Chapter 36

Charles

I walked into the house. It was later than I had intended, but I could hear Grace still awake. I headed toward her office and heard her voice, a bit strained. She was clearly on the phone, pacing in front of her desk, her attention focused on the phone in her hand. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity, my eyes drawn to her as I leaned against the doorway.

She didn’t even notice me there. I remained silent as I stood in the doorway.

“All of it?” She said, her voice high and tight. “But how is that possible? It was only supposed to…”

Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be—isn’t that fraud or something?”

She had to be speaking about Devin. What had he done now?

“No, I don’t understand why it wasn’t caught earlier either,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration.“Yes, I know it’s a significant amount. I know it’s been gone for a while, but can you help me figure out a way to address this? It’s just one more thing piling up.”

My interest piqued, I stepped closer, my eyes narrowing as I tried to piece together the context of the conversation. It seemed that another bill had popped up.

As she continued to speak, her gaze shifted to the side, meeting mine. There was a moment of surprise in her eyes before she quickly masked it with a composed expression.

“Thank you for looking into it,” she said into the phone, her tone courteous yet tired.“I’ll be waiting for your email. Goodnight.”

With a sigh, she hung up the phone and turned her attention fully to me. “Charles, I didn’t realize you were here.”

I offered her a small smile. “Door was open. Everything alright?”

Grace nodded, her shoulders sagging slightly.

“You’re going to have to get better at lying to me,” I said and closed the door behind me. I sat in the chair across from her.

“Try it again with conviction,” I smirked. “Or tell me the truth.”

She scowled, but I could see the resistance in her give way.

“It was about the trust fund my grandfather set up for me. I was hoping it could help cover the costs of my return to school, but apparently, Devin cashed it out years ago and never paid the taxes on it.”

I sighed. “What sort of an account was it?”

“An educational savings account or something.”

I frowned. “Tax-deferred?”

She nodded. “Apparently, because of my age, he could cash it out without going through a school. He…”

She shook her head. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay.”

Grace let out a bitter laugh, her fingers tracing the edge of her desk. “It’s just another thing on a long list of unexpected expenses. It’s like every time I try to move forward, there’s another setback.”

I smiled. “You have to celebrate the steps forward, accept the steps back and keep moving forward. How much was it?”

She opened her mouth and then stopped. “Why?”

I smirked. “Why do you think?”

She blinked and shook her head. “Charles, I really—”

“Aside from my personal vested interest in you going back to school, there is the matter of the pending case again Devin.”

She blinked. Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she seemed lost for words.

“Are you going to look like that every time I plan to pay for something?” I asked. “It’s going to get complicated with those matching tiaras…”

She scowled. “That’s not funny, and I can’t ask you to do that.”

“It’s not an ask, Grace,” I replied firmly. “It’s support. You deserve the chance to pursue your dreams without being burdened by financial worries.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes, and I could see the conflict in her gaze. She was torn between gratitude and hesitation to accept help. But I was resolved to see this through.

“Charles, I... I don’t know what to say,” she finally admitted, her voice tinged with emotion.

“You don’t have to say anything,” I said, my hand reaching out to gently touch hers. “Just know that I’m here for you, Grace. I know you’re used to doing things on your own, but you don’t have to anymore.”

As she looked at me, her gaze softened, and I saw a glimmer of something in her eyes—a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. Her scent was sweetened with desire, and I sat back.

I met her gaze, feeling a surge of lightheartedness. “I’m already looking at frames for that Ph.D. frame for my office back home.”

Her eyes widened in realization, and a chuckle escaped her. “Oh, really? You’re already planning where to put it?”

I couldn’t help but grin, the tension of the past days momentarily lifting. “Of course. I have a spot picked out and everything. The frame is the last piece.”

I smiled. “Maybe I’ll find a few more for Cecil’s drawings.”

Her eyes glimmered with a red light. Her scent grew warm and wanting. “Thank you… For… well, everything.”

I nodded, my gaze unwavering. “You don’t have to thank me, Grace. Just promise me that you won’t hesitate to just ask. Money problems are… quite easily solved when you have enough to solve them.”

“I don’t.”

“You have my support,” I said. “So you do.”

Her expression turned softer. “I promise.”

“I will need the amount, though.”

She blinked. “Really? Is there a law in the Clans that lets you sure for something like that?”

He smiled. “Misuse of familial funds… Separate from the misuse of a dowry.”

Her eyes widened. “You all have dowries?”

“Of course,” I said. “Werewolves have done away with a lot of things over time, but lycans have kept most of the traditions you might find… old-fashioned.”

“Like duels of honor?”

“Like courting, too.”

She went still. “C-Courting?”

I nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. “Yes, in the world of lycans, courtship is a delicate dance that signifies a deeper connection between two individuals. It’s a way of expressing genuine interest and building a foundation of trust.”

“Between mates?”

“Between any two people who find themselves contemplating marriage.”

It was a risk telling her about this now, but I wanted her primed for when I made those moves. I didn’t want her confused about my intentions.

She listened attentively, her expression a mixture of intrigue and curiosity. “And how does it work?”

I leaned back, my gaze never leaving hers. “Lycan courting often involves subtle gestures and actions that convey affection and respect. It’s about creating a safe space for the other person to open up and share their feelings: shows of protection, gifts of need.”

Grace’s brows furrowed as she absorbed the information. “So, it’s not about grand romantic gestures or flashy displays?”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “Not necessarily. While those things can play a role, they’re not the core of lycan courtship. It’s more about being attuned to each other’s needs and emotions, taking the time to understand one another on a deeper level.”

She seemed to ponder my words for a moment before speaking. “And what if one person isn’t interested in pursuing a deeper connection?”

I met her gaze. My expression was earnest. “In that case, it’s important to respect their feelings and boundaries. Lycan courtship places great emphasis on consent and mutual understanding. No one should ever feel pressured into something they’re not comfortable with.”

Grace nodded slowly, her thoughtful expression giving way to a small smile. “It sounds... respectful. Thoughtful, even.”

I mirrored her smile, feeling a sense of connection as we discussed these aspects of my world. “Yes, Grace. That’s exactly the intention. It’s about building a strong foundation for a potential partnership, one based on trust, understanding, and shared values.”

“Are you supposed to not have sex too?”

He snorted. “We’re not humans. Sex for a lycan is… part of the whole ordeal, with consent, of course. Would you want to marry someone you’re completely sexually incompatible with?”

“I guess not…” She licked her lips. “And… how long do these courtships usually last?”

“Until marriage.”

She blinked. “You mean you could be courting someone for years?”

“Yes. There’s no sense putting a time limit on it if both parties aren’t ready.” I paused. “It’s nothing like dating, Grace.”

She blinked. “How so?”

“Well, you’re not required to eat out together. The social standards of how many dates you need to go on before a kiss and all of that don’t factor in. Sex is part of getting to know each other. Some people court without ever haven eaten a meal together, and some people live together during the courting. It just depends on the couple.”

She nodded. “I’ll… How enlightening.”

“I’m sure.” I stood. “I’ll keep an eye out for your message regarding the trust, hm? And the tuition bill, of course. Don’t stay up too late.”

“Good night.”

I stood and left, headed back to my own quarters, grinning. She had no idea how eager she looked, how hopeful. Maybe she was more ready to be courted than she thought, even if she wasn’t ready for much else.