Tessa and Teddy Mason are twin fire-starting witches, the last in existence. They are introduced formally to their coven on their thirteenth birthday, and Tessa meets her fifteen-year-old mate, Rafik. He happens to be the youngest son of her family's sworn enemy. At the dinner meant to finalize their courtship rules, Rafik's father poisons Tessa's whole family. Teddy escapes with his sister, but she begins to react to the poison and dies in his arms at their home. Rafik comes to her rescue, performs a spell of binding on her, and gives her his blood to save her (he's immune against the poison). She survives, and Rafik is put into hiding. Ten years later, Tessa is invited to study with the best potion maker in the world, who happens to be Rafik. After a rocky start, they consummate their marriage that happened when they were children. But Tessa's grandparents want revenge for their daughter's murder and come for Rafik one night. They go on the run, but Tessa is kidnapped by her family. Rafik turns himself in to save her. He is sentenced to die, but Tessa won't allow her grandparents to have the vengeance they want and kills her husband herself to spite them. Her brother rescues her again. Tessa is so distraught by what she's done that her brother steals her memories of Rafik. This causes her to become mentally unstable. Eventually, they have a falling out, and her brother abandons her. He finds his mate in a werewolf pack, and his mate's twin brothers find Tessa's picture. they're convinced that Tessa is their mate and try to convince Teddy to bring Tessa to them. The last scene is Tessa driving off to see her brother, unaware of what is about to happen in the werewolf territory. Author: Jessica White Publisher:EasyReading
The Birthday Girl
The ticking of the Grandfather clock synced up perfectly to the tapping of Jasper's shoe against the black-and-white checkered floor until he finally shifted his eyes to the stairs. "Hurry up, Sugar!"
After he tousled the dark curls on his head in the mirror, his eyes dropped to Teddy's reflection. "Will you go drag your sister down here, please? She's going to be late for her own goddamn birthday party."
From the warm, burgundy wall he leaned on, Teddy pulled his hand from his pocket and pointed his finger gun at his father. "Don't you worry about a thing, Daddy; I'm on it."
The ting of his fingers bouncing off the cast-iron spindles of the staircase kept time with his shoes sliding across the Oriental runner that led him to Tessa's room.
Her lips made a perfect pout as she slathered on her red lip gloss and shook out her dark, curly hair. "Hell's Bells! I'll be down in a minute, Daddy! You think a face like this grows on trees?"
While she peeked down over herself, she straightened her simple black dress and tugged nervously on her pearl necklace. "This is my party; I'm supposed to make a grand entrance. All those pricks can just wait until I'm good and ready to show up."
Just hours shy from thirteen now, Tessa prepared herself for the first formal affair she ever attended at her Order.
These were the days when the witching world's families introduced their children, hoping for them to find their someday mates, or at least like someone enough that a future marriage can be arranged.
Among the Savannah elite, alliances start early and tonight promised to be interesting because a new family recently arrived from Morocco with five sons, one close to her age.
"Aren't you ready yet?" Teddy leaned against the doorway and shared the mirror with his sister.
While he tried to tame the wayward curl that kept poking his forehead, he tilted his head to the side as he appreciated his reflection. "We're all waiting for you, you know. You're being rude as hell to our guests."
"I give nary a shit about any of those parasites." The nerves she battled all day long dripped from her fingertips as she shook out her hands and turned to face him. "Do we really have to go to this thing? I don't feel very well."
An amused smile came to his lips, and the always relaxed Teddy winked his green eye at her. His sister never turned down an opportunity to complain, and he never wasted the chance to support her. "Time to find you a mate, Tess; you're nearly an old maid."
Her arms wove across her chest, and her eyes rolled in an arrogant act of defiance. No matter the outcome of tonight's party, she would be unimpressed by any specimen presented to her. "No goddamn way. You know I don't believe in that old-timey bullshit."
He chuckled to himself as he pointed at her because he expected nothing less from her smart mouth. Although her mother was a regal, graceful woman born of royal blood, Tessa inherited her father's quick temper and love of profanity. "That's it. That kind of talk will sweep any potential suitor right off his feet."
"Like I give a damn." While she wiggled her toes into her high-heeled shoes, she flipped him the middle finger. "I can't believe I'm going through with this. This whole mating thing is one tradition that needs to die."
As Teddy took one last look at himself, he straightened the bow tie he never could quite figure out.
Only a smidge less vain than his sister, he puckered his lips at his reflection and shrugged off her concerns. "Don't go working yourself up into a tizzy over it yet, Tess; it's only a party. No one said you have to jump the broom tonight. Nobody will expect that of you for a couple of decades or so."
While they walked down the hall, she continued her list of grievances about her over-privileged lot in life. "I wish I were human; they can decide for themselves who they end up with."
The antique, textured burgundy and gold wallpaper tickled the ridges of his fingers as he slid them across while he did his best to calm her down. "Yes, that's true, but they often pick poorly. Your mate is hand-picked for you by the Fates; these things are meant to be. Go with it for once and see where it leads you."
Her head shaking rebelliously, Tessa delivered her usual response to anyone who disagreed with her as he opened the front door. "What a load of shit! No one's going to tell me how I'm going to live my life, especially not some crusty, old sky wizard that doesn't even know anything about me."
His fingers wrapped around her arm as they came down the stairs because Teddy was more than a little worried she might throw herself down them in an attempt to avoid tonight's obligation. "Whether or not you believe in the old gods, they sure as hell got your number. If you're not careful, someday you're going to get struck down by lightning for your blasphemy."
Her eyes rose to the full moon above her, and she held up her arms as she dared Fate to test her. "Well, now would be a perfect time, you sons of bitches. Why don't you go on and put me right out of my misery?"
When they met their parents on the other side of the street, Jasper wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they walked across the park. "Are you excited, Sugar?"
The arched brow he liked to give to those who dared to cross him shot back at him as she shook her head no. "Absolutely not! This is so sick. These cotillions are like one of those livestock auctions they have out in the country."
While he tipped his head to the people walking by, Jasper laughed out at the comparison. "I just want to introduce you to some people. After that, you're free to go hide in my office the rest of the night if you want."
He pulled her closer to his side and kissed the top of her head. "I wanted to show off my number one girl. All those guys brag on their pathetic daughters, but they haven't met anyone like you before, Tess. I guarantee it."
His arm around her shoulder tugged her tighter as he waved his hand at the building before them. "You're going to run this whole show one day; believe me when I tell you that this world is a hell of a lot easier when you have someone loyal and strong by your side to back you up."
Even the guard who manned the front door dressed to the nines, and he lowered his head in respect of his leaders before he parted the thick wooden doors for them.
As soon as she crossed the threshold, she gasped at the flip-flop sensation in her chest. A slow, steamy breath blew from her mouth, and she fanned her face to collect her nerves.
The unconscious primal side awoke as her whole body buzzed, and the little beast's eyes darted around, searching for the other racing heart that called out to her.
Her entire world blurred into a messy smear of faces that melted into nothing as her mind tried to narrow her focus and zero in on its prey.
When Jasper stretched his neck, he caught her tugging at her pearls from the corner of his eye and smacked her hand away as he gave her his disapproving squint. "Don't you show them any weakness, Tessa Mason. These people are vultures; they'll use any tactic to gain the upper hand with you. Don't let them see they can intimidate you."
Realizing how much he was putting on her shoulders at such a young age, Jasper sighed out a breath of regret as he slid his hand on her cheek. "Sometimes I have to remind myself that you're a kid because you two just act so grown up. This life we live isn't an easy one, and I want you both prepared for the realities of it."
One of the few people in the world who she respected at all, she gave him a sweet smile and nodded. "I know that, Daddy. You don't have to worry about us; we can handle ourselves just fine."
"I do not doubt that at all." He pushed her hair back off her shoulder while he beamed with pride at his most treasured work of art. "These folks are only spectators in your world wanting to see you fail; don't give them the satisfaction."
Already ten minutes late, he used one last second to brush down his jacket and check the shine on his shoes as he gave her some last words of wisdom. "Burn the entire world down and kill them all if you have to, but you make them understand you're not the witch to mess with. Don't give mercy because they won't be so kind as to offer you any. You get what I'm saying, Sugar?"
A sneaky smirk curled up on her lips as a spark flashed across her emerald green eyes. Even though the rest of the world tried to hold her back, only her father truly understood her nature and gave her permission to be the foul-mouthed, wicked witch she was. "Perfectly, Daddy."
With his fakest smile plastered on, Jasper lifted his chin at the doorman. "It's showtime, Sugar."
Daniel Darke is an Earthborn warlock who is transported to a magical world when he follows the vision of a beautiful woman into a forest. He becomes a respected member of her family. After she's attacked and left for dead, Daniel swears to reclaim his ancestral kingdom for her and their child. After being properly mated to his wife, he begins having visions of other lifetimes and becomes even stronger. He understands that evil is coming for them and prepares his armies for war. While he is off doing his duties, the man who attacked his wife happens to come to the kingdom. Daniel has taken her memories of the attack, so she doesn't know she's in danger until the man who rescued her sees the attacker, but he escapes. The king goes in search of the attacker and defeats him. He and his family live happily ever after for now. Author: Jessica White Publisher:EasyReading
Daniel Darke is an Earthborn warlock who is transported to a magical world when he follows the vision of a beautiful woman into a forest. He becomes a respected member of her family. After she's attacked and left for dead, Daniel swears to reclaim his ancestral kingdom for her and their child. After being properly mated to his wife, he begins having visions of other lifetimes and becomes even stronger. He understands that evil is coming for them and prepares his armies for war. While he is off doing his duties, the man who attacked his wife happens to come to the kingdom. Daniel has taken her memories of the attack, so she doesn't know she's in danger until the man who rescued her sees the attacker, but he escapes. The king goes in search of the attacker and defeats him. He and his family live happily ever after for now. Author: Jessica White Publisher:EasyReading
Imara Parker is running from a curse that is supposed to kill her before she's 25. When she moves to a new safehouse, a young farmer (werewolf) named Ben delivers food to her, and they realize they are mates. Her brother tries to keep them apart but eventually gives in, and they get married. Things go well for a while, but Nightmares of Imara's death plague ben. One day he comes home to find a strange man at his kitchen table, realizes his family is dead, and the stranger curses him to relive his torment over and over for eternity, then kills Ben. Fifty years later, Ben wakes up in a house that doesn't belong to him, recovering from the stab wound that killed him. As he's leaving, he comes face to face with Imara and her brother again. Ben and Imara have blocked out their traumatic memories and don't realize they are mates. But her brother remembers and hires Ben to be Imara's bodyguard. Ben eventually remembers and vows to never allow Imara to remember or to let her love him, thinking he's the curse. Imara eventually remembers as well and is so heartbroken over what happens that she is inconsolable. They both die again, but while Imara is in the spirit world, she is given magic knives but the Darke King, who happens to be Ben's ancestor. With her new tool against their enemy, Imara returns fifty years later and is reunited with Ben; they train to defeat the man that cursed them. Ben is able to defeat the warlock, then goes in search of Imara in the magical world; they live happily ever after. Author: Jessica White Publisher: EasyReading
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
To the public, she was the CEO's executive secretary. Behind closed doors, she was the wife he never officially acknowledged. Jenessa was elated when she learned that she was pregnant. But that joy was replaced with dread as her husband, Ryan, showered his affections on his first love. With a heavy heart, she chose to set him free and leave. When they met again, Ryan's attention was caught by Jenessa's protruding belly. "Whose child are you carrying?!" he demanded. But she only scoffed. "It's none of your business, my dear ex-husband!"
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
On her wedding night, Natalie's stepmother set her up to marry Jarvis, a disfigured and disabled man. Fortunately, she managed to escape, but little did she know that later she would fall for the man she was betrothed to.Jarvis pretended to be a poor man, but he didn't think that he'd fall head over heels for this woman.Their life went on until one day, Natalie found out her boyfriend's little secret."Huh? How could you have billions of dollars' worth of assets?" she asked in disbelief.Jarvis didn’t know how to respond.Being met with silence, she gritted her teeth angrily. "They said that you couldn't walk, but as far as I can see, you're strong enough to run a marathon."Still, he remained silent.Natalie continued, "They even said that you only have a few years to live. What about now?"Finally, Jarvis opened his mouth to explain. "Honey, this is all just a misunderstanding. Please calm down. Think about the baby.""Jarvis Braxton!"The man knelt down immediately.
"The entire wealthy circle in Seattle knew how much Stella Carlson loved Aaron Malone. People watched the childhood sweethearts grow from inexperience to maturity, finally getting married in a grand wedding ceremony. On the day of the wedding, despite the alliance between the Carlson and Malone families, the groom ran away. Stella knew that Aaron had rushed to L.A. to take care of his ex-girlfriend, who had attempted suicide. Unwilling to become the laughingstock of all Seattle, she gritted her teeth and dialed the number of her adversary, her tone almost commanding, "Ethan, come and marry me now. This is your only chance for revenge." On the other end, Ethan Powers raised an eyebrow as he gripped his phone, staring at the floor littered with cigarette butts. "Did the groom run away?" he asked. "My darling."