Chapter 1 The ice cold air has me rubbing my arms as I walk home from the club. Snow settles on the ground, and it gives the illusion that there is beauty in this city. That is a far cry from the truth. Creatures that used to live only in horror movies and storybooks choose this time to come out and play, hunting their unsuspecting prey for fun. This city is not safe at night and is ruled by Lycan King Rehan. Humans like me are mere pawns to him. Despite this, I am apprehensive about Prince Xandros's succession, considering the whispers of his depravity. God only knows what new hellscape we'll be in once he takes over from his father. My house is on a derelict street that runs along the forest which borders the city. The only street light that works is by the burned-out house next door, its faint orange light flickering in the darkness. As I survey my surroundings, goosebumps rise on my arms, and my neck prickles with the feeling of being watched. I pick up my pace, trying to slow my heavy breathing, which is making smoke clouds in the icy, chilled air. I never used to do late shifts, always ensuring I was home before dark. With my uncle's debt hanging over my head and the threat that comes with it, I've been pulling extra shifts. Finally, it has paid off. I hope he hasn't skipped on another bill for me to cover. When the house appears, a slow dread comes over me at the prospect of entering the decaying weatherboard house. The paint is peeling, the windows have splintering cracks, and some are even boarded over to stop the cold air from getting inside. This place has more cracks, creases, and wrinkles than Mrs. Morris's face, and that old witch is past a hundred. Approaching the porch, my boots crunch on each step, the holes in the bottom of my boots filling with ice-cold snow, making my teeth chatter. Carefully, I dig my keys out, trying to make as little noise as possible, praying my uncle has passed out or, if I'm lucky, has dropped dead so I don't have to look at his evil face again. The old door, which is barely held on by the flimsy bent hinges, creaks open, and I curse under my breath before popping my head inside the door. The old box TV is playing with no sound, and I thank whoever's watching over me that he isn't awake, knowing he would shake me down for my tips. Stepping inside, the stench of stale beer and cigarettes lingers in the air. The horrendous odor reaches my nose, and I fight back the urge to cough or gag, maybe both. I hold my breath, hoping not to wake him, and my grip on the old rattling brass handle shakes. I used to sneak in the back door; however, it's now boarded over from repeatedly being kicked. There is always someone looking for Uncle Sven. He's a ghastly man, despicable, and, unfortunately, my only family. Ten days and I can finally leave this place, or so I hope. I've been saving for two years to buy my ticket out of here. My ticket is only a fancy way of saying I've been saving up to pay the seekers to smuggle me out of the city via the old tunnel system that was used when the war happened. Their escape through the tunnel system inadvertently left them vulnerable when the exits were blocked. They now heavily guard it. No guarantees; still, it's worth attempting since my future choices include remaining here with my uncle. The king leaving me in my uncle's care for years is punishment enough. I don't think I can endure another nineteen years with him. I spot my uncle passed out drunk as usual, beer bottle dangling precariously from his fingertips as he slouches on the couch. Once, he could have been described as handsome; the years, though, have not been kind to him. His stained white shirt stretches over his massive beer gut. The filter on his smoke creates a ghastly stench as it burns. Hopefully, the bastard sets himself on fire and saves me from having to listen to his incessant whining about how raising me ruined his life. Closing the door, I grit my teeth at the sound of the lock clicking in place. Every floorboard is written in my head like a blueprint on which were safe and which ones creaked. However, the beer can was not part of the blueprint in my mind as it crunches under my boot. I cringe, glancing at him. He huffs, the cigarette falling from between his lips onto his white-stained shirt. I try not to laugh as I sneak to the stairs, taking them two at a time, when I hear his frantic slapping and whiny ass voice when it burns through to his flesh. As I reach my bedroom door, the glass coffee table littered with cans rattles. I suck in a breath and step inside, only to stop in my tracks. My room has been upturned, the drawers strewn across the floor, and my clothes scattered everywhere. Even the mattress leans against the window. No! I blink back tears, daring to look at the corner where my chest of drawers has been knocked over and pulled apart. My stomach sinks, and I race over to it, ripping it out of the way to find the floorboard where I kept the box containing every cent I had now empty. I pull the last five-dollar bill out, which is barely recognizable since he's burned it. A deep, menacing chuckle causes me to turn and see my uncle leaning against the door. A beer can in his hand. "Think you can hide money away from me!" he yells. "That was mine. You had no right to go in my room," S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No, right? This is my fucking house, you ungrateful brat," "That I fucking pay for; I pay the bills, not you. I am the only reason there is ever food in cupboards or the fridge. The power is on because of me!" I scream at him. I had been secretly saving for two years. For two years, I have put every spare bit of cash I've had in here. And it's all gone. That was my ticket out of here, and he stole it. "Well, I owed Mal. It's fine. He'll let you pay the rest off," he says with a shrug. "You piece of useless shit!" I yell at him in a fury. He's pushed me too far this time; that outburst seems to push him when he tosses his beer can and storms into my room. I shriek, jumping to my feet. His fingers tangle in my hair as he rips me backward. My head bangs loudly off the stained floorboards. I groan, opening my eyes only to see his foot coming toward my face. Quickly I roll, his foot stomping the ground where my head was before I turn, kicking his bad knee. He grunts, dropping to the ground, and I snatch my bag, racing for the door. His ear-piercing screams yell at me to stop so he can kill me because that will really make me want to go back. My boots thump loudly as I race down the stairs, jumping when I am near the bottom before bursting out the front door, only to stop dead when I remember it is night time. Now what? I try to catch my breath, and I can hear him making his way after me, leaving me no other option than to leave the porch and the safety it offers-which is none-therefore, my chances are better inside this house than out of it. But inside is an ass-kicking I don't want. Inhaling sharply, I pull my hood up to protect myself from the icy breeze and hope nothing is lurking in the shadows. Every noise has me jumping as I navigate through the snow-covered city. Abandoned houses and burned-out cars line the sidewalk through this side of town, setting me more on edge whenever I hear a noise. This is a hunting territory for those caught in the streets at night. At this time of night, most humans ensure they're indoors, tucked safely in their beds, and here I am, walking the streets, trying to get to Tasha's place while praying I am not eaten alive, gang raped by werewolves-seeing as those bastards are pack creatures-or left dead on the sidewalk drained of my blood. Nearing the end of the suburb, the roads begin to clear of rubbish, and streetlights come into view. I glance toward the huge sky-rise buildings where Tasha lives, gulping down the dread, knowing I am going to have to try to pass through the city that comes alive at night with the most sinister monsters. With my head down, I pick up my pace, cutting through the next alleyway and coming out behind the main drag. Noise surrounds me, and I focus on my breathing, needing to keep my heartbeat low to ensure I don't entice a vamp to feast on me. Bright lights cover all the shop windows. Billowing smoke pours from the restaurants, and the cloying scent of death fills the air, along with the screams of those inside the darker establishments-the clubs and bars that go from family-friendly during the day to dark and sinister at night, catering to those who prowl and hunt. Alcohol is potent in the air, along with the odor of old blood, when I almost let out a shriek, nearly stumbling over a man's body lying in the street. His throat is ripped out, and the bite marks on his neck tell me what happened. A feeder; a human who voluntarily becomes a juice box for the vamps since their bites are addictive. Panic sets in as I draw closer to where I work, knowing it is the most sinister place in the city. It functions as a regular family welcome club and gambling house by day. By night, its character changes significantly. It's an auction house. And not the sort where you buy antiques. It's the place that sells lives and skin. It sometimes makes me wonder how my uncle survives out here among these monsters when he gambles, and how he hasn't been killed for his so-called bad luck on the tables. It could be his awful odor; maybe they fear he'd be as unpalatable as he smells, and that's how he's survived. Moving closer to the edge of the sidewalk, I try getting around the massive crowd lined up out front, only to be stopped by a hand grabbing hold of my jacket. "Mm, I smell fresh meat," a voice sneers beside me, and my feet falter. Looking upward, I gaze into the eyes of a man who sends my blood cold. Werewolf. His leering gaze roams over me, and I suck in a breath. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing out here? Want to meet my pack? I know they'd love to play with you," he purrs, and I gasp, stumbling back. His eyes sparkle and flicker at the movement as he stalks me. "Run, little girl, nothing I love more than a good chase," he threatens when a hand grips my arm; I'm ripped away from the man and turned to face another. Only this man, I recognize. Toby! My boss. Toby is in his mid-twenties and drop-dead gorgeous. I've always secretly had a crush on him, not that I ever let that be known or would dare to. He glares at me with his pale blue eyes lined with thick, long lashes, his blond hair falling into his eyes. Then he jabs me in the chest with his finger. "Sienna, what the fuck are you doing here?" he growls at me. He is a Lycan, which is vastly different from a werewolf. They're stronger, faster, and deadlier; nevertheless, Toby is actually a decent guy. "I was trying to get to Tasha's," I tell him as he moves to pull me inside the club. "You shouldn't be out after dark!" he growls at me angrily when the werewolf man grabs my arm. "Where do you think you're going?" he purrs, and Toby spins around. A threatening growl leaves him, and the man backs up with his hands raised. "Touch one of my employees again, and I will fucking skin you alive," Toby tells him. "Woah, sorry, bro. Didn't realize," the man stammers. Toby drapes his arm across my shoulders, tugging me inside. Many eyes are cast our way as he leads me inside the club and toward his office. They drop their gazes quickly after one growl from Toby. When we reach the back of the club, the music slowly begins to drown out, and I glance over my shoulder when we stop. He stuffs me inside his office, and I back up when he growls menacingly. The door slams loudly behind us, and he twists the lock into place. "Are you suicidal? You know better than to be on the main drag, Sienna!" he booms loudly. I cringe; I've never been in trouble with my boss, but I've definitely found his angry side tonight. "Stay here, don't leave this fucking room. I'll try to find a cab to send you home in that doesn't have someone who will try to God damn eat you! What were you thinking? You know better, especially with who your parents were!" he snarls angrily, shaking his head. I flinch at the reminder. My family is famous for being traitors to the king, and I was lucky to find this place to hire me. As soon as anyone saw my ID, it was a no! No one wants to hire the child of the man and woman responsible for killing the queen's sister. If it weren't for my uncle, I'd be dead along with them. Luckily enough for me, he was babysitting at the time. What they did has permanently damaged my reputation, and this is precisely why I must leave this city. Toby growls when I don't answer and snatches his cell phone off his desk. He points to the sofa, and I chew my lip. "Can you call Tasha, please? I can't go home." He eyes me for a few seconds, then tilts his head to the side. "Why not?" he demands, but I shake my head. "Fine, I'm sending you home, then," he tells me, and I lean back on the sofa and groan. His eyes flick to me briefly before he starts dialing the number for a cab when a knock sounds on the door. "Crap, he's early!" "Who is?" I sit up in alarm, my eyes staring at the door. "Just Mal. He owns the blood bar across the road. He's meant to be dropping supplies off and picking up the invoice. I hate dealing with him, but my supplier is out," he says, stalking toward the door. My eyes widen, and I remember what my uncle said earlier. Racing toward him, I grip his arm, and he looks down at me, giving me a questioning look. "I need to hide," I whisper, and he seems taken aback by my words. He points to the door, and I nod. "How much does your uncle owe him now?" Toby growls angrily. I shrug, not knowing. I just know he owes him. Toby grits his teeth, and the muscle in his jaw twitches. "Sofa now! I'll handle it!" he snaps at me, and I stare at the heavy wooden door nervously when Toby gives me a shove toward the sofa and then points at it. I drop my gaze and wander back over to sit, wondering how much trouble I'll be in. He mutters something under his breath and opens the door. "Mal, you're early," Toby tells him, motioning for him to enter. I peer up, taking in Mal. He's scarily handsome, and his cheekbones are so high any model would envy them. The light beard shadowing his face does little to take away from how clean-cut he looks in his immaculately tailored suit. His dark hair curls softly around the collar of his shirt as he drags his fingers through the strands. Immediately, he sniffs the air, and his dark eyes move to me, widening a bit as he takes me in. "New toy, Toby?" he questions. "Employee, I was about to send her home," "Won't find a taxi driver this late who won't dine on her; I can take her if you want. I recognize her scent. She is Sven's niece. I need to speak with him about settling his debt, and I was about to head over there to pick her up, anyway." Mal shrugs, and my heart rate picks up. "How much does he owe this time?" Toby asks while Mal wanders around his office, gazing at the pictures on the wall. "About eight hundred," Mal states like it's no big deal. "Eight hundred? That's it. I'll cover it then and drop her home," Toby tells him. "Thousand!" Mal says, and Toby stops. "What?" Toby and I say at the same time. Mal shrugs, "He placed her down to cover it, so I will drop her home to collect what belongings she needs. We will need to stop at my home first to collect the trade papers. I only have the buyout contract on me." I jump to my feet. "Trade papers?" I shriek, and he turns to me with a sly smile. "Yes, love, you belong to me now," Mal states, and my gaze snaps to Toby, who is staring at me in horror. "Wait, Mal. She's barely nineteen," "She'll fetch a higher price then!" he shrugs, clearly uncaring. My heart beats like a drum in my chest, and my breathing becomes harsher. My uncle placed me down as collateral! He sold me! Toby steps forward and shouts, "This is wrong! She's not a slave!" Mal turns to him, his face twisted in anger. "She is now. I have the contract. You can do nothing about it, Toby. I don't know why you're getting so upset over this human. She is easily replaceable." Mal pulls out a wrinkled piece of paper from his pocket. Toby snatches the paper and then glances down at it for a moment before he crumples it up in his fist and tosses it to the ground. "No! I won't let this happen! You can't do this, Mal!" His voice is strong and filled with conviction as he steps forward and places himself between Mal and me. Mal's eyes widen, and his mouth forms an 'o' of surprise. Then he regains his composure. He laughs loudly, a cruel sound that echoes in the small room. "You think you can stop me? I have all the power here. I think you forget how much you owe me too, Toby. The girl is mine now. If you have problems with that, you can shake her uncle down for what he owes; however, she is leaving with me." Toby stands tall and meets Mal's gaze without flinching. "I will not let her be sold and turned into a fucking bloodwhore, or prostitute!" Mal tilts his head to the side and clicks his tongue in annoyance. "You like her," Mal accuses. Toby quickly shakes his head while I chew my lip nervously, my heart racing. "No, she is an employee," Toby quickly defends. Mal laughs sinisterly. "So you keep saying, yet you're willing to cut all deals off with me and start a war; I would say otherwise," Mal chuckles. His dark, eerie eyes flick to me. "If you can pay the debt she owes me, you can have her back. Until then, she is mine," Mal snarls, stalking over to me and ripping me off the sofa by my arm. I cry out in pain, and Toby moves toward me, but Mal shoves him away. "Remember your place, Toby. Fight me on this, and it will be your last fight," Mal reminds him before he pulls me out of the door. My heart races as I'm dragged to the corridor, and I glance back to see Toby watching from the doorway, with an indecipherable expression on his face before he turns and slams his office. Mal hauls me outside into the street before shoving me toward one of his men, who seizes my arm and leads me across the road to another club. He pushes me through the blacked-out doors and into the club. I scan the smoke-filled room, my heart racing. The place is dimly lit, and the air is filled with the sickly scent of blood. I have never been to this club before, although I heard the stories. It's a blood bar where the vamps come to feast on their prey. Glancing around, eyes watch me. People are dancing on the dancefloor under the strobing lights, and girls with chains around their ankles dance on poles attached to tables. At the same time, vamps look up at them as if they're the tastiest treat they've come across, and the half-naked girls are covered in bite marks, their eyes vacant as they sway their hips to the beat, their skin pale and clammy. Suddenly, a hand grabs my arm and drags me forward into the main club area. I wince as the cold grip tightens around my arm, and I stumble forward as I am led out the back of the club to an office before being pushed hard onto a chair at a table in the center of the room. Mal talks with one of his men about organizing his driver to wait at the side alley to pick us up while I stare vacantly at the wall, shocked at what has become of me. Only mere hours ago, I was excited because I was finally escaping the city, and now I've been sold off to cover my uncle's debt. "What about Prince Xandros? He's been waiting in the VIP section for you. He doesn't look happy." "He was supposed to stop by tomorrow, not tonight," Mal states, and the man who dragged me into the room shrugs. "I guess he must have plans. I can tell him you're not here." "No, it's fine. Grab the money from the safe and tell Sally to send him down to my office. I'll deal with the prince first and then deal with this mess," Mal tells the vampire man, whose gaze goes to me before he smirks. "Very well," he states, striding out and leaving me with Mal, who exhales loudly as he turns to me. "You better make me my money back, or your uncle is a dead man," he tells me. "Can I trade him for me?" I ask. Mal chuckles. "I'd have to pay someone to feed off that piece of garbage, so no!" He laughs when the door opens. Title: "Twists of Fate: Embracing Family Ties with Three Powerful Brothers" Author: CrushReel Genre: Billionaire, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Office, Drama Status: ongoing Embarking on the path to marriage, she faced a sudden heartbreak as her fiancé called it quits. Amidst the shattered dreams, a surprising revelation awaited at her engagement celebration. Three influential brothers unveiled her true identity as their long-lost sister, reshaping her world in unexpected ways. Navigating through the complexities of newfound family connections and the opulence of their high-stakes world, she grapples with the essence of wealth beyond material possessions. As bonds of blood intertwine with the allure of power and love, she finds herself at a crossroads where loyalty, ambition, and affection collide in a captivating dance of emotions. Set against the backdrop of ambition-driven CEOs and the tender nuances of modern romance, this tale weaves together themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the intricate dynamics of office politics. With each chapter unraveling layers of secrets and desires, readers are drawn into a narrative that blends drama with heartfelt moments of connection. Distinguished by its blend of sweet romance and compelling drama, "Twists of Fate" offers a unique perspective on love, ambition, and the transformative power of family ties. Available to read at CrushReel for those seeking a captivating journey through the intertwined lives of three powerful brothers and the sister they never knew they had.