I rushed into the first stall. Wendy and the others would expect me to hide in the last stall again. While they looked for me there, I would try to slip past them and sneak out the door to the hallway.“But I only saw one pair of feet go past the stall I was hiding in, and a soft voice called my name. “Daisy, it’s me. Are you in here?”“Amy! Thank the Goddess, it’s you.” I flung the door open and hurried to her side. “How did you know they locked me in here?”“I was looking for you and saw those Alpha girls come out of the bathroom,” she explained. “I knew they were up to no good when they jammed the janitor’s mop into the door handle.”“Then I heard them mention your name, and I put it together,” she added. “Are you alright?”“Yeah, but Wendy tore up two of my photos,” I replied with a shaking lower lip. “One was the selfie I printed out from our trip to the book fair.”“We can take another selfie,” Amy said. “But I think you need to go home for the day. You don’t look well.”“I was
Victor’s POVWhen I saw Amy exit the kitchen to help clean up a mess in the dining room, I realized I shouldn’t have brought Olivia to Gray’s restaurant.It felt disloyal to be here, discussing marriage with Olivia in the place where I first met Daisy.“It sounds like a good arrangement for us both,” Olivia said after I told her I wanted an open marriage.Her eagerness to be able to take other lovers bruised my ego, but I couldn’t pretend to be in love with her. Daisy was too fresh in my heart and mind.The pain that tore through my soul when Daisy rejected me made me vow to never care about a female again.I should be grateful Olivia was willing to marry me. She was pretty enough to attract any man. But there was something about her, something strange about her reactions and mannerisms.She flirted with me like an experienced woman, yet she shied away from any contact with me, even the touch of my hand on hers.Still, she was Alex’s daughter, and she claimed to want to marry me. The
Seeing Victor with Olivia was agonizing. Without thinking, I ran out of the backdoor and began to walk. I had no destination in mind, but I had to get away from the sight of Olivia taking my place in Victor’s life.Four blocks later, I reminded myself that Amy and her dad needed me in the kitchen, and I returned to the restaurant. Amy and Mr. Gray tried to act like nothing was wrong.“Victor was here looking for you,” Amy said as she handed me clean dishes to put away.Great, I didn’t want him to know I was upset. It would be humiliating for him to know I cared that he was with Olivia.“What did he want?” I asked.Amy shrugged. “I guess he wanted to talk to you.”I could tell she wasn’t telling me everything, but I didn’t want to think about Victor and Olivia anymore that night. I tightly squeezed my eyes closed to try to get the image of them together out of my mind.The three of us finished our work for the night, and Mr. Gray took us to my apartment.“Thanks for your help, Daisy,”
Victor’s POVAfter leaving my parents’ house, I went home and gave my decision more thought. But I was sure Daisy meant more to me than the leadership position.Alex needed to know that I wasn’t interested in marrying Olivia even if he had to give the job to someone else. I’m sure he could find another husband for Olivia, who wanted the job.Benson was waiting by the front door when I arrived at the mansion. He held the door for me and then led me to Alex, who was waiting for me in his den.“Victor, you're here. Benson says you need to speak to me about something urgent,” Alex said and waved me into a chair next to him.“Yes. I must speak to you.” I tried to remember the words I decided to use to explain myself. I didn’t want to insult him by saying anything wrong about Olivia. She was his daughter, and he may take offense.Plus, Olivia hadn’t done anything wrong. If I didn't love Daisy, she would be acceptable for my mate. But as long as Daisy was in this world, I couldn't accept any
After the talk with Olivia, I returned to class. She gave me a little smile as I walked past her to my seat.It was a relief to know the bullies were done harassing me, but it was hard to keep my mind on what the teacher was saying when I suspected Olivia wanted to sell Wilson, Inc.I wondered why none of the Alpha kids would speak to me even when I had to talk to them first. Their passive-aggressive ghosting didn’t hurt my feelings. It was another lesson about false friends.Their friendship was no longer needed. I had Amy, a real friend.Things became more difficult at lunch when some of the boys began doing elaborate stunts to invite the girls of their choosing to the prom.One Alpha football player asked one of the popular Alpha girls by dropping balloons from the cafeteria ceiling with a banner that read, “Kylie, Be My Prom Date.”She said yes with a kiss, and the cafeteria exploded in applause. After that, every guy began planning a stunt to outdo the previous invitation. A few
The ride in the Lamborghini had my spirits soaring. How I love riding in this spectacular car with Victor. With my hair secured in a ponytail, I let the wind wash away any thoughts except my happiness at this moment.When he pulled into Alex’s driveway and glided to the mansion’s front entrance, I felt a swelling in my chest, and tears stung my eyes again.How I’ve missed this place where I had learned and changed into who I am now. It was home!I crossed my fingers and said a prayer that I would be allowed to stay.Many of the servants were waiting to greet me in the foyer. Their smiles when I walked in the door warmed my heart.“Good afternoon, Miss,” Benson said. He had his dignified butler face on, but his eyes smiled into mine. “Please follow me. Mr. Wilson is expecting you.”Benson led Victor and me into the living room, where Alex waited on the couch.“Daisy, my dear.” Alex stood and held out his arms. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart.”“I’ve missed you too.” I stepped into his emb
After waking in my bedroom at the mansion the next morning, I stretched and let my eyes absorb the familiar surroundings.I was home again!After climbing from the bed, I went into my bathroom and showered. It was wonderful to be using the familiar space.Every detail of my life was better than ever. I would never take anything for granted again.“What would you like to wear today, Miss?” Jennifer called from the bedroom.Jennifer and I had an emotional reunion the previous evening. After a tearful hug, she fussed for hours while unpacking and arranging my belongings until every item was placed where it had been before Olivia.I was glad to be back in Jennifer’s care, but I was pleased to learn Mrs. Carson still has her job keeping the apartment clean for the times when I needed to stay in the city.The arrangement would give her employment and plenty of time to read. I would stop by occasionally and trade her new books for some of her tasty home-baked cookies.Jennifer chattered abou
After my time spent alone in a high-rise apartment, I had a new appreciation for my life as Alex’s daughter. Everything would have been perfect if I wasn’t worried about hurting one of my good friends.I asked Victor to the prom on impulse after discovering he chose me over Olivia. And now Amy and I suspected William would soon ask me too.“There is no point in worrying about it until it happens,” I told myself as I signed myself out of school early. I didn’t want to think about it right now.Alex was waiting in the back of the limousine that would take us to Wilson, Inc. for the press conference Alex was giving in a half hour.He wanted to make an official statement about the lab error. A dinner was being held for our friends and family at the mansion that evening.“You look lovely, dearest,” Alex said as I joined him in the limo.“Thanks,” I said. “I changed into this dress for the press conference. Will I need to speak to them?”“Perhaps,” Alex replied. “There could be a question o
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