Page 18 of Wisteria and Cloves

"Well?" My father's voice boomed with pleasure. "My dear, it went magnificently. The Vale pack has formally requested to begin courting procedures." He raised his glass in a mock toast. "To the future Mrs. Vale."

The title hung in the air, strange and foreign to my ears. It wasn't just the formality—it was the possessiveness implied in those three words. As if I were already transferring from one owner to another.

"I'm pleased they found me suitable," I said carefully, choosing words that would satisfy without revealing too much.

My mother's smile widened as she guided me to one of the cream brocade sofas. "Suitable? Julian Vale was positively enchanted." She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "He said your temperament was exactly what they've been seeking. Imagine that!"

I could imagine it, though surely not in the way she meant. Julian had been seeking someone with a mind of her own, not someone buried beneath years of conditioning—not the obedient doll my mother believed she'd created.

"What did you say to them?" my father asked, his expression sharpening. "They seemed particularly impressed by your conversation."

I chose my words carefully, aware of the thin line I needed to walk. "I answered their questions honestly."

"Good girl," my mother said, patting my hand like I was a well-behaved pet. "I knew all those etiquette lessons would serve you well. Julian mentioned you were... refreshingly genuine."

I could hear the real meaning in Julian's words, though my parents clearly couldn't. What had been refreshing to him was the glimpse of my true self beneath the polished veneer—not the performance my parents had trained me to give.

"They've invited me to begin the formal courtship period next Sunday," I said, watching their reactions closely. "I'll be moving into their residence for the customary evaluation period."

My father's eyebrows shot up.

"Next Sunday? That's quite soon," he said, though his tone suggested approval rather than concern. "Eager to begin the process, are they?"

"It's actually quite traditional," my mother added, her voice taking on that lecturing tone she used when dispensing social wisdom. "The sooner the courting begins, the sooner we can finalize the arrangement.” It made my stomach twist. But I kept my expression neutral, remembering Christopher's advice to maintain the persona they expected.

"As you wish, Mother," I said, lowering my eyes in the submissive gesture she'd trained into me.

My father crossed to the sideboard and poured another finger of whiskey. "This calls for a celebration. The Vale pack is exactly the connection we've been working toward. Their resources, their social standing—it's everything we could have hoped for."

"And you," my mother added, squeezing my arm with manicured fingers that dug into my skin just a little too hard, "have done your duty beautifully. I knew you wouldn't disappoint us."

Her words landed like stones, heavy with expectation and the weight of years spent molding me into this moment. I forced a smile, careful to keep it modest rather than eager.

"Thank you, Mother," I managed, my voice steady despite the turmoil beneath. "I hope to continue making you proud."

She beamed at me, completely missing the careful distance in my tone. "Of course you will, darling. The Vale pack won't know what hit them."

My father moved to the window, gazing out at the manicured grounds with the air of a general surveying conquered territory. "We'll need to prepare your wardrobe, of course. Can't have you arriving with anything less than perfection."

"I was thinking we should schedule appointments this week," my mother chimed in, already pulling out her phone. "New dresses, proper lingerie, perhaps a few pieces of jewelry that complement their family colors."

The casual way she discussed outfitting me like a doll made my skin crawl, but I nodded obediently. "Whatever you think is best."

My father turned back from the window, his expression growing more serious. "There are also practical matters to discuss. The Vale pack will expect detailed documentation of your upbringing, medical history, educational achievements. Everything must be in perfect order."

"I've already prepared most of the files," my mother said, her voice taking on that brisk efficiency she used for important social arrangements. "Though we should schedule one final medical examination before the transition. Make sure everything is... pristine."

The way she said 'pristine' made my stomach roll, but I kept my face carefully blank. "Of course."

"And your behavior during the courtship period will be crucial," my father continued, settling into his leather armchairwith the air of someone delivering an important lecture. "You must remember that every interaction will be evaluated. Every word, every gesture, every response."

My mother nodded emphatically. "The courting period is essentially an extended interview. You'll be living under their observation, representing not just yourself but our entire family legacy. One mistake could unravel everything we've worked toward."

I folded my hands in my lap, the gesture automatic after years of practice. "I understand."

"Do you?" My father's voice sharpened, and I felt that familiar chill of his scrutiny. "Because once you're under their roof, we won't be there to guide you. You'll need to rely on your training."

The irony wasn't lost on me—they were worried about losing control just as I was about to gain it. But I kept my expression appropriately concerned. "I won't disappoint you."

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