In contrast to the last time when Maggie used the Energy Bead to heal Charlie in an emergency, this time, the process of healing Grace went more smoothly. She could clearly feel the energy flowing at her fingertips. The ancient incantations rolled naturally off her tongue, and she could even sense the cells in Grace’s body healing and stretching with each touch. Her perception and manipulation of the healing energy had become silky smooth and free.
Aldrich was concerned that Maggie might be expending too much energy. He kept a close watch at Maggie’s bedside, wondering if using this energy would have any adverse effects on her. What secrets lay behind her identity, and how much did Maggie know?
“Darling, I’ll wait until the day you’re ready to tell me everything. I have unwavering faith that I’ll be by your side, with our family, and that we’ll be happy together.”
Aldrich lifted Maggie’s hand and planted a kiss on it. “No matter your lineage, I choose you wholeheartedly.”
In the evening, Maggie woke up, and Aldrich put down the documents he was reviewing. “How are you feeling? I’ve even prepared for you to sleep through tomorrow.”
Maggie stretched lazily. “Not bad.”
Aldrich stared closely at Maggie, not missing the slightest nuance in her expression. “Well, that sounds like an honest Maggie.”
“When have I ever been dishonest?” Maggie retorted.
Aldrich embraced her and kissed her soft hair. “I’m just worried that your body might backlash.”
“So far, it hasn’t.”
“This time it was Grace, but what about next time? Maggie, you have to learn to conceal it. If people find out you have this ability, you’ll be in danger.”
“Thank you, Aldrich. I understand.”
“We wolves have a type of healing werewolf…” Aldrich said slowly.
Maggie hadn’t heard of this, and Aldrich smiled as he continued, “These wolves are quite rare. They almost sacrifice their own energy and lives to heal others.”
“Are you concerned that I might belong to this category of expending myself to save others?”
“Yes. Until we understand the secrets within you, I don’t want you to deplete your energy to heal others.”
The feeling of being cared for touched Maggie deeply. She almost rushed into Aldrich’s arms, pushing him onto the soft bed. She held his handsome face, feeling both moved and amused. “Aldrich, have you forgotten? I don’t have a wolf. What you’re worrying about won’t happen.”
“Yes, I know, but I can’t help worrying, Maggie. You make me less rational and decisive.”
“But I like this version of Aldrich.”
Maggie leaned in to kiss Aldrich’s lips, and Aldrich let out a suppressed gasp from his throat. His large hands gripped Maggie’s waist, trying to take control. However, Maggie pulled away from his lips, her gaze hazy. “No, let me…”
“Maggie, you’re quite the challenge.”
Aldrich endured Maggie’s teasing, his desire for her burning hot. She touched him as lightly as a feather, and he felt like he was on the edge of an explosion, ready to possess Maggie completely, disregarding everything. In his mind, the silver wolf roared, “Overpower Maggie! Seize the opportunity!”
Rational defenses crumbled, and for a fleeting moment, the fireworks of desire led both of them to follow their hearts.
However, the door was knocked upon, one after the other, as if refusing to open it would keep the intruder at bay, let alone have them leave!
“For heaven’s sake!” Aldrich, typically polite, let out a frustrated growl. His bulging arms supported Maggie on either side. Maggie noticed his frustration and discomfort and couldn’t help but laugh. “Hey, it’s the same situation as last time.”
“If it’s Charlie at the door again, I’ll send him on a mission to the wilderness for sure!”
Mischievously, Maggie used her hand to tease him. “Bless poor Charlie!”
Aldrich reluctantly pushed back, grinding his lips together and maintaining contact with her in a more discreet area below. “Do you know how much I want to get rid of whoever’s out there?”
Maggie’s face was burning, and she coyly moved her hips. “I can feel it.”
“A naughty Maggie, don’t let me catch you!” Aldrich grumbled, heading towards the door.
Maggie buried her face in the pillow, laughing.
Aldrich looked at the person outside the door, his casual demeanor instantly shifting to seriousness. “Grace, what’s going on?”
Grace noticed Aldrich’s transformation and felt the strong scent of desire coming from the room. She remained composed. “I want to talk to Maggie.”
Aldrich frowned. “Dinner is in an hour.”
“Some things, girls need to discuss in private.”
“I think you should have more to talk about with Marvin right now,” Aldrich stood his ground at the door.
Marvin’s face held a trace of amusement. “What, are you scared?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you afraid I’ll reveal our little secret to Maggie?”
Aldrich’s expression momentarily cracked. “I trust the bond between Maggie and me. It’s just her pregnancy hormones acting up. I don’t want her overthinking things. If you have something to say, you can say it to me.”
“Anything?”
Aldrich hesitated for a moment. “Grace is reasonable.”
“Of course, I’m ambitious too. If I say I want my position back as the mistress of Barrett Manor, will you grant it?”
“Grace!” Aldrich raised his voice, and in that moment, Grace saw a blaze in his eyes.
“Grace?” A soft voice came from Maggie, and she happily pulled Grace inside. “Why are you standing at the door? Don’t you want to join us in the study?”
Grace shook her head. “I came to see you. I don’t know if you’re available.”
“No, Maggie needs to rest!” Aldrich immediately refused.
Maggie felt that Aldrich’s tone was a bit harsh. “Aldrich, you’re being a bit strict, don’t you think?”
“Aldrich, I was just teasing you earlier. Don’t take it to heart,” Grace said.
Aldrich looked at Grace seriously. “You once said you never joke around, that you say what you mean without beating around the bush.”
“That was before. The Grace who died has changed.”
Maggie urged Aldrich to leave. “Alright, darling, could you please inform the chef that we’d like a raspberry-flavored dessert for tonight?”
“Sure, I’ll convey the message.” Aldrich kissed Maggie’s hair and glanced at Grace. His eyes were filled with scrutiny.
Once the door was closed, it was just Maggie and Grace in the lavish bedroom. One was Aldrich’s current partner, and the other, his past. However, there was no awkwardness between them.
Grace sat down on the sofa and glanced at the documents on Aldrich’s desk, chuckling softly. “Maggie, you’re quite amazing.”
“No, my constitution is weak. I wouldn’t even be able to defend myself in a conflict with the wolves.”
“But you have Aldrich’s comprehensive protection. He cares for you, nurturing you, and that’s something I never dared to imagine.”
Logic told Maggie not to ask, but she was curious. “Grace, how was it between you and Aldrich?”
“Comrades,” Grace thought for a moment and said. “Apart from being drawn by the Moon Goddess, we can’t control our bodies. Most of the time, we’re partners fighting side by side, and living with the same kind of people gets tedious.”
Maggie said wistfully, “You can stand on an equal footing with Aldrich. That’s incredible.”
“If I need a partner, a leader, Aldrich is undoubtedly the best choice. But what I want is a companion. We’re the worst companions. I wasn’t even allowed to step inside this room.”
Maggie couldn’t believe it. “You’ve had arguments?”
Grace shook her head. “We’re just staunch in our own beliefs of nobility. I live in the master bedroom of the other building. I didn’t want to be dependent on Aldrich. I wanted to enjoy everything equally with him and lead The Blue Moon Pack together.”
“You’re an amazing woman. I’m ashamed of my own softness.”
“No, you’re amazing too.” Grace slowly brought out something from behind her. “We don’t need to keep talking about Aldrich. I’ve come to thank you and say goodbye.”
“Goodbye?” Maggie looked at Grace in surprise.
From behind her, Grace revealed a beautiful dagger.
Grace slowly unsheathed the dagger, and the sharp blade gleamed with a chilling light. Maggie’s heart raced. She couldn’t help but wonder if Grace’s dagger was pointing at her. Was this farewell about to be stained with blood?