The Protectors are back! From New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Beverly Barton come the first two chilling stories in this beloved series. Defending His Own Once Deborah Vaughn had loved Ashe McLaughlin with all of her teenage heart. Then he'd disappeared, leaving Deborah with nothing...except their son. Now Ashe was back, insisting she play the part of his lover. Ashe had never forgotten Deborah and the night of passion they'd shared, or the way her father had railroaded him out of town. But as the star witness in a murder trial, Deborah needed Ashe, and he would do anything to keep her safe. Guarding Jeannie For six years, Jeannie Alverson had thought about Sam Dundee's haunting blue eyes, his warm touch. His was the face she saw in her dreams. He was the man she never expected to see again. But now he had returned...to protect her. Sam couldn't turn his back on Jeannie. Once she had saved his life, and now she needed him. He vowed to guard her against all danger, but who would protect him from the innocence and love shining in her eyes?