Aria never wanted to marry Kael, the arrogant playboy her father forced her to accept as her fiancé. But Kael had his own twisted motives-he only wanted her because she was the one girl who refused him. When Aria rejected his demand to sleep with him a week before their wedding, Kael tried to take what he wanted by force. His drunken pursuit ended in tragedy when he was struck by a car, leaving Aria caught in the crossfire of blame. Zander, Kael's elder brother and the soon-to-be Alpha King, believed Aria was responsible for his brother's death-and promiscuous to boot. To prevent war between their packs, Zander agreed to marry her, but only for revenge. His plan? Ruin Aria's life for a year, then cast her aside and divorce her. But Zander's scheme begins to unravel when his ex-best friend Asher returns, determined to take Aria for himself. As secrets from the past resurface, Zander discovers betrayal, lies, and truths he never wanted to face. Was Aria truly guilty, or was she just another pawn in a deadly game of power and revenge? Asher laugh and say, "You're a fool; she never wanted to come. I told her you were with Lyra, so she came. And now I've achieved my goal: I ruined your marriage." Zander feel foolish, asking, "But why? I never did anything to you! You were my best friend. I should have killed you when you slept with my ex fiancée, Lyra!" Asher respond, "You knew I loved her, but you stole Lyra from me. She was my true mate, but she refused to marry me because you were soon to be the Alpha King! She never loved you. She loved me but wanted to be the queen of werewolves; that's all." Zander would realize how foolish he was. Yet, he still believed Aria wasn't innocent because she slept with his deceased brother before the wedding.
Aria's POV.
I stood in my room, surrounded by my maids, my heart pounding in my chest. My eyes were fixed on the dresses spread out across the bed, each one more elegant than the last. Tonight was the night. It had to be. The night I'd been waiting for, longing for-and secretly fearing. The night I might finally shift into my wolf.
It had been a month since my eighteenth birthday, the age when most werewolves experienced their first transformation. For others, it had seemed so easy, so natural. But for me? Nothing. No shift, no wolf, no mate. And the longer I waited, the more the whispers grew. I was the daughter of Alpha Xavier Nightshade, heir to one of the most powerful packs in the region. I was supposed to be strong, destined for greatness. Yet, here I was, standing in my room, feeling incomplete.
The dresses shimmered under the soft light of the chandelier: silver, gold, deep crimson. They were beautiful, elegant, befitting of a princess-or so I hoped. Tonight was my first royal gathering, held at the grand Silverfang Castle. Every Alpha and next-in-line Alpha from neighboring packs would be there, and the thought of walking into that room, surrounded by leaders who had already shifted and found their mates, made my stomach churn.
The door creaked open behind me, and I turned to see my father, Alpha Xavier, step inside. His presence was commanding, as always. He dismissed the maids with a wave of his hand, and they scurried out of the room without a word.
"Aria," he began, his tone firm but not unkind. "Are you ready for tonight's gathering?" His sharp eyes swept over the dresses on my bed. "This is an important night. I hope you can finally shift tonight-and perhaps find your true mate. All the next-in-line Alphas will be there."
I let out a sigh, my hands gripping the back of a chair. "I don't know, Father. I'm trying to stay hopeful, but I'm stressed. What if it doesn't happen?"
He stepped closer, his gaze softening slightly. He rarely showed tenderness, but I could see it in the way his shoulders relaxed, the way his voice lowered. "You are my daughter, Aria. You were born for greatness. Do not let doubt cloud your mind. Trust in the Moon Goddess and in yourself." He gestured toward the dresses. "What about this silver one? It suits you."
I picked up the gold dress from the bed and held it against myself. "Or this one?"
He nodded, glancing at the clock on the wall. "Both are beautiful, but decide quickly. We only have two hours before the gathering begins, and it's at Silverfang Castle. I need to leave early to meet with the other Alphas, but the driver will take you in the limo. Don't be late."
I gave him a small smile, trying to mask my nerves. "Don't worry, Father. I'll be ready. It's my first royal gathering, after all."
He rested a hand on my shoulder briefly before turning to leave. "Good. I'll be waiting for you there."
As soon as the door closed behind him, I let out a shaky breath. The pressure was suffocating, but I couldn't let it show. I chose the silver dress, its shimmering fabric catching the light as I slipped it on. The maids returned to help me style my hair, curling it into soft waves that cascaded down my back. I looked like a princess. At least, I hoped I did.
I was almost done when my phone buzzed on the dresser. I picked it up, my heart sinking as I read the messages.
**"Maybe Aria isn't the real daughter of Alpha Xavier Nightshade."**
**"She doesn't seem royal like us. Maybe she was adopted."**
My hands trembled as I read the words, venomous and cruel. They were from my so-called friends from high school, people I hadn't seen in months but who clearly hadn't forgotten about me-or my failure to shift. Tears pricked my eyes, and I fought them back, unwilling to let their words break me. But the sting lingered, sharp and painful.
I walked to the window, staring out at the moonlit forest. My reflection stared back at me in the glass, a mix of beauty and doubt. Closing my eyes, I whispered a prayer to the Moon Goddess. "Please, help me shift tonight. Let me find my true mate. I can't do this alone."
Three hours later, I was ready. My silver gown clung to me like moonlight, the heels adding a regal height to my frame. My maid followed me down the grand staircase, and my guard was close behind. The driver opened the door to the sleek black limo, and I slid inside, my nerves bubbling in my chest.
The tension was unbearable. I had to do something to calm myself, something I'd never done before. "Give me a glass of wine," I said to my maid, my voice sharper than I intended.
Her eyes widened. "But-"
"No buts. Just give me one."
She hesitated but eventually poured me a glass. I downed it in one gulp, the warmth spreading through my chest. It didn't completely erase the anxiety, but it dulled the edges.
The drive to Silverfang Castle took half an hour, and when we arrived, my breath caught in my throat. The castle was massive, its towering spires glowing under the moonlight. Guards and warriors stood at attention, and the driveway was packed with sleek limos. The air buzzed with energy, but all I felt was fear. Midnight was approaching, and if I didn't shift tonight, I didn't know how I'd face anyone.
Before stepping inside, I asked my maid and guard to wait for me by the gates. I needed a moment to collect myself. I wandered toward the pool, the cool night air brushing against my skin. The water shimmered under the moonlight, and for a brief moment, I felt calm.
That was, until I smelled him.
The scent was strong, earthy, with a hint of spice. I turned and froze. A man stood before me, tall and broad-shouldered, his piercing ice-blue eyes locking onto mine. He was handsome, undeniably so, and he knew it.
"You look sexy," he said, his voice low and shameless. "I don't think you're an Alpha, though. Your scent isn't strong enough. But you're definitely not a maid. So, who are you?"
I narrowed my eyes, fighting the urge to slap him then and there. "It's none of your business," I snapped, turning away.
But he wasn't done. He smirked, stepping closer. "Spend the night in my bed, and I'll give you anything you want."
The words hit me like a slap, and without thinking, I raised my hand and struck his face. The sharp sound echoed in the quiet night. "How shameless you are!" I hissed, my cheeks burning with anger.
Before he could respond, my maid and guard appeared. "Princess Aria," my guard said, bowing slightly, "your father is waiting for you inside."
I shot the stranger a final glare, my gaze sweeping over him with disdain, before walking away.
As I entered the grand ballroom, I could feel his eyes on me, watching my every move. What I didn't know was that he wasn't done with me yet.
...
Kael's POV.
The ballroom was alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, but none of it mattered. My eyes were locked on her-the girl who had just slapped me like I was some lowly omega. She wasn't like the others-those starry-eyed she-wolves who fell over themselves to gain my attention. No, she had fire. I rubbed the side of my face where her hand had landed, the sting still fresh. A slow smirk tugged at my lips as I watched her glide across the room, her silver dress shimmering under the chandeliers. She walked with her head high and shoulders squared, like she owned the damn place. It was infuriating-and captivating.
I didn't even know her name yet, but I didn't need to. She was going to be mine. I'd never been rejected before- not by anyone, not for anything. And I wasn't about to let this slip of a girl be the first. I turned on my heel and strode toward my father, Alpha Wolfhart, who was standing in the far corner of the room. He was deep in conversation with one of the visiting Alphas, but I didn't care. This was important.
"Father," I interrupted, my voice firm enough to gain his attention.
Alpha Wolfhart turned to me, his sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly in irritation at being interrupted. "What is it, Kael?" he asked, his tone clipped.
I didn't hesitate. "I want to get engaged to that girl."
His brow arched as he followed my gaze across the room to where she stood, laughing softly at something another wolf had said. His expression shifted, surprise flickering across his face. "Are you sure?"
My jaw tightened. "Yes. I want her to be my mate. I haven't found mine yet, so why not? I'm already 24."
He studied me for a moment, the corner of his mouth quirking upward in an amused smile. "You? Wanting to settle down? That's a first." He chuckled, shaking his head. "But I can see why. She's beautiful. And bold, judging by the red mark on your cheek."
I ignored his jab, my eyes never leaving her. She was speaking to someone now, but I could tell she wasn't entirely invested in the conversation. Her shoulders were tense, her gaze flickering around the room like she was searching for something-or someone.
"She hasn't found her mate yet," my father continued thoughtfully, stroking his beard. "She's only 18. The timing might work in your favor."
"Then make it happen," I said, my voice low but firm.
His chuckle deepened, but there was a glint in his eye now, one that told me he was already working out the logistics in his head. "Alright, Kael. I'll see what I can do. But be patient. This isn't like one of your little flings. If you want her, you're going to have to earn her."
I smirked, my confidence returning. "Don't worry, Father. I have no intention of failing."
I glanced back at her one last time, the fire in her eyes still burning in my mind. She didn't know it yet, but she was already mine.
She spent eighteen years in an orphanage, but it was time to get out. According to the orphanage rules, once a child reaches legal age, they must depend on themselves. Celine didn't know what to do; luckily, she met her savior that day. If only she had known what she was getting herself into, she would never have gone with him. Celine found herself caught in a life of addiction, living in his house, where he was ready to sell her organs to get his fix. To save her life, she had to help him sell drugs. Her innocence became a liability. Soon, she found herself targeted by the king's men-kidnapped, bound, and tortured for selling drugs without their permission. But sometimes, what we fear the most might turn out to be the best for us. Celine found herself trapped in the king's palace, drowning in his love and married to him by force.
"Please, let me go," she begged, her eyes brimming with tears and her voice shaking with fear. Struggling to breathe, she felt trapped in his overwhelming embrace. He ignored her pleas, seemingly unaware of the pain he was causing, driven by jealousy that clouded his judgment. With all her strength, she pushed against him, desperate for even a moment of freedom. But he held her down, his voice low and threatening as he said, "No, I want you now." In that moment, everything changed for her. She was his younger brother's fiancée, and this encounter marked the beginning of a dark path. In an instant, her innocence was shattered, but she would eventually seek justice.
Two strangers-one destined to be the Alpha of the Green Hell Pack and the other the future female Alpha of the Bloody Pack-find themselves trapped in an arranged mating meant to unite their packs. Originally intended for their younger siblings, circumstances leave them with no choice but to accept the bond to save face. Life seems perfect until Julia's ex-boyfriend, Alpha Mark, refuses to let go, resorting to drastic measures to sabotage their union, including kidnapping her. With a possessive mate like Alpha Xander, Julia initially feels compelled to submit. Yet, as time passes, she begins to see him as her true mate. Just as love blossoms, it fades when Xander disappears, leaving behind a harsh letter that shatters their bond, claiming it was because she couldn't conceive. But did the possessive Alpha truly abandon his mate for that reason, or was he forced to take desperate measures to win her back?
She never intended to collide with the most dangerous bad boy at her school. Already trying to stay under the radar from those ruthless werewolves, she felt different from them. Born into the most powerful pack and carrying a royal bloodline, she knew she didn't belong. She couldn't shift like they did; despite not being an omega, she was the weakest of her kind. But her real struggle was that she was blind. That fateful day marked the beginning of her suffering. She had never dreamed of her mate, convinced he would reject her upon discovering her perceived uselessness. All she had was her wolf instincts, which helped her navigate the school, pretending to be normal. No one knew her secret-no one noticed her. Until that day...
He never imagined he would fall in love, especially not with the daughter of his enemy! She never imagined that writing an article about the enigmatic Tomas Charl could lead her into a world of danger. With a reputation as a wealthy businessman, he masked a far darker truth-he was the head of a mafia organization. Her intentions were pure, driven by a strong moral compass and the hope that love could change him. She envisioned a future where they could leave his criminal life behind, unaware that she was already entangled in his web. "How dare you enter my room without permission?" she stammered, disbelief washing over her as she instinctively shielded herself. He closed the door and locked it, the click echoing ominously. Stepping closer, he invaded her personal space, the rhythm of her racing heart palpable in the silence. With a predatory whisper, he leaned in, "I can do as I please. This is my house, and everything in it, including you, is mine." He captured her lips in a forceful kiss, leaving her breathless and confused.
He's a ruthless mafia kingpin. She's a married woman with a secret. Jason Dawson, a man who thrives on power and control, finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Sarah, a woman he meets at a hotel bar. Their one-night stand turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse as Jason, fueled by a thirst for revenge, becomes obsessed with making Sarah his mistress. Can Sarah escape the clutches of a man who will stop at nothing to have her? Or will she become the Mafia's married mistress? One night. One mistake. One dangerous obsession.
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.
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?"
Marrying her best friend was a dream come true for Kelly, but everything truly has a limitation. Pierce is Kelly’s first love, but as his best friend, she knew well there was always another woman deep in his heart. Lexi Gilbert. The woman Pierce could never forget even if he had already been arranged to marry Kelly. *** Kelly finally realized their happy marriage of the last three years was just a beautiful dream when Pierce asked for a divorce just because Lexi returned. She could only be his best friend even if she was carrying his baby. *** Since their friendship had become a cage, Kelly chose to set him free, as well as the miserable herself. But why then, it was Pierce who became the one who refused to move on? To make matters worse, her devil stepbrother also domineeringly stepped in at the same time, asking her to be his. *** Her Prince Charming vs. Her Devil Stepbrother? How could Kelly save her heart in this battle of love and hate?
She doesn't remember getting married. Why? Sophia went to Las Vegas only to drink her pain away. Little did she imagine, she would end up becoming someone's wife. But who’s the lucky guy? Who knows? Even she doesn't remember. She was fucking intoxicated! All she has is a marriage contract with an expiry date and a bank balance big enough to pop her eyes out. Contractual terms: 1. Do not marry anyone else unless I permit you. 2. Try not to whore around. Your mother-in-law wouldn't be happy. 3. If I request a live-in relationship. You have to comply. 4. Sex is optional. 5. Contract Termination? Sorry Honey... In my family, couples don’t divorce. PS: I was kidding. Let's catch-up after three years to end this shit and get more money. If there are rules against having sex while drunk, there should be rules against getting married while drunk too. Because THIS isn't fair!
My family was on the poverty line and had no way to support me in college. I had to work part-time every day just to make ends meet and afford to get into the university. That was when I met her—the pretty girl in my class that every boy dreamt of asking out. I was well aware she was out of my league. Nevertheless, I mustered all my courage and bravely told her that I had fallen for her. To my surprise, she agreed to be my girlfriend. With the sweetest smile I had ever seen, she told me that she wanted my first gift for her to be the latest and top-of-the-line iPhone. I worked like a dog and even did my classmates’ laundry to save up. My hard work eventually paid off after a month. I finally got to buy what she wanted. But as I was wrapping my gift, I saw her in the dressing room, making out with the captain of the basketball team. She then heartlessly made fun of my inadequacy and made a fool out of me. To make things worse, the guy whom she cheated on me with even punched me in the face. Desperation washed over me, but there was nothing I could do but lie on the floor as they trampled on my feelings. But then, my father called me out of the blue, and my life turned upside down. It turned out that I was a billionaire's son.
Rena, forced to flee to escape a marriage to a man as old as her father, made a spontaneous decision to marry Kellan, a stranger whose skills in homemaking were only matched by his financial acumen and his gentle demeanor. As their marriage unfolded, it took on a comforting predictability, with Kellan consistently showing himself to be reliable in every emergency. This sense of security crumbled when Rena uncovered Kellan’s true identity and the hidden motives behind their union. Enraged, she initiated a divorce and disappeared. Yet, it was not long before Kellan found her once again...