Harper was a woman torn between her head and her heart.

Because her head told her that Ryker de Lyon could not be her mate. There was no way that she was meant to be tied to an arrogant, spoiled man like him for the rest of her life. From what Sara and Dylan had told her, mates were supposed to be in perfect harmony. She and Ryker didn't even like each other.

But her heart, perverse organ that it was, was convinced that they were meant to be together. The fact that he could make the blood sizzle through her veins didn't help. And Judas Priest, the things he could do to her body ought to be outlawed. The sex had been phenomenal, but that wasn't reason enough to mate with the man.

Because in spite of the fact that he was an amazing, generous lover, he was still overbearing, arrogant and vain. Ryker was obviously used to having women fall at his feet and do anything he asked of them. Dr. Harper Denise Stone was no man's doormat, and she never would be. Which was why they would never work together.

This morning when she'd gotten up at her usual five a.m. to feed the animals and clean their cages, her ideal mate would have been up helping her. The king of the beasts had laid in her bed and snored while she worked her ass off. But then she hadn't expected anything else from the pampered pussy.

Fidiot.

She wanted a man who shared her passion for animals and was willing to work with her to rescue them from intolerable situations. Ryker might be the CEO of a world famous foundation that preserved animal lives, but she doubted he had any real affinity for them. Or anything other than himself.

When he had finally made an appearance looking like something out of GQ, she'd felt even grubbier in her stained work jeans and t-shirt. Normally she took a shower after cleaning the kennel because it was a messy, smelly job, so she'd been self-conscious enough that she'd made a sarcastic remark.

Obviously, her filthy attire and sarcasm hadn't bothered him in the least because he had stalked toward her, every inch the predator, and kissed the living daylights out of her. Then the aggravating man had actually expected her just to drop everything and cook him breakfast. Pfft. Like that was ever going to happen.

The temper tantrum that her refusal sparked had been expected.

His offer to work with Jouster had not.

What she had expected was the same type of reaction she usually received from first-time visitors. Horror and disgust at the condition of the animals she rescued. Shock that she'd bothered trying to save them at all. And her absolute least favorite, callous comments that they'd be better off if she put them to sleep.

Fidiots.

Jouster had been forced to fight for survival his entire life, and he had the scars to prove it. The mastiff was so big and strong that he had been pitted against multiple animals at once. Needless to say, the dog did not like being near other animals, and he wouldn't tolerate people near him either.

After months of rehabilitation, he was just as feral as he had been when he was rescued. Jouster's emotional scars ran deeper than his physical ones, and she knew they would take much longer to heal. If they ever did. Harper only used euthanasia as a last resort, and it shredded her to have to put an animal like him down.

Pit animals were not born as vicious killers. Abusive owners mentally and physically conditioned them and forced them to fight for their survival. A dog like Jouster had fought for years just for the right to stay alive. Putting him down would be the ultimate betrayal and the cruelest thing that she could do.

If Ryker thought he could get through to the dog, she was more than willing to give him the chance to try. Though she wasn't holding out much hope. His offer to help had shocked the hell out of her, and she couldn't figure out why he'd made it. Working with abused animals seemed completely out of character for him.

Seeing his immaculately attired and very fine ass sitting on the floor of her kennel had been surprising. That he'd sat there quietly talking to the animal for hours even more so. But the things he'd said to the dog had ripped the beating heart out of her chest. Because once upon a time, Ryker had been a pit fighter.

The very idea boggled her mind and shredded her tender heart. The immaculate, sophisticated Ryker de Lyon had been locked in a cage and forced to fight for his life. The atrocities he described were heart-wrenching, and it gutted her to know the truth. To realize how much he had suffered and the things that he'd been forced to do to survive.

Harper was consumed with guilt and remorse for accusing him of being arrogant, spoiled and lazy. For calling him a pampered pussy. She was guilty of judging him by his appearance and attitude… just like most people did with her rescue animals. She was a damn hypocrite, and the knowledge shamed her.

Because Ryker had accomplished exactly what she wanted for the animals she rescued. He had been able to move past the abuse and live a full, productive life. To be happy and carefree, indulged and loved. Since he was a man, she had assumed the worst without bothering to give him the benefit of the doubt.

But he was half animal, and though his lion had been the one forced to fight, his human side had suffered right along with the cat. If she'd met him as a lion, Harper would have been more compassionate toward the beast than she had been with the man because she had a stronger affinity for animals than people.

Humans could be evil and commit heinous acts even though they were supposed to be the highest form of life. Pfft. Animals were much more honest. They could be wily, but they didn't know how to lie, and unless they were trying to protect themselves, they didn't deliberately harm anyone else. Man or beast.

She, however, had been intentionally cruel to Ryker.

The belittling and insulting remarks had been completely uncalled for. After everything he'd accomplished, he deserved the utmost respect, and she'd treated him horribly. She owed the man, and his cat, a huge apology. The best way to start would be to feed him, so she'd prepared a couple of steaks assuming he'd share with Jouster.

Food was a great way to connect with an animal that had been starved. So far it hadn't worked with the dog, but she hoped the man appreciated the effort and saw it as the peace offering it was meant to be. The smile he'd given her had bolstered her hope that she could salvage the mess she'd made.

Because now that she knew the kind of man he really was, Harper had no reservations about becoming his mate. Yes, he was still arrogant, but what else could you expect from a lion shifter? Arrogance was as deeply ingrained in his DNA as his golden eyes. Though they were going to have to work on his bossy attitude.

As with any relationship, she knew they would need time to adjust to each other, and both of them would have to make some concessions if they wanted it to work. And she really, really wanted it to work. Not just because her lion shifter was hotter than hell, although that was a major plus in his favor.

But because Ryker de Lyon really was the perfect man for her.

 

***

 

The time spent with Jouster had been good for both man and beast. Ryker never talked about his past, not even with his brothers. He didn't even like to think about it. Neither did his cat. But sharing the painful memories had felt like the right thing to do. The mastiff had understood his words, and he'd been able to scent all of his emotions as well.

Although it had been more than a bit discomforting since he'd known that his mate could hear him. Because he was ashamed of the things that he'd been forced to do. Of being scared and vulnerable, helpless to save himself or his brothers. For becoming a vicious beast whose sole purpose was to kill.

Because if he didn't kill, he didn't eat.

And what he'd killed had been the only thing he'd eaten.

His pride insisted that it didn't matter what Harper thought about him now that she knew about his past, but it was a damn lie. It mattered more than he cared to admit. Because she was his mate and he needed her to understand him the way that he now understood her. He had hoped the truth would give her more insight into his character.

Ryker was not vain, but after years of being naked and filthy with matted fur that stank to high heaven, looking his best was important to him. And he knew that he could be a bit domineering, okay, maybe more than a bit, but his need to remain in control stemmed from being completely helpless as a cub.

His cat had taken him to task for that many times because he rarely listened to him either, but he had today. For years he'd had to let the beast remain in control so they could survive, and when he had finally been able to live as a man, he had treated his cat's needs and desires as negligible and done as he pleased.

That had been grossly unfair to the lion and something that he vowed to change. His cat had been pleased with the change of heart, and of course, the first thing he'd done was insist that Ryker claim their mate. Which he fully intended to do. But first, he was going to have to convince her to be their mate.

Because he had royally fucked up with her.

He had finally realized that Harper had not been deliberately disrespectful of his alpha status by standing up to him. She had merely been trying to assert her own dominance. His mate might not be a shifter, but the woman was an alpha in her own right and deserved to be treated as such. She'd be an amazing queen of the beasts.

If she'd have him.

Ryker kept reminding himself that his mate had a big, generous heart and he hoped like hell that she could forgive him for behaving like the spoiled, arrogant ass that she had accused him of being. Because there was nothing in the world that he wanted more than to claim her as his. They were a perfect match in every way.

For once, his usual cockiness had deserted him. All through dinner Harper had fidgeted like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. His cat had sensed her nervousness, which had increased his anxiety. They had both made an effort to keep the conversation centered around the dog to avoid the elephant in the room.

He shared his concern that keeping Jouster caged was impeding his progress toward rehabilitation. Ryker had coaxed him into the outside run, and while the mastiff had enjoyed lying in the sunlight, he had refused to venture out into the enclosed yard. It was a minor victory, but a victory none the less.

Harper appeared ecstatic at the accomplishment. "Thank you so much for working with him, Ryker. I can't tell you how much it means to me," she said with genuine gratitude.

Instead of gloating over the accomplishment, he replied modestly, "Glad to help."

"I owe you an apology," she said sincerely, and he was surprised at the admission. "I was wrong to judge you and after hearing everything you've been through…"

Oh, fuck no! "I don't want your pity," he growled as his pride would not tolerate such a thing from anyone, especially his mate.

"Good, because you won't get any," she denied firmly and surprised him again. "I have nothing but respect for the man and the lion who overcame everything that you have. You're a prime example of what my rescue animals can become."

'Mine respects me,' his lion crowed in triumph.

The admission shocked and pleased Ryker enough that he confessed, "I have nothing but admiration for the work you do here, Harper. I'm awed by your compassion and dedication."

Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes grew round. "Wow. That’s… I mean… Wow. Thank you."

She was flustered, and it was adorable.

His mate either didn't receive many compliments or had no idea how to accept them. Then again, considering the way her siblings reacted to her rescue work, her reaction was understandable. He'd have to change that. Because if ever a woman deserved to be told how wonderful she was, it was Harper Stone.

Reaching across the table, he took her hand in his and asked, "Has no one ever shared your passion for animals or understood your need to save them?" She shook her head instead of answering. "They do now," he assured her and gently squeezed her hand. "You're a woman I'd be honored to call my mate… if you'll have me."

Those beautiful cobalt eyes grew even rounder. "You… I… We…" she stammered and couldn't seem to find the words he desperately wanted to hear. "Judas Priest. I'm better with animals than I am with people. Can I talk to your lion?"

'Mine want me,' his lion crowed and was practically doing a happy dance.

Although the very unusual request surprised him, Ryker was happy to comply. "Absolutely," he confirmed.

"Um, what do I call him?" She queried.

"Your Majesty will suffice," he said in amusement and received a narrow-eyed glare in response. Quickly backtracking, Ryker said soberly, "You can call him anything you like, though he'd prefer to be called mate."

Harper nodded confirmation as he released her hand and stood to remove his clothes. His mate watched his every move, her eyes darkening with desire as more and more of his flesh was revealed. If she kept looking at him with hungry eyes, the chat with his lion was going to have to wait.

'No, no, no. Mine want me. You wait,' the beast demanded.

'Fine,' he acquiesced. 'But don't try to mark her or you'll hurt our mate.'

'Not hurt mine,' his lion denied with an indignant growl as he shifted and stood proudly before their mate. Harper averted her eyes from his and bowed her head, shocking the hell out of Ryker with the submissive action. His cat wasn't surprised at all since he'd known all along that their mate was perfect.

"Your Majesty," Harper said as she knelt before the big cat. Unlike the last time she had addressed him by the title, it had been spoken in a tone of reverence that he'd never expected to hear from her. "You are a mighty warrior, and I humbly apologize for insulting you."

'Mine knows I am alpha,' his lion said in satisfaction and roared his triumph. Well pleased with their mate, he walked to her and gently rubbed his neck against her, so he didn't hurt her with his great strength. Her arms wrapped around his neck, Harper buried her face in his mane, and he sighed in contentment.

"I'm so sorry that you were forced to suffer," she said tremulously as her hands gently stroked his fur. "And so thankful that you were fierce enough to survive. I wish I were a lioness because you deserve an equally strong mate. I would be honored to stand proudly by your side if you still want me."

'Mine strong. Mine perfect,' the lion growled and licked her shoulder where his mark should be. 'Mount, mark, make mine!'

That was one command that Ryker was not about to refuse. When the cat relinquished his hold, and he shifted back to human form, he crushed his mate in his arms. He fought to control his shattered emotions because Harper had unmanned him with nothing more than a few softly spoken words and a show of respect that he didn't deserve.

"You are strong and brave and so fucking beautiful," he praised brokenly because the woman had managed to steal his heart completely. "You may not be a lioness, but you have the heart of a lion."

Harper looked up at him through tear-filled cobalt eyes and said, "I can't believe this is real. That someone like you could want someone like me."

He was definitely going to have to deal with that ridiculous lack of self-esteem. The best way would be to convince her just how special she was to them. Ryker arched one eyebrow arrogantly and replied, "My mate is nothing less than absolute perfection. You'll be an ideal Queen of the Beasts."

The smile that started in her beautiful cobalt eyes was so breathtakingly beautiful that his chest felt too small to contain the joy it gave him. "Ryker?"

"Yes, Harper?"

"Shut up and claim me."

"Yes, Harper," he readily agreed.