blinked. "Yes."

"How big? What color? Where?"

"Uhm... about the size of my hand, it's black and red, and on my chest--why does that matter?"

"Courting bands are one thing. You're talking about a bond, Grace. What sort of changes?"

"Well, my hair is still turning grey, but I've had more energy, not so achy. Is that normal? Should I be hoping for the best?"

"You... weren't mates before. What's happened?"

I hesitated but explained everything with Tessa. When i was done, a beat of silence followed.

Then, Eason spoke, his voice thoughtful. "A mate bond with a lycan is powerful, and it's pretty clear that it's undoing some of the damage. Get yourself seen by a healer ASAP."

I winced. "About that..."

"What else haven't you told me?"

I groaned and went through everything that happened with the Crescent Flu. By the end of it, I could almost feel his fury through the phone.

"That son of a bitch..." He growled. "I can't wait for him to lose his damn head."

"Same."

"Get yourself back to that healer ASAP. Get yourself checked up at least once a week."

"Okay," I said. "I'll schedule an appointment first thing tomorrow. Thanks."

"Keep me up to date, yeah? I'm in school not another dimension."

I smiled. "Got it. I love you."

Hanging up, I immediately sought Charles. He was in my office, leaning back on the couch, a frown creasing his brow. A playful glint sparked in his eyes as he looked at me.

"Everything alright?" I asked, stepping into his office.

His lips twitched into a warm smile. "Just… catching up on some business," he said, gesturing for me to take a seat. "But what brings you here?"

I explained my conversation with Eason, the possibility that the bond with him might be slowing the progression of the wolfsbane poisoning. Charles listened intently, his expression unreadable.

When I finished, he got to his feet.

"Let's go."

"Now?"

"Now."

He pulled out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. Moments later, a call was connected. The conversation was brief and efficient. Charles secured me an appointment as we left Wolfe Medical at the Enforcer Base hospital within the hour.

The drive was shorter than I remembered, but maybe that was the anticipation and hope talking. We walked in, he checked me in and kissed my hand as he handed me off into the hands of the healers.

A whirlwind of tests and examinations ensued. I recognized some of the equipment, but when they started drawing magic circles and bringing out crystals, I closed my eyes and tried to relax.

I kind of wished Eason was here, but seeing them work like this made me wonder exactly how powerful Eason was. An hour or so later, I was returned to an examination room where Charles was pacing.

He drew me into his arms. "Anything?"

"Nothing yet," I said and pulled back. The pulse of his anxiety rippled through me. "Have you heard something?"

"Just that they were running two sets of tests."

"Makes sure things are accurate."

We turned to the woman coming in. She was stoic, white-haired and dressed in long robes. She looked older. Charles took my hand tightly.

She chuckled. "Ah, you're the one."

I blinked, not sure if she was talking about me or Charles.

"Long and short is that you've gained a year," she said. "Not sure if that means you'll gain more time, but it's something."

I could feel Charles' hope. It was dizzying. He squeezed my hand.

"I think, combined with some lifestyle adjustments, you might gain another easily." She smiled. "Though... something tells me that it won't be much of a problem."

She looked at Charles pointedly. I looked at him, but I couldn't understand the look on his face. Then, he smiled.

"Thanks... we'll see you in a week."

She nodded. "I'll put you on the recurring calendar."

As I left the hospital, Charles' arm wrapped around my shoulder, I smiled.

Another year. The bond didn't fix it, but it was making it better.