In the Kingdom of Valedorn, life has always been ruled by crowns, bloodlines, and secrets. Aren is a twenty-seven-year-old blacksmith living a quiet life in the village of Bellmere, far from the intrigues of the royal court. With four lifelong friends by his side, he has never wanted power, wealth, or a place among the nobles. All he wants is a simple life beneath the sound of his hammer. Until Princess Maria sees him. Their lives could never be more different. She was born behind castle walls. He was raised beside a burning forge. Yet a single glance between them begins a connection neither of them expects. But while Aren's life seems peaceful, darkness is already spreading through the kingdom. The king is betrayed by those closest to him. The crown falls into dangerous hands. A young prince is forced to flee for his life, carrying a secret that could destroy the men who now rule the kingdom. Then Aren is summoned to the palace. He is promised anything he desires if he can find the missing prince. For Maria, Aren may be the man she cannot forget. For the new rulers, he is the key to finding their greatest enemy. And for Aren, the journey will reveal a truth far more terrifying than any royal conspiracy. Because while the kingdom fights for its crown, something else is spreading beyond its borders. A sickness. A darkness. And soon, the dead will no longer remain dead. Before the kingdom becomes ashes, Aren must decide who deserves his loyalty-and how much he is willing to lose for the truth.

A battle-scarred Alpha and a broken woman with hidden wounds are fate-bound-but she wants nothing to do with him. As danger looms and tempers flare, he'll have to find a way to break down her walls before it's too late. *** Scars...some are worn on the outside and read like a book, others are hidden on the inside, unseen but shape every fabric of our being. Alpha Chris has his share of scars. He wears them like badges of honour, having earned them protecting his pack. Jess carries hers on the inside, a collection of secret shame... After Jess breaks free of an abusive ex, she goes home to her farm in the remote countryside to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She tries to bury her trauma and move on, determined not to let anyone get too close again. Chris has given up on finding his mate and focuses all of his energy on his pack, growing colder and more distant with every passing year. Just when he least expects it, she falls into his lap, smelling like his best friend and wanting nothing to do with him. What happens when a battle-hardened Alpha who is used to getting his way comes up against a stubborn woman set on walling herself from everyone? More than brute strength is needed to break through those walls and reach her. When hidden enemies threaten both their lives, will he be able to reach his Goddess-given gift in time? Or will pride and tempers ruin their last chance at happiness? The Moon Goddess has a plan that neither understands. *** BOOK 1 OF THE FORGOTTEN WOLF SERIES