Alec dropped out of the shifters and partners program, disillusioned forever with the police. Now an unfairly handsome troubleshooter is here to try to tempt him back. To complicate matters, he might just be Alec's mate. Despite their differences, Alec wants to make it work (as mates—not partners). But it'll take time for Dean to figure out what he wants. No matter the attraction between them, it might take an awfully long time. Fortunately, Alec can be as patient as a tree...even if he can't keep his nose out of Dean's job... A shifters and partners novel (standalone) 52,000 words Low heat