Ava is a young, beautiful, fierce and revenge-driven princess. She believes her uncle killed her father subsequently causing her mother's death, so she plans to avenge her parents by seizing the throne from her uncle. But, her life mission gets jeopardized when her uncle marries her off to a prince in a faraway Kingdom as an alliance. Her life, however, takes a drastic unprecedented turn when she flees before her wedding because she discovers that the prince she was getting married to is dead not knowing it was all part of a plot for power. While on the run, she meets and falls in love with Zain, an outcast werewolf with the hidden potential of a true Alpha (GUARDIAN werewolf), who unbeknownst to her, happens to be the supposedly dead prince she was getting married to but apparently isn't. Unknown to them, it was fate that brought them together, their love is destined and it's all part of a greater destiny to be fulfilled. But their love ignites great opposition from their worlds causing struggles and obstacles. They hide, fight, and hope for a world where their love isn't just a supposed wrong. Will their love prevail or fail? Will they fulfill their destiny?
CHAPTER ONE
THE BEGINNING
I had gone to sleep very early the previous night because I was so tired from the recent training and preparations of war against the kingdom of Maracath and I had the same dream I had been relieving since my parent's tragedy all over again with no details left out. I spotted my younger self running through a field of dandelions as I let the air sweep my hair back and I inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers that lingered in the air. I felt at peace, it felt like heaven.
"Ava'', I heard a familiar voice call my name. I turned back and I saw my mother walking towards me dressed in a white satin gown that complimented her fair skin. Her blond hair fell graciously down her shoulders to her waist. And her brown eyes... The warmth that spread through my heart looking into them was euphoric. God, she was the definition of beauty and perfection.
"Mama'', I shouted as I ran towards her with my arms open.
Now here comes the ugly part, I thought in my sleep. As I ran towards my mother who stood smiling at me with open arms, I suddenly felt the earth disappear from my feet. A gasp escaped my mouth and before I could blink, I started falling down a dark endless space. I shouted at the top of my voice that my throat was scarred. But my screams were soon muffled by water rushing into my mouth and nostrils. I looked around in panic and I saw that I was surrounded by water. I was in the water! I was drowning! I panicked in terror and kicked viciously as the air in my lungs was replaced with water I tried to breathe and I coughed gasping for air, instead more water rushed in. Eventually, it felt like everything was coming to an end as my body became numb. My lungs weighed heavily with water and my eyes felt heavy.
No, I can't die, not here, not now, I tried to fight back with my thoughts, but it was late. My weight was already sinking me deep into the darkness and the little light I could see slowly disappeared.
With a loud gasp, I woke from the horrific dream. I looked around and sat up on my bed panting heavily as beads of perspiration trickled down my face.
"God'', I exhaled. I was supposed to be used to it but it always felt so real every single time that I remember vividly every detail whenever I woke up. I swung my legs down the bed knowing I had to get out of bed early because today was an important day. I was meeting General Declan of the royal army of Talamhth to discuss my plan to join the royal army because if I wanted to survive in this hellhole, I needed power. General Declan of the royal army of Talamhth was a well-respected and influential man. He was one of my father's most trusted men, so he was the right and perfect person to meet.
Someone knocked on the door and before I could answer, the door opened and my handmaid walked in with breakfast in her hands.
"Good morning my lady'', she greeted and bowed.
"Good morning Marie'', I greeted her back, watching as she placed the tray on the table at the center of the room.
"Here is your breakfast my lady. Eat before it gets cold'', she said, turning to me.
She walked to the windows and drew the curtains open. It was a bright day with clear blue skies. The brightness of the risen sun poked my eyes and I blinked severally.
"Shall I draw you a bath?'', I nodded without saying anything and she made her way into the boudoir.
I looked over at the tray of food and my stomach turned. Slowly, I stood up and walked sluggishly to the table. I sat in one of the two chairs and opened the tray lid and the heat that escaped filled my nostrils with the aroma of the food. I fed my eyes scanning the tray; boiled potatoes, scrambled eggs, tea and some fruits. It was appetizing however, I had no appetite, maybe because I was anxious. Anxious because the war against Maracath was the first war I would participate in since I completed my military training a few months ago. I picked up the fork placed on the side of the tray as I adjusted myself in the chair. I picked a chunk of potatoes and let it sit on the fork for a while before putting it into my mouth and I chewed slowly intending to savor the taste. It tasted good but I had a hard time swallowing it, it was like my gut rejected the food. Maybe I really did drown and now my stomach was filled with water, I picked another chunk of potatoes and chewed gently.
Lost in myself I didn't know when Marie came back into the room.
"You have eaten nothing my lady", she said worriedly, grabbing my attention. I turned my head in her direction and found her staring at me with scolding eyes. "You have been eating less for the past few days. Is there anything bothering you that I don't know about? Is it because of the war? Are you scared?''
Within these walls, Marie was always the one who cared and worried about me. She had been taking care of me since my parent's demise even though she was just seven years older than I was. I considered her my elder sister.
"Have you eaten?'', "you shouldn't do that, my lady, you're grown up now'', "Shall I prepare you for sleep?'', those were some of her most used lines to ensure my wellbeing. If not for her, I don't know if I could have survived inside these walls.
She stood there staring at me with those brown eyes that looked just like my mother's. Realizing I still hadn't answered her question, I stood up swiftly and walked toward the boudoir.
"I'm just not hungry, and I don't know why'', I shrugged, answering her long-asked question.
"Still you have to try and eat something, even if it is a little. I shall not pray for you to be killed by hunger when food is abundant'', she scolded. "You need strength to fight, you need strength to go to battle and that strength comes from food'', she added, emphasizing the last word.
When we got into the boudoir, I let my robe slide down my shoulders onto the ground. Marie poured some scented oil into the bath. I stepped into the tub, the water was cold but soothing, exactly how I loved it. I lay in the tub and rested my head on the brim. Marie sat beside the tub, poured some soap and rubbed it on my skin. She took the bathcloth and started washing me.
Being in the water in the tub reminded me of my consistent dream. I thought of my mother and the joy I felt when I saw her. That was the only part of the dream I liked. After bathing, I made my way into the dressing room with Marie and I sat in front of the dresser as water dripped down my wet blond hair. Marie gathered my hair with a towel and dried it, she rubbed scented gel on it and combed it till it was fine. I wore my undergarment and Marie brought me a pair of blue leather trousers, a shirt and some armor.
"You're meeting General Declan this morning'', she reminded me and I nodded.
All of a sudden, the confidence I felt vanished the moment Marie reminded me and I felt my stomach knot with fear and my face turn pale. What if he doesn't agree to help? He is a general, a very influential and powerful man, almost as the king. What if he doesn't like me or what if he disregards me like any other general would? He is the only hope I have and if I fail to convince him then... no! I thought. I have to convince him no matter what, it is up to me whether he helps me or not. I felt Marie's hands on my shoulders.
"It is alright my lady, just be yourself", she said with an encouraging smile.
I took a deep and long breath to calm myself and looked in the mirror, Ava you just have to convince him, that is all, it won't be difficult. Just act natural, I said to myself letting out a deep breath of confidence and went to meet General Declan.
Sarah had planned her life to follow in the footsteps of her father and become a well known renowned journalist. She was on the verge of completing her journalism course when her father had to marry her off in an arranged marriage to the son of a powerful mayor, Andrew. A closed door agreement to save his company.
Sarah thought her marriage was her chance at happiness after a lifetime of hardship. She believed Jake, her husband, loved her, but dark secrets emerge, exposing that she is only a stand-in for Isabel, his brother's wife. Isabel, a woman who took over Sarah's life and stole her chance at gratitude, controls Sarah's world with manipulation and cruelty. As Sarah's pregnancy and plans to escape unravel, she discovers a way out with the surprising return of a man thought lost forever. But can she escape the cage they've built around her, or is it too late?
The last thing Amelia wanted after her breakup was drama that put her on her toes, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon with Billionaire playboy Alexander Sinclair on her heels. Alexander Sinclair had a bad habit, he just couldn't take no for an answer no matter what it was. So when he had made a drastic move to ask Amelia out on a date in an interview when the entire world was watching and she outrightly disregarded him, he saw that as a challenge. No one had ever rejected him before until her. So the chase began.
Sophia, who everyone thought was a human was mated to the next to be Alpha of the Crescent moon park, Abel. Abel hated the fact that he was mated to a human and a human would become his luna. Abel wanted a strong mate that would become a luna, he wanted to become the strongest alpha that the Crest moon pack have ever had and he wanted a strong luna by his side. Sophia had overheard Abel talking to his friends about how he didn't like her and wanted to reject her. Sophia was heart broken, she had tried so hard for Abel to accept her. As Abel rejected her as his Luna Sophia could not hold the pain, so far nobody wanted her, she had caused so much pain to her adopted family, people insulted them cause they adopted her. Sophia ran out the pack in tears, she was eager to end her life, eager to free everyone from her weak self. Abel wants her gone, he wants her dead, maybe it was her time to finally go. Sophia ran to the mountains with tears and a broken heart she jumped down the cliff into the water.
Synopsis Onika Orion, a self-made publicist and artist, is stunned when Nathan McAlison, the billionaire who broke her heart seven years ago, reappears in her life. Nathan, under pressure from his company's board to marry or lose his job, turns to Onika for help. Onika is deeply wounded by their past, and she is determined to hold him accountable for the awful agony he caused. Nathan's unexpected proposal throws Onika into a flurry of emotions and decisions. She initially sees it as an opportunity for vengeance, but as she spends more time with Nathan, old emotions surface, testing her resolve. To make matters worse, Nathan's manipulative mother, Willow, and his deceitful fiancée, Gina, intend to destroy Onika's future. As Onika navigates these perilous waters, she discovers an unexpected friend in Kent Leonard, Nathan's business adversary with his own grudge. Kent's reasons, however, become increasingly questionable as his obsession with Onika grows. The tension builds to a climax as Onika learns the truth about Nathan's past and Kent's deception. A series of dramatic encounters occur, culminating in a final clash that puts everyone's life in danger. In a thrilling climax, Onika must choose whether to forgive Nathan and pursue a future with him, or to allow her need for vengeance consume them both. Contract Marriage with My Billionaire Ex is a thrilling story of love, retribution, and redemption, complete with twists, betrayals, and an unlikely romance.
HOW DO YOU FLUSH TWELVE years of marriage down the drain? Can you flush twelve years of marriage down the drain? When Richard, Flora's husband of a dozen years, tells her that he fathered a child outside of their marriage, her whole life plan is turned upside down. While she freely admits that she's been married to her career, she thought they were on the same page: she'd make partner at her corporate law firm, his construction firm would thrive, and then they'd start a family. They'd be financially secure – creating a life without the money worries they both grew up with. That's why Flora couldn't process what Richard was telling her.
One casual visit to her father's study; an unplanned collision with the malevolent Russian Bratva mafia boss plunged her life into a downward spiral. Forced to marry him for an alliance that bordered on keeping her family's business stronger, she had no choice but to accept her fate after an unsuccessful attempt at absconding right before the wedding. But with each new discovery about him, she realized that the masked husband she despised so much had several layers that tugged at her heartstrings, giving her no choice but to fall deeply for him. However, what happens when the dreary and dark secrets from his past resurfaces and threatens to disrupt not just their blooming relationship and his position as Capo, but their existence as well?
In her previous life, Kimberly endured the betrayal of her husband, the cruel machinations of an evil woman, and the endless tyranny of her in-laws. It culminated in the bankruptcy of her family, and ultimately, her death. After being reborn, she resolved to seek retribution against those who had wronged her, and ensure her family's prosperity. To her shock, the most unattainable man from her past suddenly set his sights on her. "You may have overlooked me before, but I shall capture your heart this time around."
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!"
Sophia Drake braced herself for the worst when she was forced to move across the country in the middle of her junior year. Desperate to escape her shattered home as soon as she turns eighteen, her plans are disrupted by the enigmatic and captivating Ashford twins. Sophia can't fathom the intense attraction she feels for the twins and tries to avoid them at every turn. As she's thrust into an unfamiliar world, her past demons resurface, making her question her true identity. Will Sophia flee from her past's secrets, or will she embrace her destiny and take control of her future?
"Then let's get a divorce!" With courage, Leora left her husband's house, after being accused of poisoning his mistress. Her in-laws and sister-in-law had planned various ways to kick her out of Peter's house and in the end Leora gave in. However, no one expected that things would turn 180 degrees after the divorce. When everyone who had hurt her was happy with each other's lies, Leora returned. This time, she was no longer the poor orphan girl from the orphanage. She has changed and not only that, she also carries a big secret that will make everyone turn to worship her feet.
Rena, forced to flee to escape a marriage to a man as old as her father, made a spontaneous decision to marry Kellan, a stranger whose skills in homemaking were only matched by his financial acumen and his gentle demeanor. As their marriage unfolded, it took on a comforting predictability, with Kellan consistently showing himself to be reliable in every emergency. This sense of security crumbled when Rena uncovered Kellan’s true identity and the hidden motives behind their union. Enraged, she initiated a divorce and disappeared. Yet, it was not long before Kellan found her once again...