Melbourne

She's finally learned to say no-until fate sends her someone she can't refuse. After a lifetime of abuse and disappointment, Sammy has built her world on independence. She runs a thriving restaurant, hires people who need second chances, and refuses to let anyone-especially a man-dictate her life again.

Then Storm Walsh calls out of the blue, claiming that Sammy is fated to be the mate of her son, Melbourne. Sammy laughs it off-until Melbourne himself shows up on her doorstep, handsome, patient, and entirely too sure that they belong together.

Melbourne isn't looking to control her-he's looking to protect her. As old wounds reopen and family secrets resurface, Sammy must decide whether to trust the dragon-blooded man who swears she's his destiny... or to walk away from the one love strong enough to melt her defenses.