The Alpha I Refused

For four years, Elliot Mercer has hidden his scent beneath an enchanted ring. He has a loving family, a place at university, and one rule: never let an Alpha decide what happens to him again. Then his former tormentor corners him at a university reception. The ring breaks. Across the ballroom, Alpha heir Rowan Ashford recognizes his mate—and Elliot tells him to stay away. Rowan stops. It is the first thing about him Elliot doesn’t know how to resist. But the man who hurt Elliot has brought something more dangerous than a threat: a document bearing Elliot’s signature, supposedly granting permission to take him back. Elliot never signed it. As they challenge the claim, Elliot discovers how many people helped bury his escape. Rowan discovers what protecting him could cost his family—and how easily protection can become another kind of control. Between stolen glances, careful touches, and kisses Elliot chooses for himself, an unwanted bond becomes something neither man is ready to lose. But wanting an Alpha is one thing. Trusting him with the scars is another.