Chapter 68

After my discussion with Diana, I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. I woke up around noon feeling like I was making the right decision.

I took a long shower to clear my mind and then took my time getting ready for my day. I would need all the confidence I could muster.

I was putting my hair in a loose ponytail when I heard my cell phone ring. Victor’s name was on the caller ID screen.

“Good morning, Daisy,” Victor said after I answered. His voice was light and teasing. “Or should I say good afternoon? I hope you slept well.”

“I slept okay,” I said as I applied a little lip gloss. It was the one cosmetic I now used regularly.

“I hope William didn’t keep you talking for very long last night. You looked tired when I left.” His super casual tone made me think he was fishing for answers.

“We only spoke for a couple of minutes.” I didn’t feel right telling Victor what was on William’s mind, although he could probably guess correctly.

I decided to do some fishing myself.

“William’s wolf was restless. He felt a strong pull toward Diana, and he hoped to get a clue about my decision. Are you calling me now because your wolf is restless too?”

Victor’s tone turned serious. “My wolf does not control me in any way. If Adam is restless, he does not make it my problem.”

He was quiet for a moment and then continued. His voice seemed normal again. “I’m just calling to ask you to make the wise choice and to remind you about our previous agreement.”

“You and William are not that close yet,” he continued. “Plus, you know William doesn’t want the responsibility of your father’s leadership position. He would come to resent you for being the reason he couldn’t follow his dreams of being a professional football player.”

Victor was right, but I had already thought of these things.

Was he trying to influence me, or was he trying to make my decision harder?

Diana was not happy with Victor trying to persuade me in such a circuitous way, and so did I. I would’ve told him my plan if he asked me.

Diana told me what to ask him next. “What if I do choose William? No one else knows about our agreement. And the agreement was all about you helping me attract William, right? Well, mission accomplished.”

I took a deep breath and continued. “And even if William is not that into me right now, we would become more deeply bonded in the future since we are Fated Mates. I think things would work out well with him.”

There was nothing except silence from my phone. “Hello …Victor,” I said, but he had hung up.

Butterflies stretched their wings in my stomach, I regretted what I said to him. Everyone was frustrated by the double mate bond situation, including Victor.

He had been right about every point he made, but I wasn’t looking forward to rejecting anyone.

It was a hard enough decision to make.

But Diana told me Victor should be fine. I envy her free and lively spirit sometimes.

I gave myself a mental shake and went downstairs to find Alex.

He was in the living room, relaxing with a cup of tea.

“Good morning, Daisy,” he said. “I hope you got some sleep, sweetheart.”

“I slept well for several hours,” I replied. “How are you feeling today?”

“Like many middle-aged people who stay up late, I’m a bit tired today, but I’ll be fine,” he replied.

Alex looked at me as if he were searching for an answer.

I sat down in the chair across from him. “Yes, I have decided.”

“And you’re positive about your choice?” Alex asked. “I know I told you to decide quickly last night, but I want you to be sure.”

I smiled. “Diana and I discussed it last night, and we are both sure.”

Alex rang for Benson. “I’m delighted to hear you are confident in your choice. But don’t tell me yet.”

“Yes, sir, how may I be of service?” Benson inquired as he walked into the room.

“I would like you to contact Victor Klein and William James immediately,” Alex replied. “Tell them my daughter is ready to speak to them.”

“Right away, sir,” Benson said and left the room.

A maid brought me a cup of tea, and I watched television with my father while waiting for Victor and William to arrive.

I was nervous and had a hard time concentrating. I don’t know if William’s wolf would hate me for making this decision, but once I told them of my decision, we could all move on with our lives.

It wasn’t long until Benson appeared in the doorway and announced their arrival.

Victor looked exhausted. He must not have slept much or at all the previous night. William had light blue circles under his eyes, and he was still jittery.

Seeing evidence of their suffering over my decision gave me the courage to end their wait for my answer.

After Benson offered them refreshments, and they declined, I approached the subject.

“I am glad you both came,” I said. “Please sit down.” After I made Victor angry, part of me expected him not to show up.

They both silently sat at opposite ends of the couch.

William looked peaceful as he already knew my decision, but Victor’s face was an unreadable mask.

“This decision has been difficult for me to make,” I said. “You are both dear friends, and I hope to remain friends with both of you.”

Victor and William nodded, but they still didn’t say a word.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to tell them my decision.

“After a long conversation with my wolf, I have decided to remain engaged to Victor.”

Victor’s eyes briefly widened, and a smile slowly bloomed on his face. It was apparent he had not been expecting me to decide in his favor.

Diana enjoyed his surprise. I could hear her chuckling inside my mind.

But I was concerned for William, Diana told me his wolf was in turmoil even if he did appear to be calm and composed.

“Thank you for letting me know, Daisy,” he said. “As I told you last night, we will always be friends.”

“I am concerned that there could be possible problems or conflicts in the future,” Alex said.

“Perhaps I should call the high priestess and have her perform a ceremony to officially confirm Victor and his wolf as Daisy’s Fated Mate.”

I cringed at the thought of such a ceremony. It would only cause more pain for Diana and William’s wolf.

“That won’t be necessary, Mr. Wilson,” William said. His voice was low but firm.

“I guarantee there will be no problems from me or my wolf. I would never let my wolf take control of me and cause Daisy any problems.”

His words surprised me.

Did he also want to keep the possibility of us being together after learning about the agreement between Victor and I?

William got up from the couch.

“Now, I hope you will excuse me,” William said. “I must go home and tell my parents of Daisy’s decision.”

I could only nod as I searched for the right words to say to him. But Alex spoke up before I could find my voice.

“Of course, William,” Alex said. “We understand. And I want you to know that you and your parents are always welcome in this house.”

William shook Alex’s hand and said goodbye to Victor and me before leaving the mansion.

To my surprise, things were back to normal now.

William could still be my mate, and I don’t have to risk Victor’s leader position.

“I guess you have been well treated by our moon goddess after all,” Diana said.

“This matter seems to be settled,” Alex said. “Your engagement will be announced as soon as possible. You have received many invitations for the next several weeks.”

Victor had recovered from his surprise. “There should be an opening on our social calendar early next month,” he said.

“We don’t need to have another ball, do we?” I asked with all of the recent excitement, and I craved a few evenings to myself. Diana and I wanted to explore outside.

What good was it to be a werewolf if I had to be human all the time?

“No, a dinner party will do.” Alex sensed my restlessness. “You don’t need to accept every invitation; however, several parties are important to this family and our business that you must attend.”

Victor flashed me a huge smile. “Don’t worry, Daisy. I never accept every invitation that arrives in my mailbox.”

Alex smiled as he watched Victor and I interact. He seemed pleased by my decision. “That’s a relief. When is our next function so I am prepared?”

“That would be the art gallery opening,” Victor replied. “And before you ask, I’m sure anything you wear will be lovely.”

“I am pleased with the results of Daisy’s decision,” Alex said, confirming my thoughts. “But now, I am going for a nap. I’ll see you two at dinner.”