DAISYI feel something warm and dry being placed around my shoulders, and I raise my head to find that Damian has removed his jacket and wrapped it around me like a protective blanket.The fabric carries his scent, which makes my wolf stir within me like she's waking from a deep sleep.The warmth seeps into my chilled skin, though it does nothing to calm the chaos in my heart.I don't get to thank him before he's suddenly lifting me into his arms, one arm supporting my back and the other under my knees.He picks me up with such ease as if I weigh nothing at all, like I'm made of feathers rather than flesh and bone.I'm acutely aware of everyone at the party watching us with curious stares and barely concealed whispers.I can sense their murmured comments floating through the air like poison, and Melissa's furious glare burns into my back as Damian carries me away from the pool area.Her perfectly made-up face is twisted with rage, her hands clenched into fists at her sides like she wa
DAISYI don't feel myself until I'm fully submerged in the pool.The shock of cold water hitting my skin jolts me back to reality as chlorine stings my eyes and fills my nose with its sharp, chemical burn.The blue dress Mia lent me billows around me like a jellyfish, but it becomes suddenly heavy and waterlogged, restricting my movements and dragging me down toward the bottom of the pool.The pulsing music from the party becomes a muffled thrum that's replaced by the rush of water in my ears and the frantic beating of my own heart echoing through my skull like a drum.I break the surface with a desperate gasp as my head emerges just long enough to catch a glimpse of faces peering down at me from the pool's edge.Some look concerned, though most wear expressions of amusement, like they're watching some kind of twisted entertainment.Their eyes glitter with cruel fascination as they witness my struggle.Melissa stands at the edge with her arms crossed over her chest, watching with undi
DAISYDamian looks devastatingly handsome in a black formal suit that accentuates his broad shoulders and tall frame.The fabric is clearly expensive, tailored to perfection and highlighting every masculine line of his body.His usually cold features seem softer in the dim lighting, the harsh angles of his face gentled by shadows and colored light.The transformation makes him even more attractive, if such a thing is possible.He's undoubtedly the most striking person in the room, his aura dominating the space even from a distance like a dark star drawing everything into its orbit.A sharp pain lances through my chest, so intense I have to press my hand to my sternum to keep from crying out.The bond that Aru feels, that I feel, throbs like an open wound at the sight of him with another woman.He's so handsome, and the sight of him with Melissa feels like a personal insult, a cosmic joke at my expense.Is it because I'm not pretty enough? Because she's better than me in every conceiva
DAISYWe drive in silence for about thirty minutes before pulling up to what can only be described as a palace.The massive structure gleams white in the moonlight with towering columns and expansive windows that spill golden light across manicured lawns.Fountains dance in the front courtyard, the water catching the light and creating rainbow patterns in the air.The sound of cascading water mingles with distant music, creating an almost magical atmosphere that makes me feel like I've stepped into a fairy tale.Luxury cars line the circular driveway, and each one is worth more than my grandparents' house.I spot a sleek Ferrari, several Mercedes, and what looks like a Lamborghini parked casually as if they're everyday vehicles rather than automotive works of art."Thank you for the ride," I say as we come to a stop.My voice sounds small in the face of such overwhelming luxury.The sheer scale of wealth on display makes me acutely aware of how out of place I am here."No thanks neede
DAISYI carefully fold the shirt and tuck it into my bag like a treasured keepsake, then add the dress and my study materials for the coming week.My fingers linger on the textbooks, thick volumes on werewolf history, pack dynamics and territorial law that represent the normal student life I'm desperately trying to maintain despite everything falling apart around me.The next morning arrives gray and overcast, matching my mood perfectly.I leave the house without saying goodbye to my grandparents, unable to face another confrontation after yesterday's painful argument.The words Grandma spoke about Mom still echo in my mind, cutting deeper each time I remember them.The walk to school is unusually quiet.The neighborhood is still waking up from its weekend slumber.A few dedicated early joggers pass me on the sidewalk, their breath forming small clouds in the cool morning air.Birds call to each other from the trees lining the street, their cheerful songs a stark contrast to the heavi
DAISY"My little one, don't be afraid." Mom's voice flows like honey, gentle and soothing like the lullabies she used to sing when thunderstorms would shake our small house.Her hand rests on the wolf's massive head, fingers tangled in thick brown fur that catches the afternoon sunlight."Come closer. He won't hurt you. Come and say hello." She cajoles.I approach slowly, each step feeling enormous while my heart flutters like a trapped bird.The grass beneath my bare feet is cool and slightly damp from morning dew that hasn't evaporated yet.When I reach her, she takes my small hand in hers, warm and secure and safe and places it on the wolf's thick coat.The wolf whimpers softly and lowers his massive head, bringing those intelligent eyes level with mine.His gaze holds an intelligence that seems almost human, filled with emotions I can't quite understand at my young age.I run my fingers through his fur, marveling at how incredibly soft it feels beneath my small palms.It's like to