Curiosity never killed this cat, but love could have deadly consequences.

Sasha Soskoff has two reasons for moving to Chicago: secure a tenured position in veterinary research medicine, and widen his horizons. After a night at the city's hottest new club, though, a wrong turn down a dark alley narrows his focus to surviving three muggers. As consciousness fades, he catches a glimpse of his rescuer, whose mere appearance is enough to chase the attackers off.

Neal Harrison doesn't often have to call on his skills as a Marine to maintain control at his club. But with Sasha, he can't seem to keep his hands to himself. Yet there's danger in allowing any close relationships, particularly with a naïve young newcomer. The safety of his business depends on the iron- clad secret he and his former Marine buddies all hide.

While Neal seems happy to satisfy Sasha's insatiable curiosity about the club's private rooms, Sasha senses his new lover is holding something back.

When the truth claws its way out amid a night of tribal blood and violence, Neal discovers his lover has a secret of his own. And that the forces arrayed against them all could make a mugging look like a walk in the park...

This is a standalone novel with no cliffhangers and an HEA ending.

In this shifter universe, there is no M-preg or Alpha/Omega dynamics.