Tony and Findlay were with Lucy when I arrived at her home. The poor woman was frantic. I understood her feelings about having her home violated again.“I slept well all night,” Lucy told me as she sat in her living room next to Tony. “But when I got up and went to the kitchen this morning, my statuette of Lycaon was missing from the display case in the hall.”She began twisting a tissue in her hands. “That figurine was found in a mountain cave by my great-great-grandfather. It can’t be replaced.”I spotted Buddy in the backyard and forced back a smile at his doggie antics.“And you’re sure the doors were bolted?” I asked.“Yes,” I double-checked before bed, and as soon as I saw it was gone. And Buddy was sleeping at the foot of my bed, and he never moved or barked.”“Daisy,” Tony said. “Buddy barks at me when I use my key to enter the house. Strangely, he didn’t alert Mom to an intruder.”The dog appeared in the living room when Tony said his name. He came to me and sniffed my hand b
The fire company arrived moments after I did and put out the fire before the Mercedes exploded.But the car Alex gave me for my graduation was destroyed.I held back my tears as a group of reporters demanded I make a statement and ran back toward the store to call Benson for a ride home.Joe arrived quickly in the limousine. I was surprised to see Benson riding in the passenger seat.“Are you alright, Miss?” he asked as he rushed out of the limo and chased away the reporters with a stern look and a wave of his hand.I nodded in answer and lost the fight with my tears.Benson helped me into the backseat of the limousine with the shopping bags I had forgotten I was holding.“I arranged to have your car towed back to the estate,” he told me. “I’m sure Mr. Klein will want someone to go over it for evidence.”“Evidence of what?” a reporter asked behind him.“Arson is a crime, and eavesdropping is extremely rude,” Benson informed the reporter before climbing into the car next to me and clos
Victor’s POV“Daisy, fighting this will just make it worse and keep it alive longer,” I explained. “People are going to believe what they want no matter what we say.”“You are underestimating the situation,” she argued. “We need to do something. I can’t even turn my phone on without getting nasty prank calls, and somebody roasted my car!”I tried to put my arms around her, but she pulled away from me. “Sweetheart, giving it air will keep it going.”“You’re going to wait until it’s too late,” Daisy said, her eyes flashing with anger. “Are you paying attention to what’s happening to us?”She turned and put her hands on my chest. “They want to take the leadership away from you. They hound me wherever I go and on TV and in the newspapers. We must do something!”Her incredible green eyes pleaded with mine, and I knew I’d lost the argument.But perhaps she was right.I kissed her and headed for the door.“Where are you going?” she called after me.“I need to think,” I replied and went out t
Daisy’s POV“You were right,” Victor admitted. He arrived at the mansion a few minutes ago and was taking off his suit to get ready for bed.I sat up on my side of the big bed. “I don’t care about being right. All I wanted was for us to be on the same page and fight this threat to our lives together.”Victor unbuttoned his white shirt. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to see it. Now we only have six weeks, or the council will replace me and repeal the new college admissions laws.”“Six weeks is plenty of time,” I assured him. “And the council agreed to stand behind you while we work to uncover the identity of our foe. That is good news.”He kissed me before sitting on the edge of the bed to remove his trousers. “I’m truly sorry, my love, I didn't take your advice before. I don’t know what made me think a huge problem of this type would disappear.”“I understand why,” I said. “We have had too many obstacles to our happiness. I’m also tired of having to fight these threats constantly.”
I knew as I followed the man to the back door how he was getting inside Lucy’s home. It hadn’t been a dog I heard squeezing through Buddy’s door.It was a wolf.Why hadn’t I thought of it before? If a large dog like Buddy could squeeze through the dog door, so could a small wolf.Without making a sound, I reached the bottom of the stairs. I stayed close to the foyer's walls to keep the man from spotting me and made my way to the kitchen.Peeking around the doorway, I saw what I expected.I took several photos of the neighbor pushing the vase through the dog door before shifting. As planned, he was leaving with the decoy vase. We could track the vase with the GPS tracker and tell the police.But before the wolf put his head through the dog door, a sound behind me made him turn. Amy had followed me downstairs. Her surprise at seeing the small wolf made her gasp.The wolf bared his teeth and snarled at us. But his small size made him no problem for Amy and me, especially if we shifted to
“It must be important, or you wouldn’t be calling me,” I heard Shane say. “Can you give me a hint about what it’s about?”“Daisy and I are staying at Alex’s mansion while he’s away on a cruise,” Victor said. Why don’t you come for dinner, and we’ll discuss it? We’ll wait for you and dine when you get here.”“I’ll be there soon,” Shane agreed. “I’m ten minutes away.”“You want Shane to write the story of the antiquities thefts,” I guessed. “Do you think the newspapers will print it if he does?”“They print every word Shane writes,” Victor replied. “But we will see what he thinks.”“Shane may not want to take on the story,” I said. I didn’t want to start trouble for him. He had a promising career ahead of him.“We can ask,” Victor said and kissed my hand.I was glad Victor thought of asking Shane to correct the TV news report. It was past time Victor and I fought back.An article telling the truth about how the thief was caught would be a beginning. And with Shane’s name on it, there wa
Benson was smiling while he poured our coffee the next morning. “If you don’t mind me saying so, Miss, it’s good to see the truth about you being reported instead of lies or distortions.”Victor and I exchanged a warm look before I thanked Benson for his kind words.I had spent a passionate evening with myhandsome and virile fiancé and slept as well as he had predicted.We were both feeling refreshed and happy. The article Shane wrote about me was a bonus to our blissful morning.After my first sip of delicious coffee, I unfolded The Gazette and placed it in front of me, grinning at the spread across the bottom of the first page.Besides the copy Shane emailed to us last night, the newspaper had printed three photos. Two were photos I took of the burglar after he stole the decoy vase and was trying to leave the house.In the first, I captured the neighbor pushing the vase through the dog door, and then the second showed his wolf as he was trying to escape through the same dog door.T
I couldn’t believe my ears. Would John Cameron ever get out of my life and leave us alone?His quest for wealth and power was ruining many more lives than just mine.“He must be stopped,” I said to myself, but Victor and Jayden nodded in agreement.“Jayden, try to narrow down the location of the faction’s headquarters,” Victor requested. “I like to know where my enemy is at all times.”“I’m on it,” he replied. “I planted a man within the faction. He’s being trusted more each day. I’ll contact you as soon as I know more.”We thanked him, and Jayden left. Numbly, we went inside and sat silently in the living room.“Every time we think the situation is under control, we find out the opposite is true,” I grumbled. “It’s too much. I’m tired of constantly fighting a foe.”Victor pulled me close to his side. “We need to take a little break from it. Maybe we need to stay here by ourselves and not watch TV or read the newspapers.”“Just for the weekend,” I agreed. “It may recharge our energy.”
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