"The thing they don't understand about us, Emmalee, is that we're bound by more than fate-we're bound by fire, by scars that only recognize each other, and by a love that rages against all reason. We are the storm no one can control. I am yours, and you are mine, in a way that no law, no enemy, or force on this earth could ever break." **** The only thing more dangerous than an Alpha is a rogue seeking revenge. Emmalee Dravensworth has always been in love with Romain, the boy her parents raised as a servant, yet her life takes a dark turn when she's forced to marry Soren Cimmerian. Their love is put on hold by forces stronger than them both, but after fifteen years of torment, Romain returns, more dangerous than ever, and he has only one goal-revenge. Secrets, lies, and betrayal come to a head in a battle for power, love, and survival. Emmalee must choose between loyalty to her family and the undeniable pull of her heart. But can love survive when the world around them crumbles? Can Emmalee reclaim her heart and her life before it's too late?
Emmalee
"Look!" Trudy, our maid, exclaims. "The Cimmerians have arrived! Come, Emmalee. Don't you want to take a first look at your husband-to-be?"
I put my pencil down, and sigh before rolling out of bed. Trudy and Nadine are standing by the window of my bedroom, peering out at it with a bright look in their eyes. I squeeze between them and do the same.
The huge SUVs are parked right beneath my window. A uniformed Gamma opens the door for Alpha Denver, who's Soren's father. Soren is my fiancé. We've never met before-this will be the first time we'll be seeing each other. I'm nervous, yes, but not excited.
I don't want to marry Soren.
I don't want to be a Cimmerian.
"He'll be out at any moment," Trudy comments. Alpha Denver steps out of the car, and he's followed by a young man with dark hair and pale skin. Nadine and Trudy squeal with excitement and even high-five each other.
This has to be Soren.
He's looking around as if everything displeases him, but he's handsome enough, I guess. Trudy and Nadine shove me back and forth while telling me how handsome my fiancé is and how happy they are for me, and when I don't show the same enthusiasm, Trudy asks me, "Now, what's the long face for?"
I shrug, and she slaps the back of my head. I exclaim, "Ow! What was that for?"
"You better show your parents that you're happy about your fiancé! Arranged marriages have always been a part of werewolf tradition, and you're the daughter of an Alpha, so you're no different. What's the matter with you? Why aren't you happy!?"
Before I can come up with an excuse, there's a knock on the door. All three of us turn away from the window the second the door opens, and standing by the door is the reason why I'm not excited about marrying Soren.
Romain.
His gaze flickers between the three of us, and he then clears his throat and says, "Emmalee, your father wants you downstairs."
"Our father!" Trudy corrects. "The Alpha is your father, too, Romain. Don't you forget that! And why would you open the door without waiting for permission? What if Emmalee was naked? What is wrong with you kids!?"
She heads toward the door while dragging me with her, and Nadine laughs at her grumpiness. Romain and I make eye contact, and his cheeks color while he stiffens. I'm pretty sure he's uncomfortable because Trudy had to go ahead and mention me being naked. He follows us while I'm dragged downstairs, to where Soren and his family are waiting.
My father hears us approaching and turns around to look at me. He pastes a smile on his face and beckons me forward with a quick wave of his hand. My heart is galloping behind my ribcage, and my parents put some space between them to allow me to squeeze between them. My father's hand rests on my shoulder while he says, "Alpha Denver, Soren, this is my daughter Emmalee."
My eyes are on the floor, but I slowly raise my gaze to meet Soren's eyes. As predicted, I feel nothing when we make eye contact. Thank the goddess; at least he's not my mate. He doesn't seem as excited about me either, so that's a relief. Or maybe I'm just projecting, and I don't want him to care for me. I wish he'd tell his father that he finds me ugly or something so they can leave.
What are the chances of that happening?
"Welcome to our pack, White Mane," I say to them in a steady voice. My mother has been coaching me to say these things since I learned of this engagement. "We're very pleased to have you here."
Luna Ana smiles at me. "We're happy to be here, darling Emmalee. Oh, but you're so beautiful! Isn't she gorgeous, Soren?"
His face colors, and so does mine, and our parents have the audacity to laugh at us. Perhaps I'd take this whole thing more seriously if they didn't treat us like we weren't eighteen.
"I think we should let them get to know each other," my father suggests. "Emmalee, why don't you show Soren the grounds? Alpha Denver, Luna Ana, would you like to step into my office?"
I make my way to Soren's side, force a small smile, and he follows me to the front door. However, before we reach it, I lock eyes with Romain, who's standing near the door with his arms folded, and my heart skips a beat. His gaze moves swiftly from me to Soren, and then they return to my face.
My mouth feels very dry all of a sudden, and I'm aware that I can't stay here. Without saying a word to Romain, I walk past him, and Soren follows me.
Once we're outside, he asks me, "Who's that guy?"
I'm shocked by the fact that he asked me this. This is the first thing he's said to me, and he's asking me about Romain. I tuck my hair behind my ear and go with the standard response, which is the one my parents taught me to say. "He's my brother."
"Brother?" Soren echoes. "I thought you only had one brother. Cade, right?"
"Oh, Romain grew up with us, so he's like a brother to me," I claim. But even as I utter the words, I feel terrible. Does one fall in love with their brother? Do other sisters fantasize about being kissed by them?
No, Romain isn't my brother. But that's what we're expected to be, and even he sees me as a sister. He's never treated me as anything more than that.
"So he's not your brother?" Soren asks, sounding confused.
"He's kind of my brother," I explain.
"But he's the one who opened the gate for us?" he says. "Why is he treated like an employee if he's kind of your brother?"
I change the subject quickly and start showing him around. Soren doesn't say much, and I can tell right away that he's not interested in any of this. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong, but at the same time, I can't make myself seem more enthusiastic than this.
Amelia George is given an irresistible offer. Devon Tyler, her brother's best friend and her old crush, offers her the opportunity of a lifetime. A favor for a favor. His offer is simple enough. He needs a name, a single name. The only problem is she'll have to infiltrate the formidable Keller Family and get close and personal with the boss, the condescending Damien Keller. She doesn't expect her life to change so drastically, nor for her ruthless boss to fall in love with her. Desperate, she uses his love for her to extract the information she needs, but everything comes tumbling down when a secret is uncovered that ruins everything.
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
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.
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
The day Raina gave birth should have been the happiest of her life. Instead, it became her worst nightmare. Moments after delivering their twins, Alexander shattered her heart-divorcing her and forcing her to sign away custody of their son, Liam. With nothing but betrayal and heartbreak to her name, Raina disappeared, raising their daughter, Ava, on her own.Years later, fate comes knocking when Liam falls gravely ill. Desperate to save his son, Alexander is forced to seek out the one person he once cast aside. Alexander finds himself face to face with the woman he underestimated, pleading for a second chance-not just for himself, but for their son. But Raina is no longer the same broken woman who once loved him.No longer the woman he left behind. She has carved out a new life-one built on strength, wealth, and a long-buried legacy she expected to uncover.Raina has spent years learning to live without him.The question is... Will she risk reopening old wounds to save the son she never got to love? or has Alexander lost her forever?
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."
After three secretive years of marriage, Eliana never met her enigmatic husband until she was served with divorce papers and learned of his extravagant pursuit of another. She snapped back to reality and secured a divorce. Thereafter, Eliana unveiled her various personas: an esteemed doctor, legendary secret agent, master hacker, celebrated designer, adept race car driver, and distinguished scientist. As her diverse talents became known, her ex-husband was consumed by remorse. Desperately, he pleaded, "Eliana, give me another chance! All my properties, even my life, are yours."