A month of research pointed shapeshifter Cole to nurse Alicia Ortiz as the only hope for his people's survival. Yet he hadn't needed any of that research the moment he saw her. Her kindness and power shone as strongly as her beauty, and Cole had to fight his desire for her. His duty was to convince Alicia to embrace her heritage, not give in to his passion. But even though it may mean failing his mission, Cole could not resist the urge to claim her as his own. . . .