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
We ran out of the house and jumped into my truck. Victor was behind the wheel because I was too upset to drive.“Who would do something this terrible?” I said. “The hospital needs electricity for the equipment that keeps people alive.”“We don’t know for sure what happened,” Victor said, trying to keep me calm. “I’ll order a full investigation.”“We’ve got to get the lines fixed and the power back on immediately.” It was frustrating to know people could be dying at that minute, and I couldn’t do anything about it.“Aren't there backup generators to supply power to critical parts of the hospital?” Victor asked.“I’m sure there is,” I replied. “But the hospital still looked dark on the news. I’m so worried.”“We’re almost there, sweetheart,” Victor said as he turned the truck off the highway and down Fourth Avenue.We were silent the rest of the way to the hospital. I squirmed in my seat each time Victor stopped at a red light. The sense of urgency to get to the hospital was maddening.
My hands shook as I slipped the engagement ring Victor gave me off my finger and placed it on the coffee table. My heart was breaking, but I had to stay strong for him.“No!” Victor shouted and took me into his arms. “I don’t care what they say. I am marrying you, my fated mate, and no other.”“But marrying me could destroy your career,” I argued. “I can’t destroy your life.” I forced back tears. “Alphas will quiet down again if we aren’t together.”“No, Daisy,” Victor held me close. “I don’t care what Councilor Getty or any Alpha wants. If I can’t have you, I don’t want the leadership of The Association. I love you, Daisy.”“And I love you,” I said. “But I can’t destroy your life.”“Without you, I won’t have a life,” Victor insisted. “Who in werewolf society has ever been forbidden to marry their fated mate? It's illegal and immoral. I won’t stand for it!”He picked up the ring from the coffee table and took my left hand.“Sweetheart, do you love me enough to marry me?” Victor asked.
I escaped the man’s grasp and tried to turn to face him, but his arm came around my neck, and he pressed a knife against my throat.“You’re coming with us,” his voice growled into my ear. “Don’t try anything, or I’ll kill you right here.”As he pressed the sharp edge of the blade hard against my skin, fear made my heart pound.Amy was right. It wasn’t safe to be near me, and my wedding to Victor would have been a target for these thugs.Now, because my feelings had been hurt and I felt sorry for myself, I may never see Victor again.I could have let the baker make the cake and donated it to Amy’s shelter. But my drama-queen fit of self-pity put my life in danger.Anna! Did they hurt her because she was with me? I hoped not. She’s a wonderful and caring person, and her parents need her.“Where’s my maid?” I asked, refusing to move until they answered my question.“We don’t know anything about your maid,” my captor growled. “Now, walk, or you’re dead.”I stubbornly held my ground and tr
I imagined myself standing next to Victor on the beach at sunset, saying my vows in front of a priestess, and a smile bloomed on my face.“That’s such a romantic idea,” I said. “Let’s do it.”Getting married on the beach wasn’t my dream wedding, but I would be marrying my fated mate at one of our favorite places.“We’ll start making plans tomorrow,” Victor said. “I’ll call the local courthouse to find out how we get a marriage license.”“I can wear one of my sundresses,” I mumbled. “There’s no time to have something made.”“You don’t want a nice gown getting full of sand anyhow,” Victor said. “That white dress with the tiny flowers you had on is pretty.”“Yeah, it is,” I agreed. But something didn’t feel right. “Let’s get some sleep and plan everything tomorrow after we take a walk on the jetty.”Snuggling in Victor’s arms, I imagined myself as Mrs. Victor Klein until sleep carried me away.I woke up first and headed to the kitchen to get the coffee started. I checked the refrigerator
For a long moment, I didn’t know what to say. Alex’s firm, almost angry tone was new to me. What had he heard about Victor and me to make him respond to me like this?“We’ll be there in a few hours,” I assured Alex. “But I don’t think it’s fair to blame us for everything that happened.”“We will talk about it when I see you,” Alex insisted, but his tone was milder. “Would you like me to send guards to bring you home?”“I think we can get there without help,” I replied.“Then I’ll see you and Victor in a few hours,” Alex said. “Sweetheart, I understand you needed to get away, but the problems here aren’t going away on their own.”“I was afraid after being attacked outside the bakery.” My voice shook with emotion. “We weren’t thinking clearly.”“I understand, honey,” Alex said. His voice had completely thawed. “Why don’t I come to you so we can talk?”“That would be nice,” I said, barely holding back tears.“Let me talk to Victor for a moment, and I’ll be there soon,” Alex assured me. “
Alex looked at Victor. “Do you agree to my being co-leader?”Victor nodded. I sensed his pride was severely bruised, but he was trying not to show it. I sent him a loving smile and comforting thoughts.“Very well, Councilors,” Alex told Councilors Getty and Chen. “I accept the role of co-leader of The United Association of Alphas effective immediately.”“Good,” Councilor Chen said. “Please get to work on stabilizing the present situation.”“If you can,” a smirking Councilor Getty said. I wished I could wipe that smirk from his face. He was another greedy, power-hungry Alpha that Amy and I always despised.“Keep us informed of your progress or setbacks, and let us know if we can be helpful,” Councilor Chen added. “Good luck.”“You’ll need it,” Councilor Getty laughed boisterously before ending the video call.Victor stood and ran a hand through his hair. He was suppressing his frustration and anger well. “I’m sorry to have ruined your retirement, Alex. I know you were looking forward t