Ariel is a girl who was unnoticed by everyone. At home she was a punching bag for her father, and sometimes for his pleasure. Ever since her mother died, her father(Bruce) began abusing her in many different ways. At school, she was the loner freak that nobody cared for. One day, on her 17th birthday, she finds her mate, Alpha Cole. Cole is the alpha of the Red Forest Pack, he is the popular boy at school, he had girls swarming all over him but all he wanted was his mate. Finally, on his 17th birthday, he finds his mate, Ariel. He doesn't know about all the abuse at her home and tries to get her to warm up to him. He already loves Ariel, but she is afraid of him and everyone else. They will both face heartache, pain, and love. Along the way, they will face jealous girls and boys and dangerous forces against them. Not to mention Ariel's father trying to get back what "belongs" to him.
*Short Story*
It is difficult to stay with the people who look down at you like you are some kind of disease. It hurts when they don't want to acknowledge you for the good things you have done. It hurts when your family rejects you only because you are quiet and weak saying you are good for nothing.
Annie Ryan was nothing but a quiet, innocent teenager waiting for her mate to save her from the dark hell she was living in. She had only one dream, she wanted to feel loved, she wanted someone to tell her that they care and would love her no matter what happens. But little did she know that she was just another unfortunate soul whose mate had different plans.
Caden was an young alpha. He had everything but where everyone was eager to meet their mate, he wasn't. He had already given his position of alpha female to his girlfriend. But after she left him, he turned cold and ruthless. But when he met Annie, his mate, one thing was clear. He wanted nothing to do with her. He asked her to leave but when she declined, he paid her no attention like she never existed.
Annie was broken. Her dream was just a dream. Every night she closed her eyes, she realized she was going to die alone with no one to care. She wanted to end her life but not before setting everything right, not before her destined alpha mate finds his happiness.
Caden didn't know what he was missing until he lost it. Maybe that's how life works. Maybe that's why it is called cruel.