A Promise of Forever

by N. Slater

All I want is a happy ending.But how can I when the very thought of a man’s touch sets me over the edge? Just the idea of someone in bed gives me terrors I can’t escape from.
The first Night of Scarlet was a dream come true, a mate, and a home that I thought would save me from the loneliness. Instead, it started the nightmarish cycle of men using me and then throwing me away.
But this last Alpha has no intention of letting me go.
So, now I’m on the run, hoping that The Night of Scarlet in another city will give me the reprieve I’m looking for. Which is how I run straight into a Valla’s arms. Nightmarish stories follow the Valla, Omegas either terrified to be their mate or excited by the opportunity of absolute submission.
He promises to protect me and cherish me.
But can he repair the broken parts too?
A Promise of Forever is a standalone installment in the Vallaverse, a spin on the Omegaverse that includes a ruthless new designation - Valla. From an Omega learning to love again and a Valla whose entire world becomes the precious Omega in his arms. Welcome to the Vallaverse. MM, Mpreg, CW/TW in Author's Note.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, Dark, Romance, LGBT, Dark Romance, Abuse

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

African American. Indie Author. Chaos Writer.
Polyamorous & Found Family Stories Brought to Life.
From PRN to fantasy, contemporary to dark & twisted, there's a little something for everyone.

Current Taboo Romance ~ Vows and Venom Links:
Preorder here ~ https://tinyurl.com/vowsandvenom
Buy here (Releasing April 1st) ~ https://books2read.com/u/bwleNy

Reviews

[Cia]

I really want to like this more, but there’s so many fundamental issues with this that I simply couldn’t overlook. But, there were things about it that I really liked that I wish had been expanded upon. I didn’t hate this book, and it was fairly quick to read, and it kept my attention for the most part, but there were parts of it that didn’t come together for me.

My main issue is the fourth designation in this particular Omegaverse: Valla. I’m not really sure what being a Valla means. Their anatomy is the same as an alpha’s, they’re extremely protective over their omega and they’re prone to violence. That sounds exactly like an alpha to me. It just seems like a Valla is an alpha on steroids. And maybe this isn’t the biggest deal in the world, but if you’re going to make a new designation/gender, whatever you wanna call it in this sort of world, it needs to really differentiate itself. And unfortunately, Valla it just doesn’t mean anything beyond a more Alpha-y Alpha to me.

I’m also a little confused by the relationship dynamics of this world. We have two other main couples in this story, both of which are multi partner. So, is this normal? Are Sterling and Forrest eventually going to have a third person join their couple? It doesn’t seem like they will, but the author really emphasized how the other two couples felt complete with a Valla, an alpha, and an omega. And again, I’m just not really sure why that dynamic would need both a Valla and an alpha when they are pretty much the same thing as one another.

My other major complaint with this book is that Sterling and Forrest did not have personalities outside of their relationship dynamic. Sterling, I can sort of understand because he’s extremely traumatized, he’s just gotten out of a life full of abuse and torture, and I can understand why his personality would take time to come out. Forrest genuinely had no personality other than being protective over Sterling. And while, yes, I can see that as being romantic, it didn’t make him a compelling character to me because he was just influenced by what Sterling was going through and what Sterling was feeling. I never got a full feel for what his character is like outside of Sterling.

And there were a couple times where the other characters would remark that Sterling is sassy or was going to challenge Forrest, and yet we saw none of that in the book. I am not really sure where they got that from his personality, because basically the whole book was him crying and clinging onto Forrest. And again, I do understand why he was like this, but I wish we would’ve seen more growth out of him. He’s pretty much the same throughout the entire book. And yes, it was heartwarming to see him start to believe that he’s worthy of love, and starting to trust Forrest, but again, his whole personality was being traumatized. We got no glimpses of what he’s actually like beyond his own trauma.

I think they met too soon in the story. I wish we had a few chapters dedicated to meeting them before they met each other. Because once Sterling and Forrest meet each other, it’s instant love/connection. I wanted to see their individual personalities before they meet and get to know one another because then their personalities simply become each other. Omegaverse/fated mates stories do tend to have a lot of instalove in them, and the story was no exception.

In fact, at 84% in the book, Sterling remarks that they BARELY know each other, and yet, at that point in the story, they had already confessed their love to one another and it had been like maybe a week or two! Why do you two love each other beyond having this bond? I’m all for an instant connection or an instant attraction to someone, but there’s still has to be a relationship formed. They still have to get to know one another and we still have to watch them fall in love! It’s not fun or exciting or enthralling or romantic for them to immediately be in love with one another just because their scents tell them to be in love with one another. I’m sorry, but that’s not engaging for me as a reader to read.

We barely get any information about Sterling or Forrest’s lives. Yeah, we know that Sterling was used and abused for years, and yeah, we know that Forrest is a large and in charge businessman, but that’s really it. What are their likes and dislikes, give us some memories of their lives, let us watch them have sweet/silly/cute moments together. Instead, Sterling is always crying and Forrest is always growling and vowing to protect him forever. I know some people will probably love this book for that, but I’m simply not that person!

Now, the one thing I truly appreciated in this book, is that Forrest was very clueless on how to help Sterling properly in a lot of ways. I do wish the miscommunication had been a little bit more, not because I’m a huge fan of that trope, but because I think it was very realistic of Forrest not to know how to help Sterling or how to even deal with an omega in general. It made him a little more charming, it made their romance a little bit more believable, and it’s a dynamic that I rarely read in books like this.

Often times, when there’s a book about a character who has gone through significant trauma, their romantic partner ends up being attuned to everything they might want and need. They know exactly how to calm them down from panic attacks, they know all the right things say, they know how to make their space safe for the person who’s experienced that trauma. And while that’s extremely romantic, it’s not realistic, and I find that a lot of their personality becomes tending to the traumatized person. Forrest was a victim of his personality only being about Sterling, but he was very awkward when it came to helping Sterling at first. He was inadvertently shutting Sterling out, he was bumbling around him instead of being smooth and suave like he wanted to be, and I found it charming! I wish we had gotten more of that dynamic and more of them not really knowing how to be around each other.

There were times where I found them to be very sweet, I just wish we had more of a connection between them than just a romance fueled solely on the fact that they smell nice to one another. Why are you two in love after two weeks? It’s not giving romance, it’s giving trauma bond!!!!!

[Leilani Noack]

I wish we got to see the baby being born but I still love this book. I’m so happy that Sterling found Forrest when he needed him the most and found his forever. I love the dynamic with the Valla aspect and how everyone did everything they could for Sterling. Can’t wait to read more!

[antonia🫧]

this was different but also the same to all strong alpha- traumatised omega plotline.

i liked caelen and lorcan honestly & wanted more of them (not necessarily together).

the story was interesting, but again not something i haven't read before.

[Whisper Wallen]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

“This broken, beautiful Omega is mine now, and I'm going to do everything in my power to prove that he can trust in the world I can give him.”

Ive been impatiently waiting for this release day 😂
I absolutely adored this book. I loved the MMCs Forrest & Sterling. Along with all the side characters. It’s such sweet honest possessive love. And I’m obsessed with the Valla. I just love how protective and possessive they get of their mates. Like alphas just leveled up 😂 Forrest was so patient with Sterling which is what I was dying for when I read the blurb. What can I say I’m a sucker for sweetness ❤️

The only thing I didn’t really understand was the 2 chapters we get from the brothers POV. I mean it wasn’t bad I just don’t think it was needed. Mind you I am very excited he will be getting his own book. I just don’t understand why his book didn’t come before this one. I mean it’s referenced a lot in this book the relationship between him and his 2 mates (Valla & omega) They are the main side characters. So I think I could have understood and even enjoyed his chapters more if I would have had his story first. But all in all I loved it.

"I'm in love with you, little dove. Completely, irrevocably in love with you. You're mine and I'm yours, and Wilson cannot take my family. I will make him pay for ever thinking he could try."

[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion]

loved this world

I love this world that was made. I love the different gender of Vallas. The protection the warmth and the love they gave for their person or persons. First shout out to Diversity! I think this is the first omega book where there was a Black person as the head of the house and person in charge. Most books with Black characters are usually best friends and the main Alpha’s number one, side kick or enforcer. Never the main Alpha. So thank you to this Author for not only writing a story with diverse characters, but actually having one of the diverse characters be in charge. I love the tenderness the Valla had. That he just wanted needed to take care of his omega and would move the world to do that. This is new author to me but the writing was great, spice was great, and I love the side characters. My only eek was that I’m not a MF reader and I’m not a MM+ reader, so when a side character had a moment of narration I got a little worried it would bump me out of the story. But all was well, and it was handled in a way that didn’t bump me out. I hope this author gives us more MM stories in this world so I can visit it.



For me and those who need to know

No cheating/sharing
Dual pov
Strict
Om drama but no ow.
Relation before spice
Yes yes yes to diversity and finally diversity having power.

[Queenbeereads_sugarandspice]

I thought this book was amazing! Gosh, it really got to me. I was very quickly hooked and remained that way throughout the story.

The very real, raw emotion the book evoked in me, wow! I’m not much of a crier in books – even though I’m pretty oversensitive in real life – but this one affected me so deeply. Tears of devastation for all that Sterling’s been though at the beginning, then for the hope for his future after meeting Forrest and finally I was welling up from pure joy at that beautiful ending – it honestly was an emotional rollercoaster for me.

Sterling, the precious darling, I would have totally adopted him as a younger brother in a heartbeat if I could. That poor wonderful omega, he’s been through so much in his short life, and it felt like my heart broke into a thousand pieces for him when we learnt about his situation and experienced his fear.

The level of devotion and care Forrest gives Sterling, seeing the big ‘scary’ Valla be so darn tender and patient with the younger Omega honestly warmed my heart so much. I really adored these two and who they became with each other’s support.

I so loved how Forrest represented safety for Sterling and seeing the Omega embrace his instincts to be close to his protective Valla, so different to the side the bigger man uses while involved in business. I cannot get enough of the alpha males who have a dark occupation but are the gentlest, kindest men to their partners, and Forrest is definitely one of these types – just an even more extreme version with how intense his instincts are!

I also really loved the sense of family in this book, related and found too, and how everyone came together in times of need was just another reason why I enjoyed it so much.

This is my first Vallaverse book, and I think it’s safe to say it’s made an impression on me! I definitely want to read more from this world, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting Caelan’s book next year.

[Kez Marie]

This was the sweetest story. It's a M/M omegaverse romance, between sweet omega Sterling, and Valla Forrest. Sterling is on the run from his abusive ex, and stumbles into an omega matchmaking party. While trying to hide from his ex he meets Forrest, an intimidating stranger whose scent smells like safety, and he offers him protection.
I loved seeing them both figure out their dynamic and needs, and learn about each other and their biology. There's an instant attraction but their relationship builds on trust, safety, and protection.
Forrest is patient, respectful and caring, and it was sweet seeing Sterling grow his confidence and find his home.
I enjoyed the tension and conflict from the threatening ex, and seeing Forrest go all savage to protect his man.
This was dark, wholesome, sweet and spicy all in one bundle.

[Aimee]

I went into this really excited new to me author, hurt/comfort, runaway omega? Yes please. Unfortunately, it completely fell flat for me. Sterling was painfully boring and extremely clingy, with no depth or growth to make him interesting. Forest, despite being hyped up as this big bad Valla, never actually felt threatening or impressive we’re told what he is, but never shown. The side characters didn’t help either, and the villain was bland with motivations that made little sense. Overall, the story lacked tension, depth, and payoff, and I found myself counting the pages until it was over.

[Jessica L Morton]

I adored this! I love when there is a learning curve for the alpha trying to figure out the omega's needs but he nailed it using his instincts! This was such a sweet read for how dark some of the scenes were with our male alpha. He was so good to Sterling! I loved seeing Koa and her pack as well and I can't wait to read more about Astra! Such a good book!

[Love4books]

loved!

I really liked this world. It’s creative and has a difference that I liked. This book is full of fear, love and protection that I loved. I liked the depth of the characters and the plot. It pulled me right in. I didn’t want to put it down.

I liked getting to know the characters and how their relationship grew throughout the book. I also liked the found family aspect.

Overall, this was a good book! If you like omegaverse I recommend this book! It was good! And definitely something I’ll be rereading.

[Alexandra Kjær]

I loved this one!
It's a wonderful mix of fighting, comfort, romance, and a lot of spice.
The budding relationship of a bend but not broken omega, and a valla who just found his sensitive side gives the story a heartfelt and ensnaring feel, and I ate it up in one sitting.
The fact that everyone knows what's going on before Forrest truly catches on adds a little humour to an otherwise pretty serious and dark book.

[Marie smith]

I absolutely loved this story and how it all folded out. I want to read more of the vallaverse and all the characters in it.

[GillyBillyReads]

2 ⭐️s

Honestly, with the way this book started out, I kind of expected more from it. But it was genuinely boring.

I found myself skimming some parts of it. Especially the parts about organized crime and drug use. It felt so detached from what I feel is the original bones of the story, that it just didn't make sense for those parts to be even mentioned, let alone take up so many chapters.

This was my introduction to this author, and I don't know how I feel. Their writing style was okay. Nothing really jumped out at me, and it was easy to read. There was no humor, no sadness... AHA!

That's what it was. There was no emotion. I felt nothing while reading this book, and for 300+ pages, this was a complete bust.

I don't feel attached to these characters in any way. There is little character development, and I feel like, even though I read the entire book, I don't know any of these characters beyond their base descriptions. There was no depth to them.

Also, Caelan's chapters felt out of place and honestly weren't necessary. His 'chapters' could have been summed up in a phone call in one of Forrest's chapters, IMO.

[Liz]

this book was so good. I finished it in a few hours. Sterling and Forrest are chefs kiss.

The whole book I was so worried about sterling being stolen again but I’m VERY glad it didn’t happen. It did give me second hand anxiety the whole book.

The book was sugary sweet but also somehow dark. Very interesting combo but I really loved it

[Demi Goddess Solis]

A Promise of Forever throws you straight into the story of Sterling, an Omega on the run from Wilson, his abusive and corrupt cop ex. His desperate flight leads him to Forrest, a powerful Valla who is as dangerous as he is emotionally closed-off.

The heart of this book is the dynamic between these two. It's satisfying to watch Sterling find safety and comfort with Forrest, and to see the tough Valla slowly soften. Their connection is intense and forms the best part of the story.

That said, this is the definition of insta-love. The entire relationship, from meeting to mating, happens in a single week. While the fast pace fits the high-stakes plot, I would have preferred a slower burn.

A few small gripes: I got a slight ick from Forrest's instant arousal from scent alone, and the constant reminders of how expensive his things were felt unnecessary. The writing has an accessible, Wattpad-like style that makes it a quick, engaging read.

Overall, this was an entertaining, okay read. It’s a solid choice if you love protective alphas, the hurt/comfort trope, and don't mind a relationship that moves at lightning speed.

You should read this if you like:

Hurt/Comfort Tropes
Possessive/Protective Mafia Love Interests
Insta-Love in your Omegaverse
Quick, Dramatic Reads

[Meagan Grauel]

Not memorable at all. I just finished this book yesterday and I'm straining to remember what exactly it was about. There's definitely the defining theme of hurt/comfort that takes a front seat throughout, and there's for sure mpreg. But there was also a lot of weird pack dynamics and intricacies that seemed unnecessary, like an alpha designation that's kind of a step above an alpha, called a Valla? Having an alpha referred to as an alpha all the time is cringy enough, but adding that layer of Valla as a title. Didn't like. One of the main characters also calls his Valla "sir" half of the time, and it wasn't consistent or a dom/sub thing, so it felt unnecessary. Also yucky given that characters past and his history with the honorific.
Definitely not enough smut, but given the main character's background it also makes sense. So I'm kind of conflicted on that front. Gimme all the dick, but also don't force trauma on the character for dick?
Blegh ... I guess I liked it for the most part while I was reading it, but now that I'm thinking about it, maybe I didn't as much as I thought. I guess I'm sticking with my 3/5 stars since I review in the moment. But ... take my ambivalence now with a grain of salt I suppose.

[Tanya Altman]

📖 adorable story with a horrifying beginning. Sterling was essentially trafficked by his own mother to emotionally and physically abusing alphas. In the beginning he is running from his “owner alpha” that has been terrorizing him for a long time. He finds himself at the gala for omegas to find mates but before he can meet anyone, he sees Wilson, the abusive alpha in his full POLICE uniform. Yes, he’s a cop and as the story unfolds we find out just how corrupt he is. He chases Sterling into an office where a valla, Forrest, is conducting business. Forrest and Sterling scent each other immediately and are drawn together. Forrest protects him by offering him a rose, which Sterling returns immediately. The romance progresses quite quickly and the climax is also pretty fast. Overall a cute book, but some of the dialogue didn’t seem heartfelt. It reads a bit like a fanfic but I enjoyed it all the same.

[Daviddiaries]

I picked this up on a whim after trying to read a few different books that just didn’t hit for me. And I’m so glad I did pick this up because I loved this. From the happy moments to the emotional aspects, the violence and even the business aspect behind it all. Forrest and Sterling’s relationship while started on Rocky terms due to past experiences, felt so natural and loving and it was so good seeing Sterling coming to terms with the fact that Forrest wasn’t like the alphas that hurt him in the past. I loved all of the side characters and the parts they played in the story. Caelan’s pov was a nice touch especially as I was curious about his throuple dynamics with Bryn and Astra. Seeing him so happy for Forrest was heartwarming. I especially loved seeing Forrest absolutely obliterate Wilson. I do wish we got to at least witness Sterling giving birth but I enjoyed the story nonetheless!

[Alex (The Informal Library)]

I've been in my omegaverse era for the last couple months, and I think this was a fun and interesting twist on the genre. As can be read in the description, this book introduces a fourth designation - valla. Valla's are more volatile, territorial, and possessive. Forrest our valla and main love interest of the story, definitely embodies all of those traits which is what our dearest Sterling needs.

Other than some changes to the setting, the story largely follows the format of most omegaverse stories. Which is necessarily a bad thing - the genre's consistency is one of the reasons I love it so much. That being said this book felt a lot longer than it actually was — mostly due to a sort of lull that happens in the middle. In the beginning there a lot of tension and drama and Forrest basically saves Sterling from an abusive ex. Then at the end you have all the drama with Forrest's club and aforementioned ex. But the middle is more talk then plot, with smut every couple chapters. It got a bit boring to read after awhile. Overall I did enjoy it though, it's still something I would recommend people check out for themselves.

[The Spiced Fox]

I am OBSESSED with Forrest and Sterling! They complimented each other very well, being exactly what the other needed in order to grow as people. Sterling teaches Forrest to stop, breathe, enjoy life, while Forrest teaches Sterling that he’s stronger than he thinks. That he is no broken and worthy of love. The instant love and connection these two have are perfect and I just love the idea that they’re both so unsure of how to be in a relationship that they figure it out as they go (including googling everything, which is hilarious btw). The supporting cast is just as great and I find that I want to know more about the dynamic between Forrests’ brother and his pack. I hope we see more of them in a later book! LOVED this book!

[Simera]

Sterling (omega) is on the run from an abusive alpha and he runs straight into Forrest (valla). Hiding under his desk for safety and when Forrest gives him a rose and claims him their story takes off.
Forrest is really sweet and loving with Sterling. Sterling is just so afraid to believe that Forrest could love and want him from all the abuse that he has suffered it just doesn't come easy.
Lots of drama with ex-alpha, found family and a very HEA.

[Jan Gyselinck]

Interesting vallaverse

I really enjoyed this book, a take off from the typical omega verse world. The main characters had such a strong connection, with so many emotions pulling them together. It was enjoyable to see how they both learned to navigate the outside forces that were a threat, along with the internal complexities involved in forging a lasting bond. And don't forget the physical heat factor!

[Dyana]

Gah! Another excellent N. Slater novel!

N. Slater seriously writes excellent omegaverse(+) stories, and this one is no exception! There was moderate angst, but it didn't become annoying. The spice was so delicious, and I really enjoyed it. Does contain mpreg, but nothing explicit or graphic in reference to that.

This book was very, very dark (a couple scenes were disturbing, so check your TWs/CWs), but the omega MC's trauma is handled beautifully.

Absolutely recommend!!

[Miruru Shouting]

MM, Billionaire underground fighter owner x damaged omega, omegaverse, hurt/comfort, abusive toxic ex, mpreg, medium burn

This was so sweet (underneath all the trauma/heavy topics). Thankfully it wasn't as angsty as N. Slater's other omegaverse books (but that might be because this is a standalone and not a series). Loved that things were wrapped up near the end without Forrest and his family being framed, and without Sterling going through even more trauma.

All the characters were loveable and great (except the villain), and I loved the ending and epilogue of everyone forming a big happy family under one house again, like how Forrest and Caelan's father had it previously.

[Calikekeluv♥️]

Sooo good !!!

I enjoyed this book. It’s my first Mpreg book and I must say I NEED MORE!! lol but this book was full of Love, Fear, Protection. I really like Reading about the Valla world, they have really became my fav designations. They give me Uber alpha vibes. Any way Very good read you won’t be disappointed.

[bookygirl]

Oh this book was sooo good! N Slater is such a fantastic author, I love the breadth of genres and themes they can write, but this was possibly my favorite yet. I adored both Forrest and Sterling - perfect hurt/comfort, touch him and die vibes, and so well written. Cannot wait for more in this series!

[Simone]

I knew I was going to love this when I realized I not only was reading the physical book but that I had sat for two hours straight reading it. N Slater's writing is so captivating and I want a Valla to claim me! I love that Forrest can give Sterling space to heal from all the trauma his exes have put him through while falling head over heels for him! He defines the touch him and die

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut]

A Promise pf Forever, part of the series The Vallaverse, by N. Slater @slater.47. Please read the trigger warnings!

What a fantastic book about Sterling & Forrest! Tropes: Contemporary, Omegaverse, MM, Valla/Omega, Prior Abusive Alpha, Chosen Mates, Mpreg, No 3rd Act Break Up & HEA!

[Tracey]

I am really enjoying reading thes Vallaverse books each character has there own individual characteristics and I really got caught up into the story plot and the chemistry between the main characters is awesome can't wait to read the next book

[N K]

I honestly like it. It’s the same old thing a traumatised omega and a powerful alpha “valla”. But it’s done good.
I think I rated it high because of the side characters I loved them and they added alot. without them it would have been lower.