Chapter 222

I almost missed some steps as I thought about William’s request.

Although I didn’t know anyone who had undergone a rejection ceremony, I had heard of them. I wasn’t sure how the ritual worked or what I had to do. All I've heard about them is that they are painful.

I felt guilty that William was willing to go through that to get over me and reclaim his life. Yet I couldn’t help who I loved.

Deep in my heart and soul, I knew I wanted to be with Victor. I think I always did. I just didn’t realize it until recently. So it was only fair that I do anything I could to help William move on.

“William, if you think a rejection ceremony will help you, we will do it,” I told him. “I’ll talk to Alex about having it at our home.”

“Thank you, Daisy.” He looked into my eyes as we danced. “I want you to know I wish you and Victor much happiness together.”

William’s words were sincere, but there was a deep sadness in his eyes that I could feel through Diana.

Being near William and Mark had her feeling restless and sad. I could hear her trying to console Mark in my mind.

This situation wasn’t fair to them either. William was right. The double-mate bond must be severed.

“I wish the same happiness for you,” I told him. “You are such a wonderful man, and I know you’ll find an equally wonderful mate. How are things going with your date?”

“She’s a nice girl, and she likes me a lot,” William replied. “But I’m not going to feel much for any other female as long as my bond with you is intact.”

“Then it must end,” I said. “I’ll contact you as soon as I speak to Alex. By the way, he is doing better every day. I can’t thank you enough for your help.”

William smiled. “You’re welcome. I’m glad he’s getting well.”

When our dance was over, William escorted me back to Victor. The two nodded politely to each other, and William went back to his date.

“Are you okay?” Victor asked. “You look unhappy.”

“Let’s not talk about it now,” I said. “The prom is almost over, and I want one more dance with you.”

Victor took my hand, and we walked onto the dance floor together. As we danced, I tried to shake my conversation with William.

He and his wolf had to be in a lot of pain to want the rejection ceremony. I hated being the cause of it. I had to do whatever I could to help him.

After the song ended, we returned to Amy and Justin at our table.

“It’s still kinda early,” Amy said. “Let’s go somewhere to talk and hang out.”

“Like where?” I asked.

I knew it was a tradition for prom-goers to stay out all night. But I couldn’t see myself partying with a bunch of kids or going to a hotel room.

What else was there to do all night?

“Let’s go to your apartment, Daisy,” Amy suggested. “It's a nice place, and I loved the balcony.”

I wasn’t ready to go back to that apartment yet. Although Alex had made sure I was taken care of and comfortable during my stay there, it held terrible memories of loneliness and loss.

I replied with the only excuse I could think of. “I don’t have the key with me.”

“Can’t the doorman or Mrs. Carson let you in?” Amy asked.

Victor sensed my reluctance. “We can go to my apartment,” he suggested. “It also has a nice balcony, and I’ve been meaning to show Daisy where I live.”

“Ooh, Let’s go,” Amy said. “Justin, what do you think?”

“Sure,” he agreed. “Hanging out at Victor’s would be great.”

“Daisy, do you want to visit my apartment for a while?” Victor asked.

Amy’s eyes pleaded with mine. She wasn’t ready for the night to end. I wasn’t either, yet going to Victor’s apartment was a little scary. I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea.

We got together officially only a few hours ago, and I needed time to get comfortable with him again before getting too physical.

But that would be difficult if we were alone in a place like his apartment. Victor is way too tempting. My body tingles from just holding his hand.

I peeked at Amy’s eager expression and sighed. I guess it would be okay for the four of us to go there. It wasn’t like Victor, and I would be alone.

I shrugged. “I would like to see where you live, Victor.”

“Great,” he said as he pulled out his phone. “I'll text the chauffeur and tell him to pick us up in front of the building in five minutes.”

We gathered our things and waved to several people on our way out. Some called out invitations to parties as we passed them. We smiled and shook our heads.

After piling into the limo, Victor gave the chauffeur his address, and we were on our way toward where Victor lived on the stylish edge of the Alpha side of the city.

The chauffeur pulled the limo in front of an opulent building, and we went inside through Victor’s private garage. His Lamborghini was parked there next to his black pickup truck.

After Justin thoroughly admired both vehicles, we went upstairs to Victor’s apartment.

“Wow, it’s much better than the man cave I was expecting,” Amy gushed as we entered Victor’s living room. “Everything is so tasteful and comfortable looking.”

“It’s amazing,” I added. But Amy was right. I was expecting a more flashy decor instead of this homey elegance.

“I’m glad you like it.” Victor grinned. “My mom gave me some of the furniture. They’re antiques. Come on. I’ll give you the tour.”

Victor took my hand, and we led Amy and Justin through his office, bedrooms, dining room, and kitchen. Each room was large and furnished to provide comfortable elegance.

He pulled two bottles of sparkling fruit juice from his fridge and four crystal glasses from a cupboard. He gave a bottle and two glasses to Justin and Amy.

“The balcony is through the sliding door in the dining room,” he told them. “I want to be alone with Daisy for a while.”

Amy giggled. “Take your time.” She took Justin’s hand, and they left the kitchen to go onto the balcony.

Victor opened the bottle and poured me a glass of juice. I tried to keep my hand from shaking when he handed it to me. I wasn’t ready for this.

“Come on,” he said and removed his jacket and tie. “Let’s get comfortable in the living room. I think Amy and Justin want to be alone.”

“Comfortable?” I squeaked.

Victor removed the silk shawl I was clutching at my neck and draped it over a kitchen chair with his jacket.

“Don't be nervous, sweetheart,” he said and led me to the living room. “Come on. This couch is great. I fall asleep on it a lot.”

The couch was made of buttery, soft brown leather with thick cushions. It was large enough for six people to be seated comfortably. But it was better than going to Victor’s bedroom and sitting on his king-sized bed.

Yet, I was still shaking from fear and a strange excitement.

“I …I don’t know,” I stammered. “Maybe …Maybe I should go home.”

“Sit with me,” Victor insisted. “I bought that sparkling juice in case you ever came here to visit me. I know you don’t like the taste of alcohol.”

I sat stiffly on the edge of a couch cushion. “William confessed to me that the promposal he used was entirely your idea. There were a lot of my favorite things rolled into one. You know me well.”

Victor sat close to me on the couch and put an arm around my shoulders. “I want to know everything about you, Daisy.”

“There’s not much else to know,” I said and emitted a shaky laugh. The way Victor’s fingers were running up and down my arm was making my breathing quicken.

He was so incredibly hot. When I used to tell myself we were just good friends, his handsome face and breathtaking body were easier to ignore. Now, I have to admit, he is the hottest guy I’ve ever met.

But he made me nervous. What did he expect from me now that we were alone in his apartment?

All I could think about was how attracted I was to him and how his kisses were like fire.

But before I could stand, his arm pulled me closer. “Relax, sweetheart, and let me hold you,” he said.

I was frightened, but I wanted him to hold me and more.