Seducing a Reluctant Mate — Anitra Lynn McLeod

The truth won't set him free... Cassidy Williams was known for his great cooking and his unshakable honesty. But when he discovers Storm Hoffman asleep in the garden, he's possessed by a fierce need to put an end to his loneliness. Against his better judgment, he lies and claims Storm is his mate. Since Storm has been drenched by an angry skunk, Cassidy knows he has a few days before Storm's true alpha can pick up on his pheromones. Professional hockey player Storm is hiding plenty of his own secrets, and running from a past that could get his new friends killed. Despite everything against them, Storm begins to fall for the gentle cook who sees beyond the hostility that has become Storm's trademark on the ice. But when their need for one another shatters their restraint, they will have to fight both inner and outer demons if they want to stay together. Can Cassidy make his lie the truth? Or will he have to surrender his mate to another?