A peaceful family picnic turns into a nightmare when Iyra locks eyes with a wolf emerging from the shadows. Frozen, she watches as more wolves encircle them, growling with bloodlust-until they suddenly retreat, leaving her with more questions than answers. From that moment, nothing feels the same. Strange dreams haunt her nights. Her family seems to be hiding something, and before she can make sense of it, Iyra is thrust into an arranged marriage with a mysterious werewolf prince-one who knows far more than he lets on. Now enrolled in Amara Academy, a school for the supernatural elite, Iyra must navigate a dangerous world of power, politics, and hidden enemies. War is brewing, and dark forces are closing in. As she unravels the truth behind the prophecy. Iyra faces a choice: confront her destiny and fight for those she loves or risk everything falling apart. *** "We can't be together," I whispered. "No?" he challenged, his hand brushing my waist, a touch so light it made my skin tingle. "Then why haven't you walked away yet?" My hands trembled, and I hated the way my pulse betrayed me, hammering in my chest. "Because I'm not afraid of you," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. He leaned in closer, his lips ghosting over my jaw, his breath warm against my skin. "No, you're not afraid of me," he whispered. "You're afraid of how much you want this." "That's not true," I snapped, shoving him harder this time, creating the space I so desperately needed. He stepped back with infuriating ease, his smile still firmly in place. "Keep lying to yourself, sweetheart". "I'd rather die than accept you as my mate," I shot back, storming past him. He chuckled behind me, his voice smooth and teasing. "Careful, love. You're going to hurt my feelings." I didn't dignify that with a response, but my heart wouldn't stop pounding.

Book #1: The Mated Series Julian Heil, known for his intelligence and calm exterior. As the future alpha of the Black Moon Pack, he only cares about his pack and their safety. He has managed to develop one of the most dangerous packs in the entire world, feared by many due to his lack of emotions. That is of course with the exception of a certain werewolf. Aiden Calderon, the unpredictable rebel soon to be alpha of The Dark Woods Pack. He kills anyone who is a threat to his pack mercilessly, his attacks and strength in battle has helped him make his pack one of the strongest packs in the world. His carefree attitude has granted him with many allies and friends, that is all but one soon to be alpha. Two alphas and one never ending pool of hatred for each other, what will happen when they find out they are mates? Fiction Awards 2019 Winner - Best Werewolf Story