Ella's Cougar — Jane Wakely

Ella Cardwell never forgot the cougar she met in the forest after wandering away from her parents when she was six years old. Her unbelievable story, combined with her fascination of the animals, caused her to leave home when she turned eighteen and find the cougar that monopolizes her thoughts. She makes the journey to the Chestnut Rock Resort, certain she will find her destiny -- the boy, now a man, from all those years ago. She recognizes him on sight, but he's not waiting for her like she thought he would be.



Cole Rookman met his mate when he was too young to understand the strong, intense feelings conjured by the mating instinct. With no way to track her down, he's lived for nearly fifteen years with the knowledge he would never be able to claim her, and he would always be alone. Unusual circumstances lead to allowing thoughts of his mate to break down his carefully constructed barriers, and he risks losing everything.



Ella makes new friends, but they soon learn her secret: she came looking for a man who is unavailable. Instead of censure, they offer comfort and friendship until the truth starts to unravel and her crush is ultimately revealed. Cole wants to believe his mate searched him out, but after battling severe depression, he's not willing to raise his hopes. Wishing for something impossible is reckless, but when all signs point to the girl as his mate, he has to find her and see for himself.