Life for Asher Vale hasn't been the easiest. As the future alpha of the Vale clan and the sole protector of Laurel Mason, the family's charge, he has his hands full. And the fact that Laurel is looking for someone to settle down with isn't helping, as her taste in men is terrible, leaving Asher to to do the right thing and boot the sorry suitors out of her life before they can wreck the life of the most wonderful, beautiful woman he's ever known. Laurel Mason is tired of playing games. Trying to find a mate is hard enough as it is. The last thing she needs is her closest friend and protector, Asher, interfering in her love life. So if Asher won't let her settle down with someone, maybe he'll let Laurel seal the deal with him instead. Even if he is the most frustrating man alive, he's also fun, protective, and hotter than her wildest dreams. But Asher made a promise years ago, and even if curvy Laurel has always been the only woman in his heart, he knows he can't take her for his own. All he can do is protect her until she finds the right mate. But with Laurel in danger, can Asher really step aside and let any other man protect what is his?