Reece Marshall isn't happy about being pulled away from his undercover assignment for the Feline Council, but one doesn't argue with a summons from an elder. Discovering he's been brought before the elder as a potential guardian to a new alpha makes him wish he was back on his mission. Šílené Bolond never wanted to be an alpha, but forces greater than him seem to think he should lead the Blackthorn Pride. When five enforcers are presented to him as possible guardians, one stands out. Šílené's heart breaks when his offer of submission is rejected, and he realizes his dream of having a mate will never be realized. But the forces that turned an omega into an alpha have other plans. When Reece's undercover assignment becomes too dangerous, the only safe place to go is to the pride of the one man Reece craves, but can't have. With danger and betrayal around every corner, Reece and Šílené have to turn to each other if they want to survive, and they just might find love if they can survive that long.