Imagine living in a city where mistresses are the most important thing and where arranged marriages are a deeply rooted tradition. In this context, the Alpha of the pack must find an impeccable woman, without scandals to tarnish his reputation. When he is asked to marry a pure and innocent young woman, he accepts without hesitation. However, his heart is broken by the betrayal of his former fiancée, who left him for another man. It was then that Katherine was chosen to become his wife. But can she give hope to this hardened Alpha? Will she be able to awaken feelings in him that he thought were lost forever? In this arranged marriage, can love really blossom despite the traditions and wounds of the past?
Night had fallen over the city, shrouding the mountains and forests in dense darkness. Adrian Valmont, the Alpha of the Silver Claw pack, stood in his office, shoulders tense, staring at the flickering flames of the huge fireplace. The council meeting had ended, but his words still echoed in his mind.
"You need to find a wife, Adrian. The pack needs a stable authority figure. With everything that has happened, a married Alpha is a symbol of stability. »
Stability. The word rolled bitterly off his tongue. Since the day Livia, his fiancée, abandoned him, stability seemed a distant, almost ironic concept to him. He had never wanted to rule alone, but the idea of an arranged union, imposed by his council, revolted him. Love, passion, these emotions now belonged to a past that he preferred to forget, hidden behind a shell of coldness.
But the stern eyes of his advisors were unwavering. "The shadow of betrayal still looms," one of them said seriously. "If you don't present a strong image, other packs will think we are vulnerable. » He had tried to explain to them that he did not want to be pushed into the arms of a stranger, but in vain. They didn't see it that way, and Adrian knew that his people's loyalty was precious, but fragile. So he resigned himself.
A light scratching at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Mira, his younger sister, entered silently, her gaze gentle but inquisitive.
" How are you ? » she asked softly, closing the door behind her.
"It would be better if the council would let me breathe," he replied, a hint of bitterness in his voice.
Mira walked over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "They want what's best for the pack, Adrian. »
"What they want is to see me tied up in a marriage of convenience. As if that would solve all our problems. »
Mira looked at him gently, then took a deep breath. "Maybe...maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing." »
He turned around abruptly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you siding with them now too? »
She raised her hands in a sign of peace. "No, I just want you to consider the idea. After all, I know how much this breakup with Livia hurt you. But... who knows? Maybe a new presence could bring you a little... healing. »
He gave a bitter sneer. " Healing ? Do you seriously think an arranged marriage will cure me? It's not a miracle cure, Mira. »
She shook her head gently. "I'm not talking about a miracle, Adrian. I'm talking about a possibility. And then, the woman the council proposed..."
"Katherine, right? » He pronounced the name as if he were tasting an unknown fruit, wary.
Mira nodded. "Yes, Katherine. I have already met her once or twice, during meetings with other allied families. She is... discreet, reserved. Maybe a little too calm for a future Alpha wife, but... there's something... pure, authentic about her. »
"Pure," Adrian repeated, the word sounding strangely in his mouth. "And you think I could get along with her? »
Mira shrugged, a teasing smile on her lips. "I think you should talk to him first to judge. »
Adrian sighed. The idea of meeting this young woman seemed both futile and inevitable to him. He would have preferred the council to focus on the real challenges facing the pack, but he also knew that refusing would be seen as weakness. Finally, he nodded, resigned.
The next day, the meeting was organized in the reception room of the main house. Adrian hadn't bothered to get ready, preferring to present himself as he was, as a silent reminder that he was here not by choice, but by duty. Katherine entered discreetly, her frail and almost shy figure appearing tiny in the middle of the imposing room. She wore a simple dress, her dark hair falling in light waves over her shoulders.
Adrian stared at her for a moment, studying every detail. She was not the flamboyant beauty who attracted attention with her brilliance, but there was something calm, almost soothing in her expression.
Katherine, visibly nervous, hesitated before bowing respectfully. "Hello, Alpha Valmont," she whispered, her soft voice barely audible.
"Adrian," he corrected firmly. "If we are to... consider this union, we might as well avoid unnecessary formalities. »
She nodded, keeping her eyes downcast, visibly uncomfortable. A heavy silence settled, and Adrian felt a slight irritation rising within him. Was she always this self-effacing? Or was it the pressure of the situation that made her that way?
"So, Katherine," he continued, trying to break the silence. "What do you think about all this? I mean... about this proposal. »
She raised her eyes shyly, meeting his gaze with a sincerity that surprised him. "To be honest...it seems strange to me," she replied, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "I never imagined that... my life could take such a direction. »
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Have you never thought about getting married? »
A slight smile appeared on his lips. "Yes, of course. But not... like this. »
There was something disarming in his eyes. No judgment, no pretense, just simple, straightforward honesty. He felt some of his initial wariness erode, replaced by an unexpected curiosity.
"So why did you agree to come? » he asked, a little more gently.
She took a breath before answering. "Because my family thinks it's the best. And I... I want to make them proud. » Her gaze dropped again, and she added in a low voice, almost to herself, "And maybe... that's what I need too." »
Adrian remained silent, absorbing his words. He had anticipated a stiff, mechanical encounter, but this moment proved strangely different. Katherine, despite her apparent reserve, seemed to carry within her an unexpected courage, a silent determination which disarmed him.
He finally broke the silence, his voice softening. "I'm not going to lie to you, Katherine. This marriage, for me, has nothing attractive. My heart... has been betrayed, and it seems impossible to trust again. »
She looked up, looking into his gaze, and whispered in an almost inaudible voice, "I understand." We are both here for reasons that are not love. But maybe... maybe we could at least try to get to know each other. »
He nodded, surprised to feel almost relieved by her words. He had worried that she was expecting a fairy tale, but Katherine seemed as realistic as he was. This observation, against all expectations, brought him a strange form of comfort.
A thin smile appeared on his lips. " Alright. Let's get to know each other then. But, I warn you... I'm not easy to live with. »
She returned a shy smile, the first of the evening, and Adrian felt his heart tighten slightly. Perhaps, he thought, this union, as improbable as it was, was not entirely doomed to failure.
They spent the rest of the evening making small talk, learning little things about each other. Katherine told him about her love of books, the walks she liked to take at sunrise, her passion for medicinal plants. He discovered in her a delicate but resolute woman, and for the first time in a long time, Adrian felt his heart lighten, if only a little.
When she left the room, he remained alone for a moment, meditating on this encounter. An imperceptible smile touched his lips. Perhaps this imposed union would not be as meaningless as he had imagined.
While on vacation at her aunt's, **Louisa** didn't think her life would change so much. Her future already seemed mapped out according to the ambitions of her mother, **Véronique**, who dreams of seeing her marry a perfect man: **Grégoire Devalier**, a rich heir well regarded in high society. However, Louisa, fierce and independent, hesitates to comply with her mother's demands. Véronique, desperate by her daughter's insubordination, decides to send her to her sister, **Odile**, a modest woman living in the countryside. There, Louisa should learn the values of simplicity and understand that her life of privilege cannot be taken for granted. But everything does not go as planned... Louisa did not expect that she would enjoy this stay. And most importantly, she hadn't anticipated meeting the enigmatic neighbor: **Raphaël Belmont**, a billionaire retired from the business world. What is such a powerful man doing in such a remote place? Why does he live as a recluse, far from the spotlight? His dark eyes and magnetic charm disturb her beyond anything she has ever known. For Raphaël, as soon as he meets Louisa's gaze, he feels a connection he has never experienced before. Could she be the key to rekindling a heart extinguished by years of solitude and secrets? Yet a curse seems to weigh on him. What dangers does he hide? Why does he seem to be running away from her as much as looking for her? As the days go by, questions multiply. Why is Véronique so keen to keep Louisa away from her family? What secrets could Odile be hiding in her simple life? And Raphael, could he be involved in something much darker than he lets on? Between power games, revelations and a forbidden love, Louisa will find herself at the heart of a plot that threatens to turn everything upside down: her family, her future, and perhaps even her own survival. Is Raphael a blessing or a deadly threat? How far will Louisa be willing to go to discover the truth?
"Aurélia" is the heiress of a powerful family and was destined to take over the financial empire of her father, an influential and feared man in the business world. Everything changes when she learns that she is pregnant by **Leonard Wolfe**, an infamous billionaire, known for his scandals and his dangerous charm. But Leonard fiercely denies being the father and refuses any involvement. Her father, furious and humiliated by this situation, disowns Aurélia, calling her a shame for the family. Rejected by her own circle for not having "solved" what they saw as a problem, Aurélia is stripped of her privileges and must flee with her child. Can she rebuild a life in anonymity, far from those who betrayed her? Years later, after having built a new existence as an independent woman, Aurélia thinks she is finally free from the chains of her past. But it is then that Leonard discovers the truth: the son she is raising is his. Why does this arrogant and insensitive billionaire suddenly decide to claim his role as father after denying his existence? Could he have hidden intentions? Leonard returns to Aurélia's life with a disturbing determination, ready to destroy the barriers she has carefully erected. Aurélia has no interest in reconnecting with a man who denied her son and abandoned her in her darkest hour. But can she really resist his power and irresistible charm? As Leonard tries to gain the trust of Aurélia and their son, old enemies resurface. Why is this man, who seems to have everything, so determined to reclaim what he once rejected? Is it out of guilt or because he is hiding an even darker secret? Aurélia is faced with a heartbreaking choice: protect her son and his new life, or give in to the inexplicable attraction that draws her to Leonard. But can she really trust a man who has been the source of so much suffering? What if Leonard played an even bigger game, a game where Aurélia and her son were just pawns? The more the past resurfaces, the more truths come to light: Leonard may not be the only one hiding secrets. What other shadows hang over their lives? And, above all, will she be able to escape the influence of this man who could destroy everything once again?
**Kaden**, a relentless Alpha werewolf, who rules his pack with an iron fist. His power is threatened, not only by a growing rebellion within his own pack, but also by the emergence of **the Moon Hunters**, ruthless humans who hunt down supernatural creatures. Kaden, at the height of his strength, must face a changing world, where tradition and domination by fear are no longer enough to maintain order. **Darian**, a young wolf, questions his leadership, demanding a change in strategy, while **Elira**, a wise wolf, suggests that the Alpha must evolve to maintain the loyalty of his pack. Kaden faces a dilemma: adapt and redefine his authority or remain stuck in his brutal methods. This book immerses you in a universe where **evolution** and **survival** are at the heart of the story. Through internal battles and external confrontations, **The Alpha of Blood and Shadows** invites you to discover how far Kaden is willing to go to maintain his power and protect those he loves. Will the Alpha be able to evolve, or will it sink into the shadows of its past?
Irina is almost eighteen years old. She comes from a modest family and works as a waitress to support her sick mother. Finding love or dreaming of big things has never been a priority for her: her family comes first. But what will happen when she discovers that she is now linked to the most powerful and ruthless billionaire in the world, a man whose influence extends far beyond borders? Xander. The name alone is enough to send chills through the business world. Beautifully attractive, but renowned for his legendary cruelty, Xander does not believe in the concept of love or destiny. For him, everything is a game of power and control. When their worlds intersect, he is convinced that this meeting is a kind of bad joke orchestrated by life. But as soon as he sees her, he decides that Irina will be his, whether she likes it or not. "Aren't you happy? I asked shyly, as he looked out over the city from the window of his huge office. The reflection of the city lights danced on his face, making him even more inhumanly beautiful. But something in his dark eyes chilled me. " Happy ? » He laughed dryly, without the slightest trace of humor. He seemed almost mocking. "Happiness doesn't exist for me. And that will never change. » Those words broke me, but something about him attracted me despite myself. Will I give in to this dangerous game, or end up losing more than my heart?
> "I'm not even that special. I saw you at the window and I thought my family would have informed you. I...I'm sorry." I say as my chest starts to hurt and I can barely breathe. > > "You are still an exceptional person. It's in your personality. My instinct is sure of it." > > "I'm not, though. There's nothing extraordinary about me. I'm not strong, I don't have that confidence. If something happens to me, I can't save myself. I will just be a huge burden." > "No," he cuts me off, and I can see a glint of anger in his eyes. "YOU ARE NOT a burden. You are my partner. Destiny brought you to me." > > "Fate didn't create me for anyone, Nathan. No one wants me." I say as my voice begins to shake. It's not going the way I thought it would. I never imagined having to convince my partner that I'm not good enough. But this man continues to surprise me as he grabs me and pulls me onto his lap. > "There are people who want YOU, Clara. I want you. Your parents adopted you, they wanted you. Your brother always wanted to be by your side. He never stopped talking about you .You are unique, Clara, but that doesn't mean you're not enough or unwanted." He then said to me, holding me against him on his knees, "I want you."
The day we got a new Alpha, my family was forced to become Omega. Because our new Alpha, Alpha Jaxon, was a violent and cruel man who didn't trust any of the pack's former warriors. I refused to accept him as my Alpha, he's a bad guy, and rumor had it that the Moon Goddess didn't even give him a mate. But ironically, as soon as I saw him, I felt a warmth for him. How could this have happened? And he had already found a contract partner! I tried my best to avoid him, but he always noticed me, with his charming and sexy look... The worst part was that in order to accomplish my family's revenge, I had to get close to Alpha Jaxon, seduce him and make him fall completely in love with me... --- "I'm not sure this is the way to welcome your Alpha," he said, inches from my lips. I stopped for a second to try to calm down, the adrenaline flowing, as my wolf and I savored the comfort of being so close to him again. "Hmm, maybe that's true, except you're not my Alpha yet," I replied in a seductive and natural tone. Our faces were so close that the heat of our breaths collided, I wanted so much for him to give in and close the distance between us. "You feel it, don't you? Your wolf is howling inside you for me to mark you... right... here...", Jaxon nipped my neck ever so lightly. I felt like my legs were going to give out from under me at any moment. He moved his hand just under my sweater, to my back. He pulled me closer to his hardness as his gaze held a silent promise.
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
Renea was trying the wedding dress, when suddenly the man rushed in the dressing room and held her neck tightly... “Bitch! Are you still trying to pretend innocent!” Jasper said as he tightened his grip on her neck and choked her harder. Then he used his other hand and took out the phone from his suit pocket and played the video of two people having sex in front of Renea… However, what was even more shocking, was that the woman in the video was, Renea Morris, however, the man in the video was not Jasper. Renea struggled to take a phone away from Jasper’s hand and tried to explain, “Jasper, it was not what you think… I… I can…” Jasper looked at Renea with his eyes full of disgust, as he said, “Let’s call of the wedding. I can’t marry a woman like you.” After saying that Jasper walked out of the shop Renea chase after Jasper... But then she sees Jasper passionately kissing her sister Kailey. And she hears everything, that her sleeping with strange men was all a plan of the vipers of the last two days, and that their goal was to get out of this stupid marriage. Even her adopted parents were also involved in this matter... They all do this with her because of the inheritance left by her grandfather... Renea heart was filled with anger and she wanted to expose their true colors to the public... However before she could do anything, Kailey had pushed her in front of the car and she got killed... However, when Renea open her eyes, she found herself sitting in the car with Kailey... She realized that she was reborn and went at the time when everything started... Renea looked at the people who had hurt her in her previous life and her lips curled up in a cold smile... She was back... However, this time... she was back for revenge...
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. "It's time to reveal your true identity, darling."
I received a pornographic video. "Do you like this?" The man speaking in the video is my husband, Mark, whom I haven't seen for several months. He is naked, his shirt and pants scattered on the ground, thrusting forcefully on a woman whose face I can't see, her plump and round breasts bouncing vigorously. I can clearly hear the slapping sounds in the video, mixed with lustful moans and grunts. "Yes, yes, fuck me hard, baby," the woman screams ecstatically in response. "You naughty girl!" Mark stands up and flips her over, slapping her buttocks as he speaks. "Stick your ass up!" The woman giggles, turns around, sways her buttocks, and kneels on the bed. I feel like someone has poured a bucket of ice water on my head. It's bad enough that my husband is having an affair, but what's worse is that the other woman is my own sister, Bella. ************************************************************************************************************************ “I want to get a divorce, Mark,” I repeated myself in case he didn't hear me the first time—even though I knew he'd heard me clearly. He stared at me with a frown before answering coldly, "It's not up to you! I'm very busy, don't waste my time with such boring topics, or try to attract my attention!" The last thing I was going to do was argue or bicker with him. "I will have the lawyer send you the divorce agreement," was all I said, as calmly as I could muster. He didn't even say another word after that and just went through the door he'd been standing in front of, slamming it harshly behind him. My eyes lingered on the knob of the door a bit absentmindedly before I pulled the wedding ring off my finger and placed it on the table. I grabbed my suitcase, which I'd already had my things packed in and headed out of the house.
Three years ago, the Moore family opposed Charles Moore's choice to marry his beloved woman and selected Scarlett Riley as his bride. Charles didn't love her. In fact, he hated her. Not long after they got married, Scarlett received an offer from her dream university and jumped on it. Three years later, Charles's beloved woman fell terribly ill. In order to fulfill her last wish, he called Scarlett back and presented her with a divorce agreement. Scarlett was deeply hurt by Charles's abrupt decision, but she chose to let him go and agreed to sign the divorce papers. However, Charles seemed to delay the process deliberately, leaving Scarlett confused and frustrated. Now, Scarlett was trapped between the consequences of Charles's indecision. Would she be able to break free from him? Would Charles eventually come to his senses and face his true feelings?
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!"