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
“Dad, get the women and Mayor Pratt away from the windows,” Victor told Harry before turning to Heather. “Please take the family to the rec room to finish their meal.”Heather nodded and led the family out of the room.“Benson, can we put something against the windows in case they throw anything else?” Victor asked.The way he stayed calm and protected the most vulnerable among us was a sign of a true leader and another reason why I loved him.“I’ll check, sir,” Benson said and hurried from the room.Amy was determined to go outside and face the mob. She pulled her arm from my grasp and headed for the front door.“Amy, no,” I said as I tried to stop her from going outside. Something had set the crowd off, and they were getting far too dangerous.“I have to do something, Daisy,” Amy insisted. “Did you see the terror on those kid’s faces? They deserve safety and comfort.”“I agree,” I said. “But let the police deal with the protesters. They stepped over the line by breaking your windows
Why would John Cameron’s son suddenly try to cause problems for my best friend?John deserved to be in prison for what he did. Yet, it was likely Josh Cameron felt like he was avenging his father in some twisted way.“How cowardly to go after your friend’s homeless shelter,” Victor said.“Being a pathetic bully must run in their family,” I said.Victor took my hand. “It’s a good thing John is still in prison.”“But he isn’t in prison, Mr. Klein,” the cop said. John Cameron disappeared from prison two weeks ago. We discovered he bought off his guards, and they let him stroll out the door.”“Why wasn’t I told about this?” Victor demanded. “John Cameron had a grudge against my fiancée and myself. We should have been notified immediately when he escaped.”“I hope the guards have been punished,” Mayor Pratt said. “Some people will do anything for money.”“I’m afraid they disappeared with him,” the detective said. “We know they left the country by private jet bound for Virople.”My stomach
Alex called at noon the next day. I was relieved to know he and Cassidy were home safely.“I want you and Victor to come to dinner tonight,” he said. “Be here around five, and we’ll have that talk you’ve been wanting to have with him first.”“I’m nervous,” I admitted. “Will you help me make him understand why I didn’t tell him before this?”“Don’t worry, sweetheart. When I tell him everything, he will understand and be glad you kept the secret,” Alex assured me.“Was your trip successful?” I asked.“Yes and no?” Alex replied. “I’ll tell you and Victor all about it later this afternoon,”“Okay,” I agreed, wondering what that meant. “We will see you then.”I hung up and went to the kitchen counter with my laptop and sat on a stool. I would work on my report until it was time to go to the mansion.I had gotten a few of my questionnaires back overnight. Every one of them told the same story.They were discouraged from applying to colleges by their high schools and then rejected when they
We arrived at the mansion and went inside. Alex and Cassidy were waiting for us in the foyer. Their voices were welcoming, but their expressions were strained.When Alex and I embraced, he whispered, “Stay calm. Victor will understand.”I nodded and moved to greet Cassidy. “It’s good to see you home,” I told her.“It’s good to be home,” she responded.“Let’s go into the living room,” Alex said. “Benson, have all of the staff left yet?”“Only myself and the cook are on your property,” Benson replied. “She won’t leave the kitchen while making dinner, and I’ll stand guard outside the living room door.”“Excellent,” Alex said. “Come, Victor and Daisy, we have much to discuss with you.”Victor took my hand as we walked back the long hallway. “What is going on?” he whispered.“Wait for Alex to explain,” I said. “I don’t know nearly as much as he does.”“You can’t even give me a hint?” he said.I shook my head and put a finger to my lips. Victor would know soon enough.We filed into the livi
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