In a world where bonds are forged through blood and power, Esmeralda finds herself torn between the haunting darkness of her Alpha, captor and mate, and the flickering hope of true love. As she navigates the treacherous path of betrayal and desire, she must decide whether to embrace the bond that binds them or forge her own destiny. She holds the power to rewrite her story, but at what cost?
Tonight is the night I have been waiting for all my life.
My heart pounds loudly in my chest as I am being led down the dim hallway towards the Alpha's quarters. Every step feels heavier than the last, my stomach twisting with dread and apprehension.
I have never seen the Alpha, but the stories about him painted a vivid picture in my mind's eye. It was a picture filled with darkness and brutality. They called him the vicious Alpha for a reason.
He was a ruthless man who was feared even among his own pack and trampled his enemies without much effort. He ruled with an iron fist and his punishments were merciless, his temper legendary, and his heart was said to belong to only one woman, Luna Karel.
And now, I belong to him.
Sold as a breeder.
I am nothing but a tool, a vessel to bear the Alpha's offspring. No different from an animal.
The thought of it makes my skin crawl. I had grown up knowing my fate, bred and trained for one purpose: to serve the Alpha who claims me. I would rather avoid such an horrendous future, but the moment I clocked eighteen, I knew there was no way to run away any longer. I had been sold off, but I never imagined it would be to him, the monstrous figure of nightmares, whose mere name sent shivers through the pack.
My palms are slick with sweat by the time the guards escorting me on both sides come to an abrupt stop. Their expressions are unreadable as they exchange taut glances before turning around, leaving me standing alone in front of an heavy oak door.
I can feel my pulse thrumming in my ears as I wait for the door to open. After standing there for a few minutes, I realise slowly what I am supposed to do, and blush at my own foolishness. Was I expecting the Alpha to open the door for me?
I swallow hard, trying to calm the bubbling panic in my throat and push open the heavy oak door. The door slowly creaks open and after a slight hesitation, I step into the room, sealing my fate.
The room is dark, only the flicker of fire from the fireplace casting shadows on the walls. My eyes adjusts slowly to the darkness as I scan the large imposing space.
'Goddess...' I gasp.
My eyes suddenly widen in alarm as I take in the figures before me. My blood runs cold as I realise I might just be about to discover another intense side of the Alpha I had never heard about.
Hanging on the walls in the room are a plethora of pleasure toys that I have never thought to exist. They looked like tools in a dungeon meant for torture rather than pleasure. I may not be able to identify any of them but I could tell they were for different purposes.
Was this a fetish of his or was he just going to use me to fulfill his dark fantasies? I lick my parched lips, not knowing how to feel. I probably am not going to leave here alive.
I continue scanning other parts of the room, curious to see what I was getting into. Just then, my eyes land a huge figure. The Alpha.
He was standing by the window, his tall, broad frame outlined in the dim light. His hair reminded me of blood, thick and wavy, falling just above his shoulders. A quiet power radiated from him that made the air feel heavy. He wore a simple black shirt, the muscles of his chest and arms barely restrained by the fabric, and his hands were clasped behind his back as he silently stared out at the view of the forest.
My breath catches in my throat as I watch him. He had been standing there all along and I didn't even notice. His presence suddenly seemed to fill the room, suffocating me. I have never felt so horrified.
A part of me wants to turn and run, but there's no escape.
Suddenly, he turns. His eyes, a piercing shade of icy blue, locks onto mine, freezing me in place. His jaw sharp and angular, clenches and unclenched as he watches me with a gaze devoid of any warmth. There's a scar running down the side of his jaw, a reminder of battles fought and won. Everything about him screams danger.
We continue staring at each other in the tense silence until I realise yet again my foolishness, "Greetings Alpha." I stammer, my voice barely audible as I bow quickly. I can already picture my head rolling for failing to recognise the presence of the Alpha. I try to hide my terror but fail miserably. After a moment of silence, he responds.
"You kept me waiting," He says smoothly, his low voice catching me off guard. There was a sharp edge to the words, like a blade hidden beneath velvet.
I didn't speak. I couldn't.
I gape, uncertain whether to breathe or scream and he takes a slow step forward, his eyes never leaving mine.
The full force of his presence bears down on me, his scent intoxicating me. It's a mix of spice and musk, and laced with the unmistakable dominance of an Alpha. It overwhelms my senses, making me dizzy and leaving me craving for more.
I had prepared myself for this moment, braced myself for the duty I was expected to fulfill. But nothing could have prepared me for what happens next.
It is sudden, like a lightning strike. The moment he steps closer, an invisible force slams into me. The bond. It surges through my veins, hot and undeniable, making me gasp. I could feel it deep in my chest. A pull so strong it made my knees bend in weakness. My entire body trembles as the realisation hit me with brutal clarity.
Mate. The Alpha Sheldon is my mate.
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A man like Travis Sinclair wants nothing more than a woman who matches his sexual prowess and is used to getting everything he wants. A cold-hearted billionaire ,he lives by one rule - no love, no commitment. Ayanna Davies isn't looking for a relationship. She's focused on her work and the financial security it brings. As a high end escort, her client is full of filthy rich men who are willing to pay handsomely for her services. But when Travis Sinclair becomes one of her clients, she begins twice about mixing work with pleasure. Not knowing that he is an old acquaintance whom she despises.
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