Braden Donnghal, the first American born, Irish-Scottish werewolf is packless after the death of his parents. In an effort to get back into the good graces of his parents' former pack, he has to prove his worth by escorting the Alpha's intended mate back to the pack. It seems easy enough - all he has to do is deliver her untouched by the next full moon for her claiming. He's prepared to avoid the roving enemy soldiers, bombs and even Emma's father, the feared MacDonald, but what he isn't prepared for his reaction to the high-spirited but seductive Emma MacDonald. Or his unrelenting desire to claim her as his own. But if he does, he'll be exiled if not killed on sight.

Emma MacDonald has been told since birth that her destiny is to give birth to the saviors of her race, twin russet wolves, in an upcoming racial war with the humans. But being a woman raised in the midst of the Great War, she is tired of war and vows to flout her father's decree that she marry the neighboring Alpha of the Donnghal clan. When Braden arrives to escort her to the Donnghal Alpha she unprepared for his awakening of her wolf, which can only mean one thing. He's her mate and her escape from her betrothal. If he mates her she doesnt have to marry his uncle. Her hopes are dashed however when Braden cruelly rejects their bond. But that ceases to matter when the pack which Braden hopes to join turns on him.

Emma moved further into the solar, looking around apprehensively, taking in every minute detail of her surroundings. Sniffing the air, she scented nothing more than old books and the wood stacked next to the fireplace. Her father hadn’t been in the room for several hours it seemed. Thank God, because the book-lined solar was her refuge from everything—the one place she could find peace.

Latching the door behind her, she slipped around one of the two high wingback chairs. Tossing the thick lap robe up and over her body, she settled into the chair. Her plan had been so simple when she’d plotted with Lettie—find a male to mate with, —one whom she could bind herself to—but each time she approached a man he did nothing for her wolf. The bitch continues to lay dormant no matter which male comes sniffing around and I can’t mate without her. If I didn’t know better I’d think she’s an omega—hiding from all. The low growl erupting from her throat told her of her wolf’s obvious feelings on the matter. She sighed, tired of trying to find a solution to a problem which wasn’t solvable. Perhaps running away would be best.

But as the idea crossed her mind, her wolf grunted. Strong and pure, the Alpha bitch residing inside her would run from no man or beast, even if she didn’t deign to meet any of the prospective suitors paraded in front of her. She snuggled deeper into the plush cushions, studying the flames in the fireplace as her eyelids grew heavy, when the most intoxicating smell she’d ever scented teased her nostrils. With the hint of nutmeg and pine, her inner wolf’s ear perked up as she sniffed the air. Mate? Exhilaration chased away the lingering weariness. Turning her head, she got her first glimpse of the man who was to be her destined lover standing next to her father.

Tall and broad shouldered, his closely cropped dark hair and neat appearance smacked of time spent in the military, but the bruising and swelling around his left eye and nose attested to the fact he’d been in a recent altercation. She was inching closer when the scent of another female hit her nostrils. A low growl built in her throat at the idea. Her wolf began to pace in agitation. Suddenly it was all she could do to keep from springing on the unsuspecting male.

 Liam’s head swung in her direction, surprise evident on his weathered face. He stepped forward to greet her. “Emma-girl, there you are. Your mother has been looking all over for you.”