In the shadowy underworld of the Mafia, power is everything. Alpha, a mysterious and ruthless leader, rules his hidden empire with an iron fist. But when a forbidden romance ignites between Alpha and a fierce, independent woman, their worlds collide in a whirlwind of passion, danger, and betrayal. As secrets unravel and enemies close in, will their love be strong enough to survive the ultimate test?
The heat in the Astoria ballroom was stifling, even worse than the scrutiny of the other guests. Aurora adjusted the hem of her dress, the silk clinging to her skin like a second skin, and subtly shifted the weight of her clutch. Inside, nestled against her thigh, lay her weapon: a tiny camera, disguised as a lipstick case. Her reflection in the mirrored wall stared back at her – a picture of composure, a mask carefully crafted to blend seamlessly into this world of gilded cages.
But the truth was, her stomach was doing a nervous jig. This wasn't just a party; it was a minefield. Every smile, every hushed conversation, every clink of champagne glasses held a hidden meaning, a potential threat.
The Astoria itself was a monument to excess. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen waterfalls, casting a dazzling glow on the crowd. Waiters glided through the throng, their movements practiced, their faces impassive. Guests, adorned in jewels and designer labels, laughed and gossiped, their voices a symphony of privilege.
Aurora didn't belong here. Not really. This world, with its emphasis on appearances and the relentless pursuit of pleasure, felt alien to her. But beneath the borrowed glamour, a fierce determination burned within her. She had a mission, a debt to settle.
Her fingers traced the emerald necklace resting against her skin, a gift from her father, a man who'd taught her to fight for what was right, even when the odds were stacked against her. "Be brave, Aurora," his voice echoed in her memory. "Sometimes, the truth comes at a price, but it's worth it."
Three years. Three years since he vanished, leaving behind a void that ached in her soul. Three years of unanswered questions, of sleepless nights spent piecing together the puzzle of his disappearance, a puzzle whose pieces seemed to lead inexorably to the De Luca family.
Tonight, the pieces might finally start falling into place.
The charity auction was a facade, a glittering stage for the De Luca empire to conduct its business. Aurora had spent the last year infiltrating their world, gathering intelligence, building a case against them. And now, she was here, a lone wolf in a den of predators.
She scanned the room, her gaze finally settling on her target – a man with a gut that threatened to burst out of his designer suit, his wrist adorned with a gold watch that screamed "nouveau riche." He was deep in conversation with a younger man, his face etched with a chilling seriousness. Aurora pretended to admire a nearby sculpture, her hand hovering near the camera, capturing the scene discreetly.
Click. Click.
The faint sounds were swallowed by the orchestra's music, a jarring counterpoint to the orchestrated chaos of the party.
"Confidence is your greatest weapon," she whispered, her father's words a mantra.
She moved through the crowd, her senses on high alert. The air crackled with unspoken power, with deals made and broken in the shadows. The weight of her mission pressed down on her, a heavy cloak against the intoxicating atmosphere.
Then, a voice, smooth as velvet and laced with a hint of amusement, cut through the din.
"Enjoying the art?"
She turned, her gaze meeting his.
Lorenzo De Luca.
He was a force of nature – tall, imposing, radiating an aura of power that seemed to consume the space around him. His eyes, the color of a stormy sea, held a disconcerting intensity. He was more than just a name in her files; he was the embodiment of the De Luca empire, its very heartbeat.
"It's... evocative," she replied, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands.
He smiled, a predatory curve of his lips that sent a shiver down her spine. "That's one way to put it."
Aurora forced herself to meet his gaze, a silent battle of wills. She couldn't let him intimidate her. Not here. Not now.
"I didn't catch your name," she said, her voice cool, her smile carefully controlled.
He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated through her. "I didn't give it."
Her stomach tightened. This was a game, and he was already playing her.
"Audrey," she said, the name a shield, a mask. "Audrey Bennett."
"Careful, Audrey," he warned, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You might find yourself entangled in something you don't understand."
And then, he was gone, melting back into the crowd like a ghost.
Aurora leaned against a nearby column, her breath coming in ragged gasps. He had noticed her. He knew she was here for more than just a night of frivolous entertainment.
Lorenzo De Luca was watching her.
And that realization, more than anything else, sent a jolt of fear through her.
The rest of the evening was a blur of forced smiles, fleeting glances, and the constant thrum of her own heartbeat. She captured the footage she needed, documenting the illicit deals, the whispered threats. But the encounter with Lorenzo De Luca haunted her. He was a predator, a force of nature, and she had unwittingly crossed his path.
As she slipped out of the ballroom, the cool night air a welcome relief, she received a text message.
"Meet me at the pier in an hour. Come alone. Don't bring any of your friends."
The sender was unlisted, the message chillingly brief. But Aurora knew who it was.
Lorenzo.
Her fingers trembled as she typed her reply: "I'll be there."
This wasn't just about bringing down a criminal empire anymore. This was about survival.
She stepped into the night, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors. The game had begun, and Aurora, armed with her camera, her courage, and the memory of her father's unwavering support, was ready to play.
But as she walked towards the pier, a chilling thought crept into her mind: she had no idea what she was walking into.
And that, she realized with a sudden, terrifying clarity, was only the beginning.
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
WARNING: This Book Contains Explicit scenes And Adult Languages 🔞 Do you like reading steamy, naughty, dirty, and filthy romances?? If your answer is yes, get ready for the ultimate erotic excitement that will get your blood pumping and your ovaries twitching. This novel is a collection of short erotic stories. It contains all manner of sexual explicit including friends with benefits StepSister And Brother, Stepdaddy, Office, Stepmother, Lesbian, Teacher and student, Doctor and patient, domination Etc. If you are under 18yrs, this book is not for you.
Sandra Hill, the long-lost real heiress of the Hill family, was shunned by her own kin. Instead of embracing her, they bestowed their affection upon an impostor. They even arranged her to marry a vegetative man in place of her so-called “sister”. Sandra sneered, refusing to put up with this humiliation, cut off ties with the Hill family immediately and ran into the flash marriage with Wesley Cooper, her unconscious billionaire husband. With her incredible medical skills, she defied the odds and revived him. Little did she expect that her husband spoiled her with all his love... A medical genius, a computer prodigy, a national treasure in painting, and a racing legend... Her husband revealed her various identities, leaving the Hill family regretful. Her father came pleading, "It's Dad's fault. Please come back." Her mother wept, "Mom will protect you from now on. Please come back." Even her five brothers knelt before he, begging for forgiveness. Yet, Sandra's smile held a hint of mockery as she vowed, “Never!”
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.