Claire Desmond is a renowned tech mogul, she is the spoilt heiress of the Desmond family. She had always lived a charmed life. Her stunning beauty and natural talent opened doors effortlessly, making her a household name. Marriage was never part of her plan until she found herself thrust into an arranged marriage with Alexander, the brooding and workaholic mafia don. As she navigated her new life with a husband who acted like she was invisible, Claire felt a longing for something she couldn't have for the first time. Can Claire break through Alexander's hardened exterior, or will their marriage remain a loveless contract?
{At the Desmond Estate}
"What?!" Claire exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief and anger. The news she was hearing from her father was the last thing she wanted to start her day with.
"Claire, calm down. This is for the best," Mr. Desmond said, his tone firm yet conciliatory.
"You said I was getting married to Ethan Carter, the eldest son," Claire said, her voice breaking. Marriage into the Carter family was already far from her plans, especially at the height of her career as a tech mogul.
"Plans changed. You're marrying Alexander Carter," her father said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
The Carter family was a powerful dynasty with deep ties in both legitimate businesses and the shadows of the underworld. Claire had always known there was more to them than met the eye, especially after her father allied with Jonathan Carter, the family patriarch.
Claire's worst fears were confirmed when her father revealed the true nature of their dealings. The Carters were not just business moguls, but the most influential crime family in the city. Initially, the thought of marrying into such a family was repulsive, but knowing she would marry Ethan, who led a separate, more respectable life, made it somewhat bearable. Now, she was being handed over to Alexander, the notorious heir with a reputation that made her blood run cold.
"Dad, we talked about this. You promised me," she pleaded, trying to hold back her tears.
"Claire, you're my daughter, my pride. I have given you everything you wanted, the best education, and the finest opportunities. Now, I need you to do this for the family," Mr. Desmond said, his voice softening as he held her hands.
"Alexander is the head of their criminal empire, Dad. How can you expect me to live that life?" she asked, her anger and fear mingling.
"I wasn't asking for your permission. The contract is signed, and you will marry Alexander Carter," he said, his tone final.
"Can I at least meet him? Talk to him?" she asked, desperation seeping into her voice.
"He will meet you when he decides to, Claire. This isn't up for discussion," Mr. Desmond said, taking a sip of his coffee, and dismissing her concerns.
"This is not fair, Dad. Marriage should be about mutual understanding. How can we build a life together if we don't even know each other?" she said, her eyes filling with tears.
"I will fund a shopping spree to help you prepare," he offered, but Claire shook her head.
"I don't want to go shopping, Dad," she said, watching her father leave the room.
She felt the weight of the space, the magnitude of her predicament settling in. How could she spend her life with a man she knew nothing about, a man who was a criminal?
Determined, Claire vowed to meet Alexander Carter before the wedding no matter what it took.
She couldn't believe her life was about to take a 360 degree, turning her perfect life into something she couldn't imagine.
Walking back to her room, she felt a wave of dread wash over her. Life had always been straightforward for her. She had never wanted for anything and had no idea what it meant to struggle.
Her beauty and intelligence had paved the way for her success. As a renowned tech entrepreneur, Claire was constantly in the spotlight.
"Welcome back, Miss Claire," her assistant, Jenna, said, stepping aside to let her in.
"Your bath is ready, and you have a conference call with the board in 45 minutes," Jenna reminded her.
"Cancel it. I'm too tired," Claire said, massaging her temples.
"But Miss Claire, this is important. You never miss a meeting. The board will be concerned," Jenna said, surprised.
"I am just so tired, Jenna," Claire said, sitting on her bed, feeling the weight of her impending marriage.
"Is it about the marriage proposal?" Jenna asked gently.
"How am I supposed to marry a man I know nothing about? Alexander Carter is the black sheep of the family. He is a mystery, and is driving me crazy," Claire said, frowning.
"Don't worry too much, Miss Claire," Jenna said, trying to comfort her.
"Should I set the table for dinner or bring it to your room?" Jenna asked.
"I am not hungry. I will just eat something later if I feel like it," Claire said, heading to the bathroom.
Jenna watched her go, worried about how Claire would cope with the marriage.
AT THE CARTER ESTATE
Alexander Carter listened intently as his lieutenant briefed him on the week's business dealings.
He drummed his fingers on the mahogany desk, his sharp eyes never missing a detail. Alexander was strikingly handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a chiselled jawline that complemented his dark hair. His tailored suit and polished demeanour made him a formidable presence.
"How did we lose the shipment to the Russians?" Alexander asked calmly.
"Boss, an insider tipped them off. We were ambushed not far from the docks," the lieutenant explained, bowing slightly.
"You're dismissed," Alexander said, waving him off. The explanation didn't sit right with him, but he had more pressing matters.
Ever since he assumed leadership, his life had been a whirlwind of responsibilities. From being the rebellious Alexander who partied all night, he was now the head of the Carter crime family.
His father, Jonathan Carter, had built an empire that Alexander now had to maintain and expand. He grew up in a turbulent household, but he managed to mend his relationship with his brother, Ethan, who preferred to stay away from the family's illicit dealings.
"You called for us?" Marcus, his right-hand man, asked, entering the study with a confident stride.
"Yes, take a seat," Alexander said, glancing at his watch.
Another figure, a young woman with sharp eyes and a poised demeanour, walked in.
"You're late, Isabel," Alexander said, though there was a hint of a smile.
"I was tied up with another matter, Boss," she said, taking her seat.
"And Jason?" Alexander asked, looking around.
"Always running late," Marcus muttered, just as Jason hurried in.
"Sorry, Boss," Jason said, out of breath.
"Let's get started," Alexander said, turning serious.
Marcus was the underboss, second in command and Alexander's most trusted ally.
Isabel, though young, was the Counselor, handling the family's legitimate fronts and financial matters.
Jason, the capo, managed the street operations and smaller factions within the organisation. He was also Alexander's closest friend, privy to his deepest secrets.
"So, what's the urgent matter?" Isabel asked, leaning back in her chair.
"I'm getting married," Alexander announced, and his inner circle reacted with shock.
"You're what?" Jason asked, stunned.
"To whom?" Marcus inquired.
"It's an arranged marriage with Claire Desmond, the tech mogul. Father wanted her for Ethan, but he's already involved with someone else, but father wouldn't let him be, because he had already sign a deal with Mr Desmond for his daughter to marry Ethan, and as you know I just got better with Ethan I have to step in and offered Mr Desmond another deal he could not resist and the man sold his daughter to me. Alexander explained.
"This is interesting. Do you even know who Claire is?" Marcus asked, amused.
"I don't care. What's the worst that could happen?" Alexander replied, frowning.
"She's a public figure, Alex. She's not just any heiress. This will draw a lot of attention and I am not supporting you on this," Isabel said, concerned.
"I already signed the contract with her father," Alexander said, exhaling deeply.
"I foresee a lot of complications," Jason said, the room falling into an uneasy silence.
When Aveline, once the beloved Luna of Whispering Woods, is betrayed by the very man she called her mate, she is left shattered and alone. Alpha Killian, blinded by old loyalties and manipulated by Morgana, his ruthless first mate, casts Aveline aside-unaware of the powerful secret she carries. Fleeing into the Northern Highlands with her unborn children, Aveline seeks refuge far from the pack that turned its back on her. But whispers of danger are never far behind. As Morgana's cruel reign tightens its grip, a divided pack begins to fracture. Old allies emerge from the shadows, and whispers of rebellion spread through the oneunited pack. The Blood Moon ritual approaches-a sacred event that will solidify Morgana's rule or see her downfall. Haunted by guilt and torn between his duty and his heart, Killian grapples with the choice he made, even as the memory of Aveline lingers like a ghost he cannot forget. But when Morgana's dark intentions become clear, Aveline must make a fateful decision: stay hidden in safety, or risk everything to protect the pack she once called home. With her children's secret abilities and the fate of Whispering Woods at stake, Aveline faces the ultimate battle for justice and redemption. As old alliances are tested and new betrayals come to light, the question remains-can she reclaim what's been lost, or will Morgana's darkness consume them all? Forsaken by the Alpha King is a tale of love and vengeance, power and redemption, where divided loyalties and hidden secrets collide in a world ruled by ancient magic and ruthless ambition. But in Whispering Woods, not all battles are fought with claws and fangs-some are fought in the heart.
On her 22nd birthday Helen Peterson caught her fiance of three years whom she had planned on proposing to cheating on her with her best friend and boss. Heart broken she went to the club to have some fun in other to forget her pains, their she met a mysterious man whom she pleaded with to make her his out of drunkenness. Helen smudge closer to him and gestured for him to come closer. "What? He asked. "I want to tell you something but promise me you'll do it." She said pouting drunkenly. "Why should I promise?" He asked her, he was already feeling irritated, the little woman had made him talk more than he usually does. "Just do it." She gives him her best puppy eyes, but such an act doesn't faze him. But curiosity got the better of him and he eventually said, "promised." With that said Helen beamed, she drew closer to him, held his face with both her hands and drew his head closer and whispered into his ears. "Take my virginity and make me yours." Just for tonight she would be his slut, what is there to hold back when they won't cross paths again after tonight, with that mindset Helen smudged closer to him taking off his shirt. He held her hands stopping her while saying, " I don't think you're ready for this, as much as I am enjoying this I don't want a situation where you will regret this when your head clears up and you are too fragile to be mine, I am the devil, woman how would you cope staying in my hell?". "Then make me a she devil, train me to be yours, please don't deprive me of this sweetness I am feeling." She pleaded. ___ A promise With the ruthless president... Will Helen ever regret her actions? What happens when enemies, dark secrets and unexpected emotions threaten to tear them apart? Will they ever come out strong. READ TO FIND OUT
She thought she was the love of his life, and he became the love of her life that fateful day she had seen him at the pack's party. Selene Grace was only a replica of Alpha Leo's real mate, and when he spotted her, Leo immediately claimed her as his Luna in order to suppress the rumors of him being mateless. Being unable to conceive turns Selene's marriage into a nightmare, and as if that wasn't enough, Alpha Leo finally reunites with his long time lover and mate, rejecting a pregnant Selene as a result. 5 years later, Selene, a now successful doctor, receives an invitation to the moon shadow pack in order to rid the pack of a deadly disease which has struck it. Will Selene return back to the pack which had caused her so much pain, and what would she do when she realizes that she is mated to the Alpha who had betrayed her in the past?
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Madison had always believed that she would marry Colten. She spent her youth admiring him from afar, dreaming of their future life together. But Colten was always indifferent to her, and when he abandoned her at a time when she needed him most, she finally realized that he never loved her. With renewed resolve and a thirst for revenge, Madison left. Endless possibilities lay ahead, but Colten was no longer part of her plans. Colten rushed to her place in a panic. "Madison, please come back to me. I’ll give you everything!" It was his powerful uncle who answered the door. "She's my woman now."