The first in a new Young Adult spin-off of her Lost Shifter series, Stephani opens the doors to the training academy for future soldiers. Jax defies his father and joins with the Coalition’s Academy to train as a future soldier. But, that isn’t the only obstacle in the young Lion’s way. He is small, a dork, and the furthest thing from fighting material. He is determined to not let that get in his way. He vows to prove his father wrong and become an asset to the Coalition. But, as his world changes, Jax begins to doubt his decision. He’s worthless when it comes to fighting. He has to adjust to life away from home, and his only friend is Ava. Will Jax’s self-doubt be his downfall, or will he be able to overcome it to become the shifter he always dreamed of?

Nightmares, panic attacks, and studying, oh my! Jax’s life hasn’t found its new normal yet. Things have quieted some since the Assassin attack, but Jax and Alvus are still feeling the effects. Sleepless nights can lead to stupid mistakes. But going to the movies one weekend with his friends requires an armed guard – what is he, the president now? That isn’t a mistake, and if he overlooks the soldiers, it’s an amazing time. Finding out his family history starts to make Jax question who he really is until a few of the adults around him remind him that it’s not blood that counts. It’s decisions and heart.

It’s holiday season, and the students at the Coalition Academy are excited about the upcoming break—all of them, that is, but Jax. Since the Lion shifter’s parents disowned him, Jax has no home to call his own. While his best friend Ava invited him to come home with her, Jax worries he will just be an unwanted addition to her family. Shane, Trevor, and Ava are determined to prove Jax is anything but unwanted. They think of him as one of the family and love him. But can Jax let go of his doubts to believe that, or is he going to have a very unhappy holiday? Bonus short story at the end - Jax's Special Day