Derek Sommers is fleeing a bad situation, made worse by foolish decisions from years before. He'd given into his father's demands once and it had cost him a relationship with his brother, Deke. When Derek's father demands he marry a certain woman, Derek has had enough. He decides to find out if Deke's partner was telling the truth and travels to Stone Ridge in hopes of repairing ties with his brother. Except, even from states away, Derek's father doesn't want to let him go. Dillan Shoreman travels to Stone Ridge to visit his godson, Edwin. When he nearly takes out a man jay-walking, he discovers the battered human is his mate. Having been alone a long time, Dillan thanks Fate's oddly timed blessing. Unfortunately, he discovers that convincing his mate they have a future together will be harder than he thinks. Between a manipulative father, a guilt-tripping mother, and a conniving wannabe bride, Dillan's mate already has plenty on his mind. Can Dillan convince Derek that he can give him the peace, healing, and strength that his heart so desperately needs?