When a car accident robs Emily of her family and her freedom, she thinks the worst is over-until her brother's greed forces her into a life she never imagined. Sold to the ruthless and enigmatic Michael Jordan, Emily finds herself trapped in a world where every choice is taken from her, and every rule binds her tighter to him. As Michael enforces his strict rules, Emily battles against his attempts to break her spirit. Beneath his cold, controlling exterior, she glimpses hints of vulnerability-and the dangerous allure that draws her in against her will. But in Michael's world, defiance has consequences, and he won't rest until she fully submits to his will. In a game of power, control, and secrets, Emily must find her strength and keep her wits, for if she doesn't escape, she risks losing more than just her freedom. She risks losing herself.
Chapter 1: Chains of Betrayal
Emily's POV
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The rain was heavy that night, pitilessly drowning the world outside in shadows. I watched from my bedroom window as it rained, the only lighting from a single, dimly lit streetlamp. It was three days since my parents' funeral, three days since I'd received a life I never asked for.
My fingers grazed the edge of my father's will, which lay on my desk, words that I had read a million times. "To Emily, our beloved daughter, upon her eighteenth birthday, she shall take control over the family business, all assets included.
The words sounded heavy, a weight I wasn't ready to bear. But it wasn't what haunted me most; it was Jack, my brother, the only family left to me, and the way he'd looked at me since the funeral.
A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. Before I could answer, Jack strode in, not even waiting for permission.
Reading the will again?" he asked, sneering at me as he leaned against the doorframe. His eyes were devoid of the warmth I once remembered. Now, they were cold and calculating.
"I just wanted to understand it," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
He laughed then-an unpleasant sound that echoed in the silence. "You think it will change anything by reading it? Do you actually think you're capable of running a business, Emily?
The words stung, but I swallowed back the pain. I was used to him insulting me by now. "It's what Mom and Dad wanted."
Jack's face twisted, and he moved closer, leaning down until his face was inches from mine. "I don't care what they wanted. You don't deserve any of it."
My heart pounded in my chest, fear mixing with anger. "Why do you hate me so much, Jack? We're family.
"Family?" He laughed again, straightening up. "You're nothing but an obstacle, Emily. An annoyance." His gaze turned sharp. "And I'm going to make sure you never get what's in that will."
I took a shaky breath, feeling the walls close in on me. "You don't get to decide that, Jack."
Maybe not. But I can control you, he said with a cold grin, I can make sure you don't get close to that money. Ever.
Before I even said a word, he pivoted and stormed out of the room, slamming the door. The bang of the door echoed loudly, leaving a hollow hush in the aftermath. I dropped onto the edge of my bed, well aware of how fast my pulse was racing. This couldn't be real. How could my brother hate me like this? What could I have done so wrong?
After that, the days passed laboriously, all muddled together. Jack kept me well occupied, providing endless chores for me to do and tasks he'd holler at me continuously, treating me no better than a hired hand. I seldom went out. My life was one long, thankless chore after another with Jack's eyes on me, watching, waiting.
Then, one night, everything did. Jack had called me down, his face all smug.
"Come here, Emily," he said, standing at the front door with that sparkle in his eye.
I hesitated, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "What is it?"
He shrugged, his smile never touching his eyes. "I have a surprise for you.
Surprise. That didn't exactly have the best ring to it. But I knew better than to disobey him. Taking a deep breath, I went down the stairs, each step feeling like a step into something bad.
The moment I got to the bottom, he came into view. A tall man, with hair as dark as coal and a face as cold as stone, was standing by the door, hands sunk into his coat pockets. His eyes met mine, inscrutable, distant.
"Wh... who is this?" I stammered, looking from Jack to the stranger.
"This," said Jack, his voice dripping with satisfaction, "is Michael Jordan. He's here to take you off my hands."
"Take me?" I turned back to the stranger, my stomach churning. "Jack, what is this?"
Jack smirked, crossing his arms. "Consider it a transaction. You're going to be staying with him from now on."
The words felt like a slap. "You... you're selling me?
"It's called survival, Emily," he said icily. "I don't need a burden like you weighing me down. Michael's a powerful man. He's willing to pay a heavy price for you. And just in case you hadn't worked it out, that's the only way you're any use to me."
I looked to Michael, hoping at least for some semblance of sympathy, of understanding; but nothing had changed in his expression. His gaze didn't falter, as if he was looking at a piece of merchandise.
"No," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You can't do this."
"Actually, I can." Jack's smirk grew wider. "And I already have."
Michael took one step forward, his eyes narrowing. "Enough talk. Let's go.
"No!" I attempted to turn back, to run, but Jack grasped my arm, holding me in place. "Please, Jack, don't do this," I begged, desperation clawing at my voice. "I'll... I'll do whatever you want. Just don't make me go with him."
But Jack's grip only tightened, his face a mask of indifference. "Your begging won't change anything, Emily. You're not my responsibility anymore."
I felt the sting of tears in my eyes, but I blinked them away, refusing to give him the satisfaction. Michael stepped closer, his hand reaching for my arm, and I flinched.
"Come quietly," he said in a low, firm voice. "It'll be easier for both of us."
There was no getting away, no option remaining. I cast one last pleading look at Jack, but he tried avoiding me, would not even look into my eyes. It was then I knew he really did not care. I meant nothing to him.
And so, having no other choice, I let Michael lead me out the door and into the waiting car. The rain had started again around us in heavy sheets. I felt numb, as if I was stuck in a nightmare from which I couldn't wake up.
The car pulled away from the house, and I turned for that last look back. The place that was once my home receded into the distance, leaving me to my thoughts in a car with a man whose name I didn't really know-a man who, from this day forward, was to have the final say in almost everything in my life.
After a false accusation, Emily was expelled from the Crimson pack and rejected by her mate, the Alpha. Pregnant and desperate, she found refuge in the hands of the Lycan Alpha. Years passed, and the Lycan Alpha passed away, leaving Emily as the new Alpha of the Lycan pack. Now, she returns seeking revenge against the Crimson Alpha for the pain he caused her.
After a false accusation, Emily was expelled from the Crimson pack and rejected by her mate, the Alpha. Pregnant and desperate, she found refuge in the hands of the Lycan Alpha. Years passed, and the Lycan Alpha passed away, leaving Emily as the new Alpha of the Lycan pack. Now, she returns seeking revenge against the Crimson Alpha for the pain he caused her.
What happens when Alpha Dean discovers that the girl he thought was a lonely wolf is actually a Luna from another pack? He rejects Linda, the girl he was supposed to marry, just to be with the lonely wolf girl. However, now he realizes it was all a lie. What will happen to him now? Will he chase her out of his kingdom, or will he make her regret ever lying to him? Alpha Pack Series Beauty And The Lycan Beast book 1 Alpha Dean book 2
"Beauty and the Lycan Beast" is a thrilling paranormal romance novel that follows the story of Sierra, a young woman who is chosen as the mate of a feared lycan beast named William. At first, Sierra is afraid of William and believes him to be a monster, but as she gets to know him, she discovers that he is kind and loving. After breaking the curse, Sierra becomes the Luna and wife of William. However, things take an unexpected turn when Sierra's friend Alex becomes pregnant with William's child. Sierra is left with a difficult decision to make, and the consequences of her choice will change the course of her life forever.
Corinne devoted three years of her life to her boyfriend, only for it to all go to waste. He saw her as nothing more than a country bumpkin and left her at the altar to be with his true love. After getting jilted, Corinne reclaimed her identity as the granddaughter of the town’s richest man, inherited a billion-dollar fortune, and ultimately rose to the top. But her success attracted the envy of others, and people constantly tried to bring her down. As she dealt with these troublemakers one by one, Mr. Hopkins, notorious for his ruthlessness, stood by and cheered her on. “Way to go, honey!”
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
Carrying a child left Adeline trapped in marriage to the ruthless and unhinged Waylon, and everyone doubted she'd survive to see the baby's first breath. Filled with dread but determined, she carefully won him over and soon became his lethal obsession. Yet on the day she planned to escape, Waylon drove their car to a cliff's edge, foot hovering over the gas. "I'm sorry, love—did you just say divorce?" His fingers skimmed her cheek, his tone a deadly whisper. "Defy me, and you pay." Later, drenched in blood and rain, he knelt before her, trembling, and pleaded, "Tell me how to keep you here."
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Lyric had spent her life being hated. Bullied for her scarred face and hated by everyone-including her own mate-she was always told she was ugly. Her mate only kept her around to gain territory, and the moment he got what he wanted, he rejected her, leaving her broken and alone. Then, she met him. The first man to call her beautiful. The first man to show her what it felt like to be loved. It was only one night, but it changed everything. For Lyric, he was a saint, a savior. For him, she was the only woman that had ever made him cum in bed-a problem he had been battling for years. Lyric thought her life would finally be different, but like everyone else in her life, he lied. And when she found out who he really was, she realized he wasn't just dangerous-he was the kind of man you don't escape from. Lyric wanted to run. She wanted freedom. But she desired to navigate her way and take back her respect, to rise above the ashes. Eventually, she was forced into a dark world she didn't wish to get involved with.
"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?"