Fate chose her. He rejected her. Now their survival depends on a bond they both swore to destroy. Elara Voss knows what it means to be hunted. Orphaned by a pack massacre and burdened by a forbidden legacy, the shadowed power of the Eclipse Wolf, she hides in plain sight at Lunaris University, a sanctuary for supernatural elites. But when a brutal mate-bonding ceremony exposes her as the fated Luna to Kieran Blackthorn, heir to the most ruthless werewolf dynasty alive, her fragile anonymity shatters. Kieran is everything she despises: arrogant, lethally beautiful, and determined to reject her. To him, Elara is a weak, human liability, unworthy of his throne. But when assassination attempts and a centuries-old curse threaten his pack, they're forced into an uneasy alliance. The closer they grow, the harder it becomes to ignore the electric pull between them or the dark truth that Elara's blood holds the key to saving Kieran's world... and destroying her own. As their enemies close in and Kieran's icy resolve melts into obsessive desire, Elara must choose: Embrace her destiny as the Eclipse Wolf, risking her heart to unite fractured packs. Walk away and let the boy who shattered her pride become the monster she always feared. But in a world where love is war and loyalty is forged in blood, survival might demand a price neither is ready to pay...
The scent of roses and wolfsbane choked the air, heavy and sweet like poison in my throat.
I stood at the edge of the ceremonial circle, heart slamming against my ribs, dressed in borrowed white and secrets. Around me, hundreds of wolves gathered under the blood moon, watching, waiting for the Moon Goddess to choose their mates.
I shouldn't be here.
I had no wolf. No pack. No right.
But the forged mark on my shoulder, the one that shimmered like silver beneath the candlelight, said otherwise. It fooled the Seers. Fooled the Elders. Fooled everyone but me.
And maybe him.
Kieran Blackthorn.
He stood on the opposite side of the circle, tall and still as carved obsidian. Jet-black hair. Moonlight eyes. Power coiled around him like smoke and steel. He looked like the kind of man who could burn kingdoms just by breathing. And he had the temper to match.
Everyone knew the heir to the Blackthorn Pack didn't want a mate. Didn't believe in fate.
And definitely wouldn't accept a weak, human-born girl like me.
Still, the pull had been undeniable since the second I stepped into Lunaris University. I'd caught glimpses of him across the courtyard. Felt his gaze scrape against my skin in combat class. The bond crackled in the air between us like lightning waiting to strike.
I prayed it was just my imagination.
I was wrong.
The Seer's voice rang out, sharp and cold like shattered glass. "The Moon has spoken. She has chosen..."
My breath was locked in my throat.
No. Please, no.
"Elara Voss... and Kieran Blackthorn."
Silence fell like a guillotine.
A hundred wolves turned to look at me. Confusion. Disgust. Curiosity. But Kieran?
His lips curled into a sneer.
"You're joking," he said, voice laced with ice. "Her?"
My knees almost buckled, but I forced myself to stay upright. If I crumbled now, I'd never survive.
The Seer didn't flinch. "The bond is true. The mark"
"Is fake," Kieran cut in. "She doesn't even smell like a wolf. She smells... human."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. My lungs tightened.
I couldn't breathe.
Kieran stepped forward, every inch the predator. "I reject the bond. Publicly. Irrevocably."
Pain lashed through my chest like claws, sharp and searing. The magic recoiled, as if the Moon herself had struck me down.
I bit my lip to keep from crying out.
Rejection wasn't supposed to hurt this much.
But the bond had been real for me, at least.
I turned away before anyone could see the tears gathering in my eyes. Not because I was weak. Because I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
Let them whisper. Let them doubt.
I didn't come here for love.
I came to survive.
And survive I would.
Twelve Hours Later
"I need your ID," the campus guard barked, blocking the entrance to Dormitory B with a clipboard and a scowl.
I handed over my forged Lunaris ID card with steady fingers. He barely glanced at it before waving me in.
The bond was broken. The mark had faded. And yet, I still felt like I was being watched.
The rejection ceremony had been streamed live across campus, and the headlines had already started:
"Heir to the Throne Rejects Luna Claimant."
"Human Impostor Humiliated at Moon Ceremony."
"Kieran Blackthorn: No Mate, No Mercy."
Perfect.
I shoved open the door to my room, collapsed onto my creaky bed, and tried not to cry.
Failed.
Stupid, Elara. So stupid.
I'd spent years hiding. Years blending in. Years pretending to be just another student at Lunaris, even though my tuition was paid with fake coins and blood money.
Why did the bond choose me? Why him?
I curled tighter, gripping my pillow like a lifeline. Somewhere deep inside, the remnants of the bond still sparked. Still ached.
I hated it.
I hated him.
The Next Morning
"Miss Voss?" a crisp voice called as I exited Combat Theory class, sweat still clinging to my back.
I turned to find a woman in Council robes standing in the hallway, flanked by two guards.
Oh no.
"By order of the university, you've been reassigned to Dormitory Alpha. Effective immediately."
I blinked. "That's... that's a mistake. Alpha dorms are for "
Bonded pairs. Or those under bond investigation."
"But the bond was rejected."
"Nevertheless, the connection registered as active. Dorm reassignment is non-negotiable."
I stared, numb.
Alpha dorm.
That meant...
I was being moved in with him.
Kieran Blackthorn.
The boy who rejected me in front of the entire supernatural world.
I was going to kill the Moon Goddess.
Dormitory Alpha, Room 13
"Hell no," Kieran growled the second he opened the door.
He was shirtless. Glorious. Muscles cut from shadow and sin. A single silver chain hung around his neck, glinting against his tanned skin.
I tried not to look. Failed again.
"I don't like this any more than you do," I snapped.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "You're a liability. I won't have a fake Luna in my space."
"Tell that to the housing committee. The 'bond energy' is still active."
His jaw ticked.
He moved aside without a word.
I stepped into the room and braced myself.
It was massive. Clean. Two beds. One bathroom. Zero privacy.
Fantastic.
"Don't talk to me," Kieran said, grabbing his phone. "Don't touch my stuff. And stay on your side."
I dropped my duffel on the opposite bed. "Don't worry, Alpha. I wouldn't dream of touching anything that belongs to you."
Something flickered in his eyes at the word Alpha. Heat. Annoyance. A dangerous mix of both.
The tension in the room thickened until it hurt to breathe.
This was going to be hell.
Three Days Later
"I said no!" Kieran snapped, shoving the training blade aside.
We were in Advanced Combat a required class for all upper-tier shifters. As a top scorer, I was often paired with elite partners.
Today, I got stuck with him.
"Scared I'll beat you?" I taunted, raising my blade again.
He smirked, lazy and lethal. "You couldn't land a hit on me even if the Goddess kissed your feet."
"I'd rather she kissed yours. Maybe it would soften that massive ego."
Our classmates laughed. A few even cheered.
Something shifted in Kieran's expression half amusement, half fury. Then he lunged.
We clashed, blades ringing. I ducked, twisted, and struck.
He blocked. Barely.
"You're fast," he muttered.
"You're predictable."
His eyes narrowed. "You're enjoying this."
"A little."
I swept his leg.
He fell.
For one glorious second, I had the future Alpha flat on his back, panting, eyes blazing with fury and something else.
Desire.
The air between us sparked. My skin tingled where it brushed his. The bond flared, wild and raw.
Then he shoved me off and stood.
"Don't touch me," he growled.
"Trust me," I said, breathless, "I wasn't trying to."
That Night
I dreamed of fire.
Screams.
Blood on my hands.
The night my pack died.
I woke up gasping, drenched in sweat, the scream still caught in my throat.
Moonlight spilled through the window. A shadow stood by the door.
Kieran.
Watching me.
"Were you dreaming?" he asked, voice quieter than I'd ever heard it.
I looked away. "None of your business."
"The bond echoed it. I felt... something."
"You're the one who rejected the bond. You don't get access to my nightmares."
He flinched, just barely. Then turned and walked away.
But he didn't sleep.
And neither did I.
One Week Later: The Gauntlet Announcement
Professor Rylen's voice echoed across the Lecture Hall. "As part of your final term, each bonded pair will enter the Gauntlet Trial. Survival determines graduation."
The room erupted in gasps and murmurs.
My blood turned cold.
Kieran raised his hand lazily. "We're not bonded."
The professor blinked. "The bond was recognized by the Moon herself. You're enrolled. Together."
"No." Kieran stood. "I won't."
"It's not optional."
My stomach churned.
Kieran glared at me. "You'll slow me down."
I glared back. "And you'll get me killed."
"Perfect match," he said coldly.
And the room laughed.
But I wasn't smiling.
Because the Gauntlet wasn't a game.
It was a death trap.
I thought I could leave the past behind and avoid the packs, especially the ruthless Shadow-claws. But when I accidentally cross their borders one night, I find myself face-to-face with Damon, the one person I swore to despise forever. Damon's not just any alpha; he's powerful, relentless, and dangerously possessive. Our shared history is stained with rivalry and resentment, yet I can't deny the intensity that crackles between us now. There's something darker in his gaze, something that tells me he won't let me go this time. But I can't ignore the strange pull Damon has over me, even as I try to fight it. His obsession with me runs deeper than I understand, and each encounter only strengthens his hold. As his enemies circle closer, I realize that Damon's need for me is no longer just about rivalry; it's a craving, a hunger that threatens to consume us both. I know I should escape, but every time I'm near him, I find myself drawn deeper into his world, into his obsession. Now, I have to make a choice: resist Damon's dangerous addiction or risk everything for a bond that might be my undoing.
Lauren Paul never expected her holidays to turn into a whirlwind of fake romance, unexpected sparks, and heart-wrenching choices. Struggling to escape her family's relentless questions about her single status, Lauren does what any modern woman would do: she turns to the internet. Her quirky plea for a fake boyfriend catches the attention of Ken, an online gamer with charm and wit to spare. What starts as a harmless arrangement quickly spirals into something far more complicated when they meet in person. Ken is everything Lauren didn't know she needed: funny, confident, and surprisingly considerate. With his sharp sense of humor and unexpected warmth, he fits perfectly into her family's holiday celebrations. Their fake relationship feels natural, almost real. But just as Lauren starts to think Ken might be more than just her pretend boyfriend, a new complication arrives in the form of John, her brother's maddeningly attractive roommate. John is the opposite of K n quiet, steady, and effortlessly magnetic. From the moment he steps through the door, Lauren can't ignore the way he makes her pulse race. As the holidays unfold, John's gentle charm and lingering glances stir feelings Lauren never expected. Suddenly, the lines between her carefully constructed fake relationship and her real emotions begin to blur. Caught between Ken's fiery energy and John's quiet allure, Lauren finds herself in a love triangle that's as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching. Her family's meddling, her brother's overprotective nature, and her own spiraling emotions only add to the chaos. To make matters worse, both men have secrets of their own, and Lauren begins to wonder if she knows either of them as well as she thought. As Christmas approaches, Lauren is forced to confront her fears and insecurities. Can she let go of her need to please everyone and follow her heart? Or will her holiday charade leave her lonelier than ever? Holiday Hearts: A Love Game Gone Wrong is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it. Packed with witty banter, steamy chemistry, and moments that will tug at your heartstrings, this story explores the messy, beautiful reality of love in all its forms. Perfect for fans of fake dating tropes, slow-burn romance, and a touch of holiday magic, Lauren's journey will have readers rooting for her to find her happy ending. Will she choose the man who swept her into a pretend romance or the one who quietly stole her heart? One thing's for sure: this holiday season, Lauren Paul is in for the ride of her life.
I never imagined my life would lead here-a world where power, fear, and loyalty rule. I was an orphan, lost in the system until I was sold to the most feared and powerful man in the underworld: Zane Stormborn. They told me he was ruthless, a man who controlled cities and commanded armies of loyal followers. But to me, he was just my new master, a man I'd have to serve in the shadows of his mansion. Yet, as I moved through the dark hallways of the Stormborn estate, I saw a side of Zane no one else knew. He wasn't just a feared crime lord; he was a man shaped by pain, haunted by secrets, and drawn to me in ways I couldn't understand. Against all odds, I went from the lowest servant in his home to the only woman he trusted by his side. But life with Zane isn't a fairytale. His enemies lurk in every corner, waiting to use me against him. They tried to break me, to tear us apart, but I won't give up so easily. I've come too far to lose him now, and I'll fight anyone who dares to stand in our way. This is my story-a journey from darkness to love, and a fight to hold on to the one man who changed my life forever.
Nelly Stone has known nothing but pain and servitude. Orphaned at a young age, she became a slave to cruel masters who saw her as nothing more than a commodity. When the day comes that they decide to sell her purity to the highest bidder, her life takes an unexpected turn. Dante Stormborn-the ruthless and enigmatic Russian mafia king-steps forward. Known as the most feared man on earth, Dante has everything: wealth, power, and an empire that answers to no one. Yet, the moment he lays eyes on Nelly, he knows she belongs to him. Declaring her his obsession, he whisks her away, determined to protect her at all costs. Terrified and vulnerable, Nelly struggles to adapt to her new life under Dante's control. But as the walls of fear begin to crumble, she discovers a strength within herself she never knew existed. Slowly, she transforms from a scared, pitiful girl into a fierce woman capable of standing beside the man who owns her heart. As their love deepens, a shocking revelation changes everything. Nelly is not an orphan after all-she is the long-lost daughter of the American Mafia bosses. When her true identity is revealed at a high-profile mafia party, her world is turned upside down. Now a target for those who seek to destroy Dante, Nelly faces relentless threats and attempts on her life. But every move the enemy makes is crushed under Dante's iron will. With Nelly by his side, Dante cements his reign as the most powerful mafia leader in the world, while her reunited family stands as his strongest allies. In a world of darkness, betrayal, and bloodshed, their love burns brighter than ever. Together, they will face every enemy, build an unbreakable legacy, and prove that nothing can come between the king and his obsession.
Grace Hunter, a quiet and unassuming omega, had always admired the powerful and charismatic Alpha Dante Nightshade. But on her 18th birthday, the bond she longed for was severed before it could even begin-Dante rejected her, dismissing her as too weak to stand by his side. Shattered but determined to endure, Grace sought to rebuild her life in the shadows of her heartbreak. Unexpectedly, fate delivered solace in the form of two captivating twins, Adrian and Caleb Storm. They were opposites-Adrian, a confident and brooding protector, and Caleb, a playful yet fiercely loyal soul. Both were drawn to Grace's quiet strength, vowing to show her a love she had never known. As the twins competed for her heart, Dante began to unravel. The omega he had rejected refused to fade into obscurity; instead, her resilience and allure only deepened his regret. Yet Grace's path was far from simple. Her father's demands threatened to force her into a union for the good of the pack, adding a new layer of conflict to her life. Torn between Adrian's intensity, Caleb's charm, and the lingering pull of Dante's presence, Grace faced an impossible decision. Would she embrace the love of the twins, forging a new future, or would she give in to the yearning for the alpha who had once broken her heart? In a tale of heartbreak, healing, and the power of second chances, Grace must navigate the tumultuous waters of love and loyalty while discovering her strength.
Maia grew up a pampered heiress-until the real daughter returned and framed her, sending Maia to prison with help from her fiancé and family. Four years later, free and married to Chris, a notorious outcast, everyone assumed Maia was finished. They soon discovered she was secretly a famed jeweler, elite hacker, celebrity chef, and top game designer. As her former family begged for help, Chris smiled calmly. "Honey, let's go home." Only then did Maia realize her "useless" husband was a legendary tycoon who'd adored her from the start.
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."
Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite—except Evelina, who married him without hesitation. Three years later, he regained his sight and ended their marriage. "We’ve already lost so many years. I won’t let her waste another one on me." Evelina signed the divorce papers without a word. Everyone mocked her fall—until they discovered that the miracle doctor, jewelry mogul, stock genius, top hacker, and the President's true daughter… were all her. When Cary came crawling back, a ruthless tycoon had him kicked out. "She's my wife now. Get lost."
She was the notorious Alana Wilson, a shameful daughter of the Wilson family. Her reputation went downhill after she broke her engagement with her fiance, Albert Harris. They pointed finger at her, calling her a cheater. However, in truth, who was the cheater here? Alana would do anything she could to have her engagement with Albert broken, even if it meant sacrificing her own reputation. Ten years of abuse she endured in her last life was enough. She made sure that in this life, she would never marry that cheating bastard again. As her previous crush, as well as her brother's best friend, Lorenzo Miller is now back to the country, what would happen to her already messed up life? Especially when her ex-fiance also didn't want to leave her alone. Sequel is out now! Rebirth of the Billionaire's Vengeful Actress Wife
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
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."