Chapter 397

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 and podium into place.

I had to calm down. Discreetly, I began my breathing exercises like I’d been taught and tried to clear my mind. It had been a while since I used the technique, and I was a little rusty.

I’d been in the spotlight many times since it had been discovered I was the missing heiress, Alberta Wilson. This was no different, I told myself. I couldn’t keep letting myself get rattled. I defeated my stutter and my overwhelming shyness. I developed confidence in my intelligence and looks.

I was older now, no longer the frightened teenage girl scarred by her upbringing. I could do whatever was necessary for my role as Luna of the Association’s leader.

Hurrying to the downstairs powder room, I checked my hair and makeup one last time and straightened the green sheath dress I wore before looking at myself in the full-length mirror.

“You can do this, Daisy,” I told myself. “You must do it for Victor and those who count on you both. You’ve spoken to large crowds and in front of cameras before. You can do this.”

I gave myself a thumbs up and went to my mate’s side. He took my hand.

“They’re ready for you,” Shane said. “Just be yourselves and tell them the truth about your intentions for the future.”

“Ready to go out there?” Victor asked. I was jealous of how calm and composed he seemed

“Ready,” I said. “Let’s do this.” I was nowhere near as confident as I sounded. Yet, sometimes, pretending to feel confident made me feel confident. It was worth a try. I squeezed Victor’s hand and gave him a brilliant smile.

Benson and Findlay opened the front doors for us, and we stepped outside together.

Immediately, the crowd went silent, and their cameras were turned on. Many of the reporters had their phones raised, taking photos and videos of us approaching the stage.

It was both exciting and terrifying. “This must be what it’s like to be a movie star,” I mumbled under my breath. “No thanks. I couldn’t do this every day.”

Victor led me onto the stage, where I stood beside him as he stood in front of the microphone. I was relieved he was speaking first. My mind was growing fuzzy from the hundreds of eyes on us.

I was growing increasingly more nervous, so I concentrated on my breathing and Victor. He looked handsome and robust standing at the podium.

Then he began to speak.

“Good morning. I want to thank you all for coming here today. Daisy and I understand you have concerns, and we would like to address them.”

“We now realize we should have spoken to you about our plans before today, but I hope we can answer all of your questions now.”

“Yes, Daisy Wilson and I are getting married in a few weeks. As you know, we became engaged soon after she was found following the long separation from her father after the terrible accident that took her mother.”

There were murmurs of sympathy from the crowd. It restored my faith somewhat that most people were basically good.

“Daisy earned her law degree from the city college recently, and we feel the time is right for us to marry. After the wedding and our honeymoon, we will be living in our new home, not far from here on Juniper Lane.”

“I will also be going back to work for you, the people, doing my best to ensure prosperous and fair lives for all. That is my primary goal.”

He took a deep breath, smiled, and let his eyes scan the crowd. “Some of you may have noticed that I think and feel differently about many things these days.”

Victor looked at me and smiled. “Daisy opened my eyes to things that I never considered before I met her. I used to only think of myself. I was obsessed with growing more wealthy. It didn't matter who I used, and I was mesmerized by power.”

“That kind of person, the person I used to be, is not who you want as your leader.” He gave me a loving glance. “Daisy taught me that being a leader makes me responsible for not just my happiness or hers …but for yours too.”

“And I mean all of you, not just the Alphas, or the Betas, or the Omegas.”

He waited for the crowd's murmuring to stop before taking another deep breath and continuing.

“What most of us don’t understand is that our lives depend on each other. We need each other to survive. We all have a role that works for our society. We rely on each other to do the things that we need to live.”

As I watched him, I remembered the first time I heard him speak. I was mesmerized by him telling the entire neighborhood outside Gray’s Restaurant about his improvement plans.

Then I found out he was improving the neighborhood to make money by raising the rents, and my dislike for him grew and overcame the intense attraction I felt.

But Victor was right that he’d changed. I’m not sure if it was entirely due to my influence, but I was happy that the change occurred. I had one hundred percent confidence in him and knew he would now always do the right thing.

I concentrated again on Victor’s words once more. His delivery of a speech was always perfect. Today, he was even more magnetic and made everyone watching feel like he was speaking just to them.

“I’m talking about the opportunity for everyone to make the best life possible for themselves and their families. Without equality and opportunity for all, we are wasting resources and talent that could serve our society better than in the past.”

“I’d also like to warn you about rumors and misinformation. Facts are often skewed as a story is spread online. Check your facts before forwarding anything. Misinformation can be used as a weapon and can bring about the fall of previously strong civilizations.

I wanted to cheer Victor’s words. This was something we knew about all too well.

“Lastly, I want you all to be assured that with Daisy’s help, I will continue to be the leader you need.”

He retook my hand. “I’m sure she wants to say a few words.”

Oh, no, it was my turn! I wasn’t ready. I didn’t know what to say. My mind was blank.

Fighting the urge to shake my head and say no, my body trembled, and my heart pounded.

There were more reporters and cameras than I’ve ever seen in one place. My words would be broadcast throughout the land!

What if I relapsed and couldn’t speak? The old panic was coming over me. The memories of being humiliated when I stuttered too badly to talk to a crowd flooded my mind.

The nightmare of Cassidy, when she was my teacher, forcing me to read in Werewolf History class seemed like yesterday.

My legs shook as I remembered how I was humiliated when the other students jeered at me while I stammered. And I couldn’t run away this time and hide on the roof of the school. There would be no place to run and hide.

If it happened again, I’d never be able to stand the embarrassment.

Yet, I had no choice. Victor had introduced me, and everyone was waiting for me to step up to the microphone. I had to do it. No matter how scared I was or what happened, I had to try.

“Don’t let me embarrass myself and Victor,” I begged the Goddess before stepping in front of the podium and letting Findlay adjust the microphone.