"The thing they don't understand about us, Emmalee, is that we're bound by more than fate-we're bound by fire, by scars that only recognize each other, and by a love that rages against all reason. We are the storm no one can control. I am yours, and you are mine, in a way that no law, no enemy, or force on this earth could ever break." **** The only thing more dangerous than an Alpha is a rogue seeking revenge. Emmalee Dravensworth has always been in love with Romain, the boy her parents raised as a servant, yet her life takes a dark turn when she's forced to marry Soren Cimmerian. Their love is put on hold by forces stronger than them both, but after fifteen years of torment, Romain returns, more dangerous than ever, and he has only one goal-revenge. Secrets, lies, and betrayal come to a head in a battle for power, love, and survival. Emmalee must choose between loyalty to her family and the undeniable pull of her heart. But can love survive when the world around them crumbles? Can Emmalee reclaim her heart and her life before it's too late?
Chapter 1 Arrival of the Fiancé
Emmalee
"Look!" Trudy, our maid, exclaims. "The Cimmerians have arrived! Come, Emmalee. Don't you want to take a first look at your husband-to-be?"
I put my pencil down, and sigh before rolling out of bed. Trudy and Nadine are standing by the window of my bedroom, peering out at it with a bright look in their eyes. I squeeze between them and do the same.
The huge SUVs are parked right beneath my window. A uniformed Gamma opens the door for Alpha Denver, who's Soren's father. Soren is my fiancé. We've never met before-this will be the first time we'll be seeing each other. I'm nervous, yes, but not excited.
I don't want to marry Soren.
I don't want to be a Cimmerian.
"He'll be out at any moment," Trudy comments. Alpha Denver steps out of the car, and he's followed by a young man with dark hair and pale skin. Nadine and Trudy squeal with excitement and even high-five each other.
This has to be Soren.
He's looking around as if everything displeases him, but he's handsome enough, I guess. Trudy and Nadine shove me back and forth while telling me how handsome my fiancé is and how happy they are for me, and when I don't show the same enthusiasm, Trudy asks me, "Now, what's the long face for?"
I shrug, and she slaps the back of my head. I exclaim, "Ow! What was that for?"
"You better show your parents that you're happy about your fiancé! Arranged marriages have always been a part of werewolf tradition, and you're the daughter of an Alpha, so you're no different. What's the matter with you? Why aren't you happy!?"
Before I can come up with an excuse, there's a knock on the door. All three of us turn away from the window the second the door opens, and standing by the door is the reason why I'm not excited about marrying Soren.
Romain.
His gaze flickers between the three of us, and he then clears his throat and says, "Emmalee, your father wants you downstairs."
"Our father!" Trudy corrects. "The Alpha is your father, too, Romain. Don't you forget that! And why would you open the door without waiting for permission? What if Emmalee was naked? What is wrong with you kids!?"
She heads toward the door while dragging me with her, and Nadine laughs at her grumpiness. Romain and I make eye contact, and his cheeks color while he stiffens. I'm pretty sure he's uncomfortable because Trudy had to go ahead and mention me being naked. He follows us while I'm dragged downstairs, to where Soren and his family are waiting.
My father hears us approaching and turns around to look at me. He pastes a smile on his face and beckons me forward with a quick wave of his hand. My heart is galloping behind my ribcage, and my parents put some space between them to allow me to squeeze between them. My father's hand rests on my shoulder while he says, "Alpha Denver, Soren, this is my daughter Emmalee."
My eyes are on the floor, but I slowly raise my gaze to meet Soren's eyes. As predicted, I feel nothing when we make eye contact. Thank the goddess; at least he's not my mate. He doesn't seem as excited about me either, so that's a relief. Or maybe I'm just projecting, and I don't want him to care for me. I wish he'd tell his father that he finds me ugly or something so they can leave.
What are the chances of that happening?
"Welcome to our pack, White Mane," I say to them in a steady voice. My mother has been coaching me to say these things since I learned of this engagement. "We're very pleased to have you here."
Luna Ana smiles at me. "We're happy to be here, darling Emmalee. Oh, but you're so beautiful! Isn't she gorgeous, Soren?"
His face colors, and so does mine, and our parents have the audacity to laugh at us. Perhaps I'd take this whole thing more seriously if they didn't treat us like we weren't eighteen.
"I think we should let them get to know each other," my father suggests. "Emmalee, why don't you show Soren the grounds? Alpha Denver, Luna Ana, would you like to step into my office?"
I make my way to Soren's side, force a small smile, and he follows me to the front door. However, before we reach it, I lock eyes with Romain, who's standing near the door with his arms folded, and my heart skips a beat. His gaze moves swiftly from me to Soren, and then they return to my face.
My mouth feels very dry all of a sudden, and I'm aware that I can't stay here. Without saying a word to Romain, I walk past him, and Soren follows me.
Once we're outside, he asks me, "Who's that guy?"
I'm shocked by the fact that he asked me this. This is the first thing he's said to me, and he's asking me about Romain. I tuck my hair behind my ear and go with the standard response, which is the one my parents taught me to say. "He's my brother."
"Brother?" Soren echoes. "I thought you only had one brother. Cade, right?"
"Oh, Romain grew up with us, so he's like a brother to me," I claim. But even as I utter the words, I feel terrible. Does one fall in love with their brother? Do other sisters fantasize about being kissed by them?
No, Romain isn't my brother. But that's what we're expected to be, and even he sees me as a sister. He's never treated me as anything more than that.
"So he's not your brother?" Soren asks, sounding confused.
"He's kind of my brother," I explain.
"But he's the one who opened the gate for us?" he says. "Why is he treated like an employee if he's kind of your brother?"
I change the subject quickly and start showing him around. Soren doesn't say much, and I can tell right away that he's not interested in any of this. It makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong, but at the same time, I can't make myself seem more enthusiastic than this.
Chapter 1 Arrival of the Fiancé
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Chapter 2 Blatant Disinterest
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Chapter 3 Conflict
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Chapter 4 The Confession
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Chapter 5 Tender Moments
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Chapter 6 Strike
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Chapter 7 Enraptured
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Chapter 8 Closer
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Chapter 9 Making Amends
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Chapter 10 Broken Hearts
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Chapter 11 Promises
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Chapter 12 Heat
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Chapter 13 Embrace
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Chapter 14 Frightening Announcement
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Chapter 15 Cruel Realization
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Chapter 16 Drama
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Chapter 17 Going Further
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Chapter 18 Heavenly Moment
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Chapter 19 Closed Eyes
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Chapter 20 The Fire
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Chapter 21 Transformation
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Chapter 22 Decisively
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Chapter 23 Shocking Revelations
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Chapter 24 A Reminder
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Chapter 25 Reason For Relief
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Chapter 26 The Rogue Problem
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Chapter 27 The Cold Shoulder
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Chapter 28 Fatherly Affection
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Chapter 29 Communication
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Chapter 30 Escape Route
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Chapter 31 Breaking Point
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Chapter 32 Luna Ana's Involvement
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Chapter 33 Startling Realization
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Chapter 34 Bitter Exchange
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Chapter 35 Clarity
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Chapter 36 Stories From The Past
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Chapter 37 Fighting Temptation
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Chapter 38 Resemblance
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Chapter 39 A Sickness
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Chapter 40 Bemusing Situation
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