Amber Brown, a soft-spoken but confident girl in the small town of Graven, has her life spiraling out of control when she gets to know that's Paul Fisher. Her longtime finance is a werewolf, and he just found his mate. Born a normal human without any knowledge about the supernatural living around her, she breaks down in fear and anger at what life has thrown at her at the best point in her life. Justin Harlow, a new rouge werewolf in town, is driven from his pack, and now without a pack or home, he moves to a small town called Graven in another country to have a fresh start. Amber, now driven with fear and anger at werewolves for their deceitful ways towards love, feels lost, and she wonders where to start from with everything happening around her and even considering leaving town, but it seems the universe has something different planned for her with the lost stranger Justin Harlow, who seems more confused with life than her. Fate brings Amber and Justin together, and they resonate with each other's pain, but each has a secret to keep. What happens when midnight talks on life develop into something more than they bargained for, including people they didn't expect to find?
The air in the room of my little home was thick with tension and I couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness while the sun peeked through the blinds, casting a faint glow over the small town of Graven. Nestled in the heart of a picturesque valley, the small town of Graven boasts an idyllic charm that instantly captures the hearts of newcomers. Its cobblestone streets wind through a forest of ancient oak trees, their branches creating a comforting overhead canopy. Warm and welcoming, the people of Graven, greet each other with smiles and visitors with open arms.
In the heart of this charming but enigmatic town, one cannot help but wonder if the friendly smiles hide more than they reveal.
Beneath the facade of tranquillity, lies a web of closely guarded secrets as whispers and hushed conversations echo through the town's quaint cafes. The locals gossip about the recent scandal in town, often livened with words of hurtful gossip and ridicule towards me but their faces are laced with smiles. In the heart of this charming but enigmatic town, I couldn't help but wonder if the friendly smiles hide more than they reveal.
I'm not like other girls my age. My raven-black hair frames my porcelain face, and my eyes, a shade of deep forest green, hold an aura of warmth and courage within. I've always felt special but I could never quite wrap my head around the reason for such belief. I'm a young and ambitious woman who just turned 24, eagerly preparing for my dream wedding with my fiancé, Paul Fisher. Everything seemed perfect in my life up until a week before the wedding when Paul abruptly called off the engagement during our pre-wedding dinner and my world came crashing down right before my eyes. It felt just like yesterday when I was happily drinking and enjoying dinner with my friends to celebrate our future home.
**Night of the Dinner**
''I'm so excited for you to meet my old friends from college tonight.'' I said, gushing at another dress the girls will be wearing to the dinner.
''I know, you've been saying it for weeks now, Amber.'' Paul mumbled from where he was on the couch.
''We would have been able to meet them if you came along with me this afternoon.'' I replied while trying to see what he was doing to my cat again.
We had been preparing for our pre-wedding dinner for two weeks and although Paul wanted a small intimate wedding, my friends kept clamouring to come making us change our plans.
''I just wanted us to enjoy some time together, besides I don't know them.'' Paul said.
''You know Rose, and you could have invited your friends if you feel it would be too girly for you.'' I answered, saving our poor cat from his clutches.
''Let's just have a short dinner okay? You know we have to meet the Mayor tomorrow.'' His words reminded me of the town's mayor I had only met a handful of times despite growing up in the little town.
''I know, we'll just eat dinner, and talk, and the girls will be going back to their hotel.'' I was already feeling regretful of the fact I couldn't join them for the nightlife, but I understand certain sacrifices should be made when getting married.
''We've been through so much together, and it feels just like yesterday we started planning this life.'' gently holding my hands he said. I noticed he had been a little distant lately, but I'm sure it's the stress from all the wedding preparations.
*Doorbell rings*
I opened the door to welcome my friends, who were all smiles and ready for the pre-wedding dinner.
''Amber! We can't believe your big day is almost here!'' Sarah said excited.
''I'm so happy you all could make it. It means the world to me.'' I replied, ushering everyone in with a light smile.
''You look radiant, girl! We're going to have a blast tonight.'' Rose said while hugging me on her way in. She paused for a moment, but I just ignored it.
''We've missed you so much, Amber. It's been way too long.'' Jane, the group clown, said while laughing on her way in.
''I've missed you all, too. Let's make tonight unforgettable.'' I replied, leading everyone to the dinner table where Paul was already waiting.
I heard Rose introducing herself to Paul, and I was happy they were already getting comfortable in my little home. As I walked into the dining room with Jane and Sarah, I noticed a weird energy in the air. Extending her hands with a warm smile, Rose greeted Paul: ''Hi, I'm Rose. You must be Paul, Amber talks a lot about you.''
''Yes, that's me. It's great to finally meet you, Rose.'' I noticed he held her hands for too long, and I began to feel worried.
Paul was introduced to each of Amber's friends and he greeted them warmly, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries. He tried to engage in conversation with them discussing their shared memories with Amber and expressing his excitement about the upcoming wedding.
Amber's friends in turn, were welcoming and happy to meet the man who had captured their friend's heart. They engaged in friendly banter, sharing anecdotes from their college days and relishing in the joy of reuniting with Amber.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere seemed to lighten, and the tension that had hung in the air earlier began to dissipate. Paul's efforts to connect with Amber's friends were successful and the group started to enjoy the evening more.
Amber couldn't help but feel relieved that her friends and Paul were getting along. Her initial worries had subsided, and she was able to focus on the joy of the occasion. The night had taken an unexpected turn, but it seemed to be back on track.
**As the rest entered, they exchanged stories and laughter, and shared their excitement for my upcoming wedding, blissfully unaware of the impending disasters. **
[End of Chapter 1]
Amber Brown grew accustomed to being put on the back burner when it came to her younger sister, Rose. She never seemed to be enough not for her parents, not for her pack, not even for her fated mate. When her mate and soon to be alpha chooses her sister over her, Amber finds herself banished to stay with her widowed aunt in another pack. Abandoned and betrayed in the way it hurts most. In a story where blood is not thicker than water and mateship aren't all they seem to be, betrayal and vengeance is what drives Amber to power. She wanted revenge and there was nothing in the world that could get in the way, not her mate, family or even the Savage Alpha whom everyone fears. The man who had been drawn to her since he first saw her. The man grey determination to breakthrough her walls and show her what real love is.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
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."
Belinda thought after divorce, they would part ways for good - he could live his life on his own terms, while she could indulge in the rest of hers. However, fate had other plans in store. "My darling, I was wrong. Would you please come back to me?" The man, whom she once loved deeply, lowered his once proud head humbly. "I beg you to return to me." Belinda coldly pushed away the bouquet of flowers he had offered her and coolly replied, "It's too late. The bridge has been burned, and the ashes have long since scattered to the wind!"
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!
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
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."