Bad boy, bear shifter, Jared Bass learned a long time ago that the only one he could depend on was himself. His willingness to engage with his fists, despite the consequences, has earned him a dangerous reputation and he likes it that way. Fear and respect keep everyone out of his way. Except her. Curvy, plus-sized, human, Leah Ashbrook is drawn to the tattooed bartender in a way she can’t explain. While everyone else gives him a wide berth, she wants nothing more than to spend a few hours alone with him, feeling all of his intense energy directed at her. Preferably in the bedroom. Jared’s past dictates he can’t have a mate, but that doesn’t mean he can’t spend some time with the sexy, confident human and get her out of his head. When his plan backfires, and Leah starts feeling more like a mate and less like a fling, he lets her go. Unfortunately, she might be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.