Stew or spouse? It is the dilemma werewolf Soren fights upon taking squirrel-shifter Daniel as his mate. His duty as an Alpha forces him to keep his mate a secret while his heart and his beast demand to claim Daniel. Daniel has always feared getting too close to others since a lethal disease branded him as an outcast for his kind. He dares to make an exception for Soren, despite Soren's difficult situation. Surpassing his feelings of inadequacy is a challenge, even if he knows Soren would never betray their bond. But just as Daniel starts to make new friends within the pack, there are other forces at work that do not agree to the two men's mating. A vicious attack on Soren's loved ones is pinned on Daniel, and all loyalties begin to be questioned. How long will Daniel be allowed to keep his role as Soren's spouse?