When Ava, a stubborn human who knows little about the world of wolves, is unexpectedly thrown into a binding contract of marriage, she finds herself at the mercy of Darius Blackwood, the enigmatic and powerful Alpha of the Moonshadow Pack. At 36, Darius is a ruthless billionaire whose wealth and influence mask a deeper, primal side-a wolf driven by dominance and the belief that fate bends to his will. Ava, a spirited 22-year-old woman, wants nothing to do with the supernatural world, let alone a forced union. But when her family's debt places her in Darius's path, she is left with no choice but to agree to his terms. Caught in the intricate web of power struggles, ancient myths, and the raw heat of a forced love that ignites between them, Ava soon realizes that her destiny may be tied to secrets hidden in the depths of Darius's world.
Chapter One: A Deal with the Devil
Ava stood in the corner of the lavish ballroom, feeling as though the air around her grew heavier with each passing second. She didn't belong here, not among the glittering chandeliers, silk gowns, and polished shoes that clicked against the marble floor.
The guests were wolves-every last one of them. She could feel it in the way they moved, in the quiet hum of their voices that seemed to resonate in a language her human ears couldn't fully understand. Ava didn't care to understand, not when her heart was pounding like a war drum in her chest.
She shouldn't have come.
But the sight of her father, shoulders hunched under the weight of his gambling debts, was enough to keep her rooted to the floor. He had begged her to come. Pleaded, even. The shame in his eyes had been unbearable.
"Do this for the family," he'd said. "We don't have another choice."
And now, here she was, a lamb in a den of wolves.
"Miss Harper."
The deep voice cut through the din of the room, sharp as a blade. Ava turned slowly, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end.
He was standing there, a silhouette of power and arrogance in a tailored black suit that clung to his broad shoulders like a second skin. Darius Blackwood.
The man-the Alpha-who had summoned her here.
At thirty-six, Darius was the epitome of untouchable wealth and dominance. His dark hair was perfectly groomed, and his piercing gray eyes seemed to strip away every layer of her defenses. Ava fought the urge to shrink under his gaze, but her defiance only seemed to amuse him.
"I see you received my invitation," he said, his lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"It wasn't much of an invitation," Ava said, her voice sharp despite the trembling in her chest. "More like an order."
His smile widened, revealing a hint of teeth. "Semantics. You're here, aren't you?"
Her fists clenched at her sides, but she forced herself to stay calm. "What do you want from me?"
Darius took a step closer, his presence suffocating. The air seemed to ripple with his power, a tangible force that made her knees weak.
"Your father owes me a great deal of money," he said, his voice low and smooth. "And unlike him, I don't gamble. I expect payment."
"I don't have any money," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He tilted his head, studying her as though she were a puzzle he was trying to solve. "I'm not asking for money, Ava."
Her breath hitched. The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine.
"Then what are you asking for?" she asked, though part of her already knew the answer.
Darius stepped closer still, until the scent of his cologne-a heady mix of cedar and smoke-wrapped around her. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear as he spoke.
"You."
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa's life took a drastic turn when, suffering from memory loss, she wed to Dominic Carter under her grandfather's mysterious arrangement. But their marriage was a facade, bringing her only humiliation and heartache as Dominic showed no love, and she couldn't conceive. Upon discovering Dominic's infidelity, Alessia sought liberation through divorce. Yet, fate had more in store for her. Five years later, spurred by an anonymous email hinting at her lost child's whereabouts, she returns to the city with her twin babies in tow, determined to uncover the truth. As she navigates the tangled web of her past, a surprising twist awaits. Dominic, upon meeting her again, finds himself drawn to the woman she has become, unaware of her true identity as his former wife. Little does he know, the woman he's falling for is not only his ex-wife but also a powerful Doctor and Master Hacker.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!
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."
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogul—her success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husband’s entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "I’m out of your league."