{The Wattys Awards Shortlist} The Saint's Brotherhood motorcycle club was known all over town, they were ruthless. They were feared, they got their reputation from one member in particular, one member that was so unbelievably intriguing and mysterious, people made legends and stories about him. They didn't know his name, didn't know who he was, where he came from, and they didn't know what he looked like for he wore a mask. The man himself struck fear into everyone he meant, he was the club's personal Devil. But she was okay with him.

He's obsessed, insane even. He has to know her, watch her, touch her. She's his, and nothing will stop him. But she's smarter than he thinks.. ••• "You call me if he bothers you ever again, yeah?" "It's really nothing I-" he cuts me off "You'll call me." He says firmer "okay?" "Okay" I say softly, looking up at him. He's so fucking close to me. We just stand there for a moment and I'm having trouble remembering how to breathe. He leans closer, gently tilting my head up so that my eyes stay on him. "Good girl"

A'roya, a black woman trapped in an abusive marriage controlled by both her mother and husband, discovers that she has a mate who happens to be a vampire. Initially disregarding this revelation, A'roya eventually realizes that she deserves a life free from abuse and unhappiness. She embarks on a journey to find happiness, even if it means being with a temperamental and verbally abusive vampire who is willing to do anything for her. A'roya yearns to escape the clutches of her husband and mother, but numerous obstacles stand in her way. As she navigates her path to freedom, she faces the daunting challenge of protecting her minor siblings and ensuring her father's safety from her mother's wrath. Will A'roya overcome these obstacles and break free from her abusive circumstances? What lies ahead for her as she embraces her vampire mate and strives for a better life?" ---/--- "You're distracting me-ah, Vincent!" He put his hands on my waist, pulling me closer to him. I'm not used to being so close to a man without being hit. The last time I was safe in a man's arms was when I was a kid with my dad. "A'roya," he whispers, admiring my face. "Vincent," I whispered back, playing with the wet hairs on the nape of his neck. "I love you." I must've smiled so damn wide. I put my forehead on his, trying to reel in tears. God, I'm such a crybaby. "I love you too." Vincent sighed confidently. "Oh, I know." I sighed and rolled my eyes. At this point, I'm used to this man. (EDITED TO A READABLE STATE.) Word count: 52,464 😈 are the mature chapters 🤭 started: July 14th, 2022 ended: November 25th, 2022 30k reads on 11/21/22 40k reads on 11/27/22 50k reads on 12/3/22 70k reads on 12/15/22 80k reads on 12/23/22 90k reads on 1/2/23 100k reads on 1/15/23 🥇151 in Vampire 12/30/22