In a sweet-yet-seductive introduction to the Shadow King Omega series, Book 1 is the first step in a deeply passionate werewolf romance between dear "friends." Renowned as a global diplomat for wolf shifter packs, Markus has one communication problem he can't solve: he's fallen in love with his childhood best friend. Actually, he might have craved Ari for a long time, but they live on opposite sides of the globe.Ari has been unrequitedly in love with Markus for as long as he can remember. If only Ari could resist his primal instincts to return to Markus's side.When Markus agrees to sneak Ari into a gladiator-style strength competition for all pack leaders, neither of them expect it to be so easy for Ari to win. However, Ari's new urban legend status as the "Shadow King" doesn't create the effect he and Markus hoped for; despite Ari's physical prowess as an Omega, society still sees Alphas as the default leaders.But Markus and Ari have another long-kept secret. Ten years ago, a frisky, teenage Ari accidentally bound their souls in a sacred mate bond-except they're not fated mates. How could they be? Sure, they care for each other more than anyone else in the world, but they've known each other forever. Ari's guilt drives a wedge between them despite how tender their friendship remains. They just want each other to be happy.Half-bonded with half a world between them, Markus and Ari aren't happy.Enough is enough. Neither Lycan knows how the other feels-and that the next time they see each other, they've both vowed to speak their truths.But once they do confess, how will that change their relationship after twenty-six years? As their bond morphs into something new, Ari and Markus uncover more about themselves than they ever have-and plot their next move to protect the Lycan world at large.Shadow King Omega features first times, transgender representation, an Omega doubting his ability to lead due to chronic illness, and a genderfluid werewolf struggling to accept his Alpha side due to past trauma. This is the first book in the Shadow King Omega series, an LGBTQ+ wolf shifter series following one couple in the Greenfield Pack universe. Expect seductive tension peaking with high spice, hurt/comfort, marking and knotting, mysterious pack troubles, and plenty of werewolf affection.