Lucas White rescued his mate from the hands of Bud's pack of rogue wolves, but then was forced to watch him run away since Charlie Terrell didn't trust any packs after his time in captivity. His only choice was to wait and hope for the day when Charlie would come back to him to complete their bonding. That time has come, but Lucas wants Charlie to understand that he doesn't have to exchange sex for a safe place to sleep at night, though that is one of the fantastic perks. Slowly but surely, Charlie learns to trust the alpha, and maybe even love him, but when one of Charlie's former kidnappers becomes jealous and desperate to have him back, Lucas will show his mate that he's willing to do anything to keep him safe, including accepting a challenge that could see him killed.