alpha

Revenge is, by all means, one of the most guaranteed things to happen when a warlord with dragon blood in his veins and ether at his side is betrayed, poisoned, and reduced not to death but to decades of obliterating pain as his ether channels burn from his very soul. Only one remained. One channel, thin and fragile around his heart, survived long enough for him to endure, to wait, to plan, to manipulate, and, eventually, to return to the world with one clear purpose: to burn down the nation of the traitor who thought he had erased him for good. But then came a fortune teller at a street stall. And with the fortune teller came a dare Arik accepted for fun, a spread of cards drawn with no real expectation beyond momentary amusement. Instead, he found something far more dangerous than revenge waiting for him. His mate. A story of rebirth, revenge, enemies-to-allies-to-lovers, political ruin, ether, and the deeply unfortunate reality that the one person tied to Arik’s fate may be the very last person he should ever want. — Warnings, disclaimers, cries for help… call them whatever you want. This is the third book set in the same universe, but it can be read on its own. The world will be fully presented, so nobody needs to do homework before stepping into the chaos. For anyone curious, the first two books are: Bound by the Mark of Lies Shadow Unit Scandal: The Commander’s Omega This universe is ABO dragged directly into etherpunk, political fantasy, violence, bad coping mechanisms, and my ongoing inability to let powerful people make emotionally healthy decisions. There will be violence. There will be gore. There will be smut. There will also be vengeance, terrible restraint, worse impulses, emotional damage, and at least one man reacting to fate like it personally insulted his bloodline. Good luck.

"Please, I have to go home." That's what I told the man in front of me. I begged him to let me go, but in my heart, I pray he never will.  How crazy is that? How can I feel safer with a stranger I've just met than the man who was supposed to love me until death? Why does he look at me like I'm the most beautiful thing in the world? Does he see the bruises? Is that why he's doing this? I should've never left the house, but I couldn't let him win. Not this time, but I hadn't counted on this. "He'll never hurt you again." I want to believe those words, but I don't know if I can. What if I'm going crazy? What if it's all a dream, and I wake up in the nightmare that's my life? I shouldn't trust him, but gods, why does his voice affect me like this? Why does he smell like lightning storms and heather? "Nefretiri? Do you know what a mate is?" No, he didn't just say that! Life isn't supposed to be this dark. That's what Nefretiri Jordans believed until her world came crumbling down. Her marriage was now a game of slave and master, and she would never win. Not when her husband was cruel enough to bring his mistresses to the house and act like Nefra was nothing more than a servant. She wants to run, but she can't. He'll never let her go, especially not with their new daughter. So, she has no choice but to live in hell and do her best to stay sane. Unfortunately, that line of sanity suddenly breaks when Ricky goes too far, and Nefra makes a stupid choice. After all, it's just a cake. Who cared about that?  Fate has a cruel sense of humor, and Nefra quickly learns that nothing is by chance. So, what started as a painful but necessary trip to the store turned into an unexpected adventure.  After all, she never put mate on her shopping list. Not that it mattered to Ivan. The Alpha of the Sebryanny Kinzhal pack from Colorado who's slowly coming back from a year of hell. All he wanted was to find peace and figure out what he was supposed to do with his life. The moon goddess had an answer, and she set him up to find the one thing he needed to be saved.  So, when Nefra crashed into his truck and he saw her, Ivan knew she was his destiny. Unfortunately for him, she's not on board and seems to belong to someone else. If Ivan wants Nefretiri to be his, he'll need to do more than earn her trust. Dark secrets are waiting to devour both of them, and more than one enemy is watching in the shadows to claim what both unknowingly hold.  Somehow, they must get past their pain to find each other and build something neither believed was possible again. Finally, it's time to put the cards on the table and bet it all. If they win, their lives will be more than either of them could ever dream, but if they lose, the darkness will destroy more than one life.

Things like transmigration were impossible until you became a victim! This was what happened to Sienna Mills, a competitive eater who died while livestreaming herself eating chicken feet! And when she opened her eyes, she was Sienna Miller, the notorious horny, lazy and fat wife of Fox Lord Elias Veythar, leader of the fox clan in an interstellar beast world! She was also an uncaring mother for their two pups. Even worse than her reputation, she had no mental or physical strength in a world where someone was supposed to have one of the two. She was a waste of air and space! Everyone was whispering about her looming divorce which would naturally lead to a miserable ending. In every novel she had read, a character like her was always abandoned, crippled or left to die alone as a beggar. She had arrived on the very day the divorce papers were served. But unlike the original Sienna, this one had a secret. A pet taming system that she could use to pass off as a mental ability. However, the system had other plans. It bound Elias Veythar as her pet, complete with loyalty protocols, obedience triggers and a collar! But how was she supposed to tame the beast man feared across the realm for his ruthless power and icy charm? Step 1-Rip up the divorce papers and turn the Fox Lord into a doting husband. When she said 'sit' he walked out of the house. When she said 'roll' his bodyguards put her in a rug and rolled her out of the house. Determined to save her life and change the dramatic ending in her mind, she eyed the pups. Step 2- Teach the pups first and the father will follow. Once again, she was put in a rug and rolled out. Step 3-Teach the in-laws, the pups would pick up and the father would fall in line. Water was splashed in her face, then she was rolled out in a rug! Step 4-Take no bullshit, kick ass and dominate! Then everyone would fall in line.

"Take me instead." Three words. Guinevere Lunaris trades herself and saves 300 lives. Tied. Gagged. Underestimated by a mile. They chain her to a tree in the snow. Mistake. While running for her life, she meets a stranger in the dark and tells him to hide so he isn’t killed. Twelve hours later, he walks into her father's hall wearing a crown. The man she just told to hide in a hole is Maddox Drakencrest, High King of Velkaris. Ruler of an entire continent. Maddox hears his dragon say ‘mate’ right away. But her wolf is silent. More and more Alpha Kings enter the hall. She catches the tail end of her father’s toast and chokes on her wine. "—leave here with a virgin bride." An auction for her hand turns into a full-out bidding war. Maddox wins. 750 million in gold, three dragon fleets, and an urn full of the bastard who chained her the day before. Every force in Velkaris is betting against a wolf on a dragon throne. The Elders say the queen must be a dragon rider, which is impossible for a woman without dragon blood. The king's half-brother agrees with them, but his solution is a civil war and taking the crown for himself. If his brother’s rebellion wins, Maddox dies and she belongs to him. If the elders win, she goes back to the father who sold her. Neither is happening. Her wolf calls Velkaris home. She's not giving it up. They expect Guinevere to behave like a good little wolf princess and play along with their political games. She says bet.

Faye and her elder brother return to town after years away. Adjusting isn’t easy, not with his personal troubles and not in a place that no longer feels like home. Everything feels strange. Different. Like she doesn’t belong. On her first day back, she clashes with a girl they meet by accident, and the encounter ends badly. The next morning, Faye walks into her new school only to discover that the same girl is not just anyone… she’s the Alpha of the pack and the school’s princess. Now they’re forced into the same space every day. They become enemies instantly, constantly getting on each other’s nerves. Pride clashes. Neither of them is willing to back down. Until one reckless night changes everything. They wake up in each other’s arms. Both agree it was a mistake. It never happened. It will never happen again. But what happens when proof is left behind? Faye discovers she’s carrying the Alpha Princess’s baby. Now two people who can’t stand each other must decide, will they keep fighting, or will they learn to stand together for the child that binds them? [Content Warning This story may contain explicit adult content, including violence, killing, bloodshed, and other mature themes. Some chapters may not include specific warnings.] Thank you for reading my book.

"They rejected me. They enslaved me. They left me to die." Aelara Moonfall was born without a wolf, rejected by her fated mate, and cast out like she never existed. The kingdom celebrated her downfall. They celebrated too soon. Years later, Aelara returns to the Lycan Kingdom no longer the broken girl everyone remembers, but a woman carrying dangerous secrets that could destroy a throne, start a war, and expose a betrayal buried for generations. The ruthless Lycan King wants her by his side. His enemies want her dead. The Elders fear the truth she refuses to speak. Because somewhere in the shadows, two children with impossible bloodlines are growing up far from the kingdom that would either worship them... or kill them. As ancient prophecies awaken and powerful Lycans fight for the crown, Aelara must decide whether to keep running or risk everything for the man who once failed to save her. When the truth comes out, kingdoms will fall, blood will be spilled, and the Moon Goddess herself may have chosen the wrong heirs. Some queens are born. Others return to burn an empire to the ground.

Claude is a rogue werewolf who will become the Alpha’s mate. He just doesn’t know he is building a world with someone his family warned him about. Raised away from a pack, Claude has lived among the humans in secrecy. Attending school and living in a dorm with his best friend… Claude figures his life will be as plain as he planned. However, his plan falls apart with just one frat party, dancing with the city pack’s newly designated Alpha. A tug-of-war ensues between his mind, which wants to keep him safe, and his heart, which just wants Len for himself. Similarities to real people and events are coincidental.

ALTERNATIVE TITLE: THREE FOR A SECOND CHANCE. BLURB I had desired to have a child of my own. To show the world I wasn't an unfit Luna. To make Alex a father and express my love for him. The moon goddess seemed to hear my desires, and she granted them. I had held the result firmly in my hands, excited to tell my husband, but then I was met with a scene of betrayal. He was on our matrimonial bed with my best friend Eva. Heartbroken and disoriented, after various tortures, I found a way to escape his clutches with one Vow in mind: "I must protect my Pup!" I fell into the hands of three powerful Alpha triplets, but now they call me by a name I cannot recognize. Would they still look at me with so much desire if they found out I have a pup growing in my belly? **** "Theresa! Come with us!" Their voices echoed loudly in my head as I stared at them puzzled. "I am not Theresa, and I am going nowhere with you!" I said out loud, my voice firm. Leonard leaned in closer, his breath hot against my skin, "I promise Theresa, we would treat you right this time!" "Just give us another chance!" Lugard said, as he brushed his fingers against my skin. "Allow us to treat you right!" Lawrence muttered, as he searched my eyes deeply waiting for a confirmation. I could only stare at them puzzled, unaware of the right decision to make, but I couldn't ignore the way my body reacted towards them.

**Mature Content** Adeline Valois was a broken Omega because of a lifetime of abuse. Following her mother’s death, her father’s remarriage introduced a stepmother and stepsister who stripped Adeline of her dignity, forcing her to live as a servant in her own house. When the call for a royal bride arrived, she was discarded, traded like a burden to the one man in Valdaria whose name alone could chill the blood of the bravest warriors. Gideon Knightley, the kingdom’s eldest prince, was the legendary "Golden Alpha." Though his title suggested brilliance, his reputation was one of ruthless wickedness. Yet, a darker secret loomed: Gideon was cursed, and the price of that curse would be paid in blood by the woman who won his heart. No high-ranking family would dare gamble their daughter’s life on his volatile nature, leaving Adeline to be offered up like a sacrificial lamb to a wolf. However, the kingdom’s expectations were shattered the moment they met. A dark, possessive obsession took root in Gideon’s cold heart, transforming the predator into a protector. He vowed to become a mate whose singular devotion would be whispered of for centuries. Adeline, who had spent a lifetime fearing the chains of marriage, found herself falling for a man who did not just offer his hand but surrendered his entire soul to her, demanding nothing in return but her presence. ~~~~ "I am a broken Omega, Prince," she blurted out. "And your mother... She cares for you. She only suggested a way to protect you from whatever curse you carry. I simply saw a chance for the freedom I've never been allowed to have." Gideon spun on his heels with predatory speed. His hand moved to the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as he surged forward, drawing her so close that even the air between them vanished. "No one cares for me," he hissed, his eyes burning with a dark, golden fire. "You think I am a fool, don't you? You placed your trust in the Luna Queen after a single meeting, yet you could not bring yourself to trust my words. Freedom? That is a word you will forget. I am going to show you exactly what happens when you listen to others, especially that woman."

"She's stabilizing. Who marked her?" the healer asks. "I did," both Dexmon and Finnick answer. Serena Frostborne is dying between two Alphas. One is the Dragon Prince: her fated mate across multiple lifetimes. Their wolves are true mates. His dragon claimed her, too. The whole eternal package. Easy choice, right? Bitch please. The other is the youngest King in Skardos. A man who lost everything and sure as hell didn’t expect a 2nd chance. Oh, and he was her fated mate in a past life too. Surprise, motherfuckers. Born a princess. Sold as a slave. Crowned a queen. Now royally fucked because her wolf calls both MATE. One feels like home. The other feels like the one she lost. Neither is willing to step aside. Both want to murder the competition. Unfortunately, war doesn’t give a fuck about their dick-measuring contest. Together they have a shot. Alone, their kingdoms fall. Team up or burn. Checkmate, boys.

Ethan is a hard working and dedicated beta who dropped out of college to help his mother's restaurant succeed. Unable to sense pheromones like an omega or an alpha, he's set to live a normal life with no complaints. However, after helping a dominant alpha named Zander not once, but twice, Ethan finds himself at the center of his attention. Between a needy alpha and taking care of his mother's restaurant, Ethan finds his hands full. It only gets worse when an illegal drug emerges, transforming regular betas into a different dynamic. As society battles the controversy of this new ‘medicine’, all Ethan wants to do is go back to his normal life, but he doubts Zander will ever let him go as his obsession reaches new heights. *** Ethan crouches down and lifts his hand to the man's face only for him to be slapped away. “I said fuck off.” Ethan ignores him and reaches for his face again. When the man goes to slap him, Ethan is prepared. He grabs his other hand, and then grabs a fistful of his sweat soaked hair and yanks it up. The man groans, eyes clenched shut. “Dang, they really beat you huh?” Ethan murmurs. His left cheek has a deep cut that bleeds, his nose is swollen and bruised, and blood drips from out of his hair. The man opens his eyes with a wince and pauses as Ethan continues to assess his injuries. “Probably need stitches.” Done with his examination, Ethan finally looks him in the eyes. “Oh.” He says in surprise. The man's eyes are a bright green, almost glowing in the dark alleyway. How pretty. “You a beta?” The guy asks, his voice hoarse, his gaze glued to Ethan’s face. “Well, you certainly aren't one.” Ethan frowns at the purple ring around the green of his iris. He's an alpha alright. A dominant alpha. “You a beta?” The alpha asks again. Ethan drops his hand from the man's hair, letting it flop back down and covering his deep green eyes. “Yes, I'm a beta.” Ethan answers.

When Orion, the leader of the Nightshade Pack, finds an injured woman near his territory, he makes an impulsive decision to bring her into his pack for treatment. Doubts linger, as she may be a spy sent by the Enclave, led by the ruthless Luna, Victoria. What was supposed to be a straightforward case of recovery quickly becomes complicated. When Sophia awakens, she is plagued by amnesia, remembering only her name. Orion faces a dilemma: should he send her away or allow her to stay? Ultimately, he decides to keep her until her memories return. As Sophia adjusts to life in the Nightshade Pack, a deep connection forms between her and Orion. They begin to realize they belong together, but what will happen when Sophia’s memories start returning in fragments? Will those memories destroy not only their bond but also the safety of the entire pack? NB: Luna in this novel is a different concept, it doesn't just mean the wife of the Alpha. And also this book is rated 18.

Hi, all~ For June, I'll try to update every day, but please forgive me if I'm a day or a few days late. I'll do my best to keep bringing updates for all of you. Thank you so much for your support. Stay tuned for more chapters! * Lavenia has been engaged to Damien, an alpha descendant who loves to have an affair. After catching Damien's infidelity for several times, Lavenia began to get fed up and took the initiative to cancel their marriage. Unfortunately, her father didn't approve her idea. Until a mandate came from him, that he would allow her to annul the marriage only if she found a candidate who was far better than Damien. Lavenia finds four at once! Jaxon Rhymes, the blonde haired and grey-eyed, an introvert artist; Rayden Kim, the dark grinned, a CEO of one of the great company in the world (as well as an underground business owner unknown to many people); Hero Satoshi, the unique—small almond-shaped eyed, her lecturer; and Alex Lane, the blue-eyed, cold-eyed the doctor who her father knows well. And all of them are well above average! The five of them signed the treaty, partyed, and went crazy! Until Lavenia finds herself pregnant and of course, one of the four men who spends the hottest, wildest, and craziest night she's ever met, must be the baby's daddy. However, she wasn't even sure. So, whose seed has formed the fetus in Lavenia's womb? * Slow-burn werewolf romance A slice of humor A cup of werewolf action Li'l bit of sweet love A tea-spoon of intrigue A pinch of spicy Hope you love it.

Caution: This book contains mature content and is intended for matured readers. ***** I knew if he left this room, he'd keep fighting alone until his heart simply gave up. I hated him for it. I hated him for being so difficult, but the thought of him being gone made my stomach turn into a block of ice. My brain went numb. My instincts took over. I stepped in front of the door. My hands were shaking so hard I could barely feel them. I grabbed the hem of my dress. I can't believe I'm doing this for a man I wanted to kill an hour ago, I thought. But whatever was pulling me, didn't care about my anger. In one fast, desperate motion, I pulled the dress over my head and let it drop. The cold air hit my bare skin, making my nipples turn into hard, sensitive pebbles instantly. I stood there, completely naked, my heart hammering so loud it echoed in my ears. Oh! Moon Goddess, just end me already. **** She was too weak to stand beside him. And his heart already belonged to another. Azura Moryn knows the rules of the Crescent Moon Pack:power is everything, and without it, you are nothing. Rankless and orphaned, she has survived on the edges by being invisible. But invisibility is not weakness, it’s a choice. Behind her quiet exterior is a resilient spirit, a surprising bravery, and a clumsy, lovable heart that refuses to be crushed, even when the odds are impossible. Rhydor Drakemire has everything. Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, feared and respected. Groomed for greatness. And deeply in love with the woman he plans to make his Luna. So when fate makes Azura his mate, the choice is simple. He rejects her. A weakling has no place beside an Alpha. And he refuses to give up the woman he loves. The bond should have shattered. Instead, something ancient awakens. Forbidden magic stirs beneath the pack lands. Golden light erupts. Pain tears through them both. And when they wake, the world is wrong. Azura opens her eyes inside the Alpha’s body, strong, powerful, untouchable. Rhydor wakes in hers, powerless, scorned, and unseen. Now their souls switch without warning, trapping them in each other’s skin while enemies circle closer and the pack begins to fracture. Every secret they uncover changes what they thought they knew, about strength, about weakness, about each other. And beyond the pack borders, a brutal Alpha King rises, draining Lunas and hunting power in his obsession with immortality. Old prophecies resurface. Whispers spread of a truth long buried: Only a female Alpha can bring him down. As forbidden magic stirs and betrayal creeps closer than loyalty, an ancient legacy refuses to stay buried any longer. Azura is about to learn the truth of her own blood. And the mate Rhydor rejected may be the one fate chose to change everything. Some bonds are broken by pride. Some curses are written in blood. And some destinies can only be uncovered…

Three years ago, the Zahryssar Empire saved the Northern Kingdom of Thalryn from absolute annihilation. In gratitude—and desperation—Duke Veyrhold of Thalryn swore a vow to the Coiled Throne: he would send a bride to the Serpent Emperor. But gratitude soon turned to fear. The ruler of Zahryssar, Zeramet Karash, Prime Alpha of a bloodline, was rumored to be a monster—the Serpent King who wiped out his own bloodline, a ruler no consort had ever survived, and a sovereign who could erase a person’s very identity. No omega stepped forward and the promise remained unfulfilled. Until Zahryssar demanded payment. “If I could save your kingdom,” the Emperor declared, “I can erase it just as easily.” With war threatening once more and innocent lives at stake, the Duke made a final choice to send his own omega daughter—only to be refused by her; she chose death over being sent to a monster. And then, his son stepped forward. Levin Veyrhold, Alpha heir of House Veyrhold—warrior, future heir of Veyrhold—offered himself instead. No Omega could survive the Serpent Emperor… but perhaps an Alpha could. In a world where vows are law, power is biology, and love is the most dangerous defiance of all, can Levin Veyrhold survive the serpent emperor?

Azaria Freeman gave everything to Aldrith Corp. She carried two roles without complaint, held the company together, and believed her reward was finally within reach. Instead, the promotion she earned was handed to someone with the Aldrith name. Furious and done staying silent, Azaria storms into a board meeting and challenges the very people who overlooked her. But the moment she steps inside, everything changes because Theon Aldrith realizes the truth: His mate has been right under his nose all along. And she is human. Something that hasn’t happened in centuries. Now, power, instinct, and fear collide as Theon faces an impossible choice: claim her and risk everything, or walk away from the one person fate has chosen for him.

Tonight, Cecilia’s heart was ripped from her chest to break her bond with Arzhen. The Weretiger King’s son, the man she had been bonded to for seven years, had mercilessly taken her life. Who could blame him, really? Cecilia was just a fake Saintess, after all. When the real love of his life, the true Saintess Ruby Vaiva, emerged to reclaim her legitimate title, it was all over for Cecilia. Cast away by the very people she had saved through sheer will and intellect, all in favor of a divine cheat, she knew no one was coming to save her. But as her eyes grew heavy and the world began to fade, a notification suddenly popped into her mind. DING! [Capturable Love Interest detected! Would you like to roll for Five Star Love Interest, Oathran Alicei? You have 10 free rolls!] [Yes/No] Ah. So there was a man dying nearby, too… Wait... Oathran Alicei? The Dragon Lord?! [Warning! Five Stars Love Interest Exclusive Banner is about to expire! Roll?] [Yes/No] Alright, alright! Roll! *** [Let’s start! This is the Beast Gacha System, where you can get countless rewards and bond with any beast, as many as you like!] *** The Dragon Lord she swore to kill: “It wasn’t a prophecy, it was an oath. Your oath. To me.” He wanted to die by her hands. He must. “It was about dying at the hands of the one person I respected. The one person who promised to take the burden from me. You.” “And if I say you are a saintess, then you are.” *** The Alpha Werewolf, her uncle-in-law: “You think there’s a measurement for sin?” “If we are going to get you with child, it will be done properly. Ideally, in front of that precious nephew of mine. Let him have a front-row seat to his legacy being… superseded.” “God forbid a man finds creative motivation.” *** The Werelion Pride King who 'hated' her: “So what if it’s wrong? Be wrong, and live.” “Let me tell you one thing, Cecilia. If you die, even if it was the right thing to be… it’s still wrong.” “If you die, the world will be wrong.” “And a wrong world must perish.” *** Cover art by Nay U [17+ NSFW, Reverse Harem, BeastsXHuman, Revenge, System, Dragon, Werelion, Werewolf, 3 Male Leads] Existing smut chapters: Ch. 16, 26, 51, 52, 68, 69, 70, 72, 81, 82, 83, 104, 105, 106, 117, 118, 119, 121, 138, 139, 140, 184, 185, 187, 220, 231, 246, 261, 278, 279, 348, 349, 350, 351, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 473, 474, 475 & 511 (for now)

“You incompetent god! I should’ve been the Alpha with big di*k, not some pitiful Omega!” — Cherion’s death was… not heroic. Winning the lottery only to die of a heart attack five minutes later was the definition of cosmic irony. But fate wasn’t done laughing at him yet. He woke up inside a tragic omegaverse novel he once read, right in the body of the pitiful omega doomed to be rejected, humiliated, and die alone. Still, he thought, “Fine. I’ll just avoid the main plot.” Except the main plot avoided him. But the script suddenly changed! Instead of being cast aside, Cherion was married off to Zarius, the empire’s greatest war hero… and the man destined to become the villain everyone feared. A cursed Alpha, praised as a savior but fated to die by the Crown Prince’s hand. Married to the future villain? Doomed. Married to a cursed Alpha? Double doomed. No, no doomed at all! He had a plan. A brilliant, flawless, absolutely desperate plan… but still a plan! “I said I’ll help you break your curse. In exchange, you let me go. Do we have a deal or not? Or are you too insecure to trust an Omega?” “Careful, little Omega. That sharp tongue of yours is daring me to test how it tastes.”

Betrayed by her own blood, Nina Storm is forced to take her sister’s place—married off to a cursed Alpha whose brides never survive past the eleventh day. Everyone is waiting for her funeral. But when the twelfth dawn comes… Nina walks out alive. Worse—she awakens as the very witch who cursed them all. There’s just one problem: her power is gone. To reclaim it, she has only one choice—betray the man she’s bound to. Seduce the Alpha. Take what she needs. Leave him to his fate. That was the plan. Until him. Rodrigo doesn’t fall in love—he obsesses. Completely. Dangerously. Irrevocably. And Nina, who came to destroy him, finds herself wanting to save him instead. But loving the Alpha comes at a price. And this time…the price might be too heavy to pay.

Love. Hate. Revenge. Before she was the High Alpha's daughter, Maya was an orphan named Penelope—and Marcus Keenan was the boy who gave her his locket and promised to marry her... until she was torn from him. Taken by High Alpha Vilhelm, everyone, including Marcus, was told she died. Years later, Marcus returns from the recent war a hero—now Alpha Keenan—with power, lands, and the right to choose any woman as his mate. He takes Maya—the same girl who made his life miserable before he left. He doesn't recognize her as Penelope with the locket long gone. To him, she is cruel, two-faced, and an expert at manipulation. What he doesn't know is that Maya's cruelty was forced, a mask she wore to both protect him and survive. Now trapped in a marriage born of revenge, she must decide. Stay silent and play the part, or reveal who she truly is…before it’s too late. —— Excerpt “This marriage is fake,” Maya said. She should be happy but why did it hurt so much? “Fake?” Keenan frowned and closed the gap between them. He wrapped a palm around her neck, and Maya gasped but no sound left her throat. “Is this another ploy to escape me?” “Isn’t it fake?” Maya whispered, holding his hand, trying to ease his grip. It was getting hard to breathe. Her voice betrayed her, too hopeful even to her own ears. He stared with such hatred, yet a part of her didn’t want it to be fake. Keenan threw his head back and laughed, yet his grip on her neck never wavered. “Woman, surely this must be a joke. You think I would orchestrate a fake marriage with you?” He leaned closer, eyes locked on hers. “You undermine my hatred. I want you bound to me forever. I want you to hate every moment of your life and I will be right here to make sure of it. You can never escape me.” Keenan released her neck. She dropped to the floor, rubbing her throat as she finally drew a full breath. “Fake marriage? Don’t be ridiculous. Even your father couldn’t get you away from me.”