Chapter 35

“So, what did you want to talk about, Daisy?“ William asked as he pulled out of the school parking lot.

“I noticed you don’t talk much to your friends," I said. “ You are a popular football player. Yet you seemed uncomfortable at the pizzeria.”

William shrugged. “Those guys I play football with are okay, but I don’t know them very well, and they don’t really know me.”

“I know what that’s like,“ I told him. “I spent most of my life with people who were supposed to be my family, yet they barely knew me. And they didn’t really want to know me.“

“Amy seems like a great friend,“ William said.

“I’m lucky to have her,“ I said. “She’s been my only friend and made my life bearable when I lived with my foster family. They didn’t want me after they had their own child. But they were stuck with me.”

“I sorta know what you mean. The guys on the football team and my other so-called friends are all Alphas, and they don’t get me. And I think they’re boring, snobbish, and selfish,” William explained.”

“I’m the same way,” I said. “I’ll never feel like I truly fit in with Alphas.”

“We have a lot in common,” William said as he entered my driveway. “I’m glad we’re friends, Daisy.“

“I’m glad, too,” I said. “You’re not like other alphas. You’re a good guy.”

“Thanks.” William gave me a big smile. He pulled the car near my front door. “I’m glad we talked. I feel like I have one true friend. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I got out of the car and hurried to my room. I was getting closer to William and was thrilled. But I wasn’t sure what to do next.

After a great day at school, Amy and I went outside to the front gate. Expecting to see Alex’s car and driver, my heart leaped in my chest when instead, I saw Victor sitting in the Lamborghini.

He wore a pair of mirrored sunglasses and a black polo shirt, and jeans. His thick, dark hair was wind-blown and sexy.

Amy elbowed my side and giggled when she spotted Victor. “He doesn’t look mad to me. See you later.”

With my heart beating wildly, I walked faster to the gate and stopped beside the car.

“Hi, Victor,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound nervous. I was happy to see him, more than I wanted to admit.

“Oh, hey, Daisy,” he said. “Where’s William?”

I realized Victor wasn’t there for me.

I am such an idiot! Blood rushed to my face. I could hear it whooshing through my veins.

“William left early for an appointment after Werewolf History,” I replied. “But he’s probably at home by now.”

I walked away and began looking for Alex’s car. Why did I assume Victor was there to pick me up?

“Hey. Where are you going?” Victor called after me and jumped out of the Lamborghini.

“I’m looking for my ride home,” I replied and kept walking. “Alex sent his car and driver for me.”

“Nope. I’m your ride home,” he said with a chuckle. “Or did you want to quit your dance lessons and stomp on William’s feet at the ball?”

I turned and walked back to Victor’s car. I didn’t know what to think. The last time I saw Victor, he wouldn’t even look at me.

Victor walked around the car to the passenger side and opened the door. “Come on, Daisy. You’re doing better, but you still need practice. It will be time for the ball before you know it.”

I gave him a sideways look before getting into the car. Then I waited impatiently for him to get into the driver's seat. I needed some answers.

“I thought you were mad at me,“ I said as soon as he closed his car door.

“I was,” he said. “Now I’m over it.” He started the car's engine, straightened his sunglasses, and checked his image in the rearview mirror.

“Do you always get over being angry so fast?” I asked. He seemed livid that afternoon in the ballroom. But I liked the fact that he didn’t hold a grudge.

“I heard your conversation with Alex,“ he replied. “It made me understand you better, but I don’t think you understand me at all.”

“Maybe I don’t,” I said. “But I have my own beliefs, and you must respect them.” I took a deep breath. Getting mad again wouldn’t solve anything.

“ I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings,” he said. “For now, we will agree to disagree," he said. “Let’s get you ready for that ball.”

We danced together for over an hour. I remembered all the dances and all the steps. I just needed practice.

I was twirling around the ballroom floor in Victor's arms when he asked, “How was the football game? I heard William’s team won.”

“It was fun,” I replied. “After the game, Amy and I went for pizza with the others.”

I concentrated on my feet as we switched from a waltz to a foxtrot.

When I looked up, I saw Victor studying my face. “There’s something else on your mind,” he said. “What is it?”

“Everyone at the pizzeria started talking about the ball,” I said. “Most of them wanted to know if they would be invited.”

“What did you say?” Victim inquired.

I shrugged. “I told them I don’t know. I’m not in charge of the guest list.”

“Good girl,” he said and spun me in a circle before starting another dance. “Your ball is meant to introduce you to the cream of Alpha werewolf society.”

Ugh. Victor is such a snob. I would never care about any of that.

“I don’t like anyone feeling they aren’t good enough to be my friend,” I said. It seemed cruel to leave people out of a big event because they weren’t born into a wealthy Alpha family.

“Daisy, this ballroom is big, but it's not large enough to hold everyone who wants to come. Therefore, a lot of people are going to be disappointed. Don’t let them make you feel guilty because they don't make the cut.”

I didn’t answer and let the music fill my mind as we moved together. I’m glad he still wanted to dance with me. It felt good to be twirling around the ballroom in his arms again.

“Are things going well with William?” Victor asked.

I blushed and nodded.

“It must be going very well.” Victor laughed.

“Well enough,” I said. Victor knew how to get under my skin. I think he enjoyed it.

“I wasn’t being nosy. I have a reason for wondering how close you two kids are getting.” Victor looked into my eyes. “You do know your father will need to approve of William?”

“Why wouldn’t he approve of him?” I chuffed. “William is an Alpha, he has money, and he comes from a good family.”

“Just to be sure, you should ask Alex to invite William and his family to dinner.” Victor spun me around and pulled me back into his arms.

“That’s a good idea,” I agreed. “I’ll ask him when we’re finished here.”

“We’re finished.” Victor bent me backward in a low dip. One strong arm held me steady as his eyes gazed into mine. I could barely breathe as his face came closer.

He kissed me on my cheek and said, “Good luck.”

Then Victor stood straight and brought me up with him. “If I were you, I wouldn’t mention William’s aspirations to be a pro football player yet.”

“Thanks for the advice,” I said and hurried to my room.

My cheek still tingled where Victor’s lips had kissed it. The sensation telegraphed to other places on my body.

I should warn Victor of his flirty behaviour next time.

I freshened up and did my speech exercises. It was great being able to talk without stuttering as much. Then I went in search of Alex.