Cole Strathorn fights fires. That's all he's ever wanted to do. He thrives on danger and protecting his clan. No one would mistake the six-foot-four, gruff bear shifter for a freaking baby sitter. But that's exactly what he's become thanks to an assignment from the town's mayor. Cole's new job requires him to keep an eye on the government scientist who has arrived in Bearden to study the shifters.

Cole expects a cliched nerd with horn-rimmed glasses and a pocket protector, but he's pleasantly surprised to find his charge is a lovely, curvy, and very appealing woman. A woman who smells like she might be more than an assignment. The shy but brilliant scientist might even be his mate. Her addicting scent certainly arouses his bear.

A head for science, but a body for research. Rylee Garland has come to Bearden to work. She doesn't have time for distractions or bossy bodyguards, even if they're tall, dark, and gorgeous. She's determined to ignore the tension sizzling between her and Cole. Her reputation hangs in the balance. If she doesn't solve the mysteries swirling around the small town, she can forget about keeping her job.

Contains mature themes.