The Rise of the White Lotus - Chapter 582: Thirsty

[Mature Content:]Alaric was too close to Nicolette.Her mouth was just inches away from his.He could smell the lavender on her skin, the heat radiating from within her.But he held back, refusing to be carried away by her charm…“Mr. Allens…” she purred, and he looked down at her.Her eyes widened with desire, and he knew, in that moment, that if he wanted to kiss her, she would let him.The last thing he wanted was commitment. He knew that Nicolette didn’t want that either.But why was she this tempting?So willing?It was that willingness that confused him.She blinked, then swallowed as she pulled the jacket off her shoulders. His eyes lingered on her exposed neck.God.He just wanted to bury his mouth in that hollow spot.“Here,” Nicolette said calmly, extending the jacket to him.He took the jacket, his hand brushing hers just a second. She flinched, her face turning pink as she clutched the towel against her chest.His stomach flipped at the sight.If only that towel would give way to…Before he could stop himself, Alaric pressed his arousal against her stomach, pushing her against the wall, cornering her.She gasped at the sudden movement and for a moment, he lost his mind.“Cole…” he breathed, crushing himself against her.Her eyes gleamed with desire and a vulnerability that rocked him to his core.He would be foolish not to give in to this feeling.But he would also be a fool if he did.She had chosen to marry him.Not her boyfriend.And definitely not Lucian Crawford.Yet, he couldn't help it.She was only his for a year.But still…***************When her business and the gallery she inherited from her mother burn to the ground, Nicolette Voss is determined to rebuild—and get revenge on her father.She turned to her father’s rival, Alaric Allens, for an alliance.Alaric is willing to help, but on one condition—she must be his wife for a year.They called him Ruthless Alaric after an infamous incident 6 years ago. Alaric is back in town, and so are the crumbs of his past. But he is determined to change everything with a wife.He has his hidden agenda.She needs her revenge.But will this marriage between storm and steel survive the heat? And what will they do when deep secrets threatens to destroy them both?

In a world where darkness was always a step ahead further and the light was late and bleaker, “Grim Dark Online” has become a well acclaimed VRMMORPG, drawing players into its thrilling depths. But when hackers breach the game's firewall, players including Kenji find themselves trapped in this virtual reality after an abrupt system shutdown.As chaos unfolds, the World Soul Barrier collapses, unleashing a horde of demon gods and their minions upon the realm. The Cult of Black Snake, the Silent Nightstalkers assassins, and the slaughter of the Immortals threaten their very fabric of existence. With the World Soul and the World Tree corrupted, Kenji must navigate this perilous landscape armed only with his last playthrough’s knowledge as a Warrior and several other Classes.Previously, he had conquered the God of Death, a necromancer villain, and earned the title of God of Slaughter. But now, faced with the onset of devastation, he is thrown back to the beginning of this nightmare.Desperate to reclaim his former power as a warrior, Kenji discovers that fate has other plans. Instead, he is bestowed the class of Necromancer—the very embodiment of his past fears. This transformation offers him an unexpected opportunity to rise above his previous limitations. With the unique ability to summon minions that mimic his battle instincts, Kenji possesses greater firepower and tactical versatility than ever before.Now, he must embrace his newfound abilities and confront the demon lords and gods that threaten to consume his world. As a warrior trapped in the body of a necromancer, Kenji’s journey is one of survival, adaptation, and redemption in a realm where darkness reigns. Will he harness the power of his newfound powers? Or will the very darkness succumb them all?

Once, because of a pair of purple eyes he was scorned. He is a wangye known across the land, cold and bloodthirsty, looking disdainfully upon the world.

Once, because of a mother’s death she received a father’s resentment. She is a publicly known junzhu whose looks have been destroyed, pitiful and weak.

In reality, he has a pair of this world’s most beautiful eyes, the most formidable background, the most imposing strength.

In reality, she has a peerless face, the most unshakable background, and the most ingenious medical skills.

She, Lan You Nian, aloof and cold-hearted, underneath the appearance of a celestial maiden is a battered, wounded heart.

When the cruel and ruthless him met the indifferent her, who adores who most deeply? Who once again puts a smiles on for whom?

- Description from novelupdates

competitive career in his sport, and his only solace is the daily training sessions with his coach, Sterling. At school, Winter keeps to himself, focusing on his studies while avoiding any unwanted attention. However, his life is turned upside down when a mysterious phenomenon engulfs the world.During class, an eerie black cloud blankets the sky, and a strange message appears in front of people around the world, announcing that humanity is about to face an apocalypse. Infected beings, known as 'The Stranded,' will rise—mutants, zombies, and other horrors with a single purpose: to eradicate mankind. At the same time, humans will undergo an awakening, gaining abilities based on their potential.As chaos erupts in his classroom, Winter witnesses classmates transforming into horrific monsters, and the world outside seems to fall apart. With survival instincts kicking in, Winter is forced to use his combat skills to defend himself and others, battling through his former classmates-turned-creatures. As he kills the 'walkers' and gains experience points from his victories, Winter realizes the stakes have changed—he must level up, survive, and adapt to a new, brutal world.But as Winter confronts the deadly new reality, he is faced with not only the horrors of a decimated world but the cold truth that his choices, abilities, and past will shape the fate of humanity.*******What's up, Author here. So I plan on releasing a chapter every 1-3 days as to not overwork myself, knowing that if I do, I might drop it the novel as a whole. So be patient with me.