Paranormal, Lion Shapeshifter, Military Heroes Romance, MF, HEA NOTE: This book, originally published as Max & Shelly: a novella, is a prequel to Their Cajun Queen, Copper Creek Pack, #1. Events of our past will shape our future, if we allow them to dominate our present. The only way to have a happily ever after is to let go of the past and embrace the present. Retired Force Recon Marine Max Granger is not your typical alpha lion shifter. He does not want a mate, his own pride, or territory, because experience taught him the easiest way to conquer a pride, is to kill the alpha mate. It’s a lesson he doesn’t want to relive. He may prefer his loner lifestyle, but when Max’s only friend, Copper Creek Pack enforcer and former Navy SEAL Kell Creed asks Max to help watch over a teammate’s widow, Fiona and daughter, Emma Grace. It's a favor he can’t refuse. When the favor leads him to his destined mate, Fiona’s best friend, Shelly, Max is forced to rethink his self-imposed exile, but, can he let go of the past? Will his shy, innocent, human mate accept him once she learns he’s an alpha lion shifter who will never lead a pride? NOTE: This book can be read before or after book one. 2500 words added to the original publication. This book contains graphic sex, adult content and language. It is intended for mature audiences over 18.