"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
Lorah's POV
It's been two whole weeks since the explosion at the abandoned airplane.
Two weeks since Sicily has been unconscious.
Drew and I have barely left her side the entire time. It's strange, considering I don't even like the guy.
"So, how long have you known Sicily?" I asked, figuring we might as well talk since we're both stuck in the same room, waiting for any sign that she's waking up.
He looked up at me, surprised. "Oh, uh, we've known each other our whole lives, actually. Me and two other guys, Eric and Peter, have been her big brother figures since we were all under a year old."
"Oh." His response caught me off guard. I didn't like the dude at first, but he's been looking out for Sicily all these years, doing the job I couldn't. It's not my fault I didn't know about her for 18 years, but I still feel indebted to Drew somehow.
"Wow, thank you so much for being there for her all her life," I said, walking over to shake his hand.
He smiled, glancing at Sicily fondly. "Well, I was her brother figure. I even thought I might be her real brother since I don't know who my real parents are either." He hesitated, looking a bit nervous. "Please don't knock me out for admitting this, but I've started developing feelings for her since finding out we aren't related."
"I know," I grinned, "You seemed a bit head over heels at the agency meeting."
"You're not mad at me?" He asked, visibly relaxing.
"No, I'm not, Drew. Technically, you were in her life first. I'm indebted to you, and if letting you go for my sister is a way to repay you, I'll do it."
"Thanks, man," he said, smiling brightly.
Suddenly, Sicily began to stir. Drew and I jumped from our seats, moving to either side of her.
"Sis, are you awake?" I asked, bending over her. She squirmed again.
"Drew, go get the doctor!"
"Wait! I want to try something!" Drew leaned down and kissed her.
"Whaaa?!" Sicily's eyes flew open.
"Heyyy," he grinned, and I high-fived him.
"Sicily, you're okay!" I said, helping her sit up and hugging her. Drew hugged her too, making her blush and turn away.
"How do you feel?" Drew asked gently.
"I... feel fine. Lorah, how long have I been out?"
"Two weeks! Mom and Dad were so worried. Everyone panicked when you didn't wake up. I've got to call them and let them know you're awake! Drew, watch Sicily!" I said, pulling my phone out of my pocket as I ran out of the room.
---
Sicily's POV
I'm... awake?! Was I asleep? I don't remember much. One moment, I was jumping out of an exploding airplane, and the next, I'm lying in a hospital bed being kissed by Drew.
God, I feel so embarrassed! I can't even look at him.
I'm starting to get annoyed at my otherwise amazing twin brother for leaving me alone with Drew. Doesn't he realize how insanely awkward this is?!
I'm sitting in a reclined position, staring at the door on the far left as Drew watches me from my right side.
"Sicily?" he called softly.
I didn't respond.
"Sicily, I'm sorry. Kissing you was a bold move, and though I don't regret it, I really didn't mean to make you mad at me." He paused, waiting for me to say something. When I didn't, he continued, "I love you, and I just wanted to see if I could wake you up that way."
I immediately turned and stared at him in shock.
"Yeah, I'm definitely still in whatever coma or dreamland I was just in," I said incredulously, lying back down.
"You're not dreaming Sicily"
"That's what the Drew in my dreams would say"
Omg I DID NOT JUST SAY THAT!! I groaned and pulled at my hair.
"Haha you dream about me?" Drew laughed
"No....I didn't mean.... Ugh" I sat up and yelled for Lorah. "Lorah get back here and make Drew leave!!"
"Sicily calm down I'm sorry" Drew said, "Do you really want me to leave?"
I looked back at him and noticed how worried and sad he looked "Before I answer that.." I replied, "Did you really mean what you said a second ago?"
Drew rose from his chair and sat on the bed next to me, looking into my eyes, "I meant every word" he said slowly.
"Drew...." Tears started falling as I stared at him, a smile coming over my Face.
"Sicily!!!!!"
"Oh honey thank goodness"
Drew and I turned to the door in surprise.
I was upset that my moment with Drew was being interrupted and I didn't really feel like seeing my parents right then Thankfully only Drew came in, holding a tablet with my Parents on a video call.
"At least I can turn them off when I get too uncomfortable" I thought
Lorah, yes I'm calling him Lorah.
Anyways, lorah gave me the tablet and then he and Drew sat on either side of me as I talked to my parents.
My hands tensed as I gripped the tablet and my heart raced. Aware of my discomfort, Drew and lorah put their arms around me. "You got this" Drew whispered into my ear
I tilted the face of the camera away as I smiled at Drew, just in case my
Dad was one of those protective ones who can't stand their daughters talking to boys.
"Uh Hi Mom and Dad! How come you aren't here in person? Not that I mind of course! I definitely prefer the video call, but why?"
"I'm sorry sweetie, but Ten put us on a mission right when we got the news that you were unconscious. He wanted to keep us from worrying ourselves into a panic.
It's not really working so I really hope I don't knock out a certain commander when I get back."
"If you don't I will" Mom said, clenching her fists"
I tried not to smile for I had had every intention of hating my parents for all eternity Nevertheless a small smile crept through my determined face.
"So how do you feel sweetie?"
"I feel fine! Just a little dazed that's all"
"See honey I told you she'd be fine!" My Dad, Agent Dakota remarked.
"Sweetie I saw your picture on the wall! One of a highest ranking agents in the Opposition, we're so proud!!"
"Thanks"
"She takes after me, I was always a prodigy in agent academy!" Mom bragged "Not even! I was called 'expert sniper' when I was eight!" Dad said, "Now Sicily's an expert sniper so she clearly got it from me!" "Well then Lorah got his infiltration skills from me! I infiltrated the most dangerous enemy base of our time and scored thousands of resources for our side when I was six!
That's technically when I was promoted to second in command but they had to hold off on the promotion because I was ten years too young!"
Mom laughed, "Lorah is the top infiltrator in the 0-40 age group and Sicily got promoted so they both got my genes!!"
I giggled in the background.
I was actually enSicilying a normal conversation with them. It finally came over me how much I wanted parents. How much I hated that they were "dead". How much I wanted a bond with the people who had me!!
"So you two seem like you're bonding!" Mom suddenly said
I looked from one boy to the other not sure who she meant until Lorah responded, "Yeah. Feels great to have a twin sister" He gave me a side hug, "I honestly feel complete"
"We're so glad. We can barely believe she's been here this whole time. Lucky we found out right when our agencies came together!" Suddenly my twin's expression changed. He scowled at my Mom and Dad and ended the call.
"Lorah what's wrong?" "You don't get it do you Sicily?"
"Get what?"
"Mom and Dad! They found out you were even alive on the day our agencies joined. If they found out before then, they never would have told me or tried to get in contact with you!"
"But they did!" I said, "Mom and Dad found out I could potentially be their lost daughter a few weeks ago.
I stopped at their base during a mission and Dad guessed who I was and told Mom. He believed I was Sicily but Mom didn't....."
"What?!?!? Then if Dad knew, what did he do about it?"
"Kissed me and called me his baby girl"
"Yeah......but he never told me so that proves my point." Lorah sighed as
I looked down sadly. After a moment he looked back at me and said, "Sicily. I know you've always wanted parents, but these ones you got are no good. You and I can take care of ourselves so please don't show them any sort of affection. They don't deserve it."
Lorah shook his head again and went to put the tablet away. Drew patted my shoulder as I sighed...
I just got my parents back, and now this?
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.
Ava is an 18-year-old Omega female in a werewolf pack. As an Omega, she’s viewed as weaker and less important within the pack. She has long admired the Alpha, perhaps even harbored feelings for him, despite knowing that as an Omega, she’s considered unworthy in the eyes of the pack On her 18th birthday, which is significant in werewolf lore, she gets her heart broken as the Alpha rejects her. Shortly after the rejection, she meets the twins—two charming, attractive wolves who are both strong but with different personalities. They are drawn to her despite her Omega status. Her father, concerned about her future and possibly the pack’s standing, tries to coerce her into an arranged marriage with someone else, possibly for political reasons within the pack. Will she choose the safety and security of the Alpha, or will she take a chance on the twins and risk everything for love?
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.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
"Love is blind!" Lucinda abandoned her beautiful and comfortable life because of a man. She married him and slaved off for him for three long years. One day, the scales finally fell off her eyes. She realized that all her efforts were in vain. Her husband, Nathaniel still treated her like shit. All he cared about was his lover. "Enough is enough! I quit wasting my years with an ungrateful man!" Lucinda's heart was shattered into many pieces, but she summoned up the courage to ask for a divorce. The news caused a stir online! A filthy rich young woman recently got divorced? She was a good catch! Countless CEOs and handsome young men immediately swarmed to her like bees to honey! Nathaniel couldn't take it anymore. He held a press conference and begged with teary eyes, "I love you, Lucinda. I can't live without you. Please come back to me." Would Lucinda give him a second chance? Read to find out!
6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .