The police dug up Deirdre’s remains the next day. They found her exactly where Pat said she would be. After the autopsy, Victor arranged for the police to expedite the release of the remains to Andrew for a proper burial.The services for Deirdre were scheduled for the morning of Victor’s ascension ceremony rehearsal and the dinner afterward.Amy, Mr. Gray, and Justin returned from the beach immediately after Amelia and Pat were arrested. Amy was at Archer Manor holding Andrew’s hand when the police told him they had found Deirdre under the garage floor.Victor and I attended the private memorial at Andrew’s church and the graveside service at a little cemetery on a hill that faced east.“Deirdre loved to watch the sunrise,” Andrew told Amy after the last prayers were said over the coffin.“Then I think she would like this place,” Amy said. “It’s pretty and peaceful.” She hugged Andrew tightly. “She is finally at peace. It’s time for you to move forward with your life.”Andrew put his
I left Victor asleep in my bed at the mansion. He had a tough time sleeping the previous night, and he would get through the day better with a little more rest.I dressed in jeans and drank a cup of coffee on the balcony while I waited for him to wake up. When he didn’t, I went downstairs to the morning room without him.I took my place at the table across from Alex. Benson placed a glass of juice in front of me, and I wished them both good morning.“Good morning, dearest,” Alex said. “Where’s Victor?”“He had a restless night, so I let him sleep in,” I replied. “Where’s Cassidy?”“She had some personal business to attend to,” Alex replied. “She’ll be back in plenty of time to accompany us to the ceremony.”“It’s too bad she couldn’t make it to the rehearsal or dinner yesterday,” I said. “She would have enjoyed the art and history of the Association Complex.”Alex smiled and sipped his coffee. “She’s seen it. I’ve taken her there several times for the full tour. She promised to resear
Life was going our way. Victor was the Leader of the Association, and I was starting classes at Frampton University in two weeks!I had to go shopping for new jeans and tops. A silk designer dress would be out of place as I walked through the quad.But today, I promised to walk through Archer Manor with Amy. We wanted to make notes about any changes and ideas we had to convert the enormous old mansion into a place for homeless Betas and Omegas to start over.I drove to Lycan Square and parked in front of the manor. I spotted Amy and climbed from my car to meet her at the manor’s front door.“It’s still creepy,” Amy said. “How do I fix creepy?”“Paint it a lighter color?” I suggested. But the bad vibes seemed to emanate from the core of the house. Paint couldn’t cover that.But I didn’t want to discourage Amy from her mission. Her idea to turn this place into something positive must become a reality. A homeless shelter and employment training center were needed in Denhurst.We climbed
Heather waited on me when I returned to the little restaurant the next morning. While I was ordering coffee and a pastry, she recognized me.“Daisy Wilson, how are you,” she said.“I’m good, Heather. How are you?”She shrugged. “Okay, I guess. I’m looking forward to starting classes next week at Denhurst College. I love to learn.”“What’s your major?” I inquired.“Pre-law,” the pretty Beta replied.“You’ll make a great lawyer,” I told her. “I was going to study law too, but a friend talked me into journalism.”I looked around at the mostly empty restaurant. I deliberately arrived during the slower time between breakfast and lunch.“I’m practicing my investigative skills with a story I think needs to be brought to everyone’s attention,” I said. “I’d like to speak to you briefly about it.”Heather checked her watch. “I can take my break in five minutes. I’ll check on my tables, grab a cup of tea, and be right back.”Heather warmed up my coffee and returned with more pastries.“What did
I slowly opened the hidden door to see what was on the other side.Like the walls, the door was made of heavy granite, cut to fit between the columns, and perfectly balanced, making it easy to open and close after the lock was disengaged.The short section of the hallway on the other side of the door was in shadow. Farther on, there was a T-junction about twenty feet into the tunnel. Light was shining from around both corners.The walls, ceilings, and floor of the passage were granite. The space looked dry and a little dusty, but the air was clear and breathable.Excitement buzzed through my veins as my mind tried to absorb what was before me. I heard stories about the Ivory Column Passages all my life.Six of the tunnels led throughout and beneath the complex, making it possible for the highest-ranking members of the Association to move around the buildings without being seen.The Association claimed the six passages had stopped being used a century ago and were sealed off.But peopl
I turned off my light and shivered in the darkness. But if a terrifying beast lives down here, it could probably see in the dark.The whispering got louder. It sounded like words coming from human throats, but I couldn’t understand what they were saying.I had to get out of here. But how?In total darkness, I began to move along the room's walls. Maybe there was another door to a different passage or a way out.“Ouch,” I yelped when I bumped my head on something.After staying still a moment to see if the whispering thing was coming closer, I examined the object I bumped my head on with my hands.It felt like a heavy wooden ladder. Why would there be a ladder in the corner of the room?Unless ….I was under the complex. A ladder must be for climbing up. Maybe it was a way out through the ceiling.I turned my light on again and saw the sturdy ladder leaning against the wall, the top near a wooden square that resembled a trapdoor in the high ceiling.The whispering had stopped, but I hu
The traffic was light, and I made it to the mansion in less than twenty minutes. I parked near the garage and hurried inside.Benson was waiting for me in the foyer.“Miss Woodward is waiting in the sitting room,” he told me. “I’ve brought her tea and cookies.”“Thank you, Benson,” I said. “Will you tell my father I’ll need to speak to him when I finish with Heather?”“Of course, Miss Wilson,” Benson replied. “Please let me know if you need anything else.”I gave him a smile and hurried into the sitting room.Heather jumped to her feet when she saw me. “How could you do it, Daisy?” Tears welled in her eyes. “I knew I shouldn’t have told you anything.”I shook my head. “Heather, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”“Then how did they know I spoke to you?” she snapped. Her body trembled with anger while tears flowed down her cheeks.I sat on the sofa and urged her to sit next to me. “Please tell me what happened, Heather. Maybe I can help.”Heather remained standing and crossed her
I rechecked the results and came to the same conclusion. The language on the boxes was that of the people of a country near our world’s equator.It was a tropical paradise whose indigenous people preferred to be left alone by more civilized nations. Their chief exports were sugar and what the words on the box meant in their language.The strange words on the boxes meant fresh lemons.Why would there be boxes of lemons stored deep underground beneath the Association Complex, and who put them there?And what about the ancient gravestones set into the floor in the room where the lemons were stored?I hadn’t mentioned the boxes or the gravestones to Cassidy or Alex. I wanted to do this research first. Now, I wondered if it was a coincidence that they suddenly wanted to depart on a tropical vacation.Next, I put graves and the Association Complex into my computer’s search bar.A few dozen results came up. I clicked on the first one.It was similar to one of the articles Amy and I would hav
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