Eleanor has always relied on her wariness to survive the mountain wilds, but Connor's pursuit shatters that defense. His scent marks the air with a predator's intent, drawing her toward a claiming she both dreads and craves as fated mates.

A blood debt brands her for a rival pack, making every charged moment with Connor an act of rebellion. His dominant drive to pin and claim her collides with her denial, the chase through pine valleys awakening instincts she cannot outrun.

On the ridge trail the rival demands his due, yet Connor blocks the path and waits for her to decide. They have until the Blood Moon Convergence to validate their bond with the archivist or lose everything to pack law.