Keeping the Peace: A chance encounter at a barbeque changes the course of a councilman’s life. Councilman Lorian Bakerman knows his mother’s dinner invitation is a set-up. Having been dodging her attempts to introduce him to eligible shifter women of her choosing for the last several years, he’s learned all the signs. Ever since other single councilmen have begun finding their mates—male mates—she’s been urging him to settle down... with someone she finds appropriate. When Lorian accepts a barbeque invitation from Enforcer Germaine for the express purpose of avoiding his mother’s plans, he’s shocked to find himself drawn in by a pair of sad hazel eyes. Scenting the shifter, he realizes that Randy Cullers is his mate. While Randy acknowledges their connection, he seems timid and uncertain, leaving Lorian confused... until he learns that Randy is mourning the loss of a long-standing partner. Lorian wants Randy and is willing to give him time. Can his patience hold out as he helps Randy’s heart mend while stopping his meddling and manipulative mother’s ways before she scares him off?