Elena Cameron thought she'd left the torment of middle school behind, but fate has other plans. In her first year of college, she collides with a familiar figure - Jeremy Steves, the hockey player who made her life miserable. Now, he's the charismatic team captain, adored by everyone. Jeremy is drawn to Elena, but she's determined to ignore him. As they continue to cross paths, their animosity turns into a game of pretend, with both hiding their true identities and past history. Jeremy is smitten, but Elena can't forgive the pain he caused her. As they navigate college life, their mutual attraction grows stronger. Jeremy must confront his past mistakes and prove himself to Elena, while she must learn to trust again. But when their secrets are revealed, will their love be strong enough to overcome the hurt and anger of their past?
**Elena's POV**
I clamber out of the bus, gripping the railing as everyone tramples over each other. It's pouring rain, and puddles splash under my black Converse, while my soaked hair could fill a glass.
"Elena! Wait up!" Fiona's voice calls from behind me. I instantly recognize her. Fiona and I have been best friends since we were six, inseparable ever since. She's an amazing ballet dancer, having practically forced her parents to take her to lessons as a child. We moved in together as soon as we turned eighteen, a much-needed change of environment.
"Ugh, it's freezing! I'm literally turning into an icicle!" Fiona complains. She's wearing a small pink tank top with a white cardigan and black skater jeans I bought her for her eighteenth birthday.
"Why did you pick that out of everything in your closet? It's 50 degrees and winter. Don't get me wrong, it's adorable," I say.
She sighs. "For exactly that reason. But right now, I regret my fashion choices."
We navigate the busy streets as the rain pours down on us. My mascara runs, and my raincoat is useless since I can feel water seeping through to my skin. Fiona spends the walk venting about her new ballet teacher, ending her rant with, "Stupid old witch."
"Fiona! You can't call a seventy-year-old woman that. She's like a grandma."
"I hope she's not someone's grandma. Imagine the poor child," Fiona shivers.
As we enter the college gates, students flood through like eager schoolgirls. It's my fourth week at Clare University, and the massive campus is a nightmare for my terrible sense of direction. I arrive just before class begins and find Matt saving my seat at the back.
"Took you long enough," he huffs. "Some girls tried to take your spot. I even put my textbook on the seat to claim it."
I notice a group of girls huddled around, not-so-subtly staring at Matt, whispering and giggling.
"Yeah, I can tell."
"Huh?" He turns to spot his admirers. "Someone's got a little crush on you."
He blushes, waving awkwardly, causing the girls to giggle and hide their faces just as the professor walks in.
"Really?" he chuckles.
I met Matt on the first day of classes. We both hid at the back, and thankfully, we became friends. Matt is what I'd call a quiet jock, if that's even a thing, and he's hot. People stare at him all the time, and he's oblivious unless I point it out.
Suddenly, I remember something. "Matt!" I hiss, swatting his arm.
"Ouch, what was that for?" He abandons his doodling.
"You have your first basketball match today, and you didn't tell me! I'm personally offended."
He'd been so excited when he got accepted into the Briar Hawks that he practically jumped on me, and we were practically strangers then. Since then, Fiona and I have attended all his practice games.
"Oh. Yeah, sorry." He looks down, pretending to find a pen.
"What's wrong?" I ask softly.
He sighs. "What if I mess up? I'm the only freshman on the team, so if I screw up, it's over for me." His hands tremble.
"That won't happen. You're the best on the team. This is coming from someone who's watched every practice game. You'll be fine."
"You think so?" he asks, self-conscious.
"One hundred percent. So, what time does it start? We'll be your cheerleaders."
"Are you going to wear a skimpy blue and white skirt with pom-poms?"
"No, but I'll paint your number on my face."
"Good enough. It starts at six."
Back home, Fiona bursts into my room in her underwear, practically naked. "I have nothing to wear! I need something hot-but casual." She rummages through my closet, pulling out a blue backless halter and black jeans. "This."
"Cute, but you'll be cold."
"Then I'll steal your jumper."
I throw a white puffer jacket at her head. I look in the mirror, wearing a deep blue strapless top, a leather jacket, and denim jeans. I paint the number 08 on my cheeks in bright red.
"You're not doing that to me," Fiona says, applying makeup.
"I totally am." I rush over, ready to draw on her face.
"Elena!" she screeches as I pin her down, messily painting the numbers on her cheeks.
"Perfect."
"You ruined my face."
"Too bad." I stick out my tongue.
"We're early," Fiona says. "Let's get dinner. I'd die for a slice of pizza."
"Nah, I'm not hungry," I reply, my leg bouncing as I scroll through messages.
"Elena..." Fiona narrows her eyes.
"What?"
"I'm not an idiot. I noticed you only had one bite of my pancakes this morning."
"I'm just not hungry!"
I've been so good lately, I didn't even realize-
"And you haven't eaten all day," she continues. "What if I make your favorite, butter chicken?"
"I'll pass."
"You know what? I'll take a banana." I grab one from the kitchen and take a big bite. "Happy?" I say with my mouth full.
"Y-yes."
"Good. Let's go. Better early than late, right?" I grab our house keys.
"Yeah." Fiona follows me outside in silence.
We arrive just as the cheerleaders start. I see Matt with his team in the corner. We find seats at the highest point in the stands, avoiding the crowd.
"Do you see Camila?" Fiona asks urgently. Camila is her sort-of girlfriend, though Camila doesn't want a relationship.
"Nope. Doubt she'd come to a sports game. Not her scene."
"She texted me she would."
"Of course she did. Let's sit here." I point to some empty chairs.
A loud buzzer signals the first quarter, and the stadium erupts in cheers. The Eagles and the Cheetahs start the game, and minutes later, Matt intercepts the ball and scores. The crowd goes wild.
"Go Matt!" I yell. Fiona whistles.
The game is intense, neck and neck by the third quarter. My phone rings. "I'll take this," I say to Fiona, stepping down the crowded stairs. "Mum, is something wrong?"
"What's that noise? You're not at a party, are you?"
"No, just a basketball game."
"Good. I called to see how you're handling college. I haven't talked to you in two weeks."
Guilt washes over me. "I know, I'm sorry. I've been busy with school."
"That's okay, Elena! I'm glad you're busy. I'm probably interrupting. Can I call you later?"
"Of course." Her voice cuts off. "Mum? You there?" I check my phone. No signal. "Stupid cheap school," I mutter.
Navigating through the crowd, I realize how packed the stadium is. Suddenly, I trip and crash into someone.
"What the hell, man, watch where you're going!" a voice says. Holding my head, I realize I'll have a bruise tomorrow.
A tall figure looms over me. He has shaggy brown hair, bright green eyes, and freckles.
"Oh, sorry," I say, turning to find Fiona. She's not there. "I'm really sorry-"
He stares at me, then looks away. Something about him seems familiar.
"Do I know you?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Maybe. A lot of people know me around here."
"Sorry, I thought you looked familiar. Probably just the fall."
He clears his throat, avoiding eye contact. Heat rises in my face as I realize who he is.
"That's Jeremy Steves. The bane of my existence."
So much for a fresh start.
Diana Hartley, an ambitious and independent architect, has built her life with precision and focus. When she lands a dream contract to design a landmark for the McAlister Corporation-a global powerhouse owned by reclusive billionaire Colton McAlister-she's sure this is the project that will launch her into a new league of success. But working alongside Colton proves to be as challenging as it is exhilarating. Colton, known as a ruthless titan in business, is fiercely private and haunted by secrets he keeps buried. Driven by a painful past, he has little time or trust to spare, especially for someone outside his ironclad circle. But Diana's passion and vision intrigue him, sparking feelings he thought he'd buried long ago. As they clash and connect over late nights and city skylines, they find themselves tangled in more than blueprints and business. But when old rivals resurface and a corporate scandal threatens the empire Colton has fought to build, Diana is faced with a choice: protect her career, or risk it all for the enigmatic man who's captured her heart. Can love survive in a world where loyalty has a price and trust is the rarest currency of all?
After a near-death experience, 25-year-old Harper Riley awakens with an inexplicable connection to the moon and an unsettling hunger for the hunt. As the full moon rises, Harper discovers she's been reborn as a werewolf. Enter Maverick Jackson, a mysterious and captivating alpha who claims Harper's transformation is a sign of an ancient prophecy. Will Harper accept her new identity and Maverick's love, or will the dangers of the werewolf world tear them apart?
In 16th century Europe, where humans believe wolves are mere folklore, shape-shifters live secretly among them. Ryker Flynn, last surviving member of the Emberclaw Pack, seeks vengeance against the Shadowmoon Pack for massacring his family. But as war rages between wolves and vampires, Ryker must unite the fractured packs and confront the darkness within himself. Can he overcome his thirst for revenge and lead the wolves to victory, or will the shadows consume them all?
In a world where werewolves are hunted, 17-year-old Luna Reyes discovers she's the last living heir of the ancient Lunar bloodline. Forced to flee her home, Luna joins a secretive pack of rebels fighting against the oppressive government. As the full moon rises, Luna's transformation begins, and she must confront her destiny. Can she reclaim her family's legacy and lead the werewolves to freedom, or will the hunters silence her forever?
When ex-CIA operative Kalliope "Kae" Wilder uncovers the truth about Echelon, a mysterious surveillance program, she's drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Joining forces with enigmatic whistleblower Beckett "Beck" Vaughn and rogue hacker Sage Riley, Kae must confront her past and stop Echelon's mastermind, Magnus "The Archon" Blackwood, before global catastrophe strikes.
"Oh" Sicily grinned sheepishly. I could tell she seemed a bit disappointed that he had found out so I figured she was trying to stay away from him. At her petition, Drew let Sicily down and we helped her to her feet. "Are you OK sweetie?" I asked her "I'm fine" Sicily said, nodding profusely at Drew, hoping he'd get the hint and go back to the agency. "Alright, be careful Sicily" Drew said He leaned in to kiss her but she moved back, clearly annoyed, and ducked behind me. Drew threw up his hands in defense, "Alright I get it, I'm leaving". He sighed and sprinted off into the night Beep bop
Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true statureāthe wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. Whatās worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldnāt thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesnāt seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that heās different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
On her wedding night, Natalie's stepmother set her up to marry Jarvis, a disfigured and disabled man. Fortunately, she managed to escape, but little did she know that later she would fall for the man she was betrothed to.Jarvis pretended to be a poor man, but he didn't think that he'd fall head over heels for this woman.Their life went on until one day, Natalie found out her boyfriend's little secret."Huh? How could you have billions of dollars' worth of assets?" she asked in disbelief.Jarvis didnāt know how to respond.Being met with silence, she gritted her teeth angrily. "They said that you couldn't walk, but as far as I can see, you're strong enough to run a marathon."Still, he remained silent.Natalie continued, "They even said that you only have a few years to live. What about now?"Finally, Jarvis opened his mouth to explain. "Honey, this is all just a misunderstanding. Please calm down. Think about the baby.""Jarvis Braxton!"The man knelt down immediately.
Eliana was framed by her best friend and her fiance into sleeping with a boy toy in the club and getting impregnated by him. Five years after she had given birth to twins, she returned home and worked under the Moran Group, where she met the CEO-- Maurice. Maurice was a brilliant businessman who did his job well. But in order to stay under the radar, he lived a double life. One as Maurice, and one as Preston. Fate brought the two together again, roping them in on an exciting love story. It all became more complicated when Eliana faced Preston, the man she had slept with before, once again. Now that she was being pursued by two men, how could she ever choose? When would Eliana uncover the secret of Maurice's identity? When was Maurice going to know that he already had two children of his own? How would Eliana face this man when the truth came to light one day? Come and find out.