"You don't belong here." The people I believed I could trust threw those comments at me, and they rang in my ears for years. My foes, my packmates, and my tormentors are Cassian and Kade. They turned every action I took into something improper and out of character, making my life a living misery. And perhaps I did believe them for a while. But when I turn 19, everything is different. My abilities come to life, more potent and terrifying than I could have ever dreamed. All of a sudden, they are pulled to me as my destined partners rather than as adversaries. The icy Alpha-in-waiting Cassian is troubled by the thought of his future. The vicious Beta Kade is constantly engaged in a game of control and domination. Then there is Alaric, the enigmatic outsider with a secret that has the potential to ruin us all. Destiny created our unshakable bond, but I never wanted to be a pawn in someone else's game. I'm becoming more and more aware that nothing is as it seems. I am at the center of several mysteries that are deeply ingrained in the history of our pack. It's this bond that I wish to resist. I want to despise everyone. However, there is no denying the draw between us. I feel like my heart and soul are breaking apart piece by piece with every touch and look. However, as the prophecy starts to come to pass, I learn that there are other things in danger besides the pack's fate. I'm risking my own life. I'll have to make a decision that will either save us or ruin everything I've ever known. As the full moon rises, I find myself standing on the edge of all my fears. Then I hear it-the one fact for which I could have been unprepared. "Tonight, one of you will pass away." Who will it be? Is it possible for me to halt it before it is too late?
"I promise, Lola, this isn't a lie!" Kira's hurried, panicked voice startled me out of my reverie. She thrust her phone in my face as I looked across at her, our wide eyes meeting.
My gut roiled, so I stepped back and murmured, "You have to be kidding me." "What is meant to be here?"
An image of an antique symbol appeared on the screen; it was a ragged, round pattern that seemed to have come from some dusty old book of mythology. I didn't know why it felt so familiar, but I recognized it right away. It seemed as though a ghost was stroking my flesh.
Kira's voice lowered, full of an intensity I hadn't heard in a long time, and she continued, "It's on your wrist, Lola." It's the mark. The one about which everyone talks.
The mark. It had always seemed to me like a strange birthmark. When I was younger, I had a strange little swirly thing on my wrist that gradually diminished with age but never entirely vanished. Now, however, as I stared at Kira's phone, the uneasiness in her voice tore at me like an unavoidable warning.
I mumbled, "I don't get it," and reflexively rubbed my wrist, even though the mark was concealed by my shirt sleeve. "What even does this mean?"
A mixture of terror and awe flared in Kira's eyes. "Lola, it means everything. You are the one, you are. The Luna.
My chest constricted. I gasped. My veins pounded with heat, but I was unable to identify what was causing it. "Cease. What on earth are you discussing?
She chewed her lip and looked around the packed cafe as though she was waiting for someone to come out and validate everything she said. She wasn't playing games, as seen by the stiffness in her posture.
She leaned closer and said, "Do you recall the stories we used to hear as kids?" Something flickered in her eyes, perhaps guilt? Fear?-However, she maintained eye contact. What about the werewolf stories? Who would save them all, the Luna?
A chuckle escaped from my innermost being. It wasn't a true laugh, though. It was uneasy and hollow. "This is crazy, Kira. You are discussing fairy tales and folklore. Luna? What on earth is meant by that?
Kira didn't recoil. Before I could respond, she grabbed my wrist and roughly pulled my sleeve up, revealing the mark. I attempted to move away, but she resisted with a hard, resolute grip.
Now that I could see it, the mark appeared to be pulsing with its own life. A dark, whirling crescent with jagged edges that felt like they were burning into my flesh. My heart started racing in ways I couldn't comprehend since the ragged pattern was exactly the same as the one on her phone. I stared at the symbol, feeling as though the blood was dripping from my face.
"What is this?" My voice broke. "What am I going through?"
At first, Kira remained silent. Her eyes darted nervously to the entrance, but she was too busy looking about the room. You're not aware of what this signifies, are you? You are more than just a human. You don't know what's going to happen, Lola.
I went cold. Suddenly, I felt as though something was choking my lungs, making the air around me feel heavy and thick. My surroundings were blurry as my heart pounded in my ears. "Am I not human?" More to myself than to her, I muttered. "What does that mean to you?"
With hardly a breath in her voice, Kira drew closer. "Lola, you're a part of something old. You have a link to them, to the pack, from birth.
My thoughts were racing as I stood there. "Pack? Are you referring to wolves? I chuckled once more, but it was a tentative and feeble sound.
Kira, however, wasn't giggling. She stepped closer, her lips quivering, her face pallid. My chest tightened in alarm as I noticed that she was trembling now as well. "No, Lola. Not only wolves. Werewolves. You are their destined partner, their Luna. They have been waiting for someone like you.
My knees went weak under me as the words struck me like a punch to the gut. I was having trouble breathing. Kira refused to move when I attempted to push her away. "You've lost it," I exclaimed, frantically shaking my head. "I'm just a girl," I said. I am not unique.
For a brief period, Kira's eyes softened. Then they stiffened in an instant. "You must comprehend. They have been trying to find you. for many years. You were concealed. avoided them. I couldn't help but notice the intensity with which her eyes met mine. "There's a reason why you were marked, Lola. You cannot break free from the curse that ties you to them.
Deep within my bones, I sensed a sharp tug that felt like a magnetic force even though I couldn't see it. The feeling came suddenly and powerfully through me. As though my body were now recognizing something it had been waiting for, my breathing was shallow and my heart was racing frantically. Something ancient. Something hazardous.
Then, as though the cosmos itself had chosen to heighten my anxiety, the café door suddenly flew open.
The atmosphere changed. My entire body stiffened. Even though my intellect was screaming for me to run, I was immobile.
A man came in. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and had a dark, seething intensity that caught my eye right away. I couldn't help but notice the intensity with which his dark, stormy, and keen eyes fastened upon mine. I knew him, although I had never seen him before. I knew him from the bottom of my heart.
The connection, that earlier magnetic pull, suddenly clicked into place.
Kael.
I was having trouble breathing. Every muscle seemed to be stuck in place, as if my body were electrified. I knew the man even though I had never met him before. The weight of the ancient relationship was crushing me, and I could feel it. It was more than a sensation. It was authentic. He was genuine.
The world seemed to tilt as he stepped toward me. I hardly heard Kira say, "Lola, don't," and I hardly noticed her whisper.
I was unable to take my eyes off Kael. As he drew closer, his every motion purposeful and predatory, my heart pounded in my chest. The oddest thing happened: I felt as though I was melting into him, becoming a part of him. I could feel the heat of his stare pressing against my skin like a physical force.
A surge of energy rushed through me as Kael's fingers touched the symbol on my wrist.
"Lola," he said in a deep, dark, and powerful growl. "You don't know what you just woke up to."
The door slammed behind him, and everything went dark before I could react, before I could even fully understand what was happening.
I felt as though a weight had descended upon me. My eyesight blurred and I felt lightheaded, but before I could scream, I felt like I was being drawn into something-someone.
Kael's sharp eyes were the last thing I noticed before everything turned black.
And I was certain that my life had just taken a drastic turn for the worst.
"You're marrying Mike Rowling. There's no choice." That's what my mother said, her words as cold as ever. I never imagined my life would come to this-trapped in a marriage to a man I've never wanted. Mike is a bitter, broken billionaire, his heart sealed off after an accident that changed everything. He's a stranger in his own home, and now, I'm his reluctant wife. But there's something no one knows, not even Mike: my daughter Mia isn't just my little girl-she's his, too. A secret I've kept buried for years. As the days pass, I can't help but feel the pull between us. He's changing, softening, and my heart begins to betray me. But every smile, every touch, feels like a lie because of the truth I can never tell. Then one night, Mike looks at me with eyes full of questions, and I realize-he knows. Everything is about to unravel. Will the truth destroy us, or will it be the key to our future?
"I never thought he'd cast me out." As I stood beyond the pack boundaries, the words replayed in my head, the life I knew vanishing minute by moment. She, the lady from his past, had been picked over me by Roland Crown, the man I loved, the Alpha I was meant to be by his side. For a deception, he turned away his true mate, me. I was carrying a secret that no one could ever know: I was expecting his children, as the wind whispered through the woods. I really did not want him to know, but life has a way of bringing everything you've worked so hard to hide back to haunt you. I believed I might get away from being alone in a human world that doesn't comprehend me. However, someone is observing. Someone who is fully aware of what I'm concealing and who will not give up until they achieve their goals. I was mistaken to believe that the worst aspect of this nightmare was the anguish of losing Roland. I don't know who I can trust, and the real danger is just getting started. Will it be too late when Roland arrives at my door with regret in his eyes? Will I be able to shield my kids from the darkness that is encroaching on us when the truth is ultimately exposed? I'll just have to find out. One thing, though, caught me off guard: someone from my past is prepared to ruin everything, starting with me.
"You will never see your mother again if you don't marry him." My fate was sealed as the words replayed in my head. As the forgotten daughter of a wealthy and influential man, I, Adebola, was thrown into a world of riches, power, and perilous secrets that I never wanted to be a part of. I was forced, not chosen, to be married to the mysterious billionaire in a wheelchair, Yemi Coker. But beyond his icy exterior and scathing remarks, I caught glimmers of a guy who yearned for affection and to be understood. The distinction between obligation and desire started to get hazy as the days stretched into weeks. I wasn't meant to fall for him, but I was drawn to him because of his power, intelligence, and concealed suffering. I had just begun to think that love could blossom from the ashes of betrayal when the ghosts of my past came roaring back. The ideal daughter, Temitope, came returned to take back everything she thought was hers, including Yemi. Her threats became more pointed, her schemes more sinister, and her secrets-oh, the secrets she kept-had the potential to ruin everything. I learned the truth about my own father just when I believed I had faced the worst; it was so startling that it caused me to reevaluate all I had assumed. When treachery is ingrained in your DNA, how do you battle for love? When a man has every reason to doubt you, how can you trust him? The one secret that has the power to either permanently unite us or tear us apart has the answer. Will I find out before it's too late, though?
"You're mine now," he says, his voice low, commanding. I shouldn't be thrilled by his words. I shouldn't even be standing here, in the cold shadows of a life I never chose. But here I am, torn between the man who shattered my heart and the one who calls me his, though I'm nothing like what he wants. When my chosen mate abandoned me for a woman who had once rejected him, I thought nothing could hurt worse. But I was wrong. He came back for her, leaving me with nothing but memories and a hollow ache. And just when I thought I had nothing left, Alpha Adeoye stepped into my life-a king without a throne, a man feared by all, including the wolves who once stood by my side. He's chilly. He is merciless. He's not my type, either. However, whenever he calls my name, I get a real and dangerous sensation. I ought to resist it. I ought to battle him. However, I see a darkness-an anguish similar to mine-when I look into his eyes. And the reality hit me harder than any betrayal just when I thought I had understood my place in this world and could move on from my past. The affection I assumed was long gone is still there. But there's one question I can't ignore: If I let myself fall for Adeoye, will it be the salvation I'm desperate for? Or will it destroy everything I thought I knew about love? As the final battle approaches, I'm left standing at a crossroads, knowing one wrong move could change everything. And then, he whispers, "You'll choose me... won't you?" But the truth is, I don't know if I can trust him.
"Who is she?" I asked, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "He met her at the Alpha training camp," he said. "She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice." My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks. Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna. **** Emily never shifted on her 18th birthday and became the laughingstock of the pack. When her old crush, Alexander Black, returns from Alpha Training, she never expected him to be her mate. After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that young Alpha Alexander has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, Emily runs off and disappears from the pack. Now, five years later, Emily is a high-ranking warrior in King Alpha's army, specializing in sensitive matters. When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate, Alexander. Will Alexander figure out it is Emily? Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
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.”
The whispers said that out of bitter jealousy, Hadley shoved Eric's beloved down the stairs, robbing the unborn child of life. To avenge, Eric forced Hadley abroad and completely cut her off. Years later, she reemerged, and they felt like strangers. When they met again, she was the nightclub's star, with men ready to pay fortunes just to glimpse her elusive performance. Unable to contain himself, Eric blocked her path, asking, "Is this truly how you earn a living now? Why not come back to me?" Hadley's lips curved faintly. "If you’re eager to see me, you’d better join the queue, darling."
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
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.
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"