Leila Ashford has always been different. A fierce, independent wolf shifter with no intention of ever joining the pack hierarchy, she's content living her life on her own terms. But everything changes the day she meets him-her mate, the one person who is supposed to be her perfect match. And his name? Connor Blackwood, the arrogant, ruthless Alpha of the largest pack in the region.
Connor is everything Leila doesn't want: a controlling, powerful Alpha who believes in the rigid structure of pack life. But when their fates are sealed by the pull of the mate bond, Leila finds herself face-to-face with a man she wants nothing to do with. With her heart rejecting the bond and her spirit screaming for freedom, she makes a choice that shocks everyone-she rejects him.
To the pack, this is an unforgivable act. To Connor, it's a betrayal he cannot understand. Yet, as much as he tries to convince Leila to accept her role by his side, she remains resolute. She doesn't want to be anyone's possession, especially not his. But Connor isn't used to rejection, and his relentless pursuit to win her over brings them both into dangerous territory.
As old rivalries and pack politics threaten to tear their world apart, Leila and Connor must confront their feelings-and their fears-before the very bond that was meant to unite them destroys everything they hold dear. Will Leila finally give in to the powerful connection she can't escape? Or will rejecting her mate cost them both more than they could ever imagine?
In the world of shifters, rejecting your mate is never just about love-it's about survival.