"You can't kill me, Princess." He smirked. "You can't, because I won't let you and deep down, you don't want to. " I wanted nothing more than to wipe that stupid smirk from his stupidly gorgeous face. "Oh, I can and I will. Don't test me, Rogue," I growled, pushing my knife harder into his chest. He leaned even closer, and my heartbeat raced at the scent of him. "You won't because you are my mate." *** Her Highness Amber Rousseaux is a princess by day, and a rogue hunter by night. She lives for her pack, and that means eliminating it from the plague of rogues. But when she stumbles upon Drew Bronimir, the Alpha of the Rogues, who just happens to be her mate, she's faced with the impossible question: fate and desire, or her duty?
Amber
"You must choose a husband today, Amber. Our pack and kingdom are depending on you."
For the third time today, my mother uttered those words, and I was sick of hearing them. This day was supposed to be a grand occasion-the day I found my husband. Yet, unlike every other werewolf princess before me, I dreaded it.
"Be sure to smile, Amber," my mother added in her usual formal tone. "A princess must always look pleasant."
I mouthed her words mockingly as she turned away, careful to keep my expression neutral. I respected my title, but moments like these made it difficult to endure. Still, I forced a practiced smile and braced myself as the corset tightened around my torso.
"And remember to tread lightly. Your steps are too heavy for a princess," she said, her chuckle devoid of warmth. "You do attend your dance lessons, don't you, Amber?"
"I do, Mother," I replied, struggling to mask my irritation.
But I chose the wrong moment to let my tone sharpen because, in the next second, she yanked on the corset strings mercilessly. A sharp breath rushed past my lips as my chest was hoisted upright, exactly as she wanted.
"Good." She looked pleased, adjusting a curl over my shoulder. "Finding a husband is crucial tonight. You are of age now, and your father grows weaker by the day."
"Of course." I swallowed hard, shoving aside my own desires.
My father, King Sebastian of Consok, the true Alpha of our pack, had not been himself for years. The servants whispered that his illness was due to age, but I knew better. It was grief that had worn him down.
Unlike most kingdoms, my parents had never arranged a marriage for me at birth. There was no prince waiting for me, no predetermined fate. Instead, I was given the responsibility of choosing my own husband when I came of age.
Any hope of finding my fated mate had disappeared the moment I understood my duty. It was a fantasy I had long since abandoned.
My wolf growled in discontent, more restless than usual. Something about tonight unsettled her, but I forced the feeling aside.
"Chin up, Amber. And why do you look so flushed?" My mother jerked my head sideways, applying more blush to my cheeks.
She always insisted on doing it herself, unsatisfied with the work of any maid. I grabbed the brush from her hand before she could turn me into a walking tomato. "I think that's enough."
She glanced at the clock, its hands striking eight. Offering her hand, she said, "Shall we?"
"We shall," I muttered, placing my hand in hers as she led me toward the ballroom.
From the top of the stairs, the ballroom was a breathtaking sight. White ribbons adorned the grand space, golden lights flickering atop each table. Blooming white flowers lined the edges, and the polished marble floor reflected every shimmering detail.
As my gaze swept across the crowd, I spotted my father, and my heart swelled at the sight of him.
Dressed in his crisp royal suit, his black hair streaked with dignified strands of gray, he carried himself with unwavering poise. To the outside world, he remained the strong and noble Alpha King Sebastian. No one knew the truth of his declining condition, and until his health failed completely, we would continue to maintain the illusion.
I curtsied when he met me at the base of the stairs. He was my light in this world, and every day, it killed me to see that light fading.
"You look beautiful, darling," he said warmly, kissing both of my cheeks.
"Thank you. How are you feeling?"
He looped his arm through mine, walking slowly as I supported his faltering steps. "I'm fine, my dear. You worry too much."
I stopped and turned to him, my eyes pleading. "But I must, Dad. Your well-being is my happiness."
He gave me a small, knowing smile before resuming our walk. "And may I ask where you were last night?"
I swallowed hard. How did he know? No one in the palace ever caught me sneaking out.
"I went for a walk," I lied smoothly. "I was restless about tonight's ball."
He nodded, seeming to accept my excuse-or at least deciding not to press further.
"Forgive me for intruding, Your Majesty," a deep voice interrupted. We turned to see a familiar figure stepping forward. "But may I have the honor of your daughter's company, Alpha Sebastian?"
"Of course, Duke Derulo," my father replied with a nod before disappearing into the crowd.
Despite knowing Alpha Nathan Derulo all my life, nerves fluttered in my stomach. Tonight, our conversation might steer toward something far more serious-marriage.
He would make a fine husband, but was that truly what I wanted?
I dipped into a polite curtsy before he took my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "You look breathtaking, Princess Amber."
"Thank you, Alpha. You don't look too bad yourself," I replied out of courtesy, though I had to admit he was handsome.
Nathan's black hair contrasted perfectly with his olive-toned skin, and his green eyes were captivating. His easy smile had once made my sixteen-year-old self swoon.
"May I have this dance?" he asked, offering his hand.
"You may."
As the music swelled, he guided me across the floor, his grip firm but gentle. He sensed my unease, and I trusted him enough to follow his lead.
Then, I caught a scent.
My wolf stirred violently, a growl threatening to break free. My chest tightened as I inhaled again. It was unfamiliar. Not a scent from my pack, nor any of the guest packs.
A rogue.
Fury flared within me. How dare a rogue step foot into my ball? He had to be either incredibly foolish or suicidal.
Yet, what unsettled me most was my own reaction to the scent-the way my body responded in a way I didn't understand.
"Is everything alright, Amber?" Nathan's voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts.
"I'm fine," I lied. "Just dizzy from the spinning."
"We can stop if you'd like."
"No, I can manage."
He tilted my chin up. "Just focus on me."
I nodded, but my mother's approving smile from across the room made me uneasy. She liked Nathan. He was alpha-blooded, and in her eyes, he was a fitting choice.
"Would you believe me if I said you are the most exquisite woman here?" he murmured.
I scoffed lightly. "Do not tease, Nathan. There are many beautiful women here."
"I do not tease. You are the most beautiful, and I mean that."
His tone carried the authority of an alpha, and I knew this was the moment. If he desired me as his Luna, he would make it clear now.
"And may I ask, what else is your heart telling you?" I probed.
He smirked knowingly. "I will not dance around it, Amber. I have wanted you as my wife and chosen mate for years."
I inhaled sharply. "Y-you have?"
"Of course," he said, leading me off the dance floor. "How could I know someone as remarkable as you and not desire to have you forever? That is-if you'll have me."
Reality crashed over me. Nathan, my childhood friend, was asking for my hand in marriage.
If I accepted, I would have to abandon rogue hunting. I would become a wife, a queen, and a Luna. My life would no longer be my own.
Panic surged in my chest. "I need some air."
I bolted for the balcony, inhaling deep, steadying breaths. But no matter how much I tried to calm myself, I couldn't ignore the suffocating weight of my duty.
I had to accept. I was the only living heir. I had no choice.
Resolving myself, I turned back toward the ballroom.
Then, that scent hit me again.
Stronger this time.
My knees buckled, my breath caught in my throat. A presence loomed behind me, and before I could move, cold fingers brushed my hair away from my ear.
A deep, silken voice sent shivers down my spine. "Hello, Princess. May I have this dance?"
The Most Powerful Man In The Russian Mafia Died Eight Years Ago, And Everything Has Been Chaos Since. Valentin Dominik Was The Very Cause Of This, With His Cruel, Heartless Uprising Of Schemes And Crimes. With No One Brave Enough To Challenge Him, He Thought He Was The Only King. What He Doesn't Expect, Is For The 'Alleged' Heir Of The Former Mafia King To Do Just That, With Her Claims Of Having A Right Way Of Running A Mafia. And When Their Paths Cross, Everything Changes.
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Does life have to be so complicated? Zoey didn't think so, that is, until she receives a certain letter. When Zoey initiated her first shift on her 18th birthday, her life took a bizarre turn for what seemed like the better and the worst. She learnt something about herself that had been dangling over her head all her life, but she never understood until that moment. She vowed to learn the whole truth but she couldn't do it all alone, which left her at a dead end once again. Coincidentally not long after, she learns that her mate was the Alpha of the Truemoon Pack who automatically took a promiscuous adoration towards her. Niall helps his lost mate through all possible challenges and mountains, just so she could find those missing fragments about herself and be happy. But when she finds out the truth, will she be?
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One mansion on the coast. One man. One woman. And something she thought could have never been. And it all started with what some might say was an ill-fated kidnapping. Every villain has a story; and his? Well, it captured her heart.
My name is Roxy Gilbert and I'm apart of The Silent Moon Pack. When I was two years old, we were attacked by a stronger and more powerful pack. They took our home, our people, our land and our dignity... And I'm getting it back. *** Roxy and her twin brother, Aiden, have been training their whole lives to go undercover as spies in the pack that overthrew them. Their aim is to figure out the pack's weak spots, get enough information as possible about them, and attack when they least expect it. What Roxy doesn't know is that her mate was the new Alpha of that very pack, which leaves her torn between betraying her pack or her mate. Who will she choose? Let the tests of trust, love and loyalty begin....
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.
Everyone was shocked to the bones when the news of Rupert Benton's engagement broke out. It was surprising because the lucky girl was said to be a plain Jane, who grew up in the countryside and had nothing to her name. One evening, she showed up at a banquet, stunning everyone present. "Wow, she's so beautiful!" All the men drooled, and the women got so jealous. What they didn't know was that this so-called country girl was actually an heiress to a billion-dollar empire. It wasn't long before her secrets came to light one after the other. The elites couldn't stop talking about her. "Holy smokes! So, her father is the richest man in the world?" "She's also that excellent, but mysterious designer who many people adore! Who would have guessed?" Nonetheless, people thought that Rupert didn't love her. But they were in for another surprise. Rupert released a statement, silencing all the naysayers. "I'm very much in love with my beautiful fiancee. We will be getting married soon." Two questions were on everyone's minds: "Why did she hide her identity? And why was Rupert in love with her all of a sudden?"
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It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mistake of falling in love with Kristopher. When the time came that she needed him the most, her husband was in the company of another woman. Enough was enough. Carrie chose to divorce Kristopher and move on with her life. Only when she left did Kristopher realize how important she was to him. In the face of his ex-wife’s countless admirers, Kristopher offered her 20 million dollars and proposed a new deal. “Let’s get married again.”
Natalie used to think she could melt Connor’s icy heart, but she was sorely mistaken. When at last she decided to leave, she discovered that she was pregnant. Even so, she chose to quietly leave his world, prompting Connor to mobilize all of his resources and expand his business to a global scale—all in a bid to find her. But there was no trace of Natalie. Connor slowly spiraled into madness, turning the city upside down and leaving chaos in his wake. Natalie finally surfaced years later, with wealth and power of her own, only to find herself entangled with Connor once again.
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”