A housewarming gift unleashes a djinn… but I think he's defective.

To be honest, a big part of why I moved to a remote island was to escape my overbearing mother. She wants me to get married, settle down, and pop out some grand-trophies. I'm not opposed to the idea, but every time I swipe right, I seem to end up dating hot messes or worse: suspiciously perfect guys. No thanks. I want a normal guy who loves to snuggle and binge watch TV until we fall asleep in each other's arms. A guy who will make me happy. Is that too much to ask?

I hadn't even finished unpacking before my mom's housewarming gift was tossed onto my porch—an antique lamp. While checking for damage, I rubbed the lamp, and you'd never guess what came out. Although, the title kind of gives it away, so darn it, you already know what popped out.

It turns out, being shaken around like rice inside a maraca during shipping isn't great for a djinn's memory; he is only able to remember bits and pieces of his past. Not to mention that every time he uses magic to help me, I end up with another mess to clean up.

Still, there is no denying I'm attracted to him. I just need to keep my mom from meeting him, so she doesn't start hearing wedding bells. When someone makes a grab for the lamp and my man, I'm ready to do whatever it takes to save him.

My fate was sealed the moment I kidnapped an alpha wolf—but I swear I have a good reason!

Fine, I screwed up.

But what's done is done…

I have a secret, but it's one I never share because I hate when people give me ‘the look.' The pitying look they give when saying things like, “but you look so healthy!” or “you're so young!”

Look, Karen, health problems aren't reserved for old people.

At least I can forget about my problems when I'm working on my life project. It's nearly finished, and it's something that'll save lives. It won't help me, but it will solidify my legacy long after I'm gone.

The issue is I need just a little more time, and that means I need to get a werewolf to bite me. Unfortunately, that is taboo, since a simple thing like a bite comes with so many complications.

I thought my plan was perfect.

Who am I kidding?

My plan absolutely sucked, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

I chose the perfect alpha. We have history, and I hoped—if it came to begging—he'd see value in helping with my cause.

Except things don't go as planned and I'm left howling at the unjustness of it all. But it turns out, I might have kidnapped more than I bargained for… it seems I've captured his heart.