Michael has been on leave from his job as an enforcer since he was stabbed while on a mission. He feels ready to get back to work, but Jared, the Whitedell pride doctor, won't let him. He's relieved when he and two of his team members are sent on a short, easy mission-along with everyone else in the pride because he's whined about being bored for weeks. But the mission isn't as easy as Michael had thought it would be, and the biggest surprise for him is smelling his mate in the house he's supposed to check.Cooper has been stuck in the Green Hill pride mansion for close to fifteen years. His alpha is obsessed with keeping the pride members there since several of them left, and Cooper is the one paying the highest price. He's the pride's slave, and he's beaten regularly.But when he smells his mate at the front door, he knows things are about to change.Michael needs to get his mate out of that house. Cooper is stronger than most people give him credit for, and he manages to escape on his own. They both know Alpha Carter isn't going to take it kindly, though. Bonding will make sure Cooper isn't forced to go back, but Will Alpha Carter stop and acknowledge it, or will they have to find another way to keep Cooper in Whitedell?