
Dark Moon Rising
Nallica Nielsen · Ongoing · 91.8k Words
Introduction
The story's strength lies in its character development, particularly Megan's journey from isolation to tentative trust. Her months of running and survival have created realistic defensive mechanisms that don't magically disappear when her mate appears. Damien's immediate protectiveness is balanced by his respect for her autonomy, which creates a healthier dynamic than many alpha-centric romances.
The pacing effectively builds tension through the rescue sequence and escape, while the mate bond revelation unfolds naturally rather than through instant acceptance. The mystery elements—Megan's missing wolf, her unknown powers, and Samuel's true motives—provide compelling hooks for future development.
Some areas could use refinement: the dialogue occasionally feels exposition-heavy, and certain plot points (like Angel's dream appearance) need stronger integration into the main narrative. The story would benefit from showing more of Megan's survival skills rather than just telling us about them.
Overall, it's an engaging start to what could develop into a compelling series, with solid world-building and characters who feel authentic within the paranormal romance framework.
Chapter 1
Sigh. Why do I always have to listen to these guys cry like little babies over unnecessary topics? I wonder to myself as I sit through yet another tedious Alpha meeting.
The monthly gatherings of the Pacific Northwest Alpha Council had become increasingly frustrating over the past year. What should have been strategic discussions about territorial disputes and resource management had devolved into petty complaints and ego-driven posturing. I glanced around the conference room at the assembled leaders, noting the way they postured and preened, each trying to project more authority than the others.
Maybe because you're a very powerful Alpha, and everyone in this room is scared of you but wants your thoughts on everything happening in their packs, my wolf James says sarcastically in my mind.
True enough. As one of the youngest Alphas to ever control a territory the size of Moonhaven, I'd earned both respect and resentment from the older pack leaders. My methods were different—more collaborative, less traditional—which made some of them uncomfortable but also curious about my success rates.
I understand that completely, but if I wasn't stuck here, I could be out looking for our own mate—James perks his ears at that thought—or at least dealing with our own pack issues. Leaving our beta in charge for too long gives him way too much air in his head, and then he gloats when we get back, which gives me a migraine.
Marcus means well, I remind James, but you're right. He does get a bit too comfortable in the leadership role when I'm away.
The irony wasn't lost on me that I was sitting in a room full of mated Alphas, listening to their problems, while my own mate remained frustratingly elusive. At twenty-eight, I was starting to wonder if the Moon Goddess had forgotten about me entirely. Most wolves found their mates by twenty-five, and here I was, approaching thirty with nothing but a growing sense of restlessness to show for it.
"So what do you think, Alpha Damien? Will you help me or not?" Alpha Sam's voice finally breaks through my thoughts.
I'd been so lost in my own concerns that I'd completely missed whatever crisis Sam had been describing. The expectant faces around the table told me it was something significant enough to warrant my attention.
"Huh? I'm sorry, I was thinking and must have spaced out. What do you need my help with again?" I ask, feeling slightly embarrassed to have to ask in front of all the other alphas.
Smooth, James comments dryly. Very professional.
Sighing audibly, Sam states, "I was telling everyone I recently found my mate about a year ago. Unfortunately, her mother is—or at least was—this deranged woman who took her and ran from me. I've had my best trackers out looking for her everywhere, but no one can seem to get a good scent on her. I found her mother about six months ago, but she refused to tell me where she hid my mate. I've been pulling my hair out in worry for her safety."
Something feels off about his voice and words when talking about his feelings for this girl. The way he describes the situation doesn't match the emotional undertones I'm picking up. There's something calculating in his expression, something that doesn't align with genuine mate-bond desperation.
I hear James start to growl in my head, then he says, I'm getting very angry.
Why are you getting mad at him? I ask, but other than one more low, long growl, he stays silent.
I sigh. "Okay, first—does she know you're her mate? Because if she doesn't know, that would explain why she hasn't returned to you on her own."
"She does know. I think her mother has brainwashed her, and she may be scared of me or something," Alpha Sam says while looking around at all the other alphas. They all look like they're getting mad, thinking the same thing I am—how would we feel if someone convinced our mates not to be with us?
We won't know if we never find her, James all but yells in my head.
"What does she look like? That way we know what type of woman we're helping you search for," I ask Sam while watching him start to glaze over like he's mind-linking someone.
Who is he communicating with? The behavior strikes me as odd—why would he need to consult someone else about his mate's appearance?
"Oh gosh, where do I start?" he says, looking startled and dazed.
I don't know why, but as he describes his mate, I start to feel this pull for this woman I've never seen. James seems to be getting angrier by the minute while listening to Sam.
"Well," Alpha Sam starts, "she's about 5'5" with a tanned complexion. She has cloudy sky-blue eyes with water oak-long brown hair that looks like it's been kissed by the sun in places. Her legs go on for days, and her body is toned like a warrior's, even though before she left, she hadn't even started training."
He stops for another moment, lost in thought. I can't see anything except lust and power in his eyes—no love or worry like a normal mate would show for their missing partner. James is doing nothing but growling and clawing at my head, begging to get out as we watch Sam pace around the room, becoming more frantic.
Any normal werewolf observing this scene would think Sam was just freaking out over being unable to locate his mate, but I'm starting to wonder about all of this.
Something's very wrong here, James insists. His scent is all wrong. This isn't mate-bond desperation—this is obsession.
"Why don't we call a short break to this meeting?" Sam's beta suggests.
"Finally," I say to myself as I get up to leave the building.
As I start walking around outside, I feel better not being trapped in that room, finally getting to stretch my legs.
Damien, can we please go shift for a run? James all but begs in my head.
I can't help but wonder why he's so restless after this meeting. He's never been like this before.
I just need to get away from him. I don't like him, okay? James says.
I nod since I don't really like Sam much either. I've never really liked him, but since his explanation of his mate, I dislike him even more.
"Yes, let's go for a run," I tell James.
Walking behind a tree, I strip out of my clothes, shift into my wolf form, pick up my clothes in my mouth, and head toward the lush green woods.
Whatever Sam is really up to, it's not about finding his destined mate, I think, as we disappear into the forest. And something tells me we're going to find out exactly what his real agenda is sooner than I'd like.
Last Chapters
#73 Chapter 3 Damien's POV
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#72 Chapter 2 Damien's POV
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#71 Chapter 1 Damien's POV
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#70 Chapter 46
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#69 Chapter 45 Damien's POV
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#68 Chapter 44 Elena's POV
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#67 Chapter 42 Dr. Kim's POV
Last Updated: 1/27/2026#66 Chapter 41 Elena's POV
Last Updated: 1/25/2026#65 Chapter 40 Damien's POV
Last Updated: 1/26/2026#64 Chapter 39 Damien's POV
Last Updated: 1/26/2026
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To protect what’s mine
The Alpha's Stripper Mate
"What?" It was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I did not wait for him to answer me, I walked toward him.
"Dance on my lap."
My head screamed at me to turn around and run. But my whole body responded to his command.
"Yes, Alpha," I pulled my dress over my body, it dropped over my head and fell to the ground behind me. I was left in nothing but my matching bra and thong. My hands covered my chest on reflex.
"Let me see."
My hands dropped to my sides.
I lowered myself into his lap, facing him. His eyes peered into mine, and I could feel his hot breath fan my face. His dick responded to all my moves, hardening against my now-moist vagina. I swallowed hard, allowing my lips to part in a ragged breath. His hands trailed up to my waist.
"No touching."
At the tender age of eleven, JoJo Wyatt was forced to grow up far sooner than she should have. Born to a cruel father and a weak mother, she quickly realized she had to become the breadwinner for herself and her sister. Nothing else mattered to her, not even the hottest men. In fact, she despised them. After one horrific night, she swore never to have any contact with the male species again. That was, until she started working for him as his stripper.
Meanwhile, Alpha Lake Rush, thirty, was the most feared Alpha in the country. Burdened by his own share of life's struggles, he had learned only to be cruel and reckless, rejecting not one but two mates. But what happens when he discovers yet another mate, and she turns out to be his stripper?
Avery and the Cursed Alpha
Then a mysterious billionaire offers her a deal that sounds too good to be true.
Alexander Ravenswood is powerful, wealthy, and feared throughout Tenebrous City. Behind his perfect public image lies a deadly secret. He is the Alpha of the Nocturne Pack, cursed by an ancient bloodline that is slowly driving him toward madness and death. His only hope lies in finding the legendary Aethon Orb—or the prophesied mate destined to save him.
When Alex discovers that Avery can draw symbols connected to the long-lost artifact, he offers her a contract she cannot refuse: become his fake fiancée for six months in exchange for enough money to erase her debts and save her home.
What begins as a business arrangement quickly becomes something far more dangerous.
As they search for the missing Orb, Avery is drawn into a hidden world of werewolves, ancient prophecies, and deadly pack rivalries. Powerful enemies want Alex's throne. A jealous Alpha heiress wants Avery gone. And a ruthless rival Alpha will stop at nothing to claim the Orb for himself.
But the greatest secret of all may be Avery herself.
Because the closer she gets to Alex, the more impossible truths begin to surface about her past, her strange abilities, and the destiny that has been waiting for her all along.
With a curse threatening Alex's life, enemies closing in from every side, and a forbidden bond growing stronger by the day, Avery must decide whether to walk away from the dangerous Alpha who needs her—or risk everything for a love written by fate itself.
In a city where secrets kill and destiny cannot be escaped, can a fake engagement become a love powerful enough to change the future?
The Contract Wife: Marriage Of Malice
He didn't finish. He didn't need to.
I didn't tell him to stop.
Instead, my fingers curled into his shirt, clutching the fabric as though it was my only anchor. Something in him snapped—something he had been holding back for too long. His mouth found mine in a kiss that wasn't tender, but hungry, desperate.
I gasped into him, his hand sliding up to cup my jaw, holding me as if afraid I might vanish.
"You drive me insane," he breathed against my mouth, his lips trailing to my throat. "I can't lose you, Ella. Not you."
My head fell back, a soft sound escaping me as his fingers memorized my waist. My anger melted beneath his desperation.
"James..." I whispered, more plea than protest.
His hand caught mine, fingers threading together tightly. "I'll bring him back. I swear it. Just... don't turn away from me. Please."
The word please—low, ragged, almost broken—undid me more than anything else could have.
Ella never imagined she would marry the man she had secretly loved for years in such a way.
When her brother Theo faced twenty-five years in prison for massive embezzlement, the ruthless business tycoon James Lancaster offered her a deal: marry him in exchange for her brother's freedom.
This wasn't a fairy tale proposal, but a carefully orchestrated revenge. Because in James's heart, Ella was the culprit who had killed his sister Cecilia. He wanted her to pay the price—to atone with a lifetime of suffering.
A Queen Among Tides (Book 5 in the Gods' Saga)
Shocked to find he's been bound in more ways than one to Sebastian, the future King to the Kingdom of Atlesper, Lemuel resists Sebastian's advances at every turn, believing this may be one pairing Goddess Zarseti got wrong.
Lemuel will have to face his past in hopes of starting a new future, but an overly flirtatious King is the least of his worries when he learns Sebastian's parents are convinced that a conniving usurper disguised as a curvy blonde, is the future king's true soulmate.
A Queen Among Tides is the 5th book in the Queen Among Series/The Gods' Saga. This is an interconnected series. To see how it ends, I recommend reading the full series.
Books in the series order:
A Queen Among Alphas - Book 1
Bite-Size Luna - A Queen Among Alphas Prequel (available under book 1)
A Queen Among Snakes - Book 2
A Queen Among Blood - Book 3
A Queen Among Darkness - Book 4
Whole Again - A Queen Among Alpha's spin-off (available under book 1)
A Queen Among Tides - Book 5
Valor, Virtue, and Verve - Tides Prequel Spin-off (will be available under book 5)
A Queen Among Gods - Book 6
Runaway Empress - A Queen Among Snakes Prequel (will be available under book 2)
A Queen Among Tempests - Book 7
Dark Vocation - Darkness spin-off (will be available under book 4)
A Court of Arcane Souls Anthology (side character short stories exclusive to Ream)
Royal Shadow Series (Next Gen Coming Soon)
BROKEN TRUST
Neither of them knew she was carrying his child.
Emily’s affair didn’t just end her marriage—it erased the life she thought was guaranteed. Ryan left without looking back, carrying his anger like armor and leaving Emily alone with regret she would never outrun. Three years later, fate drags them back into each other’s world, along with a little girl who has Ryan’s eyes and a truth that shatters everything he thought he knew.
Old wounds reopen, grief masquerades as rage, and love refuses to stay buried. As parenthood binds them together and the past demands accountability, Emily and Ryan must face the question neither of them is ready to answer: is broken trust the end of their story… or the beginning of a love forged through loss, forgiveness, and brutal honesty?
From Sacrificed Slave to the Dragon King's Obsession
His fangs glinted as he gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. Dragon scales shimmered along his neck, breath scorching my skin.
"Your Majesty... I beg—" He shoved me onto the bed. Silk tore with a sharp rip, cold air rushing over my exposed body.
"Scared?" He smirked, palm sliding down my waist, fingers tracing slow, burning circles. "Yet you shiver... not from cold."
I lunged for the candlestick, but he caught my wrist, pinning it overhead. His knee forced my legs apart.
"When your father gave you to me," his lips brushed my ear, voice a dark rumble, "you were already mine."
On the eve of freedom after ten years of servitude, Lina Valeria stood one night away from reuniting with her betrothed. But Dragon King Augustus condemned her to the Abyss Mines on false charges—a trap forged from obsessive desire.
Augustus Ashenwing, Supreme Sovereign of Skyhold Citadel, is ruthless and feared by all races. His obsession stems from ancient grudges and dragonkind's most dangerous instinct: possessive desire. He demands her submission, binding her to his throne as his consort.
From prisoner to queen, Lina battles him through court intrigue and twisted passion—fighting for her mother, her freedom, her dignity.
Yet this cold-blooded tyrant reserves all tenderness for her alone. He indulges her temper, bends his pride, compromises without limit—anything to see her smile. Gradually, her heart wavers. But loving him means betraying Kain, who waited eleven years. Torn between duty and desire, she drowns in agonizing guilt.
Love and hatred intertwined—a forbidden dragon romance in a realm of oppression.
Mates: Regrets and Redemption
With my heart in pieces, I sought solace in the last place I expected—my Alpha's arms. One night turned into a dangerous entanglement, and now my Alpha refuses to let me go. As the Alpha’s obsession grows, I'm caught in a web of desire and fear.
Curtis, the boy I once loved, still holds a promise I made, but the Alpha’s powerful presence pulls me deeper into his world. Should I forgive Curtis and keep my word, or should I risk everything for a chance at something wild and unpredictable with the Alpha who won’t take no for an answer?
“There are no limits between us,” he chuckled, the mirth sparkling in his gorgeous eyes. “And all of this stems from the night you gave me both pain and pleasure. I’m simply returning the favor.”
He took two steps forward, and I stepped back. “But…” The memory of what I had done filled me with fear, and I knew I had to get out of there. “I…”
“No, Firecat.” He placed an index finger on my lips. “This will take your mind off that son of a bitch.” His strong hands pulled me by the waist until I felt his hard manhood.
Accardi
“I thought you said you were done chasing me?” Gen mocked.
“I am done chasing you.”
Before she could formulate a witty remark, Matteo threw her down. She landed hard on her back atop his dining room table. She tried to sit up when she noticed what he was doing. His hands were working on his belt. It came free of his pants with a violent yank. She collapsed back on her elbows, her mouth gaping open at the display. His face was a mask of sheer determination, his eyes were a dark gold swimming with heat and desire. His hands wrapped around her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the table. He glided his fingers up her thighs and hooked several around the inside of her panties. His knuckles brushed her dripping sex.
“You’re soaking wet, Genevieve. Tell me, was it me that made you this way or him?” his voice told her to be careful with her answer. His knuckles slid down through her folds and she threw her head back as she moaned. “Weakness?”
“You…” she breathed.
Genevieve loses a bet she can’t afford to pay. In a compromise, she agrees to convince any man her opponent chooses to go home with her that night. What she doesn’t realize when her sister’s friend points out the brooding man sitting alone at the bar, is that man won’t be okay with just one night with her. No, Matteo Accardi, Don of one of the largest gangs in New York City doesn’t do one night stands. Not with her anyway.
The Hunter and The Hunted
Mihai’s hand slowly slides up my stomach, his fingers wrapping around my neck as he cuts of my ability to breathe, black spots clouding my vision, and yet, I am not afraid. I want more. I want everything that he can give to me.
He slowly inserts a third finger, the intense fullness that I feel teetering me over the edge of a cliff I cannot even see, and then he sucks and pulls at my clit. Sparks erupt throughout my body, the orgasm shaking my soul, and destroying what was left of my resistance.
She was the Daughter of a Hunter, he was one of the creatures that her family had sworn to destroy, what could possibly go wrong?
When their worlds collide, who will be left standing, will it be the hunter or the hunted, and which is which?
Glimmerdrop: The Crownwake Series
"This is your last chance to push me away."
At the fiercely hierarchical Haldorian Academy, magic-less commoner Hettie just wants to remain invisible. But Zadok, the academy's most untouchable elite, backs her into a corner she can't escape.
His fatal obsession sparks ruthless revenge: Dana, a high-tier wind mystic, turns paper into deadly blades during combat class, nearly blinding and disfiguring Hettie in a bloody attack .
The massive class divide and brutal bullying force Hettie to draw a line, demanding their romance be kept strictly underground .
That forever unattainable golden boy pinned her against the tree trunk, his scalding and aggressive kiss accompanied by a hopeless surrender: "You're going to be my doom ."
Worse still, Hettie discovers her parents’ dark secrets are dragging her into a deadly conspiracy of betrayal . Survival clashes with forbidden desire. In this deadly, cross-class temptation, whoever gives in first is doomed!
Ruined : You will always be mine.
“Fuckkk”, I couldn’t help but scream.
“You need to learn to be obedient” he said as he kept thrusting into me. When I felt his hands on my clit my body shook.
“Asher please, it’s too much”.
“No. if I really wanted to punish you, I would give you all of me”, he said against my ears and my entire body froze. Suddenly he moved and I was standing again. This man was insane.
I felt him behind me. “Ten Lashes for your disobedience”, he said
“Asher please”,
“No”. His voice was cold and void of any emotion.
Asher was what I wanted , what I truly craved until it was too late. An orphan should never fall in love with someone out of their reach. I thought loving him was the right thing to do until he revealed his true identity and Ruined me. I was ruined for everyone one else . I could still feel his touch, it was as if it was etched into my skin. I tired to avoid him but fate wouldn't let it happen.
The Sterling's were the most powerful in Havenwood and Dorian Sterling was off limits.
As an orphan finding out you still have people looking for you is hard to take but when it turns out to be people of wealth and standing I took the other road and ran, but running led me right back to the place I was avoiding and the person I was avoiding.
Asher and Dorling Sterling one and the same. When his first love shows up and along with everyone that has set out to ruin me, I prayed that he could protect me.












