I knew it wasn't the case because I heard a deep, possessive voice say, "You're mine, chicken." At first, I wanted to yell at him for trying to steal my chicken, but as I realized who it was, I froze. He was talking to me. My eyes widened, and I almost choked as I stared at Izaiha, my soulmate. Right there, in the middle of our little argument over the last piece of chicken, such a ridiculous moment... and yet so me, I felt the awkwardness wash over me-a piece of chicken in my mouth, a wave of shame, and my eyes locked with his, so intense. But it was him, the son of the alpha wolf kings, my soulmate. Him, the prince of the pack, the one who seemed capable of conquering the world with a single glance. And I, Lainey Knight, daughter of the demon king and queen. This was no ordinary fate. This wasn't just a chance meeting. It was the bond the legends whispered about, the one that would unite the realms of demons and wolves. But I wasn't ready. Not yet. And yet, standing in front of him, I knew everything was about to change. Forever.
Chapter 01
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to Alessandra, happy birthday to you!" Everyone from the pack sings, their voices full of warmth and cheer.
"Make a wish, Ale!" Someone shouts from the crowd, their voice almost drowned out by the laughter and applause.
Alessandra smiles as she stands in front of the cake, the soft glow of the candles flickering in her eyes. She closes her eyes for a moment, her lips parting as she thinks, then blows out the candles in one swift puff. The crowd erupts into cheers, and I can't help but smile. It's her day, but I'm more focused on something else.
Now, where was that buffet? Oh, that's right! I scan the room for the long table filled with all sorts of food. My eyes immediately lock onto the sticky chicken wings, glistening in all their messy, mouth-watering glory. I lick my lips, already imagining the flavor as I make my way toward the table.
Clearly, chicken is the only thing on my mind tonight.
I grab a piece, the skin sticky and glistening with sauce. I take a bite, my eyes rolling back in bliss. This is the life. The crispy edges contrast perfectly with the tender meat, and I feel like I've just discovered heaven on a plate. There's nothing else I want right now but this plate of wings.
I lean against the table, balancing myself with one hand, my free one continuously reaching for more of the delicious wings. I glance over to where Alessandra is dancing with Dad. Her long, dark hair sways as she moves in time with the music, laughing at something Dad says. Her smile is radiant, and for a moment, I feel a tug of envy. It's her day, and she's got everyone's attention. Still, I can't be bothered with that. The chicken is calling me.
Then, without warning, the ground beneath me shifts. My feet slip, and I feel myself falling backward. In a panic, I whirl around to catch myself. The pile of wings and food in front of me trembles and tips over, sending a cascade of food flying in all directions. I grab onto the edge of the table, but it's too late.
Before I know it, I'm lying on the ground, face-first in a mess of chicken wings, hot dogs, and scattered sweets. My heart skips a beat as I look at the disaster I've caused. The wings, the glorious wings, are covered in dirt. I nearly cry at the sight. Those were my wings, and now they're ruined!
I wince, the mess covering my arms and hands, making everything sticky. Standing up, I clutch a few wings in my arms as if they're some sacred treasure.
"Are you okay, Lainey? I can clean it up for you," a voice calls from behind me.
I turn around to see one of the pack members looking concerned. "Please clean it up before Mum finds out," I beg, hoping that he'll get the urgency of the situation.
He nods and whistles, and three teenagers come running over, eager to help. "We need to clean this up as soon as possible," he says, and they nod enthusiastically, starting to pick up the scattered food. I watch, feeling both guilty and relieved. At least someone's doing the dirty work.
"Thanks," I mumble, still clutching the chicken wings in my arms, despite the fact that they're now covered in dirt. It doesn't matter; nothing will keep me from these wings. This is chicken heaven, and I'm determined to savor every bite.
"Lainey, why do you have chicken wings in your arms?" Mira's voice interrupts my chicken-induced bliss.
I freeze, halfway through taking a bite from my third wing. I look up at her, sheepish. "Um... you see..." I scratch the back of my head, unsure of how to explain. "I was leaning on the table, and it kind of fell over. So, I grabbed as many chicken wings as I could."
Mira raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Lainey!" she exclaims.
"What?" I reply, defensive. "It's not my fault! They were so tempting, sitting there, just waiting for me to eat them."
She huffs, crossing her arms. "You and your chicken," she mutters.
I sigh dreamily. "I know. It's like the universe made those wings just for me."
She rolls her eyes. "You know the chicken was for others, too, Lainey. It's Alessandra's birthday."
I let out a dramatic sigh, looking back at Alessandra who is still twirling around the dance floor, completely oblivious to my wing disaster. "Mum and Dad obviously put them there because of me!" I declare, the justification a little too weak even for me.
Mira's eyes narrow, clearly not buying it. "Today's about Ale, so I'm sure they wouldn't do that," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Whatever," I grumble, not willing to admit that I'm wrong.
"It's not whatever," Mira insists, her tone a little more serious. "I could tell Mum about this, you know."
I immediately freeze, my heart skipping a beat. I turn to her with wide eyes, panic setting in. "Don't do it, Mira! You know Mum!"
She smirks, clearly enjoying this. "I won't tell, if you give me a chicken wing."
My eyes widen in disbelief. "W-what? NO! How could you ask such a thing?" I clutch my chicken wings tighter, pulling them away from her grasp.
She tilts her head, her smirk widening. "Oh, look, Mum's over there," she says, pointing over my shoulder.
Before I can react, I whirl around, horrified. In my panic, I shove the entire handful of chicken wings into her arms. "There! Happy?" I mutter, defeated.
Mira laughs, clearly pleased with herself as she holds onto the wings. "Much better."
I glance around the room, making sure Mum didn't see anything, but luckily, she's still busy chatting with some of the other pack members. Relieved, I take a deep breath.
"Next time, just wait until the food is properly served," Mira teases as she munches on one of the wings I'd reluctantly handed over.
I roll my eyes. "Yeah, right. Like I can resist when there's chicken involved."
"Clearly, you can't."
I cross my arms, watching Alessandra and Dad from across the room as they continue to dance. I feel a little guilty for the mess I've caused, but at least the food is still being cleaned up. I grab another chicken wing, determined to enjoy the rest of the night-mess and all.
Zachary Danvers had everything he could ever want. He was successful, famous, wealthy, and surrounded by women, but there was something he lacked-a family. He'd watched other people with the ones they loved, the sense of belonging that he craved. He longed for the warmth of that connection, the bond that went deeper than anything his status or wealth could provide. Karina Hart, or Kari as her friends called her, was known as the best diagnostician in her field. She was sharp, intelligent, and respected, but behind her professional facade, she carried a heavy burden-a past she'd worked tirelessly to bury. No one truly knew the depths of her history, and she intended to keep it that way. The two found themselves at a lively party, laughter echoing around them as people danced and mingled. The air was thick with joy, and Zach couldn't help but be drawn to Kari's quiet beauty and grace. They spent the evening talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. The chemistry between them was undeniable, an unspoken connection that seemed to pull them together. But just as the night seemed perfect, Kari's phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a single, cryptic message. Her face drained of color, her hand trembling as she stared at the words. "It's happening again." Zach noticed her sudden shift, the way her smile faltered. He took her hand, squeezing it gently, offering comfort she didn't even realize she needed. "What's wrong, Kari?" She hesitated, but the weight of her past was too heavy to ignore. "I have to go," she murmured, voice barely a whisper, but the panic was clear in her eyes. Zach didn't let go of her hand, his grip firm, determined to help her face whatever had come to haunt her. The night had taken a turn, and as Kari's past resurfaced, it wasn't just her future on the line. Zach knew that with the danger now circling, they were both at risk-her past had found them, and it would stop at nothing to tear them apart.
She was in love, after all this time. Or at least, she told herself that to convince herself. Kayla Summers, with her heart still a little broken, thought she had found in her new boyfriend, the discreet and caring sous-chef, the stability she had been seeking. Their relationship seemed perfect, like a peaceful dream. The idea of marriage was no longer just a formality, but a logical step, the inevitable next chapter of their story. But all of that came crashing down in an instant. The marriage license request, which should have been a simple step toward the future, was rejected without hesitation. "Sorry, ma'am, you're already married." The words echoed in her head like a thunderclap. How could she have forgotten that? How could she have ignored that part of her life? A part of her life she thought she had left behind. Daniel Hunt, the man she had vowed to marry, hadn't been around for too long. During his vacation in Las Vegas, he had married a beautiful woman-her-but after one night, he had left her alone. Since then, he had been absent, and their marriage seemed like a bad dream. But now, he was back, and he had a message to deliver. At her doorstep, Daniel looked at her intensely, his piercing gaze hiding a wealth of emotions. "Six months, Kayla. Six months with me, and then I'll sign the papers. Otherwise, you'll stay my wife, forever." These words hit Kayla like a slap. The choice seemed so simple, but in her heart, the sparks of an unspoken passion were already beginning to burn. She felt torn between the calm man she was about to marry and the billionaire, arrogant and insufferable, who had abandoned her... and who now seemed ready to claim her back.
Sasha Hamilton had always lived a life of luxury, never needing to worry about the intricacies of business or the weight of responsibility. At 24, she reveled in the freedom her father's wealth afforded her-a carefree existence of private jets, designer clothes, and extravagant parties. She had it all, and she didn't mind letting the world know it. However, her perfect world came crashing down the day her father, Garret Hamilton, summoned her into his office. "Christian Matheson," her father's voice was cold, his gaze as unyielding as ever. "You're going to marry him." The shock hit Sasha like a tidal wave. She had heard of Christian-27 years old, heir to a business empire that was now teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. It was the only reason Garret Hamilton had offered to help the Matheson family: an arranged marriage between their children, an alliance that would solidify Garret's hold over the rival company and bring Christian's family under his control. Christian, once known as a carefree playboy, now faced the devastating reality of his father's company crumbling. When Garret's proposal came, it seemed like the only lifeline left. Christian knew he had no choice but to agree, even if it meant marrying a woman who was nothing more than a pawn in his father's desperate game. Thrown together in a marriage neither wanted, Sasha and Christian were forced to navigate the minefield of their families' expectations, their own secrets, and the web of lies that entangled them. What started as a cold, calculated arrangement might turn into something neither of them ever expected.
There stood the most gorgeous man in Erica Ferguson's eyes, her groom, Arnold Binder. Tall, handsome, with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart, he had been the man of her dreams, or so she thought. The wedding had been nothing short of a fairy tale, and the love he had shown her before their vows had made her believe she was the luckiest woman alive. But then, the truth hit her like a tidal wave, shattering her illusions into pieces. Her world crumbled when she discovered that her husband had never loved her like he had claimed. All the sweet words, the tender gestures, were nothing more than a facade. Arnold had married her to please his grandmother, a cold business arrangement that meant nothing to him beyond obligation. The realization tore through Erica's heart like a knife, leaving her breathless, drowning in a sea of disbelief. Since that painful revelation, Erica's life had been nothing but a living hell. She had expected love, care, and partnership, but instead, she faced indifference and loneliness. Her husband, once the center of her world, now felt like a stranger. He never bothered to see her pain, nor did he try to comfort her. She was left to face it all alone. Erica, despite her strength, could feel herself slowly starting to break apart. The weight of betrayal was unbearable, and though she tried to hold onto the pieces of herself, they were slipping through her fingers like sand. She had always been strong, but even the strongest woman had her breaking point.
You are cordially invited to the wedding of two people. This wedding marks the union of two elite Greek-American families, an event as prestigious as it is feared. The eyes of the world will be on this ceremony, where luxury blends with tradition, and where smiles hide untold stories. It meets all the necessary requirements according to tradition. Greek, check. Wealthy, check. Status, check. Love? Eh, not really. The marriage of Christian Matheson and Sasha Hamilton is more than just a union. It is a strategic move, a carefully orchestrated family agreement, meant to preserve the honor and prosperity of both clans. Two opposing worlds collide here, united by blood ties and financial interests, but separated by secrets, grudges, and unspoken desires. Christian, heir to a dwindling fortune, and Sasha, the daughter of a ruthless magnate, never wanted this alliance. But under the pressure of their respective families, they had no choice but to bow to the demands of an age-old tradition. So, come see how two strangers, forced together by their families, handle the situation. How will they navigate this marriage of convenience while slowly discovering each other in a world where appearances reign, and every gesture, every word, can change everything? Will love come from this constraint, or will their story be marked by the weight of expectations? Only time will tell.
I was 18, and I had no real idea of what that truly meant until my father made a decision that would change my life forever. An arranged marriage, with Isaac Miller, a young billionaire whose name echoes around the world. My father made this decision to restore peace between our families, a peace I didn't even understand. Isaac Miller wasn't just a businessman; he was a living empire. Thousands of companies, investments in sectors that even the biggest corporations wouldn't dare touch. At 25, he was already at the helm of it all, a business genius, relentless, unshakable. And I, I was nothing more than Claudia Richardson, an 18-year-old girl, kind and innocent, who never asked to be a pawn in a game far beyond my understanding. I often wondered how a man like Isaac could commit to such a relationship, one based on a contract, on family benefits rather than real feelings. But my father had his reasons, reasons I didn't have the courage to question. He said it was for stability, to protect our name, our legacy. But that only frightened me more. Why would a man like Isaac, with so much power, agree to marry a girl like me? The marriage was just a formality for him, a way to maintain order and family interests. But what was I in all of this? Just a simple symbol of union between two empires.
After three loveless years, Neil's betrayal deeply wounded Katelyn. She wasted no time in getting rid of that scoundrel! After the divorce, she devoted herself to career pursuits. Rising to prominence as a top designer, skilled doctor, and brilliant hacker, she became a revered icon. Neil, realizing his grave mistake, tried in vain to win her back, only to witness her magnificent wedding to another. As their vows were broadcast on the world's largest billboard, Vincent slid a ring onto Katelyn's finger and declared, "Katelyn is now my wife, a priceless treasure. Let all who covet her beware!"
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.”
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?"
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
There was only one man in Raegan's heart, and it was Mitchel. In the second year of her marriage to him, she got pregnant. Raegan's joy knew no bounds. But before she could break the news to her husband, he served her divorce papers because he wanted to marry his first love. After an accident, Raegan lay in the pool of her own blood and called out to Mitchel for help. Unfortunately, he left with his first love in his arms. Raegan escaped death by the whiskers. Afterward, she decided to get her life back on track. Her name was everywhere years later. Mitchel became very uncomfortable. For some reason, he began to miss her. His heart ached when he saw her all smiles with another man. He crashed her wedding and fell to his knees while she was at the altar. With bloodshot eyes, he queried, "I thought you said your love for me is unbreakable? How come you are getting married to someone else? Come back to me!"
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.