There’s only one way to become a Fakari pack elder—defeat your biggest fear at the top of the cliffs, or die trying.

Emerson hasn’t shifted in years—but with Kieran there to keep her safe, she doesn’t have to. For a decade they’ve been inseparable, sleeping next to each other every night as friends. Yes, friends; though with Emerson’s heat around the corner, ignoring her feelings for him is harder than ever. Still, Em wants to stay nearby until the night of Kieran’s rite. After all, this is the most dangerous event on the islands…

Kieran has loved Emerson since the day they met, and completing his rite is one step closer to sharing a life. As he enters the ring, Kieran expects a swift victory, but what he encounters instead shakes him to the core. Now, his biggest concern is keeping Em out of harm’s way. But as a string of attacks confirms Kieran’s worst fears, it may be his very need to protect her that drives them apart—or Emerson’s newfound strength that finally allows them to be together.

In Her Own Rite is a steamy friends-to-lovers shifter romance about uncovering your inner strength and finally letting yourself be loved. Part of the Salt Islands series, it can be read as a stand-alone.