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
“Good luck with the Smiths,” Amy said. “Remember, they have no control over you anymore.”I tried to smile. I dreaded seeing them again, but I suddenly had something else to worry about.On my way out of the apartment, I spotted a calendar on the wall next to the door and groaned.Today was the 17th. I had utterly forgotten Victor’s birthday. He turned twenty-six today.I should have brought him breakfast in bed this morning.“Ugh! I didn’t even say happy birthday,” I grumbled and smacked myself in the forehead.“Happy birthday to who?” Amy asked. “What’s the matter, Daisy.”“Today is Victor’s birthday, and I forgot all about it until just now,” I explained.“You can bring him to the restaurant tonight,” Mr. Gray suggested. “I’ll create a special menu for the two of you, including a birthday cake.”“That sounds wonderful!” I hugged Mr. Gray.“I’ll arrange everything,” Elliot Gray promised. “We’ll see you and Victor at seven.”“Thank you so much,” I said and went out the door.Before g
Victor pulled me by my hand through the swinging door and into the restaurant kitchen a split second before a chair splintered against the door frame.“We’ve got to get out of here,” I said, listening to more things crash against the door behind us. “Come on.” I pointed at the metal door marked exit.We crossed the kitchen, ignoring the surprised faces of the kitchen staff, and hurried out the back door. We clung to each other and cautiously walked around the block to Victor’s car.“John and the faction have done an excellent job at destroying our reputations,” I said once we were safely inside the Lamborghini.“The Alpha population’s anger at us is worse than I thought,” Victor admitted and pulled away from the curb. “It’s disappointing that they believe every negative thing they are told.”“I’m more than disappointed,” I said. “I’m angry. They want to believe what the faction tells them about us to justify their opposition to the new laws.”I clenched my teeth in frustration. “And t
It couldn’t be true. She wouldn’t betray me or Victor to the faction.My mind couldn’t make sense of it. We are friends. I trusted her, and she has been there for me.She was among the last people I would have suspected of betraying me. Even now, I wanted to push Jayden away from her and tell him he was wrong.But why was she secretly recording the meeting with our Allies?Stepping closer to her, I held out my hand.It was hard to believe Jennifer would do anything to deliberately hurt me. She cared about me. She helped me adjust to my new life as an Alpha, even helping me improve my appearance.Sure, she had been acting distant lately due to personal problems. But she is a kind and caring person.Why would she suddenly turn on me? It couldn’t be true. Yet, it was.“Please give me the camera, Jennifer,” I said. “It's hard for me to believe you are a spy for our enemies, but I want to see what you were recording, and I need to know why you were recording it.”Jennifer shook her head. “
Victor’s POVJennifer’s complete betrayal took a heavy toll on my lovely Luna. Daisy cried for hours after the ex-maid’s Max News interview.She pushed me away when I tried to hold her in my arms. But I finally insisted on carrying her upstairs.I placed her on the bed and sat next to her. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. Jennifer’s betrayal must hurt you badly.”“It’s not just that,” Daisy said as she wiped her eyes. “She was right. What she said about me was the truth. You should break our engagement and find another mate.”“Daisy, no!” I shouted.“The faction may leave you alone if you dump me.” She turned her back to me. “I’m no good for your career, and I won’t hold you back.”“That’s nonsense,” I insisted. “They would be saying the same things about any mate of mine.”When she remained silent, I gently turned her beautiful tear-stained face toward me and looked into her glistening emerald eyes.“You are letting John win,” I told her. “Don’t start believing his propaganda. We are stronger
Victor looked great when he walked up to the podium in a dark gray suit and a blue tie that matched his eyes. He was giving a televised speech outside the Association about the new slander laws and taking questions afterward.He thought I would be safer at home, so I was watching him on the living room TV at the mansion. I’d call him after I was sure it was over.There weren’t any new stories about me so far today. Shane’s article and interview seemed to have helped. But it could be that Alphas were too busy rebelling against Victor’s new laws meant to stop the lies and misinformation.Predictably, the news sources that were the most guilty of this behavior were the ones complaining about it the most.The reliable news sources were telling people that it was for everyone’s good that the truth be told, and opinions must be labeled as opinions and not facts.I sat up and paid more attention when Victor also shamed Alphas for closing essential businesses.“Punishing people who need groce
“Come on,” Anna said as she helped me to my feet. “We’ve got to get into the house while he’s reloading.”I took her hand and let her pull me back inside the mansion.Benson rushed across the foyer to my side as Anna closed and bolted the front entrance.“A shooter tried to kill Miss Wilson,” Anna said. “The perpetrator is still on the estate.”Benson hurried to a control panel near the front door and entered a code. A siren sounded, and I heard window and door locks engage.The mansion was now locked down, and the police had been called.Alex had the estate’s security updated after Amy’s grandmother, Martha Archer, made it onto the estate grounds and almost into the house without being seen.Due to a fence and a new front gate, it would be more challenging to get in or out of the estate when it was locked down. It would also be hard to get inside the locked mansion, but neither was impossible for a determined assailant.“Take Miss Wilson into the study,” Benson ordered Anna. “There a
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