Shifters and Partners Series by Hollis Shiloh

Tom Langley and Sean Goods work together in a human-and-wolf shifter partnership, assisting the police, rushing in to solve crimes wherever their bosses send them. They're a great team, and they have fun together, too: joking and enjoying each other's company in a way that doesn't happen every day.Tom is also a married man. And his husband hates the wolf shifter with a passion... moreTom Langley and Sean Goods work together in a human-and-wolf shifter partnership, assisting the police, rushing in to solve crimes wherever their bosses send them. They're a great team, and they have fun together, too: joking and enjoying each other's company in a way that doesn't happen every day.Tom is also a married man. And his husband hates the wolf shifter with a passion. Tom tries to balance the sides of his life—one minute on a high-pressure chase with Sean, the next placating his husband Lowell.Then the unthinkable happens: his marriage ends. Heartbroken, he's not expecting to ever get over Lowell's betrayal or to be able to love again.Sean offers a solution: sex as friends. They have chemistry, and they trust each other.But can they change their partnership that much? And is Sean secretly harboring feelings for him—expecting more than just sex?Sean is a loveable, funny, strong, and protective. He's the best buddy a guy could have. But Tom might not be able to keep from breaking his heart—if Sean is in love with him, and Tom can't love him back. less

Being mates makes everything perfect—doesn't it?Sean is happy with his mate, Tom. As far as he's concerned, life is golden. Except for when it isn't. Their work is dangerous. While Sean's recovering from his most recent injury, he hears a little girl in his head, calling for help. And his wolf side is acting up: too sensitive, too vulnerable. He needs Tom more than ever, especially when it means facing his family and old wounds... moreBeing mates makes everything perfect—doesn't it?Sean is happy with his mate, Tom. As far as he's concerned, life is golden. Except for when it isn't. Their work is dangerous. While Sean's recovering from his most recent injury, he hears a little girl in his head, calling for help. And his wolf side is acting up: too sensitive, too vulnerable. He needs Tom more than ever, especially when it means facing his family and old wounds. Even if things are never truly right for his wolf side, at least he has his mate who will never leave him…right? less

Asshole cop. It's Joey's role, and one he's comfortable with. Joey tells gay jokes. He's crude, tough, and thick-skinned. But now he's got a chance to work with a fox shifter—and he doesn't want to lose that opportunity. Dylan is a mess: clingy and broken, cheerful but lost, seriously unpredictable…and very gay. But Joey desperately wants the partnership to succeed. He's not willing to lose the fox shifter for any reason, even when Dyl drives him crazy... moreAsshole cop. It's Joey's role, and one he's comfortable with. Joey tells gay jokes. He's crude, tough, and thick-skinned. But now he's got a chance to work with a fox shifter—and he doesn't want to lose that opportunity. Dylan is a mess: clingy and broken, cheerful but lost, seriously unpredictable…and very gay. But Joey desperately wants the partnership to succeed. He's not willing to lose the fox shifter for any reason, even when Dyl drives him crazy. Is there any way to make it work? And will the weird attraction he feels to the cute redhead ever go away? 57,000 words less

Grant Ralstead has loved Sahil Singh for years, working with him and being his friend but knowing all the time that the angry, fierce human is his mate. Singh doesn't believe in mates or love, and doesn't trust anyone. But he worries every time Grant has to go away on a mission, endangering himself. Even though he pushes Ralstead away, his feelings about the wolf shifter are clearly complicated... moreGrant Ralstead has loved Sahil Singh for years, working with him and being his friend but knowing all the time that the angry, fierce human is his mate. Singh doesn't believe in mates or love, and doesn't trust anyone. But he worries every time Grant has to go away on a mission, endangering himself. Even though he pushes Ralstead away, his feelings about the wolf shifter are clearly complicated. Is there any hope for a happily-ever-after between a wounded human and the wolf shifter who loves him? A Ralstead and Singh short novella. Fits in the Shifters and Partners universe. Relationship-centered, very low heat, some angst. Approx. 19,000 words less

Shy Kevin and outrageous Rhys are buddies and police partners—and they sleep together a lot. Neither one is very mature, but they have fun together and can depend on each other. Rhys is part wolf shifter but can't shift. Kev is a former overweight teenager who doesn't stand up for himself very well. But he wants to be somebody's one and only someday—not just a sex buddy... moreShy Kevin and outrageous Rhys are buddies and police partners—and they sleep together a lot. Neither one is very mature, but they have fun together and can depend on each other. Rhys is part wolf shifter but can't shift. Kev is a former overweight teenager who doesn't stand up for himself very well. But he wants to be somebody's one and only someday—not just a sex buddy. When it's time to get certified as the official shifter and partner team their precinct needs, the process reveals fundamental cracks in their relationship, tensions that have to be resolved—one way or another. Do they have what it takes to make it work—as a team and as more? 33,000 words less

Craig isn't sure he wants to work with a wolf shifter. He scored well enough on the tests that his precinct is sending him through the program, whatever he thinks about it…unless he can manage to flunk out. But the program proves to be both more interesting and more harrowing than he expected. Especially because of one guy he can't seem to stop thinking about, a gorgeous yet annoying shifter he can't forget or ignore... moreCraig isn't sure he wants to work with a wolf shifter. He scored well enough on the tests that his precinct is sending him through the program, whatever he thinks about it…unless he can manage to flunk out. But the program proves to be both more interesting and more harrowing than he expected. Especially because of one guy he can't seem to stop thinking about, a gorgeous yet annoying shifter he can't forget or ignore. The only problem is the guy seems to have no such problem forgetting and ignoring him. approx 40,000 words a shifters and partners story less

It's only a dog, the FBI agents think when they descend on the drug lord's home. Only a dog, chained in the back yard, half starved and with almost glowing eyes it's so filled with rage and fear. It isn't till they get closer that someone says, "That looks like a wolf." a short story 3200 words

Wallace Avery, bookworm extraordinaire, is not out at work in either sense, as a gay man or as a fox shifter. He likes his privacy, and he's quite content in records management, thank you: filing papers and spending his off hours quietly. When the opportunity he never wanted is thrust into his lap, he has to decide what to do about it... moreWallace Avery, bookworm extraordinaire, is not out at work in either sense, as a gay man or as a fox shifter. He likes his privacy, and he's quite content in records management, thank you: filing papers and spending his off hours quietly. When the opportunity he never wanted is thrust into his lap, he has to decide what to do about it. Police work and a pay raise, and probably stress up to his eyeballs, or trying to stay in his old life and pretending he's not capable of so much more? Whatever he chooses, he definitely doesn't want to fall for someone from his workplace. Especially not that cop . . . 63,000 words A Shifters and Partners Novel less

Trey's life has been one of protection and privation. Facing a hungry winter, he leaves his mountain home and family and goes looking for work in the human world. The "wolf school" seems like a good choice. He might not know much about the modern world, but if he can learn to work with a human, he'll earn a good living, never go hungry again, and help his family survive, too. It's just a job, and he doesn't understand why some shifters are so fussy about who they team up with... moreTrey's life has been one of protection and privation. Facing a hungry winter, he leaves his mountain home and family and goes looking for work in the human world. The "wolf school" seems like a good choice. He might not know much about the modern world, but if he can learn to work with a human, he'll earn a good living, never go hungry again, and help his family survive, too. It's just a job, and he doesn't understand why some shifters are so fussy about who they team up with. Finding the perfect partner is a no-brainer for Trey. He just needs someone he trusts and can work with — someone who isn't overly emotional. Trey easily finds the right partner — as long as his choice agrees to it. As long as no emotions get involved. Heat level: very low 45,000 words A Shifters and Partners Novel EXCERPT I was running slowly along the road toward the wolf school when I saw and heard a truck coming up behind me. It rumbled loudly, and the lights were starting round the bend. I moved as far off the road as I could without stopping and leaping into the brush. I kept a wary eye on it, though, and was prepared to jump if I had to. My skin crawled every time a vehicle passed me on this narrow road. I didn't dare run in my wolf form, knowing there would be people who were afraid of me or tried to run me down. But my human form was slower and didn't feel much safer, frankly. I didn't know how many people every year might die by being hit by cars after dark. I didn't want to be one of them. This truck slowed down when the driver saw me, and then slowed further, till it was moving alongside me, idling and rumbling, trying not to go faster than me. The driver rolled down his window. "You need a lift? It's not safe on this narrow road." I took a quick look at him, then a longer one. He looked like a regular human, and smelled like one, too. The other hints I got off him weren't of danger, but they weren't of some random good Samaritan, either. I stopped running. He stopped the car, but left it idling. I listened to what my instincts and senses were telling me. The man was only a little older than me, with very short, stubbly hair on his head. He looked like he'd been through stressful things: the lines around his eyes, the way he looked troubled and even a little angry, and like he hadn't had much sleep. I smelled his stressed sweat, and could feel the concern for me radiating off him. He wasn't just concerned, or being kind: he was really afraid for me in a way that made his adrenaline and stress level ratchet really high. Did he know something bad was coming? More likely, he'd known someone who got hurt running along a road, and wanted to keep it from happening to anyone else. I could give him that. I nodded and moved toward the passenger's side, to his obvious relief. "Thanks. I'm going to the wolf school." I waited. His brows rose slightly, but he just nodded. I got in the truck and he started down the road again. "Me too," he said after a minute. He tapped the wheel, and didn't look at me again. He was still tense, but no longer afraid. He sent off vibes that said to me "stay away." I looked out the window and didn't try to talk, since neither of us wanted to. The pickup was worn but comfortable, with its ratty fabric seats. It was good to catch my breath, and the land rolled past so much faster than it had while I was running. I was drenched in sweat and exhausted. It was hard being up all night in human form. It would've been so much faster as a wolf. less

From the moment they meet, Nat feels a strong connection with the injured wolf...and later with the same gorgeous man. Nat is just an ordinary cop, with his own problems and insecurities, but if he can help Journey in any way, he'd love to. He'd also love to date the sweet, handsome shifter, although that might be more complicated than he first thought. Two men navigate the waters of learning to trust, love, and accept themselves and each other, as they work to build a life together... moreFrom the moment they meet, Nat feels a strong connection with the injured wolf...and later with the same gorgeous man. Nat is just an ordinary cop, with his own problems and insecurities, but if he can help Journey in any way, he'd love to. He'd also love to date the sweet, handsome shifter, although that might be more complicated than he first thought. Two men navigate the waters of learning to trust, love, and accept themselves and each other, as they work to build a life together. A Shifters and Partners Novel 51,000 words keywords: shifters, relationship growth, asexuality, self-acceptance, sweet gay romance less

Shifters and Partners Box Set 1-10 by Hollis Shiloh over 482,000 words of fiction My Partner the Wolf My Partner and Me Joey and the Fox My Sahil Partners in Deed Some Reservations Shelter FOXED Trey's Partner Journey My Partner the Wolf Chemistry off the charts—but is that enough? Tom Langley and Sean Goods work together in a human-and-wolf shifter partnership, assisting the police, rushing in to solve crimes wherever their bosses send them... moreShifters and Partners Box Set 1-10 by Hollis Shiloh over 482,000 words of fiction My Partner the Wolf My Partner and Me Joey and the Fox My Sahil Partners in Deed Some Reservations Shelter FOXED Trey's Partner Journey My Partner the Wolf Chemistry off the charts—but is that enough? Tom Langley and Sean Goods work together in a human-and-wolf shifter partnership, assisting the police, rushing in to solve crimes wherever their bosses send them. They're a great team, and they have fun together, too: joking and enjoying each other's company in a way that doesn't happen every day. Tom is also a married man. And his husband hates the wolf shifter with a passion. Tom tries to balance the sides of his life—one minute on a high-pressure chase with Sean, the next placating his husband Lowell. Then the unthinkable happens: his marriage ends. Heartbroken, he's not expecting to ever get over Lowell's betrayal or to be able to love again. Sean offers a solution: sex as friends. They have chemistry, and they trust each other. But can they change their partnership that much? And is Sean secretly harboring feelings for him—expecting more than just sex? Sean is a loveable, funny, strong, and protective. He's the best buddy a guy could have. But Tom might not be able to keep from breaking his heart—if Sean is in love with him, and Tom can't love him back. Warning: this novel contains angst Themes: paranormal, contemporary, cops, partners, wolf shifters / werewolves, friends-to-lovers, angst, emotional My Partner and Me Being mates makes everything perfect—doesn't it? Sean is happy with his mate, Tom. As far as he's concerned, life is golden. Except for when it isn't. Their work is dangerous. While Sean's recovering from his most recent injury, he hears a little girl in his head, calling for help. And his wolf side is acting up: too sensitive, too vulnerable. He needs Tom more than ever, especially when it means facing his family and old wounds. Even if things are never truly right for his wolf side, at least he has a mate who will never leave him…right? Joey and the Fox Asshole cop. It's Joey's role, and one he's comfortable with. Joey tells gay jokes. He's crude, tough, and thick-skinned. But now he's got a chance to work with a fox shifter—and he doesn't want to lose that opportunity. Dylan is a mess: clingy and broken, cheerful but lost, seriously unpredictable…and very gay. But Joey desperately wants the partnership to succeed. He's not willing to lose the fox shifter for any reason, even when Dyl drives him crazy. Is there any way to make it work? And will the weird attraction he feels to the cute redhead ever go away? My Sahil Grant Ralstead has loved Sahil Singh for years, working with him and being his friend but knowing all the time that the angry, fierce human is his mate. Singh doesn't believe in mates or love, and doesn't trust anyone. But he worries every time Grant has to go away on a mission, endangering himself. Even though he pushes Ralstead away, his feelings about the wolf shifter are clearly complicated. less

Wallace and Jon have been together for six months, and things are going well — it's time for Wallace to meet Jon's son, time to start getting serious. But an overheard conversation makes Wallace doubt everything. Is Jon for real, or has he been using Wallace all along? Relationship issues come to a head...and then have to take second stage when Wallace becomes involved in a dangerous undercover operation. Will their love survive.. moreWallace and Jon have been together for six months, and things are going well — it's time for Wallace to meet Jon's son, time to start getting serious. But an overheard conversation makes Wallace doubt everything. Is Jon for real, or has he been using Wallace all along? Relationship issues come to a head...and then have to take second stage when Wallace becomes involved in a dangerous undercover operation. Will their love survive...and will Wallace? A shifters and partners novel Takes place after "FOXED" ~62,000 words less

11,000 words takes place after FOXED UP a shifters and partners short story heat level zero

Charlie is a wolf shifter with a massive, heart-aching crush on his boss. He loves the man but knows he can never have him. Sahil is so kind to him, so sweet — and so lonely, when his real mate is gone. Meanwhile, Charlie's friend/enemy/coworker Russ gets irritated with Charlie about the crush — and about any and everything else, too. He's another wolf shifter, but he's not sweet; he's big and rude and annoying. He's very loyal, though — and perhaps he's hiding a secret of his own.. moreCharlie is a wolf shifter with a massive, heart-aching crush on his boss. He loves the man but knows he can never have him. Sahil is so kind to him, so sweet — and so lonely, when his real mate is gone. Meanwhile, Charlie's friend/enemy/coworker Russ gets irritated with Charlie about the crush — and about any and everything else, too. He's another wolf shifter, but he's not sweet; he's big and rude and annoying. He's very loyal, though — and perhaps he's hiding a secret of his own... 52,000 words Heat level: very low a shifters and partners novel (standalone) Contains a short excerpt from the next book in the series. less

I've wanted to work with a wolf partner for as long as I can remember. This is my third — and final — chance of being chosen by one. You know what they say. Be careful what you wish for. I had no idea wolves could be as broken as my new partner is. He has an intense phobia of dogs, his attitude reeks, he barely knows how to take care of himself, and doesn't care about much of anything — except having lots of sex. That's the best thing about our partnership, the sex... moreI've wanted to work with a wolf partner for as long as I can remember. This is my third — and final — chance of being chosen by one. You know what they say. Be careful what you wish for. I had no idea wolves could be as broken as my new partner is. He has an intense phobia of dogs, his attitude reeks, he barely knows how to take care of himself, and doesn't care about much of anything — except having lots of sex. That's the best thing about our partnership, the sex. But sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. I don't know how to fix this. He's difficult, annoying, handsome as hell...and I don't want to give him up. My dream come true is starting to feel like a nightmare. But the one he's living turns out to be far worse. A shifters and partners novel Heat level: medium 63,000 words EXCERPT They say the third time's the charm. They're full of shit. One time, you're rejected, fine, you move on. The next time? Well, you're still holding out. So that third time is going to hurt all the more. I always figured, if you get past the third time, you're either too stubborn to ever give up (and will probably get what you want eventually from sheer cussedness) or you're just too stupid to give up and will get the heartbreak you probably deserve. No way to know which is true about yourself, probably. But that seems pretty harsh when I'm the one looking down that barrel. It was my third time. And it would be my last, if I couldn't snag a partner to bring back with me. I didn't get it. On paper, I had the right qualifications. I'd sailed through the course the first time, and the second time it had been even easier. This time? I could've done the work in my sleep. But so far, I hadn't caught the eye of a wolf who wanted to work with me. I suppose I didn't stand out from the crowd. I was motivated, hard-working, well-trained, and fairly level-headed. I even played well with others, which was more than could be said for some of the applicants here. But everyone here seemed to be at least as qualified as I was. Some indefinable quality of personality made others stand out enough to find a wolf partner. Apparently I had all the personality of a turnip or a rock. I'd always thought I had a decent personality. Maybe I was too quiet, and didn't tell many jokes, but I hadn't had to face just how utterly boring I was until now, when I was looking down the barrel of my third time charm. The first two times, I'd done my best to spend time with every single wolf in the program, hoping I'd click with at least one of them. It hadn't happened. Or at least, I'd liked most of them well enough, but none of them had really liked me. I was starting to wonder if the rumblings and rumors I'd previously dismissed were true, or could be. That many of the wolves who went through the program were secretly hoping to find a mate. A human they felt was worthy of them, to get married to and live happily ever after. If so, I foresaw even less hope for me this time. I'd only barely been let back into the program a third time. It was my last try. I was already a laughingstock back at the precinct. Apparently I was Mr. Big Shot, who thinks he's going to swan off and find himself a wolf partner to shower glory on the precinct (and himself, because of course in this narrative I'm a selfish, vainglorious asshole), coming back to boos and sneers, a failure. I was hoping that didn't happen. On paper, I had all the qualifications. I should be able to find a partner. less

Police are the enemy. But when the choice is between working with them or letting the pack starve, Clay does his duty as the alpha and takes a job he'd never otherwise have chosen. He doesn't expect to find a certain sheriff so absolutely captivating. Harry makes him want things that are dangerous. After all, everybody knows non-shifters don't make good mates.. morePolice are the enemy. But when the choice is between working with them or letting the pack starve, Clay does his duty as the alpha and takes a job he'd never otherwise have chosen. He doesn't expect to find a certain sheriff so absolutely captivating. Harry makes him want things that are dangerous. After all, everybody knows non-shifters don't make good mates...right?A shifters and partners novelLength: 51,000 wordsHeat level: very lowEXCERPTI watched his hands as he fiddled with the straw wrapper, as he squeezed lemon into his water. He had particularly watchable hands, with character, deft and careful and precise. They were hands that could mesmerize. Not young and smooth, they were large, rather tanned, with prominent knuckles and with some dark hair on the back of them. They were hands that had worked hard, and also hands that were careful. He turned a salt shaker round and it was all I could do not to stare as we waited for our food to arrive.He'd ordered for both of us. At least, he'd gotten a burger and fries and looked at me inquiringly. I'd just said "Same." I would have even if he'd ordered the worst thing on the menu. I was hungry enough I wouldn't care. Still, I'd heard good things about the food here, and it always smelled wonderful when I was walking past.It smelled good today, too, but even so, it couldn't distract me from my obsession with his hands."So what can I do to ensure that you're happy working at with the sheriff's department?" said Harry.I can think of a few things. My mouth was dry, but I forced myself to look up and meet his gaze. I tried my best to banish sexual thoughts...and those damnable fluttering feelings thumping around awkwardly inside my chest.Oh, his eyes were just so damned blue."It's fine," I said. "As long as I get paid." And it's enough to help the pack. "Flexible hours are good, too, when I'm working construction in the summer." At least if I could get any construction work this year.He nodded seriously, paying careful attention to me. It was a heady experience."That's pretty much it." It would help if I weren't targeted by anyone inside or outside the sheriff's department for my involvement, but that was probably too much to ask. No, I would have to weigh any increased risk against the decreased risk of being run down (assuming being seen with the sheriff eating in public did affect that risk in the right direction).Harry smiled at me gently, but in a slightly scolding way. "There's something you're not telling me."I couldn't help grinning. It felt like we were old friends, even though we'd barely met. I put a hand against my chest, miming shock. A slightly camp gesture, but one I didn't feel funny making around him. "Moi?"He laughed: a genuine, out-loud laugh, just from my nonsense joke. It made me grin harder; it made my toes curl up in my shoes. It was a delicious surprise, his laugh."All right, fair enough," he said. "I suppose you're allowed to keep some mysteries. I'd just hate to see you leave for greener pastures as soon as we get used to each other."I looked at him, and thought, That is never going to happen.And heaven help me, but that made my inner wolf as wary as anything that had happened in months. If already I didn't want to leave...and not just because of the pack, but also because of him...then I was in a bad way.Dial it back, Clay.My smile must have slipped, because he looked concerned. "Something I should know, Woodley?" he asked, a bit of tension entering his voice. "You already have another job lined up?"He was really worried about me leaving...the job, not him. That was all he cared about, of course: the work I could do, the use I could be to him. And that was how it had to remain. Anything else was in my head, and shouldn't even be there. less

Tim is a small wolf shifter, partially disabled, not good at confrontation, and very alone. Life isn't easy at a precinct where he's never been fully accepted. He spends far too much of his time trying not to overhear coworkers mocking him. His best friend (okay, pretty much his only friend) is a drug-addicted fox shifter. And Tim certainly knows better than to fall in love; that didn't work out so hot before. These days, he sticks to anonymous encounters... moreTim is a small wolf shifter, partially disabled, not good at confrontation, and very alone. Life isn't easy at a precinct where he's never been fully accepted. He spends far too much of his time trying not to overhear coworkers mocking him. His best friend (okay, pretty much his only friend) is a drug-addicted fox shifter. And Tim certainly knows better than to fall in love; that didn't work out so hot before. These days, he sticks to anonymous encounters. He doesn't believe in mates or true love, not for someone like him. But he's worked for the cops almost a decade now, and really, there's no reason at all why he should have to go through a stupid certification course. They didn't even have those when he started! Life takes an unexpected twist when one of his anonymous encounters turns out to be attending the same certification course. Levi is a big, sweet guy he'd never expected to see again. Tim doesn't want to let Levi see the flaws and cracks that anything more than a quick hookup would reveal. He certainly doesn't plan to spend any more time with the guy, much less get feelings for him... Length: 65,000 words Heat: somewhat low A "shifters and partners" novel (standalone) less

Enforcer wolf. That's Riley. A gangster took him in when he was young, and he's been loyal ever since. It's getting harder and harder for big, soft-hearted Riley to unquestioningly follow orders...but he doesn't want to be alone without a pack. Almost anything is better than that. What would it take for a guy like Riley to switch sides and work for the cops instead? Maybe not very much at all. A shifters and partners novel 68,000 words Low heat

Alec dropped out of the shifters and partners program, disillusioned forever with the police. Now an unfairly handsome troubleshooter is here to try to tempt him back. To complicate matters, he might just be Alec's mate. Despite their differences, Alec wants to make it work (as mates—not partners). But it'll take time for Dean to figure out what he wants. No matter the attraction between them, it might take an awfully long time. Fortunately, Alec can be as patient as a tree.. moreAlec dropped out of the shifters and partners program, disillusioned forever with the police. Now an unfairly handsome troubleshooter is here to try to tempt him back. To complicate matters, he might just be Alec's mate. Despite their differences, Alec wants to make it work (as mates—not partners). But it'll take time for Dean to figure out what he wants. No matter the attraction between them, it might take an awfully long time. Fortunately, Alec can be as patient as a tree...even if he can't keep his nose out of Dean's job... A shifters and partners novel (standalone) 52,000 words Low heat less

Tomas Quiróz is a quiet guy. He's content with his books and his job as a cop, and working with his wolf shifter friend, Riley. But lately, Tomas is lonely — and he starts feeling strangely drawn to a cute guy. Between discovering new things about himself and trying to navigate a possible relationship, Tomas has to deal with Riley's jealous husband, the new guy at the precinct who wants to be friends (or more than friends?), and finding the best way to be himself... moreTomas Quiróz is a quiet guy. He's content with his books and his job as a cop, and working with his wolf shifter friend, Riley. But lately, Tomas is lonely — and he starts feeling strangely drawn to a cute guy. Between discovering new things about himself and trying to navigate a possible relationship, Tomas has to deal with Riley's jealous husband, the new guy at the precinct who wants to be friends (or more than friends?), and finding the best way to be himself. 60,700 words – very low heat A Shifters and Partners story Takes place after "LOYAL" and contains characters from that story less

It's his dream job—if he can survive it. Cooper Hayes has finally landed a great role as the main character on a TV show about wolf shifters working with the police. The only problem? He's not a wolf—and the character he's playing is. Some people aren't happy about that, including the showrunner, Sahil Singh, who's looking for an excuse to get rid of him... moreIt's his dream job—if he can survive it. Cooper Hayes has finally landed a great role as the main character on a TV show about wolf shifters working with the police. The only problem? He's not a wolf—and the character he's playing is. Some people aren't happy about that, including the showrunner, Sahil Singh, who's looking for an excuse to get rid of him. Between that, issues with his unfriendly costar, and his own fragile sense of self-worth, this is no time for Coop to be falling for a hot security guard—who just happens to be a wolf. ~67,000 words – very low heat A Shifters and Partners story Excerpt: By the time he'd gotten there, it was raining and he'd begun to shiver. It was really only a drizzle of rain, and he knew the shivering was mostly from nerves, not the weather. None of that made him feel even remotely more competent. He should have brought an umbrella; a damp, bedraggled actor wasn't exactly going to sell the right kind of publicity for the studio. He was a fool. He should have thought of this. I should always have an umbrella at hand. I should start acting like an adult. If Singh was displeased with him now, when he'd done everything he was supposed to, how much more likely would he be to want to get rid of Cooper if he messed up? A small tap at the window interrupted his spiraling anxiety. He looked up and searched the gaze of the man bending down to peer in at him. "Got an umbrella for you here, Mr. Hayes," he said. He was one of the security officers, Coop recalled. He had a wide, genial face and was far more muscular than Cooper would ever be, no matter how much steamed chicken he ate. He also had kind eyes—and an umbrella. "Oh, thank you," said Coop, flooded with relief. "It's a press thing, I think. They'll be furious if I'm all wet and crumpled." He hopped out of the car and sheltered under the umbrella next to the kind security guard. Coop felt tiny and ridiculously protected next to him. The guy had a confident walk, big pecs and arms, and a broad build. As they fell into step together, so close they were almost touching, the guard held the umbrella aloft to cover them both. "Thanks," Coop said again, hoping he wasn't about to start talking and talking and not stop. He finally caught sight of the guy's name tag. "Jimmy? Is that what you prefer to be called?" "Sure, why not?" He had such an aura of calm about him; Coop wished he could borrow some of it. "Well, I'm Coop. Er, Cooper Hayes, that is." Something soft and mushy fluttered in his chest, and he wished it wouldn't. He was an actor, damn it, not a boy who got flustered around musclebound guys. "I know who you are, Mr. Hayes." "Of course you do." He swallowed, wishing he could tell the guy to call him 'Coop,' but if he'd just introduced himself as that, and Jimmy was going to call him "mister" anyway, there was no point. They'd reached the overhang of the lobby far too soon, and Coop mentally slapped himself on the wrist for thinking that. Just because the guy was handsome and strong and a gentleman... Well, it was his job, right? So Coop should definitely not be enjoying being so close to him. It was the guy's job, for pity's sake. "Well. Thanks." Jimmy with the kind eyes held out the umbrella. "Here. In case." The way the smile on his face reached his warm blue eyes was impressive. less