I hurried to the car and gave Victor a big smile as he held the door for me while I climbed into the Lamborghini.Diana felt Adam nearby, and she was like a wolf hurling herself against the walls of a cage. Her excitement was contagious. It was making me jittery.“You need to calm down, Diana.” I laughed. “You and Adam don’t want to distract Victor and get us into an accident, do you?”“Of course not,” Diana said. “It’s just difficult not to be able to greet Adam properly.”Both of the wolves calmed down, and they seemed content to be close together as they let Victor and I speak.“Are you going to tell me why you looked sad as you were walking away from the school?” Victor asked.I was impressed that he noticed. He seemed to care about me more than my best friend did today. But I wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk about it.“It’s more than one thing,” I said as the Lamborghini pulled away from the curb. “I’m sure these things never happened to you, so I doubt you’d understand.”“Please,
I took Victor's advice. The following day when I got to school and found Amy outside waiting for me, I asked her not to text for a few minutes.She looked more grown up than ever with her light blonde hair styled in a twisted bun at the back of her neck, and she was wearing mascara and eyeliner that made her chocolate brown eyes look even prettier.“What’s up?” she asked.“I don’t want to sound like a jerk,” I began. “But I feel like you don’t want me around anymore because of Justin. Doesn’t he want you to have friends?”I knew from watching talk shows that a guy isolating his girlfriend is one of the signs of an abusive mate.“We never talk about our friends much,” Amy replied. “I’ve mentioned you. He knows you’re an Alpha and that I went to your ball. But we don’t talk about you much.”“What do you talk about?” I asked.Amy shrugged. “I don’t know. What we want to do with our lives and stuff.”“Please try to understand, Amy. I want you to be happy. I want you to be with a guy that
“I don’t know if I can wear this gown, Jennifer,” I said as I studied my image in the full-length mirror.I was wearing my mother’s ball gown, but I hadn’t realized that the Queen Anne neckline of the dress would show a hint of my cleavage.“It looks fantastic on you, Miss,” Jennifer said. “The seamstress did a wonderful job tailoring it to your figure.”“It looks terrific on you,” Diana said. “Why don’t you like it?”I put my hand over my chest, covering the area at the top of my breasts. I’m not sure I’ll be comfortable wearing this one around people for a few years. It will be more suitable for me when I’m older.”“You can hardly see anything,” Diana argued.“It would still make me more nervous than I already am,” I told her. “I don’t like feeling like I’m on display at functions like this.”“You have other gowns suitable for this ball.” Jennifer pulled another gown out of my closet. “This one has a neckline that will show nothing of your breasts.”The gown Jennifer held out for my
I pulled the pearl and gold wire wreath from a clump of hair tangled on my shoulder. I felt proud of the way my hair looked. I couldn’t believe it was ruined.“I can’t skip this ball,” Victor said. “Are you sure you can’t comb it or something?”“No.” My lower lip quivered. “Look at me! I …I can’t be seen like this. Don’t you …you realize how buh …bad people will talk about me and laugh if they see me like this?”I lost the fight to hold back my tears. “I’ll nuh …never live it down. Please, Victor, just take me home. You can come back by yourself.”“Daisy, try to calm down. It’s just one ball,” Diana said.“No one has seen you.”Victor put the Lamborghini into gear and backed out of the Phillips’ driveway. But instead of turning right to take me home, he turned left.“Where are we going?” My voice was shrill, but I couldn’t help it. “I need to go home. If people at school heard about my hair looking like this, I wouldn’t be able to show my face again.”Panic raced through me. How could
Dancing with Victor was so much fun. Diana and Adam enjoyed it too. They quietly whispered to each other as we moved across the dance floor.My next dance was with Harry. He danced as well as his son, and he had a wonderful sense of humor like his wife.After the dance was over, Harry went to speak to some of the other men while I looked for Victor.But before I could leave the dance floor, someone grabbed my arm, and there was a familiar, smug face closed in on mine.“I believe this is our dance,” Noah said.I hadn’t seen him since my ball when he tried to drag me outside.I didn’t want to dance with Noah, so I strained my neck, looking for Victor.“It’s just a dance, Daisy,” Noah said. He put an arm on my waist, and I had no choice but to dance with him. And one dance wasn’t worth making a scene over.“Don’t trust this one, Daisy,” Diana said. “I feel bad vibrations coming from him.”“I don’t trust him, and I feel the same vibrations. But I should be safe. We are in a room full of p
“I think you’re lying about your engagement to Victor,” Noah said as he placed each of his hands on my shoulders and pushed me against the wall.“I don’t lie,” I insisted.Noah leaned forward, putting his face close to mine. His breath was stale and reeked of alcohol. “I heard that you claim to feel the mate bond with both Victor and William James.”I nodded. “That’s true. But my wolf and I chose Victor.”“Liar! There is no such thing as a double-mate bond. I think you don’t really want Victor, and you made it up to get him to dump you. Or maybe you want both of them for your mates.”His accusation was shocking.“No! It …it’s the …the truth,” I stammered.Why wouldn’t Noah leave me alone? I never showed any interest in him at all.He gave me a sideways look. “I don’t believe you, but it doesn’t matter. You will be mine.”I didn’t understand why Noah wouldn’t stop pursuing me. He had to know I didn’t like him.“Wha …what do y …you want from me?” I asked. I was beginning to think he was
Victor and I walked out of the bathroom together after he checked to make sure Noah wasn’t lurking outside the door.“I think I’d like to go home now,” I said. “Unless you need to stay.”“We can leave soon if you want to, but let’s not go yet. We don’t want Noah to think he can chase us away from anywhere we want to be.”He wrapped his arm around my shoulders even tighter. “Don’t worry; I would never allow anyone to hurt you.”I leaned into the warmth of his body and let him lead me onto the dance floor. As we danced, I began to feel better.“Noah claims it’s his mother who wants me for his wife,” I said. “But I think they just want my inheritance.”Victor nodded. “His father passed away last year and left them deep in debt.”Victor pulled me closer. “Not that you don’t have other charms that would attract a mate.”I looked up and smiled into his eyes. Victor could make me feel great about myself.After the dance, we found Victor’s parents standing alone near the bar.Humbly, I approa
We entered the woods but didn’t go directly toward the source of the scent.We charged at each other playfully, trying to act as if we didn't know another werewolf was nearby.But as we got closer to their position, we could hear them in the underbrush, moving away from us.“Don’t run,” Victor ordered. “If we run after him now, he’s far enough away to escape.”“The intruder is a male and a Beta,” Diana said.“And he is young,” Adam added.“Yes, he smells like a new wolf,” Victor agreed.“Let’s just find out who it is.” Who would dare trespass on my father’s territory? It was disrespectful.Alex sometimes allowed others to hunt and run on his land if they asked his permission first. He hadn’t mentioned anything about granting his permission to anyone lately.I didn’t want the intruder harmed, but they must be warned not to trespass again.We picked up the pace as we strolled through the trees, trying to act as if we had no particular destination in mind.But our quarry was on the move
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