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
After walking across the campus to the Kensington Building, I found Dr. Clark’s office on the second floor. The door was open, so I knocked on the frame.“Come in,” Dr. Clark called out, although I couldn’t see her.I stepped inside and looked around the room at the personal touches and mementos my Ethics professor kept in her office. Photos of children and humorous knickknacks covered the shelves near her desk.A worn couch and chair were in front of the desk. A knitting basket embroidered with smiling cats sat on one end of the sofa. But I still didn’t see Dr. Clark.Suddenly, she popped up from the floor on the other side of the desk. The designer dress she wore to teach her class had been replaced with jeans and a sweatshirt.“You’re Daisy Wilson, aren’t you?” she asked as she bent over and picked up a cushion from the floor.“Yes, ma’am,” I replied.She put the cushion on top of a filing cabinet. “I’ve been told to keep an eye on you and report any agitating speech. The college a
The note stayed on my mind all the way home to the apartment. After I pulled into the garage, I read it aloud.“You should be ashamed of yourself! Drop out and go to school somewhere else where they don’t mind being in classes with a Beta-lover like you.”Why was I receiving this much hate for pointing out a lack of diversity? I was disappointed in my fellow students. How did young people become this intolerant of others?But it wasn’t going to scare me away or make me stop writing my report.I went upstairs to the apartment and made myself an iced coffee before sitting down at my computer.The email from Dr. Clark was waiting for me. I downloaded the files and began reading the data.Dr. Clark kept track of her student’s grades, attendance, and whether they graduated or not. The university divided them by their class: Alpha, Beta, Omega, or hybrid, and their age and their family’s income.I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Dr. Clark's records went back ten years. The discriminatio
After tossing and turning for hours last night, I finally fell asleep before Victor came to bed. So, I let him sleep while I got ready for my day.He awoke as I was gathering my things before going out the door.He jumped from the bed and rubbed his eyes. “What time is it?”“You’ve got over an hour to get to work,” I replied. “I’m leaving early this morning. I promised I’d stop by Archer Manor to see the finished renovations on my way to school.”He yawned. “I forgot the shelter’s opening is tonight.”“You can skip it if you’re too tired.” I kissed his cheek. “Amy will understand.”“The mayor expects me to be there,” Victor said through another yawn. “The shelter is important to the city. I’ll come home early this afternoon and take a nap.”“That’s a good idea,” I told him. “I just started a fresh pot of coffee to get you through the morning. See you this afternoon, darling.”I kissed him again before going down to the garage and getting into my car.Crossing my fingers, I looked upwa
I struggled to maintain a cool head and thought of an appropriate joke to tell the class.Amy was the one to tell jokes. She told me hundreds all through grade school. Why couldn’t I think of one now?It didn’t matter if it was funny or not. Professor Barns would say it wasn’t as amusing as his, no matter what joke I told.“Well, we’re waiting, Miss Wilson,” Professor Barns said.I stood and faced him.“Respectfully, Professor Barns, I’m not doing it,” I said. “I’m here to learn, not to tell jokes. I’m sure there are others in this room who feel the same way.”There was a brief burst of applause that was quelled by Professor Barns shouting at me, “Sit down!”I did, and he gave me a last glare before returning to his podium.It was hard to concentrate for a while after the lecture began. Not all of the students were on my side. Many of them gave me cold stares and whispered behind their hands.I was very uncomfortable throughout the lesson, and I doubted I’d ever be able to enjoy the c
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