William and I met at the gate after school. I followed him to where his car was parked, and he held the door for me as I climbed into the passenger seat.I waited until William got into the driver's seat before I told him Victor wasn’t coming. “I’m sorry, but Victor texted me this afternoon and said he can’t make it.”“That’s too bad,” William said. “I was looking forward to seeing him.”Before William started the car, my stomach let out a loud growl that made me cringe.I was embarrassed until William chuckled. “I’m hungry, too. Lunch in the cafeteria today was lousy. We have time. Why don’t we go out for a bite?”“Sure,” I replied. “That sounds great.”“How about we stop in at Gilded,” William said.Gilded was the first five-star restaurant that Victor took me to on the day the reporters broke my glasses, and then William joined us. It felt like that evening was a long time ago, but it had been only a few weeks.“Sure. Gilded sounds fine.” I had been there several times since then,
Alex waved and smiled as we got out of the Mustang.I hurried to his side, put my arms around his neck, and kissed him on his cheek. Was it my imagination, or did he look more frail today than before?But his voice was still strong. “I came outside to get some air. William, it’s good to see you. Cook will have dinner ready in about an hour. Why don’t you stay and eat?”“I’d love that, sir,” William said. It had been a few hours since we had the steak tartare, and I was sure William would be able to eat again.“Good. Let’s go into the house and get comfortable,” Alex said and started inside. “We’ll get Benson to serve us a cold drink in the living room.”I took Alex’s arm, and the three of us made our way to the living room. We got comfortable on the plush furniture, andBenson brought us glasses of cold sparkling grape juice.“So, how was the movie, you two?” Alex asked.I knew Alex enjoyed history. There were many books in the library near my room from different periods of the past.
It was only a rehearsal, so Jennifer said it was okay to wear my jeans and a T-shirt beneath my mother’s ceremonial robe.Jennifer adjusted the robe to make it fall evenly in the front and back. “You can wear your clothes this time, but for the actual ceremony, you must be naked beneath the robe.”My stomach squirmed with anxiety once again. “Why do I have to be naked?”Jennifer looked at me as if I were kidding. “Of course, you’ve never shifted, but I thought somebody would have explained things.”I shrugged. “My foster parents didn’t care enough to explain anything to me, and their real daughter won’t be old enough to shift for several more years.”She froze for a moment as she searched for the words. “You do understand that when you shift, your body changes, but your clothing won’t.”I nodded.Jennifer looked concerned. “Have you ever seen a werewolf shift?”“No, never. Amy is also five months younger than me…” I replied.She checked her watch. “Someone should explain it in more de
Victor and Adam’s POVExplaining to Daisy what it was like to shift caused an intense craving to be in my wolf form. It brought back the pleasant memories of running freely through the darkness with the other night creatures.I left the living room and Daisy before I couldn’t control the shift any longer. After running out of the living room, I left the house at the side entrance, shedding my clothing along the way.I ran into no one, and as soon as I cleared the house, my body morphed into its wolf form. I could feel Adam’s delight to be unrestrained once again.“Do you smell them?” Adam asked me. “There is a large nest of rabbits nearby.”I breathed deeply and detected the family of rabbits, but my sensitive nose caught the scent of larger prey in the nearby woods.“Let’s go,” Adam urged me. “It’s been a long time since we’ve feasted upon a fresh kill.”I gave in to my instincts and ran. It was a joy to run like the wind over the high grasses. Adam and I raced across the fields and
As I read my book, Victor’s image kept flashing through my mind. It made me smile until I remembered how he had practically run from the living room.What had been wrong?I put down my book and wandered out onto my balcony. The night air was cool and clean, and the moon shining above me made me feel energized and happy to be alive.Victor’s face flashed through my mind once again. His image was even clearer, and I thought I could smell his scent a moment before Jennifer called me back into my room to discuss any new cosmetics I might need for the ball.After she left my room, I was walking to my balcony to close the glass door when there was the sound of movement outside. Then I heard something land on the ground outside my bedroom.I ran to the balcony railing and looked down at the ground.Was someone hiding here on my balcony? Why?I couldn’t see anyone in the dim moonlight, but a large shadow near a lilac bush seemed to move.Was it my imagination, or had someone been on my balcon
“This was the last day of school before your ball,” Victor said as he held the Lamborghini's door for me. “Are you excited?”“Excited and nervous,” I replied. “My hands start shaking whenever I think about it.” I held them up to show him I was serious.My mind kept imagining the worst-case scenarios that could happen at my ball. I knew I was letting my anxiety get the best of me, but it was hard to turn it off.“Relax, you’re going to be fine,” Victor assured me. “You know all the dances, and you do them very well. Best of all, you have a gorgeous gown to wear while doing the tango with William.”“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” Victor added reassuringly. “Your father and I will be there to watch over you. And you will have your best friend, Amy, there too.”“I can’t wait to wear my gown.” I smiled just thinking about it. “And Amy is spending the whole day with me tomorrow to start getting ready. We’re having our own spa day and having ‘the works’ done to us.”“That sounds like
There are only two days left before my ball.So I decided to have a Spa Day to get ready and relax. Amy came over to my house early in the morning and we got started.“I’ve got something for you, Amy,” I said as I reached into my closet and pulled out a garment bag.Amy grinned and clapped her hands. “Oh, goody! Is that what I think it is?”“Yep. It’s your ball gown.” I held the garment bag up and slid the zipper downward.Amy clapped her hands again and got up from the bed to help pull the dress from the bag.“It’s gorgeous,” Amy said. She was right.The sage, green satin material shimmered as we laid it across the bed. We admired the material for a moment, and then I held the dress in front of Amy.The dress had a halter top, a fitted waist, and a full skirt. It was well-made and beautiful.“It should fit you perfectly,” I told her. “Jennifer had it tailored to your measurements.”Amy held the dress up and looked at her image in the full-length mirror on the back of my door. “This f
Amy went home after breakfast. I missed her as soon as she went out the door. After watching her drive away, I wandered around the mansion, looking for something to do.Due to a staff development day, there was no school, and there were no more dance lessons with Victor to fill my afternoon.The music room didn’t hold much interest for me since I played no instruments, and the gaming room wasn’t much fun alone. I was bored within an hour.Next, I went to the ballroom and listened to my footsteps echo through the ginormous empty room.I stopped near the fireplace and studied my parents' portrait for several moments before I blew my mother a kiss. My father said she chose every detail of the room, and this was the place I felt the most connected to her.Alex told me that she loved to dance and often came to this room alone to practice. So I tried it.Envisioning myself dancing with Victor, I waltzed around the dance floor, my arms raised as if I were holding onto an invisible partner.I
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