After seven years of total denial, Margaret Raynor's inner wolf is in full revolt. Weak and shaky, she literally falls into the very large and capable arms of the Granite Lake Beta, Erik Costanov. Just looking at another wolf scares her to death. One as big and sexy as Erik? Really bad idea, no matter what her libido says. She wants no part of him until she resolves her issues. Sheer chance puts Erik in the right place at the right time to catch Maggie, but the realization that hits him with the force of a full body shot is no accident. She's his mate, and while he'll be as patient as possible, no way is she doing anything without him from now on. Fate agrees-tossing them together to compete in the premier sporting event for wolves in the north. They'll have to face her fears or lose their future.