He's an emperor. She's but a servant. He's a werewolf, She's but an...elf? Stephen Calipher, the King of Lycans, has ruled over the supernatural kingdom, Lyall, for decades, without a mate to call his own. Aurora Evel has a slightly unique feature, unfortunately, those features brought trouble to her doorstep. However, where there's a damsel in distress, there's a chance for a hero. But when she finds herself in the arms of the Alpha King Stephen, will her unique features be a blessing or a curse?
Aurora
A swift whoosh cut through the air as an arrow flew, hitting right in the bullseye of the multicolored round palate on the floor of the training ground.
The palate, a rather sorry excuse for an archery board, used to be just a moldy wood I had bruised my hands trying to carve into a circle. But it came out looking like a deformed hexagon shape. Whenever I took a look at this beat-up board, I was reminded of myself. Structurally unclear and pathetic looking.
In this realm, everyone had similar looks, similar eyes, ears, and mouths. I was considered different. I was a freak and an oddity. According to the creatures of this realm or humans as they call themselves, my features were similar to those of an elf, but not of an elf. Whatever I was, I certainly wasn't human to them.
With a flicker of irritation, I released another arrow, watching as it unsurprisingly landed right on the bullseye again, next to the one I had shot at first. Before I could release a third, a booming voice disrupted me. "Aurora!"
"Fuck," I cursed under my breath. I didn't have to see the source to know where it had come from.
"Aurora!!" the voice yelled again, even louder this time. It was Madame Stella, the head servant of the palace. With a swift move, I ducked out of sight and into the bushes, using the night's darkness to conceal my movements.
Let me introduce myself. I am Aurora and a palace servant. As a lowly servant in the Palace of Tasnim, my duty was strictly attending to chores and the royals, not practicing my archery skills like I was a soldier. If I get caught, I could be facing possible whip lashes and imprisonment in the dungeon. This is the reason I can only practice under the cover of the night, using that poor excuse for an archery board.
Hiding my bow and arrow beneath a pile of grass next to a boulder, I ran into the palace using the old wooden back door that led to the servant's quarters.
"You halfwitted child, where have you been?! The king returns tonight, and his chambers remain unattended. Are you single-handedly seeking death?!" Madame Stella's voice pierced the air and echoed through the hallway. For someone so short, she sure uses her voice to make up for the height difference.
I hung my head low to conceal my eye roll and the scowl on my face. But that was not a good idea, because the moment I lowered my head, Madame Stella used the proximity to land a slap on my right cheek. The pain that seared across my cheeks betrays how little and chubby her hands are. It would undoubtedly swell my cheeks by tomorrow morning.
Clenching my fists, I attempted to suppress my anger. If my past actions were anything to learn from, then acting upon my emotions wouldn't do me any good. My only options were to restrain myself and keep my head hung low.
Servants started to gather around us, relishing the little show that was going on. They always did. I was a spectacle at least once a day since I always got in trouble, and they would never miss a chance to watch me in pain and laugh about it later.
"No dinner for you tonight and no food for the entirety of tomorrow, either," Madame Stella spat, her tone severe. "Insubordinate, wench! Get to the king's bedroom and clean up before he returns! Go. Now!"
"Yes, madame," I replied like they had disciplined us to do.
"What's the use of her long ears if she can't listen to basic instructions?" One of the female servants snickered, her dry lips pulling back in a sneer.
"Oh, stop it." The other one said, picking at the dirt in her nails, "Her ears aren't even that long. I mean, if it was long enough, we would at least consider her an elf monster. But since it isn't pointy enough, we are forced to tolerate her as a human."
"What a farce. How did she get hired again?" a male servant scoffed.
Gritting my teeth, I trudged to the king's bedroom, while resisting the urge to bite back at them. What was the use? It wouldn't make much difference anyway. My feet dragged across the polished marble tiles on the floor with pure exhaustion and lanquidity.
How befitting, I look down at the tiles; black marble tiles...the same color as these people's hearts. I rounded the corner of the golden pillars leading to the royal chambers.
Elf monster, huh?
What would they know about elves when most of the citizens here haven't even seen one, let alone any other supernatural?
Oh! And how did I get hired? Let me see. Because of my looks... was it? Wait, no, I think it was because I had covered my ears with my hair, and so passed the servant's inspection. When they realized my abnormalities, it was already late. They had hired me. Since they were understaffed, they decided to keep me because I wouldn't run into royals anyway.
'Abnormalities' huh?
This was the human realm. It was called the Kingdom of Tasnim. And as the name suggests, it means paradise but its far from that. Unknown to the citizens of this realm, darkness lurked within the kingdom starting right here at the palace's satin hat, and I was about to face a terror worse than that.
When Rebecca's father's will reveals a surprising condition: marry within twelve months or lose the family business and inheritance, Tariq Sly's crazy proposal seems like the perfect solution. Marry his friend, Jeremy Will, Rochester Industries' charming co-CEO by day and infamous king of owning women's panties by night. Yes, everyone stands to gain from this temporary arrangement. But can they pretend to be in love long enough to tie the knot? Playing fiancé to the competitor's daughter isn't easy. Would Rebecca settle for Jeremy or would she pick Tariq instead? And can Rebecca trust her fake husband to be only a husband on paper?
The many nights here with the Rossi men have left me on a whole roller coaster of emotions possible, but as I stand here with Dimitri's hand on my waist, the familiar guilt overcomes me. Guilt for having a crush on my boyfriend's brother - and my professor. For two years, Arabella Lucia has been in a relationship with Blake Rossi until one afternoon, he isn't hers anymore. Shattered by his betrayal, Arabella's sole comfort becomes her sinfully hot tattooed professor who explains Shakespeare in class enigmatically and whispers filthy things in her ears when they are alone. He becomes her passion. Her addiction. She becomes his obsession. But fate has other plans and getting it on with your ex-boyfriend's brother never ends well.
This is not your regular werewolf story, this is more. Isabel has a power so rare that it magnifies with every emotion she has. However, she has been through so much in the last ten years. Her werewolf father abandoned her, and she had to deal with her mother's death alone. Her auntie, Rose took her in, and they had to move around a lot over the years after that tragic occurrence. Now Rose wants Isabel to stay with her in the town she left ten years ago. When she arrives, everything comes to light. Secrets long buried rise to the surface, and she's faced with the irresistible Alpha Mark, her fated mate. Will Isabel's fragile control shatter under the weight of her emotions, or will she harness her power to reclaim her destiny?
Is love worth fighting for, a danger worth escaping? When ambitious nature photographer Annabel Allen flees her dictatorial father's arranged marriage, she finds happiness in Scotland and love with Greg. But two years later, her past catches up. Her father's business deal with the ruthless Reynold family demands her marriage to Shawn, a cunning and attractive playboy. As Greg discovers Annabel's impending wedding, he races against time to stop it. But Shawn refuses to let Annabel go, sparking a bitter family feud.
The Sinner, Mr. Devil, Belzebuth, Stefano De Lorenzo, The Don. I am called so many names for sinister reasons. You see, as the Don, the Italian underworld is where I reign supreme. Corruption and depravity fuel my existence, and my heart is as cold as stone. But when I am faced with my duty of bearing an heir, I know exactly who will be my bride. The one whom I'll break and mold until she becomes my queen. ---- His proposal is ruthless. Marry him or face the dire consequences. It's true what they say about Yoruba Demons but what if this Yoruba man is biracial? Stephano De Lorenzo, an Italian-Nigerian and the stuff of nightmares -and dirty dreams. In high school, he was my bane of existence then my best friend then my almost lover. Then, poof. He disappeared. If only he'd stayed away. But instead, he comes with a sinister proposal and an ultimatum. That means ripping me from my gilded cage. It means locking me beneath his searing flesh. It means war. I'm not supposed to like it. To beg for more. To fall for him. There's just one problem. His blue eyes. His obsession. It's intoxicating. Together, we could conquer this dark world. But only if he doesn't break me first.
After two years of being married to Mark Blackwood and being his best friend walking blood bank, Clare Frail finally divorces him. But Mark's in for a shock when he discovers that his ex-wife is a secret billionaire heiress. Two years ago, Clare had fallen deeply in love with Mark, causing her to abandon her engagement to Stephen, who subsequently suffered an accident that almost cost his life. Now, as Mark tries to win her back, Clare must confront her past and choose between rekindling their relationship or giving Stephen a second chance. Will Mark's attempts to rekindle their love succeed, or will Clare choose a future with the man she once left behind?
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
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!"
After a passionate night, Verena left some money and wanted to leave, but was held by her companion. "Isn't it your turn to make me happy?" Verena, always disguising herself as ugly, slept with her fiance's uncle, Darren, in order to escape her engagement with her unfaithful fiance. Darren had respect and admiration. Word of his romantic escapades circulated, some saying they saw him kissing a lady against a wall and others calling it gossip. Who could ever tame Darren's heart? Then, shockingly, Darren was caught bending down to help Verena with her shoes, all to score a kiss from her!
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. What’s 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 couldn’t 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 doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s 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?
Eliza Greer was abandoned by her mother, raised in an orphanage, and sold to the Burns family at 19. Even though she marries Mason Burns, the other people in the Burns family look down on her for her poor identity and want to try every way to bully her. Unexpectedly, they all failed. Eliza's hidden identities are gradually revealed in one incident after another, which astonishes everyone.
"The entire wealthy circle in Seattle knew how much Stella Carlson loved Aaron Malone. People watched the childhood sweethearts grow from inexperience to maturity, finally getting married in a grand wedding ceremony. On the day of the wedding, despite the alliance between the Carlson and Malone families, the groom ran away. Stella knew that Aaron had rushed to L.A. to take care of his ex-girlfriend, who had attempted suicide. Unwilling to become the laughingstock of all Seattle, she gritted her teeth and dialed the number of her adversary, her tone almost commanding, "Ethan, come and marry me now. This is your only chance for revenge." On the other end, Ethan Powers raised an eyebrow as he gripped his phone, staring at the floor littered with cigarette butts. "Did the groom run away?" he asked. "My darling."