Chapter 268

“They make a stunning couple,” Victor said. “Good for William.”

He was sincere. Victor always liked William, and they were good friends until both Alpha males found themselves in competition for me due to the double-mate bond.

“Let’s go say hello and meet her,” I said.

Victor and I exited the truck and walked over to the new couple.

“Hello, William,” Victor said as he held out his hand to William. “It’s good to see you.”

William shook Victor’s hand. “It’s good to see you, Victor …and you too, Daisy. You look as if you got some sun lately.”

“We were at the beach,” I said. “We’ll tell you about it in the house.”

William could be trusted with Amy‘s whereabouts. She was his friend too, and he would never betray a friend.

“First, I’d like you to meet someone very special to me,” William said. “Victor and Daisy, I’d like you to meet Penny Carter. Penny, these are my good friends, Daisy Wilson and Victor Klein.”

The pretty Beta girl with gingery-blonde hair blushed as she spoke to us. “It’s an honor to meet you both. I’ve heard wonderful things about you from William.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Penny,” I assured her. “I hope we have the chance to get to know you better when you’re not in Hayburg.”

She gave me a warm smile. “I’d like that.”

“Let’s go inside,” Victor suggested. “I’m sure Alex will be happy to see you and to meet Penny.”

Alex was glad to see William, and he was happy he found someone to love. Alex always felt William was growing into a good man.

We had drinks in the living room until Alex remembered a paper Victor had to sign. They left the room to go to Alex’s home office.

“I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying life in Hayburg,” I said. “It sounds like a nice place.”

“It is.” William put an arm around Penny. “But then I have a reason to love it there.”

Penny and William gazed lovingly at each other. It was wonderful to see him so happy. He was a good guy and deserved happiness after everything he had gone through because of the double-mate bond.

“Daisy, may I please use a powder room?” Penny asked.

“Of course,” I replied. “There’s one just across the hall.” I pointed toward the hallway.

Penny excused herself, leaving William and I alone.

“I like her,” I told William. “Penny is perfect for you.”

He grinned. “I think so too. I’ve never been happier, and I plan on asking her to marry me soon.”

“That’s fantastic news,” I gushed while keeping my voice down. I didn't want to ruin William’s surprise for Penny. “I’m so happy for you.”

Victor and Alex returned to the living room before Penny. But Alex had to leave.

“It’s been great seeing you, William, but I’m running late. Please come back again sometime soon.”

“I will,” William promised as Alex left.

“He’s taking Cassidy on a picnic,” Victor revealed after Alex was out of earshot.

“I heard he was dating our werewolf history teacher,” William said. “Are you okay with it, Daisy?”

“Absolutely,” I replied. “Alex spent many years alone mourning my mother, and then he almost died. It’s his time to have joy in his life. I wish them both happiness.”

My phone buzzed. I was surprised to see it was a text from Amelia. Something had happened, and she wanted to meet me at a coffee shop in two hours to talk.

“I’m sorry for the interruption,” I told William before agreeing to meet Amelia. “Where were we?” I asked William after putting my phone down.

“I was asking Victor if you two want to go out for dinner tonight with me and Penny,” William answered.

“That sounds great,” I said. “We have a reservation at Gray’s Restaurant tonight at seven. I’ll call and change it to dinner for four.”

Penny returned from the powder room and sat next to William on the couch. “We heard rogue wolves badly injured Chef Gray. Is it safe to eat there?”

I explained what happened and that Mr. Gray, Amy, and Justin were somewhere private to keep them safe. Penny’s eyes still looked frightened.

“But there is no danger to the public,” Victor added. “The wolves attacked the Grays for a reason. Plus, we promised to check on the restaurant often and let Chef Gray know how his business is doing until he returns.”

“That’s nice of you,” William said. “Penny and I would love to come with you. I’m sure we’ll be safe. Shall we meet you there at seven?”

“That’s perfect,” I said. “But I’m afraid I must meet someone soon and should go upstairs and change.”

“We’ll see you at seven,” Penny said with a tight smile. It was apparent she was still afraid of the rogue wolves.

I don’t blame her for being nervous about going to Gray’s restaurant. What happened to Chef Gray was horrible, and the wolves responsible have not been caught.

I hoped that many others didn’t feel the same way as Penny. It could ruin the restaurant.

I went upstairs and showered before changing into slacks and a silk blouse with sandals. Jennifer arranged my hair in a soft updo and applied makeup that would be suitable for afternoon coffee and my evening out to dinner.

Victor walked into my bedroom before I was finished checking my image in the mirror.

“Who are you meeting? he asked.

“Amelia texted me,” I replied. “Something has happened that she needs to discuss with me, so I’m meeting her for coffee.”

“I shouldn't be at your meeting, or she may not tell you everything,” Victor said. “But I don’t like you going by yourself. Would you be comfortable with me dropping you off and waiting in the car while you speak to her?”

“That would be perfect,” I agreed.

Victor drove me to a little coffee shop on the outskirts of town. He gave me a kiss for luck, and I went inside.

Amelia was waiting at a table. We ordered two lattes, and after they were delivered to our table, I waited for her to speak.

“Our chauffeur was tuning up my car this morning, and he found something strange beneath it,” she said. “He asked a friend what it was, and he was told it was something called a tracker.”

I decided to play dumb. “What’s a tracker?”

“Our chauffeur told me it’s a device that can tell someone where your car is at all times,” she replied. “I’m not sure how it works or anything. But I don’t know who would care where I am at all times unless it’s the person who harmed your friend’s father.”

“Why would you think that they would come after you?” I asked.

She was frightened. The poor woman kept looking around us and outside. Yet, I couldn’t tell her that I was responsible for having Jayden place the tracker under her car and that she wasn’t in any danger.

“I was friends with Deirdre,” she explained. Her eyes narrowed, and she licked her lips anxiously. “It was no secret at the time. These rogue wolves who are involved must remember I was Deirdre and Andrew’s ally.”

“I wish I could help,” I said. “Please be careful.”

“I won’t be able to help you anymore.” She shivered. “After what I heard those wolves did to Chef Gray, I want nothing to do with this matter.”

“I understand,” I assured her.  “But I want you to know I think you are a wonderful person for helping your brother and Deirdre like you did.”

“Thank you, Daisy. That’s very kind of you to say.” She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “I hope your friend and her father are safe.”

“They are,” I told her. “And Victor and I are having dinner at their restaurant tonight at seven. Do you know William and his new girlfriend, Penny Carter?”

“Is she from Hayburg?” Amelia asked.

“Yes,” I replied. “Do you know her?”

“No, but I know of her,” Amelia said. “Her mother, Tina, worked for my family as a maid years ago. She left us abruptly, but I heard she married and had a daughter she named Penny before moving to Hayburg with her husband.”

“Really?” What a coincidence. “What happened that made her leave suddenly?”

She had a short-lived affair with Andrew. She abruptly quit her job with us after Andrew dumped her for Deirdre.”

My mind was spinning. Penny’s mother had an affair with Andrew! And from the color of Penny’s hair, it was highly probable that her mother had red hair.

I had to know more about Penny’s mother. She was now a suspect!