Book excerpt: Ian: Handsome* Stoic* ProtectiveMelanie: Beautiful * Funny * Free SpiritMelanie is an extrovert, loving and kind, but tough and outspoken when necessary.Ian is an introvert, all he wants is to claim his mate and keep her safe. Grunting more than one syllable words annoys him, but opening up to his mate becomes easier as he gets to know her. Well, somewhat easier.Ian is the head enforcer for his pack. Something is pulling at him until he hits the road, looking for his mate. He finds Melanie, a free spirit hitchhiking in New Mexico. Once he gets her to his home in East Texas, he has to protect her from a wizard who wants her for her magical abilities.Melanie couldn't wait to explore this feeling that led her to take to the highway. Finding Ian was more than she could have hoped for. The difficult part would be telling him of her family's legacy and the job she was entrusted with.