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.
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."
The night before her engagement, Valerie was tricked by her boyfriend and stepsister into spending the night with a stranger. After the night together, the man vanished. Later, her boyfriend accused her of cheating, revealing his affair with her stepsister. Pressured by her father, Valerie married an unconscious man in place of her stepsister. Valerie exposed the scheme, sabotaged her father’s ambitions, and transformed herself. When her husband woke and chased her to the airport, she calmly refused him, saying, "It's over between us." He held her firmly. "You married me, so you must commit."
I ran after I died. The moon goddess gave me another chance to live. Married to a ruthless Lycan that was rumored to be cursed by the moon goddess herself. But I was killed by his minion... behind the bars of her torment... A new story began and he battled with his demons, in a world where truth was far fetched. I was his pawn, his toy, his game...until I discovered one night, when I was soaked in blood that I regretted the day I met him. I'd given up the Lycan beast, to marry a monster. I fled from the Alpha of Bloodmoon Park, the gruesome Lycan that every person feared, to be with this man that seemed soft at first glance. It made me wonder, what if I had stayed? The gruesome Lycan might be fearsome but I never heard him pierce a woman's heart with his claw. In a world where wolves howled at the moon and the lines between man and beast are blurred, danger lurked through the shadows, after the day I married the beast that visited my bed every night. Caught in a web of betrayal and deceit, the man I had fallen in love with had become the monster I wished I could flee from. A deadly threat to my life especially when I realized he was getting married to my step sister, the same girl that made my life hell when I was an omega. I wished I could get my revenge, but how could I, when I was lying in a pool of my own blood, dead? Will the goddess grant me another chance?
Loraine was a dutiful wife to Marco since they got married three years ago. However, he treated her like trash. Nothing she did softened his heart. One day, Loraine got fed up with it all. She asked him for a divorce and left him to enjoy with his mistress. The elites looked at her like she was deranged. "Are you out of your mind? Why are you so willing to divorce him?" "It's because I need to return home to get a billion-dollar fortune. Besides, I don't love him anymore," Loraine replied with a smile. They all laughed at her. Some believed that the divorce affected her mentally. It wasn't until the next day that they realized she wasn't fibbing. A woman was suddenly declared the world's youngest female billionaire. It turned out to be Loraine! Marco was shocked to the bone. When he met his ex-wife again, she was a changed person. A group of handsome young men surrounded her. She was smiling at them all. The sight made Marco's heart ache severely. Putting his pride aside, he tried to win her back. "Hello, love. I see that you are a billionaire now. You shouldn't be with suckers who just want your money. How about you come back to me? I'm a billionaire too. Together, we can build a strong empire. What do you say?" Loraine squinted at her ex-husband with her lips curled in disgust.
Bethany, a stunning woman burdened by financial woes, wrestled with her future prospects in the city after fleeing her manipulative former lover. At the same time, a bold and unyielding man began to pursue her with relentless passion. The word on the street was that the aloof Mr. Swanson had taken under his wing a woman of striking beauty, allegedly snatched from his best friend. He showered her with lavish gifts and was captivated by her every word. They said she was not merely a beautiful woman, but a unique treasure that demanded constant dedication and attention.
Eliza Greer was abandoned by her mother, raised in an orphanage, and sold to the Burns family at 19. Even though she marries Mason Burns, the other people in the Burns family look down on her for her poor identity and want to try every way to bully her. Unexpectedly, they all failed. Eliza's hidden identities are gradually revealed in one incident after another, which astonishes everyone.