As the onsite doctor for Lake Haven Lodge, Christina Davis is used to keeping secrets big and small. Lately, she's taken confidentiality to a whole new level. There's a secret she's been keeping from her clan, and it involves the brawny, ever reserved carpenter, Owyn. The two share a pact no one knows about, and Doc's finally ready to tear the lid off it. She only has to convince the steely panther that she's the perfect match for him.Panther shifter, Owyn Wade, has seen his fair share of unfortunate feline matings, and he has no plans to allow his female to fall under the same curse. A vow to protect her and see to her needs without an official mating, is the only way to ensure she's safe. From him. But five years later, things around the Ouachitas have changed, and now a future with his mate seems possible. Suddenly, there's only one thing on his list of priorities: winning Doc's heart.When the clan is threatened by a group of rebel shifters, Owyn and Doc's time might be running out. They'll have to rely on their love and family to see them through, because a shadow is looming over the Ouachitas. And things might get dark before they get brighter.