Saige has been running from her past for two long years, always on the lookout for a place where she can finally be safe. She's a survivor of domestic violence and her experience has made it impossible for her to trust anyone. One day, when she's least expecting it, she meets an alpha wolf shifter, who seems to be everything she ever wanted. Rich, handsome, and powerful, he appears to be the knight in shining armor that Saige has always dreamed of. But soon enough, she realizes that he's a monster in disguise, and her nightmare only gets worse. Saige thinks she's doomed to suffer forever, until she meets three mysterious men who have dark secrets of their own. With their help, Saige begins to feel safe for the first time in years, and she starts to believe that she can finally outrun her past. But as they journey together, Saige and her protectors soon realize that their troubles are far from over. They are being hunted by a dangerous enemy, and their survival depends on their ability to fight back. As Saige fights to stay alive, she must confront her demons and come to terms with her painful past. Only then can she truly begin to heal and find the happiness she's been searching for all along.
Saige's [POV]
TWO YEARS AGO
Eighteen.
It's not a big number, but it's an important one.
At least to me.
Stinging rain lashes me, making me shiver. It soaks the front of my blue and white striped dress, a uniform so clean I've never been able to work out why it's necessary in a place as sticky as the Stationers Diner.
If today wasn't today, I might find it in me to care about the grief I'll get for serving customers looking like I went for a dive in my clothes. But today is different. Special. Even if the sky is the same murky blue as it is on any other Wednesday afternoon.
I eye the unlit cigarette in my hand, looking just as soggy as my grayish-white tennis shoes, then hurl it away, aiming for a small puddle a few feet away. It nearly makes it but falls short. Again.Poor guy. Instead, it joins its drowned brothers and sisters from the time before and the time before that.
Just this last shift and I get to celebrate receiving the only birthday present I've wanted since Mom closed her eyes when I was six, and no amount of crying and pleading made her open them again.
Freedom.
The only way to get extra breaks in the diner is if you smoke, so I pretend I do too. It's a perk of having a smoker for a boss that I'm happy to take full advantage of. When he's out of cigarettes, it's less of a perk and more of a keep your head down and try not to breathe too loud in case it attracts his attention situation. Nicotine withdrawal, I've learned, is no fucking joke.
I bum a smoke from Oliver, the always greasy-smelling short-order cook in this hole-in-the-wall diner, who has never thought to ask if I'm old enough before he hands one over in exchange for a smile. He's harmless, so I don't mind.
Then I have a two-minute reprieve from the customers, and three minutes in the bathroom to cover up the bruises on my arms and face because the makeup never lasts an entire shift. When I noticed a woman on table six looking at my right cheek a little too long, I knew it was time for a smoke break.
I step out of the kitchen doorway so the rain hits me full in the face. Tipping my head up, I squeeze my eyes tightly shut, so it slides down my face like tears. It's just a little too cold to be refreshing, but I've always liked how it makes me feel. Clean.
Four more hours and I can collect my paycheck, run home to get the rest of the money I've been tucking away over the years and start the hunt for an apartment.
Landlords won't exactly be queuing up to rent to a just-turned-eighteen-year-old with no references, so I'll have to find one that's a little less fussy than-
"Saige! Where the fuck is she?"
My eyes snap open at the half-garbled yell from behind me.
Shit. Dad.
Spinning around, I rush inside, already knowing it's too late when I glimpse a straggly-haired blond guy, Geoff, my boss, on the other side of the counter shoving a dark-haired, blue-eyed man in a stained gray t-shirt and jeans open at the fly away from the cash register.
"She owes me money," Dad screams as he stumbles back, nearly going down from Geoff's hard shove.
Geoff might spend more time smoking or stuffing burgers into his mouth than he does in a gym, the belly that touches the cash register even when he's standing two steps away from it, is proof of that. But he's surprisingly strong for such a flabby guy.
I don't bother arguing with Dad about who owes whom money. It would just be a waste of time.
Guess my last hiding spot was just too damn good.
That or he's too damn drunk to look further than the end of his nose.
"Dad, come on." I head toward him, already knowing I won't have a job waiting for me once I return from taking him home. Not after the last time he decided to pay me a visit at work. Or the time before that.
It's not the first job to end this way, but now I'm eighteen and an adult in the eyes of the world, it will be the last. Finally.
All I can hope is that Geoff will pay me for my last few days, unlike some of my past bosses, who acted like they'd never seen me before when I went back to collect what they owed me.
Keeping my focus on Dad and not on the customers I feel staring, I close my hand around his arm and tug. "Let's get you-"
His blow knocks me off my feet.
I crash into a table with a grunt, the edge hitting like a punch to the gut before I bounce off it. Someone gasps. Not me. I don't have any breath left in me to do more than wheeze.
Sugar, or is it salt? Whatever it is goes flying as ketchup from someone's plate of fries smears all over the front of my dress.
I collapse to the floor, hugging my belly as a dull throbbing heat blooms on the right side of my face.
Geoff is talking, trying to get Dad to leave, but it's as if his voice is coming from a million miles away. I feel numb as I lay on the cold floor staring at the speckled, white plasticky linoleum that I mop every night, fighting to hold back my tears.
Get up, Saige. You just have to hold it together for a little while longer.
What birthday would be complete without a smack in the face in front of a diner full of people?
Feel sorry for yourself later. Get up. Now.
I'm pushing myself to my feet when the front door swings open and a pair of pristine black leather shoes enter the very edge of my vision. "I'm looking for-"
The rich, male voice, full of easy confidence I don't hear often, especially in this shitty part of the city, stops so suddenly that it distracts me from my humiliation.
I lift my head.
My eyes clash with the dark-haired man in an expensive suit at the door. I look at him and I'm amazed he even sees plain, Saige Leo with the drunk for a dad, long dark hair that doesn't know whether it's curly or straight, and blue eyes that are just as confused about whether they're blue or gray.
But he sees me. This man with perfectly styled wavy brown-black hair, and crystal-clear blue eyes that shine like the facet of a gem. Flawless. A catlike smile of satisfaction stretches across his lips, straight white teeth even brighter set against olive-gold skin.
For a second, his eyes shift from blue to silvery gray, and it feels like an animal is staring back at me, but then he blinks and his eyes are that clear blue again.
Must've just been seeing things.
As he stalks toward me, I forget to breathe.
I'm conscious Dad is screaming about needing cash, but only distantly, as if it's happening in another room and not right behind me. But it doesn't seem important. Not with this perfect man striding closer as if the only thing he sees is me.
Or it isn't important until Dad's hand grips the back of my neck. Probably getting ready to hit me again. I brace myself for it, scrunching into myself. But the blow never lands.
"Take your hand off her.Now." The well-dressed stranger's voice is a whip so cold and hard that I flinch.
He might be wearing a smart navy suit-tailored judging by how well it fits him-but with his powerful shoulders and the fierce burn in his eyes, only an idiot would think of taking him on. I'd put him at twenty-five, so at the peak of his physical fitness.
Dad rips his hand away faster than I believed he could move.
Less than a foot away from me, the stranger halts, stretching a large hand out toward me. Silver glints at his wrist, drawing my gaze for a second. The name stamped on the watch's face screams that this guy has money to burn. Seriousmoney. Who else could afford a Rolex?
"You belong with me," he says when I don't move to take his hand. "Don't you feel it?"
I don't understand what he's talking about, so I shake my head no.
"Mate," he murmurs, dropping into a crouch in front of me, his voice low. He seems happy to ignore the silent diners and the fact I have ketchup smeared all over the front of my dress and my chin. "My heart."
Is this a dream, or a fairytale come to life?
"But I don't know you," I tell him, when my pain subsides enough that I can speak, wishing it were true with every bone in my body.
His next smile is so radiant that my heart aches with it. "You will." His gaze darts over my shoulder to where Dad must be and his expression hardens. "You'll never suffer like that again. I swear it."
I cling to the belief that I belong to this beautiful man who says I'm his, desperate to believe he's here to save me.
But he could be anyone.
My eyes search his for any sign he's a predator and I'm about to become prey.
I don't see it.
As if he knows what I'm thinking, a faint smile curves his full lower lip. "There's a coffee shop across the road. Do you know it?"
The big chain coffee shop is where anyone with more than two coins to rub together goes for frothy coffee. That person is never me. I nod.
"We can sit right beside the big window while we wait out the rain. I didn't think to bring an umbrella with me."
My eyes go to his expensive coat and watch.
What were you even doing here?
He reads my mind once again. "My car broke down. Come." The next time he offers me his hand, I take it and he pulls me to my feet as if I'm made of air.
I'm not thin, since I've got too much of a tummy for that. So he shouldn't find it that easy to pull me up with such ease. Yet he does.
He tucks me close beside him, smelling of expensive leather and safety as he leads me away from the diner.
"Saige!" Dad snarls, sounding like he's moving toward me. "Come back here or-"
The man swings back around. "You put your hands on her. Keep talking and I'll put my hands on you." His voice is soft with his threat. "You don't want that."
I turn in time to see Dad shrink back, terror sobering him up fast.
He's defending me. Against Dad. When was the last time that ever happened?
Never, Saige. It's never happened.
After a moment, the man turns back around. His strong hand grips the door handle and swings it open, revealing the rain hasn't slowed even a little. He lowers his gaze to mine. "What's your name?"
I glance up at him. "Saige. Saige Leo"
Pleasure fills his eyes. "Saige Leo, beautiful name. I'm Rylan. How do you feel about me buying you a coffee on such a miserable day?"
It suddenly isn't feeling miserable anymore. But he's still a stranger, so I try to sound more cautious than eager. "Just a coffee?"
He nods. "Just a coffee. And we'll talk."
"About what?"
It's as if he doesn't even notice the ketchup drying on my chin when he smiles at me. "Whatever you want."
"You called me your mate before. Maybe we could talk about that."
He slips out of his expensive-looking suit jacket and drapes it around my shoulders before he leads me out into the rain. "Yes, maybe we could."
I never look back.
Not once.
Jackson King, the Alpha King, is desperate to secure his legacy and save his pack from extinction. He needs a surrogate to carry his child, and he's willing to pay handsomely for it. However, his chosen candidate, Layla Carlisle, a half-human and half-wolf, refuses his offer. Despite her initial rejection, Jackson is determined to make her change her mind, using any means necessary. As he struggles with his own darkness and the demands of his beast, Cain, Jackson must confront the consequences of his own cursed fate and the truth about his mate. Will Layla eventually agree to carry his child, or will Jackson's secrets and lies tear them apart?
Blue Learley, a bright and adventurous seventeen-year-old girl, lived a peaceful life in a small town with her loving parents and two protective brothers. Her days were filled with laughter, friendship, and dreams of a future filled with promise. But on one fateful night, her life took a devastating turn. Demetrius Easton, the ruthless and feared werewolf king, laid eyes on her, and his obsession was ignited. With a single glance, Blue became the object of Demetrius's unrelenting desire, and he would stop at nothing to claim her as his bride. But what should have been a nightmare scenario became a harsh reality when her own parents, blinded by greed and fear, betrayed her trust and sold her to the merciless werewolf king. With no escape from the clutches of Demetrius's unyielding grasp, Blue found herself trapped in a world of ancient traditions, dark magic, and unbridled power. Her once-peaceful life was now a distant memory, replaced by the constant terror of being at the mercy of a monster. With no one to turn to for help, Blue must rely on her own resilience and determination to survive the unrelenting forces that seek to consume her. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of Demetrius's kingdom, Blue will discover hidden strengths, unexpected allies, and the true depths of her own courage. But will it be enough to overcome the darkness that threatens to engulf her, or will she become just another pawn in the werewolf king's sinister game of power and control?
Sometimes, escaping the life you've known becomes a tempting salvation. That's the choice that Nate, an ex-band member grappling with a harrowing heroin addiction, makes when he opts to start anew on an island. His journey of recovery takes an unexpected twist when Abby, a woman also escaping her tumultuous past, enters the scene. Six years prior, the gruesome murder of Abby's mother and Abby's own brutal assault caught the nation's attention. While the two could not be more different, they find a compelling bond growing between them as Abby sees Nate's struggles and decides to lend a hand. Despite this newfound connection, Nate's world is rooted in Los Angeles, while Abby's cannot dare return to the mainland. With this difficult circumstance hanging over their heads, they find themselves faced with a significant question - Can they possibly nurture their sprouting romance despite their varying pasts and present realities?
THIS IS A COMPILATION OF ALL MY EROTICA BOOKS Within the shadowy realm of desires untold and the echoes of illicit whispers, an exciting universe awaits the brave of heart. Welcome to the provoking collection of erotica, where every page will thrill, chill, and provoke all manner of responses you never thought literature could invoke. Delicate yet defiant, carnal yet spiritual, the power of sensual human connections reign supreme in these scribed records. Tucked away within the passionate folds of this compendium, lovers transgress boundaries and consummate their unions in secret places, reveling in the rapturous exchange of emotional intensity, delicate beauty, and voluptuous fervor. In these explicit narrations, relationships unfurl themselves in an evocative symphony of words, bold and fearless.
In a quiet town lies a striking, successful surgeon, Cole Becker. A man so enticing he captures the attention of every woman he meets. Admired for his impeccable looks, bustling medical career and his enchanting son, Cole's life seems the very embodiment of perfection. However, despite all his achievements, there is an empty spot in his life longing to be filled - the need for a loving woman. Allie O'Keefe, the new girl next door, couldn't help but notice her enchanting neighbor. As an innocent and pure 24-year-old fleeing from the hectic city life, the allure of a simple life next to the alluring doctor becomes increasingly irresistible. Allie, oblivious of the depths and layers hidden behind Cole's charismatic façade, gets lured into his captivating world. As the spark between them begins to kindle, Allie gradually becomes aware of Cole's haunting secrets, causing an unforeseen storm in their emerging romance. Despite the intensity of their blossoming relationship, Cole's obscure past becomes an imminent threat. With their love story hanging in the balance, the question arises - can love overcome the dark and unsaid mysteries of one's past or is it destined to fall apart?
Wealthy businessman Aiden Walker spirals into a dark abyss following a catastrophic plane crash that claims his beloved family. He sheds his opulent lifestyle and seeks solitude within the four walls of his vast Savannah mansion. However, his sanctuary isn't immune to external torment, as he becomes the target of a ruinous lawsuit by a bereaved family who lost their son in the same tragic event. Caught in her family's web of indifference following her brother's untimely demise in the same crash, Lexa Patterson, a dedicated ER nurse, stumbles upon the forlorn billionaire under unforeseen circumstances. As Aiden stumbles into her ER after a drunken bike accident, Lexa is struck by the vulnerable side of this influential tycoon. Ignoring ethical boundaries, Lexa decides to delve deeper into the tormented world of the reclusive Aiden Walker. In an intoxicating game of passion and lies, Lexa treads a perilous path by concealing her true identity. An unexpected connection blooms amidst grief and despair, as Aiden and Lexa seek solace in each other's company. But how long can Lexa keep her true identity veiled? Will their newfound love stand the test of truth or shatter under the weight of their secrets? Veil of Lies: A High Stakes Affair weaves a captivating narrative around fate's twisted games, insatiable grief, and the desperate search for love and solace.
She was a world-renowned divine doctor, the CEO of a publicly traded company, the most formidable female mercenary, and a top-tier tech genius. Marissa, a titan with a plethora of secret identities, had hidden her true stature to marry a seemingly impoverished young man. However, on the eve of their wedding, her fiance, who was actually the lost heir to a wealthy dynasty, called off the engagement and subjected her to degradation and mockery. Upon the revelation of her concealed identities, her ex-fiance was left stunned and desperately pleaded for her forgiveness. Standing protectively before Marissa, an incredibly influential and fearsome magnate declared, "This is my wife. Who would dare try to claim her?"
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?”
Loraine was a dutiful wife to Marco since they got married three years ago. However, he treated her like trash. Nothing she did softened his heart. One day, Loraine got fed up with it all. She asked him for a divorce and left him to enjoy with his mistress. The elites looked at her like she was deranged. "Are you out of your mind? Why are you so willing to divorce him?" "It's because I need to return home to get a billion-dollar fortune. Besides, I don't love him anymore," Loraine replied with a smile. They all laughed at her. Some believed that the divorce affected her mentally. It wasn't until the next day that they realized she wasn't fibbing. A woman was suddenly declared the world's youngest female billionaire. It turned out to be Loraine! Marco was shocked to the bone. When he met his ex-wife again, she was a changed person. A group of handsome young men surrounded her. She was smiling at them all. The sight made Marco's heart ache severely. Putting his pride aside, he tried to win her back. "Hello, love. I see that you are a billionaire now. You shouldn't be with suckers who just want your money. How about you come back to me? I'm a billionaire too. Together, we can build a strong empire. What do you say?" Loraine squinted at her ex-husband with her lips curled in disgust.
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
"Please trust me, I didn't do anything." "I don't believe you. I am rejecting you as my Queen and giving you the punishment of death." Alina was living outside her pack for five years. Her parents didn't try to contact her and always ignored her. Her best friend convinced her to go back to their pack and she agreed. But she had never imagined what was waiting there for her. She never thought she would meet her mate and had to face betrayal from everywhere. She had to pay for the crime which she never committed. Aaron Robertson is the king of Lycans. He is a very dominant and powerful King who not only rules Lycans but also rules other ranks of werewolves. Everyone is afraid of Lycans and he is the king of them. But who knew that he would get a mate who was just a simple Omega with no powers and strengths? He called her weak all the time but little did he know that his weak Omega would give him the biggest betrayal of his life for which he had to give her the sentence of death.
"Ahh!" She was in a moaning mess. She did not want to feel anything for this man. She hated him. His hands began to move all over her body. She gasped when he pulled down the back chain of her dress. The chain stopped at her lower waist, so when he zipped it off, her upper back and waist were exposed. "D-Don't touch m-ummm!" His fingers rolled around her bare back, and she pressed her head against the pillow. His touches were giving her goosebumps all over her body. With a deep angry voice, he whispered in her ear, "I am going to make you forget his touches, kisses, and everything. Every time you touch another man, you will only think of me." - - - Ava Adler was a nerdy omega. People bullied her because they thought she was ugly and unattractive. But Ava secretly loved the bad boy, Ian Dawson. He was the future Alpha of the Mystic Shadow Pack. However, he doesn't give a damn about rules and laws, as he only likes to play around with girls. Ava was unaware of Ian's arrogance until her fate intertwined with his. He neglected her and hurt her deeply. What would happen when Ava turned out to be a beautiful girl who could win over any boy, and Ian looked back and regretted his decisions? What if she had a secret identity that she had yet to discover? What if the tables turned and Ian begged her not to leave him?