Maddison Holt, the youngest and only female alpha in North America, took her father's place after his death and her mother's illness. She's always believed a mate would be a weakness. However, her mate is the killer who slaughtered her father. Jay Pierce, the most feared alpha in history, is the devil himself-handsome but merciless. Maddison wants nothing to do with him, but he intends to make her submit. A power struggle where only one rule exists: one of them must yield. The war between Maddison and Jay begins.
Chapter 01
My mother used to tell me that I was always destined for greatness, that I was special. I always thought that was just her being my mother, making me feel good about myself. I never really thought it would actually be true. I learned that this was true when my father died in a war against the vampires and other wolves. When my father died, my mother became weak-too weak to rule a pack as luna. Since I am their only child, I was put into the alpha position at age fourteen. Not only was I the first female alpha in that pack, but I was also the youngest alpha ever.
When the news of my father's death reached us, it felt like the earth had shattered beneath my feet. I wasn't prepared for the responsibility. I wasn't ready to take over. But there I was, forced into a leadership role I never asked for, holding the weight of our pack on my shoulders.
The pack adjusted, but I knew deep down they didn't fully respect me. They never did. To them, I was just a girl. But I tried to prove them wrong every day, showing them that I was capable, that I could lead them even though I didn't feel ready.
Today, I am turning sixteen, meaning I am able to find my mate. The whole pack is ecstatic, but I am not. I don't want a mate. Not because I don't want to lose my position-I don't want to leave my mother, nor my pack. This is my home, and I know having a mate will cause me to uproot and leave. I couldn't do that. I saw firsthand what having a mate does to you. My mother was nearly destroyed when my father died. I couldn't go through that.
The thought of bonding with someone, of losing them the way my mother lost my father, fills me with a deep, paralyzing fear. It's a fear I can't shake, no matter how much I try to ignore it. I push the thought away and try to focus on the day ahead, but it lingers in the back of my mind like a shadow I can't escape.
"Alpha, we need you to hurry up and come down for your party," a young pup says with an excited gleam in her beautiful auburn eyes.
Her voice snaps me out of my thoughts, and I manage to give her a small smile. "I'll be down in a few minutes," I say, my tone soft yet firm.
Her blonde curls bounce as she grins and skips out of my office. I watch her for a moment, my chest tightening. The innocence of youth, the joy in her face, makes me long for simpler days, when everything wasn't so complicated. I long for a time before responsibility and grief took over my life.
I sigh softly before I exit the lonely office that once belonged to my father, and his father, and so on. The office feels cold, empty-nothing like the warm, bustling space it used to be when my father was still here. As I make my way down the long corridors of our home, the house feels eerily silent. The walls seem to whisper, memories of a time when it was filled with laughter and the presence of those I loved.
I stop in front of my mother's door. She's usually here, resting in her room. But today, her absence makes me uneasy. My mother has never left her room, not since my father's death. I push the door open, hoping to find her there, but the room is empty. The bed is perfectly made, the windows open just a crack to let in the cool breeze, but there's no sign of her.
Panic quickly rises in my chest. Where could she have gone? It's unlike her to leave her sanctuary. I run my fingers through my hair in frustration, the worry eating away at me. I search the room, opening drawers and cabinets, hoping to find some clue as to her whereabouts. But there's nothing.
A cold chill runs down my spine. What if something happened to her? What if she's sick again? My heart races as I force myself to calm down. I can't lose her, not now. Not when everything is already so complicated.
I rush out of her room and down the stairs, my footsteps echoing in the silence. I reach the bottom of the grand staircase, and I stop in my tracks. The entire lower floor is eerily quiet, empty. No pack members. No sounds of life. The house feels like a hollow shell, stripped of its energy and purpose.
Confusion swirls in my mind as I glance around, unsure of where to go next. My thoughts race, wondering where everyone is. It doesn't make sense. My pack should be preparing for my birthday celebration-why isn't anyone here?
Before I can take another step, the front doors burst open, and the silence is shattered. Suddenly, my pack members appear from every direction-bursting out of hidden corners, rushing down from the upper floors, and stepping out from behind furniture. They all yell in unison, "Surprise!"
I stumble back, completely caught off guard. The sheer volume of people and their enthusiasm overwhelms me. A mix of emotions floods my chest-relief, confusion, and even a little frustration. I had no idea they were planning this. I had no idea anyone cared enough to throw me a party. I quickly mask my surprise with a practiced smile, but I can't help but feel a pang of resentment for the whole thing.
The sight of all the faces smiling at me, their eyes shining with excitement, only makes my heart ache. I'm not prepared for this. I wasn't ready to celebrate. I wasn't ready to face the reality that I'm growing older, that I'm supposed to find my mate, that everything is changing.
My mother's absence lingers in my thoughts, making the celebration feel hollow. Where is she? Why isn't she here?
"Alpha," a voice calls from the crowd. I turn to see one of my closest friends, a young warrior named Lara, pushing her way through the throng. Her face is beaming, and she holds a small box wrapped in silver paper. "This is for you," she says, offering it to me with a grin.
I take the box, not sure how to react. "Thank you, Lara," I murmur, my voice quieter than I intend.
She doesn't seem to notice my unease. "Open it! We've all been waiting for you to see it."
I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. With a deep breath, I carefully tear the wrapping off, revealing a delicate silver bracelet inside. It's beautiful, simple but elegant. A gift fit for an alpha.
My fingers trace the intricate designs on the bracelet as Lara watches, her eyes full of anticipation. I smile, though it feels forced. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
Lara's grin widens. "It's meant to remind you of your strength, Alpha. You've done so much for the pack. We're lucky to have you."
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. My mind drifts back to my mother, to the pain in her eyes when she talks about my father. I try to push those thoughts away, but they refuse to leave. I'm supposed to be happy, to enjoy my birthday, to celebrate with my pack. But all I can think about is what's to come-the future, the unknown, the fear of losing everything I've worked so hard to protect.
And as I glance at the people surrounding me, I realize that no matter how hard I try, I can never escape the weight of my destiny. I can never escape the future that's been set in motion.
She was barely twenty years old when her heart was shattered by the man she thought she could love, a man who, out of spite and a thirst for revenge, left her in pain. He hated her for a crime she didn't commit, a crime she didn't even know about. The pain was unbearable, the betrayal devastating. Five years later, Ana was no longer the fragile, vulnerable young woman she once was. She had grown, matured, and built a strength she never knew she had back then. Life had changed her; she no longer believed in love or the goodness of men. She had learned not to let her emotions control her. Yet, when Devin reappeared, her balance faltered. He had returned, determined to finish what he hadn't been able to do before: his revenge. His dark, cold eyes exuded an icy hostility, but Ana knew he was no longer the man he once was. The Devin of today was more cynical, more ruthless. Still, she couldn't ignore the lingering attraction she had always felt for him. Devin, for his part, bore the scars of a life marked by betrayal and pain. Since the age of fourteen, revenge had become his only obsession. Fate had driven him to hate the daughter of the man who had destroyed his family. But when he crossed Ana's gaze again, he realized that the war he had waged against her could destroy both of them. Could their love be possible, or would the past be too heavy to bear?
Bronte was the beloved girl of everyone, always smiling and full of life. Her popularity made her an essential person in everyone's eyes. Yet, there was one exception: Blake. This arrogant bad boy, with his messy hair and piercing gaze, didn't even seem to notice her. But that was before her parents went to Africa. Forced to leave for several weeks, they entrusted Bronte to Blake. Upon her arrival, Bronte felt like an intruder in his world. Their first interactions were cold, marked by endless pranks and arguments that never seemed to end. Yet, behind Blake's attitude, Bronte sensed something deeper, a secret he hid carefully. Over the days, their relationship slowly began to change. Despite the provocations and tensions, an attraction started to form between them. Blake couldn't admit it, but it was clear that Bronte was no longer just the neighbor.
"Look at yourself in the mirror, little bun. You're still shivering under my touch, so excited, so pitiful..." His voice was low, teasing, as he stroked her cheek, his fingers trailing down to her trembling neck. "Let go of me, you bastard!" She struggled, trying to twist away, her hands pushing against his chest. "What did you do to the divorce paper?!" He smirked, not even flinching at her resistance. "It wasn't a divorce paper, baby." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "I changed the contract." Her eyes widened, confusion flashing in her gaze. "What do you mean-?" "In the end," he whispered, "you belong to me, and only me." His fingers brushed over her lips as he held her in place, savoring her resistance, knowing all too well how much she wanted to escape. But it didn't matter. She was already his, and the paper proved it. There was no going back now.
He swept my sweat-drenched hair off my neck, pressing his lips against my ear. His hot breath made me shiver, and every vibration of his voice left me breathless. "You're not the first to try to seduce me," he whispered, his warm breath grazing my skin. "But you're my favorite." His eyes locked with mine, piercing and intense, before he slowly pulled me away. I watched him take my red lace thong, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. A wave of desire overwhelmed me, mixed with a strange sense of defeat. I hadn't expected this, nor the palpable tension that had settled between us. And now, I'm an intern for Cole, the writer of the steamiest novels I've ever read. All of this is more real, more intense, and most of all, more dangerous than I could have ever imagined.
Jack had just arrived in town, a cold breeze following him, signaling the arrival of winter. The first snowflakes danced in the air, covering the streets with a white blanket. Summer, on the other hand, hated this season. Every year, she dreaded the cold, the gray skies, and the early darkness. But that day, something changed. When he walked into her café, an unusual shiver ran down her spine. The man with silver hair and icy blue eyes, as cold as the winter sea, seemed to bring a breath of fresh air with him. But there was something else, something captivating in his presence, a mystery that Summer didn't yet understand. Jack, with his calm, frosty demeanor, knew how to bring the chill, almost as if he could make the air feel sharper. Yet, soon, she would discover that beneath that apparent coldness, he had the power to ignite a fire inside her. A fire she never imagined could exist.
She loved her husband. She gave him everything, without hesitation, offering her heart, her soul, and her dreams. But he was nothing but a receiver, never a giver. He took without ever giving back, feeding off her affection and sacrifices. He was selfish, and every gesture she made for him seemed like a mere formality to satisfy his needs. He was never there for her, except when it served him. The only things he offered were confusion. He gave her empty promises, sweet words that rang hollow. He offered manipulation, ideals disguised as his "undeniable love," but in reality, he only loved one person: himself. She adored him, but he saw in her nothing more than a tool to fill his inner emptiness. He had invaded her mind to the point where, when he proposed an open relationship, he made her believe it was her idea, seducing her with subtle words. She wanted to believe him, convincing herself that it was a step of compromise, a sacrifice for the love he claimed to have for her. But deep down, she knew it wasn't what she wanted. She wanted him, and only him. He wanted her, and all the others he could get, all those who would feed his insatiable need for power and domination. But all of that changed when Tobias Wrexler entered their lives. His intense gaze, his silent yet powerful presence, brought a turning point in her life. The shadow of her husband suddenly seemed far less threatening in the light that Tobias brought.
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”
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."
The dream of everyone with regards to marriage is to be able to find that special someone and settle down with them. Even arranged marriages grant you an opportunity to meet your partner briefly before the wedding. How will you feel about waking up in the morning with someone sleeping next to you who is not just anyone but your legally married partner yet with no memory of how that had happened in just a few hours of going out the previous day? This is the story of Jason Haward and Julia Harrison, two strangers trapped in a marriage they never planned. The quest to find out why led to the unfolding of a mystery which made them realize they are both living a lie. To find out more, read this amazing story of love, betrayal, revenge and murder.