Chapter 398

Victor’s POV

Daisy 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 had no access to good legal representation.”

“I had a plan, and I was determined to make it happen. Then, my life was turned upside down. I was told I was an heiress and an Alpha, not a Beta, as I was raised to believe.”

“I fought against becoming this Alpha Princess everyone insisted I was. And I didn’t want to be the fiancée of the future Leader of The Association. That wasn’t me. I wanted the plan I had chosen when I was twelve. I wanted to help people.”

“What I hadn’t planned on was bonding with the father who had been searching for me since I was six months old and falling in love with my fiancé.”

Daisy gave me a warm smile that made the crowd cheer.

“Now, I’ve got that degree, and I’m going to use it to help people. What I’m trying to say is that the future is what we make it.”

There was no fear in her now. As I watched Daisy speak to that enormous crowd, I noticed how much that shy, stuttering girl who had hidden her incredible good looks behind thick glasses and baggy clothes had changed.

She still was that girl who didn’t mind working hard and enjoyed helping others, yet she was well on her way to becoming a formidable Luna.

How I loved her. She was amazing! Everyone in the audience could feel her goodness, warmth, and intelligence shining from her like the sunlight.

I was a lucky man to have her as my mate, and I was grateful to be with her on her journey to becoming the best version of herself that she could be. I would endeavor to do the same.

I gave myself a mental shake and concentrated on my beloved’s words again. Daisy was speaking with such passion and conviction.

“Small acts of kindness can change lives. One person can make positive changes that make a big difference for one or even many.

“So, reach into your heart and think of ways to be that positive change … even for one person. Because no matter what class you were born into, our lives are connected, and we all have our place in the world ..our destiny to fulfill.”

“The future belongs to everyone. Victor and I plan on working hard to make sure we all flourish together.”

Applause thundered over the estate. Daisy blushed and smiled before reaching for my hand. I took it in mine and raised our hands high in the air, making the crowd cheer louder.

The people liked what they saw and what they heard. That was confirmed by the first question we took.

“It’s obvious the people trust you to build a better future for everyone,” a reporter said. “What are your goals for the next year?”

Daisy stepped back from the microphone to let me answer.

“First, I’d like to encourage more communication between the people and my office,” I said. “Texting and email communication services are being set up.”

“Also, Alex Wilson and I have been working on more and better incentives for small businesses. These incentives will be available to all who can show a viable business plan.”

“And it has come to our attention that wages are too low for hourly workers, and essential benefits need a lot of improvement. Sick pay, vacation time, and family leave for both parents after having a child need to be standard and fair.”

Daisy gave me a meaningful look, and I squeezed her hand.

Other reporters raised their hands to be called on. Daisy and I took turns answering unless it was concerning official Association business.

After more than an hour of questions, Shane decided to wrap it up. He made his way onto the stage and thanked everyone for coming before Daisy and I were whisked inside the mansion.

We went upstairs to change and fell into each other's arms.

“You were incredible, sweetheart,” I told her. “I was very proud of you.”

“I thought the same about you,” Daisy countered. “Watching you speak reminded me of the first time I saw you talking to a crowd outside Gray’s Restaurant. You have changed for the better more than I’ve ever given you credit for.”

“You changed how I look at the world, my love,” I assured her.

Daisy put her arms around my neck. She had slipped off her dress and was only wearing tiny satin panties and a matching bra. I ran my hands over her luscious body and felt my own respond as I caressed each of her sensual curves.

But we were interrupted by a knock on the bedroom door. I dove into the bathroom while Daisy pulled on a robe and answered the door. It was Benson.

“Pardon the interruption, Miss Wilson,” Benson said. “But your father asked me to tell you he has arranged a special luncheon to celebrate the success of the press conference and the purchase of your estate.”

“That’s splendid,” Daisy said. “I’m starving. Please tell him we will be downstairs momentarily.”

I groaned, but a celebration sounded nice. Daisy would enjoy it since all her friends were here. We dressed casually and went downstairs.

The luncheon was set up on the patio off the ballroom. It was a beautiful day to eat outdoors, and I loved watching my lovely Luna enjoy herself.

Days like this made a person glad to be alive, and it felt like everything would be okay.

There was a lunch buffet set up just inside the ballroom doors, and charcoal was burning in the barbecue pit that was producing delicious seafood kabobs and steak tips.

Amy and Justin sat nearby with William and Penny, eating shrimp and steak with a salad of arugula, candied walnuts, and chunks of duck confit. There was chilled white wine, but everyone stuck with the iced tea or coffee.

“You both spoke well today,” Alex said as we sat on a picnic table across from him with our plates. “I believe you could handle the job by yourself, Victor.”

“I like working with you,” Victor admitted. “The leadership is a demanding job. Having you as co-leader makes it easier for either of us to take time off if we need or want it.”

“Then you want me to stay on?” Alex asked. He looked pleased.

“Absolutely,” Victor assured him. “We made a lot of promises today that need to be kept. Daisy and I need your help to do that.”

“Then I would be honored to stay on with you,” Alex said. “But in a few months, I’ll be needing some time off.”

“Are you going on another trip with Cassidy?” Daisy asked.

“No, we aren’t leaving town, but …” Alex looked at Cassidy, and she nodded.

Alex got to his feet and tapped his water glass with a spoon. “Excuse me, everyone, but I have an announcement to make.”

Everyone turned their attention to Alex and smiled.

“I’d like to congratulate Victor and Daisy on a successful press conference. Their speeches will be remembered in history books.”

A cheer went up, and there was a smattering of applause.

“And I want to congratulate them on the purchase of their new estate,” Alex continued. “May they enjoy their new home.”

There were more cheers, and Amy gave Daisy a hug.

Alex pulled Cassidy to her feet and put his arm around her.

“I’ve saved the most incredible news for last.” Alex was now wearing a huge grin. “Cassidy and I are going to have a baby!”

Daisy’s glass slipped from her fingers and smashed on the concrete patio.

“What?” she asked.