I almost missed some steps as I thought about William’s request.Although I didn’t know anyone who had undergone a rejection ceremony, I had heard of them. I wasn’t sure how the ritual worked or what I had to do. All I've heard about them is that they are painful.I felt guilty that William was willing to go through that to get over me and reclaim his life. Yet I couldn’t help who I loved.Deep in my heart and soul, I knew I wanted to be with Victor. I think I always did. I just didn’t realize it until recently. So it was only fair that I do anything I could to help William move on.“William, if you think a rejection ceremony will help you, we will do it,” I told him. “I’ll talk to Alex about having it at our home.”“Thank you, Daisy.” He looked into my eyes as we danced. “I want you to know I wish you and Victor much happiness together.”William’s words were sincere, but there was a deep sadness in his eyes that I could feel through Diana.Being near William and Mark had her feeling
“I just want to hold you, Daisy,” he said. “I know you well enough to know you aren’t ready for us to be intimate. That’s okay.”“Really?” I asked. “I don’t mean to be nervous, but you make me feel things. Things that my body wants that I don’t understand. It scares me a little.”I bit my lip as my face turned red. I couldn’t believe I said that to him.He kissed my hair. “Don’t be afraid. Someday, when you’re ready, we will explore what our bodies want from each other. But I promise I won’t rush you.”“I had no expectations when I offered to bring you here,” he added. “I want to hold you, sit quietly, and talk. I’ve missed you so much, Daisy.”I relaxed into his arms and put my head on his shoulder. “I’ve missed you too. Talking would be nice.”“Did you enjoy your prom?” he asked.“It was wonderful because I was with you,” I said. “It was a miracle when I saw you walk into the foyer wearing your tux.”“William made it happen. He is a good man,” he said. “As soon as he realized we bel
Jennifer woke me in the late morning the next day, and I hurried to get dressed and go downstairs to speak to Alex. I found him in his study.“Dearest, you just caught me,” Alex said. “ I was leaving for the association office.”“Can you spare a few minutes before you go?” I asked. “I need to talk to you about something important.”“If it’s important, the association can wait,” Alex declared. “What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”I explained to Alex about William needing the rejection ceremony and my willingness to go through with one even though Diana told me they could be dangerous.He was concerned, yet supportive. “A rejection ceremony can be dangerous, but I would rather you and William dissolve your bond since you have chosen Victor to be your mate.”“I believe it would be best for all three of us,” I said.“Are you talking about the rejection ceremony?” Victor asked as he walked into the room.“Yes,” I replied. “I talked to Diana and thought it over, and I believe we should procee
“Daisy, please don’t ask me to shift,” Diana begged. “I must help Mark get through the ritual. He is in agony.”As much as Diana was hurting, her thoughts were for Mark. It reminded me that not just my happiness was at stake.“Mark, you must believe me. Completing the ritual will end our pain,” she pleaded. “I’ll always treasure my bond with you. Please don’t spoil the memories I will have of us with violence. There will be another for you someday.”The priestess realized the danger. “Step back now, and continue to pray with me while I sever the bond,” she ordered Victor.After he returned to Alex’s side, she turned to me. “Daisy, do you wish this bond to be forever broken?”“Yes, I do,” I said.“William, do you wish to be free of this bond also?” the priestess asked.“Yes!” exploded from his mouth. His upturned features and bulging throat told me he was still struggling with Mark and his own pain. His efforts were impressive.The priestess took a sharp ritual blade from the leather p
Victor’s POVI saw Daisy follow William out of the dining room, but I was more curious than jealous. A different vibe came from both of them as we ate breakfast, which assured me the bond was broken.Plus, my bond with Daisy had strengthened as soon as the priestess cut the ceremonial cord. I was more attuned to her than ever before. I could feel she was nearby with William, and they were talking like good friends.“I’m glad the others left us alone,” Alex said. “There are things I need to discuss with you.”Alex had the footmen pour us another cup of coffee before asking for privacy.“Yes, sir,” they said and left the coffee urn within our reach and left the room.Taking a sip of the fragrant hot beverage, I waited to hear what Alex had to say.“I still plan on handing you the association's leadership soon,” Alex began.I tried to hide my surprise. I wasn’t expecting Alex to give up the leadership position now that he was getting well. Was there something going on with his health tha
Ever since the priestess broke my bond with William, my connection with Victor has become more intense. I can sense his moods without being in the same room, and I constantly crave his kisses and his touch on my skin.When he kissed me just moments ago, the sensations coursing through my body felt amazing. I didn’t want him to stop. I wanted him to show me what it was my body desperately desired.Eager to be alone with him, I rushed upstairs to pack for our trip.Going straight to my dresser, I began pulling out what I thought I would need. Jennifer had the rest of the day off, but I was sure I could manage to pack without her.“Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and nightgowns; what else should I pack?” I asked the empty room as I tossed the items I mentioned in my bed.“Swimming suits and a nice dress or two,” Diana said. “You’re going to the beach, and Victor will probably take you out to eat.”“You’re right,” I said and tossed two swimsuits onto the pile. Then I went to my closet and chose
Victor’s kisses drove me mad as his hand ran up and down my side. It moved closer to my left breast with each slow stroke.Shivering with anticipation when his fingers brushed over the side of my breast, I wanted to guide his hand to its target. But I didn’t dare.Again, even more slowly, Victor’s hand moved closer to my breast. I held my breath, desperately wanting him to touch it.My breath came out in a hiss of ecstasy when his palm finally kneaded the soft flesh. After opening my mouth wider, he began to suck on my tongue while his fingers rolled my nipple between them.Pleasure swirled through me, and I moaned, “Oh, yes.”Through our bond, I knew he was feeling the same as me. It made me want more from him, yet I didn’t know how to get it.He pulled me tightly against him and groaned. “It’s not quite time for more yet, my love,” he whispered. “Anticipation will make it even better.”That’s when I felt his hardness against my belly again, and I pulled back. Was that big, thick pil
Victor carried me into the master bedroom and placed me on the bed.I shivered with nervousness and anticipation while watching his magnificent male body as he lit the gas fireplace, got some from his suitcase, and turned down the lights before lying on his side next to me.My heart was pounding at the intense light in his eyes.“I love you, Daisy,” he said and ran a finger over my cheek.I took his hand and kissed it. “And I love you.”He put a hand on my stomach. “Tell me if you get scared or want me to stop, okay?”“I will,” I said. My nervousness was ramping up, and I wished he would kiss me.He read my mind. He leaned over, and his lips met mine. They were warm and firm, and they tasted like the salt air. They made me tingle again in all the right places, making my desire for him more potent than fear.I sighed with pleasure when he began a gentle exploration of my body, starting with my belly and breasts. He caressed and gently squeezed the soft globes until my nipples stood ere