This ugly duckling is about to discover her bear-sized destiny.Max Bock pours his heart and soul into Fate Mountain Brewery, safeguarding his family's legacy and crafting beers that keep the town buzzing. He’s steadfast, responsible, and ready for love. When a dating app for shifters finally pairs him with his perfect match, Max can't wait to meet her—until she abruptly deletes her profile, vanishing from his life before it even begins. Laney Collins, an environmental scientist, has always felt like an outsider—half-fox shifter, never quite belonging in either the human or shifter world. Haunted by insecurity and fearful of rejection, she withdraws from Max before their relationship can start. When her research reveals dangerous contamination threatening Fate Mountain Brewery’s water supply, she must face Max—and her deepest fears. Determined not to lose his mate a second time, Max will do whatever it takes to win Laney’s trust. But as the sabotage at the brewery escalates, Laney’s insecurities might drive her away again—this time, forever. Can Max protect the business and community he loves, convince Laney to believe in their bond, and finally claim the mate who’s stolen his heart?