I came to Lonesome Creek to hide from my past, not fall for a seven-foot orc sheriff who makes me feel safe for the first time in years.

Riley: I’ve spent two years running from men who want me dead. Now I’m hiding as a small-town deputy in a Wild West tourist trap run by orcs. The plan: keep my head down, trust no one, and move on when necessary. What wasn’t in the plan? Sheriff Dungar Bronish—a gorgeous, methodical orc who protects his town with the same precision he organizes his sock drawer. When he looks at me like I’m his entire world, staying hidden becomes impossible. But if my past catches up with me, I won’t be the only one in danger.

Dungar: The moment Riley walks into my office, the mating mark appears on my wrist. She’s my fated mate, my perfect match. But she’s running from something dangerous, and gaining her trust means giving her space she doesn’t believe she deserves. As mysterious thefts threaten our town and her secrets surface, one thing becomes clear: I’ll do anything to protect what’s mine, even if it means facing down villains and thieves with nothing but small-town determination and an orc’s protective instincts.