STRIKER: Independent Beast Tamer - Chapter 3: Awakening Day 1

Ayaan is a young resident aspiring to be a surgeon, the final stage of a full on graduated plague doctor. However, in her attempt to redeem herself after a sudden discontinuation, she finds herself unravelling mysteries about her institution that are rather gut wrenching. Stick around and watch her persevere in a world full of monsters; creatures and humans alike.

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

A hundred years ago, he was a genius of the Emperor's Domain who made even the God of War wary. He was unparalleled in both alchemy and martial arts. However, his friend betrayed him, leading to his untimely demise.A hundred years later, he rose from being a dandy young master, starting everything anew. From then on, the world witnessed the emergence of an extraordinary genius.“Boss is even more ferocious than a wild beast!”“Boss values friendship above all else. He is forever my best friend!”“Kevin, no matter how long it takes, I'll wait for you. I won't marry anyone else!”“Don't ever provoke that man of calamity. That guy is a beast!”“I am Kevin Anderson, who dares to defy me?!”

It's hard to win when your competition is small, cute, and calls your (future) wife their mommy.Lara spent six years doing odd jobs to sustain her five-year-old kids. She fled from her birth town after noticing some of her children's weird habits.They growl when they fight, and their teeth can cut the skin like it's nothing. They prefer meat when it's cooked raw. They howl at the moon when they don't want to sleep.However, they're her children.She's been on the run ever since to protect them. She knows nothing about the stranger she met that day and whom she spent the night with. Even the details are blurry in her mind, except for that weird, compelling attraction that brought them together.When she scores an interview at the most prestigious company in Norwich City, she thinks her life will turn for the better. Until she meets him again.Nathaniel Woods, Alpha Nate, is the CEO of LY Corp. A fated night of six years ago, he found his true mate. Unfortunately, that woman fled after their passionate night, leaving no traces for him to follow.A twist of fate makes them meet again, and he's settled on not letting her escape.But this time, she's not alone. There are two pups with her, growling and fighting, firmly set on not letting him get to their mommy.WARNINGS:Possessive male lead and even more possessive little buns.Slight misunderstandings, not too annoying (hopefully). The male lead is doting, but life is difficult with two jealous pups preventing him from wooing his (future) wife.The story follows other characters along with the leads.Smut content (signaled at the beginning with a warning).Werewolves are a little different from usual, so please bear with my version of the trope ;)If you can't stand too much cuteness, do not open this book.If you're allergic to dog fur, stay further away. Characters here are wolves, but some of them grow ears and tail when they're excited (or claws when they feel threatened).This book is dedicated to all the parents single-handedly raising their cubs