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
I loved Victor even more for the proper marriage proposal, but my emotions were being overloaded.Images of my future flashed through my mind. I wanted to go to a good university and have a career helping people. Wilson Inc. also needed me to oversee the new business model.I had many goals that were important to me. Yet, I still wanted to be Victor’s wife and mate. I couldn’t be without him ever again.He sat back in his haunches, his face a mask of concern and confusion. “Daisy? Say something, sweetheart.”I burst into tears. “I …I love you too,” I sobbed. “So much. But I don’t want to get married yet.”“I wasn’t planning on dragging you down the aisle tomorrow,” Victor teased. “But I wanted you to know how I feel about you.”He stood and pulled me into his arms. “I need you to know I’m in this relationship forever.”“Don’t let the other playboys hear you,” I said with a watery giggle. “They’ll kick you out of the Playboy Union.”He tossed his head back and laughed. “My playboy days
“I’ll tell you what happened,” Mr. Gray said. “But you mustn’t say anything to Amy yet.”“I won’t,” I promised.I heard Mr. Gray groan. I could tell his memories were painful. But he began telling his story.“During the first years of our marriage, my wife worked for a family of wealthy Alphas. There was a widowed Luna, her son and daughter-in-law, a grandson, and two granddaughters who lived in the family’s ancestral mansion.”“Who were they?” I asked.“The Archers,” he replied.“I wonder if I’ve met them,” I said.“Probably, all you Alphas seem to know each other,” he replied.“Anyhow,” he continued. “My Brenna was a maid there for over three years when she went to work early one morning and found a newborn baby girl in a canvas tote bag on the backdoor stoop.”“Somebody left a baby in a tote bag?” I repeated. “How could someone do that?”“There was a note addressed to the grandson, Andrew Archer III, pinned to the baby’s blanket,” Mr. Gray said. “Young Andrew, or Andy, had a reputa
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