I used to be a brother, son, protector. Now, I’m a shadow. Exiled from my clan of dragon-shifters, I drift among the humans without purpose or belonging. My inner dragon snaps and snarls as it struggles to adapt, but like me, it has no choice—this is our life now. The only human either of us can tolerate is Natalie, owner of the Buck’s Head Lodge. Her quiet strength and distracting beauty remind me of the fierce women I grew up with. But they were my trusted friends, lovers, and equals. As a human, Natalie can never know who I truly am. Trouble is brewing, but I can’t afford to get involved. I’m a shadow, not a hero—even if my secrecy ends up costing Natalie her life.