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
My stomach twisted, and my mouth went dry as I looked from William to Victor. One of them was going to be hurt, and I was the one who would inflict their pain.I felt the sting of tears in my eyes as I shook my head. Alex was right. It wasn’t fair to make them wait for my answer, yet I couldn’t decide.“I can’t choose right now,” I insisted. “This is a big decision that will affect the rest of our lives. Please understand that I need more time.”“Daisy, I do understand,” Alex said. “But you must try to come to a decision as soon as you can. It’s unfair to William and Victor to keep them waiting much longer.”The two younger Alpha males groaned, causing Alex to give them a stern glance.“Daisy has requested a little more time to think, and she will have it,” he declared. “Unless one of you wishes to bow out of her consideration?”“No,” the young males said in unison. They looked at each other with jealousy before Victor sat beside Alex and accepted a drink.William began to approach me
Victor’s POVI promised Daisy to tell the truth from now on and hide nothing from her. However, total honesty could make me lose the woman I love. But I made her a promise that I had to keep.“I’ll tell you what happened that made Alex test me, but please give me a chance to explain why it happened,” I said.She sat closer to me. “Okay, I’m listening, but it better be the truth.”“We need to work on trust along with honesty,” I mumbled.Daisy heard me. “I agree with that, and we’ll work on being more trustful. But for now, please tell me what you did to make Alex test you.”“I went to some bars and got drunk,” I told her. It was the truth, just not the entire truth.“Why would you getting drunk make Alex doubt your affection for me?” I heard the doubt in her tone. “There must be more to it than that.”It was harder than I thought it would be to tell Daisy what Alex saw when he walked into Moon Glow that night. I was ashamed of myself for acting the way I did, even if I had a reason fo
William’s POVI hope I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure Daisy will choose Victor. Even though I denied it to myself, I’ve always thought they had an intense chemistry between them.You can see it whenever they are together. There’s a spark that burns brighter when they are close to each other.Yet, neither would ever admit it. Daisy always insisted they were just good friends. But a guy doesn’t do the things that Victor has done for Daisy unless he cares a great deal for her.“You have a good chance to be her mate,” my wolf told me. “She has been more physical lately, touching you and letting you kiss her.”“Yeah, I thought we were getting close. I thought I was going to be her mate. She’s changed so much since the days she spent staring at me in werewolf history class.”“You should call her,” Mark insisted. “You need to talk to her before it’s too late.”“She wants time alone to think,” I said. “She may get mad if I call her.”“It’s only a phone call,” Mark argued. “If she doesn’t want t
William had gone to a lot of trouble to invite me to the prom. His invitation included many of my favorite things. It showed me how well he knew me.It was a sweet, romantic gesture that should have thrilled me. A short time ago, it would have. But all I could think of was how I was going to tell Victor I couldn’t go to the prom with him.The look in William’s eyes was filled with hope. I couldn’t say no, especially with everyone watching us from the crowded doorways.“Yes, William,” I said loud enough for all to hear. “I will be your prom date.”William grinned from across the table. “Thank you for making me the happiest guy in the world.”“You’re welcome,” I said as I tried to smile back.“Have a taco,” William said. “I got them from the place you like.”I managed a slight smile and took a taco from the platter. It had a D made of tomato on it from the word date. The taco smelled delicious, but I doubted I could eat it.Yet, I managed a few bites after word spread that I said yes to
Hoping for an answer, I backed away from Victor, went to the window, and looked out over the city. I never should have said yes to William’s prom invitation after asking Victor first.Now I had to pick one of them to be my escort. Having two Alpha males show up at my door on prom night would be a disaster.Clearing my mind, I recalled the hopelessness and fear of the moments when I laid alongside the road, too weak and dizzy to get up. Then the memory of strong arms picking me up from the gravel alongside the road flashed through my mind.The Goddess was reminding me of how good and caring William is and that he was her choice for my mate. To choose Victor as my prom date was unthinkable.William saved my life, and he was the Goddess’s choice. He must also be mine.“Victor, there is something you need to know,” I said, thinking it would be best to get it over with quickly. But the words didn’t want to come from my mouth.“Um, William in …invited me to the …the prom today and …and I ac
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