Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors...

Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface - a skill that serves him well as the Guardians' region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can't read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories.

Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in the their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago - the one man skilled enough to break through her defences. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side to discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both...