Before he joined the resistance, Payne served as one of the ruthless Chief Alpha's most lethal enforcers. Lately, the pull of the Pack has grown irresistible. When asked to go on a mission over the border, Payne jumps at the chance to get clear of the Chief Alpha's reach. Except, there's a catch. He's got to take Lena, the beautiful sister of one his best friends with him. She too has suffered under Pack control and now Payne is honor bound to protect her with his life. The minute he gets close to Lena, he knows she's his fated mate. With the Pack's pull growing, Payne may have to protect Lena from himself. The last thing Lena Morris wants is another wolf in her life. She's still trying to pick up the pieces after spending years as the Chief Alpha's captive.Although it will break her heart to leave her brother behind, maybe a fresh start far away from Kentucky is just what she needs. To get there, she'll have put all her trust in Payne. She senses immediately that he's got secrets of his own. And yet, she feels drawn to him in ways she never expected. His touch awakens a dark passion and she can't get him out of her head. As the heat rises between them, Payne and Lena will have to rely on each other if they hope to make it across the border alive. With the Chief Alpha hot on their heels, Payne's strength and honor will be tested like never before if he wants to protect his mate.