New Strength — Catherine Lievens

Richie left his own personal hell behind when he ran away from his abusive boyfriend, or at least, he'd thought so. But even now that he's back home, he's afraid and can't stop seeing his ex everywhere. He doesn't know if he's strong enough to dig Francis's claws out of him, but he's going to try. Meeting his mate wasn't part of his plan. Gilbert's best friend's family has unofficially adopted him. He cares about all seven Long brothers, even Richie, whom he barely knows. Gilbert doesn't understand why he wants to protect Richie and help him heal, but he does, and as long as Richie doesn't push him away, he'll continue. Richie has no idea how to deal with his mate. His last relationship was a disaster, and he doesn't trust himself anymore. He has to deal with his fears if he wants to be happy, but can he? And as if that weren't bad enough, what will happen when Francis decides to step back into his life?