Diana and I went for a run that evening before I could sleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about Amy and Justin.Would Justin tell her about our conversation? And will Amy be mad at me because I knew for weeks that Justin is an Alpha, and I didn’t tell her?I woke up that morning with it still on my mind.After getting ready for school, I checked on Alex and grabbed a bagel before going outside to see if Joe was ready to take me to school yet.Joe had the car ready, so I ate my bagel on the way. I was still chewing on half of it when I got out of the car and spotted Amy near the tree where we always met in the morning.Her eyes were on her phone screen, and she didn’t see me walking toward her.Did she know about Justin yet?That question was answered when I got to her side, and she looked up at me with a brilliant smile.“Good morning, Daisy,” she said. “Eew, are you eating that bagel plain and untoasted? That’s like eating cardboard.”“I was, um …in …in a hurry,” I stammered. “I oversle
“Whatever Alex wants to discuss, it must be urgent. “ Victor said.“Do you know what your mother wants to talk about?” I asked. “It must be important too.”“I have no idea,” Victor replied. “I’ll take you home and talk to Alex. You should text my mother and ask her to meet you at the mansion in a few hours. Maybe you could talk over dinner.”“Good idea,” I agreed and sent Lana a text.After locking my office, we returned to the parking garage, and Victor drove us to my home.I was pleased to see Alex was in his home office again, but the look in his eyes told me he was upset about something.“Come in and sit down, both of you,” he said.Victor and I took seats before the desk and waited for him to speak.“It has come to my attention that John Cameron has not given up on stealing the company from Daisy,” he said. “I was told he is now attempting to smear her reputation.”Victor nodded. “He has spies watching her every move. One of them tipped off the tabloids about Daisy, studying with
Victors POVI could tell by the tone of Alex’s text that he wanted to discuss something urgent. Yet I was stunned when he handed me a file and told me he was handing over the leadership of The United Association of Alphas to me immediately.I held the file in my hand and stared at Alex.I couldn’t believe it was happening. My main goal over the past twenty years was now literally in my hands. All I needed to do was sign the papers in front of association members and be sworn in.Why didn’t I feel happy about it?“You can’t accept the position yet,” Adam said in my mind. “It will be the end of your agreement with Daisy. We will lose her and Diana to the other wolf.”“Silence, Adam,” I told him. “I can’t think with all your chatter.”“I will be silent,” Adam replied. “But you know you don’t want to lose them either. You care for Daisy more than you want to admit to yourself.”“I said, be silent,” I repeated as I realized Alex was looking at me strangely. Thank the Goddess, he and Daisy
I knew what Amy was going to tell me about Justin before she said a word the following day outside our school.“Justin went away with his family yesterday. There’s a family emergency,” she said. “He said he has some important stuff to talk about with me when he gets back.”“Oh, I hope his family is okay,” I said, doing my best to pretend I didn’t know that there was no emergency.Justin had sent me a text the night before. He said he wanted to tell his family about Amy before he revealed his secret to her.He felt the best place to tell them was while they were visiting his grandmother, who lived on the other coast. She wasn’t as prejudiced against Betas as the rest of his family.I disagreed with his decision to delay telling Amy, but Justin seemed sincere in wanting to come clean with both Amy and his parents.So far, Amy was okay. She missed him, but Justin promised to call her every evening until he came home.It was nice to have Amy’s full attention when we were together instead
I changed into jeans and a T-shirt after making arrangements with Benson to have a dinner party for thirty Saturday Night.After running downstairs, I found Alex relaxing in the living room.“I heard you’re having a dinner party,” he said. “Did the meeting go well?”I froze for a moment, unsure how he would feel about what I had done.“I had to fire Tim Clayton,” I finally said.“It’s just as well,” Alex said reassuringly. “He was one of John Cameron’s best spies.”“I thought you would be upset because you hired him,” I said.“Not at all,” Alex said. “I’m sure you had your reasons for firing Tim. And I consider him no loss.”I threw my arms around Alex’s neck and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m glad you understand.”“It’s fine.” He noticed my purse hanging over my shoulder. “Are you going out?”“Yes,” I replied. “I’m going bowling.”“Bowling?” Alex grinned.“Victor and William are going too.” I giggled.“I would love to see that,” Alex teased.“You would love to see what?” Victor asked
The invitations for the dinner party went out the next day. All of my department heads and their plus ones were invited. I also went over the menu with Benson before going to school.He helped me plan a sumptuous dinner that would show respect for my executives. Even though I had certain expectations, I wanted them to know they were valued and appreciated.Yesterday, Victor spent an hour going over the seating arrangements with me. He knows better than me as to who should be seated next to whom. All the guests should feel comfortable.I personally laid out the place cards this morning, and the best china and silver embossed with the Wilson crest were being used.Alex showed up in the main dining room, where we entertained large parties of guests and admired the work that had been done to make it look beautiful.“Everything looks perfect, sweetheart,” he said. “Your guests are going to love it.”“I hope so.” I linked arms with Alex. “Victor agreed to be my escort tonight, but I still t
“You don’t know what Casey Long wants to tell you?” Victor asked as we rode in the Lamborghini to the Long’s home.“Only that it has something to do with someone trying to take the company away from me,” I replied.“Do you think her husband is in on it?” Victor turned into a cul-de-sac and parked on the far side of the circle.I shrugged. “I have no idea. I’ll find out when she tells me.” I climbed out of the car with my bag of marshmallows.“Why did you bring marshmallows?” Victor grinned.“Because they taste good,” I replied. “Want to try one?”Victor looked at the squishy white masses and shook his head.“You don’t know what you’re missing,” I giggled at the horrified expression on his face.We made our way around the back of Mitch and Casey’s house, where we heard the sounds of talking and laughter.It was great to be invited to an event like this. I felt accepted by these Alphas. Since I had to work with them, it was a good feeling.“Look who’s here,” Victor said as he looked acr
“Daisy, she’s not worth it,” Victor said as he took my hand.But I shook him off and walked over to Karen. “William and I are friends. If you can’t get a boyfriend, don’t blame me. You are spoiled and unpleasant to be around.”“How …how dare you speak to me that way?” Karen sputtered. “You’re nothing. You were raised by Betas, and no self-respecting Alpha wants anything to do with you.”“Yes, I was raised by Betas,” I said. “And I have always avoided spoiled Alphas like you who think of nobody but themselves.”“And the fact that William doesn’t want to date you has nothing to do with me,” I continued. “William told Victor and I that he doesn’t like you. Everyone can see why.”Karen inhaled sharply and glared at me.I got in her face. “And you don’t know William at all if you think he would pursue another man’s fiancée. He has too much honor to do that. But then, honor isn’t something you would understand.”Gisele, her assistants, and the other customers in the store all listened with
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