Damien Blackwood thought my monthly absences were a liability. He handed me a "Performance Improvement Plan" to cure my lycanthropy. He scheduled the board meeting for the night of the full moon, a symbol of his strength. Little did he know, I'd RSVP'd 'yes'—and I was bringing the pack.

The champagne tower caught the light from the crystal chandelier, sending sparkles dancing across the room, while the air reeked of cold hors d'oeuvres and cloying perfume. I was Leah Thorne, standing in the most out-of-the-way corner of the ballroom—like some old forgotten furniture nobody even bothered to haul away. The outdated dress I had on? Marcus Bloodclaw just tossed it to me three years back, no thought at all.

A traumatized seventeen-year-old girl escapes years of captivity and abuse, only to discover her true identity as the long-lost princess of a powerful mafia family. As she struggles to heal and reclaim her voice, she finds unexpected love and protection within her newfound family and from the boy who helped rescue her.Navigating the complexities of her dangerous legacy while trying to be a normal teenager, she must learn to trust, to fight, and to embrace the strength she never knew she had, all while her family seeks vengeance against those who wronged her. The story's main issues include some predictable plotlines and occasional pacing inconsistencies.

"Mrs. Palmer, do you really want to terminate this pregnancy? You know Mr. Palmer's situation. If you go through with this, it'll be very difficult for him to have children in the future. Once the abortion is done, there's no turning back!"The doctor looked at me in disbelief and even took out Henry's medical report.

“Elise Avignon, right? Call your husband to get his private plane to save us before the earthquake!”My eyes flew open in shock at the impatient prodding.Beside me, Josie, my mother-in-law, was gripping the hem of my top. She had been startled by the fleeing tourists all around us.

I decided to stop treatment—I couldn’t afford the crushing medical bills.  As I was checking out of the hospital, my attending doctor rushed over.  “Miss Simmons, you don’t have to leave. Someone covered your medical expenses.”  

I turned off the TV and coaxed my son to sleep.  Tomorrow was the day of his check-up. It was also his birthday.  After leaving the hospital, I took him to the mall to pick out a gift.  A commotion erupted not far away.  

The hovering rescue helicopter flew my father and cousin farther away.I was half-submerged in the water, my hands weakly clinging to the driftwood. Blood had seeped out between my fingers, and my broken ribs were hurting violently.

In the deathly silent ward, only the sound of the ventilator could be heard. Outside in the corridor, the doctor couldn't help but sigh in amazement.

A young she-wolf, branded a murderer and outcast by her pack, endures years of torment and a brutal rejection from her destined mate. Rescued from the brink of death by the powerful Lycan King, she discovers her true royal lineage and extraordinary gifts. As she heals and embraces her strength, she must navigate treacherous pack politics, a vengeful past, and a war looming on the horizon, all while learning to trust in a fierce love that promises both protection and a crown.