She's spent years standing on her own. She never expected to clash with an alpha deputy-and crave everything he offers. Miss Wilson's only goal is stability. For her students. For her quiet life in Sanctuary. No drama, no distractions, and definitely no overbearing alphas throwing their weight around. Especially not the grumpy deputy who storms into her classroom smelling like cedar, command, and everything her heart secretly longs for. Sanctuary is supposed to be safe. Predictable. Ordinary. Until she meets Carter. One look, one scent, one argument-and her carefully ordered world tilts. Deputy Carter is everything she resists: powerful, protective, alpha to the bone. But he's also loyal, patient, and willing to fight his own instincts if it means keeping her safe. And when her heat crashes at the worst possible moment, it's Carter who stands guard-waiting for her choice, not forcing her surrender. Because Carter doesn't just want to protect her. He wants her trust. Her heart. Her. And when danger prowls too close to her school, threatening the safety she's built, Miss Wilson has one last chance to stop resisting-and risk everything for the bond she never thought she needed. One mate bond. One alpha who won't walk away. One omega who won't back down. Sanctuary was supposed to be safe. Instead, it just might be forever.