She's spent five years running from one alpha. She never expected to crash into another-and crave everything he offers. Olivia's only goal is survival. For her. For her daughter. No more mistakes, no more misplaced trust, and definitely no more alphas. Especially not ones who smell like pine and protection and everything her fractured heart secretly aches for. Sanctuary is just another dot on the map. A place to hide. A place to disappear. Until she meets the sheriff. One look, one scent, one locked gaze-and her carefully guarded world shifts. Jake Hawkins is everything she fears: powerful, protective, alpha to his core. But he's also patient, kind, and willing to earn every ounce of her trust. And when her heat hits early, it's Jake who steps in to protect her, not claim her. Because Jake doesn't just want her safety. He wants her trust. Her daughter. Her. And when her past catches up, dragging violence and fear to her doorstep, Olivia has one last chance to stop running-and risk everything for a life she thought she'd never deserve. One mate bond. One chance at forever. One alpha who won't back down. Sanctuary was supposed to be a hiding place. Instead, it just might be home. Approximately two hour read, HEA guaranteed. Tropes: fated mates, single mom, protective alpha, small-town sanctuary, heat & rut, found family Content Warnings: past abuse, implied sexual violence (off-page), coercive ex, themes of trauma recovery