Vampire Philip Archer and his team of successful art thieves -- black panther shifter Duff, ghost Rob, and Duff's human girlfriend Liddy -- are asked by the handsome Ian Croft, a potential client, to break with tradition and rescue a kidnapped child. When the caper turns out rather differently than expected, Philip is bitterly reminded why he has remained single for so long. Yet, surrounded as he is by loving friends, he is not desperate. This is why, when he meets the newly-made vampire Ephram, he suppresses his attraction and focuses on being a mentor to the Fledgling.<br><br>Ephram was turned by Virgil Ionescu, an ancient vampire known for casting off his Children before they are ready. Living off the streets, Ephram's future is precarious until he meets Philip. Ephram is immediately attracted to Philip and only too happy to be taken under his wing and taught the skills of surviving in modern New Orleans.<br><br>But Philip keeps secrets. Ephram can sense it, but he can't penetrate the thousand-year-old Philip's reserve. What will Ephram do when he discovers the big secret his new group of friends are keeping from him? Will his love for Philip trump all, or will he betray them? And, to complicate matters, Ionescu arrives unexpectedly in town, coming to check on his Child.

Art Theft 101

Rob chuckled. “No discussion needed. You enthrall him and plant the idea that he’s not going to bother Karen ever again. That it’s not worth the time or the bother.”


“Okay, guys,” Liddy said, “we’ve got a basic plan and this girl is about to fall on her face. How about we call it a night?”


“One more thing before we do. What time do we want Ian here tomorrow night?” I asked them.


“Never?” Duff replied, barely smiling. “But since that’s not happening, I’d say around eight. That way we can leave by eight-thirty with you doing the driving, Philip. I’ll ride shotgun while everyone else sleeps. Then Liddy, Rob, and Ian take over come morning. Barring unforeseen traffic problems we should be close to the lodge by seven or eight the next evening. Hike in and take it from there.”


“That works. All right, off to bed with you.”


Duff and Liddy took me at my word and left, Liddy saying something about having to pack first


Chapter 14