long shadows david baldacci

On our wedding anniversary, my husband has his intern put on the custom-made wedding gown he prepared for me. "You wouldn't have looked good in a wedding gown with your baby bump, anyway. She's saving us trouble by wearing the gown for you. Think about how kind she is!" Before I can rebuke him, an earthquake happens. I lose my balance and fall to the floor. Instantly, I feel moisture on my legs. At the same time, my husband received a call from his intern. "There are so many frogs here, Mr. Quinn. I'm so scared…" My husband turns to leave, but I grab his pant leg. "Ethan, I—" "It's just a minor earthquake—the ground barely even shook. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Didn't you hear Chloe crying because she was so scared? Can't you be sympathetic?" He ignores the blood pooling around me and hurries off to comfort Chloe Bennett. That night, they share a passionate kiss under a sky full of fireworks. Meanwhile, my child dies in my belly. It's a pretty good way to end things. Someone like Ethan Quinn doesn't deserve to have his own children.

Emery Holly Halifax is the most beautiful lass across the Northern Packs. Due to her blinding beauty, she was imprisoned by the Beta’s family and forced to become their slave. However, all of that changes in one fateful night—Alpha Kairo’s birthday. Kairo Huxley Ford is feared by the entire country due to his impeccable strength. Paired with his cold demeanor, he was given the title, “The Alpha of Alphas.” On the night of his 18th birthday, he did not expect to meet the mysterious beauty, let alone find out that they are actually mates! Drunken by each other’s pheromones, Kairo and Emery share a lustful night, ignorant to the fact that Alpha Kairo already has a long-term girlfriend. Just as Emery loses hope in their relationship, she shockingly discovers that she is pregnant! Thinking that it would be best for her to share the news with Kairo, she plans an announcement party. But what if, on the night of her announcement, Kairo’s long term girlfriend declares that she is also pregnant? Forced to keep her secret, Emery runs away from Blood Shadow Pack and uncovers the astonishing secrets of her identity. A story filled with powerful enemies, malicious intents, and untold secrets. Will Alpha Kairo find out about his hidden child, or will Emery’s secret stay hidden in the dark?

After six years together, Hansel Johnson comes to Miranda Sutton with an arm around his new lover and tells her he wants to break up. Miranda doesn't kick up a fuss. She packs her things, takes the exorbitant sum of money he gives her as compensation, and moves out without hesitation. Hansel's friends make bets on how long Miranda can stick it out this time—everyone in Jandersville knows that Miranda is madly in love with Hansel, after all. She loves him so much that she can cast aside her pride, dignity, and temper. They're sure she'll come begging for him to take her back in three days, at most. But when three days come and go… Hansel's the first to lose his composure. It's his first time giving in to Miranda. He calls her and says, "Have you had enough of this nonsense? If you have, you'd better come back." Unfortunately for him, he only hears a man chuckle on the other end of the line. "It's too late to change something once it's done, Mr. Johnson. There isn't anything in this world that can turn back time." "I'm looking for Miranda. Pass the phone to her!" Hansel snaps. "Sorry, but my girlfriend's too tired. She's just fallen asleep."

Teenage crush, three years marriage but divorced, five years separation. This was their life story. But there was the only thing constant in all these incidents. They love each other to the core. Gloria White who got divorced from David Colin five years back returned to New York with her four-year-old son. She was broken but pulled her up because of her son and wanted to start fresh. His betrayal hurt a lot, but she was trying to get over her pain. When they meet each other, old love burned within, but it came with their pain. The reason for their separation was a misunderstanding. But the love could be the reason for their reunion. But love is not enough sometimes.

I was the illegitimate daughter of Alpha Kris of Dark Moon. He raped a human slave 18 years ago and that was my mom. I became a disgrace and a shame to my family. They punished me and locked me up in the basement all day except to let me out to complete my daily routine as a slave. Yes. I looked like any common slave of the pack house. No one would expect me as the Alphas's daughter. As a hybrid, I hadn't been able to shift, but I could hear their thoughts. It's not a good thing though, for me, it's a nightmare. Most of what I've heard were my half-sisters' curses and insults. "CLAUDIA! Hurry up and get in here!" I knew Elly was going to scream my name long before her shrill voice echoed out of her room and into the hallway where I waited. This was the daily ritual, every afternoon. She would call for me, and while she sat at her vanity table, I brushed her long hair like a servant to her satisfaction. No one would guess she was my half-sister, nor Maria in the other bedroom...

Book #2 Wright-Petrov Series Amelia Stepanov, often referred to as 'Stray Cat', is a medical student with an indeterminate background of wealth and influence. In a world where a powerful origin is deemed vital, she finds herself disregarded and mocked. However, despite the challenges she faces, she remains resolute in her determination to thrive. When her seemingly unimportant existence is endangered, formidable forces unite to protect her, recognizing her exceptional value akin to that of a precious stray cat. She is safeguarded by a powerful guardian who is unyielding in his resolve to protect her, upholding justice even if it means shedding blood. Amidst the perilous life she leads, she finds fulfillment in every moment, particularly in the company of her captivating protector, who had won her heart long ago. For years, she has persevered with unwavering resolve, aspiring to earn her place as the Mafia Queen by the side of a powerful and fierce Mafia Boss, Alek Vasili Wright.

In the wake of heartbreak, Aria's life takes an unexpected turn when her marriage to Adam Miller ends in divorce. Left to pick up the shattered pieces of her dreams, Aria embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. As fate would have it, Aria's path to healing intertwines with a stroke of fortune. Through perseverance and determination, she transforms her setbacks into stepping stones, rising from the ashes of her past. Empowered by her newfound independence, Aria harnesses her strengths to build a successful career, amassing wealth beyond her wildest dreams. Yet, amidst her triumph, the shadows of the past linger. When Adam reappears, seeking reconciliation and perhaps redemption, Aria is faced with a tumult of emotions. Can she forgive the man who once broke her heart? Will she risk the security she's built for the chance of love renewed? In My Secret Billionaire Ex-wife, Aria navigates the complexities of love, loss, and second chances, discovering that true wealth lies not only in material riches but in the resilience of the human spirit.

“Gabriel Bryce, how can you stand being so shameless?” Leonica asked, staring daggers at her atrocious husband and his mistress. “This is the house gifted to my by grandmother, yet you dare bring another woman into it? Aren’t you afraid that grandmother would be disappointed with you actions…?” Leonica’s words remained unfinished as an enraged Gabriel swung his hand through the air, smacking his palm clean on her left cheek. Leonica held her throbbing cheek, eyes wide and teary as she stared at her husband who glared down at her ferociously. “The nerves of you to mention my grandmother. You have no right to do so!” He spat, taking a step forward and jabbing his index finger painfully into her shoulder, making her take several steps back. “Bare this in mind, Leonica Romero, if not for the wishes of my late grandmother, I’d much rather be dead than associate myself with somebody like you.” *~*~* *~*~* Leonica Romero has always had a long time crush on Gabriel Bryce, CEO of Bryce Empire and Norway’s Business tyrant. Fortunately, at the request of his Ill grandmother, her family’s long time friend, Leonica gets the chance to marry her beloved. Feeling elated, she abandoned her position and dream job in the Romero household and becomes a humble housewife for Gabriel. However, Three years later, on the day of Gabriel’s grandmother’s funeral, Leonica is stunned speechless when he demands for a divorce, as his ex girlfriend Angelina Fernandez had suddenly returned, proclaiming her undying love for him. But that wasn’t the only shock Leonica received that day. Hours after Gabriel’s declaration for a divorce, Leonica wakes up in the hospital to a shocking news. She was two months pregnant. And Gabriel knew nothing about this!

Rary didn't expect to meet her mate so soon. in fact, all she wanted was to live one day at a time, without much news. But absolutely everything changes drastically when she crosses the path of Vidar, the powerful Alpha King. Despite the unusual circumstances that bring them together, a strong bond forms between them, revealing a supernatural connection and a sealed destiny between a human and a werewolf.

For Mature Audiences 🔞 Explore a collection of compelling short stories that delve into intense emotions, forbidden desires, and raw human connections. Each tale pushes boundaries, offering a blend of intrigue and passion that captivates and fascinates.