Mated to a Demigod

No Longer Mrs. Cooley: The Architect's Return

Xiao Xiaosu

I went to the City Clerk’s office for a routine copy of my marriage license to finalize a trust fund audit. I expected a simple piece of paper, but the clerk’s pitying look told me my entire life was a lie. "The license was never finalized, Ms. Oliver. In the eyes of the state, you are single." The three-hundred-guest wedding at the Plaza and the Vogue features meant nothing. My husband, Gray Cooley, had intentionally filed the documents with a "procedural defect" so he could discard me without a legal divorce. Moments later, an iCloud invite titled "Our Little Secret" popped up on my screen. It was a photo of my best friend, Brylee, holding a positive pregnancy test at our Hamptons estate. Gray’s text to her was the final blow: "Happy anniversary, babe. This baby is the best gift. Once the trust unlocks today, we’re done with the charade." I soon discovered they were even stealing my career, reassigning my architectural masterpiece to Brylee while preparing my eviction notice. Gray's mother called me a "barren mule" in a leaked recording, mocking the infertility I suffered after saving Gray’s life in a construction accident. I wasn't a wife; I was a three-year placeholder used to secure his inheritance. How could the man I bled for treat me like a disposable prop? How could my best friend carry his child while pretending to comfort me through my darkest moments? The betrayal burned until it turned into a cold, hard stone of fury. I didn't cry. Instead, I walked into the penthouse of the Barretts, the Cooleys' most powerful rivals. I signed a marriage contract with Kane Barrett, the man the tabloids called the "Beast of Wall Street." "I want a wedding," I told his father, my voice steady and lethal. "Bigger than the one I had with Gray." If they wanted me gone, they would have to watch me become the woman who owns their world.

Modern Revenge Divorce

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Standing atop the six-story building was Ronin, a six-foot-tall fugitive wanted for the death of the president. He faced off against Kade, the vampire prince who was determined to capture him by any means necessary.

Ronin knew he had many enemies, including Kade, who was no match for him in a fair fight. However, the law wanted Ronin dead or alive, so he sensed danger when he realized Kade was carrying wolfsbane. Ronin was a werewolf, while Kade was a vampire, and the two hated each other.

“Im going to capture you, whether dead or alive,” Kade snarled, showing his fangs. Ronin bared his fur, hair, and eyes, ready to charge at Kade.

“What will you do then? he growled. Kade smirked.

“Oh, you don't know? I'm going to kill you, he said, attempting to stab Ronin. Ronin dodged the attack with his werewolf speed and scratched Kade with his claws, causing him to scream in pain.

Kade punched Ronin with his vampire strength, but Ronin retaliated by slashing at Kade with his paws. Kade tried to compel Ronin, but he resisted.

In the end, Kade shot Ronin with a silver bullet, causing him to fall from the building.

***

Freya winced in pain as an invisible rope tightened around her neck, making it difficult to breathe. Reagan, who took pleasure in bullying Freya, had cast a spell on her.

Sloan tried to stop Reagan, warning her that Freya would die if she didn't stop. Freya struggled to speak as the rope choked her, and her legs dangled in the air.

Reagan laughed at her weakness, but Sloan intervened and loosened the rope with a spell, causing Freya to thud onto the ground.

She lay there, breathing hard and crying, feeling like a mockery in the witchcraft community.

As she walked home, she couldn't help but curse her powerlessness. Despite not being in the mood for a taxi, she made the trek. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and she felt an inexplicable force pulling her toward the source of the sound. Upon arriving, she saw a wounded werewolf lying on the ground, groaning in pain and fighting for his life.

She recognized him as the wanted criminal accused of killing the president. Her heart raced as she cast a spell to help her lift him. Though she didn't understand why she was aiding a fugitive, one thing was clear: she felt a strong connection to this werewolf named Ronin.

***

Upon opening his eyes, Ronin realized that someone had carried him from where he was shot the previous night. However, he wasn't in handcuffs or prison. Instead, he found himself in a small, intricately decorated bedroom that he recognized as belonging to a woman. As if on cue, a young woman in her early twenties entered the room, carrying a bowl of water.

“You're awake, she said, sitting down beside him and attempting to place a damp towel on his forehead. Ronin instinctively grabbed her hand, but their eyes met and he realized she posed no threat.

“It is okay, I won't hurt you, she spoke softly, causing Ronin to scoff. Despite his skepticism, he couldn't sense any danger emanating from her. As he checked the spot where he had been shot, he realized that he was already healing.

Ronin held her hand and looked into her eyes, asking,

“Who are you?

“I'm Freya, she winced in pain as Reagan's spells had cursed her neck from hurting her.

Ronin noticed the redness on her neck but didn't pry into her business. He felt a sense of calmness around her and wondered why this fragile girl had helped him, a fugitive.

“Why did you help me when you know Im a fugitive? Ronin asked, still staring at her

Freya struggled to speak and swallow before finally replying,

“Is that the thank you I get for saving your ass? A little gratitude won't hurt. Ronin smiled and sat down beside her, muttering a small “thanks.

Freya couldn't help but notice how handsome Ronin was. His sharp and masculine features were cute, but his ocean-blue eyes were mesmerizing.

“You haven't told me who you are, Ronin said.

“I already told you my name, you moron, Freya cursed, immediately regretting her words.

Ronin clarified, “No, I meant where are we? A vampire kingdom? A siren?

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