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.
Kalliope "Kae" Wilder's phone buzzed, shattering her calm. The text from an unknown number sent a chill down her spine.
"Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. Come alone."
Kae's instincts screamed caution. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that this message was connected to her past. Her mind raced with possibilities.
Former CIA operative, Kae had seen her share of secrets and lies. But nothing could have prepared her for the truth about Echelon. Echelon, a mysterious surveillance program, had been whispered about in hushed tones within the agency.
Midnight approached. Kae arrived at the warehouse, gun drawn. The abandoned building loomed before her, its shadows like skeletal fingers.
A figure emerged from the darkness.
"Who are you?" Kae demanded.
"I'm Beckett Vaughn," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers. "And you're the only one who can stop Echelon."
Kae's world was turned upside down. She'd heard rumors, but never thought she'd be face-to-face with a whistleblower.
Beck handed her a folder filled with classified documents.
"Read this," he said. "Then decide if you're in."
Kae scanned the documents, her heart racing.
Echelon's true purpose was staggering. A global surveillance network, manipulating world events from the shadows.
"This is impossible," Kae whispered.
Beck's expression turned grim.
"It's already happening. We need your skills to take down Echelon."
Kae hesitated. Her past haunted her. Could she trust Beck?
"Who's behind Echelon?" she asked.
"Magnus 'The Archon' Blackwood," Beck replied. "He's a ghost, Kae. No one knows much about him."
The sedan halted in front of a rundown apartment complex. Beck led Kae inside, up several flights of stairs, to a sparsely furnished room.
Sage Riley, a young hacker with piercing blue eyes, greeted them.
"Kae, this is Sage," Beck said. "Our tech expert."
Sage nodded, her gaze locked onto Kae's.
"Welcome to the team," Sage said, handing Kae a secure phone. "We've got work to do."
Kae took the phone, her mind racing.
Their mission was clear: take down Echelon.
But at what cost?
Beck handed Kae a folder filled with photographs.
"Recognize anyone?" he asked.
Kae scanned the images. Her heart skipped a beat.
Senator Julian St. Clair.
CIA Director Adelaide Reyes.
Faces from her past.
"What's their connection to Echelon?" Kae asked.
Beck's expression turned cold.
"They're either compromised or complicit. We need proof."
Kae's determination hardened.
She'd get that proof.
No matter the cost.
Sage's fingers flew across her keyboard.
"Getting into Echelon's system won't be easy," Sage said. "But I've got an idea."
Beck nodded.
"Get to work, Sage."
Kae's phone buzzed. The unknown number again.
"You're running out of time."
Kae's instincts flared.
Who was watching them?
Beck's eyes locked onto hers.
"We need to move," he said.
Their safe house wasn't safe anymore.
Time to disappear.
Again.
Kae's eyes locked onto Beck's, searching for reassurance. His expression remained grim, but a flicker of determination danced in his eyes.
Their situation was precarious. Echelon's reach was vast, and they'd already demonstrated their willingness to silence potential threats. Kae knew the stakes.
Sage's fingers flew across her keyboard, tapping into the dark web. Her eyes gleamed with intensity.
"Getting into Echelon's system requires a specific frequency," Sage explained. "I've hacked into their communication channels, but we need more."
Beck nodded. "Kae, can you get us access to the CIA's database?"
Kae hesitated. Her CIA clearance had been revoked, but she knew a few backdoors. "I'll try."
The room fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Kae's mind wandered to her past, to the events that led her to this moment.
Her sister, Piper, had been investigating Echelon. Then, suddenly, she vanished. Kae's search for answers had been met with resistance at every turn.
Now, with Beck and Sage by her side, Kae felt a glimmer of hope.
Sage's keyboard clacked, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Almost there."
Beck paced, his phone buzzing with encrypted messages. "We have a contact within Echelon," he said. "Willing to cooperate."
Kae's eyes snapped to his. "Who?"
Beck's expression turned guarded. "Someone who wants out."
The air was thick with tension. Kae sensed they were on the cusp of something.
Suddenly, Sage's eyes widened. "I'm in."
The room held its breath.
"What do you see?" Beck asked.
Sage's fingers flew across the keyboard. "Echelon's mainframe...it's massive. Global surveillance, financial manipulation...it's all here."
Kae's heart sank. The scope of Echelon's operations was staggering.
Beck's voice was low and urgent. "Download everything, Sage."
Sage nodded, her eyes locked onto the screen.
Kae's phone buzzed, the unknown number again.
"You're running out of time."
Kae's instincts flared. Who was watching them?
Beck's eyes locked onto hers.
"We need to move," he said.
Their safe house wasn't safe anymore.
Time to disappear.
Again.
The darkness outside seemed to press in, a physical force. Kae felt the weight of their mission.
Take down Echelon.
No matter the cost.
Sage's fingers flew across the keyboard, downloading Echelon's files. The room was tense, each breath heavy with anticipation.
Beck checked his watch. "We have five minutes before Echelon's system administrators detect the breach."
Kae stood, her mind racing. "We need to get out of here, now."
Sage nodded, shutting down her laptop. "I've got everything we need."
Beck handed Kae a small backpack. "Your gear's inside. Phone, wallet, and a new ID."
Kae took the backpack, her eyes locked onto Beck's. "Where are we headed?"
"Safe house," Beck replied. "Outside the city. We'll regroup and plan our next move."
The trio moved swiftly, descending into the night. The city's neon lights blurred around them, a kaleidoscope of color and sound.
Their footsteps echoed through the deserted alleyways. Kae's senses were on high alert, scanning for potential threats.
Suddenly, Sage halted. "Wait."
Kae and Beck froze, their eyes locked onto Sage.
"What is it?" Beck asked.
Sage's gaze darted around the alley. "I think we're being watched."
Kae's instincts flared. She drew her gun, scanning the rooftops.
Beck nodded. "Let's move."
They sprinted through the alleys, dodging trash cans and leaping over puddles. The city's sounds swirled around them – car horns, sirens, and distant laughter.
Their safe house loomed ahead, a nondescript building in a rundown neighborhood. Beck produced a key, unlocking the door.
Inside, the room was sparse – a single bed, a desk, and a chair. Sage began setting up her laptop.
Kae stood guard, her gun still clutched in her hand. Beck joined her, his eyes scanning the streets below.
Their breathing was the only sound, a synchronized rhythm.
"We made it," Beck said, his voice low.
Kae nodded, her eyes never leaving the window.
But for how long?
Echelon's reach was vast, their resources endless. Kae knew they'd be hunted.
The question was, how long could they evade capture?
Sage's laptop beeped, breaking the silence.
"What is it?" Beck asked.
Sage's eyes widened. "Echelon's files...they're more extensive than I thought."
Kae turned, her interest piqued.
"What did you find?"
Sage's gaze locked onto hers. "A list of compromised officials...and a name."
Beck's eyes narrowed. "Whose name?"
Sage hesitated. "Senator Julian St. Clair's."
Kae's heart skipped a beat. St. Clair was a powerful man, with connections to the highest echelons of government.
Their mission just got a lot more complicated.
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?
"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
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?
“You need a bride, I need a groom. Why don’t we get married?” Both abandoned at the altar, Elyse decided to tie the knot with the disabled stranger from the venue next door. Pitying his state, she vowed to spoil him once they were married. Little did she know that he was actually a powerful tycoon. Jayden thought Elyse only married him for his money, and planned to divorce her when she was no longer of use to him. But after becoming her husband, he was faced with a new dilemma. “She keeps asking for a divorce, but I don’t want that! What should I do?”
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
"I've warned you from the beginning. Don't marry him, but you won't listen." She stood close to me and smiled with concern. "You are not a woman worthy of a man as handsome, rich, smart, and virile as Blaze." My whole body trembled at her words. "Have you no shame?" I asked in a quivering voice. "Take a good look at yourself, Heather." She looked at me in the mirror. "You can't even look at your ugly face. Do you think Blaze can endure a lifetime of looking at that face?" Heather Bailey had a surprise from her husband that night: a divorce agreement. After a year of marriage and facing ups and downs, she couldn't believe Blaze intended to divorce her. But she was devastated when she saw him gazing lovingly at another woman because that person was closest to her. Shortly after she put her signature on their divorce papers, shock waves caught her up. Her flower shop was severely burnt, beyond repair. Her father's company collapsed, and her parents blamed her. She struggled to rebuild her life from the ground up and became more successful than ever. Having many customers who came from influential families, she started her action against Blaze. She won the very thing he wanted. But that was just the beginning.
Natalie used to think she could melt Connor’s icy heart, but she was sorely mistaken. When at last she decided to leave, she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, she chose to quietly leave his world, prompting Connor to mobilize all of his resources and expand his business to a global scale—all in a bid to find her. But there was no trace of Natalie. Connor slowly spiraled into madness, turning the city upside down and leaving chaos in his wake. Natalie finally surfaced years later, with wealth and power of her own, only to find herself entangled with Connor once again.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."