
Bittersweet Alignment
Dark Soul · Ongoing · 31.6k Words
Introduction
How will she survive under the same roof with a man devoid of her feelings. Will Lucas ever feel the same way? Or will Evelyn's love crush remain fruitless?
Chapter 1
L U C A S
I sat in my spacious office, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. The desk was littered with papers, file folders, and various documents that I was rifling through. The light from the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated the room, casting shadows on my sharp jawline and chiseled features.
I glanced at my watch and sighed, my eyebrows furrowing in annoyance. I had a private jet waiting for me at the airport, but I still had not finished all the paperwork that needed my signature. I toggled the pen between the knuckles of my fingers, my mind racing through all the tasks that I needed to complete before I could leave.
Nona had specifically made it clear to me that I had to come home after almost a year of being away on countless of business trips.
I knew better than to go against her this time, the last thing I want is having her guards bring me instead, not that they stand a chance but for the sake of my reputation.
After Mum and Dad died, she played both roles for me and my siblings.
They died when I was nineteen, Hudson was eleven and Emma was nine.
It was a rough phase for all of us. Having to step in and take responsibility at such an age was challenging but nothing I couldn't handle.
I leaned back in the chair, rubbing my eyes with my fingers, trying to stave off the exhaustion that threatened to engulf me. I had hardly slept the last two days, my mind consumed with thoughts of the impending marriage to Alice.
I had never wanted to be attached to anyone, let alone get married. But with Alice, it was something different.
I shook his head, trying to clear my thoughts, and refocused on the pile of documents in front of me. I scribbled my signature on one after the other, each document inching me closer to freedom.
A call came through, I groan taking a glance at the caller ID; Alice.
A mild smile stole its way to my lips, keeping the pen aside and attending to my fiancée.
"Hey, babe." The noise bustling from the background had my ear stinging lifting the phone slightly away.
"Hello Lucas, are you there?" She asks if her pants are audible to my hearing.
Alice Jones, my soon-to-be bride.
The Moore and Jones have been business acquaintances for years or more like a family as they'd like to be referred to.
One thing led to the other; they decided on merging their companies a year before the death of Mr and Mrs Moore. Mr Jones suggested that if they would converge their business then so should their ties.
I, Alice, Evelyn, and Hudson have always been childhood buddies. The bond between Alice and I was a special type of connection. We've always gotten along.
We had grown so fond of each other and had only stopped to notice our feelings back in college where they made things official.
He hums in response.
"I can't make it to the gala event next week"
I tighten my grip on the phone and take a calming breath. "Alice, you promised me we'd go together. This is the second time this month you're canceling on me at the very last second. Couldn't you at least have given me some adequate notice?"
The phone rustles and Alice sighs. "I'm sorry, Lucas, I really wanted to be there, you know that. I wanted to support Emma and be there with you, but I just can't get away. I need to retake some shots, and it just hasn't been going too well."
"It's always the same excuses, Alice. I'm trying to be as supportive as I can be, but you're making it difficult. I can't always be the one who makes compromises."
"I know," she says, her voice soft. "I'll make it up to you."
"Is this because you don't want to be seen or photographed with me? Alice, we're getting married in a month. Don't forget about our agreement. The moment we're married, we're taking our relationship public, so what's the harm in us being captured together tonight?"
"Lucas, it isn't that. I promise it isn't. I'm taking so much time off for the wedding"
I run a hand through my hair. "I get it," I tell her, defeated. I do understand it, but I'm starting to lose hope that things will ever change. I used to think I was the luckiest man but it just doesn't feel that way anymore.
Ever since she got the Louis Vuitton gig our relationship has been going flip flop. Everything feels mechanical and off, and the excitement we should feel regarding our upcoming wedding is missing.
Was this wedding worth it?
I hiss, chanting curses. I don't know what's happening to us but it's getting exasperating each time.
Don't get me wrong, I love Alice but loving her came with a lot of sacrifices which most times I had to make.
I heaved out a sigh flickering my wrist to check on the time. It's three hours to the gala event. I have no excuse to make up and cancel, which leaves me with no choice but to attend alone.
So much for having a fiance.
A hiss spilled as I assembled the necessities heading towards the door.
I'll leave for New York immediately after the event. The last thing I want is having Nona send guards to get me to her.
Yes! She's that audacious.
"Mr. Moore, where is your fiancée?"
"Sir, will your wedding be globalized?",
"When will your bride be known to the world?"
"Who is the mysterious bride?"
I walk past the paparazzi ignoring the tone of the questions they shot. My bodyguards assisted in making sure they had kept their distance.
The formal setting of the venue complimented the aloofness of the guest. I roam my stare around in search of the host.
"Lucas" that voice, I knew exactly who it belonged to, my least favorite person. Anything that had to do with him was irking, he and I are business rivals, and no matter how much he tried to be ahead of me, I was always a step ahead.
Jason Rodriguez.
My jaw hardened. I twirl to meet his odious self yet I was struck by the most beautiful eyes; Hazel. The lady reminds you of a wild animal with luxurious wavy chestnut hair and is worn in a style that reminds you of the ray of the sun. And slender yet hygienic and healthy, her skin is pale, and has a pointed chin that suits her sass her wad rope is complicated and risqué with a mostly white scheme.
My heart leaped at the sight, my stare devouring more of her, I didn't miss the slight move she made clutching a little too much on Jason's hands.
Giving her a lad look I tore my gaze off sneering.
"It's Mr. Moore for you" My tune was harsh and precise.
He laughed. "Apologize. So I heard your wedding is in a month" his lips twitching to a smicker.
The lady beside him is the one person stopping me from willing off that look on his face.
She seems too familiar as though I've seen her somewhere or was it just a striking resemblance?
"Oh, pardon me. Meet Evelyn my secretary" he introduced.
I extend my hand forward for a shake. She kept me hanging for a sec or so before she slipped her hands into mine. I froze, as though splendor wasn't enough she had to be oozy.
Our hands fit perfectly, I held dense never wanting to let go. Was I infatuated with her? I could feel her hands slipping away which urged me to hold on a little bit tighter, my dick hardened as I bore my eyes into her hazel ones.
I could stare into her eyes all day and never get tired. They are bewitching and fiery, they fit superbly to their spot.
"Pleasure" I speak as I let go to which she nods averting her gaze from mine. She excused herself leaving the floor.
Shit! I may have made her excruciate.
"She's gorgeous, isn't she?"
He cut through my train of thought, I share that look that had his face smudge. Jason has bad records with women, it's infuriating that she had to be in the middle of him. The urge to protect her brewed inside of me.
Whoever she is, didn't deserve him one bit.
"Excuse me" I brush past him walking to attend to the rest of my business associates.
I met with the host and exchanged two or a few words and then it was my queue to leave. I've already had enough of this party after all.
I followed through the back dismissing the guards so as not to draw any attention, It's been a long day.
A don by the side had my steps come to a halt, my stare roaming around in search of the source. I traced the direction of where the sound was coming from marching towards it and to my utmost surprise, it was hazel.
"Hazel?" The word slipped, urging a quiver from her as she hurriedly wiped off her tears turning to face me, her lips spreading into a tight-lipped smile.
"Mr. Moore"
Fuck! Was everything ideal about her, even her hoarse voice sends a wave of desire crawling to my system?
"Is everything okay?"
She nods, avoiding my eyes, "Y-yes." She stutters.
I moved an inch closer as she took a step back, I took another step and so did she till there was no more space to move. I level my face towards her getting a hold of her chin, wanting her eyes lost in mine.
Her emotions were haywire; sadness mixed with guilt and resentment, so much for what though?
Jason? My teeth gritted at the mere thought of him hurting her. I don't get it, why am I bothered? Indulging in other people's business wasn't my thing, but what was it about Hazel that had me intrigued?
"What did he do?"
"Huh?"
"Jason. Did he hurt you?"
"-I, well-" She couldn't form a coherent sentence, definitely trying to cook up something.
"Don't lie to me" My tune is hard and intimidating.
I was consumed by her scent, lavender soft and soothing. I had to refrain from nuzzling into her neck and inhaling more of it.
Damn it! This woman is going to be the end of me.
"Speak"
She placed a hand on my chest trying to push me off as her lips trembled. Those eyes, I'm sure I've seen them somewhere, just where?
Who is this woman?
Her touch was misery knowing I couldn't erase the list I had towards her. I've learned to keep my package intact in every situation I find myself yet this woman was messing with that.
"Please" Visible tears accumulated at the brim of her eyes.
That got me back to my senses. I recline back, clearing my throat to fight back the edginess.
She steps away instantly making a move to leave yet I hold onto her wrist stopping her from waking any further, "Do I know you?" I couldn't help but ask.
She twisted her wrist out biting on her lips as she shared a look pondering whether to answer or not before her lips parted, "-No. I must leave now" With that, she strolled away my eyes glued to her till she left sight before I tore my gaze away heading for the car I had the driver park in for me.
I got into the car and the thought of the lady still rambling around my head as I ignited the engine scorching off.
Who was this mystery woman?
Hazel.
Last Chapters
#18 Eighteen
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#17 Seventeen
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#16 Sixteen
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#15 Fifteen
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#14 Fourteen
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#13 Thirteen
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#12 Twelve
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#11 Eleven
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#10 TEN
Last Updated: 1/15/2026#9 Nine
Last Updated: 1/15/2026
You Might Like 😍
After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms
On my birthday, he took her on vacation. On our anniversary, he brought her to our home and made love to her in our bed...
Heartbroken, I tricked him into signing divorce papers.
George remained unconcerned, convinced I would never leave him.
His deceptions continued until the day the divorce was finalized. I threw the papers in his face: "George Capulet, from this moment on, get out of my life!"
Only then did panic flood his eyes as he begged me to stay.
When his calls bombarded my phone later that night, it wasn't me who answered, but my new boyfriend Julian.
"Don't you know," Julian chuckled into the receiver, "that a proper ex-boyfriend should be as quiet as the dead?"
George seethed through gritted teeth: "Put her on the phone!"
"I'm afraid that's impossible."
Julian dropped a gentle kiss on my sleeping form nestled against him. "She's exhausted. She just fell asleep."
Omega Bound
Thane Knight is the alpha of the Midnight Pack of the La Plata Mountain Range, the largest wolf shifter pack in the world. He is an alpha by day and hunts the shifter trafficking ring with his group of mercenaries by night. His hunt for vengeance leads to one raid that changes his life.
Tropes:
Touch her and die/Slow burn romance/Fated Mates/Found family twist/Close circle betrayal/Cinnamon roll for only her/Traumatized heroine/Rare wolf/Hidden powers/Knotting/Nesting/Heats/Luna/Attempted assassination
The mafia princess return
Alpha Nicholas's Little Mate
What? No—wait… oh Moon Goddess, no.
Please tell me you're joking, Lex.
But she's not. I can feel her excitement bubbling under my skin, while all I feel is dread.
We turn the corner, and the scent hits me like a punch to the chest—cinnamon and something impossibly warm. My eyes scan the room until they land on him. Tall. Commanding. Beautiful.
And then, just as quickly… he sees me.
His expression twists.
"Fuck no."
He turns—and runs.
My mate sees me and runs.
Bonnie has spent her entire life being broken down and abused by the people closest to her including her very own twin sister. Alongside her best friend Lilly who also lives a life of hell, they plan to run away while attending the biggest ball of the year while it's being hosted by another pack, only things don't quite go to plan leaving both girls feeling lost and unsure about their futures.
Alpha Nicholas is 28, mateless, and has no plans to change that. It's his turn to host the annual Blue Moon Ball this year and the last thing he expects is to find his mate. What he expects even less is for his mate to be 10 years younger than him and how his body reacts to her. While he tries to refuse to acknowledge that he has met his mate his world is turned upside down after guards catch two she-wolves running through his lands.
Once they are brought to him he finds himself once again facing his mate and discovers that she's hiding secrets that will make him want to kill more than one person.
Can he overcome his feelings towards having a mate and one that is so much younger than him? Will his mate want him after already feeling the sting of his unofficial rejection? Can they both work on letting go of the past and moving forward together or will fate have different plans and keep them apart?
Falling for my boyfriend's Navy brother
"What is wrong with me?
Why does being near him make my skin feel too tight, like I’m wearing a sweater two sizes too small?
It’s just newness, I tell myself firmly.
He’s my boyfirend’s brother.
This is Tyler’s family.
I’m not going to let one cold stare undo that.
**
As a ballet dancer, My life looks perfect—scholarship, starring role, sweet boyfriend Tyler. Until Tyler shows his true colors and his older brother, Asher, comes home.
Asher is a Navy veteran with battle scars and zero patience. He calls me "princess" like it's an insult. I can't stand him.
When My ankle injury forces her to recover at the family lake house, I‘m stuck with both brothers. What starts as mutual hatred slowly turns into something forbidden.
I'm falling for my boyfriend's brother.
**
I hate girls like her.
Entitled.
Delicate.
And still—
Still.
The image of her standing in the doorway, clutching her cardigan tighter around her narrow shoulders, trying to smile through the awkwardness, won’t leave me.
Neither does the memory of Tyler. Leaving her here without a second thought.
I shouldn’t care.
I don’t care.
It’s not my problem if Tyler’s an idiot.
It’s not my business if some spoiled little princess has to walk home in the dark.
I’m not here to rescue anyone.
Especially not her.
Especially not someone like her.
She’s not my problem.
And I’ll make damn sure she never becomes one.
But when my eyes fell on her lips, I wanted her to be mine.
Invisible To Her Bully
Rise of the Banished She-Wolf
That roar stole my eighteenth birthday and shattered my world. My first shift should have been glory—blood turned blessing into shame. By dawn they'd branded me "cursed": cast out by my pack, abandoned by family, stripped of my nature. My father didn't defend me—he sent me to a forsaken island where wolfless outcasts were forged into weapons, forced to kill each other until only one could leave.
On that island I learned the darkest edges of humanity and how to bury terror in bone. Countless times I wanted to surrender—dive into the waves and never surface—but the accusing faces that haunted my dreams pushed me back toward something colder than survival: revenge. I escaped, and for three years I hid among humans, collecting secrets, learning to move like a shadow, sharpening patience into precision—becoming a blade.
Then, under a full moon, I touched a bleeding stranger—and my wolf returned with a violence that made me whole. Who was he? Why could he wake what I'd thought dead?
One thing I know: now is the time.
I have waited three years for this. I will make everyone who destroyed me pay—and take back everything that was stolen from me.
My Possessive Alpha Twins For Mate
My drunk stepfather remained indifferent, his weight suffocating, making it hard to breathe as my heart raced.
Suddenly, the door slammed open, and two figures burst in.
"Get off her!" a deafening roar echoed.
I didn't expect the twin brothers who'd bullied me at school to come charging in like gods to save me.
After my grandmother passed, I had to move in with my mom and stepdad, who treated me like a servant. I prayed every day for my 18th birthday to come, so l could leave and escape this broken home.
However, on my first day at my new school, l encountered the legendary twins everyone feared.
To make matters worse, the Moon Goddess revealed they were both my mates!
After helping me out with my stepdad, my twin mate cornered me, played with my hair, and whispered possessively, "You belong to us, our little mate..."
The Pack: Rule Number 1 - No Mates
"Let me go," I whimper, my body trembling with need. "I don't want you touching me."
I fall forward onto the bed then turn around to stare at him. The dark tattoos of Domonic's chiseled shoulders, quiver and and expand with the heave of his chest. His deep dimpled smile is full of arrogance as he reaches behind himself to lock the door.
Biting his lip, he stalks toward me, his hand going to the seam of his pants and the thickening bulge there.
"Are you sure you don't want me to touch you?" He whispers, untying the knot and slipping a hand inside. "Because I swear to God, that is all I have been wanting to do. Every single day from the moment you stepped in our bar and I smelled your perfect flavor from across the room."
New to the world of shifters, Draven is human on the run. A beautiful girl who no one could protect. Domonic is the cold Alpha of the Red Wolf Pack. A brotherhood of twelve wolves that live by twelve rules. Rules which they vowed could NEVER be broken.
Especially - Rule Number One - No Mates
When Draven meets Domonic, he knows that she is his mate, but Draven has no idea what a mate is, only that she has fallen in love with a shifter. An Alpha that will break her heart to make her leave. Promising herself, she will never forgive him, she disappears.
But she doesn’t know about the child she’s carrying or that the moment she left, Domonic decided rules were made to be broken - and now will he ever find her again? Will she forgive him?
The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate
"You're like a sister to me."
Those were the actual words that broke the camel's back.
Not after what just happened. Not after the hot, breathless, soul-shaking night we spent tangled in each other's arms.
I knew from the beginning that Tristan Hayes was a line I shouldn't cross.
He wasn't just anyone, he was my brother's best friend. The man I spent years secretly wanting.
But that night... we were broken. We had just buried our parents. And the grief was too heavy, too real...so I begged him to touch me.
To make me forget. To fill the silence that death left behind.
And he did. He held me like I was something fragile.
Kissed me like I was the only thing he needed to breathe.
Then left me bleeding with six words that burned deeper than rejection ever could.
So, I ran. Away from everything that cost me pain.
Now, five years later, I'm back.
Fresh from rejecting the mate who abused me. Still carrying the scars of a pup I never got to hold.
And the man waiting for me at the airport isn't my brother.
It's Tristan.
And he's not the guy I left behind.
He's a biker.
An Alpha.
And when he looked at me, I knew there was no where else to run to.
Thornhill Academy
A demon king who would burn realms to keep her safe.
A dragon-shifter whose fire bows to her skin.
A hellhound bound to her soul.
A professor who was never supposed to want her.
And the man who broke for her long before he ever touched her.
Five men. Five obsessions. Five hearts tethered to hers by magic older than the Wall itself.
Hunted, haunted, and newly awakened, Allison is dragged into a rebellion built on blood and belief, the same fight her parents died trying to protect. As enemies close in and desire sharpens into something dangerous, she must decide what kind of power she will become. The weapon the Council always wanted. Or the storm that tears their world apart. Because when Allison rises, kingdoms kneel and when she loves, she loves like war.
Dark Academia | Reverse Harem | Dark Romance | Dark Humour | Action-Packed | Steamy | Unputdownable
Balance of Light and Shadow
Little did she know how much both worlds need her to bring peace and true freedom.












