When Selene Alder finds her fated mate, she thinks she's finally found love and safety-until she walks in on him with her best friend. Heartbroken and betrayed, she's cast aside not only as a mate but as a bride, discarded like she was nothing. Her ex, Alaric Davenhart, is next in line to inherit a powerful werewolf legacy from his mysterious, reclusive uncle, Cassian Davenhart-a man long rumored to be gay, childless, and uninterested in the throne. What Alaric doesn't know is that Cassian and Selene crossed paths years ago... and fate has a cruel sense of humor. When Cassian unexpectedly returns to the city, fate throws Selene into his orbit again-only this time, one drunken, passionate night changes everything. She tries to leave the night behind... until two pink lines on a test turn her world upside down. Now pregnant with the true heir to the Davenhart legacy, Selene must protect her unborn child from the wrath of a jealous ex and a world that wasn't ready for her strength. As Cassian slowly uncovers the truth-about Selene, about his nephew, and about his own heart-they both realize their connection runs deeper than blood or fate. But with betrayal, inheritance wars, and dark secrets threatening everything, will love be enough to protect what truly matters?
Aria's POV
The cold bites at my cheeks as I walk out of the mall, my arms full-one bag with takeout food balanced carefully in my left hand, the other with a small, velvet box tucked neatly inside a white glossy jewelry bag. A cab should be just outside the lot, but the sidewalks are slick, and I take each step slowly.
Saturday evenings used to be my favorite. They used to mean warmth. Movie nights. Long showers and quiet thoughts. But not tonight. Tonight, everything feels... off.
I pull my coat tighter around me, exhaling into the cold. My breath clouds the air in front of me as I search my phone screen for Marla's texts.
Still nothing.
Delivered. No read.
The last thing I said was "Should I bring you some spring rolls? I know you crave them when you're stressed lol."
No response. No little dots. No blue checkmarks. Nothing.
It's weird.
Marla never ghosts me, not on weekends-especially not with my wedding coming up in just one week. She's my maid of honor. She should be with me right now, helping me pick earrings or arguing over lipstick shades. Not... missing.
I glance up at the street. The cabs are lined, but something in me resists. My gut itches with that sixth sense wolves get when something isn't right. I don't know if it's the cold, or my instincts-or maybe the way the wind carries a certain tension-but I decide right there not to go home.
I'm going to Marla's.
The ride is quiet. The driver doesn't speak, and neither do I. I just watch the lights blur past the window as we move through the city.
The farther we get, the heavier the silence in the cab grows.
And when we finally pull up outside her place-a two-floor, cozy brick house tucked into a corner street-I notice the porch lights are on. That's not unusual. What is unusual... is the fact that the front door is slightly ajar.
I frown.
"Wait here," I say to the driver as I step out.
I walk up the path slowly, heels clicking against stone. There's music coming from inside-loud, rhythmic, something sensual. The type of beat that curls into your skin and stays there.
"Marla?" I call lightly, knocking on the already open door. "Girl, you alive in there? I texted you like ten times."
Still nothing. No footsteps. Just the beat of the music... and faint laughter.
I step inside.
Her house smells like jasmine candles and caramel, familiar and warm, but tonight it carries something else... something heavy. I set my food bag on the table near the entry and push the door shut behind me with my foot.
The living room is empty.
But the laughter-soft, low, feminine-is floating down the hallway, teasing me. I chuckle.
"Ohh? Marla has company tonight?" I say under my breath with a grin, walking slowly down the hallway.
That would explain her not answering.
But then I stop.
There's a shoe in the hallway. A man's shoe. Black leather. Designer. Expensive.
My heart doesn't sink. Not yet. It sort of pauses... like it's waiting for confirmation of what it already suspects.
"Damn, Marla," I mutter, laughing softly. "You really ghosted me for some man-meat? Who is he? Is he hot?"
No answer. The music's louder now, and I catch the shadow of flickering lights under the bedroom door. The hallway's long, but the closer I get, the slower I move. Not out of fear. No. Something else.
A sound reaches my ears that stops me cold.
A man's voice.
Low.
Rough.
Familiar.
Too familiar.
His voice.
I freeze in place, still holding the jewelry bag, my fingers now trembling.
That couldn't be him. No. He wouldn't be-
Marla's voice rises, sultry and breathless.
"Let me give you what she can't."
I don't even breathe.
I stare at the bedroom door-slightly ajar-open just enough to peek in.
And I do.
My eyes land on a scene I'll never be able to erase from my memory.
Marla.
Straddling him.
Hands gripping his shoulders.
Her head thrown back.
And him-his back facing me, broad and unmistakably familiar. He laughs, dark and lazy, before flipping her over with one powerful motion, her giggle echoing off the walls.
I don't need to see his face.
I know that back.
I know that voice.
I know that lazy, confident laugh.
He groans. "Fuck, Marla... you feel too good."
Marla moans louder. "Alaric..."
And that was it.
My soul fractures.
The man I was supposed to marry.
My mate.
In my best friend's bed.
"Does your uncle know you've been with me?" she asked him while moaning and he scoffed, "Uncle Cassian isn't my father, he doesn't have to know my whereabouts. Plus, he just got back to the city again after years of being away, he is a huge catch for us, my love." Alaric responded and I felt my stomach twist.
~~
The hallway spins. The air leaves my lungs so fast I don't even realize I've stepped backward until my heel taps the wall behind me.
But I don't scream.
I don't barge in.
I don't throw the door open and ruin the moment the way they ruined me.
No.
I leave.
I walk out as quietly as I came.
Down the hallway.
Past the man's shoe.
Past the food I brought.
Back out into the cold, where the silence feels safer than their moans ever could.
Outside, I stare up at the moon-bright, full, indifferent.
I don't cry.
Not yet.
I just whisper to the night sky, voice shaking, "He was never mine."
My cab was still waiting for me and I went in, resting my head on the headrest as the tears streamed down my face.
Was that seriously Marla on Alaric?
How could he even do that? With my own best friend?
Why did he mention his uncle being a huge catch for him?
What exactly is going on?
To strengthen the alliance between two powerful mafia families, Isabella and Luca are forced into an arranged marriage. Their families, long-time friends and allies in the complex world of organized crime, hope this union will solidify their bond and secure their futures. However, Isabella and Luca have always been rivals, their competitive nature and constant clashes well-known to both families. Initially distrustful and resentful of each other, they must live under the same roof to present a united front. As they navigate the dangerous and treacherous world of organized crime, they are forced to confront their differences and the simmering tension between them. Amidst power struggles, betrayal, and looming threats from outside forces, Isabella and Luca discover that their shared fate might be more intertwined than they ever imagined.
In a world filled with darkness, danger, and hidden secrets, Becca finds herself caught in a treacherous web of deceit. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled with the notorious Mafia. On the night of her engagement with her fiancé, Kai, she is forcefully kidnapped by him. Kai, knowing the deep affection Becca's father harbors for her, takes her as a bargaining chip to confront her own father. As Becca grapples with the sudden realization of her father's involvement, she is faced with a life-altering decision. In order to secure her father's safety, she must agree to a deal proposed by Kai, sacrificing her own freedom. The deal stipulates that Becca must spend 120 days under the Mafia's protection, but it comes with a dangerous catch. During this time, she must become Kai's plaything, subjecting herself to the enigmatic and alluring man who holds her fate in his hands. Despite the imminent risks, an undeniable allure draws Becca closer to the captivating yet mysterious Kai. Will Becca emerge from this harrowing experience unscathed, or will she ultimately become a prisoner to her own desires? Only time will tell as the intricate dance between love, loyalty, and survival begins.
In the bustling corporate world, where power and ambition reign, Emily Collins finds herself caught in the grip of an impossible predicament. As an efficient and dedicated employee, she has learned to navigate the challenging waters of her workplace, facing demanding deadlines and ambitious colleagues. But there is one person who makes her life especially difficult-the infuriatingly rude and condescending CEO, Logan Gregory. From the moment they crossed paths, it was clear that Logan had a penchant for making Emily's life a living hell. His sharp tongue and constant criticism became a daily routine that she couldn't escape. Yet, despite his abrasive demeanor, Emily's unwavering determination remained untouched. But everything changes when a sudden turn of events forces Emily and Logan to work closely together. Forced to collaborate on a high-stakes project, they find themselves entangled in a professional alliance that demands trust, teamwork, and the igniting of dormant emotions. As Emily delves deeper into Logan's world, she uncovers layers of complexity hidden beneath his rough exterior. Their constant clashes evolve into a fiery chemistry that both intrigues and frightens her. Burdened by the realization that she might be falling for her infuriating boss, Emily must navigate the thin line between love and professionalism, risking everything she has worked for.
Zyra had always been an outcast, despised by everyone in her pack for her parents' sacrifice. Her dear ones had died while saving a stranger who was wolfless and mateless, leaving Zyra alone and isolated. Despite her kindness and helpful nature, she was constantly bullied and enslaved by her pack mates, living in a constant state of fear and isolation. One fateful night, Zyra's life took a dramatic turn. She was discovered by Marcus, the powerful Lycan King, who saw the pain and potential in her. Taking her in, Marcus brought Zyra into his pack, where she was welcomed and loved by the pack members. Under his care, she flourished, finding a family and a home. Marcus claimed her as his mate, and she became the revered Lycan Princess. But peace was short-lived. Alpha Cade, a rival pack leader, burned with a desire for revenge. Zyra had once been part of his pack, and he saw her as rightfully his. The loss of Zyra to Marcus fueled his anger, and he vowed to get her back, no matter the cost. As tensions between the packs simmered, Zyra found herself caught between her past and her present, with her heart and loyalty divided. The threat of Cade's vengeance loomed over her new life, and the battle for her freedom and her heart was about to begin.
"You need to get a lady pregnant!!" Aurelio Dad's loud voice rang in his head and he slowly put down the magazine he had used to cover his face giving his dad a questioning look. "Dad... excuse me?" he replied clearly shocked by his dad words. "you should know by now that your grandpa doesn't want things to end in a generation, he likes his things ongoing from generations to generations and in this case you're demanding for power.. that is what you need to get it from the both of us" His father replied leaving him shocked again. "Since when did the both of you start this.. off course getting a lady pregnant isn't bad or hard, I can" Aurelio replied with an appealing look. His dad scoffed at his reply, his facial expression showed he was ready. "This is not just to get a random lady pregnant, a lady that you'd raise your child with!, a Lady you'd be sure you can leave with!" he demanded as Aurelio rolled his eyes, he was wide-eyed "Seriously all these Dad? just because of what!!" Aurelio groaned aloud throwing the magazine in his hands away. "No more words, your grandpa and I already agreed to it" His dad said before he left his room. **** Aurelio Bertram, a 24 years old handsome billionaire, Grandson of a mob boss and the son of a highly recognized business man in the City, and for Aurelio..he is the combination of both but was temporarily nothing. His family happened to be one of the most feared and respected family in the city. Just when he had thought of taking his revenge on one of his childhood rival and an enemy to his family, and to go for one of a huge party event, his dad and Grandpa weren't ready to allow him but since he was of age to take over their family business, he put a condition that Aurelio must get a Lady that'd get him a child to be a heir to him but it didn't go as expected. Aurelio Bertram is known as a Man whore in his family and he thought it'd be easy to fulfill his task but no, this time no single Lady got pregnant after weeks and months until he met, Erica James, A middle class hotel waitress, she's simple, has a very good body shape that'd make men drool over her. Her parents left her since highschool since she didn't further her educations for her own reasons, they believed nothing good would come out of her. But then after one night Aurelio spent with her, she became pregnant and thought of running away with the pregnancy out of shame but how would she run away with the All powerful Aurelio Bertram's Child...?? A child that would be his heir?!... "Even in the woods I'd find you Babycakes, from now on know you belong to me and all that has to do with you and my baby" Aurelio said to her ears sending shivers all over her.
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."
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
"Never let anyone treat you like shit!" I learned that the hard way. For three years, I lived with my in-laws. They didn't treat me as their son-in-law but as a slave. I put up with everything because of my wife, Yolanda Lambert. She was the light of my life. Unfortunately, my whole world came crashing down the day I caught my wife cheating on me. I have never been so heartbroken. To have my revenge, I revealed my true identity. I was none other than Liam Hoffman—the heir of a family with trillions of dollars in assets! The Lamberts were utterly shocked after the big reveal. They realized what fools they had been for treating me like trash. My wife even knelt down and begged for my forgiveness. What do you think I did? Did I take her back or made her suffer? Find out!
Iris grew from an orphaned child to the adopted daughter of the Stewart family at age ten, finding warmth in her nominal uncle Vincent's kindness. Seven years later, she became his secret lover. When Vincent's engagement was announced, gossip spread about the notorious playboy CEO finally settling down. But only Iris knew the extent of his cold, two-faced nature. Iris fell for Vincent and, through tears, begged, "Marry me," only to be met with his frosty refusal. Defeated, she accepted a lawyer's proposal, sparking public excitement. Then, on her wedding day, Vincent pleaded desperately, "Don't marry him…"
When Corynn mustered up the courage to tell Elliot about her pregnancy, she unexpectedly found him gallantly helping another woman from his car. Her heart sank as three years of effort to secure his love crumbled before her eyes, compelling her to leave him behind. Three years later, life had taken Corynn down a new path with someone else, while Elliot was left grappling with regret. Seizing a moment of vulnerability, he pleaded, "Corynn, let's get married." Shaking her head with a faint smile, Corynn gently replied, "Sorry, I'm already engaged."
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"