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?
The incessant ringing of the bell at the entrance to the small café where Irina worked echoed again and again, mingling with the hushed conversations of the customers seated at the table and the sound of the cups that she carefully placed on the trays. The morning had been particularly lively, and she already felt fatigue weighing down her legs. Yet she never stopped, even when her muscles protested. She had learned to move forward, whatever the cost.
Irina placed a black coffee and an apple pie in front of an old regular who thanked her with a smile. She responded politely, her mind already on another command. Each gesture was calculated, precise, like a mechanical dance that she had repeated every day since she got this job.
"Irina, two cappuccinos for table three! » called Paul, the manager, from the counter.
"I'm going!" » she replied, grabbing a tray to place the steaming cups on.
She navigated deftly between the cluttered tables, her apron slightly stained from the morning. Table three was occupied by two elegant young women, probably there to enjoy a quiet morning in this remote corner of the city. They wore discreet but obviously expensive jewelry, and their handbags were from a brand Irina had only seen in magazines.
"Here are your cappuccinos. Is there anything else I can get you? » she asked with her professional smile.
"No, it's perfect, thank you," one of the women replied, barely glancing at Irina.
The other, however, stared at her for a moment, his piercing blue eyes detailing her tired but delicate face. Irina felt a slight discomfort, but she didn't pay attention to it. She quickly returned to the counter to take another order.
Hours passed, and Irina glanced at the wall clock. Two more hours before the end of his shift. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, adjusted her apron and was about to clean a table when she noticed that the woman with blue eyes had left a folded note under her cup.
Irina approached, intrigued, and grabbed the note. It was a tip. A huge tip. Ten times more than most customers left. She felt her heart racing.
" Everything is fine ? » Paul asked, noticing her surprised look.
"Yes, yes, just... she left this," she replied, showing him the note.
Paul shrugged his shoulders. "Good for you. Keep it, you deserve it. »
Irina discreetly slipped the note into the pocket of her apron, still confused. Why had a stranger left him so much money? She finished her service in silence, her mind preoccupied by this strange gesture.
Returning home, Irina entered the small apartment she shared with her sick mother. The walls were slightly shabby, and the furniture, although clean, was showing its age. She placed her bag on the table and headed towards her mother's room.
"Mom, I'm home," she said softly as she opened the door.
His mother, lying on a modest bed, gave him a tired smile. "Did you have a good day, sweetheart? »
" As per usual. But... look what I got today. »
Irina took the note out of her pocket and showed it to her mother.
"A customer left this for me. I don't understand why. »
His mother frowned, but her smile widened. "Maybe she saw how hard you work." You deserve it, Irina. »
Irina shrugged her shoulders, unconvinced, but she didn't want to worry her mother. After making sure everything was in order for her, she headed to the small kitchen to prepare dinner.
It was then that she noticed an envelope slipped under the front door. Frowning, she picked it up. The envelope was made of thick, luxurious paper, adorned with a golden seal. The address was not theirs, but her name was clearly there: **Irina Sokolov.**
She carefully opened the envelope and discovered a sumptuous-looking invitation card. The golden letters shone in the dim light of the apartment.
**"You are cordially invited to a prestigious gala organized by Fondation X."**
The details of the event were written at the bottom: a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city, a strict dress code, and a date - just three days away.
Irina felt her heart pounding. It was a mistake, obviously. Why would someone like her receive an invitation to such an event?
" What is this ? » asked his mother from the bedroom.
Irina hesitated for a moment before entering the room with the map. She handed the invitation to her mother, who adjusted her glasses to read it.
"A gala? » whispered his mother. "That's amazing, Irina! »
"But... it must be a mistake. I have nothing to do with that sort of thing. »
His mother shook her head, her smile still present. "Maybe someone saw something in you that you don't see yet. You should go. »
Irina bit her lip, skeptical. She had nothing to wear for an event like this, and she had no idea who might be behind this invitation.
"What if it's a trap or a joke? » she asked.
Her mother gently placed a hand on her daughter's. "Sometimes life surprises you, my darling. If you don't go there, you'll never know what it's like. »
Irina sighed, her eyes fixed on the invitation. Part of her was terrified of ending up in a world that wasn't hers. But another part, buried deep, was curious.
She spent the rest of the evening thinking, her gaze lost on the map that shone under the light.
The next day, at the café, she risked asking Paul a question. "Have you ever heard of Foundation X? »
Paul raised his eyebrows, surprised. " Of course. It is one of the most influential charitable organizations in the city. They organize huge events. Why are you asking that? »
Irina hesitated, then answered cautiously. "I received an invitation to their gala. »
Paul stared at her, incredulous. " You ? An invitation? »
She nodded. "I don't understand why. »
Paul crossed his arms, thoughtful. "Maybe someone noticed your work. Or maybe it's that woman from yesterday. You know, the one who left you that big tip? »
The idea made its way into Irina's mind. Was it possible that this woman was connected to this mysterious invitation? But why would she do that?
The following days were filled with mixed doubts and excitement. Irina finally decided to go, encouraged by her mother and Paul. She had saved up to rent a simple but elegant dress, and a colleague helped her with her hair and makeup.
When the day came, she stood in front of the mirror in her small bedroom, nervous but resolute. She had no idea what awaited her, but one thing was certain: her life might never be the same again.
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?
> "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.
When I entered school, why was everyone looking at me? I was heading for my locker when I felt the sweetest smell there is. What was it? ** Hugo **! Go get the friends, shouted ** Lucas **. But why did he cry? Looking around me, my eyes fell on the person I absolutely didn't want to see. Why should he be there, to set me? ** Nathan Blackwell. ** His eyes pierced mine, and I could feel Lucas howl of joy in me. But why was I unable to move? What happened to me? And why was he advancing in my direction? Without thinking, I did the only thing that seemed logical to me. I ran. When I arrived in the parking lot, I was heading for my car, but ... why did hot arms suddenly surround me? Who was it? Nathan made me turn so that I am in front of him and groaned: "To me." "No, no, no, why me? Not to you !!" I said, incredulous. His grip has tightened around my waist, and he murmured insistently: "You are mine. You don't belong to anyone else. You will not understand? You will not touch another man, you will not speak to Another man. Then he buried his face in the hollow of my neck, deeply inspired. But ... how was I supposed to react to this? And why did I have the impression that my heart was racing in spite of myself?
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
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.
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.
"I will work for you till I pay back the amount in full.. I want to be a maid.. Please… I don't want to be a breeder" I started to plead once everyone left the ward.. He saw her begging but his stone cold heart didn't melt. "I never tasted a weak duckling Alpha.." He smirked and walked toward me.. I walked back with fear till I hit the wall. "I am not weak." I said in a low tone and tried to push him away.. But his solid body didn't move an inch.. I could not breathe properly because of his aura.. "I will make you beg me for pleasure…" His words disgusted me. I didn't talk back as his Alpha tone was overbearing.. I felt weak wherever he was touching me.. "You will be my toy till you get pregnant.." I turned my head away with disgust but he touched my cheek roughly and caught my chin. He made me look into his eyes.. His hand covered my neck and gripped it hard.. "I will come to you every night to f**k you.." His eyes became devilish as if he was looking at his prey.. Suddenly I felt scared of him more.. and my breathing became suffocating.. He is pressing my windpipe to make me suffer… My eyes become red while I shake my head slowly... "No… no.." I murmured and I forgot to breathe in his presence.. He was scaring hell out of me.. "Girl.. You will be lucky if you get pregnancy soon otherwise I will have my ways to f**k you.." I dropped my eyes not able to hear such f***y words.. Tears rolled down my cheeks when he loosened his grip.. I don't want to believe that my father sold me as a breeder.. I can't accept it.. "If you agree or not.. it doesn't matter.. spread your legs when I come to you.." He pushed me back again and the tip of his nose touched my cheek while I looked at him scarily.. He nibbled on the crook of my neck and kissed my sensitive places… "Remember I am your Alpha from now on and don't you dare to say no…" he said huskily and pushed me back fiercely.. His cruel and harsh words made me fall back on the ground..
Rose looked at the reports in her hand and was in shock... The reports said that she was one month pregnant, however, how can she get pregnant when she didn't have any man in her life... "Was it because of that dream? Could I get pregnant because I have sex in my dream?" She thought... She didn't have any mental problems, however, except for this she can't able to think about anything... However, she still didn't get out of her surprise when she met the man in her dream... Kevin Davis looked at the reports in her hand and asked, "Is this child mine?" However, Rose didn't answer but asked... "Was that night not a dream?" Kevin was angry because it was his first time and she thinks it was a dream... Kevin forced her to marry him however, Rose didn't want it... She wanted to abort the child but he didn't let her... In the end... Rose agreed to marry him... She looked at Kevin's blue eyes and said, "I will marry you, however, I had two conditions..." "First, after marriage, you can't control my freedom, I still had the right to do whatever I want. Don't worry I won't harm the child." "Second, if I ever found out that you had cheated behind my back then I will leave with my child and you can't stop me..." Both of them got married... However, after she falls in love with him... She found there are hidden secrets in his past...
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?"