After 10 years of living through abuse from her mother, and several others along the way, 17 year old Layla had had enough. She had packed her bags and was making her way through the woods, until she stumbled upon some strange looking men with red eyes, that seemed oddly familiar, and their piercing growls... she wonders how she could make it out of this because she knows damn well she didn't live through all the things she has just for her to die now. Meanwhile Xander was Alpha of the Black River pack, and a ruthless one at that. Xander didn't become Alpha by his family passing it down, he killed the former Alpha after he killed Xander's mother and father over a disagreement. He was now 25 years old and hasn't found his mate, causing him to take other packs in search of her, or him for all he cares. He just wants the one person who won't fear him. What happens when he finds Layla, and she fears everything in sight, including him?