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 rolled over in the darkness and reached for Victor, but his side of the bed was empty. Looking outside, I saw it wasn’t dawn yet.Where was he?I thought about the way he wanted to go directly to sleep after our conversation about wanting a calmer life, and I started to worry.I waited a few moments in case my instincts were wrong, and he was in the bathroom. When he didn’t return to the bed, I got up and wrapped myself in my robe before going looking for him.Victor wasn’t in the bathroom or downstairs, so I went outside and circled the cabin. I was relieved to see my truck was still parked near the front porch. He hadn’t left the lake unless he walked.But my search of the rear of the cabin told me he hadn’t walked away either. He was running.I folded his jeans and laid them on the back stairs before removing the robe and calling for Diana.“We must find Victor,” I told Diana.“I sense he and Adam are running around the lake,” Diana assured me. “He is calm but unsure about his fu
We shifted and faced the bear side by side.“Watch out for its claws,” Victor advised. “They are as deadly as its teeth.”But the bear was startled by the change in our size and appearance. It roared and shook its head at us. We snarled at it, showing our fangs and pawing the ground in answer.Working together, our wolves forced the bear to move out of the cave’s entrance. We followed it out of the cave and into the open.“Don’t run yet, my love,” Victor warned. “We must slowly back away from the bear. If it charges us, don’t turn and run. We will fight it off together.”The bear understood it was outnumbered, and we weren’t looking for a fight. But it knew we would fight if it made us defend ourselves. It allowed us to retreat to the lakeshore, and it ran back toward the cave.“Let’s go,” Adam said. “Before it changes its mind.”“Have you never seen a bear before, Adam?” Diana asked.“No,” he replied. “And I never want to see another. They are unpredictable beasts. I’d rather fight a
Victor and I hurriedly packed our things before breaking the news to William and Penny that we had to leave.“We’re sorry, but we must go home immediately,” Victor said as we came down the stairs, lugging our suitcases.“Oh no.” William grabbed a suitcase from my hands. “What happened?”“We aren’t sure. Victor’s assistant called, and he is needed in Denhurst,” I answered. “We truly wish we could stay with you for another day.”“It must be rough to have such an important job,” William said. “I don’t envy you at all, Victor.”“There is a lot of responsibility with the leadership role,” Victor agreed. “But the job is important to me.”“You care about doing what’s best for all of us,” Penny said. “I’m glad you have the power to make changes and draft laws that will help everyone.”As a Beta, Penny understood what it was like to be discriminated against. Every time I was around her, I liked her even better. William was fortunate to have found her for his mate.I hoped his mother wasn’t giv
“We can’t run away and abandon everything,” I said. This situation couldn’t be real. Why were so many people easily manipulated into believing nonsense?“Daisy is right. There’s no way we will leave Denhurst and our lives behind,” Victor said. “John Cameron and his faction would instantly take over, and he would become a dictator.”“Beta, Omega, and the less affluent Alpha lives would be worthless,” Findlay agreed. “They would essentially become slaves for the wealthy Alphas to become richer.”“We can’t let that happen!” I declared. I had no doubt Findlay was right. Alex warned Victor and me that John thought these people were his pawns to be used for his enrichment.I was trying to remain calm so I could think clearly, but the possibility of Victor and I losing to the faction was very real. If John won this fight, many more lives than ours would be ruined.“Have you considered repealing the new laws?” Findlay suggested. “Even if you announce that you are putting them on hold until yo
Victor called Denhurst’s police commissioner and ordered John Cameron Jr. held under double guard, and he sent Shane to interview him on video.“Cameron is going to do everything he can to get his son released from jail before we can prove who he is,” I said. “Can you send your own guards to the prison to ensure he doesn’t disappear?”“That’s a good idea,” Victor said before making two calls to make my suggestion happen.Findlay was still monitoring the news channels. “Something is happening that could help or hurt us,” he said as he pointed at the television.Betas and Omegas had begun to hold peaceful protests and rallies to counter the misinformation and lies about themselves.I was pleased to see many news channels interviewing them.“The stories about us taking over the city by force is a pack of lies,” one Beta insisted as his comrades cheered him on. “We want equality and a chance to work our way to the top. Violence and crime are denounced by all of us.”“What about the Betas
I sat on the bed shaking with frustration and anger when Victor rushed into the room. He sat on the bed and pulled me into his arms.“Do they have fiction writers who get paid to make this stuff up!” I cried. “Everyone who knows me knows Betas raised me until I was seventeen.”“That’s how we fight this lie,” Victor said. “We use the hundreds of people who know the truth.”“There is also documentation of my Beta life,” I added. “My school report cards until my senior year say I’m a Beta. So do my identification cards.”Victor poured a cup of coffee and handed me my cup. “Do you still have them?”“Yep,” I replied and gulped my coffee. I needed the caffeine to deal with the latest propaganda.“Do you want me to call Shane to help you interview people?” Victor asked.“I’ll do it,” I said. “But let’s go downstairs for breakfast first. I’m starving.”“No need, Miss,” Benson said from the doorway. He was carrying a tray loaded with eggs, sausage, fruit, and croissants.Benson placed the tray
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