Sam is just over a week away from Binding with Jared, and all she wants is to relax and prepare for the ceremony. However, fate has other plans for her. She's suddenly bombarded with distractions that could potentially postpone or even cancel the Binding. With a guarded fiancé to crack, a complicated assignment to complete, Jared's ex to alienate, and snobbish Master Vampires to win over or offend, Sam's plate is full. As if that's not enough, a cruel twist of fate causes something strange to happen to Sam. She's changing in ways she doesn't like or understand. With time running out, Sam must not only handle the threats to the Binding Ceremony but also find a way to fix what's been done to her. Jared and those closest to her rally around Sam to help her through this difficult time. But will their support be enough to overcome the challenges that lay ahead? And will Sam and Jared's love be strong enough to survive the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart? Warning: This book contains a stubborn and occasionally homicidal female vampire, a powerful and overprotective male vampire who refuses to lose her, and scenes of a sexual, explicit nature.
Sam's [POV]
She was there again. She came nearly every night. I still wasn't sure whether she was a dream or a hallucination. But I knew that as soon as she crooked her finger, I'd follow her like she wanted me to. It was always the same.
It was like being in a trance, and yet not. I knew the choice to follow her was mine, but it was like there was some kind of pull that overrode my reservations. So, like I always did, I slipped out of bed and walked behind the tall, slim vampire who was clothed in only a torn emerald-green dress that matched the color of her eyes. Her coal-black hair was so thick and long that it covered most of the pale skin of her arms. Just like always.
I followed her into the living area of my apartment where a large oval-shaped mirror stood, totally out of place. The vampire turned and smiled; it was reassuring and friendly, but I wasn't reassured at all. Then she lifted her arm and pointed at the mirror. It wasn't my reflection staring back at me. Instead, it was like I was looking through a large doorway. There was a derelict one-floored house that seemed to be in the middle of no man's land.
The vampire stepped through the doorway and gestured for me to follow her. Not bloody likely. Every instinct I had in this dream or hallucination or whatever it was screamed, 'No!'
So I did the same thing I always did; I shook my head and mouthed 'no'. Again the vampire indicated for me to follow her, but again I shook my head. Her smile fell as anxiety and dejection filled her eyes. The doorway closed behind her, and that was when it ended.
"Sam," a familiar voice murmured as fingers combed through my hair. His spicy, masculine scent swirled around me, stirring my senses. But, then, everything about Jared had each of my senses on high alert. And the cocky sod knew it. "Sam, baby, wake up."
Nah. Although the mattress felt a little harder than usual, I was too tired to care. I shoved at the firm, hard chest I could sense hovering over me, but Jared only chuckled.
"You did it again."
"Did what?" I mumbled.
"You went for a stroll in your sleep and ended up on your living room carpet."
Peeking through one eye, I saw that he was right. Groaning, I allowed my eyelid to drift shut again. Tired of waiting for me to move, he scooped me up and arranged me so that I was straddling his lap on the floor.
"I dreamed about her again," I explained drowsily as I rested my head on his shoulder. He sighed.
"You know, I think we should arrange a meeting with Antonio so we can talk to him about this."
"It was just a dream. I don't think that warrants a visit to the Grand High Master Vampire." In truth, I wasn't as unworried as I sounded.
"Almost every night over the past two weeks, I've woken up to find that I'm alone in bed. What if it wasn't a dream and you weren't sleepwalking at all? What if it would have been possible for you to follow her through that door, or whatever it was?" I'd wondered about those things as well.
"I don't want to take the chance that one night you do as she asks, and I wake up to find that you're gone. You need to talk to Antonio."
He lifted my head to seize my gaze with those hazel eyes that had more of an effect on me than I cared to admit.
It was like they were designed to snatch and trap a person's attention they certainly seemed to have that effect on the females around here.
The effect wasn't lessened by the red tinges to his irises that marked him as a Pagori vampire and glowed whenever he was thirsty, angry, or horny.
I didn't envy Jared being a Pagori, despite that, that breed of the vampire was the most powerful of the three and had incredible strength and speed as that strength came with a price their bloodlust was just as strong.
The bloodlust wasn't so bad for the hypnotically beautiful Keja vampires.
All vampires had a preternatural allure, but Keja's allure was enchanting and bewitching.
The breed was identifiable by the fact that they had fangs and also amber tinges to the irises.
Like with Pagoris, the tinges glowed if the Keja was angry, thirsty, or horny. Sventé vampires, like myself, didn't have this characteristic, which I was quite happy about I liked my irises just as they were thank you very much.
But although Sventés were stronger and faster than humans, we were weaker than the other two breeds of vampires.
We did have some strong points; not only did we have the agility of jungle cats, but our bloodlust wasn't overpowering enabling us to walk among humans without losing control and leaping on one.
Having a manageable bloodlust, however, meant that the other two breeds considered Sventés to be very tame and human-like and, therefore, inferior. Snort.
Unfortunately, Jared had once been one of those prejudiced vampires.
When I'd first arrived at The Hollow from London to partake in the try-outs for a place in the legion Antonio's army Jared had thought the idea was ridiculous.
It hadn't mattered that I was unique in being a Feeder: a vampire gifted with the ability to absorb and manipulate the energy around them.
Nor had he been impressed by my perfect control of this overwhelming gift that should technically only be a Pagori power.
He, like many others, had been too hung up on the fact that I was not only a Sventé, but female.
As such, it hadn't helped my cause that Jared was one of the assessors during the tryouts. He had denied me a place in the new squad, despite that I'd earned one.
But that attitude had kind of backfired when Antonio then made me Jared's co-commander.
Ha. It had been a while before Jared accepted me as his co-commander, but now the arrogance and narrow-mindedness that had created his prejudices were gone.
Not that Jared had had a personality transplant or had switched from alpha to beta.
No, he was still assertive, imposing, and demanding and could even be cocky and irritating, for that matter. But the narrow-mindedness that had once acted as a huge barrier between us was no longer there.
He wasn't a chocolate and flowers person, wasn't the type to spout pretty words or shower a girl with compliments. He could probably be described as a little emotionally awkward.
He very rarely shared those three important little words, but he was also attentive on the most intense level. When I needed him, he was there. When I wanted his attention, he gave it.
When I had a problem, he tried to fix it even when I didn't want him to. It was strange to have someone who I knew I could rely on.
I'd never had that before, didn't want to lose it; didn't want to lose this person who I had come to love and had every intention of Binding within just nine evenings' time.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that a Binding was a week-long event that culminated in a wedding-type ceremony.
The guests would all arrive in two evenings' time, and entertainment would be provided every night as part of the celebrations. Taking me from my thoughts, Jared gently mashed his mouth with mine.
"Want me to help you pack your stuff so we can move it all into my apartment after the meeting?" He narrowed his eyes when I didn't speak, scrutinizing my face in a way that made me squirm. It would be fair to say that I'd been seriously procrastinating about taking this big step.
"If you expect me to live apart from you, Sam, get that idea right out of your head. Is it that you're having second thoughts about the Binding? You have to be honest with me. How am I supposed to tie you to the bed and make you come until you change your mind if I don't even know you're having second thoughts?" I smiled he wasn't kidding. Lightly running my fingers through his short, chestnut hair, I told him, "It's not that."
"Then, what?" Finding it hard to explain, I released a frustrated sigh.
"For so long, I was under the control of Victor" my deceased Sire and a prick of epic proportions "and had my every move watched. The weird bastard even chose my clothes; it was part of the control. I didn't have anything that was mine. So getting a position in the legion... was the most amazing feeling. Suddenly I had a title, a job, and an apartment things that were mine, and mine alone. So this place is more than just a home to me, and I guess I feel a bit possessive of it since I only got it a few months ago." A short pause.
"That's it?"
"Yes." Even if it didn't make an awful lot of sense. He shrugged carelessly.
"Fine. I'll move in here." I gaped rather unattractively.
"You're blowing smoke up my arse, right?"
He nipped my lip before sucking it into his mouth.
"No."
"You'd give up your big, swanky apartment?"
"If you don't want to move in there with me, yes."
"But you love your apartment."
"I love you more, dumb ass."
Jackson King, the Alpha King, is desperate to secure his legacy and save his pack from extinction. He needs a surrogate to carry his child, and he's willing to pay handsomely for it. However, his chosen candidate, Layla Carlisle, a half-human and half-wolf, refuses his offer. Despite her initial rejection, Jackson is determined to make her change her mind, using any means necessary. As he struggles with his own darkness and the demands of his beast, Cain, Jackson must confront the consequences of his own cursed fate and the truth about his mate. Will Layla eventually agree to carry his child, or will Jackson's secrets and lies tear them apart?
Blue Learley, a bright and adventurous seventeen-year-old girl, lived a peaceful life in a small town with her loving parents and two protective brothers. Her days were filled with laughter, friendship, and dreams of a future filled with promise. But on one fateful night, her life took a devastating turn. Demetrius Easton, the ruthless and feared werewolf king, laid eyes on her, and his obsession was ignited. With a single glance, Blue became the object of Demetrius's unrelenting desire, and he would stop at nothing to claim her as his bride. But what should have been a nightmare scenario became a harsh reality when her own parents, blinded by greed and fear, betrayed her trust and sold her to the merciless werewolf king. With no escape from the clutches of Demetrius's unyielding grasp, Blue found herself trapped in a world of ancient traditions, dark magic, and unbridled power. Her once-peaceful life was now a distant memory, replaced by the constant terror of being at the mercy of a monster. With no one to turn to for help, Blue must rely on her own resilience and determination to survive the unrelenting forces that seek to consume her. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of Demetrius's kingdom, Blue will discover hidden strengths, unexpected allies, and the true depths of her own courage. But will it be enough to overcome the darkness that threatens to engulf her, or will she become just another pawn in the werewolf king's sinister game of power and control?
Sometimes, escaping the life you've known becomes a tempting salvation. That's the choice that Nate, an ex-band member grappling with a harrowing heroin addiction, makes when he opts to start anew on an island. His journey of recovery takes an unexpected twist when Abby, a woman also escaping her tumultuous past, enters the scene. Six years prior, the gruesome murder of Abby's mother and Abby's own brutal assault caught the nation's attention. While the two could not be more different, they find a compelling bond growing between them as Abby sees Nate's struggles and decides to lend a hand. Despite this newfound connection, Nate's world is rooted in Los Angeles, while Abby's cannot dare return to the mainland. With this difficult circumstance hanging over their heads, they find themselves faced with a significant question - Can they possibly nurture their sprouting romance despite their varying pasts and present realities?
THIS IS A COMPILATION OF ALL MY EROTICA BOOKS Within the shadowy realm of desires untold and the echoes of illicit whispers, an exciting universe awaits the brave of heart. Welcome to the provoking collection of erotica, where every page will thrill, chill, and provoke all manner of responses you never thought literature could invoke. Delicate yet defiant, carnal yet spiritual, the power of sensual human connections reign supreme in these scribed records. Tucked away within the passionate folds of this compendium, lovers transgress boundaries and consummate their unions in secret places, reveling in the rapturous exchange of emotional intensity, delicate beauty, and voluptuous fervor. In these explicit narrations, relationships unfurl themselves in an evocative symphony of words, bold and fearless.
In a quiet town lies a striking, successful surgeon, Cole Becker. A man so enticing he captures the attention of every woman he meets. Admired for his impeccable looks, bustling medical career and his enchanting son, Cole’s life seems the very embodiment of perfection. However, despite all his achievements, there is an empty spot in his life longing to be filled - the need for a loving woman. Allie O'Keefe, the new girl next door, couldn’t help but notice her enchanting neighbor. As an innocent and pure 24-year-old fleeing from the hectic city life, the allure of a simple life next to the alluring doctor becomes increasingly irresistible. Allie, oblivious of the depths and layers hidden behind Cole’s charismatic façade, gets lured into his captivating world. As the spark between them begins to kindle, Allie gradually becomes aware of Cole’s haunting secrets, causing an unforeseen storm in their emerging romance. Despite the intensity of their blossoming relationship, Cole’s obscure past becomes an imminent threat. With their love story hanging in the balance, the question arises - can love overcome the dark and unsaid mysteries of one's past or is it destined to fall apart?
Wealthy businessman Aiden Walker spirals into a dark abyss following a catastrophic plane crash that claims his beloved family. He sheds his opulent lifestyle and seeks solitude within the four walls of his vast Savannah mansion. However, his sanctuary isn't immune to external torment, as he becomes the target of a ruinous lawsuit by a bereaved family who lost their son in the same tragic event. Caught in her family's web of indifference following her brother's untimely demise in the same crash, Lexa Patterson, a dedicated ER nurse, stumbles upon the forlorn billionaire under unforeseen circumstances. As Aiden stumbles into her ER after a drunken bike accident, Lexa is struck by the vulnerable side of this influential tycoon. Ignoring ethical boundaries, Lexa decides to delve deeper into the tormented world of the reclusive Aiden Walker. In an intoxicating game of passion and lies, Lexa treads a perilous path by concealing her true identity. An unexpected connection blooms amidst grief and despair, as Aiden and Lexa seek solace in each other's company. But how long can Lexa keep her true identity veiled? Will their newfound love stand the test of truth or shatter under the weight of their secrets? Veil of Lies: A High Stakes Affair weaves a captivating narrative around fate's twisted games, insatiable grief, and the desperate search for love and solace.
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
“Drive this woman out!” "Throw this woman into the sea!” When he doesn’t know Debbie Nelson’s true identity, Carlos Hilton cold-shoulders her. “Mr. Hilton, she is your wife,” Carlos’ secretary reminded him. Hearing that, Carlos gives him a cold stare and complained, “why didn’t you tell me earlier?” From then on, Carlos spoils her rotten. Little did everyone expect that they would get a divorce.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
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!"
After three years of loveless marriage, Kira was slapped with divorce papers. She has shown him her unrequited love throughout her entire marriage with him, but he decided to turn blind eyes all because of his lover. Distraught and heartbroken, Kira choose to sign the divorce papers with bitter heart. But then and there, she promised herself that when she's back, he will come crawling to her, but she will make him pay for hurting her. Join Kira as she transform to a wealthy heiress and soared as the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar empire, a remarkable healer and make her ex-husband pay!