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
William’s POVI had to leave Alex’s mansion before I broke my promise to Daisy and revealed what I swore to keep secret.When Daisy confided in me that her engagement to Victor was fake and it was only to get him Alex’s job with the Alpha Association, I believed her.But now I wasn’t sure what was the truth of her relationship with Victor.Victor must have grown true feelings for Daisy. I understood how easy it would be to fall for her, but it put everything I had been hoping for in jeopardy.I had planned on asking them if we could speak privately after the dinner. Daisy and Victor needed to know what I had discovered in my investigation of Olivia.They needed to know there was much more to the story of the ‘lab error’ than they knew. But now I wanted to get away from the dinner party before I said things I would regret.I need to think. I wanted Daisy to be happy, even if that meant her being with Victor. It was a good thing I hadn’t had a chance to ask her to our prom. She was prob
My mind seemed frozen, and I felt dizzy as William knelt before me, waiting for my answer. But his proposal had me confused and frightened. There was no way I could give him an answer right now.My mind was still trying to absorb the news that Victor chose me over Alex’s job at the Association.Then William dropped the bomb on me that Alex and Benson had plotted to temporarily replace me with Olivia for some mysterious reason.William had to be mistaken. Why would they do something like that?There was no way I could think clearly enough to accept or reject his proposal. But I had to explain myself in a way that wouldn’t crush his feelings. Despite being a jock, William was a sweet, sensitive guy.“Daisy, say something,” William pleaded as he looked into my eyes. “Did you understand everything I said?”I wasn’t being coy. I had no answer for William. I expected a promposal, and I received a marriage proposal instead. Everything being thrown at me at once had me dazed.William deserved
Victor’s sudden appearance in the room startled me, and I responded instinctively. “Nothing important,” I said. “We were just talking.”I instantly regretted my lie when Victor studied first me and then William with an intense gaze. Something was making him unusually suspicious.“We were discussing the prom,” William said, which was true. “You know, The formal dance our school throws every spring for seniors like Daisy and me.”William was joking, but I wondered if there wasn’t another message for Victor in his words. Victor thought so, too.“Despite my advanced age, I know what the prom is,” Victor said with a wry smile.“I was just kidding. Twenty-five isn’t old,” William said. “Who did you take to your prom? You never mentioned having a girlfriend in high school.”“I dated many girls in high school, but there wasn’t anybody special. And I went stag to the prom,” he replied before looking into my eyes. “Are you sure that's all you were talking about?”I squirmed inwardly under his s
My face was glowing with the heat of embarrassment and shame. Alex finding out about my secret agreement with Victor was something I feared would happen since I made the deal.The look of disbelief in his eyes made me want to cry. But I helped make this mess, so I had to deal with the consequences. The pact I made with myself today to be more truthful was important to me, and I must live up to it.“Yes, Victor and I spoke shortly after I moved into the mansion with you,” I confessed. “We agreed to pretend to be engaged until we each got what we wanted.”“It was my fault and my idea, Alex,” Victor insisted. “I approached Daisy soon after you discovered she was your daughter.”I was amazed by the way Victor was shifting the blame onto himself.He sighed deeply and continued. “When Daisy told me she would only marry for love, I came up with the idea to fake our engagement because I wanted to be the leader of the Alpha Association.”Victor’s voice softened. “But then I spent time with her
I tried to block out everything so I could think. But I could still feel three pairs of eyes on me as I tried to decide which of the two incredible Alpha males I wanted for my mate.How could I pick one of them over the other?They were both everything a girl could want in a mate. They were thoughtful, intelligent, fun, successful, virile, and handsome.They have been my friends, mentors, and companions, and they would do anything for me. I didn’t want to lose either one's friendship.By choosing one, I would hurt the other. How could I do that to William or Victor?Closing my eyes, I let the memories of the good times with my two Alphas flow through my mind.I will never forget the dance lessons with Victor. Those lessons did more than teach me how to move across the dance floor. They gave me confidence and pride in myself, two things I had always lacked.Dancing with Victor was a phenomenal experience. The way his body moved to the music was mesmerizing, and he inspired me to match
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