The Cartel: The Apprentice Volume 1 (The Twelve Systems Chronicles #1)

~A woman in trouble. A powerful man with a hidden agenda.~

Welcome to the Twelve Systems, a technologically advanced society ruled by a small number of elite, the warriors.


Lilian is twenty-four, well-educated, disgraced, destitute and desperate. Raised to wealth and power, her expectations of a bright future were destroyed when her father was executed for foul crimes. Her family name is erased, their cartouche melted, their property forfeit. Determined to survive and protect what remains of her family, Lilian becomes the apprentice of a powerful warrior. For three years, he will train her for a position in the Cartels. In return, Lilian will yield him absolute control of her mind and body.

Lucius Mercio is the preeminent warrior of his Cartouche, and the Cartel it dominates; the Serengeti Group. Ruthless, clever and ambitious, Lucius' wealth, influence, and power are exceeded by few within the Twelve Systems. It is not sufficient. Lucius intends to take his Cartel to unimaginable heights with the aid of Lilian's brilliance. He faces only one obstacle. Lucius must keep Lilian alive.

Publishers Note: This book contains explicit sexual content and is intended for adult audiences. A stand alone novel in series, it does not contain cliffhangers. It also does not have a 'Happily Ever After' ending - more of a 'Happily For Now.' Contains elements of D/s.