Breaking the Surface by Catherine Lievens

Running was supposed to save his life. Staying might give him a reason to live.

Peter has spent years hiding his secret—and enduring his abusive boyfriend, Lou. But when the violence escalates, he runs to the one place he’s always known is safe: the Rosewood pack.
There, he finds more than shelter. He finds his mate.
Braden is a protector by nature, but nothing prepares him for Peter—fierce, wounded, and wary of trusting another human. As Peter struggles to believe he deserves safety, let alone love, Braden is determined to prove he won’t break him.
But Lou isn’t ready to let go.
When the past comes hunting, Peter must choose: keep running, or fight for the life—and love—he’s only just begun to believe in.

Sometimes the mate bond isn’t just about finding your other half—it’s about finding yourself.