Penguin Classics Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Anastasia never expected much from her blind date—let alone that on that fateful day she would marry a complete stranger. As she embarked on her new life with her husband, Christopher, she envisioned a modest, respectful, and ordinary existence. However, Christopher soon revealed an unexpectedly devoted nature. No matter where Anastasia went, he was always there, showering her with unwavering affection and support in ways she had never anticipated. What astonished her even more was his uncanny knack for solving every problem she faced, whether a minor mishap at work or a significant personal crisis. Each time Anastasia encountered difficulty, Christopher would mysteriously step in, and the issue would be resolved almost as if by magic. When she probed him about his extraordinary interventions, he would simply smile enigmatically and attribute it all to luck. Yet, as days turned into months, this so-called luck began to raise questions. During one seemingly ordinary evening, while watching a televised interview, Anastasia’s world shifted dramatically. The program featured a celebrated New York billionaire renowned for his extravagant indulgence of his wife—lavish vacations, opulent gifts, and grand gestures that spoke of immense wealth and power. What left Anastasia utterly speechless was the uncanny resemblance between the billionaire and her very own Christopher.

As I met his burning gaze, he inched closer, racing my hearts with his words, “You can't deny our love forever. Soon, you are going to admit what you feel for me!” “I don't feel anything for you!” I snapped angrily, glaring hard at him. “Oh, really?” A devilish smirk curled his lips, sending shivers down my spine as he spoke playfully, “Then why were you begging me to f*ck you last night, my love?” … Born under the dark shadows of a prophecy, Azlynn’s life took a painful turn when she found her boyfriend, Xavion, making out with a hot girl at her birthday party. Devastated by his betrayal, she broke up with him, vowing never to look back. The football star, Alpha Xavion was hit by the reality that his true love was gone, realizing his mistake only after break-up. But it was too late! He couldn’t find Azlynn anywhere ... Five years later, their paths crossed again as a football celebrity and the owner of an emerging sport’s agency, reigniting their feelings. But how would Azlynn deal with Xavion, who was hell-bent on winning her back? Would she give him a chance? Or find love in the embrace of her fated mate?

“Why do you suddenly want out of this marriage? Who the fuck are you screwing, you dumb bitch?!” “I'm not screw-” I tried to explain, but he was already on me and I screamed as he dragged me up by my neck, his hand so tight on my throat I couldn’t breathe. “Who is it?!” he growled. “Who the fuck would dare!” ---- In a world absent the mate bond, alliances were formed through blood, power, and betrayal rather than fate. Makena Blackwell was born into the mafia's lowest-ranking position, promised at birth to a powerful heir in exchange for her family's survival. She was ready to marry him. But he was ready to destroy her. On the night she was meant to die, however, something impossible happened. A man rose from the icy steel trays of her father’s morgue. He was a stranger, with no memory, no name, and no pulse. And when their gazes met, fate spoke the word they never expected to hear in their lifetime, echoing so loudly in their souls it shook the very fabric of their being. “Mate!” The man the world left for dead wasn’t just anyone; he was the dread every mafia house feared, and he was hers. She was promised to a prince of power… but fate gave her the king of the dead.

"Thirty million" I heard a male voice echo round the walls of the hall which silenced everyone. Who would bid that high just to buy me? "Thirty million dollars" the male voice spoke up once again, a young man striding confidently forward like he owned the very building with his bidding card raised up. He was eighty percent taller than everyone in attendance. I sucked in breath at his refined but cold appearance. His tuxedo hugged his body and showed of his impeccable muscles. His dark long hair was slick and let to fall, not a single strand out of place. He had the profile of a greek God but his features lacked warmth and empathy. His brown steel eyes burrowed into mine, a look of disgust on his face for me. "Sold!" the chairman hit the gavel on the table after a brief moment of silence since no one else was willing to bid higher. A wave of ovation took the hall, men chattering amongst themselves and whistling. "Get her ready and bring her to me" he pivoted and sharply ordered one of the armed bodyguards standing close to the podium. He owns me now. **** When a ruthless mafia lord bids for an innocent girl, can her innocense survive in the abyss of his darkness?

I shook my head as a dark chuckle escaped my lips. “I’m not her, Dimitri, can’t you see it? I will never be her,” My voice shook as I spoke, tears threatening to spill. Dimitri ran his fingers through his hair in distress. His usual cold demeanor slipping away as he walked towards me and grabbed me by my shoulder. I felt his fingers on my chin, forcing me to look at him. I swallowed. “You don’t understand, Dimitri,” My voice came out as a whisper. “You are in love with that woman. Not me. It has-it has never been me,” “I know who I want, Val and that person is you,” *** For years, Valeria Moore had lived her life as a substitute lover to Dimitri. She believed one day, he would see her for who she is and not as his lost mate who had the same face as her. But when Dimitri announced his engagement to Summer Wood, Val knew she couldn’t take it anymore. She wanted to cut all ties with him but now, Dimitri wasn’t ready to let her go. Not when he just realized she was pregnant for him.

"Is there a reason why I shouldn't fuck your brains out right now?" he ask and I shudder. "Nnn... Nooo! I don't have a reason," I stutter. "Good! I am about to forget you are my princess and fuck you like a slut," he promises as he fucks me. "I am a slut, only for you," I murmur. ******* I have always had a crush on my dad's best friend but Jack never saw me as a woman and rather he always referred to me as a child and treated me just like one. Just that, something ws soff in the eau he looked at me and spoke to me from time to time. I could feel the need in his voice and fire in his eyes. So when my parents had to leave for some days and he was asked to take care of me I knew that was the only chance I will ever get at making my feelings known to him and to know whether or not what I saw was real ot if I wasn't Hallucinating. The first few nights were tough and he kept off saying I was off limits to him, but what if I am not and he is only trying to send me away bechause of the lady I saw him kissing the other night?

When my colleagues find out that I'm pretty good at cooking, they start organizing dinners at my place. Lucy Holt, one of the junior accountants, suggests that we split the groceries evenly between us. As a result, I don't think I can reject their request without being rude. On my last day of work, the group gathers at my place for one last meal. "You're such a good cook, Jess! We'll all be transferring you 500 dollars later. It's just a token of our appreciation," Lucy declares with a bright smile. But the very next day, she sends me a message. "Hey, Jess. You know it's illegal to operate an unlicensed catering business from your home, right? Your house will get sealed off for further investigation. More importantly, the value of goods has passed the threshold of 10,000 dollars, which means the fine you'll have to pay is probably going to be about 20 times that amount. "Since we worked together, we decided not to report you to the authorities. We'll just settle this matter privately. All you have to do is give us the fine you would've had to pay instead." This is how I realized that, combined with yesterday's meal, the total amount they've given me for groceries thus far is exactly 10,001 dollars.

Samantha had been with her husband Alex for 12 long years, dutifully raising his child from a previous relationship. Yet as the years dragged on, the deep resentment she felt could no longer be ignored. Alex took her endless sacrifices for granted, never expressing an ounce of appreciation for all she did to keep their family afloat. His domineering mother only fanned the flames of drama, inserting herself into every aspect of their lives. And their once passionate marriage had become a sexless, loveless obligation. Samantha's only solace was her job at the local hardware store, a seeming world away from the suffocating doldrums of her home life. It was there that she met Jack, her new boss - a charismatic man whose radiant charm and flirtations slowly but surely began chipping away at Samantha's resolve. At first, she dismissed the growing attraction as a harmless crush. But as the weeks ticked by, the chemistry between them became undeniable, an all-consuming force that made her feel truly alive for the first time in years. One fateful night, passion overcame reason, and Samantha surrendered to her desires in Jack's arms. The guilt was searing, but it paled in comparison to the euphoria of being wanted, needed, desired again. Thus began a torrid affair, one built on lies and deception as they stole away for clandestine rendezvous. Samantha was playing with fire, but she couldn't bring herself to stop.

"I, Orion Knight in front of my pack and Mighty ancestors take this moment to announce the future Luna of this Pack." He spoke with confidence and certainty. "From this moment on, Lily Wintersong is your Luna and will my Wife." I heard him address the crowd in front of me but my body and mind were tangled with each other, it was hard to believe. It wasn't right!! Happiness was not meant for me. "Stopp…." I shouted out loud but in sadness. "I can't…I..I reject you as my mate." I said and ran out of the place leaving everyone behind. I rejected the one who made me feel warm. ~~~ Lily had to face nothing but pain as she grew up. Her mother died when she was young, she was accused of ripping her step mother's heart and called a monster by her Pack. Losing hope in everything she was sure the heavens wanted nothing but pain but Destiny had something more planned for her. She gets mated with the most feared Alpha who seems to be waiting for her since he turned eighteen and he is 800 years old but there is this rumour that says he is immortal. Will Lily accept him? Will Alpha's love her? Will she find the love she actually deserves? Will Alpha break her chains? Read to find out.

Cursed at birth and rejected by her biological mother, Aria found herself lost and suffered gravely in the hands of her peers as they saw her as an outcast. She was betrayed by her sister, rejected by her boyfriend and chastised by her peers for being an omega. However her life came turning for what seemed to be good, when she finally found her Mate Xanthea Darkhaven but because of her curse, their love was already doomed to bloom. ~~ “You and her have nothing in common. Let Aria be killed at once before things get out of hand. The moon goddess will only curse our land because of her” The alpha spoke aggressively as he told off Xanthea. Xantheas unwavering face made it clear he wasn't ready to listen any time soon. “I have vowed and spilled my blood to keep Aria as my mate. And whosoever lay a hand on her will have me to deal with and trust me, I will literally do anything just to keep her alive” Xanthea replied in a low growl, sending chills down my spine. “Get ready to leave the position of the next Alpha or let her be killed” The Alpha threatened before walking away. Will this love ever stand? Will I ever get the chance to fall in love for the second time? Will my curse cause more trouble for Xanthea or should I let myself be killed?