Saige has been running from her past for two long years, always on the lookout for a place where she can finally be safe. She's a survivor of domestic violence and her experience has made it impossible for her to trust anyone. One day, when she's least expecting it, she meets an alpha wolf shifter, who seems to be everything she ever wanted. Rich, handsome, and powerful, he appears to be the knight in shining armor that Saige has always dreamed of. But soon enough, she realizes that he's a monster in disguise, and her nightmare only gets worse. Saige thinks she's doomed to suffer forever, until she meets three mysterious men who have dark secrets of their own. With their help, Saige begins to feel safe for the first time in years, and she starts to believe that she can finally outrun her past. But as they journey together, Saige and her protectors soon realize that their troubles are far from over. They are being hunted by a dangerous enemy, and their survival depends on their ability to fight back. As Saige fights to stay alive, she must confront her demons and come to terms with her painful past. Only then can she truly begin to heal and find the happiness she's been searching for all along.
Saige's [POV]
TWO YEARS AGO
Eighteen.
It's not a big number, but it's an important one.
At least to me.
Stinging rain lashes me, making me shiver. It soaks the front of my blue and white striped dress, a uniform so clean I've never been able to work out why it's necessary in a place as sticky as the Stationers Diner.
If today wasn't today, I might find it in me to care about the grief I'll get for serving customers looking like I went for a dive in my clothes. But today is different. Special. Even if the sky is the same murky blue as it is on any other Wednesday afternoon.
I eye the unlit cigarette in my hand, looking just as soggy as my grayish-white tennis shoes, then hurl it away, aiming for a small puddle a few feet away. It nearly makes it but falls short. Again.Poor guy. Instead, it joins its drowned brothers and sisters from the time before and the time before that.
Just this last shift and I get to celebrate receiving the only birthday present I've wanted since Mom closed her eyes when I was six, and no amount of crying and pleading made her open them again.
Freedom.
The only way to get extra breaks in the diner is if you smoke, so I pretend I do too. It's a perk of having a smoker for a boss that I'm happy to take full advantage of. When he's out of cigarettes, it's less of a perk and more of a keep your head down and try not to breathe too loud in case it attracts his attention situation. Nicotine withdrawal, I've learned, is no fucking joke.
I bum a smoke from Oliver, the always greasy-smelling short-order cook in this hole-in-the-wall diner, who has never thought to ask if I'm old enough before he hands one over in exchange for a smile. He's harmless, so I don't mind.
Then I have a two-minute reprieve from the customers, and three minutes in the bathroom to cover up the bruises on my arms and face because the makeup never lasts an entire shift. When I noticed a woman on table six looking at my right cheek a little too long, I knew it was time for a smoke break.
I step out of the kitchen doorway so the rain hits me full in the face. Tipping my head up, I squeeze my eyes tightly shut, so it slides down my face like tears. It's just a little too cold to be refreshing, but I've always liked how it makes me feel. Clean.
Four more hours and I can collect my paycheck, run home to get the rest of the money I've been tucking away over the years and start the hunt for an apartment.
Landlords won't exactly be queuing up to rent to a just-turned-eighteen-year-old with no references, so I'll have to find one that's a little less fussy than-
"Saige! Where the fuck is she?"
My eyes snap open at the half-garbled yell from behind me.
Shit. Dad.
Spinning around, I rush inside, already knowing it's too late when I glimpse a straggly-haired blond guy, Geoff, my boss, on the other side of the counter shoving a dark-haired, blue-eyed man in a stained gray t-shirt and jeans open at the fly away from the cash register.
"She owes me money," Dad screams as he stumbles back, nearly going down from Geoff's hard shove.
Geoff might spend more time smoking or stuffing burgers into his mouth than he does in a gym, the belly that touches the cash register even when he's standing two steps away from it, is proof of that. But he's surprisingly strong for such a flabby guy.
I don't bother arguing with Dad about who owes whom money. It would just be a waste of time.
Guess my last hiding spot was just too damn good.
That or he's too damn drunk to look further than the end of his nose.
"Dad, come on." I head toward him, already knowing I won't have a job waiting for me once I return from taking him home. Not after the last time he decided to pay me a visit at work. Or the time before that.
It's not the first job to end this way, but now I'm eighteen and an adult in the eyes of the world, it will be the last. Finally.
All I can hope is that Geoff will pay me for my last few days, unlike some of my past bosses, who acted like they'd never seen me before when I went back to collect what they owed me.
Keeping my focus on Dad and not on the customers I feel staring, I close my hand around his arm and tug. "Let's get you-"
His blow knocks me off my feet.
I crash into a table with a grunt, the edge hitting like a punch to the gut before I bounce off it. Someone gasps. Not me. I don't have any breath left in me to do more than wheeze.
Sugar, or is it salt? Whatever it is goes flying as ketchup from someone's plate of fries smears all over the front of my dress.
I collapse to the floor, hugging my belly as a dull throbbing heat blooms on the right side of my face.
Geoff is talking, trying to get Dad to leave, but it's as if his voice is coming from a million miles away. I feel numb as I lay on the cold floor staring at the speckled, white plasticky linoleum that I mop every night, fighting to hold back my tears.
Get up, Saige. You just have to hold it together for a little while longer.
What birthday would be complete without a smack in the face in front of a diner full of people?
Feel sorry for yourself later. Get up. Now.
I'm pushing myself to my feet when the front door swings open and a pair of pristine black leather shoes enter the very edge of my vision. "I'm looking for-"
The rich, male voice, full of easy confidence I don't hear often, especially in this shitty part of the city, stops so suddenly that it distracts me from my humiliation.
I lift my head.
My eyes clash with the dark-haired man in an expensive suit at the door. I look at him and I'm amazed he even sees plain, Saige Leo with the drunk for a dad, long dark hair that doesn't know whether it's curly or straight, and blue eyes that are just as confused about whether they're blue or gray.
But he sees me. This man with perfectly styled wavy brown-black hair, and crystal-clear blue eyes that shine like the facet of a gem. Flawless. A catlike smile of satisfaction stretches across his lips, straight white teeth even brighter set against olive-gold skin.
For a second, his eyes shift from blue to silvery gray, and it feels like an animal is staring back at me, but then he blinks and his eyes are that clear blue again.
Must've just been seeing things.
As he stalks toward me, I forget to breathe.
I'm conscious Dad is screaming about needing cash, but only distantly, as if it's happening in another room and not right behind me. But it doesn't seem important. Not with this perfect man striding closer as if the only thing he sees is me.
Or it isn't important until Dad's hand grips the back of my neck. Probably getting ready to hit me again. I brace myself for it, scrunching into myself. But the blow never lands.
"Take your hand off her.Now." The well-dressed stranger's voice is a whip so cold and hard that I flinch.
He might be wearing a smart navy suit-tailored judging by how well it fits him-but with his powerful shoulders and the fierce burn in his eyes, only an idiot would think of taking him on. I'd put him at twenty-five, so at the peak of his physical fitness.
Dad rips his hand away faster than I believed he could move.
Less than a foot away from me, the stranger halts, stretching a large hand out toward me. Silver glints at his wrist, drawing my gaze for a second. The name stamped on the watch's face screams that this guy has money to burn. Seriousmoney. Who else could afford a Rolex?
"You belong with me," he says when I don't move to take his hand. "Don't you feel it?"
I don't understand what he's talking about, so I shake my head no.
"Mate," he murmurs, dropping into a crouch in front of me, his voice low. He seems happy to ignore the silent diners and the fact I have ketchup smeared all over the front of my dress and my chin. "My heart."
Is this a dream, or a fairytale come to life?
"But I don't know you," I tell him, when my pain subsides enough that I can speak, wishing it were true with every bone in my body.
His next smile is so radiant that my heart aches with it. "You will." His gaze darts over my shoulder to where Dad must be and his expression hardens. "You'll never suffer like that again. I swear it."
I cling to the belief that I belong to this beautiful man who says I'm his, desperate to believe he's here to save me.
But he could be anyone.
My eyes search his for any sign he's a predator and I'm about to become prey.
I don't see it.
As if he knows what I'm thinking, a faint smile curves his full lower lip. "There's a coffee shop across the road. Do you know it?"
The big chain coffee shop is where anyone with more than two coins to rub together goes for frothy coffee. That person is never me. I nod.
"We can sit right beside the big window while we wait out the rain. I didn't think to bring an umbrella with me."
My eyes go to his expensive coat and watch.
What were you even doing here?
He reads my mind once again. "My car broke down. Come." The next time he offers me his hand, I take it and he pulls me to my feet as if I'm made of air.
I'm not thin, since I've got too much of a tummy for that. So he shouldn't find it that easy to pull me up with such ease. Yet he does.
He tucks me close beside him, smelling of expensive leather and safety as he leads me away from the diner.
"Saige!" Dad snarls, sounding like he's moving toward me. "Come back here or-"
The man swings back around. "You put your hands on her. Keep talking and I'll put my hands on you." His voice is soft with his threat. "You don't want that."
I turn in time to see Dad shrink back, terror sobering him up fast.
He's defending me. Against Dad. When was the last time that ever happened?
Never, Saige. It's never happened.
After a moment, the man turns back around. His strong hand grips the door handle and swings it open, revealing the rain hasn't slowed even a little. He lowers his gaze to mine. "What's your name?"
I glance up at him. "Saige. Saige Leo"
Pleasure fills his eyes. "Saige Leo, beautiful name. I'm Rylan. How do you feel about me buying you a coffee on such a miserable day?"
It suddenly isn't feeling miserable anymore. But he's still a stranger, so I try to sound more cautious than eager. "Just a coffee?"
He nods. "Just a coffee. And we'll talk."
"About what?"
It's as if he doesn't even notice the ketchup drying on my chin when he smiles at me. "Whatever you want."
"You called me your mate before. Maybe we could talk about that."
He slips out of his expensive-looking suit jacket and drapes it around my shoulders before he leads me out into the rain. "Yes, maybe we could."
I never look back.
Not once.
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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?
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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.
"Ms. Crawford, it’s time for you to divorce Mr. Larsen and come home. You're the only heiress the Master's waiting for.” ~•~ For the sake of love, Amara accepted the arranged marriage with Tobias William Larsen. She did everything to gain her husband’s heart but when his old love returned, she realized that all her effort was all for naught. Tobias demanded a divorce on the night of their wedding anniversary, even at the price of threatening her. Heartbroken, she finally dropped all her illusions about him and returned home to be the heiress. The next time she met Tobias, they were no longer couples but opponents. "Mr. Larsen, should I remind you again? We've divorced." "Amara, that's the stupidest mistake I've ever made. Please come back to me."
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?
It took only a second for a person's world to come crashing down. This was what happened in Hannah's case. For four years, she gave her husband her all, but one day, he said emotionlessly, "Let's get divorced." Hannah's heart broke into a million pieces as she signed the divorce papers, marking the end of her role as a devoted wife. Within Hannah, a strong woman awakened, vowing never to be beholden to any man again. Embracing her new life, she embarked on a journey to find herself and command her own destiny. By the time she returned, she had experienced so much growth and was now completely different from the docile wife everyone once knew. "Is this your latest trick to get my attention?" Hannah's ever-so-arrogant husband asked. Before she could retort, a handsome and domineering CEO pulled her into his embrace. He smiled down at her and said boldly to her ex, "Just a little heads-up, mister. This is my beloved wife. Keep off!"
Jennifer Bennett, the rightful heiress to the Bennett legacy, fought hard for her family's recognition, only to be eclipsed by an impostor. Faced with false accusations, bullying, and public humiliation, Jennifer eventually gave up trying to win their approval. Vowing to rise above the injustice, she became the bane of those who wronged her. The Bennett family's efforts to break her only fueled her success, leading her to heights her rivals could only dream of. Someone asked, "Do you feel let down by your parents?" With a calm smile, Jennifer said, "It doesn't matter. In the end, power prevails."
When they were kids, Derek saved Norah's life. Years later, after Derek ended up in a vegetative state from a car crash, Norah married him without a second thought and even used her medical knowledge to heal him. For two years, Norah was devoted, seeking his affection and looking to settle her life-saving debt. But when Derek's first love returned, Norah, faced with divorce, didn't hesitate to sign. Despite being labeled as forsaken, few knew of her true talents. She was a race car driver, a famed designer, a genius hacker, and a renowned doctor. Regretting his decision, Derek begged for her forgiveness. Just then, a charming CEO intervened, embracing Norah and declaring, "Back off! She's my wife!" Taken aback, Norah blurted out, "What did you say?"
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!