Counter Darius

“I never spent a dime from your debt, you both lost it gambling always…” Another slap landed on Astrid's face and this came from none other than her dad, Josh. “You ungrateful brat, it's only the request I am pleading for,” Josh let out and then a sardonic smile escaped her lips. She wiped the tears from her face and now stood from the ground. “I am not going to get married to a man old enough to be my father.” she declared firmly this time not avoiding eye contact with her dad that much. “What?” Josh's voice countered. “Why for once can't you love me?” She cried out her hands moving to her chest as she tried to hold in her tears. Josh moved closer to her, lifting her by her chin roughly, “Then do this one favor for me and save us from losing everything I have ever worked for,” His voice was a bit calm but stern, one could tell he didn't care about Astrid. ******** Astrid Daniels who is hated by everyone and is known as the faso of family is forced to get married to the man arranged by her father to protect his company from plummeting and also help in paying his debt. She refused but then was told by her dad that he would help pay for her mum’s surgery if she was doing his wish. Since she was a high school drop she couldn't get a good job to pay for her mum's surgery so she needed to agree to her dad’s proposal. On the day of her wedding ceremony with the older man, things turn around when she goes into the wrong hall and gets married to one of the richest men in their city and also her crush. What fate do you think awaits her?

[Peringatan: konten dewasa/konten matang kuat] "Aku yakin kau akan menemukan pelukanku lebih nyaman daripada apapun di dunia ini..." Raja Darius Grant - penguasa yang perkasa dari Kerajaan Cordon. Dia kejam dan spontan terhadap musuh-musuhnya. Sekadar keberadaannya saja sudah mengumbar otoritas yang maskulin; auranya saja sudah cukup bagi beberapa musuhnya untuk mengakui kekalahan dan kabur hanya dengan melihatnya. Namun, meski begitu, dia tak berdaya dan tak punya malu terhadap satu wanita... pasangannya - Putri Ebodia yang mana ia menolak untuk melepaskannya. Temukan bagaimana akhir kisah Raja yang posesif ini yang bertekad menggunakan Perangkap Mahkota untuk menjadikan pasangannya miliknya dengan segala cara yang diperlukan. Akankah dia berhasil menaklukkan segalanya - tubuh, hati, dan jiwa sang Putri? * Catatan: Volume 1 & 2: Kisah Utama Status: Selesai (Bab 1 sampai 555) Volume 3: Kisah Sampingan Status: Selesai (Bab 556 sampai 641) "Aku baru bisa menyatakan diriku sebagai pemenang setelah aku berhasil menaklukkan hatimu..." Volume 4: Kisah Sampingan Status: Selesai (Bab 642 sampai 701) "Cinta tidak pernah ada dalam kamusku terkait wanita sampai kau datang..." Volume 5: Status: Selesai (Bab 702 sampai 805) "Aku memilihmu... kamu yang rakus mengisi semua ruang di hatiku..." Bab Khusus ke depan - selesai **** PS: Sampul Buku yang Dipesan dimiliki oleh Penulis! Jangan menggunakannya!

Abigail is the daughter of a once proud but now dying pack, a pack that would do anything to restore their position amongst the greatest packs once again. But luckily for them, Abigail catches the attention of Darius, alpha of the most powerful and dangerous pack in America. She is at once given to him as a bargaining chip more so than a bride, as a means to cement her pack's relationship with that of Darius'. Now Abigail will have to survive this prison she calls a marriage to the monster wolf Darius, while also trying to suppress her feelings for her true mate Elias. But this is easier said than done, because amidst finding the secrets to her past, and plotting with her true mate to escape and bring down Darius, she will find herself bearing feelings towards him, and learn everything to be more complex than she initially thought. And it all starts with Abigail trying to make Darius fall for her. "I don't know how you got that idea into your pretty head, but Darius doesn't fall in love." "There's a first time for everything." "A first time huh?" Darius' voice echoes into my ears. "You have two months to make me fall for you. But if you fail, I'll kill your best friend Rosemary, her mate, and every member of your pack."

Xion Aijawa thought his life was finally coming together. That is, until he tried saving a cat stuck in a tree, fell into a pit, and... died In his disoriented sate of "Freshly dead" the silly Xion accepted a strange request and ended up transmigrating into the world full of dungeons and Mana. He became illegitimate child of Marquis family hated by his three siblings. According to the memory of the original owner of the body, Xion only had a month to live. So, taking the cover of the banquet, Xion ran away. Aided by a mysterious Mall System, he makes his way to the distant borderlands, hoping to put his past behind him. But fate has other plans-. Xion ends up saving Darius Rael Darkhelm, the feared Archduke of the North, notorious for his ruthless and deranged nature. The silly Xion tried to run away but... Xion's heart thumped loudly as Darius effortlessly pinned his wrists using only one hand. "I've heard you tried to run away." Darius gently caressed Xion's pale cheek, "That must be a lie... After all, I've given you things even the royal family can't have. Isn't that right, my dear healer?" Xion gulped when Darius's thumb brushed his lower lip as a chilling smirk remained on his handsome face. "I-I think I should leave, Your Grace. I've overstayed my welcome..." The room grew cold, and struggling Xion shivered. Darius's green eyes dimmed before lighting up with a dangerous glint. Xion felt a pit growing in his stomach when he saw the deranged archduke smile. Darius never smiled. And whenever he did, it only meant trouble. "You're right," Darius said calmly. "So, let's get married." Xion "...!!!!" ______________________ This book will lean toward dark romance, but there will be no r@pe. This author doesn't like glorifying SA as romance. I am trying first time for CQ, so please support this book with power stones and by adding it to your library. Your support is immensely needed! ＼⁠(⁠^⁠o⁠^⁠)⁠／

Caden is an ordinary young man—or so it seems. For weeks, his nights have been haunted by enigmatic dreams in which a mysterious woman warns him of an imminent danger. When his life takes a sudden turn, he discovers that he possesses an elemental power, an ancient energy symbolized by a zodiac mark on his body. Yet one detail haunts him: he knows he wasn’t born with this mark, and his past before the age of nine is a complete blank. In his search for answers, Caden encounters others who bear similar marks, each tied to an elemental power and representing a zodiac sign. These chosen ones, known as the Zodiac Mages, are guardians of a fragile balance, but their unity shattered years ago. Now, their powers have become the target of those willing to go to any lengths to claim them. To counter this growing threat, Caden sets out to rebuild the Brotherhood of Zodiac Mages. Together, they must overcome their differences, restore the harmony of old, and face an enemy whose strength is beyond imagination. But every alliance comes with its own risks: caught between friendship and betrayal, Caden must discern allies from foes and uncover the truth about his own origins.

--- Ariana was rooted to the floor outside of Anthony’s door her heart raced in her chest, like something was preparing to break apart her ribs. She had not wanted to come to a halt, much less listen in on the conversation that was unfolding before her. But the sound of laughter that came from Rachel was not new to her ears which suddenly had her face the direction of the voice like a pupet. “…you’re so bad, Anthony,” Rachel whispered sexily. “I never lie to you,” Anthony countered sullenly then suddenly grew smarmy, “I’m only bad with you.” Reaching out Ariana braced her back against the wall and her mind whirled round with confusion. Glancing around the corner she stopped breathing as she saw them. Rachel resting on Anthony laps, having her hand resting on Anthony’s arm. He leered at her, and from even his bearing suggest that he wanted something more than friendship from her. “She has not realized it yet?” Rachel asked me in low tones as if Shareen was a hopeless case. Anthony chuckled. “He realized Ariana was smart, as well as trusting in his team. That’s her weakness.” Such words are a shock for Ariana as if someone slapped her. [His fists clenched.]His hands shook, and for a moment she considered; she felt that nausea could overcome herself. Trust. That was what she had delivered to them – what she considered they deserved. And now? Now they were laughing about it, about her . She wanted to rush into the room and meet them eye to eye, look them into the eyes and scold them for every single angry word that rises within her chest. But she didn’t move. Not yet. She held a strap of her bag so tightly her hands became gloved. Indeed, she retreated sensibly, her breathing becoming light. It was not so strange they did not notice her go ; of course they did not. Why would they, if they reckoned she did not know any better? And when she came to the door of the house, shutting herself out on the cold evening, when the wind caressed her cheek like a slate, then in her soul something leaped. The heartbreak was still there, but it was buried beneath a wave of something new,rage. But she paused and with her head held high she walked away leaving her legs give away from her. The frosty night’s darkness embraced her when she tripped outside, onto the campus and grass., but the freezing air was no match for the icy sensation in her chest. She began to ponder vigorously various questions, accusations and processes of retaliation in her mind. But she didn’t see the car. This blaring of the horn was too late. There was the pathetic squealing of brakes and a moment of unbearable agony that filled her from head to toe. The world staggered, and the last thing Ariana could make out before everything went black was the night sky above her. Everything went black. ---

[Warning: Mature Content] Darius Eldrin Frostbane, an orphaned outcast abandoned at an orphanage 23 years ago, now faces an unexpected destiny. One day, a beautiful and elegant woman arrives to claim him as her biological son. Upon arriving at the family estate, Darius is shocked to learn that he is the heir to a prominent family with rare supernatural powers. However, due to his perceived lack of talent, he has been disowned by his grandfather. Concurrently, a mechanical female voice echoes within Darius' mind, offering him access to a system that will empower him to become the strongest individual through every immoral act he commits against women. Darius now faces a choice: to follow the path offered by the mysterious voice or to forge his own way in order to prove his worth to the esteemed family. (Content Advisory: This narrative contains mature themes, including intense violence, incest, and yuri elements. It is crafted specifically for readers who are comfortable with and can appreciate such complex themes. If you are under the legal age or find these elements unsettling, it is advised to discontinue reading.) (Cover Image: Ai-Generated)

A posh boy and a ‘no fucks given’ Billionaire.  “Get on your knees and suck me off, like a good boy."  ******* When his grandfather passed away, Brandon knew he had to do everything to make sure that his family company was in good hands, and by good hands, he meant his.  Arrangement set up for the inheritance demanded, Brandon moved to another country and countering a man as a love interest, which was completely unnecessary because he was not gay. But was his answer taken as it should have been? Absolutely not. As the days to fulfill the condition fly by and Killian and Brandon get closer, things start to blend in and out at the same time, they too break apart. With the sudden presence of the faces from the past and Brandon’s continuous doubt about his sexuality, would he actually be able to receive unconditional love for once?  [ Morally gray hero, dark romance, hero obsessed, boys love, LGBTQ+, gay romance, romance] 

Ariana’s life shatters when the mate she’s loved for years abandons her for his fated mate. Left alone in the wake of betrayal, she’s forced to rebuild her world from the ground up. But when circumstances draw her back into the fold of power, she finds herself caught between two deadly rivals—Sebastian, a cold and powerful Alpha with secrets of his own, and Darius, her ex-mate, whose heart still belongs to her. As their enemies close in and a dangerous power awakens within Ariana, she must navigate love, betrayal, and destiny to save everything she holds dear. In a world where power, loyalty, and passion collide, one question remains: Can Ariana trust her heart, or will it destroy them all?

Hi, I’m Liam Remmick, and this is the story of how I killed my father, Steve Nazar—a total douche bag. If you’re gonna listen, I better start from the beginning. Don’t worry about spoilers; I don’t care if I ruin a thing or two. My mom, Shayla Remmick, left me at a young age, and I’ve been fending for myself ever since. She died when I was ten, so yeah, you can guess the rest. Unlike other kids with amazing dads, mine’s an absolute asshole. He fucked my mom, rejected her when she got pregnant, and then tried to eliminate us. Nice guy, right? Mom died protecting me from his assassins. Father of the year. After her death, I bounced between foster homes until they got tired of me. Now, I live in a cave with bats instead of cockroaches—it’s a win, right? I’ve learned to handle them. When I’m not eating bat meat, I hunt for mushrooms, snails, and wild boars—though I’ve only caught broken bones so far. Don’t judge me; I’m an eleven-year-old living alone. ……………………………..✍️ A blond-haired man in his fifties stands combat-ready, wielding a sword against a grey-haired man. The grey-haired man, Seth, has a one-bladed scythe floating beside him. “Each time we do this, you’re always the one on the ground. Don’t you think you should give up?” Seth asks, smirking. “This time will be different. I’ll wipe that smirk off your face, Seth,” Steve replies. Their blades clash, sparks flying as they exchange blows. “You’re still as reckless as ever, Steve,” Seth says, dodging a wild swing. “And you’re still as arrogant,” Steve retorts, landing a kick that Seth barely blocks. The two combatants dance across the battlefield, their movements lightning-fast. Seth summons a swirling vortex of shadows, attempting to ensnare Steve. But Steve counters with his “Ten Thousand Swords” technique, unleashing a barrage of sword strikes that shred the shadows. Seth leaps back, avoiding the attacks by mere inches. “You’ve improved.” Steve sneers. “Not enough to take you down?” Seth smiles grimly. “We’ll see.” With a swift gesture, Seth unleashes a wave of dark energy. Steve counters with his sword, channeling a burst of light energy. The two forces collide, unleashing a shockwave that shakes the ground. Their battle rages on, neither warrior yielding. …………………………….. ✍️ Welcome back. This story isn’t about them; it’s about me. You’ll meet them soon enough. So, do I have your attention? Good! Isn’t this a story you want to see to the end? Let’s begin. Oh, and this story’s called Shadow.

"i'm never letting you go, let that stick to your brain and remain there forever", he coldly whispered in her ears. Ann Williams, a prestigious billonaire mafia heiress elopes from her home to avoid responsibilities of being the heiress as she is the Mafia King's daughter. She was once in love with her college mate, Callis but he rejects her love and breaks her heart, she gets over him only for him to later develop strong feelings for her and forces her to accept but she refuses to be trashed around. He leaves her but not after telling her " run away". And if he caught her he'll never let her go. Ann comes across her middle class friend, Veda. They both work together. Calli never completely leaves her as he comes back later to her when she is in desperate need for help to win her love but he is not the only one as there is a third person in the picture with motives which later turns to love and they are now in a complicated love triangle. Read and enjoy the adventurous romance between the mafia Queen, Ann, Calli's Ambrosio and Josh Thornton, who will win her heart? will she have to accept her fathers command to be the mafia queen or does both men have ulterior motive for getting involved with her? will love counter revenge?, mind blowing love story and twist in the characters relationship. Volume one: Love triangle of Ann, Calli and Josh. Volume two: a prestigious pauper ( Veda and Stephen). Volume three: The CEO crazy contracted wife.

On Saturday, I went to an Internet café in the city center of H with A Yong for a gaming session. When making the payment, I was questioned by the cashier for using Huabei. In response to my polite query, she and the boy next to her sneered and whispered. The staff at the counter just carried on with their fun, ignoring us, and our good mood was instantly ruined.

Freya Lenore, once a fearsome assassin, is now stuck managing the wild, unpredictable antics of Nevaris Vale, the youngest trillionaire in history. Nevaris is a master of business deals... when he's not distracted by his next bizarre idea or trying to launch another ridiculous project. From hoverboard racing leagues to random "visionary" investments, Nevaris somehow makes chaos seem charming, leaving Freya to clean up the mess. Tasked with keeping him on track and in check, Freya is the no-nonsense counter to Nevaris' childish brilliance. His immature quirks might make her roll her eyes, but behind the scenes, she's the one who keeps Titan Vale Corporation running smoothly. Despite her cold, professional exterior, Freya finds herself constantly pulled into Nevaris' whirlwind of eccentricity - and, maybe just maybe, a bit of unexpected affection. In this fun, action-packed, and hilariously awkward corporate romance, follow Freya's perspective as she navigates the madness of being Nevaris' assistant. Between keeping his outlandish schemes from blowing up and managing his (often childish) mood swings, Freya is starting to wonder if she's fallen for the chaos itself. Is it love or just another absurd deal? With Nevaris at the helm, anything's possible - and that's exactly what scares her. Join Freya as she tries to keep her cool, her sarcasm sharp, and her patience intact in a world where every deal could go too far.

I died and was reborn in the magical bl world of the Middle Ages. Not as an extra villain or hero, but as the loving older brother of the second male lead. Marcius Valentino was a 19-year-old boy who was forced to take over his family after the death of his father, and from the moment he became head of the family, their reputation grew and they became one of the best houses in the Empire, not only militarily but also economically. He became the most powerful swordsman in the Empire and was hailed as a hero for defeating the enemy kingdom.  But he was not the hero of this book. His brother's best friend, the only remaining member of a fallen noble house, was a boy named Noah Shaffer, who had risen from the bottom to the top only through his own efforts. His best friend and second male lead was Darius Valentino. Fantasy, magic, sword was not the problem, the problem was that this was a BL novel. Marcius would have had only one answer if he had seen the fulfilment of his old life's purpose. -I fell to heaven by mistake,‖ he said, a crooked smile appearing on his face.

Crazy forbidden love and passion, had driven Lilith out of Salem, the home of witches, the only home she had known for years. Birthing a human in the witches’ world was considered a curse to them because of the legend they believed in, which went like this “when humans came, died witches fame. The watchers intervened, extinguishing both their flames” this led them to believing that humans would be the reason for their downfall and the wiping out of their clan by the watchers. She is banished to live and suffer in the contemporary world amongst the humans whom she was so much drawn to, all the while taking care of her only son. Lilith successfully learns to hide her true identity from the humans, while protecting her son from both enemies within and without. However, being secretive is always considered suspicious anywhere be it humans or witches. Therefore calamity was bound to occur. Will she be able to overcome these hardships? Or will her son become her legacy, her reason to enact revenge upon the witches, for the deathly suffering they both were subjected to? Armaros: “Armaros” meaning curse, the name given to him by the witches after his mother Lilith, had disobeyed the very laws that governed their world. Though at a young age, he couldn't understand why he was mocked for his hair and eye color, he soon grew to understand why and what they stood for. The witches claimed to be the superior race, yet the elders from their clan refused to closely approach him, making him wonder why, after all he was only but a feeble, harmless human. Forces beyond human and witches reality, soon begin unfolding like little rose petals before his eyes, making him question his mother on the true origins of his birth. When he finds out, will he be able to accept this new identity and carry on the burden that drags alongside it? Or will he keep seeking revenge for the shame that was brought by the witches upon his mother, slowly driving him into irredeemable darkness? Or thus will "love”, the reason for his mother's suffering be a firm support to him, helping him lighten the weight of the burden he carries? Excerpt In the contemporary world: The last bell to end the classes for the day rang, and a black haired boy picked up his bag heading outside the school dormitory, while four other students accompanied him as they spoke to each other on their separate ways home. Armaros soon arrived at his destination, looking around, before calling out, “Mother, mother I'm back” but there was no reply so, he went into the kitchen where she was usually always at, either cooking or cleaning. On getting there, the pungent smell of blood welcomed him and he looked below the kitchen counter to see his mother’s throat slit and her eyes staring at him with a hollowness in there. Beside her body lay a letter which read "from your loving….. find out yourself” with a smirking sticker glued beside the letter. *** Female lead will be introduced later in the book. Please feel free to drop reviews on this book and vote if you want. For updates and more information, reach out to author on; Email: justtrouble021@gmail.com Instagram: just_trouble45 Discord: Just_trouble#3566 You can also join our discord server to discuss this book and many more with other readers, when you follow my Instagram page and click on the discord link in my bio.

When creatures thought to be mythical suddenly begin an assault on Earth, the world's nations band together to devise a plan to counter them. Some share information on building powerful weapons, while others provide manpower. Unfortunately, humanity does not stand a chance against an enemy that has been hiding since ancient times. Driven into a corner, humans retreated into Undercity, the last stronghold of the human race. Due to its location in a large underground cavern, Undercity has managed to avoid destruction. Here, civilians can live fairly normal lives, and some have forgotten about the war. A group of scholars devised a method to mimic the abilities of mythical creatures, but learning to use them effectively and safely proved difficult, so they locked away all their research. Theo has only his mother left and is terrified of losing her. Desperate to protect her, he dedicates all his free time to researching the scholars who founded Undercity, hoping to unearth the secrets they left behind. One day, he finds an old rusty dagger hidden in the hollowed-out hollowed-out pages of an encyclopedia printed before the start of the war. This dagger held many secrets, and Theo lost his head while decyphering them. "It's time to go for a midnight walk." "Reap a soul within 4 hours." "Where's your head?"

Sebastian and Rezel are two teenagers with no problem who both study at the same history university. Both passionate about military history, these two friends complement each other although they disagree on certain points. However Rezel finds his daily life boring to the point of wishing to want to reincarnate in a world at war where he can experience what the ideal life is according to his fantasm. Things that Ares the god of war will grant by making him die before bringing him back to the Duchy of Elysion with only one goal. Create the biggest mayhem this world had never seen and make the war that not end wars. To counter him Athena decide to use his best friend Seb as an assassin and sent him to the same world with only one goal, Kill Ares Champion and prevent the world to fall underchaos. Seb accept gladly since he too want a little more action in his life. But Both of them doesn't even know each other involvment in this game between gods.

Eisley Sawyer was promised to Magnus Sawyer by her mother at a tender age for marriage. However, Magnus turned out to be far from a loving husband. He is one to cheat and beat her up, whether she was at fault or not. Desperate to escape this nightmare, Eisley overheard the local wives discussing a notorious gangster and businessman coming to town. This man, Irwin Kent, happened to be her husband's boss—a man known for having any woman he desired, even those married to his employees. Eisley saw in Irwin a man more powerful than her husband, presenting her with a potential escape route. But how long could she rely on this path without falling for her saviour? EXTRACT: Magnus gazed at Irwin, then dropped to his knees. "Forgive me, but she's all I have. I can't lose her. I love her so much. Please, let her come back to me." Irwin leaned back, eyes fixed on the ceiling as the smoke from his cigarette clouded his view. "She wants a divorce." A heavy silence filled the room. Irwin sat up, scrutinizing Magnus, who remained on his knees, utterly bewildered. "My wife is still very young and naive." "Is she? She strikes me as quite bold and wise," Irwin countered, "She's my type," he added, biting his lower lip with a smirk that made Magnus furious. "Sir, Eisley is my whole life!"

Once upon a gacha time during the 2020s, there was a game with a low player-base called 'Zenith Girls', an idle tactical gacha game most fitting for males to play. From the game name itself, it's because there were only female characters, except for its mc, an unplayable male character, as if being the only man in the whole world of the game. But players, be it the f2ps, p2ws, whales or the krakens; they still enjoy the game because of these four reasons: First, the anime-style was quite nostalgic, with dynamic blends that makes the characters feel more high quality and lively. Second, is the right amount of indecency that makes players lick their phones when no one is watching. Third, is its super unique playstyle that totally separates it from the typical idle rpg. And lastly, is that the game is blessed with a lovable story. It was suppose to be a diamond-of-a game, but strangely it never received the right attention. Khelzan was one of the players in this low player-base game. He works two part-time jobs the whole day while playing the game at the same time, sleeping for just 5 hours (he actually was surviving and looked healthy enough) just so he could maintain his top 20 status in his server. Top 20 seemed far, but there is one strange thing in the server he is in: even at the infancy day of the newborn server it is already filled with the battle of "who gets to buy more packs" and "who can counter who" and "guild-leader wannabes", as if wasting time and money for an irrelevant online game status that for most, deemed as useless. However, for Khelzan, it was his everything. Well it became his everything after he already spent half of his 'secret money' just at the first day. Now he has nothing to lose, except his status in this game. He is living as he wants to. However, one item changed it all. #This is my first time, wish me luck! #Cover is actually AI generated from chatgpt lols

Warning! Mature Content Hernia is his to care for and he doesn’t care what the world thinks of that. >>>>>>> “We could date instead,” Hermia suggested, her voice laced with uncertainty. “I don’t date,” Niklaus replied coldly, his piercing gaze unwavering. Hermia blinked, caught off guard. “So it has to be marriage?” she asked, her tone laced with disbelief. “Yes,” he deadpanned, not a hint of hesitation in his voice. Her frustration bubbled over. “But we don’t even know each other!” she whined, throwing her hands up in exasperation. Niklaus leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming. “I don’t need to know you, Mia,” he said, his voice dipping into a deep, dangerous tone. “When I can feel you… that’s enough for me.” She inhaled sharply, her heart hammering in her chest. “That’s not enough for me,” she countered, her voice firm but trembling slightly. His expression softened, and his next words wrapped around her like a promise. “I would forever cherish you, adore you, and treat you like the rarest gem. I would never let you shed a single tear of pain.” Her resolve wavered, but she shook her head and pushed back. “We’re not getting married, Shark. Just go.” But instead of leaving, he smirked, leaning back with a confidence that rattled her. “I’ll be waiting.” Hermia groaned, exasperated. “Nik, you’re hardly doing any waiting. You’re all over me! We live together, work together, eat together—you’re always here!” Niklaus’s voice dropped to a whisper, raw and pleading. “Then just keep me forever, Mia.” She froze, his honest, vulnerable eyes piercing through every defense she had built. Her heart quivered as she felt the weight of his words sink in. She didn’t know what to do. >>>>>>>> To the world, Niklaus Hathaway is ruthless—a man who takes what he wants, no matter the cost. But for Hermia, the girl who’s lost everything, he’s something else entirely: her unlikely savior whom she couldn’t blindly trust. He’s ruthless to everyone—except her. Niklaus Hathaway doesn’t date. He doesn’t waste time. He only wants what’s his. When Hermia steps into his life, he makes one thing clear: if she won’t marry him, she’ll work for him. Keeping her close is his only goal, and no amount of gossip, jealousy, or family betrayal will change that. But Hermia’s life isn’t as simple as working for the powerful CEO who’s claimed her as his. With an evil stepsister and manipulative parents determined to ruin her happiness, Hermia must fight for her place in a world that seems determined to push her out. Niklaus declared her his from the beginning—and he’ll stop at nothing to protect her, no matter the cost Love has never been this dangerous.

"Take her," the dangerous man orders casually, like I'm the most boring little human he's ever encountered in his life. "I said stay the fuck away!" I yell at him this time, causing him to tilt his head in amusement. "A little girl like you shouldn't be swearing at your elders. It's bad habit. Your daddy should have taught you better." Hold on. My daddy. And if I heard correctly the first time, the other man had mentioned something about 'daughter' and 'grown woman'. Shit! What's going on? This must be Darius Hunter! And how do they know about my existence!? Oh no! My father! Have they taken him? Have they hurt him? "Darius... Hunter?" I stutter in sheer terror, the dangerous man tensing as I mention his name. "You know my name. I don't know if I should be impressed or disappointed," Darius chuckles, amusement seeping into his tone. "Errrm... I... Where's my father...?" My demand sounds more like a plea, my voice shuddering in painful anticipation. "Waiting for you at my place. He said we should come get you. I didn't expect you to be old enough to beat up my man. I am definitely impressed, and your value, my dear, has just gone up." --------------------------- Allison, a confined young woman who finds solace in books and writing, is thrust into a world of danger and deceit when her father, Frank, a reformed gambler turned priest, sells her to Darius Hunter, the infamous "Devil of California," to settle an old debt. Darius tries everything possible to break Allison for his pleasure, promising himself not to touch her innocence. Yet, as Allison navigates the treacherous waters of her new life, she discovers hidden strengths, forms unexpected bonds, and unravels the dark secrets of her family’s past. Amidst turmoil and passion, Allison and Darius find themselves entangled in a powerful and transformative love story, punctuated by shocking twists and turns.

*****Excerpt***** “Don’t,” she whispered, her words shaky and desperate. “Please, Raph, don’t.” “Don’t what?” he murmured, his lips brushing her collarbone now. “This isn’t right. We shouldn’t…” “But we have,” he countered, his voice unwavering. Her knees threatened to give way, her strength faltering against the onslaught of sensation. She felt his hands on her shoulders, firm but not unkind, as he turned her to face him. Her heart hammered wildly as he lifted her with ease, placing her on the edge of his desk. He parted her legs with his hands and stepped between them, his large hands bracketing her waist. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her lips. Her senses were drowning in him, in the heat of his body and the sheer magnetism of his gaze. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I will. I’ll let you go and never ask this of you again. But it’s your choice, Natalie. Only yours.” Her mind screamed at her to end it, to take the out he offered. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him, craving his touch. He held her steady, his patience unnerving, as though he knew she would falter. “I’m waiting, Nat,” he urged, his voice softening, though his grip on her remained firm. “Raphael…” Her voice was a breathless plea, her will crumbling. “Yes, sweetheart?” Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t stop the words that slipped from her lips, nor could she deny the truth in them. “Make love to me.” A dark smile curved his lips as he claimed her mouth in a kiss that stole her breath. “Good choice,” he whispered against her skin. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.” *****Synopsis***** Raphael Emberlin, the Duke of Barrington, and his maid, Natalie Scott, are kidnapped while on a journey. After escaping their captors, they find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar land far from home. Everything around them is different, from the language to the people, and they must find their way back, all while learning to navigate the challenges of being stuck with each other. Raphael, used to being in control, struggles to trust anyone, especially Natalie. However, as they travel together, he begins to see her in a new light—her strength, courage, and ability to handle tough situations. On the other hand, Natalie has to deal with Raphael’s arrogance and pride, but she also notices his vulnerability and starts to understand him better. As they journey through this unknown world, their relationship starts to change. What began as a forced partnership slowly grows into something deeper. They each discover new strengths within themselves and each other. By the time they finally return home, they are left wondering whether they can go back to their old lives or if the journey has changed them forever.

En un mundo devastado por monstruos y gobernado por el caos, **Sarani**, una joven marcada por la tragedia, ha perdido todo lo que amaba. Su aldea fue arrasada por criaturas grotescas, y sus padres fueron devorados frente a sus ojos. Con el corazón lleno de odio y una sed de venganza que la consume, Sarani es rescatada por **Darius**, un maestro espadachín legendario cuyo pasado está tan lleno de cicatrices como el suyo. Darius, un hombre frío y severo, ve en Sarani algo más que una víctima: ve a una guerrera en ciernes. Acepta entrenarla, pero no será un camino fácil. El entrenamiento de un espadachín es brutal, tanto física como mentalmente, y Sarani deberá enfrentar no solo a los monstruos que acechan en las sombras, sino también a los demonios que lleva dentro. Juntos, maestro y aprendiz, emprenderán un viaje a través de un mundo lleno de peligros, donde las Bestias del Fin, seres de poder inimaginable, amenazan con destruir todo a su paso. En su camino, descubrirán secretos antiguos, se enfrentarán a enemigos mortales y forjarán un vínculo que los unirá más allá de la sangre y el honor. Pero el camino del espadachín no es solo un camino de espadas y batallas. Es un camino de sacrificio, redención y equilibrio. Sarani deberá decidir si su sed de venganza la consumirá o si encontrará una razón más profunda para blandir su espada. Y Darius, un hombre que ha perdido tanto como ella, deberá enfrentar su propio pasado para guiar a su aprendiz hacia un futuro incierto. **"Saren"** es una historia épica de supervivencia, traición y redención, donde el filo de la espada es tan afilado como las decisiones que separan la luz de la oscuridad. ¿Podrán Sarani y Darius encontrar el equilibrio en un mundo al borde del abismo, o serán consumidos por las sombras que los persiguen?

[Winner of WPC August Contest] ---------------------- Darius had died a miserable death, being betrayed by his closest friends. His final thoughts were ones of regret, as he could only dream of a much better life than the one he had gone through. However, it seemed the universe wasn't done with him as he transmigrated to another world, because of some unknown God named Lilia. It was only after finding the dead body of a monster that he realized that maybe his second chance at life wasn't going to be as simple as he had imagined. [You have stolen Life Essence.] [Steal more Life Essence to become Immortal.]

When I opened my eyes, I found myself face to face with Darius Thorne, the main character of [Arcanus Academy], who was looking at me with disdain. Many questions raced through my mind. What is happening? Is this a dream? Why won't he stop yelling? Am I dead? Does he have something stuck in his teeth? Have I somehow entered the world of my favorite game, like in those Web Novels I read so often? I opened my mouth, about to ask one of the many questions that had come to mind upon realizing the huge mess I was in. What I was about to say would be my first words in this new world. I had to be careful; the slightest mistake could worsen my current situation, which, judging by how things looked, didn’t seem good at all. "Can you get that thing out of your teeth? It's distracting me." Everyone nearby fell silent and stared at me until a burst of laughter erupted. Darius covered his mouth, clearly embarrassed. 'Damn, I already messed it up.' ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ - English is not my native language

Artiste de rue démuni, Darius utilise son savoir-faire pour s'échapper de sa vie de misérable. A son vieil âge, il veut a tout prix trouver une stabilité de vie, et pourvoir à ses besoins les plus élémentaires. Jusqu'où ira -t-il pour réaliser son rêve ? Va-t-il en ressortir indemne ?

Divine Martial Continent — a land where only the strongest will prevail, where Warriors are born, each tied to an innate Warrior Soul of a single element. With the nature of the five elements acting as counters to each other, it was only natural that fire and ice are at odds. Amongst all Warriors, a genius was born. He was blessed with both the Immemorial Ice Crystal and Flaming Sacred Body, destined to create legends which would leave thousands of worlds trembling at his feet. That changed when a young man from Earth named Li Lingtian transmigrated to Divine Martial Continent and took physical possession of the gifted young man. It turned out for the worst as the gifted young man became a good-for-nothing and he fell from grace. However, the encounter would prove to be a blessing in disguise when Li Lingtian obtains the Heaven and Earth Reincarnation, a technique that will push him to the top once more and ultimately allowing him to be a step closer to his goal — of becoming the War God Supreme. Would our MC achieve his goal? Or would he fail and return to his old ways as a good-for-nothing? Follow along his journey to find out.

Being a parent means expecting the unexpected, but I never thought my three-year-old would become the villain in my cryptocurrency saga. It all started one chaotic evening while I was multitasking dinner prep and watching my little one. I had left my laptop open on the counter-logged into my $120,000 Bitcoin wallet, no less-because who could foresee a toddler becoming a digital Houdini? I was chopping vegetables in the kitchen but glanced over at my child, quite happy, banging away on the keyboard. "Cute," I thought, right up until the confirmation tone sounded. My heart dropped as I turned to find those tiny fingers had, somehow, just reset my wallet password. And now, all that stared back at me, on the screen in front of me, was an innocuous but soul-crushing message: "Access Denied." What followed was an emotional rollercoaster: the disbelief at first, like, how could a random flurry of key mashing create something so catastrophically bad, was followed by panic as I desperately tried every conceivable combination of passwords I could possibly think of. And then came the realization, stark and unwelcome: I had locked myself out of my wallet, and $120,000 was gone. It was both funny and terrifying-it was a toddler with no other weapon but curiosity outsmarting me. At my wit's end, I turned in desperation for help to Asset Rescue Specialist . I did feel a little silly explaining the situation to them-half expecting them to burst out laughing-but they reassured me and said I wasn't the first parent who had faced a "toddler tech incident.". Their team got to work immediately, treating my case with the urgency and professionalism it deserved. They kept me updated throughout the process, explaining their steps in a way that made me feel confident my funds were in good hands. A few days later, they called with the news I’d been praying for—they had successfully recovered my wallet. Relief washed over me. As I secured my newly unlocked wallet with a far more robust, yes, even Toddler-Proof system in place, I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculously absurd the entire ordeal was. Even the guys from Asset Rescue Specialist threw in some advice regarding my device protection against inquisitive little fingers. Lesson learned: never underestimate the power of a toddler-or the value of a trusted recovery service like Asset Rescue Specialist. From now on, my laptop stays far out of reach during playtime.DM via: Contact Email; assetrescuespecialist (AT) qualityservice (DOT) com.or.support@assetrescuespecialist.com.

"You k-kissed me..." I asked, I'm shock, my breath wavering as she caged me between the kitchen counter and her body. "Yes, Ella." Bella said, stroking my exposed neck. She leaned in, whispering in my ear. "I want to do it again." ...... ...... Ella thought she was straight until she met Bella. Someone way out of her league, who suddenly catches her attention and vice versa. They just happen to share the same campus room, and some classes together. Things get out of hand when Bella can't hold back anymore and pretend she isn't there, when every time she's around, her senses harden.

Darius Vale was once the land’s most feared assassin until betrayal left him hovering at the brink of death. But fate had other plans: he awakens in a realm pulsing with arcane power, where the skies thunder with dragons and sorcerers guard ancient secrets. Now bound to a mysterious system that demands he conquer treacherous trials, Darius must adapt his lethal skills to new, enchanted horizons. Will the master of shadows become a beacon of hope, or be devoured by the darkness he once served?