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.
The door creaked open, and the few patrons in the nearly empty bar glanced at the dark figure standing in the doorway. Their interest quickly waned. The figure offered nothing noteworthy, for which she was grateful. Blending into the background was her life-unseen and unremembered.
Heavy rain pounded relentlessly, creating a silvery veil behind her. Brienna walked in, letting the heavy wooden door slam behind her. She looked tired, morose, and weak. Normally strong and independent, she was now a shadow of her former self. She had one goal, and with every passing moment, it slipped further from her grasp.
Hope seemed pointless. Days of searching had yielded nothing but dead ends. All she wanted was for life to return to normal, to end this nightmare. Her stomach churned with fear of what might be, and tears formed, quickly swept away before anyone saw.
Brienna walked to the bar, now holding the patrons' attention again, though none knew why. In the past, she would tense at the scrutiny. Now, she had bigger concerns. Accustomed to this new life after only a few days, she was unfazed.
Clearing her throat, she tried to dislodge the muck forming there. She rarely got sick, but nights spent in the cold had taken their toll. The rain was persistent but would soon leave, if the weather reports were accurate.
"Hey," Brienna called to the barman.
The robust figure turned from the fridge he was stacking, closed the door, and walked over. "Evening, ma'am. What can I get for you tonight?"
"Information, if you can." She pulled out a photo of a girl with long blond hair, a bright smile, and blue eyes. A happy young woman, as she used to be, as her mother wished she still was. Brienna knew things had changed, and it broke her heart, but she accepted it. All she could do was be patient and give her undying love.
"Haven't seen her."
"I should hope not. She's only sixteen. This is my daughter, and she's missing."
"If she's only sixteen, why are you looking for her here?"
"Because she walked this street to get to her father's house. She would have passed this place."
The barman leaned on the counter, barely restraining a sigh. "Lady, I get in here at lunchtime, through the back door. I unlock the front door, but I don't step out. You can ask the people here, but most don't come in until this hour. Usually, you don't let a sweet kid like her roam the streets after dark."
Brienna shook her head sadly. Walking the streets at night was dangerous, but life was always dangerous. The night just made it harder to see.
"They say this street has a reputation," Brienna murmured.
"Sadly, true. It's not called the vampire's walk to attract tourists. You're a devoted mother to be out at this time of night. That crucifix won't help you."
Instinctively, she clutched the pendant-a gift from her parents on her university graduation day, meant to offer God's protection. Lately, it felt like a meaningless trinket. Until she had her daughter back, it was worthless. She wore it because it was a gift from two people she loved and missed. Any additional benefit of deflecting vampire attention seemed lost.
"I've seen bastards wearing them. What time do you think your daughter came by?"
"About four o'clock."
The barman grumbled, pulling out a box from under the counter, stacked tight with business cards from people who had come in over the years. He knew one that might help, but it was a long shot. Still, she seemed desperate enough to try anything.
"Witching hour for the vampires. Not smart."
He opened the box and searched through the cards, finding the one he was after.
"I don't know if this is going to help you, but I've heard that if you want to find anyone, then this is your man. Being involved with a vampire is dangerous for a human."
"Involved?"
He stopped, the business card between his fingers as he looked at the worried mother. In his opinion, it was nice that the mother thought that her child was sweet and innocent, but life as a bar owner had shown him that most teenagers tried to push the boundaries on everything. Add vampires into the mix, and it was a disaster waiting to happen.
"The way that vampires work when it comes to humans is one of two ways. We're either dinner or a play toy. No body suggests one, but their habits suggest another." Brienna frowned.
"I don't understand."
"Well, they might be bastards and always stalking humans, but they have what I believe is a code of decency. They don't take minors as play toys and only ever take them for food if there is no other option. Without a body to confirm that she's been fed upon, it's likely that she's somewhere giving a vampire a good time, and yes, I heard you when you said she's sixteen. That means that you've either got a skeevie vampire on your hands or your little girl's doing a whole lot of lying to him."
The bartender flicked his fingers down, holding the card out to Brienna. She took it and offered her gratitude. Then he pulled a retro button phone up and put it onto the top counter.
As he turned back to restocking the fridge, Brienna picked up the handset and began pressing the buttons. A hand reached forward and pressed the button down, disconnecting the call.
"I can get you someone better than a washed-up old hack of a private detective." the soft, husky voice offered.
Warily Brienna turned, looking at the man that was far too close to her. The three-day growth shadowed most of his jaw, giving him a dishevelled look. It didn't help that the mousy brown hair looked unbrushed.
"How do you know what he's like?"
"Word of mouth, dissatisfied customers. Want to find the kid or not?"
Putting the phone down, Brienna turned with a frown.
"Of course I do. What kind of stupid question is that?" "The kind that comes from a man that's looking at a woman who is wasting time with utter nonsense. If your daughter has walked the vampire mile, then there's a really good chance that she's alive. The problem is, she's probably found herself one of those skeevies that pretends that the fake id she's offering is valid. You don't know what you're going up against."
Brienna didn't know if it was worth debating with a total stranger. She also didn't know what credentials this new person had. At least the private detective was in the business of finding people.
"Tick tock. Time waits for no one."
"Fine, but I'm keeping this in case your choice is not as great as you think."
He huffed with amusement and then flicked his head, gesturing for Brienna to follow.
The line of the bar ended at the wall, but beyond the arch was another area. It was made for larger groups of people rather than the tables and chairs in the central area. It was darker in this new area, something Brienna was not entirely thrilled about.
Trepidation hit Brienna as she watched the man sit down in a corner booth.
He didn't ask if she was okay with this. He didn't even look back at her. The lean figure looked like he was dressed for a funeral. Chiding thoughts filled Brienna's mind, scolding herself for thinking that this man would attend a funeral in such an outfit.
She thought a rock concert was probably more appropriate. Black jeans with a worn black leather jacket. Even the band shirt underneath matched the theme. Mindlessly Brienna looked down at the boots, already guessing that they were in keeping with the style.
Brienna, however, was something out of tired mother's monthly magazine.
She'd picked jeans because it was a cold night, but they were baggy and blue. The shirt that was underneath the heavy coat had a few stains on it. Listless hair that hadn't been washed in several days, not that it mattered with the torrential rain outside.
She hoped that, if anything, she could be forgiven for looking a little out of sorts considering that Eloise had been missing for far too long. Eloise was a bright girl, but Brienna knew that she was impressionable and at that age where the opposite sex was high on her radar. For an older guy that just happened to be a vampire, it was like hitting the jackpot for a teen girl, and Brienna feared the worst. She hoped that this guy in front of her could help.
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?
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.
Lucille was one of the most skilled female assassins, and on the previous night, she embarked on a top-secret mission. However, the mission's details were leaked, leading to her untimely demise at the hands of a traitorous companion. She never discovered the identity of the person who betrayed her before her death. But by some miracle, she was granted a new life, and was reborn as a girl with the same name. Determined to uncover the truth and seek revenge for her family, Lucille seized her second chance at life. She planned to avenge her loved ones. However, her plans were complicated by Joseph, an apparently frail man who was actually skilled in martial arts. And he seemed to fall for her deeply, now this newfound knowledge only added to the complications of Lucille's revenge plan...
I pressed my lips against his and stole his sweet, savory taste, not ready to end the sweet moment. I licked my lips seductively and whispered. "Despite your age, I love you." Sarah was obsessed with the man of her dreams, despite knowing that their love was forbidden and would be disapproved by her father and others. She held onto the many beautiful dreams she had of being with him, wishing for them to come true. She found herself in love with her father's best friend, a very handsome man who had been rejected by his wife. Her desire was to show him what true love really meant. When her father received a job transfer,Sarah saw it as a perfect opportunity to be with him. The situation improved even more when she realized they would be living under the same roof.
Loraine was a dutiful wife to Marco since they got married three years ago. However, he treated her like trash. Nothing she did softened his heart. One day, Loraine got fed up with it all. She asked him for a divorce and left him to enjoy with his mistress. The elites looked at her like she was deranged. "Are you out of your mind? Why are you so willing to divorce him?" "It's because I need to return home to get a billion-dollar fortune. Besides, I don't love him anymore," Loraine replied with a smile. They all laughed at her. Some believed that the divorce affected her mentally. It wasn't until the next day that they realized she wasn't fibbing. A woman was suddenly declared the world's youngest female billionaire. It turned out to be Loraine! Marco was shocked to the bone. When he met his ex-wife again, she was a changed person. A group of handsome young men surrounded her. She was smiling at them all. The sight made Marco's heart ache severely. Putting his pride aside, he tried to win her back. "Hello, love. I see that you are a billionaire now. You shouldn't be with suckers who just want your money. How about you come back to me? I'm a billionaire too. Together, we can build a strong empire. What do you say?" Loraine squinted at her ex-husband with her lips curled in disgust.
Eight years ago, she thought he was a Money Boy at the club, and accidentally had a one-night stand with him because she was framed by her stepsister. Is $100 enough to buy a Money Boy for one night? The next morning, she casually dropped $100 and ran away. Eight years later, she returned with her genius son. Little did she expect to be "deceived" into the Noblefull Group by her beloved son. Her immediate boss turned out to be Mr. $100 from eight years ago! ... "Bad girl, how dare you humiliate me eight years ago, this time you will pay the price!" "Bad girl, one billion dollars, I buy your whole life!" "I just want to be a secretary. You already have several lovers. You are not my type." "But, I only have feelings for you, only love you." However, their relationship was not smooth. Due to a property dispute, his brother deliberately caused a car accident in an attempt to kill her and their son. Due to past grievances of the previous generation, his father held deep hatred towards him and sent assassins to kill them. There were also plots and attempts on their lives orchestrated by his girlfriend. On top of that, they faced oppression from rival factions of the mafia... This is a romantic novel about a billionaire and his secretary, involving several generations of love, hatred, and complicated relationships, and also involving the mafia, revenge...
For seven years, Jillian pursued Bryan with unyielding passion, but he remained distant, his emotions tightly sealed. Disheartened, she left for overseas after graduating from college. Three years later, Jillian, now a successful attorney, sat provocatively on the lap of Bryan's competitor. She flashed Bryan a playful smile and taunted, "What's wrong, Bryan? Are you impotent?" Bryan's restraint shattered in an instant. In a swift motion, he scooped her up and tossed her onto the bed. The next morning, as Bryan woke up, Jillian flashed a mischievous smile. "Let's keep things casual, okay?"
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!