After Victor left for work, I looked through the photos and videos I had taken the previous night.Victor was right about the amateurish appearance of the ghost in the hallway. Instead of floating freely in the middle of the hall, it looked projected onto the wall.The groans were probably a recording. As I played the video over, I noticed the sounds seemed to be on a loop. It was five different eerie groans that played over and over.I decided to discreetly examine the areas of the Manor where the supposed ghostly events happened.Saying nothing to anyone and avoiding the others, I visited each spot where paranormal activity occurred.Starting in the room where Amy saw the melting ghost in the closet. I looked for evidence of trickery and recorded my findings with my phone.By the time I examined the far end of the second floor and the room on the third floor where we all heard the noises, I had my answer.I took more photos of the ceiling and pocketed an object I found on the floor
I left Archer Manor after everything was ready and before Aaron and Alfred returned. I was confident our ghost didn’t know about the cameras and silent alarms now in place at the Manor.After running more errands, I was eager to get back and wait for the ghost’s return. Amy’s ghost problem would soon be over.I strolled into the Manor a few moments after Amy and Heather. We were trying to hide our excitement from Aaron and Alfred. But it was difficult for us to act normally as it came closer to the time when we would unmask the ghost.Even Justin and Victor had sly smiles on their handsome faces when they arrived. Andrew got there shortly after them to dine with us.“This roast is superb,” Andrew told Alfred, who was waiting on the table this evening instead of eating with us.“Thank you, sir,” Alfred responded. He stood stiffly near the sideboard while he listened to our conversation. I thought we were putting in a good act.“I hope we get more sleep tonight,” Amy said. “Seeing that
I could feel Victor’s angst, and my heart was breaking for him. He was being sabotaged by an enemy that he couldn’t see or fight against, and it was costing him his life’s work.Plus, Victor’s views had changed since we met. He now understood the discrimination and injustices that the Betas and Omegas faced, and he was willing to be a solid ally to help create new laws that would make things fair for all.How could I let the faction win?But I promised Alex and Cassidy that I wouldn’t say anything to Victor until they returned from Virople, and they were leaving today.I would tell Victor that I needed to say goodbye and go to the mansion at first light. Alex had to let me warn Victor how the faction was spying on him before it was too late.Victor took me in his arms. “I didn’t mean to upset you, my love. I sense you want to say something to me, but you’re afraid of something.”“I love you, Victor,” I said. “I want to help you defeat this enemy.”He kissed my hair. “I know, sweethear
“They’re wearing hoodies,” I said. “It’s hard to see their faces.”Cassidy pointed out a small device in one of the men’s hands. “They’re recording what’s being said in Victor’s office.”“This situation is intolerable,” Alex declared. “We must accomplish our mission and return as soon as possible.”“I’m printing out the images of these men,” Cassidy said. “I’m leaving the printouts with Benson and the memory cards in Alex’s safe.”“I promise to remain quiet about this unless the faction tries something even worse,” I said.“If you must tell him, call me first,” Alex said. “You could be putting us in danger, and we should leave Virople immediately.”I hadn't thought of that. “I promise to call you first.” After hugging Alex and Cassidy goodbye, I left the mansion to pick up Amy.Our first semester of college began soon, and we wanted new clothes for the occasion.“How’s things at Archer Manor?” I asked as Amy climbed into the passenger seat of my car.She grinned. “Ghost-free and peace
Amy took my hand and led me out of the store. “Give me your key fob,” she insisted. “You’re too upset to drive. I’ve never seen anyone turn so pale.”She was right. So I handed the fob to her and got into the passenger seat.“I can’t believe it,” I groaned as I put on the seatbelt. “Get us out of here before Chloe sees me cry.”But it was too late. Chloe came out of the jewelry store with a colorful carry bag that I knew contained the necklace and earrings that she bought with my fiancé’s credit card.She looked into my face and gave me her smug smile. I nodded at her cooly while gripping the edge of the car seat.“Want to tell me about it?” Amy asked.“Chloe used Victor’s platinum card to buy that necklace and earring set,” I said. It sounded worse coming out of my mouth, and I began to cry harder.“Daisy, are you sure it was Victor’s card?” Amy asked. “One company’s credit card looks like all the others.”“I saw his name on it, and the account number was his,” I replied. “Why would
I stared at the box covered with silver and gold foil paper and shook my head in disbelief.“You got me a gift to commemorate the day I threw up on you,” I said. He must be feeling guilty.“It was the best day of my life.” Victor reached across the table and took my hand. “It was the day I met my fated mate, my best friend, and the love of my life.”My lips quivered, and I began to feel guilty. I hadn’t realized that day had been a year ago today. So much had changed. I had changed.“Open it,” Victor said.“But I don’t have anything for you,” I objected.He squeezed my hand. “I have you. That’s all I want.”I gave him a weak smile and pulled my hand back so I could open Victor’s gift. But my hands were shaky, and it took me a moment to get the paper off.When I saw what was beneath the wrapping paper, I began to laugh and cry at the same time.It was a box from the jewelry store where Amy and I saw Chloe. I slowly opened the box, knowing what I would find inside.Victor wasn’t cheatin
I changed my clothes three times before settling on the jeans and sage green top I had on first. The only jewelry I wore was the moonstone pendant and my engagement ring.It was my first day of classes at Frampton U, and I was excited and nervous.The only thing that would make this day better was if Amy was going with me. Yet, she seemed happy enough to attend school with Justin at the city college.My hands shook as I gathered my things and went down to the garage to get into my car.My first class was in two hours, but I had to go to the campus bookstore for textbooks, and I wanted to explore a little.That wouldn’t be a problem since the campus was a fifteen-minute drive if I took the highway. So I had plenty of time.It felt like the kind of day I should savor. The memories of attending such a prestigious school would stay with me for life.The drive was pleasant. I took my time, enjoying the sun on my face that shone from a bright blue sky, and the air was still warm and soft. I
I couldn’t believe this was happening. I’d done nothing wrong. Maybe the provost wanted to discuss something else with me. In any case, it wouldn’t be good to make them wait.Getting up from the table, I shot a look across the cafeteria at Cara, but she was speaking to an older woman in a similar uniform as hers and wasn’t looking in my direction.But everyone else stared at me as I made my way to the exit.The Morefield Building was on the other side of the campus, near the library and bookstore. It would have been a pleasant walk if my stomach wasn’t twisted into knots.The phrase ‘suspended or expelled’ played like a drumbeat in my head as I walked along on the neatly edged sidewalks to the main offices of the school.Inside the Morefield Building, I followed the signs to the University Provost's office and told the secretary I was there.“Please sit down,” the secretary said. “Provost Shires will be with you as soon as possible.”“But I have a class in a half hour,” I objected.Wh
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