Pressure Expendable

Book Two of The Moon & Sun Series After everything that I have been through in my decidedly short 18 years of life, I kara Ravenfield, am determined to show them all that I can in fact do this. It's not going to be easy, there's an unknown threat looming, and I feel it in my bones that it's going to affect so much more than just the other wolf packs. There's a new unexpected title for me to bear and somehow live up to. No pressure there. More like a ton of anxiety-inducing pressure. I thought I had all figured out, thought I knew exactly what to expect...but now everything is uncertain and I'm left feeling like I'm treading water in the hopes of not drowning. The thing, or perhaps I should say things, that keeps me going is knowing that I am not doing this alone, I have support. People who have my back but give me the courage and the space to do it my own way. After all, what more can you ask for in potential mates than pure acceptance and support.

As panic sweeps through the city and everyday streets collapse into chaos, Ciprian is driven by one unshakable instinct: protect Adam at all costs. When an unexplained catastrophe turns the urban landscape into a pressure cooker of fear and survival, nothing matters more than keeping his best friend alive. In this fast-paced short story, a sudden crisis forces two friends to confront more than danger. As tension rises and the city descends into disorder, buried emotions, unspoken attraction, and complicated feelings come to the surface. What begins as survival quickly becomes something deeper, binding their fates together in ways neither of them expected. Set against a backdrop of urban collapse, panic, and uncertainty, this emotional short fiction explores friendship, loyalty, and love under pressure. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories, disaster scenarios, slow-burn emotion, LGBTQ+ themes, and intimate moments set during world-altering events. A gripping short story about connection, courage, and the fragile line between friendship and something more—meant to be read in one sitting, but felt long after.

It begun after an edict of the Emperor marrying Duchess Vanhi, who was unable to turn down his offer. Lixien, who's father revolted against the former reign of the current Emperor, was faced with crisis. Vailan, the Emperor, appointed her to keep an eye on her. It was wholly to prevent another revolt against the Emperor. But with the blossoming romance entanglements, with each passing day, can they really resolve the affairs of their hearts? ** She looked at his eyes containing his supposed secret desire for her. Surprised, she was momentarily in a daze. "Let's cross this line, Lixien. I want you." "I... want you too." The peak of romance that tied their hearts into one, along with their bodies, they were inseparable. But does love stays like that? Would this passionate, and sweet romance prevail the distress and pressure? With her head high and tears trickling down her eyes, she casted her letter one last look and mumbled, "I dare not love you, Vailan. We're supposed not to fall in love in the first place..." What will Vailan do to his wife who left him with a mere letter?

Lorna and Clarice were the queens of Kelly high school, feared and envied, especially when it came to Vincent. The richest and most desired guy in Kelly high School. They fought over him like it was war, and no one dared to stand in their way, until Anna showed up. Anna, the new scholarship girl, had no idea what she was walking into.Coming from a poor background, she just wanted to focus on her studies and stay out of trouble. But fate had other plans. Vincent, the guy everyone wanted, only had eyes for Anna. The more she pushed him away, the more obsessed he became. Now, with Lorna and Clarice sharpening their claws, Anna finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly game. Can she survive the wrath of two girls who always get what they wanted. Will she crumble under the pressure and walk away, or will she fight for her place in a world that doesn’t want her? With danger lurking in every hallway, Anna’s next move could change everything One thing is certain—things are about to get dangerous.

Rachel is about to turn 18 and set to wed the Alpha of her pack, the man every other girl wants. She knows she should be happy, and she can’t understand why, instead, she feels so confused. The Alpha is sure that Rachel is his mate. So why isn’t Rachel certain that they are destined for each other? With her birthday and wedding just days away, Rachel can’t handle the pressure of her swirling emotions. She flees to the forest, to clear her mind—but accidentally leaves her pack’s borders. She enters a rogue’s territory and finds herself face to face with a dangerous rogue. He is a boy unlike any she’s ever met, with eyes so hypnotizing she can barely breathe. Her entire body trembles as she looks into those eyes. She knows that to love him would be strictly forbidden, would go against everything she was raised to be. But she can’t deny her feelings. Has she finally found her true mate?

Kelvin Carli needs this job. With his grandmother's mounting medical bills and no other options, landing a position as secretary at the prestigious Beaufort Company feels like a miracle. What he doesn't expect is to find himself working for Michael Chris Beaufort—the devastatingly handsome CEO who's engaged to socialite Mia Martel, yet harbors secrets that could destroy his carefully constructed life. Michael has spent years hiding his true nature behind the facade of a perfect heterosexual relationship. But when Kelvin walks into his office, everything changes. The undeniable attraction between them threatens to unravel the lie Michael has built his entire identity around. As stolen moments turn into passionate encounters, both men find themselves falling deeper than they ever imagined possible but with corporate espionage, family pressure, and a vengeful ex pulling the strings from the shadows, Michael and Kelvin must fight not only for their love but for their very survival. In a world where power and reputation mean everything, can two men from different worlds find their way back to each other?

Kael has always been an anomaly. Born a male Omega in a world where such a thing is considered an abomination, he’s spent his life cloaked in deception, thanks to his mother’s tireless efforts. Working as a lowly palace servant, Kael lives in fear of discovery, desperately clinging to his fabricated Beta identity. When a brawl lands him a position as personal assistant to the aloof and formidable Alpha Prince, Alaric, Kael's carefully constructed world teeters on the brink of collapse. Alaric, burdened by the pressure of finding a mate and securing the throne, is haunted by the whispers of his unmated status. But one fateful accident shatters Kael’s disguise, unleashing his intoxicating Omega scent and igniting a primal bond with Alaric that neither of them can deny. As their secret love blossoms in the shadows, they must confront societal prejudice, political machinations, and a devastating secret from Kael's past – a connection to the royal family that could destroy everything they hold dear. Torn between duty and desire, Alaric and Kael must fight for their love and challenge the very foundation of their world, even if it means risking everything.

Lila Carter, 22, works two jobs to support herself and her grandma’s cancer treatments. One rainy night, she meets Noah Kingston, 35, a brooding billionaire still haunted by a past heartbreak. When her car breaks down, he offers help and then an arrangement: he’ll pay for everything if she spends nights with him. Secret. No feelings. Just nights. What starts as physical quickly turns emotional. Noah cooks her favorite meals, asks about her dreams, and holds her longer than agreed. Lila finds herself falling for him, leaving pieces of her heart in his penthouse. But when a photo leaks, she’s labeled a gold-digger, and family pressure and past rivals create chaos. Heartbroken, she leaves him, hoping he’ll forget her. Noah searches desperately and finds her working in a small diner. He realizes he doesn’t want money or rules he wants her. Together, they fight for a life full of love, tears, and happiness earned. A secret arrangement that was never meant to last… becomes a love neither can live without.

I never imagined that my scholarship to Nocturne Academy would lead me straight to my mate. At eighteen, I was supposed to focus on my studies, carve out a future beyond the limits of my modest upbringing, and leave behind the life I once knew. But then I met Elias Grey—my enigmatic professor, the man fate has tethered me to in ways I can’t begin to fight. He's everything I shouldn’t want: older, untouchable, born into privilege, and bound by expectations that would crush a weaker man. As the heir to the Grey legacy and the son of Nocturne’s powerful dean, Elias knows what’s at stake. But how do you turn your back on something that feels inevitable? The pull between us is undeniable. But desire alone isn’t enough—not when Elias faces relentless pressure to marry Claudia Castille, the woman chosen to secure his family’s influence. Caught between obligation, longing, and fate, Elias and I must decide: How far are we willing to go to hold onto something everyone tells us we can't have?

Clutching his shirt, I pull him closer, and he smirks, well aware of the effect he has on me. The wetness in my core intensifies with his touch. His overpowering scent and minty breath envelop me. Then he whispers, "Lyra if I slip my finger inside you, I swear you are dripping wet for me. And you say you hate me?" That is the breaking point. Summoning all my strength, I push him away forcefully, slipping out of his grasp. ........................ Lyra runs away when falsely accused of poisoning the Alpha Tristan. Pursued, she was rescued by Lycan king Kessler, who she realized was her mate. However, he had killed her parents, making her conflicted. To meet her uncle's demands, she pretends loyalty to the Lycan king but faces threats from the Alpha she fled from. The Alpha wants her dead. Her uncle insists on her having an heir with the Lycan king. The Lycan king refused to mate with her. Lyra's journey unfolds as she wrestles with these challenges – will she overcome them or succumb to the pressure?