Softer Than Stone

Hard edges and sharper instincts—that’s who I am. A panther shifter with a tough shell and no time for complications.

I run Kurranba with precision and control. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s my sanctuary, a tribute to my ancestors and elders who shaped me. I built it with my own hands, honouring their legacy in every detail. There’s no room for distractions, and certainly no room for Agent Chris Flint, a lion shifter with golden eyes, an infuriating smirk, and a way of seeing past my defences that makes my skin prickle.
He’s here on official SICB business, hunting a ruthless criminal who’s been using my space for his dirty deals. I should’ve told him to leave. Instead, I let him stay. And now I’m caught in the crossfire.
Brax’s claws are in deep, pulling me into a world I don’t belong, and the only person I can rely on is the lion I’ve been struggling to keep at arm’s length. Chris is relentless—protective in a way that’s impossible to ignore—and he’s breaking through walls I thought were impenetrable.
The stakes are rising, and survival isn’t guaranteed. But as Chris and I are forced to work together, something shifts. For the first time in years, I want more than just working and honouring my family—I want something for myself.
I want him.
Expect grumpy x sunshine banter, forced proximity that turns sparks into fire, and a slow-burn protector romance where danger makes desire impossible to ignore.