Despite having a vaccine and a cure, the Trillis pandemic wiped out billions across the world. It killed so fast the health organizations could not keep up with the increasing number of people being infected. They needed a plan.. In April, the world powers met in Washington, DC. and decided on a strategy to stop the pandemic. They would gather together all the vaccines and treatment drugs and move them to a central location in Wyoming. From there, they would be sent to strategic locations around the world. Next, large jets in each country would disperse the treatment drugs to cure those who were already infected. That same night, they would spray the vaccination to protect people who had not yet contracted the disease. In May, they put the plan into effect but when the vaccination and the treatment drugs mixed together, an unthinkable Event happened...
Despite having a vaccine and a cure, the Trillis pandemic wiped out billions across the world. It killed so fast the health organizations could not keep up with the increasing number of people being infected. They needed a plan.. In April, the world powers met in Washington, DC. and decided on a strategy to stop the pandemic. They would gather together all the vaccines and treatment drugs and move them to a central location in Wyoming. From there, they would be sent to strategic locations around the world.
Next, large jets in each country would disperse the treatment drugs to cure those who were already infected. That same night, they would spray the vaccination to protect people who had not yet contracted the disease. In May, they put the plan into effect but when the vaccination and the treatment drugs mixed together, an unthinkable Event happened... Darkness Dark, dark! The horror of darkness, like a shroud, wraps me and bears me on through mist and cloud.
Alecia Darkest Day San Francisco Alecia slammed on her brakes in time to avoid the grisly scene before her. Cars were piled together into gruesome mounds of crushed metal, and they blocked the street as far as she could see. As she jumped out of her car, the smell of gasoline and fire hanging in the air assaulted her. Dark smoke was everywhere. Only the crackling sound of burning cars broke the eerie silence. She could see no one. Slowly moving, in increasing horror, from one bloody crashed car to another, she looked for any signs of life. There were none. Was she the only one left in San Francisco? Her morning had started normally enough. She had been up late, planning for the Friday morning meeting with her staff. She needed to bring them up-to-date on a huge $206 million dollar project. As director of operations for the largest architectural company in the city, it was her responsibility to make sure everything ran without a hitch. It was the type of challenge she loved most, even though fear plagued her of not being ready and drowning under the burden of others' expectations and judgment. Despite her misgivings, she had never failed to bring a project to successful completion. Alecia groaned when the alarm blared, and she considered hitting the snooze button. Resisting the temptation, she jumped up and took a shower. Twisting her auburn hair into the low side chignon bun she thought made her look in control, but approachable, she dressed in her red power suit with matching heels. She thought she was prepared for anything. Quickly driving out of the garage, she thought about the upcoming reunion of her sorority later that month. She was excited about seeing her two best friends from college, who she had only seen once since they had graduated six years ago. They had been through so much together. There was the unidentified flu that had the three of them quarantined together for six weeks. That had cemented their friendship in a way that few other things could do. While they now lived in three different states, they talked on cell phones at least once a week. But the thought of seeing them again in person at the reunion was exhilarating. Suddenly her normal morning was over! Mangled cars with their mutilated bodies filled the streets. Fire and black smoke permeated the air. She grabbed her phone and called 911. It rang and rang, but there was no answer. She ran to the corner Starbucks where she got her skinny grande mocha latte every day. It always opened at 5 a.m. but was still closed. She looked at her watch. It was 6:33 a.m. What was going on? With trembling hands, she called her mother. There was no answer. Her mom always kept her cell phone handy; she wanted to make sure she was available for her family. Frantically, she called her father, her two sisters, her older brother, and Jenny, her confidante at work. None of them answered. Desperate, she wondered what was happening. With her last hope she called her sorority sister, Jillian, who worked in Washington D.C. Unexpectedly Jillian answered and told her that she was at the prison, and almost everyone there was dead. Alecia abruptly dropped the phone in astonishment. She couldn't believe what she saw coming toward her. They were beings with square heads and long robes. Were they aliens? What were they? Should she run and hide? No, it was too late. Then as they came closer, she could tell that they were just people wearing hazmat suits. Relieved that they were not aliens and that she wasn't the only live person in San Francisco, she frantically waved them down. They came over. She greeted them, "have you two seen anyone else? Alive?" "No, you're the first live person we've seen. And we're so happy to see you. We were afraid we were the only ones left," the taller one answered. "I am Hank and this is Becky. I'm surprised you're still alive. You're not wearing a hazmat suit." "Alecia here." She held out her hand and then realized they couldn't shake hands in their clumsy suits. In this frightening situation, why was she acting like she was in a high-pressure meeting? She chuckled mirthlessly - no meeting could ever be this stressful. "Why are you in hazmat suits?" Becky, in her small-sized hazmat suit, looked like she would blow away in any strong wind. "We heard they were going to do the aerosol- spraying of the vaccine and cure. We were afraid that it would hurt the baby so we put on these hazmat suits from my dad's work to be safe." "Baby?" Alecia inquired. "Yes, I'm five months pregnant. "We were going to Pleasanton to see her parents, but our ride didn't show up," Hank said. Alecia turned to Hank, "But what made you think that you and the baby didn't need the aerosol spray?" "We just didn't think they had tested it enough, so we thought we'd be safer without it,'' Hank answered. "I'm headed to Castro Valley to check on my parents. You can come with me." Alecia said. "It will be easier to get to Pleasanton from there" Becky looked at Hank. "How long do we need to keep these suits on? It's so uncomfortable." She shifted the helmet to make it fit more comfortably. "I don't know," he answered. "What do you think, Alecia?" "I'm not sure. Do you think that's what kept you alive? I wasn't wearing one and I'm still alive." Hank awkwardly hugged Becky. "I know it's uncomfortable, Sweetheart. But we've gone this far. Let's leave them on for the rest of the day, to be sure." Becky squirmed. "I can't. I have to pee and I can't hold it anymore." "I didn't think of that," Hank answered. "We need to take them off and find a restroom." Alecia pointed to the Starbucks. "They have a restroom. We'll have to break in, but under the circumstances, I don't think it matters. I'll go with you and see if I can figure out how to make some coffee. It won't be up to Starbuck's quality, but this morning I just need coffee of any kind. Soon they were back at Alecia's car with two cups of coffee and a hot chocolate. Becky and Hank had taken off their hazmat suits. Becky was petite, as Alecia had figured from the size of the suit. She had deep red hair that fell in a curly mass around her shoulders. Hank was tall and lanky and she could only describe his hair as a carrot-top. When Hank put Becky in the front passenger side of the car, Alecia noticed how tenderly Hank fastened the seatbelt around Becky, patting her stomach. "Everything good in there, young man?" Alecia asked if they had any ideas about how to get around the wrecks and on to Castro Valley. It seemed impossible. Police cars and ambulances were in the emergency lanes and a fire truck blocked all the other lanes. The three sat there in despair. "Wait!" Alecia tried to rub the tension from her forehead. "We can walk through, can't we?" "Walk all the way to Castro Valley?" Hank hugged Becky close to him. "She can't make it." "No, we can take a car from the other side. Hopefully, the ones at the front should have less crash damage and be driveable," Alecia said. "What? We can't do that." Becky said. "Becky," Alecia said, "This is a different world. We're going to be doing a lot of things to survive that we wouldn't have done yesterday. We need to ask ourselves if we are hurting anyone. The people in the cars are dead. They don't need them. We do!" "I guess so. I don't know how we are going to make it, anyway." Becky looked at Hank for support. Hank took her hand. "We'll make it. We've got a family now to take care of and we'll do what we have to do. And I know you can do it, Honey. We have to. Let's go." Alecia led the way, edging past the fire truck and the lifeless firefighters. Fire hoses snaked around their bodies. Becky cried out, "Oh no! Hank, do you know who that is?" pointing to one young firefighter. "That's Dirk. He played the lead in the school play in our freshman year. "What was it called? Death of a Salesman". She began to cry and shake uncontrollably. "Becky, I know it's hard," Hank hugged her. "But we have to keep going." With his arm around her, he led her forward. Alecia continued to forge a path for the others, wishing she could give way to the sobs that were screaming in her throat. She thought that if she did, she might never stop. Crumpled car after mangled car, someone's dream car; practical commuter car; a vacation car; or the old affordable car blocked the way. Those cars were carrying mothers, fathers, daughters, grandmothers, boyfriends, and newlyweds. Her mind conjured up so many dreadful scenarios. She couldn't imagine how she could keep going. Put one foot in front of the other... Be strong.. One foot in front of the other... Don't think...don't cry...Don't scream...One foot in front of the other. She chanted to herself. Finally, they reached the other side of the auto graveyard. There were four cars pulled over at the side of the freeway. There were no people in them. She assumed since they showed no evidence of being in the crash, they must have stopped to help the first victims. "The truck would be good if we needed to carry stuff," Hank said. "The van would be useful if we run into other people who need a ride. What we really need is a bulldozer to get through these blocked roads," Alecia said. The keys were in the van, and they were soon on their way. They maneuvered their way onto Highway 580, around the many crashed cars. But road blockages forced them to stop and walk through wrecked cars five times, each time having to find a vehicle with keys in the ignition and gas in the tank. As they walked through the pile-up of cars, Alecia tried not to look inside at the mangled, twisted bodies. With every wreck they walked through, it was a little easier for Alecia to hold back the tears. This scared Alecia, more than anything else. Was she getting immune to death? Had she stopped caring? What was happening to her. At the last crash site, they found an SUV, and continued to Alecia's parents' house. A different, more primordial fear gripped Alecia as she pulled the SUV into her parents' driveway. Realizing it was 1:00 p.m. and time for her call with Jillian and Tanya, she delayed going inside and placed the three-way call to her friends.
Sierra Winters is a fiercely independent wildlife photographer chasing her dreams in the rugged landscapes of Alaska. She's never been one to linger in one place, preferring the call of adventure over the bonds of love. But when a storm leaves her stranded in a small coastal town, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Alex Hart, a reserved yet charismatic innkeeper with a past he'd rather forget. Alex has built a quiet life away from the chaos of his old one, focusing on running his family's century-old inn. The last thing he needs is a free-spirited stranger stirring up his world. Yet, as their paths intertwine, Sierra's spontaneity begins to thaw Alex's guarded heart, while Alex's steady presence challenges Sierra to confront her fear of staying still. But just as they begin to let their walls down, Sierra is offered the career opportunity of a lifetime, forcing them to confront what they're willing to risk for love. Will they let the whispers of the wind carry them apart, or will they fight for the connection they never saw coming?
Cassidy Dawson is a brilliant architect at the top of her game-until a chance encounter with a mysterious, brooding billionaire changes everything. Logan Blackwell, a reclusive tech mogul, is used to keeping his private life a secret, but Cassidy's magnetic presence pushes him to the edge. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their worlds couldn't be more different. With Cassidy's career on the line and Logan's past threatening to destroy everything, can love survive in the face of deception, power, and heartbreak?
In the shadow of a forgotten village, a hidden war rages- one that will soon drag Kiera Bellamy into a world she never believed existed. After the sudden death of her father, Kiera returns to her childhood home only to discover unsettling truths about her heritage and a family bound by ancient blood oaths. As a mysterious werewolf attacks the village, Kiera is thrust into a deadly game between rival packs, each seeking control of her family's legacy. Caught between betrayal, forbidden love, and her awakening power, Kiera must decide who to trust- and what she's willing to sacrifice to survive beneath the silver moon.
Nestled deep in the snow-covered mountains, the town of Winterveil lives in the shadow of a chilling legend- a beast that stalks the woods under the full moon. When young doctor Maren Vale arrives in town to replace the recently murdered physician, she's warned to stay indoors at night. But when a patient's cryptic confession points to a hidden conspiracy, Maren sets out to uncover the truth. Enter Kieran Ashford, the enigmatic hunter who seems to know more about the beast than he lets on. Together, Maren and Kieran delve into the town's secrets, but as the winter nights grow longer and the moon waxes fuller, Maren begins to suspect the monster she's hunting might be closer than she imagined. In a battle against time, ancient curses, and her own rising fear, Maren must decide: will she save Winterveil, or will she join its haunted history?
Tala Gonzalo was a werewolf, and a single mother. Her daughter, Ava, had never met her father. This is the story of how Tala ended up in the city, raising a child alone. In college, Tala was in love and dating a man who turned out to be a werewolf. After being bitten and transformed, Tala embraced her new life, until a tragic accident shattered her world. Forced to flee her pack, she discovered she was pregnant with the future alpha's child. For three years, Tala raised Ava in secrecy, only transforming when absolutely necessary to protect her daughter from the harsh reality of their lineage. Always prepared to run, Tala’s life takes an unexpected turn when her old pack, under attack, seeks her out as their best tracker. With the pack’s leader, Louve, discovering Ava’s existence, will they reconcile their past and face the new threat of Lycans together?
What lengths would a desperate mother go to in order to find her missing daughter? When Brienna's teenage daughter vanishes on the notorious road during the witching hour, Brienna dives into the dark world of vampires to find her. Teaming up with a mysterious man, she navigates a path filled with secrets and lies, realizing her own life is in danger. Convinced an outcast named Joe is behind her daughter's disappearance, Brienna discovers the truth is far more evil. With every step, she gets closer to her target, but he's always one step ahead, waiting for her to fall into his trap.
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met her—the pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmates’ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.
The Billionaire Betrayed Wife follows Rachael Morgan, an orphan whose search for love leads her into the ruthless world of the Blackwood family. Betrayed by her husband and tormented by her adoptive sister, Rachael's life spirals into chaos when she's cast out and left to survive on the streets, pregnant and alone. Just when all hope seems lost, a mysterious savior from her past rescues her, giving her the chance to heal and rebuild. Years later, she returns stronger, armed with a fierce desire for revenge. With her son by her side, Rachael will stop at nothing to destroy those who shattered her trust-even if it means risking everything to reclaim her life and her power.
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!"