Baxter's Bold Cub — Anitra Lynn McLeod

He'd never felt pain so deep...Empathic alpha Vincent Baxter had rescued dozens of abused beta bear-shifters, but he'd never met one like Kinny Cross. Not only does the young cub awaken his protective instincts, but Kinny manages to erase the pain Baxter has absorbed from the other mistreated shifters, sparking an interest Baxter feels he has no right to have.Claimed by a sadistic mate who delights in torturing him, Kinny found himself imprisoned by metal and unable to shift for years. Convinced he'll die long before he's rescued, Kinny is shocked to find not only hope for a normal life, but also a profound attraction to a true alpha male like Baxter.Even though Baxter doesn't believe he deserves to be happy, things don't work the way they once did. Instead of alphas having the right to choose, the second time around it's betas who decide. Once Kinny realizes it's his choice, Baxter doesn't stand a chance, but that doesn't mean the reluctant alpha will surrender without a struggle. Will Kinny be able to overcome Baxter's past, or will the powerful bear-shifter remain alone?This M/M paranormal shifter romance contains a grumpy old bear who doesn't believe he deserves love, a bold cub who will stop at nothing to get the mate he desires, a wide and diverse cast of fascinating shifters, and a hard-won HEA that will change their world forever. 54,500 words or 218 pages.