The werecat of his dreams isn't looking for a happily ever after.

Ryan is the only human male in the Ouachita shifter clan, but that hasn’t stopped him from making a home among them. They’re family, and human or not, he’s one of them. For four years, he’s had his heart set on a certain sassy, foul-mouthed cougar shifter to spend the rest of his life with. Except she’s made it clear she won’t take a mate, and definitely not a human. For the first time, he feels the weight of being different, and there’s nothing to do but leave the mountains behind… along with his shattered heart.

She’s ready to give tradition the finger and claim her mate…if he’ll just fight for it.

Layna gave her word to never take a mate, and as much as it hurts to reject her kind and gentle human for so long… a werecat’s worth is only as good as its oath. When the clan laws change and she’s released from her vow, she’s ready to tell Ryan the truth: she is his. But with nothing more than a soul-rending kiss beneath the mistletoe, he’s gone for good. And she finally knows what it’s like to be rejected by a mate.

She’s the only thing on his Christmas list, and he's been good for too long.

When a new danger threatens Layna and the clan, only Ryan can help her. He’ll keep his kitty safe, but not until she admits the truth. And if they’re both lucky, they'll be merrily mated by New Year's Eve.