Panther Defender by Ruby Shae

Xander Devereaux, shifter, and the new panther alpha, has his work cut out for him. Taking control of a pride filled with hate and fear hasn’t been easy, especially when those still loyal to his father try to cause problems, but he and his brothers are determined to live in peace. With so much going on in his life, dating is the last thing on his mind…until he sits down in an empty diner and comes face-to-face with his mate.

Curvy girl, Ivy Morgan, doesn’t need to work for her father, but when her ex walked out six months ago, he left more than harsh words in his wake, and she’s been living as a shell of her former self ever since. When she sees Xander for the first time, something inside her shifts, and for the first time in months, she realizes she’s tired of hiding.

At first, Ivy is determined to refuse Xander’s proposal. She might be ready to start thinking about her dreams again, but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to start dating the sexy stranger in her dad’s eatery. Except she really is. Unfortunately, trouble always finds Xander, and secrets must be revealed in order to protect—and defend—his mate.