The following morning I woke before my alarm. I stretched and rolled over in the soft, comfortable bed. Staring at my bedroom ceiling, I thought about my conversation with Victor the previous afternoon.“You can’t be serious about a fake engagement,” I told Victor.“I’m very serious,” he replied. “What do you have to lose, Daisy? We both know you want William. Stop accepting what life hands you, and go after what you want.”“It sounds risky,” I said. “What if you’re just tricking me into marrying you?”Victor laughed. “To be honest with you, I would prefer being a single billionaire leader instead of being a married one. You clearly don’t want an open marriage, and I can't picture myself staying with one person for my entire life.”Victor’s proposal was shocking and exciting. He seemed sure I could have William as my lover. I wanted to say yes, but I told Victor I needed to think about it first.That’s when Victor suggested I try what he had in mind before we told my father I would ma
Victor gently lowered me to my feet. Everything was blurry, but I could make out the shapes of the crowd. Except for a few students who had to be Alphas, everyone present was kneeling; their heads lowered while showing their necks.It was the submissive posture among werewolves.This was the first time I heard the aggressive, dominant voice Victor used to save me. It was rarely heard in modern werewolf society.Modern Alpha leaders promoted an equal society and didn’t want the lower classes to think Alphas still considered themselves their superiors.I realized I was clinging to Victor’s arm and released it. Taking a step back, I saw he was looking at me instead of the Betas kneeling on the ground. He seemed to be staring at my face. Feeling self-conscious, I tried not to squint.Victor released the Betas from his power and found my glasses. Both the frames and the lenses were crushed.“Oh, no!” I exclaimed. “I’m practically blind without them.”Victor tossed them in a trash can and g
Victor's POVWanting to relax before going home, I ordered another drink and asked the waiter to clear the table.Seeing William and Daisy walking together from behind was slightly uncomfortable for me. But what I felt toward the girl who had been chosen to be my future wife could be ignored.I handled everything reasonably well today. If things happen as expected, I should receive Daisy's reply to my proposal today or tomorrow.A lot will depend on Daisy and how effectively she used the opportunity I gave her. She needed to make a good impression on William during the car ride. But I wondered if she was capable of intriguing William with conversation.Her stutter was unfortunate and must be overcome. It happens whenever she is nervous or feels overwhelmed, but there are ways to improve a speech impediment. I made a mental note to have Findlay look into it.Yet, there was something special about the girl. Daisy seemed quite good at worming her way into a man’s mind. Her innocence made
Daisy’s POVMy heart pounded with excitement. William was taking me home! I had to seize the opportunity and make an impression on him instead of turning to stone.From watching him speak with Victor, I could tell William was very different from Victor.Victor liked all kinds of, what I would describe as extravagant stuff, while William was much more low-key. Victor was talkative, and he always wore his typical breathtaking smile no matter who he talked to.William, on the other hand, didn't talk much and barely showed his feelings. He didn't seem to care much about other people's affairs, but he always answered questions in a polite and gentle way.I needed to draw William out and get him to talk to me. But was I a good enough speaker to do it? The heck with my stutter. I had to try. Sitting silently beside him in his car wouldn’t make him like me better.“What cuh … college are you … you attending after gra … graduation?” I asked. I was cringing inside after each word, but I refused
I had another werewolf history class today, and I was looking forward to it even more than usual.After all, this would be the first time William and I had a class together since he drove me home. I wonder if he would talk to me again.I got to class early and tried to stay calm while I waited for William to arrive.After watching the door for over five minutes before he entered the room.“Hello, Daisy,” he said and sat at the desk next to me.Yes! He had softened his attitude toward me. Plus, the people who were still talking about me behind my back had to notice my new friendlier relationship with William.We didn’t talk during class, but I was ecstatic to have William sitting next to me. Yet, he was such a distraction that I had trouble concentrating on what the teacher was saying.I heard Miss Grant calling on other kids to answer questions, but I couldn’t focus on what she was saying. I kept glancing at William, admiring his handsome profile and how his blond hair glistened with
Victor was waiting for me in another cool sports car parked in front of the school. The silver Lamborghini was a beautiful machine, but it had to have cost a fortune. Victor really liked to spend his money.“I bought the car today,” Victor said with a proud smile. “Do you like it?”“It’s great,” I said. It would have been meant to say no or make a big deal over the price of a car. It was Victor’s money. Who was I to judge how he spent it?“Where are we going?” I asked as Victor climbed behind the car’s steering wheel.“You’ll see.” He started the engine and gave me a sly smile.Victor drove for over a half hour. I was mesmerized by the expert way he handled the car and didn’t notice much of the scenery until he pulled in front of a beautiful villa. The sign told me it was the workshop of a famous fashion designer.I didn’t know there was such a thing as designer swimsuits. Rich people constantly surprise me.Inside the villa, several staff members immediately flocked to Victor’s side.
When I woke up this morning, I remembered it was Friday, and a jolt of panic rushed through me. The pool party is tomorrow, and I’m already feeling jittery. But I’m also looking forward to it.I wish I was more confident and felt like a real Alpha. It would make fitting into my new life easier. But inside, I still felt like the old Daisy.It feels like I’m merely pretending to be a member of the dominant group of werewolves, no matter how pretty my glasses are or how much my clothes cost.When I arrived at school, Amy was waiting for me in our usual spot.“What’s up?” Amy asked. “You look frazzled.”“Tomorrow is the pool party,” I reminded her. “I’m kinda nervous.”“Don’t be,” Amy said. “You’re going to have a wonderful time. It’ll be great.”“I hope so.” I gave her a side hug. “I’m excited, and I want to go. But thinking about what could go wrong makes me feel half sick.”“Nothing is going to go wrong,” Amy insisted. “After tomorrow, you’ll wonder why you were nervous.” She knew exac
"Why are you wearing the wetsuit?" Victor demanded as we stood in front of Alex’s mansion. “You've got a beautiful new swimsuit that looks amazing on you, yet you’re wearing that … thing to William’s party.”“The wetsuit is more comfortable for me,” I said. “I was too self-conscious in that skimpy swimsuit.”“Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look?” Victor asked me. He ran a hand through his thick, black hair and leaned against his car. “We’re going to a pool party, not a deep sea expedition.”Victor paced around the car twice.“Get in the car. There’s no time to argue with you, or for you to change your outfit even if you were willing to be reasonable.” He opened the passenger door for me.“I don’t care who doesn’t like it,” I said. “I wasn’t comfortable showing that much skin, and I'm tired of trying to be somebody I’m not.”“You’ve set yourself up to be ridiculed in front of William. He won’t want to be associated with you after this.” Victor started the car. “Don’t say I did
I woke to the enticing scent of dark roast coffee. I stretched and realized I had slept more than I thought I would that previous night. The smell of coffee grew stronger, and I felt steam on my nose.Opening my eyes, I saw Amy standing over me, waving a mug under my nose. “Wakey wakey,” she crooned. “It’s your wedding day. Victor expects to see you at the chapel in two hours.”I reached for the mug and took a sip. The coffee was laced with dark chocolate almond milk and a touch of steamed heavy cream.“Mmm, thanks, Amy. It’s just the way I like it,” I said. “This is such a treat.” I stretched again and took another sip.“Enjoy it, but don’t dawdle in bed,” Amy put her makeup bag on the nightstand. “You need to get in the shower and wash your hair. Anna will be here to help us soon.”After waiting for this day to come for so long, I was both ecstatic and a little nervous that something would go wrong.“Is it really going to happen?” I asked my best friend. “Am I really going to be his
Kayla kept her word. The estate that we named Juniper Acres because of the dozens of Juniper trees on the grounds became ours a few days after my talk with her.I liked the small trees. They had a pleasant, fresh, and woodsy scent, and the blue/ green berries were pretty and had many uses.Besides making arrangements for our wedding, Victor and I spent the last three weeks getting our mansion ready for us to move in. It was a labor of love, knowing it was all ours.We painted some of the rooms in different colors that we preferred. I especially liked the shade of yellow that we painted our breakfast room.Like Alex’s mansion, our breakfast room had many windows facing east for plenty of natural sunlight. We would enjoy our mornings together, enjoying our first cup of coffee in the room.The living room now had comfy, overstuffed furniture in light blue and walnut. The carpets and drapes were neutral colors that set off the polished wooden floors.It was an inviting room. I looked forw
Victor called the realtor while I stood beside him with my fingers crossed. There had to be a way to fix the snag, whatever it was. The estate was perfect for us. We couldn’t lose it.I heard the realtor’s voice when she answered his call. “Victor, I’m sorry for giving you bad news.”“What’s the problem?” Victor asked. His voice was calm, but I saw the tension on his face.“The current owners of the Juniper Lane estate are two granddaughters of previous deceased owners. One of the young women refuses to sell to Miss Wilson.”Puzzled, Victor and I looked at each other.“Why?” Victor asked.“She claims Miss Wilson did something to cause her problems in the past,” the realtor responded. “I can’t change her mind. She refuses to sign the papers to finalize the sale.“Does she know the size of the offer we made?” Victor asked as I searched my memory for the identity of the granddaughter.But I couldn’t think of who I had angered that much. I shrugged at Victor and did a palms up.“Who is sh
“I’m sorry,” I said and knelt down to pick up the pieces of broken glass.“That’s alright, Miss Wilson,” Benson said. “Thomas will take care of the mess.” He motioned to a footman. “Let me get you another glass of tea.”“Are you okay, Daisy?” Cassidy asked. “We shouldn’t have shocked you with the news in front of guests.”I shook my head and tried to smile. “No, I’m fine. I was just surprised. Congratulations. I’m happy for both of you.” But was I? I had been an only child since Alex found me.Even though I knew Alex would continue to love me, my only experience with having a sibling wasn’t a positive one. Andrea enjoyed making my life miserable.So, I wasn’t sure how I felt about having a half-sister or brother. However, I was sure Alex and Cassidy wouldn’t treat me like the Smiths, and I’m optimistic the baby wouldn’t be like Andrea.But what would change in my life?“Are you sure, sweetheart?” Alex asked. He looked concerned, and even though I had been shocked, I didn’t want to spo
Victor’s POVDaisy was terrified. I could tell she was afraid her stutter would return. If she was scared enough, it could happen. She needed my love and support.I stepped forward to kiss her cheek and whispered in her ear, “No matter what, I love you. But you can do this. I’m right here with you. Pick one person in the crowd and talk to them.”Daisy gave me a weak smile, and I saw her take a deep, trembling breath. She looked out at the crowd of strange faces, and I knew the instant she saw someone she recognized.It was Amy, standing with Justin, William, and Penny among the sea of reporters. They must have heard about the press conference and come to support us. They were true friends.I sensed Daisy was relaxing, and she began to speak.“When I was seventeen, I worked in a restaurant owned by my best friend’s father. While waiting on customers and bussing tables, I dreamed of going to college and getting my law degree.“I wanted to use that degree to help the werewolf classes who
Victor and I freshened up while trying to think about what we wanted to say. Then we went back downstairs and watched the reporters and news anchors arrive outside the mansion.“There are so many,” I said. “I’ve never seen this many reporters at once before.”“They are coming from other cities to be here,” Shane said. “Your and Victor’s vision for the future is big news. There are rumors that Victor is going to quit the leadership, and you’re moving away from Denhurst.”Findlay snorted. “I heard that rumor, along with several crazier ones. I think the people need to be reassured of your good intentions for everyone.”“I can understand that,” Victor said. “How about you, Daisy?”All I could do was nod. I understood, but I was growing nervous about going out there in front of such a large crowd of reporters and photographers. There were so many. It was like a sea of people forming over the vast front lawn.My hands began to tremble when the estate staff began moving the temporary stage
I cried all the way back to the mansion. Amy remained silent, patting my arm occasionally and handing me tissues when I needed them.She pulled into the driveway and to the front entrance before she spoke.“It looks like Alex has company,” she said. “Who’s limos are they?”I punched the seat. “That one is Lana’s, and the one pulling in next to us is Lily James’s. The nerve of that pushy woman. She followed us!”“But look, Daisy,” Amy pointed toward the front doors. “Victor is here.”I wiped my eyes and saw Victor coming toward me. He opened the car door and took me into his arms.“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” he crooned. “Gisele called and told me what happened. So I had Findlay call everyone here for a quick meeting to set them all straight.”I stopped crying and nodded even though I wasn’t sure it would help.“This nonsense will stop now,” Victor took my hand and helped me from the car.We waited for Amy to put the baby in the stroller before going inside.I looked around the foyer, unab
Victor’s mouth opened, but no words came out at first. Then he shook off his surprise.“Are you serious?” he asked.“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks,” I replied.Why did Victor look so shocked? During the few times we had spoken about kids, he said he wanted a family.Tears stung my eyes, and I turned away from him. “Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up.”Victor gently turned me around. “I know you’ve been upset since Amy had the baby, but I didn’t know it was because you want one too.”“When I first held Brendre, I felt such a rush of love that it was all I could think about for days,” I explained. “I never thought much of babies before. I think it's because my adoptive parents rejected me when they had their own baby.”“That makes sense.” Victor took my hand and started walking down the beach again. “Anyone would feel that way.”“Holding Amy’s baby made me realize I very much want to be a mother,” I said. “And I don’t want to wait a long time to start our family.”“What a
Daisy’s POVI couldn't believe Victor was leaving. Couldn’t he stay with me at the beach house for just one day?An emptiness in the pit of my stomach started when he turned to leave. It grew after he went out the door. Through our bond, I felt his painful, churning emotions and wondered if he was finished with me.I couldn’t lose him! I’d return to Denhurst this minute and marry him in any ceremony his mother wanted. The only thing that really mattered about my wedding was Victor must be the groom.I had to stop him from leaving. I needed to know what was on his mind and in his heart.Running out the door after him, I saw him climb into his car and start the engine.“No!” I cried as I jumped in front of the Lamborghini. “Don’t leave me, Victor. I love you!”The Lamborghini’s engine stopped, and Victor leaped out of the driver’s seat. He hurried to my side.“Why won’t you stay with me?” I asked.“I thought you wanted to be here alone,” Victor replied. His body was trembling with emoti