Athena, an ordinary high school student with a penchant for street art, finds her life turned upside down when she meets a mysterious guy and joins a coven of witches. As she delves deeper into the occult, she discovers her true nature as a powerful witch with the ability to transform into a lycanthrope. But the secrets of her heritage run deeper-her boyfriend is revealed to be a vampyre, and her name, Athena, holds a significance she never imagined. Caught in a supernatural war between ancient beings determined to control humanity, Athena must navigate her new reality while resisting a destiny she never wanted. As the conflict escalates, the looming threat of exposing their world to humans grows more dangerous. With the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance, Athena must decide where her loyalties lie and how far she's willing to go to protect the ones she loves.
When I heard the sirens, my heart started racing.
"Shit," West muttered, excitement tinging his voice. I caught a glimpse of the smirk on his face before Laura and Ariel leaped to turn off the spotlights. We stepped back to admire our masterpiece-an explosion of blue, grey, and black with Athena emblazoned across the large brick canvas. Dropping our empty spray cans, West quickly snatched up the lights.
"We gotta go!" Laura squealed, anxiety in her voice. Her boyfriend, Ethan, grabbed her hand and yanked her towards the far end of the alley. We each had a route planned to avoid getting caught by the police-a maneuver we'd practiced many times before. My route was the toughest, taking me right past the cop cars on the main road. Moving determinedly, I followed my boyfriend toward the alley's opening.
"Run fast, baby," Nate murmured quietly as we approached the alley's edge, the blue lights getting closer, sirens blaring. In that brief moment, everything seemed to slow down. I caught the light reflecting off his serious blue eyes, his intense gaze searing into my memory. I wanted to kiss him, and a smile curled my lips, despite my pounding heart.
"You too," I whispered as the others slipped away in different directions. Nate and I bolted out of the alley, splitting up-he went right, and I went left.
I let my legs carry me as fast as they could. A cop car screeched to a halt when they spotted me, the tires wailing like a banshee as I raced down my route. My breath quickened as I inhaled the cool spring air, my bandanna brushing against my lips. I didn't look back when I heard the cops get out of the car. Panic clawed at my throat as I felt one of them close in, heavy on his feet. My skate shoes hit the pavement quietly as I ran on the balls of my feet, my muscles burning with the effort. The dark sky contrasted with the city lights that glittered off the broken glass on the sidewalk, resembling freshly fallen snow. Wearing all black, I was like a shadow, the blue lights bouncing off the windows of the towering buildings beside me.
I slipped into an alley, leaping past a few sketchy guys who scattered when they realized I was being chased. My friends were long gone, each heading home by their own route.
We'd done this so many times, but the rush never faded. My shaky hands gripped the cold metal of a chain-link fence separating me from the dark woods beyond. I threw myself over and landed on the other side, taking one last look at the uniformed officer before backing into the trees, out of the orange streetlight's glow. The cops never followed once I crossed that fence, and tonight was no different. The officer sighed in frustration, catching his breath, before retreating with his walkie-talkie.
Once I'd caught my breath, I took off my hat and bandana, stuffing them into my bag as I made my way home. I wondered if anyone had managed to snap a picture of our art before we scattered.
The next morning, I took my usual route to school and met my friends at our usual spot-a picnic table on the school grounds. I threw my arms around Nate and kissed his cheek as the others greeted me.
"How are you?" I asked cheerfully.
"Fine," he replied, his usual lie. I ignored his gloomy attitude, something I was used to, and slid in next to him. His blue eyes met mine coldly from under his blond bangs, and my smile faded, sensing his mood.
"Nate, what's wrong?" I asked softly.
"Nothing, Athena. Forget about it." He looked away, avoiding my gaze. The table fell silent, everyone pretending not to notice.
"No, tell me," I pressed, not wanting to let it go this time. He shrugged off my touch, refusing to meet my grey eyes.
"It's fine," he lied again, more convincingly this time, waving a pale hand dismissively.
"Okay," I said, letting it go for now, but I made a promise to myself to figure out what was bothering him by the end of the week. I fell silent after that, pretending it didn't hurt every time he pulled away from me. I didn't think I was clingy-I didn't always touch him or show affection in front of others. We both hated that sort of thing. But it was hard seeing him in pain. I tried convincing myself it was just the Monday blues.
"Guys, check it out!" West announced, moving closer to Nate's other side to put Ethan's phone out in front of us. I leaned in to see the picture of our art with interest, but my eyes gravitated to Nate's non-existent reaction. Even though West's face was pulled into an excited smile, I could see the worry in his eyes. So it wasn't just me who was worried about Nate...
Ethan was looking over too, with seriousness on his face. He hugged Laura's petite body to his skinny frame and his blue eyes went to me like he was communicating his concerns silently. I was sure I had communicated my worries back.
"It looks so good, you guys!" Laura chimed with a smile on her round innocent face. Her hair was impossibly long and cascaded over her shoulders down to her elbows. Her beige skin seemed to glow as much as her bright personality.
"Too bad we didn't quite finish." Ethan sighed.
"I think it looks finished enough. At least none of us got busted." Ariel insisted from my other side as she took the phone from West to look closer. My eyes went to Nate almost subconsciously. He didn't look like he had gotten caught, but then why was he having such a tough Monday?
West joined me as we moved off to home room after the rattle of the bell. His tall, muscular form always made me feel short. I couldn't even see his buzzed black hair that was only a few millimeters long on his head.
"Do you know what's up with him?" he asked quietly with his sculpted lips pulled to the side and his thick dark eyebrows pulled up in concern. I'm sure I had a miserable worried frown on my pale face.
"No. Maybe he'll talk to me when we're alone?" I hoped as I watched the other four disappear into the building across the lawn. West let out a sigh, biting his full bottom lip.
"He sure as hell doesn't talk to me... I already asked if he got caught, but he said he didn't."
"I'm so worried about him. He gets pissed if I pry, but I just don't know what else to do." I whined.
"Same. I've tried distracting him, but he's just not interested. I feel like it makes him angrier when I try to cheer him up."
"I tried getting to go out and do fun things, but it's hard. My mom was pissed I was out last night." I admitted.
"My parents caught me too. I'm friggin' grounded." West chuckled.
"That's terrible. I'm sorry." I couldn't help the laugh that escaped me as I looked up to see his unconcerned smile. He grinned wider at my response and his brown eyes seemed to glitter with mischief. There were kids at our school that would've pegged West as a jock, but he was an artist and a skateboarder like me. West had been friends with Nate and Ethan for years before I met him and I remembered being glad that we got along. I often sought out his opinion if Nate was in one of his moods, but from what West said, it sounded like Nate was shutting him out just as much as me.
"We'll figure it out. He knows we're there for him." West reassured me as we moved through the crowds and I stopped in front of my homeroom. His dark-skinned face seemed to drop into a more solemn expression when he saw the hopelessness in my eyes. "It's fine, Athena. It's Monday." He insisted, pulling me into a quick hug as if to reassure me.
"You're right." I muttered even though I couldn't quite believe it could be that simple.
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.
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
Sheila had her back against the wall when her family tried to force her to marry an awful old man. In a fit of rage, she hired a gigolo to act as her husband. She thought the gigolo needed money and did this for a living. Little did she know that he was nothing like that. One day, he pulled off his mask and revealed himself to be the world's top magnate. This marked the beginning of their love. He showered her with everything she could ever want. They were happy. However, unexpected circumstances soon posed a threat to their love. Would Sheila and her husband make it through the storm? Find out!
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
When Zora was sick during the early days of her pregnancy, Ezrah was with his first love, Piper. When Zora got into an accident and called Ezrah, he said he was busy, when in actual fact, he was buying shoes for Piper. Zora lost her baby because of the accident, and throughout her stay at the hospital, Ezrah never showed up. She already knew that he didn't love her, but that was the last straw for the camel's back, and her fragile heart could not take it anymore. When Ezrah arrived home a few days after Zora was discharged from the hospital, he no longer met the woman who always greeted him with a smile and cared for him. Zora stood at the top of the stairs and yelled with a cold expression, "Good news, Ezrah! Our baby died in a car accident. There is nothing between us anymore, so let's get a divorce." The man who claimed not to have any feelings for Zora, being cold and distant towards her, and having asked her for a divorce twice, instantly panicked.
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!"
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 stature—the 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!"