Between A Rock And A Hard Place Merlin

Baulkin pick his faith to be a human prince and commander of the infantry

Elliot Hale had always preferred the shadows. At work, he was practically invisible: the man who quietly turned chaos into order without asking for praise. No one remembered his birthday, and his desk was strategically tucked into the corner of an open-plan office, like a detail everyone had forgotten about halfway through designing the building. And that was fine with him. Being overlooked meant being safe. But online, in the quiet hum of his favorite forum, he wasn’t invisible. He wasn’t “that guy from the finance department.” He was “TailoredTips,” the anonymous go-to guru for anyone in need of advice. Love troubles? He’d solved them. Wardrobe crises? He’d turned fashion disasters into triumphs. A friend’s floundering confidence? Restored with a few typed words. It was the one place where he could say what he truly thought, uncensored and unapologetic. That’s where he first met her. Of course, he hadn’t known it was her at the time. The woman who called herself “Vee” on the forum was smart, funny, and refreshingly candid. She spoke about her life as if she were untangling a knot no one else could see, venting about her “unruly employees” or her endless schedule of social events. But beneath her polished tone, Elliot could sense her loneliness, her need for something real in a world that expected perfection. For weeks, they talked. First in public threads, then in private messages. Their connection was instant and electric, sparking late-night conversations that blurred the line between strangers and confidants. He became her anchor, her secret adviser. And every time she asked him to meet in person, he gently deflected, keeping the fragile boundary between their two worlds intact. Because Vee wasn’t just anyone. She was Victoria Langley, the CEO of his company. The woman whose voice could silence a room. The woman who, just hours ago, had stood in the center of their office, sharp heels clicking against the marble floor as she delivered a scathing critique of his department’s latest report. She hadn’t even glanced his way. Why would she? He was nobody to her. And yet, that same evening, she had messaged him online, desperate for advice on what to wear to a gala, thanking him for being her “lifeline” when no one else seemed to understand her. Elliot stared at the glowing screen of his laptop, his heart thudding in his chest. He should stop. This was dangerous. Reckless. Every time he gave her advice—every time he offered her a piece of himself—he was tightening a noose around his own neck. But then she sent another message. Vee: “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Sometimes I think you’re the only person who really sees me.” His fingers hovered over the keyboard, trembling. He typed out a reply. TailoredTips: “I’m just glad I can help. You’re stronger than you think, Vee.” He hit send and leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. Two lives. Two versions of himself. And one impossible secret. Elliot knew it was only a matter of time before his world came crashing down.

*What!! I have two.....two mates. Both demons.........the Ruthless twin brothers......!* "Two ruthless kings. One innocent angel. A bond forged in fire, passion, and obsession." Liam, an orphaned angel raised in the Angelic Realm, is revered as the Angel of Death, a being of pure power and destiny. On his 18th birthday, he faces the Test Mate Ritual, only to find himself bonded not to one, but two Demon Kings—Elijah, a ruthless ruler, and Maximilian, a fiery leader. The bond between them is powerful, but Liam’s fate is now tied to two beings from a realm he was taught to fear. As Liam is pulled into the dangerous world of demons, he must navigate his new life, struggling to understand whether he is a tool for power and pleasure or if he can carve out his own identity. With deadly forces closing in from all sides, Liam's future remains uncertain. Will he survive the chaos and make the demons love him, or will he remain a pawn in their game for control? Only time will tell if Liam can shape his own destiny.

Alice was born into a royal family. But unfortunately, when her magic power was measured, the magic orb showed nothing. The king and queen sent her to the continent's largest and most terrifying forest to be eaten alive by monsters...

A young man is called to fight in a war in a place he's never heard of.

Shrouded in secrecy and constrained by antiquated laws, a hidden world of werewolves exists in the center of the busy city. Damien was a strong alpha who was cursed with living alone and never thought he would meet a partner, much less a human one. But when he meets Ava, a lively waitress whose generosity and warmth enthrall him, his meticulously planned world starts to fall apart. Ava leads a straightforward yet contented life until Damien enters her eatery one fateful evening. She is drawn to his enigmatic aura and quickly becomes caught up in a maelstrom of passion and peril. People who believe Ava poses a threat to Damien's pack's power dynamics target her as their bond grows. Putting more fuel into Claire, a fiercely loyal werewolf who harbors unrequited love for Damien. Consumed by jealousy, Claire will stop at nothing to sabotage their relationship and reclaim the alpha's affection. Amid rising tensions and mounting threats, Damien and Ava must fight to protect their bond. But as Ava remains human in a supernatural world, their love is tested in ways neither could have anticipated. Between Fangs and Flames is a gripping tale of forbidden love, loyalty, and the courage to defy destiny. Will Ava and Damien’s connection be strong enough to withstand the trials ahead, or will the flames of jealousy and danger consume them both?

Cadee Singer and Max Tanner went through a lot in their lives before finding each other. After suffering from traumatic pasts, the last thing any of them need is to feel attached to each other. Neither of them want a relationship and somehow being friends with benefits morphs into something more. Can these two troubled souls find a way to themselves with all the obstacles life throws at them? DISCLAIMER! THIS BOOK HAS MATURE THEMES AND IS INTENDED FOR AN 18+ AUDIENCE ONLY. WILL ALSO CONTAIN BDSM THEMES! Sneak peak! "How do you feel?" he asked as he admired his handwork. "Tense and a little unsure," she muttered. "Do you need me to stop?" "No,"she said. Max smiled and was glad that she couldn't see him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd actually smiled during sex. "Good girl." He slowly pushed a finger into her and found her soaking wet from her previous orgasm. "when I snapped the garter, did you like it?" She kept mute, but her body pushed out more liquid coating his finger. He added another one and moved it and out of her till she was moaning and thrusting her ass out. "Did you like it?" he asked again. "Yes," she whispered. He gently spanked her ass and she whimpered, drawing her legs together.

Iwa o ayatsuru mono no tensei Alternate name: Ganseki Sōsa Takumi Yamazaki, a 16-year-old high school student, meets an untimely end courtesy of truck-kun. Reborn in a world of swords and sorcery, he is eager to master the art of magic and carve a new destiny. But fate has a cruel sense of humor—Takumi’s magic aptitude is rock manipulation, deemed the weakest and most irrelevant in this magical society. Refusing to be discouraged, Takumi taps into the depth of his newfound powers, discovering ways to shape, summon, and control the very foundations of the earth. As he hones his abilities, he realizes that even the smallest pebble, when wielded with precision and creativity, can become an unstoppable force. With his newfound magic, Takumi embarks on an epic journey, facing daunting foes, unraveling the mysteries of his reincarnation, and uncovering a hidden strength that could rival the greatest mages. In a world where power defines worth, can he prove that magic is only as weak as the mage who wields it?

The Trial of the Guilty？ The Lie of the Divine？ Participant, Stellar Envoy, and Divine are about to make their appearance. The stench of decay pervaded every corner of the streets, and the blood-red sky showed no sign of blue. Place of Annihilation, the end is near.

“A humble scholar embarks on a distant journey, enchanted by a fox spirit’s nocturnal allure. Their souls entwined as soulmates, their union of spirit and flesh destined for three lifetimes. The ancient wisdom of Yin and Yang in the Ghost Valley endures, the crafty old man’s arcane arts profound. Lost and bewildered in this path, a surreal dreamscape of wonders and horrors. Demons and monsters cloud the true essence, spirits and ghosts linger in the shadows. Oh, how to find a way out? A mystical jade stirs up both the criminal and martial arts worlds, eight powerful talismans ignite conflicts across the land. In this dire situation, which beloved will come to my rescue? The spell cries out: Fox spirit, haste to my aid as commanded!”

Janet is no ordinary woman. Beneath her seemingly fragile, soft-spoken demeanor lies a soul that has lived for a thousand years—a weaver of ancient wisdom, Eastern mysticism, and timeless power. Despite her profound abilities, her modern body is often overwhelmed by the confusion and complexity of today’s world. Janet longs for simplicity but finds herself repeatedly pulled into the fabric of fate, where her strength and courage are tested. Mike, on the other hand, is a man of the moment. A charismatic and ambitious investor, he thrives in the fast-paced world of New York, where logic and confidence are his guiding lights. With a new soul untethered to the burdens of past lives, he embraces life’s challenges with optimism, always looking forward. But when he crosses paths with Janet during a chaotic Christmas parade, his life takes an unexpected turn. In a world where destiny and free will collide, Janet foresees a deadly attack and steps in to shield the crowd from a tragic fate. Her ancient powers save lives—but at the cost of exposing her hidden truths. Mike, drawn by her mysterious aura and inexplicable abilities, refuses to let her slip away. As their worlds entwine, they uncover secrets that neither could face alone: a shadowy conspiracy tied to Janet’s ancient legacy and Mike’s unforeseen role in it. Together, they must navigate a labyrinth of supernatural threats, ancient prophecies, and their own growing connection—one rooted in contrasts yet destined to unite.

WARNING: DARK ROMANCE, MATURE The judge's lips curved into a thin, wicked smile as her gaze locked onto Asher. She stepped forward, her black lace gown trailing behind her like a dark, flowing shadow. Beneath the mask that obscured her eyes, something cold and knowing gleamed—a predator sizing up its prey. Asher’s pulse quickened. He hadn’t expected this. No one had. From his seat, Mr. Evergland studied the scene with careful detachment, one hand resting casually on the arm of his throne-like chair. The room was tense, a ripple of hushed murmurs passing through the vampire assembly. Some watched with fascination. Others with growing unease. A few even looked outright afraid. The judge’s voice shattered the silence, calm but laced with a chilling authority. "You’ve made your choice," she said, each word deliberate. "You want to challenge this union, to save your sister... but you offer yourself as the prize. Very well. Let’s make it official." Asher froze, his breath caught in his chest. Official. The word settled over him like an iron weight, suffocating the air in the room. He had walked into this with no plan, no backup—but now it was too late to back down. The judge raised her hand, and the crowd fell into stunned silence. Her voice rang out again, carrying a finality that reverberated through the cold marble walls. "Tonight, Asher of the Kapella family," she declared, her tone unwavering, "you will not only interrupt our ceremony—you will replace it. We will honor the bond you’ve offered, and in doing so, I will bind you to me." A collective gasp swept through the room. Eyes flicked nervously between Asher and the judge. He could feel the weight of every gaze, but his own mind was spinning. This can’t be happening. This wasn’t part of the plan. "What do you mean?" he stammered, panic creeping into his voice. He had thought he was making a stand, but now it felt like the ground was slipping out from under him. "I... I didn’t mean—" The judge’s smile deepened, cruel and sharp. She tilted her head, as if savoring his discomfort. "Did you really think there would be no consequences?" she asked, her voice silk over steel. "You’ve disrupted our world, Asher. You’ve made your offer, and now... you’ll fulfill it. In the most fitting way." ______ In the desolate world of Rakan, the Evergland Clan reigns supreme as the most powerful royal vampire family. In a bid to secure an alliance, they seek a marriage candidate for their son and turn to the most coveted human family in the land, the Kapellas, who, despite their status, live in poverty and misfortune. This human family consists of a widowed mother, an eldest daughter, and two sons: the youngest son, who is mute, and the eldest son, Asher, who is terminally ill. The Evergland Clan arranges a grand dinner and ball to unite the families. Though the eldest daughter, the family’s pillar of strength, has already found love with another human, she is nonetheless chosen to marry the vampire heir. Bound by duty but conflicted by her heart, she is set to fulfill the Evergland Clan’s wishes. During the proceedings, Asher, determined to protect his sister from a loveless union, takes a bold step. He interrupts the wedding and takes over, giving himself up to a mysterious women. Unaware of the consequences this declaration will bring, Asher unknowingly opens the door to a fate far darker than he could have anticipated.

Kian Rivers, was heartbroken after a brutal breakup, he found himself stumbling into a danger far beyond anything he could have imagined. Attacked by Viktor Hale, a centuries-old vampire, Kian was certain his life was over. But when Viktor moved to drain him, something unexpected happened. Kian’s intense emotions surged through Viktor, breaking centuries of emotional numbness. Kian, it seemed, was Viktor’s mate, a bond that terrified both of them but was impossible to ignore. Now, tied to the very vampire who nearly killed him, Kian found himself trapped in Viktor’s world. But it was a world full of deadly threats. --- Warning: This book contains mature themes! Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4

In the grand and influential kingdom of Auroria Dominion, renowned for its wealth, advanced magic, and unmatched political power, a new chapter in the royal legacy is about to unfold. Ruled by the wise and just King Aldara, Auroria thrives on trade, magical innovation, and ancient knowledge. At its heart lies Solstice City, a magnificent capital and home to the esteemed Arcanum Royal Institute, where the brightest minds from across the realm come to hone their talents. As the new school year approaches, tensions rise within the royal family. King Aldara, driven by a desire for change, proposes a controversial plan to bring the son of the infamous Merlin—a powerful and feared wizard—into the kingdom's fold. Despite the protests of his brother, Headmaster Thaddeus Aldara, the king is determined to give the boy, Melanthius, a chance to prove his worth. Meanwhile, in the dark and foreboding Caldara Bastille, a prison on the desolate Ironclad Isles, Melanthius, known as Inmate Zero, endures a life of isolation and fear. Raised in captivity since birth, Mel has known little of the world beyond the prison walls, his only companions the guards and the dangerous inmates. Despite his harsh upbringing, Mel adheres to a strict moral code, refusing to let his father's dark legacy define him. As the headmaster and king devise a daring plan to retrieve Melanthius from the depths of the Bastille, the stage is set for a dramatic clash between the past and the future. With the help of a mysterious dragon hybrid, the kingdom will attempt to bring Melanthius to the prestigious halls of Arcanum Royal Institute, where he must navigate a world of power, politics, and hidden dangers. But Mel's journey is fraught with challenges. Haunted by his father's legacy and burdened by the expectations of those around him, he must learn to balance his extraordinary abilities with his desire to be good. As he steps into the unknown, Mel's presence at the institute will not only test his resolve but also shake the very foundations of Auroria Dominion.

The Citizens of Ottawa, Illinois were your average, friendly Midwesterners. However, when seemingly insane things begin to happen, as any Patriotic American would, they answer the call. From the New World Order to the Total Collapse of Society, the Ottawans following the lead of the Ghost of Ottawa struggle and try to survive even the most impossible of odds stacked against them. But is their American Heritage and Midwestern Grit enough to survive? {Rated R due to profanity and the nature of the violence portrayed in the novel.}

"Umie Zuelaikha, seorang doktor muda yang berbakat, berusaha melupakan trauma masa lalunya yang gelap. Namun, hidupnya menjadi semakin rumit apabila lelaki misteri bernama Elias muncul, mendakwa dia adalah ‘suami masa depan’ Umie. Di tengah-tengah tekanan pekerjaan di hospital, konflik lama, dan kehadiran Elias yang penuh tanda tanya, Umie terpaksa menghadap masa lalu yang menyakitkan dan rahsia yang mengikat mereka. Mampukah Umie berdamai dengan dirinya, atau adakah Elias membawa lebih banyak persoalan daripada jawapan?"

Luna Soleil Alvarez, a 30-year-old wife and mother, believed she had built the perfect life with her husband, Rhyns Evans, a successful head engineer, and their four-year-old son. Though she was once heartbroken by her first love, Kai Rowan Davis, she found comfort in Rhyns' unwavering persistence and love, eventually moving on and embracing a quiet, happy family life. But the cracks in her marriage begin to show when Rhyns' infidelity shatters her trust, leaving Luna broken and questioning everything she thought was safe. Just as Luna tries to piece her life back together, Kai, her first love, reenters her world after eleven long years. Now a decorated military captain, Kai is no longer the boy her family tore her away from but a man determined to win back the woman who still holds his heart. Yet, the Luna he finds is a shadow of the vibrant, spirited girl he once loved—a woman weighed down by betrayal, guilt, and the struggles of single motherhood. Caught between the wounds of her past and the scars of her present, Luna must face impossible choices. Should she fight to repair her broken marriage for the sake of her son? Or should she allow herself to explore the possibility of a second chance with Kai, risking it all for a love she never truly let go of? As old flames reignite and emotions intensify, Luna's story becomes a journey of rediscovery of herself, her strength, and what it truly means to love and be loved.

He woke up alone. Nothing changed in that aspect. Trey suddenly found himself thrust into an unfamiliar environment, with no clue how he got there. The games begin, and Trey has to overcome many obstacles to survive, while working with those around him. Will he succeed, or will he die as a tool for others’ success?

"Kiss me," I pleaded needing her more right now than I have ever needed anything in my life. Zora gets close to me and I hold my breath preparing for her to give into my desires. "No, not until you get an answer right," she says and then she backs away leaving me aching for her touch. ••••• Zora Brown is a freshman at the University of Vermont, attending on an academic scholarship with dreams of excelling in hockey. Between her classes, tutoring, and working at the campus library, she's doing everything she can to stay on top. But one thing dominates her mind-becoming the next team captain. Reya Jones, a junior who lives and breathes hockey, isn't about to let Zora take her spot. She's a solid C+ student with no interest in academics, but her position on the team and the captaincy are at risk when her calculus grades start slipping. Desperate, Reya turns to Zora for tutoring, hoping to save her season. Neither of them expected the lines between rivalry and something deeper to blur. Reya only meant to save her grades. She didn't mean to fall for the competition.

Dr. Jung Minho is a professor at Seoul National University (SNU) South Korea. He's very popular among people in the industry because he lead a research on people with the dinosaur blood. His life becomes complicated when conference man Kim's health deteriorates. And his annoying grand child suddenly wants compensation even when the chairman's not dead. Minho is determined and so is Kelvin. He's determined to keep the one who caught his eye

At Shimakaze Academy, she’s the new girl who’s caught everyone’s attention—clever enough to skip a grade and now sharing classes with her older brother. Charming, mysterious, and with admirers aplenty, she seems like the ideal girl… but there’s one secret. She’s actually a he. Will he be able to keep his cover? And with admirers falling left and right, can he find love without revealing his true self? Find out in this funny, heartfelt tale of hidden identity, unexpected romance, and a touch of drama.