Calum has been living with the badgers for months now, but he's still an outsider, and it's entirely his fault. His past influences how he behaves, and it's easier to push everyone away than to allow them in and risk losing them.

Duane just left the military and is looking for a new direction. When he applies for a job as a guard in the forest where the shifters live, he doesn't expect much, and certainly not to stumble on two guys having words in the grocery store. He steps in, acts as a fake boyfriend, and starts falling for Calum.

But Calum's fears run deep, and Duane doesn't know if he belongs in the forest. If those were the only problems, Duane wouldn't doubt they could make it work, but someone in the forest is plotting something, and they might have involved humans.

The forest is in danger, as is Calum's heart. Will Calum be able to see beyond his fears? Can Duane convince him they can have their own happily-ever-after?