Elspeth Bray has spent her life fixing boats in her family's yard and trying not to want more. Then the pack's moon ceremony binds her to Wade Corley, the beta she has quietly wanted for years.
Wade laughs and calls her a dock girl who mistook kindness for fate. Elspeth refuses to beg. Her brother stands beside her, and a stranger with an Alpha's scent watches from the dark.
The stranger is Aren Mallory, Alpha of Stonewake. The next morning he claims Elspeth as his mate in front of everyone and puts his power between her and Wade's regret. He offers her protection, desire, and a choice.
But being chosen by an Alpha does not make the old bond disappear. Wade's pride turns dangerous, and Elspeth must decide whether Aren's command can be safety instead of another cage.
He said no. Fate said yes.
