Willow Bittermane is a beautiful and aloof cafe owner in a small, semi-remote village in northern Montana. She and the female members of her family are shapeshifters, turning into wolves when the need arises. The town has legends of these "women who run with wolves" but most believe they are just stories. Willow's life changes when she meets Garin, a handsome man who seems to despise her from their first meeting. He has an irresistible scent, though she is horrified to discover that he is a descendant of the Red Hoods, a family that has hunted her kind for generations. Despite these differences, the two are drawn together and with each other, they fight against the years of blood between their families. The Alpha and Her Hunter is created by Lauren Rutherford, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.
The bell tinkled over the front door, announcing a late afternoon customer. Willow sighed. She was hoping to close up early today. She had barely slept last night, and visions of her bed swam before her eyes. She dusted her hands on the tea towel hanging from her waist and turned to greet them, pasting a smile on her face.
Her heart jolted, causing a blush to pink her cheeks. He was tall, nearly 6'3". His muscles strained against his grey, heathered long-sleeve tee. His hair was a thick, chestnut brown. He wore it longer on top, the strands curling loosely around his abnormally handsome face.
She was taken in by his sharp jaw and high cheekbones. No one had a right to be that handsome. She patted her auburn braid, assuring that nothing was out of place. His smile was warm as she approached the counter.
"Hey, what can I get you?" she asked. He checked his phone.
"A medium latte, large black coffee, and two small chai teas, please," he replied, reading from his phone.
"Great. That will be $16.32," she held out her hand and he placed his card in it, their fingers brushing for a moment. A jolt of electricity shot through her and goosebumps rippled across her arm. She felt the blood rush to her face. Her eyes snapped up to his, her neck craning back to meet his gaze.
His dark blue eyes were piercing into hers, a shadow of confusion lurking in their depths. They took her in and suddenly narrowed, a glimmer of recognition causing them to harden. She felt taken aback by the coldness that emanated from him. She felt a small growl creep up her throat. Her muscles tensed and moved beneath her skin. She took a deep breath in, wanting to calm her racing heart.
The scent of sandalwood washed over her, the sharp tang of basil settling into the base of her throat. She saw his own nostrils flare. He jerked away from her, snatching his card from her hand.
"They'll be at the end of the counter," she snapped and began making the drinks. She was tempted to burn the milk, but this café was her livelihood and she couldn't afford even one bad review. She wasn't going to let some asshole from out of town ruin what she had worked so hard to create. She pushed the drinks into their holder and slid them as far down the counter as she could.
The bell rang again and she saw Mr. Schwartz trod in, his frail body wrapped in his perpetual tweed blazer. She offered him a warm smile and he tipped his hat towards her, balancing precariously on his wooden cane. Willow felt the stranger's eyes burning into the side of her face. She glanced towards him and glowered slightly. A small surge of pleasure rose as she saw him draw back slightly.
"Garin! What are you doing in town? I haven't seen you since, what, last Christmas?" Mr. Schwartz barked, toddling up to the stranger. They exchanged a hearty handshake; Mr. Schwartz's small frame being nearly lifted from his feet.
"Yes, work has been crazy. I started my dissertation this past spring and then I picked up a few summer classes. I haven't been able to steal away until now," he replied. Willow quietly washed the milk pitcher, hoping to learn more about this abrasive Garin.
"Good for you, good for you. Are you staying at your parents' then?" Willow began to make the weak, milky tea that Mr. Schwartz preferred, listening intently to the discussion. Parents? She wondered. Who did this terribly rude man belong to? Garin grinned at him and nodded.
"Looks like it. You know how my mother is. Speaking of which, I better get her tea to her soon or she will get cranky." Mr. Schwartz guffawed.
"I do know. Well, feel free to stop by the library before you head out. How long are you staying?"
"Until after the festival," Willow rolled her eyes. So he was going to be sticking around for a few weeks then. Maybe he would drive into Graycott for his coffee from now on. The two men said their goodbyes and Garin left. He shot one last look at Willow as he closed the door behind him, his eyes confused and suspicious. She fought the urge to give him the finger.
"Here's your tea," she pushed the lukewarm drink across to him.
"Thank you, m'dear," he said, wrapping his spotted hands around the mug. He settled himself at the counter in his favorite stool that Willow kept free for him. She began closing down the café, ready to be home and she could use the fresh air. The scent of Garin still hung heady in the air. It coated the back of her throat like honeyed wine.
"You're out late," she mentioned as she mopped the floor behind him. He bobbed his head.
"I had a very exciting request today from a patron, so I got lost in my research, I'm afraid," he said, noisily slurping his tea.
"Oh?" she replied noncommittedly, hanging the mop on the hook in the utility closet.
"Yes! Very interesting, indeed." He seemed to be waiting for her to ask more. With a sigh, she turned to him.
"Tell me more. I have a few minutes before I have to lock up," his wrinkled face brightened, and she felt a pang of guilt for being impatient with him.
"Someone came in wanting to know about the Women of the Moon," her hands froze above the cups she was stacking. Her heart raced.
"They are doing research for a project for the festival," he explained. Her heart slowed from its desperate march. It was common for people to get interested in the mysterious women that lived on the edge of the forest.
"It is that time of year," she plucked his empty cup from the table and hastily washed it, ready to be home.
"It is indeed. I'll see you tomorrow," he stood with a groan and she held the door open for him. She watched his small form until he disappeared around the corner. She turned her face up into the waning sunlight. The crisp smell of the coming autumn floated on the breeze. Garin's scent was still here but not nearly as strong. She shook her head once and locked the door behind her. She still had to close the till before she headed home.
Her boots clicked across the wooden planks, echoing in the empty café. She loved this time of day where the day and night warred over the sky. The golden hour some called it. Dusk always felt so magical to her. It held such anticipation of the unknown.
She unwound the apron from her waist and hung it on its peg. Deftly she counted the cash and tucked it into the bank envelope. She would put it in the dropbox on her way home. With a few swipes of the screen, she brought up the credit card receipts.
The color drained from her face when she saw Garin's last name on the screen.
"Brochade," she whispered aloud as if it were a curse.
After beautiful village girl Saffron heals a wounded dragon, she will be thrown into a world of gleaming palaces and dangerous secrets. While battles rage around her, Saffron will face a harrowing choice: return to her simple life or allow herself to be engulfed by the burning passion of the dangerous and intoxicating Dragon Prince. The Dragon's Coveted Wife is created by Lauren Rutherford, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?