I'm a witch. I saw the future. Alpha Xavier will rule the kingdom and kill my whole family. He's taking revenge on us since my grandfather chose to align with his enemy. I can't just sit back and let that happen. So I decided to propose to him and get him killed before our fate's set. Yet, the moon goddess says otherwise... "Will you marry me, Alpha Xavier?" I asked and bowed slightly. Lord Xavier is currently the Alpha of the Leonard family. Apparently, he's been hailed as one of the strongest men on the continent-and the most handsome. Not like that matters to me but I guess it's a plus. "Excuse me?" The man stared at me in disbelief. "If have to repeat myself, will you marry me?" I looked up at Xavier who hadn't moved a muscle nor taken his eyes off of me. He just needs to accept my proposal already! This silence and waiting is unbearable! I'm offering you money and power. What more could you possibly- "I accept your marriage proposal." Xavier interrupted my thoughts and released his hold on me. I've succeeded! Another step closer to your death, my Lord... I accepted the witch girl's proposal and walked out of the parlor without looking back at her. How could I? My heart raced inside of my chest, though I knew that these beats weren't my own. Throughout the entire ordeal, something itched in the back of my mind. I knew what it was. "Lyon!" I commanded through thought. "What was that all about? What happened?" A howl echoed through my mind. "She's our mate!" Lyon exclaimed. Mate?! The daughter of the Wisdom family was supposed to be my Luna? I couldn't believe that the Moon Goddess was capable of such jokes and trickery.
Eloise's POV
"Will you marry me, Alpha Xavier?" I asked and bowed slightly. My eyes shifted to the two guards at either side of the Alpha Lord. It was funny to see their eyes look like they would pop out of their skulls when they heard my question.
Lord Xavier is currently the Alpha of the Leonard family. Apparently, he's been hailed as one of the strongest men on the continent-and the most handsome.
Not like that matters to me but I guess it's a plus.
The city of Normand, the Alpha's hometown, was always so unbearably cold. It didn't matter what the time of year it was either. At least the charcoal fire was lit even though it didn't really help ease any of the tension that was between us.
"Excuse me?" The man stared at me in disbelief. A frown creased the sides of his face.
"Surely I'm not the first person who's attempted to propose to you, my Lord. Although, if I have to repeat myself, will you marry me?" I looked into his eyes without hesitation.
Despite how long I had to wait to even get the Alpha Lord to see me, it was nothing in comparison to the months of preparation that led up to this moment.
Earlier today, I told myself I was just going to visit the city with my maid, Nora. I was initially just trying to get familiar with the layout of Normand. Honestly, I wasn't trying to rush into a marriage and then move to a brand new place I barely knew anything about.
But something changed when I got a glimpse of Xavier's castle. It was like a switch flipped. It was then I decided that today was going to be the day I would put my plan into motion.
I remember begging the guards as soon as I made my way up the castle steps. "Just let me in, please! I have an urgent message for Lord Xavier that he needs to hear!"
The guards were hesitant at first but they decided to listen to me. They escorted me to one of the Lord's parlors and told me to just wait outside.
Unfortunately for me, it didn't take long for my request to see the Alpha Lord be denied. "Sorry, miss, but Lord Xavier has stated that he has no time to meet with another messenger of the Wisdoms."
Regardless of their answer, I was still determined to see the Lord. They weren't going to stop me from waiting outside of the parlor's doors. The guards weren't too particularly happy with it but for the most part, they just left me alone.
I heard one of them comment about how fragile I looked and how they didn't feel the need to keep a strict eye on me.
What was a petite little witch going to do against an army of strong men anyway? I mocked their words.
Tsk. Idiots.
Thanks to their arrogance, I was able to slip away and rush straight for the parlor that Lord Xavier was in.
It didn't take long for the guards to catch up, though. They were ready to escort me out for good. Well, more like drag me away.
"Please! It's really important!" I insisted as I tried to fight against the strength of the guards even though they were way bigger than me. "It concerns the future of the Leonard bloodline!"
"There's really no use, miss. Don't make our job any harder than it already is." One of the guards spoke up with an annoyed tone.
"I could equip you with riches and power if you'd hear me out!" I turned my head back and shouted.
"Wait. Let her stay." Xavier's husky voice chimed in.
It seemed like my sincerity piqued his interest.
Great! We're getting one step closer.
"You proposed to me..." Xavier's voice interrupted my thoughts and flashbacks. "Yet we are not on a first-name basis. And you are...?" His tone was indifferent.
I couldn't read his expressions or emotions, so I figured I needed to reply carefully so I wouldn't upset him. Especially when I had gotten this far. "My name is Eloise, my Lord."
"Well, Miss Eloise... Marriages often come with benefits. Why should I agree to such an arrangement?" His elbow rested against the armrest of the chair as he exhaled a cold breath.
"The Wisdom family has occupied the heart of the Lowell continent for a hundred years. While the race of the witches may not be as powerful as other families like they once were, we're more than capable of providing the Leonard family with plenty of potions and money."
I paused for a moment. I have to make him agree with me! What else can I say to convince him...?
I knew that this marriage proposal was dumb... But I knew it was the fastest and most effective way of getting close to him. It was my only option.
But he still had the choice to reject me. Not like I would've been the only woman he would turn away. There were others before me whose seductive behaviors and attempts at courtship he had shooed away.
Even if he did reject me, that wasn't going to stop what I had in store for him...
I watched him as his expression remained blank while in thought. At least he was willing to hear me out since he allowed me inside. I just hoped I could sway things in my favor.
The lightbulb in my head lit up with an idea as I looked up into his eyes. "Should you agree and cooperate with the Wisdoms, your ascension to the throne of the werewolf's kingdom would be quick."
Xavier's eyes snapped to me as he sat up straight in his chair. His voice was completely void of any warmth or emotion. Suddenly he became dangerous. "Ascend to the throne of the werewolf kingdom? Did you forget how I lost it in the first place?!"
The two guards on either side of Xavier drew their swords, their sharpened points were now pressed against my neck. I knew that the topic was a sensitive one to bring up. Especially by me as the daughter of the Wisdom family.
He despised our bloodline.
The threatening atmosphere stunned me but I wasn't going to give in. I dug my nails into the palm of my hands as my fists clenched. I needed to make sure my voice wouldn't give away how scared I actually was.
"There is no malice in my visit, my Lord. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come alone. My proposal is sincere-I truly do want to marry you. I, on behalf of the Wisdom family, also seek to form an alliance with the Leonards."
"Alliance?" Xavier barked out a laugh. "The Wisdoms have been such obedient little puppets for Douglas. Ten years ago when my father was killed, what did the witches do? When my family was hunted by Douglas, what did you do?! After all the time, you think you can just waltz into my castle, propose to me, and form an alliance with the Leonards?" His voice thundered throughout the room.
Xavier rose from his seat as a low growl escaped the back of his throat. The air around him was thick with anger. The guards fell to their knees, unable to breathe in the now oppressive atmosphere.
I stood straight with my shoulders squared. He wouldn't be the first person to use fear as a tactic of persuasion, even though he was way more intimidating than anyone else I had ever come face-to-face with.
I wasn't going to falter under Xavier's coercion either. "I swear by an oath that the Wisdom family will remain loyal to the Leonards and that this alliance will not waver."
"What collateral could you give me in order to guarantee your words?"
"Myself."
Xavier closed the distance between us. He pinched my chin and forced my eyes up to look at him. Did he want to read me to see if I was being sincere?
I stared up at Xavier without flinching. I attempted to get a read on him, too, but it was really hard to do so. His sharp jaws were in a relaxed state. There was no sparkle of amusement or humor in his golden eyes; the way he looked at me felt like he was burning holes in my soul.
The way he towered over me screamed dangerous.
I held my breath before I continued. "The Elder of the Wisdom family was my grandfather. His mind was too weak to resist Douglas's oppression. Because of this, it caused him to violate the witch's principle as a Judge. Though he passed away, we know that he didn't carry his sins with him..."
I let out my breath and continued. "We regret our actions and now also offer the Leonard family 10,000 gold and powerful elixirs as compensation."
It was so hard to maintain eye contact with Xavier. His hardened stare made my eyes flutter from the tension between us. Still, I had to remain calm. I needed to convince him.
"After I'm married into the family, the Leonard and Wisdom bloodlines will converge. Our children will have both strength and intelligence. Gods forbid it but if the Wisdom family betrays you again, then know that I'm at your mercy."
Xavier just continued to stare at me. Silence consumed the room and no one dared to move another muscle.
Time stood still. My eyes remained fixed on Lord Xavier's toughened gaze. I could hear my heart pound wildly against my chest, and for a moment, I thought he could hear it, too.
Thoughts raced through my mind. Was I going to die? The last time my family sent a messenger to Lord Xavier, he sent the guy's head back as a threat. The message was clear. Anyone else from the Wisdom family who set foot in his castle would also suffer the same fate.
Even if he did kill me, at least my death would be swift. Although I definitely wasn't looking forward to it.
Maybe I would be lucky and he'd show me some kindness and let me go unscathed.
I thought what I proposed would entice anyone. Even though the witches weren't as numerous as we were before, we were still powerful people. Those who lusted for power in one way, shape, or form wouldn't be able to resist the blood of a witch coursing through their descendants.
Would Lord Xavier be the rare case?
Even if he ended up declining the offer altogether, it wasn't going to be enough to stop me. I knew that the webs of fate were spinning in my favor.
Xavier was probably used to being the predator-however, it wasn't going to be the case for long.
I looked up at Xavier who hadn't moved a muscle nor taken his eyes off of me. He just needs to accept my proposal already! This silence and waiting is unbearable! I'm offering you money and power. What more could you possibly-
"I accept your marriage proposal." Xavier interrupted my thoughts and released his hold on me.
My eyes widened in shock. For a moment, I thought I didn't hear him right. The most powerful man on the Lowell mainland, whom no one could stand up to physically or psychologically, just agreed to marry me!
I've succeeded!
I fell to the ground in exhaustion. Being so persistent and having to stand my ground against the intimidating and dangerous Alpha Lord really took its toll on my body.
I watched as Xavier left the room without looking back at me.
"Another step closer to your death, my Lord..." I whispered to myself with a small smile on my face.
When I woke up, my mom's body was cold. The color was drained from her half-opened eyes, and I could see no signs of life. My father told me that she purposely drank poison to kill herself. But that was a lie. My mother would never kill herself; she would never leave me. That night imprisoned me. “It wasn’t a mistake,” “What are you talking about, Jonathan?” I asked him. “Arina, you are my mate. You were born to be my luna,” he said. His face showed no signs of humor. “I wasn’t born to be anybody’s luna,” I shot back. “Arina, I love you…” he spoke softly, still staring into my eyes. I could feel the wolf in me stirring; something that I had never felt before. She was awakening; the fire that burned so deep inside of me was beginning to flare. “Love?” I heard myself saying. “There’s no such thing as love…” After everything I knew about “love”, what my mother went through when she married my father, love didn’t exist. “Give me a chance to prove you wrong. Marry me.” WARNING This story will contain: Strong Sexual Content, Strong Language and Domestic Violence Scenes that may be triggering. Adult viewers only.
WARNING This story will contain. Strong sexual content, strong language, dark scenes about human trafficking. Everything was shaking all around me as if I was in the back of a moving car. An unpleasant smell that could have woken me from even my darkest dreams filled the air and convinced me that I was wide awake. Fear instantly overcame my senses. Where was I? What was I doing here? Who took me? “Help…” I tried to shout. My torn throat wouldn’t allow it. In my mind, images flashed of barbaric shifters standing outside that door. Big, tall and rough creatures that knew no manners and only wanted to claim things. I’d heard stories since I was old enough to understand that they favored pretty human girls and plucked them off the roads as if they were all free for the taking. Patara tried to move back away from the handsome young man, but he held her firm. Squeezing her chin a little harder to keep her in place. His blue-grey, beautiful eyes looked over her every feature as if he wanted to burn the image in his mind. “Would you like me to take you away?” He asked in a husky voice. His words made her skin litter in goosebumps. She couldn’t speak, only nod desperately. “And what do you offer me in exchange for your rescue? Would you like to follow me?” Slowly, she nodded her head and put her hand in his. “Remember your promises,” he said against her ear. She held her breath. “The last person who betrayed me got to see what his insides looked like before I slit his throat.”
He embraces Mary, something about their embrace so random, so intense and passionate, that I stumble back, threatening to fall. This can’t be happening. Row catches me, my butcher friend already reeked with the smell of rotten meat but it doesn’t faze me, it doesn’t affect me like seeing Luke take another woman into his arms. They kiss, Row having to turn me around and hold to his chest as I hold back sobs. Luke has found his mate and it isn’t me. “Oh no,” Ann sighs, her hand patting my back. “Well, I guess that is settled,” Paul murmurs. “Let’s get out of here, Aurora. We should let Luke be with his new mate.” I sniffle a cry into Row’s shirt, feeling him embrace me tighter at the mention of Luke’s mate. It’s real. It can’t be. It wasn’t supposed to be like this and yet it’s happening. Pulling myself together, I refuse to look back at my best friend, the man I thought I would be with forever, the only man I pictured having as my mate, while he embraces another woman.
On my 18th Birthday, My twin sister married my mate, Alpha Jacob, in my name. I was Alisa Clark, the she-wolf with the purest blood. The Alphas must feed on my blood. They were blessed with great power while they were cursed. The greater their abilities, the shorter their lives. My blood protected them from their curse Yet, my twin Jennifer took away my glory and had me tortured for 6 years! Worse still, My mate allowed it "You've been like a pig for us. He can smell you down here. He's known this whole time." She took out a mirror and held it up to my face. " You think he would ever accept such an ugly mate like this pig." I hadn't seen myself since I was twelve, vibrant and healthy. I was a child then, and now I looked like a ghost. My face was hollow and pale like a sick person. I saw the scar on my face, it burned and had inflamed my cheek so that it was swollen. My eyes were red from the tears. My hair was dull and limp over my skull. My purple eyes were the only piece of me that still held some semblance of life. I could see scars even on my neck, and I knew that my body was even more scarred, and even more pathetic... "How dare you be so stupid." Jennifer said. "How dare you think the Alpha wants you for more than your blood. Imagine him mating with you, when he could have me."
3 years ago, I faked a pregnancy to steal half a million dollars from my mate. I felt as if I didn’t have any other choice as I had to pay my brother’s ransom or let him die. Now, I would rather die than spend another day being treated with icy, bitter resentment. My name is Rachel Flores and I rejected my alpha mate because I’m ready to live, not just survive! "Who are you?" I came awake with a jerk, disoriented and aching all over. A heavy male body lay beside me---we were both naked except for the sheet covering our bodies. I searched my memories of the night before, trying to figure out how I had gotten here while attempting to wrap the sheet around my body. I stopped when I realized I'd leave my bed partner totally nude. I remembered myself saying over and over, "I'm your mate!" I eased myself off the bed to look for clothes. I tried to be as quiet as I could so I didn't wake up the stranger. His scent was all over me, all over everything really. Rich and masculine...
*Warning* Explicit Content Included. Adults only. My fated mate is the son of the murder who smashed my family and life. I was sold to a brothel and my body was turned into a commodity. And my sister, she's still being raped by those pedophiles, over and over, over and over. I need to revenge. - “Showtime, ladies!” I rolled my shoulder and walked to the back of the line. There were ten of us. Each of us dressed in a sparkling evening gown, ready to introduce ourselves to the crowd. I barely listened to the women ahead of me. Then, it was my turn. I took a deep breath and lifted my head as the woman ahead of me stepped aside. The stage light was so bright my eyes burned, but I kept my eyes open, scanning the VIP room windows for the man in question. There, sitting in the front row of the VIP room just to the right of the stage, was Matt Wallber, surrounded by various women. His collar was undone and he wore what looked to be a deconstructed tuxedo. His hair was raked and a bit windswept as if he had been running his hand through it. “We’ll open the bidding now!” A few breaths passed before the screen lit up. Round 1 Bidding Open. I watched my headshot shoot ahead of the other nine and over the blue line that signified my requested starting bid. Someone had bid on me in the first round well over my opening bid. My heart leaped. Had he taken the bait so soon?
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
Book 1 Amethyst prayed for her childhood best friend to be her mate. Everyone stares, they tease, they bully her for being an orphan but Mason was different. He protected her, he defended her. The Alpha's son loved her since they were pups. But you can't be kids forever. Everything turned sour when Mason began training to take over the Stone Heart Pack. He turned on her just like everyone else, Mason made her the target of his ruthless antics and when they turned of age - it got worse. Mason doesn't want an orphan for a mate. She has no power, no status and he wants someone with wealth to carry the Luna title. Amethyst isn't it. Everything crashes down, the humiliation and rejection too much to bare, turning Rogue was her only option. She couldn't submit any longer to the torture and living in the woods for a couple years before death seemed less painful. Until a man arrives. Claiming that Amethyst isn't an orphan. That she belongs to one of the five founding families. Amethyst thought that rejection was where her life ended. Wait till she finds out that it's only the beginning and neither her heart or life are safe. ******** Book 2 Maverick's past is a secret for a reason, there are rumors spread that he made deals with ancient witches to get the power every member longs for. But it's just a rumor....or is it? There is a reason why his mind and heart are always at war because if he claims Sage as his, hell would rip her from this earth. The best option is to stay away from her, to not have contact with her. What can he do when she shows up at his territory? Desperate to escape her grief. The problem is, Maverick made promises and with Sage in the picture - he can't keep them. There is a reason why Maverick is the Forbidden Alpha.. and Sage is about to find out what being a Fated Mate truly means. ******* Book 3 Jasmine Ravenstone gave up everything for a man who couldn't speak. Renouncing her Alpha title and fleeing with Kyson Zero, she has no idea of the past he carries or the Fated Mate curse she will endure. Being born from the first witch in existence, Kyson and Kier had to go through lifetimes to kill their father and never succeeded in their destiny. Now, the seal has been broken and they are down to their last life. If they don't kill their father then the supernatural world will cease to exist. Kyson didn't realize the ramifications of his actions. Stealing a Fated comes with consequences, a sirebond that ties Jasmine to him. He didn't expect a curse that will cause damnation. ******* Book 4 Kier Zero returns to his life as Alpha, after ultimately killing his first tormentor. But that was only his first demon, there is a second one that haunts him. Marked by Olivia Aspen, he wants as much distance away from her as possible. Until she arrives, with a mysterious power that everyone seems to want and a debt to a deadly vampire. She has no one to consult, stranded and lost in a world without a pack or home. Olivia chooses to repay her debt, but that comes with strings attached when the charming vampire has more to offer than she ever could have imagined.
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”
Rejected by her mate, who had been her long-time crush, Jasmine felt utterly humiliated. Seeking solace, she headed to a party to drown her sorrows. But things took a turn for the worse when her friends issued a cruel dare: kiss a stranger or beg her mate for forgiveness. With no other choice, Jasmine approached a stranger and kissed him, thinking that would be the end of it. However, the stranger unexpectedly wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered in her ear, "You're mine!" He growled, his words sending shivers down her spine. And then, he offered her a solution that would change everything...