Bloodstained Apples

"You're impossible." She whispered staring up into his dark brown eyes."Maybe... but your mine and I don't share with anyone."****Vanessa has been accepted to the exclusive Bedlam Academy of the elite in an attempt to escape her fearful past and psychotic stepbrother. Little does she know she found her way out of the pan and into the fire when she meets Nash, resident Bedlam graduate and part of the Bedlam Knights. Will Nash be enough to save Vanessa from her past, or will her past catch up to her unexpectedly? Bloodstained Promises is created by Lillith Carrie, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

In the tough underworld of New York City, where crime families rule and secrets are buried deep, Zoey Anderson, an investigative journalist with a liking for uncovering the truth, stumbles upon a story that could make or break her career. Little does she know that this story will also unravel her world and lead her into a web of danger, deceit, and forbidden love. The notorious Pushkin Bratva family, led by the enigmatic and ruthless Alexei Pushkin, controls the city's criminal empire. Zoey's investigative instincts lead her to believe that there's more to Alexei than meets the eye, and she's determined to expose his hidden past and criminal activities. But when Zoey's life is threatened, she finds herself reluctantly under Alexei's protection. As reluctant allies, they navigate a treacherous path of crime, deceit, and unexpected alliances. Zoey, scarred by a stormy childhood, discovers an unexpected connection with Alexei, a man whose ruthless reputation conceals a deeper, more vulnerable side. As they clash and spar, Zoey and Alexei discover an undeniable attraction that neither can resist. Drawn together by their shared secrets and dangerous desires, they must navigate a treacherous path of loyalty, betrayal, and . The lines between right and wrong blur as they become entangled in a love affair that could destroy them both. With rival mafia families closing in and the law closing in on the Pushkin empire, Zoey and Alexei must make choices that will determine their fates. Can their love survive in a world filled with bloodshed and deception? And will they find a way to break from the darkness that binds them?

Revenge was all she had left. After years of torment, Raven emerged from the ashes of her past. No longer a helpless girl, but a deadly predator. A single bite turned her into something more, something powerful, and she vowed to make men like her abusers pay. Abused, broken, and left for dead, she clawed her way back by becoming a predator herself, throwing men into her bed, only to end their lives before sunrise. No man could touch her. No man could own her. Until one night, she met him. Alessio Rossi. A man who is powerful, dangerous, and a ruthless Alpha. But when Raven tried to kill him, she failed. Worse, he spared her. Unknowingly, he was her mate. Now, trapped in a bond she never wanted, Raven’s world is thrown into chaos. She hated the idea of men, and yet, she had no choice but to accept the mate bond. Alessio, too, despised the idea of a Luna, yet they are forced to stay together for a certain period of time before they can part ways. In the midst of their hatred, a dark obsession festers. Claire, a manipulative wolf who is dangerously obsessed with Alessio, will stop at nothing to drive a wedge between them. In a world where love is forbidden and hatred runs deep, Raven must face the truth: Some bonds can’t be broken. And some desires are impossible to resist.

I was setting up a weekend shopping list on the tablet my husband had just replaced for our home system. A notification popped up. He had forgotten to log out of a shared, encrypted family calendar— one I didn’t recognize. There was only one unfamiliar profile photo. I tapped it. A list titled “My Little Princess – Personal Notes” filled the screen. My Little Princess doesn’t drink alcohol—only mineral water or herbal tea. No late nights. She needs absolute quiet to sleep. She gets anxious easily—keep fresh white lilies in the house and her favorite vanilla chocolates on hand. I scrolled slowly, my expression unreadable. The final entry was bolded. Highlighted. “Next Wednesday: take my Little Princess to choose her wedding crown.” I closed the screen. Then I picked up my phone and called my husband. “Love,” I said gently. “Does your Little Princess prefer a classic European bridal crown… or something more traditional? I thought I could help you choose.”

In my first life, I believed love was salvation. I tore my future apart for two men who had grown up beside me—Marcus Black and Damian Knight. I chose one of them, only to be abandoned on my wedding day for Elena Rivers. My grandmother died that same day, shattered by grief. When I was at my lowest, the other man took my hand and promised he would never betray me. I believed him. I married him. And slowly, my world went cold. I thought his distance was regret. I thought my failing health was fate. Until the night I was dying, and I watched him run past me—to save Elena, whose injuries were nothing more than a scratch. That was when I understood. My life had never been a love story. It was a carefully scripted game. After my death, I learned the truth: Marcus and Damian had already written their wills, leaving everything to Elena Rivers. They had sabotaged my education, manipulated my career, and even fabricated a chronic illness to keep me weak, dependent, and easy to control. They never wanted me to succeed. They only wanted me quiet—so Elena could shine. But fate gave me another chance. This time, I tore up my admission letter to Harvard. This time, I rejected their confessions before they could cage me again. In this life, I will not be the woman they use, betray, or discard. I will live for myself. And I will never walk the same path twice.

I was nine months pregnant when the Wolf Council sent a resource report to the Luna’s quarters. It listed my mate’s monthly distributions. For two years straight, my husband—the pack’s Alpha—had been secretly providing the same female wolf with territory access, protection, and supplies. Without missing a single month. The first record dated back to two years ago. The same month I lost my first pup. A notification appeared—A contact request. The note read: “A woman kept by an Alpha.” I was strangely calm, one hand rested on my swollen belly as I accepted. She messaged immediately. “You saw the report, didn’t you?” I didn’t reply, I opened her feed instead. The earliest post was dated April 21st, two years ago. A female wolf leaned against an Alpha’s chest. His face was cropped out—but the mark on his shoulder was clear. I recognized it instantly. My mate’s Alpha mark. The caption read: “Thank you for choosing me on my coming-of-age night.” April 21st. That was the night I lay bleeding in the healing room, losing my unborn pup. He had told me he was away on pack business. I kept scrolling. She trained freely in Alpha-only areas. Used resources reserved for the Luna. Was guarded as if she already belonged at his side. Every post carried the same message: He chose her. Pinned at the top was a medical report—She was pregnant—With the Alpha’s pup. I put the device down and returned to our bedroom. Then I received it—Photos. Videos. She sent them to me on purpose— to flaunt that the love I had once been so proud of had already rotted beyond repair. I sat down slowly, my pup shifting inside me, pain spreading through my chest. Only then did I understand—He had betrayed me completely. This kind of love—I don’t want it. This pack—I won’t stay in it. When my pup is born, I will leave—And I will take his heir with me. Let the Alpha search every territory, scour every border, tear the pack apart in regret— he will never find us.

"One word. Surrogacy." "Two words. Not happening." Elodie shook her head her response very fast. ———————————— Elodie, co-owner of the Gates Tech Company, a multinational technology company is forced to opt for surrogacy when she can't stand her husband, Micah Gates; a sexist, egoistic, manipulative, and power-hungry man; the thought of carrying his child repulses her. Allegra, her best friend suggests a surrogate app that allows users to find their perfect surrogate mother. Eira Faez has been a surrogate for four years, after joining the surrogate app she finally gets a match with a mysterious profile only to realize a wealthy couple needed her. A lot hid behind closed blinds. What is brought to light a facade created by PR stunts to boost the image of Gates Tech Company. However, nothing remains in the dark for long and everything is revealed to not only the families, but the public. Love unexpectedly blossoms between Elodie and Eira who are instantly smitten with each other in their first encounter.

‘Why are the tastiest apples always forbidden? Why do we have to sacrifice our love because our parents got engaged?’ These questions rushed through my mind as he kissed me deeply, pinning me against the wall. I knew that after this, he would say cruel things to me with those same lips, but I couldn't resist him. I loved him but I hated myself for loving him. “Marcus, please. We can't keep doing this.” I begged. But as usual, he ignored my pleas and continued in his caresses, making me want him more. We were lost in our forbidden desires once again, not realizing that the door was left unlocked. Why does my stepbrother keep seducing me? What if our parents discover our secret affair?

My three older brothers, Marcus, Jeremy, and Andrew Graham love me to the moon and back. Marcus clumsily practices peeling apples for me when I lie on a hospital bed. Jeremy blushes as he buys sanitary pads and prepares a warm drink for me when I have my period. Andrew spends all his pay to buy me new clothes and even declares, "Whoever bullies you will pay the price." He isn't shy to express his brotherly love for me. I once believed that my life would stay happy like this forever. However, my adopted sister, Mackenzie Falk, accuses me of swapping the graduation thesis she has been working on for three years. I suffer a heart attack on the spot.

Nina and Yao, Yin and Yang, Gold and Gem. One ruled by the promises they must keep. The other ruled by their greed. Their history is bloodstained: former lovers and rivals under the same banner, co-conspirators and competitors. What began as a forbidden romance spiraled into a toxic, codependent power struggle marked by betrayal, manipulation, and a dangerous dance of dominance and desire. Will they make it or will they be the death of each other?