Colton is known in the Philippine Navy Seal for his fierce underwater swimming skills. But in his last mission before marrying his longtime girlfriend, Colton got shot multiple times by their opponents. The pain was unbearable, and he almost lost consciousness. While struggling to hold onto his precious life, soft, enticing lips suddenly pressed against his, bringing him back to life, saving him, and overwhelming his senses. Colton didn't think he would ever see the mysterious woman again after she rescued him. But it seems fate has other plans. The lips he tasted belonged to none other than Karen, the nurse who would be taking care of him as he recovered from the accident. There was no way he would let her slip away from him. Especially now that he had tasted her lips once more. He would have her in his own way... in his own possessive way.
Prologue
Using the high-tech telescope, Colton surveyed from their location a vessel that would carry the rebels they were tracking out of the country. Aside from that, the ship was also loaded with weapons believed to have been stolen from the soldiers they had slain.
The war against the rebels in Zamboanga had stretched on for nearly a month. The affected people in the area endured ceaseless gunfire and explosions day by day.
At eleven o'clock in the evening, the departure of the ship's passengers was scheduled, according to the information they obtained from a trusted source within the rebels' stronghold.
He lowered the telescope he was holding and checked the time on his wristwatch. It's 21:02. Military time.
The crash of the waves and sporadic explosions in the distance were the only sounds in the dark surroundings.
"Colton," his brother Carter called out to him.
Even with only the moonlight illuminating them, Carter managed to handle the weapons they brought. Rifles, bombs, and guns.
"Oh?" He responded curtly.
"I am your big brother-"
"I haven't forgotten that-"
"Show some respect, fucker."
He smirked at his brother. The two of them were tasked with planting bombs on the rebels' vessels. They were a team even before they embarked on their careers in the Philippine Military. They were personally selected by their commodore for this mission to aid the troops in ending the war in Zamboanga.
"Bro, you know how much I love planting bombs in vessels. Give me this opportunity." He removed his long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes before putting on the black rush guard overall. "Be my eyes this time."
His brother laid out three bombs on the thick foliage-covered floor. He squatted down to inspect them. He checked each one. They were all sealed to prevent water from seeping in when he ventured into the ocean.
His job was highly perilous, but his heart longed for it. He vowed to risk his life in service of his country. He wanted to be a true hero, not in everyone's eyes but in his own. He wanted to prove to his parents that the path he chose to walk was the right one and that they should be proud of him.
"Can you swim 500 yards within 12 minutes and 30 seconds?" His brother asked skeptically.
"That's only a piece of cake for me," he confidently answered while smirking at his brother, who looked at him with evident doubt on his face. "Trust me with this, it's not like we're even brothers."
"Our parents are waiting for us. Come back here while you still can."
"Even if I'm on my last breath, I'll come back. I promise." He raised his right hand, swearing. "But there has to be a girl here ready to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on me when I return."
"You're still hoping that a girl will end up here?" He shook his head before tossing a bomb to him, which he promptly caught. It hung from his ear, a waterproof listening device. He attached the three sealed bombs to his waist.
"I'll be here at exactly 22:00."
"No, you should be here at 21:57."
"What?" He frowned.
"If you can't handle it, I'll do it." Carter stood up, about to remove the bombs he attached, but he stepped back. No way!
"Alright. I'll be here at 21:57."
"You only have five minutes to plant the bombs," Colton nodded his head and took a deep breath. "I'll be waiting here."
"Noted."
"We are running out of time, Colton. Do your job properly and wisely. I don't want our boss to be disappointed."
"I didn't go through intense training in America just to fail in this mission, bro."
"Good. We need to leave this place at exactly 22:00."
He nodded and determinedly stretched his arms, thighs, legs, and head before giving his brother a fist bump.
"I'm ready!" Colton declared.
"Be safe."
He hid a smile. His brother will always be his brother.
"You too," then he silently waded into the water, taking a deep breath before beginning his strokes.
Colton is part of the Philippine Navy SEAL. Before that, he trained in America for over a year to be a SEAL. He also served there for three years, then he decided to transfer to the Philippines when his parents built a resort in Villa Altaraza as an extension to their mansion. He has dual citizenship since he was born in America.
He also excelled in sniper training in the USA, but he genuinely prefers working in water. He loves the color of the ocean and everything related to the deep blue sea. He enjoys swimming immensely!
"Five minutes more, Colton," he heard his brother's voice through his waterproof listening device.
He hadn't yet felt the strain in his breath due to several minutes of swimming in the dark, chilly sea. He lifted his head slightly to estimate how close he was to the vessel.
"I can see their lookout."
"Of course," the voice on the other end sounded sarcastic. "Don't get caught."
He returned to swimming with little splashing. When the vessel was clearly in his sight, he descended further, gauging the depth before lifting his head slightly from the water.
"We need to leave earlier tonight," he heard that voice from above. He concealed himself beneath the bow of the ship. "By eleven, the boss said this ship should be gone."
"They changed their departure time," he informed his brother.
"What?"
"They moved up the ship's departure. Eleven o'clock."
"Stay with the plan, Colton."
"Yes."
"Hurry. The rebel's getaway ship is set to explode at 22:30."
He didn't speak further and swam beneath the ship. He propelled his body toward the ship's stern, detached one bomb from his waist, and affixed it there.
"Two more to go. Come on, Colton." Carter's voice sounded urgent. "You only have three minutes left."
He submerged his body beneath the water and swam toward the ship's midsection. Just as he did earlier, he attached another bomb there.
He swam faster towards the front of the ship, seeing from above that rebels were boarding, armed and alert. Some were even looking into the water, in his direction. It seemed like they were ready to shoot at the slightest suspicion.
He submerged even further to avoid detection, removing the remaining bomb from his body and sticking it to the ship's bow, coinciding with a light shining down on him from above.
"Fuck..." He silently cursed as he looked up and saw three men holding a flashlight, pointing it in his direction.
"It seemed like something moved just now!"
"Fire your guns!"
Before he could hear the succession of gunshots, he quickly swam away.
He's really skilled in underwater swimming. The training in America was life-threatening, but he was glad he surpassed it.
"Colton!" It was his brother's voice, shocked and concerned at the same time.
He must have heard the gunshots and seen the attack through the telescope.
"There's someone! He's there!"
A series of gunshots echoed, chasing him even as he remained underwater. Above the water's surface, he noticed the red dots following him; they were from rebel rifles.
It wasn't the lack of breath that caused him to slightly slow his strokes, but rather the throbbing pain in his left arm and the spreading ache in his leg.
"Colton! Speak!" He groaned in so much pain as a response, so his brother would know he's still breathing. "Damn! You're alive! Come on!"
Despite the pain in his arm and leg, he still managed to swim to where his brother was. He could endure the pain, but the dwindling air in his chest gradually pulled him down. It was so dark and cold, he couldn't see anything underwater.
He badly needed air! He forced his head above the water, gasping for breath and storing it in his chest. When he opened his eyes, he saw a figure not far away on the shore. His brother.
"Go down! Fucking go down! Colton! They have their snipers at your back!"
Before he could submerge again, he felt the stinging pain in his shoulder and back. Another shot from their opponent hit him, making his body weak and immobile.
If this is the end of his life, he would gladly accept that this is God's plan for him.
At least, before his life would end, he was able to finish his mission. That's the only matter that he is proud of.
Each powerful wave felt like a lash on his body and wounds. With the pain, he felt like a stone with no sensation. He couldn't even manage to take a sip of the salty water.
Colton let the waves carry him to the seashore where his brother, Carter, was waiting.
All he needed was the air to ease the tightness in his chest. He had passed the drowning test to become a full-fledged Navy SEAL, but it seemed like he might drown now.
His legs were numb. He couldn't feel any pain in that part of his body. This added to his concern. Not his legs! No, not his legs!
His eyes were closed, but he knew he was conscious because he could hear his brother repeatedly calling his name along with sharp curses.
"Colton! fuck! Wake up!" His brother gave him CPR, but it didn't seem to have much effect. "You want me to cut off your wedding proposal with Gail?!" He threatened him.
No!
Gail was his longtime girlfriend, and he had been planning to propose to her after this mission. That's why he needed to make it out alive and breathing.
Carter tried to revive him several times, but his body was too weak to respond. It wasn't until he heard a woman's voice from somewhere that he found the strength to fight for his life. Maybe this was the help his body had been waiting for. A mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from a woman didn't sound bad at all.
"Wait! Where are you taking me?" I anxiously asked. I already have an idea of where he's taking me, but my mind is still hopeful for a positive answer. It seems unlikely now as he takes large strides towards the Police Station. "Just a moment, Mister! Please don't take me there! I haven't done anything wrong to you," I plead, on the verge of tears. "You trespassed," he replies, pulling me along. I almost stumble due to the force of his grip on my wrist. "I was just hiding!" I shout, but all I can see is his broad back. Handsome? The hell, Adriana? You still have time to compliment this guy despite what he's doing to you? Blood rushes to my face as we finally enter the station. Cubicles and policemen fill every corner. People are complaining, and some are even arguing, with a police officer trying to intervene. Good heavens, Adriana. What have you gotten yourself into? "Good evening. What's the matter?" A police officer greets us and quickly approaches. I force a laugh and shake my head. "Nothing, sir! Just passing by—" "I saw her hiding inside my car. I don't know her. What charges can I file against her?" he interrupts. My lips part in horror. I look at the man beside me, briefly seeing how handsome he is. But fear and anxiety prevent me from admiring him further. "Quit it! I'm just avoiding my debtor!" "Did she steal anything, Sir?" I shift my gaze to the police officer. He looks at me for a moment. I sniff, holding back tears. "None. I don't have important things in my car. But I don't like the idea of a stranger hiding inside it while I'm out. Don't you think it's dangerous? What if she has malicious intentions?" My forehead wrinkles at his words. With one hand, I slap his arm. How pretentious! "And what harm could I do to you? Look at your huge physique! Do you think I can do anything to you? And even if you have important stuff inside your car, I don't care!" I yell in frustration. People are now looking at us, but I ignore them. Damn! I feel so frustrated and messed up right now. What does he think of me? Committing a crime? Being a thief? If only I could reveal my true life situation, I would. But I can't. I gulp as the man's dark eyes settle on me. He raises an eyebrow, as if finding my words unbelievable. "This woman seems to be telling the truth, Sir. She looks decent and doesn't seem like she'd do anything mischievous," the police officer says, looking at me. I smile at him, relieved that he sees me as a decent person. The policeman smiles back, but his gaze travels down my body. I frown at the kind of look he's giving me. "Looks can be deceiving. Send her to jail and let her stay there until tomorrow. If you won't do it, I have no choice but to file a complaint against you," he says, releasing his grip on my arm.
"Can we just forget that? I want you to forget what happened last night, that was a mistake!" She shouted at me, she's angry. Now I know why she's blushing, it's because she's angry but— what does she say? Forget? Immediately my head heated up because of what she said. "Mistake? Forget? how can I forget that moment whenever I will see my bed your naked body was the one who I always see there? ”I shouted at her, I am now mad. I slowly approached her. I saw how her cute eyes forms into a big circle when I step closer, once again. "D-Demeur ..." she called my name sweetly. That would have worked for me if I was in the right frame of mind but I'm angry now. I am now mad because of what have she said. "How can I forget that whenever I will close my eyes your lovely moan were the one I will here?" I asked her. "C-Can you p-please stop–" "How can I forget that when my body and mind is always looking for you? Tell me Anaya, how can I forget that night? How can I forget that baby?"
"I miss you and love you so much huh?" I was startled when I heard Ethan's voice behind me. "Who's that?! Your man?!" I closed my eyes when he screamed. He held my elbow so tightly that I winced from the pain. "Ouch, E-etha--" "Answer me!! Do you have a boyfriend?!!" He tightened his hold on my elbow even more. I immediately shook my head. "W-nothing" He threw me on the bed and ran. he brought his face close to my ear and whispered. "Just make sure. Because it's time to find out if you have a man. I won't think twice about killing that man."
"I'm Pregnant." I mustered up the courage to say those words in front of my husband. But he slapped me. My cheek tilted due to the strong force of his palm landing on my cheek, At the same time my tears began to fall. "Stop this bullshit!" he shouted loudly and threw the glass he was holding in front of me with all his might. I felt my toe splash because of the pain. I sat on the floor and did nothing but cry. How do we go wrong? "Did you hear me? I'm pregnant with your child." "Abort it". this cold answer to me made my heart tingle even more with pain. I couldn't believe looking at him. "W-what did you say?" He looks at me with disgust on his face. "I said Abort it, I don't want to have that damn child and I never wish to have a family with you, disgusting, so now leave and better get rid of that Fcking child." He firmly promised, you hurt me again for next time I am already crushed. How can you be so ruthless with your own child? I'm His Obsession that's why he doesn't want a child, all he wants is me. my body. He has everything, wealth and popularity but he doesn't know how to love. He's a CEO for fuck's sake. He can revive this child but he prefers to lose him because of his selfishness.
I smiled at my husband. They are the best gift of all. And here I thought I was an Unloved Princess. The first thing that was happened in Datlia was just a challenge, a challenge for me. And the one who stole my first kiss became my loving husband. You really can't tell the future. The future is unpredictable, and I am happy that it despite the challenge that I've been through, I didn't give up. Now this is the payment of all those.
I SILENTLY stared at the emptiness. I could see from the veranda the lights in the neighborhood. I gasped. How I wish I could be one of them --- an ordinary person who is free to live as normal. I am KEINTH LUCAS HARRISON, from the best clan in the town of Sta. Monica. I have no friends, and I used to be alone since then. But I'd rather be like this, than let other people know my secret, or should I say .. My family's SECRET.
Stella Richard married Rene Kingston in the place of her sister Sophia due to some reasons. But from the beginning, she knows that her marriage was just a time-limit contract and once the time was up she had to go. For RK, this marriage was just a burden but for her, it was a gift from God. Because RK was the man who she had loved all her Youth... So, in the meantime of her marriage, Stella did her best so that this marriage may work out. But on the day she found she was pregnant, her husband gives her the divorce paper and said... "I don't want this child. Don't forget to abort." These words come out of his mouth, like a bomb for Stella, and changed her life... She signed her name on the divorce paper and left the house... Because she doesn't want to be with such a cold-hearted man... Five years later... RK bought the company In which Stella worked. But Stella did her best not to have anything to do with him... Because she had a child and she didn't want him to find out about him... But one day When Stella picked up her son from school he saw her... RK, "How dare you had a child with another man?" Stella, "I don't think it has anything to do with you." RK was about to say more when his gaze fell on the child beside her... His face looked as same as when he was young...
She was hurt. She was bullied and made fun of. And the only hope that kept her going was finding her mate. She has always been weak. Weak to the world. Why? Because she was a lantern. She didn't have a wolf. That's what everyone thought about her. When she found her mate, he wanted her to be his slut and not a wife. She might be an omega, but it doesn't mean she will take disloyalty and betrayal lightly. So she did something that no one in history ever did. She rejected an Alpha. "I, Alexis Clark, reject Brandon Sterling, the alpha of Black mist pack, and consider myself a free soul until I decide so."; Were her last words before she left that torturous place and became a rogue. A rogue that everyone was fearing and finding. Why? Because she was the rogue that has become one of the biggest problems of almost all the packs in the country. She was Alexis Clark. A rogue that rejected an Alpha, stealth food, kill other rogues, and more than that was living with humans and studying with them. What will happen when her case is given to the world's most dangerous alpha, Sebastian Sinclair, who has taken it upon himself to punish this rogue. The one who hated rogues and omega to a level that was beyond understanding. Why? Because his mate was an omega, who betrayed him with a rogue before dying. How will Alexis tackle this alpha, in whose College she was studying and living under hiding for almost a year? What will Sebastian do when he finds out the new girl he had been talking to is none other than the rogue omega that he had decided to kill? "To love you with all my might was my only wish, but you were the only one who gave me endless suffering. So today, I promise myself to not fall for anyone."; A simple saying that both Alexis and Sebastian had vowed upon. Will they be able to find their love amidst all these problems?
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
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?
Dear readers, this book has resumed daily updates. It took Sabrina three whole years to realize that her husband, Tyrone didn't have a heart. He was the coldest and most indifferent man she had ever met. He never smiled at her, let alone treated her like his wife. To make matters worse, the return of the woman he had eyes for brought Sabrina nothing but divorce papers. Sabrina's heart broke. Hoping that there was still a chance for them to work on their marriage, she asked, "Quick question,Tyrone. Would you still divorce me if I told you that I was pregnant?" "Absolutely!" he responded. Realizing that she didn't mean shit to him, Sabrina decided to let go. She signed the divorce agreement while lying on her sickbed with a broken heart. Surprisingly, that wasn't the end for the couple. It was as if scales fell off Tyrone's eyes after she signed the divorce agreement. The once so heartless man groveled at her bedside and pleaded, "Sabrina, I made a big mistake. Please don't divorce me. I promise to change." Sabrina smiled weakly, not knowing what to do...