Set in the early 21st century, this story follows Arya Slate, a girl trapped in her own sex, disappointing her family's expectations with dreams of being a strong, fierce Slate like her brother Rob, instead of a princess like her sister Susan. Now, Arya is 17 and almost ready to leave high school, when she finds out her parents have been murdered in a crude business deal, while her siblings have been kidnapped, if not killed already. Arya must find a way to hide her identity as she runs from upscale New York City, to the Lower West side, going by the name Aaron. There, she meets Drew (Gendry). Very attractive Drew, who lends her a hand in hiding who she is. Drew teaches her to fight, which makes her realize just how fierce and strong she is. But can she use these skills to avenge her family? Or will she settle into this new identity?
*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.