Emma Collins thought she had escaped her past when she moved to New York City, leaving her werewolf pack behind. But when an old debt threatens her family's safety, she is forced into an alliance with the formidable Declan pack. As she struggles with the prospect of an arranged marriage to , Sage Declan,the leader of the Declan pack, a series of brutal murders targeting lone werewolves draws them into a deadly conspiracy. Emma and Sage must navigate their complicated relationship and unite their strengths to protect their packs and uncover the truth. Can they find a way to honor their obligations without sacrificing their own desires?
Home faraway from Home
"Mom, what's happening?" Emma inquired, her voice trembling with worry.
"The Declan pack has arrived to our doorstep, Emma," her mother responded, her voice shaking. They are requesting payment for a past debt that we are unable to pay. "They are making threats towards us."
"What debt from the past?" Emma asked forcefully. "What is it that you are discussing?"
"It's a loan from years ago that your father took out," her mother clarified. "He believed he would be able to repay it, but... however, it didn't go as planned." And now the Declan group is requesting compensation.
"What is the amount they are asking for?" Emma inquired, her thoughts moving quickly.
"Her mother whispered about a hundred thousand dollars." Emma, it's not within our financial means. We will lose all our possessions.
"What is the status of the pack?" "Emma inquired." "Is it not possible for them to assist us?"
"They are too frightened," her mother confessed. The Declan pack is overly strong. "They fear there will be repercussions."
"What should I do?" Emma inquired, unable to do anything.
"Emma, please come back home," her mother begged. Your assistance is required. We are unable to achieve this by ourselves.
"Sure thing, mom," Emma responded, coming to a conclusion. I will return to the house. I am willing to do anything necessary to provide assistance.
"Emma, thank you," her mother whispered with a voice full of relief. "We will await your arrival."
After ending the call, Emma realized her life was going to be different from now on. She was returning to Texas, returning to her pack, and returning to the secrets she believed she had left in the past.
Emma was feeling anxious as she prepared her luggage. She had not returned to Texas for three years, ever since she departed to begin her new life in New York. However, given the predicament her family was in, she had no other option available.
Emma felt anxious as she entered the plane. What would she discover upon arriving at her residence? Is her family going to be out of harm's way?
The flight felt like it lasted an eternity, but eventually, Emma made it to Texas. She called for a taxi and went towards her family's ranch, feeling her heart racing in her chest.
Upon her arrival, tears welled up in Emma's mother's eyes as she waited for her. "She expressed gratitude for Emma's presence, giving her a tight hug."
Emma embraced her, experiencing a wave of comfort. She stated, "Mom, I am present." I will do everything necessary to offer assistance.
In the living room, her dad John was pacing anxiously. "Emma, we're in a difficult situation," he said. The Declan pack is requesting payment, and we don't have the money for it.
Emma gave a nod, her thoughts running quickly. "She mentioned she would speak with them." I will check what is possible.
However, just as she was about to go, Emma's mother grabbed her arm. "Emma, watch out," she murmured. One should not underestimate the Declan pack.
Emma agreed with a shiver running down her spine. She was aware that her mother was correct. The Declan pack was strong and determined to achieve their goals at any cost.
Walking to the taxi, Emma felt a strong sense of resolve. She was willing to go to any lengths to safeguard her family, even if it involved confronting the Declan pack by herself.
"Mom, I've arrived," Emma stated, embracing her mother closely. I am ready to do anything necessary to provide assistance.
"Emma, thank you," her mother responded, with tears in her eyes. "We find ourselves in a difficult situation." The Declan pack wants payment from us, but we don't have enough money.
"I will speak with them," Emma said confidently. I will try to find a solution.
Her mother cautioned Emma to be cautious. The Declan pack is not to be underestimated.
"I promise, mom," Emma stated. "I will proceed with caution."
"Emma, we've experimented with all possible solutions," her father said, walking back and forth in the living room. "We requested more time, we proposed making payments in parts... but nothing is effective."
"What is it they specifically desire?" Emma inquired.
Her father responded that they demanded the complete sum of $100,000 or else they would seize the ranch.
"We don't have enough money for it." Emma stated.
"I'm aware," Her father replied. "That is the reason why your assistance is needed. You need to speak with them please."
"Sure," Emma replied. "I can do that but can you clarify this more?"
"A few months ago is when it all began," her mother described. "The Declan group approached us, requesting repayment for a previous loan your father borrowed many years ago. We believed we had settled the payment, but it seems there was a clause we overlooked."
"Clause?"
"If we are unable to make the payment, ownership of the ranch would be transferred to them." My dad responded.
"That is absurd. Giving them the ranch is not something we can simply do." Emily butt in.
"I am aware," her father stated. "But that is what they are asking for."
"What do you mean?" Emma's voice trembled, her mind racing. "What are they asking for?" She asked hoping that her mother would mention money.
"An old promise, an exchange we made to save the pack." her mother replied, voice breaking. "We tried to stay out of their way, but they haven't forgotten. They want what we can't give."
"And that is?" Emma asked ,clearly running out of patience.
"You"-her mom replied.
"Why me?" Emma replied, she laughed loud, but stop when she realized her mother made no reaction.
"They want you to marry their son,Sage." Her mother explained further.
Emma tried to speak, but couldn't find words, Her world tilted on its axis.
The city, with all its challenges, now seemed safer compared to the danger looming over her and her family.
The Declans were not to be messed with; they were ruthless and unyielding and had nature at their finger tips.
Her parents' lives were at stake, her pack and the weight of their survival now rested on her shoulders. An arranged marriage?
She sank deeper into her chair, her small world , the haven she had built for herself had just come crashing down and she had no idea what to do to save her world.
"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?"
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.
"There will be no falling in love, we will only act as a loving couple when we are in public, we will share a room to make it believable, but no intimacy, touching is off-limits. We'll only have sex once a month, and that's solely to produce an heir. You won't interfere in my business, and I won't interfere in yours. You will be my wife in every sense and you will not be involved with any other man," he said, arrogance seeping from every word. I watch his mouth move, I'm not ready to fall in love with any man, especially not one as arrogant and egoistic as him. I can handle acting as a loving couple, and as for intimacy once a month. I can agree to that just to satisfy my sexual cravings with no strings attached. "Where can I sign?" I asked since I had nothing to lose. *** Nadine's wedding dreams turned to nightmares when she caught her sister and fiancé cheating! With a secret recording, she's ready for revenge. But then mysterious billionaire Logan West offers a deal: A Contract Marriage to take down her ex's empire. But what Nadine doesn't know is her life is getting complicated as she takes her chance to get revenge or risks everything for a chance at love?"
After my family's sinister plots collapsed, they lashed out at me, taking their rage to a violent level. Cornered and desperate, I married Jaxton—the town's most sought-after bachelor—due to an unplanned pregnancy. Love had no part in this marriage; I assumed he married me purely out of responsibility, his heart belonging elsewhere. The moment I chose to let him go and turned to leave, he grabbed me and pinned me down hard. "Jaxton, you promised you'd never touch me!" I snapped, glaring fiercely. His eyes flashed arrogantly as he leaned closer. "You're the one who started this!"
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on her— "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.