Liora Callaguan's life completely changes when her daughter Orla is unjustly taken from her, and the man responsible walks free. Once a devoted baker, wife, and mother, Liora's grief transforms into a relentless pursuit of justice. Determined to confront her child's killer, Liora's actions lead to her imprisonment. Behind bars, she encounters others who share her pain, and together, they unravel a mysterious case, finding healing along the way. Can Liora navigate this new path and rediscover hope amidst this tragedy?
Liora Callaghan's life brimmed with the kind of contentment she had once only dreamed of. After enduring the heartache of two failed pregnancies, the arrival of her daughter, Orla, felt like a miracle. At six years old, Orla embodied every ounce of joy Liora had yearned for-a radiant child with bright eyes that reflected her boundless curiosity and a laugh that could melt the coldest of days.
Their home, a sprawling suburban mansion tucked away in the embrace of tall pines, stood as a testament to the life Liora and Alaric had built together. It wasn't just the grandeur of the architecture or the manicured lawns that made it special, but the warmth within its walls, a warmth cultivated by love, resilience, and shared dreams.
Alaric Callaghan, her husband of twelve years, was more than the head of Cortex Systems, a titan in the tech industry. To Liora, he was a steadfast partner, a man who somehow managed to balance the high-stakes demands of his career with the tender role of fatherhood. It wasn't uncommon for Alaric to spend his evenings explaining the intricacies of the latest technological breakthrough to a captivated Orla, only to switch seamlessly into reading her a bedtime story. His ability to navigate these two worlds with such grace left Liora in a quiet awe.
Liora's own journey had been one of rediscovering herself after years of uncertainty. Her exceptional baking skills, honed over countless hours in the kitchen, had evolved from a personal solace into a celebrated craft. What began as a therapeutic outlet during her most trying times had transformed into something far greater. Neighbors clamored for her pastries, and her name began to circulate beyond their community. It was not just her talent but the love and intention behind every creation that made her work stand out.
Today was a milestone for her-a recognition of that passion and hard work. She had been invited to conduct a prestigious baking class in a neighboring city, a moment that felt both surreal and deeply validating. As she carefully folded her favorite apron into her suitcase alongside her cherished utensils and secret recipes, excitement bubbled beneath the surface. This was more than a professional engagement; it was a reminder of how far she had come.
The morning light poured through the kitchen windows, casting a golden hue over the breakfast table where Liora shared a meal with her family before departing. Orla sat cross-legged on her chair, her face alight with curiosity as she peppered Liora with questions about the class. "Will you teach them how to make the chocolate cake?" she asked, her tone laced with admiration.
"Maybe," Liora replied with a smile, smoothing a strand of Orla's hair, admiring the ribbon that matches her dress. "But no one makes it quite like you and I do, sweetheart."
Across the table, Alaric chuckled. "That's because she's your best apprentice," he said, his voice filled with pride. His hand brushed against Liora's as he added softly, "You'll be amazing. Don't worry about a thing here. We've got this."
Liora nodded, though a familiar twinge of worry tugged at her. Leaving Orla, even for a short time, never came easily. Still, she trusted Alaric implicitly. He had always been an anchor, steady and reliable, no matter the storm.
As she stepped into the bustling airport, her suitcase trailing behind her, Liora allowed herself a moment of reflection. The energy of the terminal-filled with hurried travelers, overlapping announcements, and the occasional burst of laughter, felt distant, as if she were cocooned in her own thoughts. This opportunity was a significant one, a chance to share her craft and connect with others who shared her passion. And yet, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered reminders of home.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar vibration of her phone. Alaric's name lit up the screen, and she answered with a smile, expecting a casual check-in. Instead, the tremor in his voice immediately set her on edge.
"Liora," he began, a note of urgency creeping in. "It's Orla. Her temperature is high, and I can't find her medicine."
Liora's heart tightened. Memories of a previous incident surged forward-a simple fever that had spiraled into a harrowing ordeal. The image of Orla's flushed cheeks, her small frame trembling with chills, haunted her even now.
"It's in the kitchen," she said, her voice steady despite the rising panic within her. "Second drawer by the right."
There was a pause, then the sound of a drawer sliding open. Relief flooded Alaric's tone as he replied, "Got it. Thanks. Don't worry, love. I'll take care of her. Safe flight."
Despite his reassurances, Liora couldn't shake the unease that settled in her chest. She tried to rationalize it-children fell ill all the time, and Alaric was more than capable of handling the situation. But maternal instincts were not so easily quelled.
Minutes ticked by as she sat in the waiting area, her suitcase at her feet. The vibrant hum of the airport faded into a blur, replaced by the persistent rhythm of her heartbeat. Unable to resist, she dialed Alaric again, the phone pressed tightly to her ear.
One ring.
Two.
Three.
The call went unanswered.
Liora's chest tightened. She tried again and again, the silence on the other end amplifying her growing panic. What if Orla's fever had worsened? What if Alaric needed help and couldn't reach out? Her mind raced through every possible scenario, each one more alarming than the last.
The decision came swiftly, her priorities crystal clear. She abandoned her travel plans without a second thought, her suitcase forgotten as she made her way to the nearest exit. Flagging down a taxi, she climbed in, her voice urgent as she gave the driver her address.
As the car pulled into traffic, Liora's thoughts swirled in a chaotic tempest. She could picture Orla, her vibrant energy dimmed by illness, and Alaric, his usual calm demeanor fraying under the pressure. The idea of being miles away while they faced this alone was unbearable.
The city blurred past the window, its noise and movement a marked difference to the clarity of Liora's conviction. Her mind replayed the image of Orla as a newborn, her tiny fingers curling around Liora's thumb, her fragile form a reminder of the preciousness of life. No recognition, no professional milestone, could compare to the well-being of her child.
Her grip tightened on the edge of her seat belt as the taxi turned onto the familiar tree-lined street of their neighborhood. Relief mingled with anticipation as their home came into view, its welcoming facade a beacon of solace.
She rehearsed her steps in her mind-the words of comfort she would offer, the practical measures she would take to bring Orla's fever down. Liora's heart pounded as the taxi rolled to a stop in front of the house.
In a world where survival means surrender, Daisy's life is shattered when she' is sold into a human trafficking ring by her stepfather. Abused, starved, and forgotten, she is left to fade into the shadows until Lorenzo, a ruthless mafia boss, buys her as a possession. His cruelty is unmatched, yet beneath his cold control, she begins to see a hint of something darker and more dangerous. When Viktor, a rival obsessed with destroying Lorenzo, seizes Daisy, her life takes a turn for the worse. Beaten and broken, she loses hope, praying for an end. But Lorenzo will stop at nothing to save her, and in the process, he discovers that what he feels for her is more than just ownership. As Daisy faces the aftermath of Viktor's abuse, she's torn between the man who owns her and the one who might finally save her, but healing isn't easy, and their tangled bond may be their only hope in a world built on pain. Will they survive the darkness that threatens to tear them apart, or will it consume them both?
Lila's life takes a shocking turn when she's adopted into a loving family, only to discover that she's the last of a powerful werewolf bloodline, with untapped abilities she never knew she had. As she approaches her eighteenth birthday, her powers begin to awaken-and with them, hidden enemies emerge. Among them is Jace, her trusted protector, who hides a dark ambition of his own, and Delilah, a rival who has bewitched Lila's true mate. As danger encircles her and the threat to the kingdom grows, Lila embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past, discover her true strength, and reclaim her destiny. But with her mate under a spell and an army of rogue wolves at Jace's command, Lila must face betrayal, harness her newfound powers, and stand as the kingdom's last hope. Will Lila conquer the forces against her and protect her throne-or will her enemies seize the power she was born to wield?
Sawyer, the world's top arms dealer, stunned everyone by falling for Maren—the worthless girl no one respected. People scoffed. Why chase a useless pretty face? But when powerful elites began gathering around her, jaws dropped. "She's not even married to him yet—already cashing in on his power?" they assumed. Curious eyes dug into Maren's past... only to find she was a scientific genius, a world-renowned medical expert, and heiress to a mafia empire. Later, Sawyer posted online. "My wife treats me like the enemy. Any advice?"
They don't know I'm a girl. They all look at me and see a boy. A prince. Their kind purchase humans like me for their lustful desires. And, when they stormed into our kingdom to buy my sister, I intervened to protect her. I made them take me too. The plan was to escape with my sister whenever we found a chance. How was I to know our prison would be the most fortified place in their kingdom? I was supposed to be on the sidelines. The one they had no real use for. The one they never meant to buy. But then, the most important person in their savage land-their ruthless beast king-took an interest in the "pretty little prince." How do we survive in this brutal kingdom, where everyone hates our kind and shows us no mercy? And how does someone, with a secret like mine, become a lust slave? . AUTHOR'S NOTE. This is a dark romance-dark, mature content. Highly rated 18+ Expect triggers, expect hardcore. If you're a seasoned reader of this genre, looking for something different, prepared to go in blindly not knowing what to expect at every turn, but eager to know more anyway, then dive in! . From the author of the international bestselling book: "The Alpha King's Hated Slave."
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.