When Sheriff Ezra Braxton is shot, Hennessey finds himself in unfamiliar territory. He refuses to leave the sheriff's side, even caring for him when Braxton is sent home from the hospital. They start out as almost-strangers, but over the course of Braxton healing, they become so much more. Hennessey learns to slowly let his past go as Braxton shows him that life is more than a tortured past. Braxton has been interested in Hennessey for over a year, but never makes a move. It's no secret the men at Mercury Rising sleep around, and Braxton doesn't want to become another notch on the bounty hunter's bedpost. But unforeseen circumstances pull them together, and Braxton discovers a softer side of Hennessey. Unfortunately, life barges in and the case they'd been working on comes back with a vengeance. Hennessey must keep Braxton safe from the feral lion shifter while Braxton tries to protect Hennessey from a scorned lover.