The night Vessa's mother is killed, she is thrust into a harrowing new reality: one that is no longer glamoured by secrets of supernatural existence. She discovers a secret curse that has been passed down through her mother's bloodline for centuries. Vessa is fated to wed the banished vampire prince of the Underworld; the Blood Master, who will stop at nothing to seize his betrothed. 

For three years, Vessa lives among shadows, learning the ways of the menacing beings who abide there. Until one day, a vision befalls her oracle guardian Maurleen—a chance for Vessa to find permanent asylum. 

Aleksandr "Axe" Skornokovy is Alpha of the continent's most prominent Lycan pack and the man who despises the Blood Master above all. He is a soldier of vengeance, hell-bent on eliminating vampires and the powerful demon from which they were sired. He is also Vessa's mate.

Upon meeting at the Lupercalia festival, Vessa and Axe are immediately drawn to each other but reluctant to come together over the contingency that his people may never accept a human as his equal. As Vessa tries to find her place among feuding Lycans, she must keep her secrets close and everyone else at arm's length. Most imperatively, she must come to terms with the fact that, despite being mates, Axe is more than capable of turning on her.  For if he were to claim Vessa for himself, they would spark a war that is destined to bleed into the realm below.