Having lost Rawleigh during the Civil War, Joseph vows never to love again. Then he meets Cal, a homeless veteran of the Iraq War. Antipathy becomes friendship. Now Joseph must decide if he can once again allow himself to love. During the Civil War Joseph Moncure, shifter and newspaper owner, lost the only man he ever loved and he vowed it wouldn't happen again. Cal Gilbert, a homeless veteran of the Iraq War, found a purpose in life when he created Rebuild NOLA, an organization which refurbishes derelict houses for the homeless. Joseph, tired of purveying the news, decides it's time to find somewhere else to channel his time and energy. When he learns about Rebuild he joins the organization, despite the instant antipathy between him and Cal. Antipathy turns to grudging respect then friendship between the two men. Now Joseph must decide if he can once again allow love into his life after swearing 'Never Again'.

Nine months after Cal and Joseph admit they belong together, all seems to be going well. Then Cal is attacked. While recovering, he recalls his past and comes to grips with the fact that love is indeed a two-way street. Nine months after Cal Gilbert and Joseph Moncure admit they belong together all seems to be going well between them and with Cal's company, Rebuild. Then Cal is attacked. While he recovers, he recalls his past and how he ended up living on the streets before he met Joseph. Meanwhile the hunt is on for Cal's attacker. When the man tries again, Joseph saves Cal from certain death. Now comes the big question—how can Cal come to grips with the loss of self-worth he's feeling because Joseph protected him when he couldn't do so himself? Will he be able to grasp that love in all its permutations is a two-way street and it really is all right to rely on Joseph's strength, just a Joseph relies on his?