"Am I your first, little flower?" the Alpha asks me. "Well, I won't be your last." He wears a crooked grin as he gestures to the bed. I bite my bottom lip and comply because I have no choice. My father has sold me to the king, and now, I must entertain the four candidates to become the next Alpha King. I am, after all, their breeder. As he climbs onto the bed, I hold my breath. He's unbelievably sexy, but he's just the first of the men I will be getting to know better, the first of four vying for the title of Alpha King. What if I fall in love with him? What if I fall in love with all four of them? *** Rose's parents insist she enter the contest to become the new Breeder because they need the money. They never thought she'd win. Because of her unique anatomy, Rose is the perfect candidate to take on the four Alphas. What Rose doesn't know is that the current Alpha King isn't really in this for the right reasons. In fact, he may not want a new heir at all. As she finds herself falling in love with all four of the men, she realizes not only is she in danger, but so are they. Will Rose and her four Alphas succeed in making babies and claiming the throne, or will the evil Alpha King prevail?
*Rose*
"Four million dollars? Isn't that an awful lot of money for only a few months' worth of work?"
Quiet voices filter into my ears from the living room, and I pause to listen, hoping that my parents are not discussing me.
Then... I hear my name, and I know that they are talking about me. Again.
"Rose is a fine young woman," my mother is saying. "Any Alpha would be happy to have her."
"I know, I know," my father agrees. "I definitely think it's worth it for us to send her."
An Alpha having me? I don't know what this is about, but at least it's not about a job.
The last time I stumbled upon my parents discussing my fate, I was sorry I'd overheard any of it. At the time, they were going on about a new job for me. That didn't seem bad at first, but when I finally had to report for duty, it was at a sewage factory. It turned out to be hard work, but I just plugged my nose and dealt with it. I may have been the daughter of an Alpha, but I had to do something to help out with my family's crushing debt.
"I know that it would be the answer to all of our prayers, Karen," my father adds, before confessing, "But I'm worried she won't be able to do what they want her to do. After all, our little Rose isn't that bright. She can be a real idiot sometimes. She might not even know which hole to put it in."
My father's callous words slice through me like a jagged blade, intensifying my confusion over their cryptic conversation. What in the world were they even talking about? The sting of his hurtful remarks triggers a flood of memories, a barrage of insults that he has hurled at me over time. "Idiot" was relatively mild when compared to the other venomous labels he has called me. Yet, despite my attempts to remain composed, a surge of pain rises within me, causing tears to well up and sting my eyes.
Why can't my parents just love me like the other kids I know who have parents that love them unconditionally?
Alpha Howard, my father, and Luna Karen, my mother, possess a glaring deficiency when it comes to maintaining accurate financial records for the pack. The truth is, the coffers are nearly empty, rendering their task all the more challenging. Everyone within the pack is well aware that they have shamelessly dipped their hands into the funds, redirecting them toward personal projects at home.
The gradual depletion of our natural resources a few years ago shattered any illusion of concealing the pack's massive debt. It became painfully evident that my parents had been the primary culprits responsible for the reckless expenditure.
And so, I stepped up, doing everything within my power to aid them in their dire predicament. I sacrificed and would continue to do so if necessary. The pack holds an indescribable significance to me, despite the horrible actions of my parents. Someone must bear the burden of salvaging our pack and taking responsibility for its future.
As I continue to eavesdrop, a flicker of confidence washes over me, dispelling any concerns of being dispatched to another wretched sewage treatment plant. After all, my previous work at such a facility ended unceremoniously with my dismissal due to an unfortunate tendency to vomit on the job. Irony, it seems, has a peculiar sense of humor.
"This is unlike anything we've encountered before!" My mother's voice resonates with annoyance, and though I'm unable to witness their expressions through the narrow opening of the door where I discreetly listen, I can almost see her rolling her eyes in exasperation. "She's not going to disgrace herself in front of the Alphas!"
"You hope," my dad retorts, catching me off guard. Before I can dwell too much on his words, he continues, "But mark my words, daughters of Alphas and Betas from every corner of the kingdom will vie for this position. Why on earth would they ever select Rose? She's utterly inept!"
So, this conversation revolves around a job. I strive to conceal my frown at my father's profound lack of faith in me. Even though I remain oblivious to the precise nature of their discussion, perhaps his skepticism holds some validity. Maybe I truly lack the capabilities required for whatever task they are alluding to.
The notion of embarking on yet another dreadful job twists my stomach into knots. As torturous as it is to live with my cruel parents, at least within these walls, I know what to expect. Leaving is not a viable option. I am the Alpha's daughter, and abandoning my home prior to marriage would ignite rampant speculation, tarnishing the pack's reputation-an outcome my parents would never permit.
But the intensity of their present conversation leaves my palms sweaty and my head spinning. I longingly yearn for the possibility of escape, a chance to depart this place that has held me captive for far too long.
I want to uncover the truth before forming any judgments, but fear paralyzes me, preventing me from advancing even an inch. I cautiously shift my weight, causing the ancient floorboards to let go a loud squeak. It should have alerted them to my presence, yet they continue their conversation, oblivious to my eavesdropping.
Our dilapidated and worn-out house has deteriorated to such an extent that my subtle movements go unnoticed. Thankfully, they mistake the sounds I create for the usual settling of the foundation-nothing more–and continue speaking.
"We will send her. Undoubtedly, she will find a way to bungle it, but we must make the attempt. It's preferable to letting her remain here and further disrupt our lives," my mother asserts.
"Fine," my father grudgingly agrees. "I'm merely cautioning you not to get your hopes up. It's highly probable that she will disappoint us, just as she has with every task she's ever been assigned on our behalf."
My heart plummets into the pit of my stomach, a feeble throb amidst the crushing weight of disappointment.
Is this truly what my parents think of me?
Whatever dreadful task they are preparing to assign me, it fills me with a sense of terror. Perhaps they are right in their assessment that I am incapable of accomplishing it. After all, I find myself failing repeatedly in the face of their unattainable expectations. At least, that's the narrative I've convinced myself of.
Considering the involvement of other Alphas, it's safe to assume their standards will be equally exacting, mirroring those of my father.
No, I simply cannot bear the weight of this burden. The instinct to escape, to find a hiding place, engulfs me entirely. Regardless of the nature of the task, it feels unbearably atrocious for someone like me to even contemplate attempting it. I can't wait to leave this place, to distance myself from these overwhelming circumstances.
As I hear approaching footsteps, a surge of panic compels me to conceal my eavesdropping. I hastily retreat several steps, finding refuge near the sink. I turn the tap on, its steady stream camouflaging my presence, and grab a glass from the cabinet, filling it with water as if innocently quenching my thirst.
"Oh, there you are, dear," my mom's voice resonates, although the endearment sounds strained, as if it were forced from her lips. "We were hoping to talk to you. Wait-were you listening?"
I face them, feigning nonchalance, taking a sip from the glass before gently placing it on the counter. "No, I wasn't listening," I say, hoping my performance convinces her. She appears to believe me. "What is it, Mom?" I ask, my tone curt and guarded.
"Well, there's an intriguing job opportunity at the castle. King Gene is seeking a truly exceptional young lady to fulfill a specific role, and we genuinely believe you are the ideal candidate for this new position." My father's smile radiates, seemingly genuine, despite having just overheard their doubts regarding my capabilities.
"What kind of job is it?" I ask, longing for clarity amidst the murky waters of uncertainty.
A flicker of unease passes between my parents, triggering memories of the sewage treatment plant and its unpleasant associations.
Surely, they wouldn't subject me to something equally dreadful.
"Well, sweetheart," my mom begins, her voice tinged with hesitation. "It's an exceedingly important job."
Why won't they just tell mel? Why can't they just say it? "Yes, you mentioned that," I say, my impatience growing.
"The king is currently deliberating which Alpha will succeed him as the next Alpha King once he retires. Since he has no offspring, he intends to appoint one of four Alphas to assume the throne." My father's smile emerges, a glimmer of hope that he might secure the position himself.
That will not be the case.
"All right..." I sigh. "What does that have to do with me?"
Another uneasy exchange of glances passes between them. "The Alpha who takes over the throne will need to have an heir," my mom explains. "And... that means... they need... a Breeder."
The water I swallowed a moment ago seems to have come back up, and I find myself choking. No one asks if I'm okay or tries to comfort me as I attempt to breathe. Eventually, I recover enough to ask, "A Breeder? You want me to be a baby making machine for an Alpha?"
I can hardly believe what I'm hearing. I'm a virgin! I've never even kissed a man before. I've been saving myself in hopes of finding a true love match that will become a fated mate, but from what I'm hearing, none of that matters now.
"That's right, dear," my father says. "The pay is excellent, and it would give our pack some much-needed status in the kingdom."
"But what about me?" I ask, annoyed. "You're okay with essentially selling my virginity to some random Alpha?"
"Honey, it's not like that," my mom says. "It's an honor. A lot of Alphas and Betas are sending their daughters to try for the position. We are only hoping that you'll be the best suited."
I shake my head. "No, please."
My father's hand lashes out and slaps me hard across the face. I recoil as my cheek lights on fire. I should've known better than to tell him no. This isn't the first time he's slapped me. "Don't you tell me no, you little bitch!" Their fake niceness has already faded away.
I step back, out of his reach. "Mom, Dad, please! You know I've always done everything you've asked me to do, but you can't seriously be asking me to do this, to sell myself to an Alpha I don't even know?"
My dad takes a deep breath through his nose. "I think you're misunderstanding a couple of things, Rose," my father says. "First of all, we're not asking you to do anything. We are telling you. You'll leave tomorrow."
"But Dad!" I begin. He holds up a hand to stop me, and I'm not sure whether he'll hit me again if I don't stop talking.
"The other thing you're misunderstanding, Rose," he continues, "is that you will not be a Breeder for a random Alpha."
I take a deep breath, hoping that means I won't be a Breeder at all. "I won't?" I ask worriedly.
"No, daughter," my mother says. "There are four Alphas, and they've already been selected, so it isn't random at all!"
My spirits fall as I realize my misunderstanding had nothing to do with not having to become a Breeder. That is still the job they are giving me. It's just the random part I was apparently wrong about.
"So... I'll be assigned to one of the Alphas as a Breeder?" I ask them.
Again, my parents shake their heads. "No, that's not it at all," my father says, clearly growing agitated again.
I lean back against the kitchen counter, feeling myself grow dizzy and weak in the knees from so much discussion about such a terrifying subject. "What is it then?" I ask.
They have an internal debate about who has to answer that question, and it is my mom who draws the short stick. With a deep breath, she says, "Rose, you won't be a Breeder to one of the Alphas. You'll be a Breeder to all four."
"All four?" The words echo around in my head, but I can't absorb them. It just doesn't seem possible. My parents are willing to sell me to all four of them?
I'll have to have sex with four different men?
"No!" The word escapes my lips before I can even think about it, and once again, I feel the sharp blow of my father's hand contacting my cheek.
The stinging inside of me is worse than the smarting in my cheek, though. I can't do this....
That lightheaded feeling envelopes me, and the next thing I know, the world is turning dark at the edges, and I find myself giving way to gravity.
The last thing I hear is my mom saying, "Rose, really?" and then the world goes black.
An enchanted castle full of secrets, a rite of passage she cannot avoid, an arranged marriage she'll do anything to get out of. Bexley isn't like ordinary girls. She'd rather be studying animals than flirting with men. It's too bad her stepfather insists she pay attention to Garth, a meathead who only wants her to make babies and clean his house. On her twenty-first birthday, like all women in her village, she's ordered to the castle to meet with the Alpha King. For someone who didn't even know wolf shifters existed, it's all a shock, especially when she sees the twisted body of King Canaan. Canaan is used to keeping secrets, so it's not difficult for him to keep them from Bexley-like the fact that she's his mate, so she can never leave. But the king has enemies. Not only is the witch that cursed him still out there, when Garth shows up leading a band of villagers who want to kill him, he'll have to fight against his own people. Unless Bexley can find a way to stop them. It might help if she knew the truth about herself. When she discovers her true identity, nothing in the kingdom will ever be the same. If you enjoy fairy tale retelling with a wolf shifter twist, you'll love this new series by the author of The Alpha King's Breeder and The Vampire King's Feeder.
My chances of survival are slim. Going west in the 1880s? Dangerous. Fighting rogues and traveling through pack lands where we are unwelcome? A death sentence. But Akecheta awakens a part of me I've never known before. I'm brave. I'm strong. I'm an Alpha's daughter. I will fight for my people--even if it costs me everything. And chances are, it will. If you love steamy wolf shifter romance that will leave your heart racing, read this new adventure from the author of The Alpha King's Breeder.
I watched Ryan die. So how is Ben wearing his face? Six years ago, I watched my best friend--and secret crush--splatter all over the pavement. He died. I saw him. Yet, in the back of my mind, I've never stopped looking for him. Seeing him in crowds, in the classroom, in my dreams--and my nightmares. It's cost me everything--my identity, my sanity, and maybe my life. So when I walk into class to see a man who looks exactly like Ryan standing before me, I freak out again. My therapist tells me to stay away from Ben. He's no good for me. I'll end up back in a padded room. But I have to know the truth. Is Ben really Ryan? That's not possible. But Ben has scars--real ones and metaphorical ones. If Ben is Ryan, why doesn't he just tell me? Is he trying to drive me crazy? Or worse--is he trying to kill me? The Boy Who Died is the first romantic suspense novel from bestselling romantacy author Bella Moondragon writing as B. Moon. If you love romantic suspense, are a fan of Colleen Hoover, Gillian Flynn, Christopher Greyson, or Paula Hawkins, you won't want to miss this page-turner!
I feel his eyes on me, staring through the darkness-darkness as black as his soul. As the fiancée of a rich state senator, I should be living the easy life, but that's not how it is for me. My mother's sick with cancer, my fiancé smells like women's perfume, and I'm not sure he even loves me. When I start to sense someone watching me, I should be terrified. Instead, I'm electrified. Kidnapped, held in a small room, but not tortured, I'm given a chance to study this man behind the mask. He's intriguing in ways he shouldn't be. He excites me in places I've never felt before. Should I give into the enticement and taste his sin? Or try to return to my regular life with a man I cannot trust who probably doesn't care about me at all? It's tempting-that's for damn sure. Tempted by Sin is a steamy dark stalker romance that might be triggering to some. You won't want to miss the shocking twist at the end!
Christmas magic is in the air at the Santa Clause Ball! Will it lead to love? Growing up in a town called Mistletoe Mountain, it's no wonder I love Christmas. My parents named me appropriately, too. You can't get much more Christmas-y than Holly Lane Garland! This Christmas is going to be even more magical than usual--I can just feel it! At the annual Santa Claus Ball, I meet an amazing man who makes my heart play "Jingle Bells." There's just one problem--well, maybe two. I have no idea what his name is--or what he looks like. (Did I mention the Santa Claus Ball is a masquerade?) Searching for my perfect man leads me to make a new friend. Patrick is amazing, and we have so much in common. He loves Christmas, too. But I think he has a girlfriend. And, well, he's just not the guy who kissed me under the mistletoe. Or is he? Will I find love before Santa arrives, or will I lose my chance at mistletoe magic? If you like sweet, clean Christmas romance novels that get you in the mood for the holidays, you won't want to miss this new romance from the author of Melody's Christmas, Christmas Cocoa, and All I Want for Christmas is Pooch!
Sometimes being outnumbered is a good thing--a very good thing! Harper When I signed up for an app that let me make some extra cash attending events with single men, I had no idea it would lead me to fall in love--four times! Scott is a caring organic farmer with muscles like no other. Damien is one of the richest men in the world who knows how to spoil me. Rafe is a famous quarterback who always hits me in the right spot. And then there's Tomas, my former professor turned Latin lover. It's scary dating four men, but they don't mind. In fact, they like how happy I am this way. Jack, however, my ex, is not exactly happy to find out my new situation. He'll stop at nothing to have me as his own--and share me with no one. When he goes too far, will my men be able to save me? If you love steamy reverse harem books, this new series from the author of Realm of the Chosen and Ember's Flames is perfect for you. Why choose if you don't have to?
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
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."
On her wedding day, Khloe’s sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrik’s cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
Elin spent twenty years deeply loving her husband, finally marrying him just as she'd always dreamed. But reality shattered her illusions—he wasn't the man she believed. Instead, he callously destroyed her family, crushing her heart beyond repair. At her lowest point, Ruben, equally betrayed that night, approached her steadily. "Marry me, Elin. I'll help you take revenge." Yet, after their wedding, she quickly discovered he was dangerously unpredictable. "I made a mistake. Let's divorce..." Ruben slid his arm possessively around her waist, whispering a chilling promise, "Only in death."