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

We might be joking around a bit, but we were doing it quietly. Now I said, “No more talking. Hand signals only as we get closer. We have no way of knowing if or what sounds he might be able to pick up.” I got sharp nods from everyone as I pointed to Ian and Liddy, gesturing for them to move to the other side of the lodge. When Ian was out of sight, Rob dematerialized to follow them. We needed to know when they were in place—and where.


We got the word from Rob five minutes later when he materialized again beside us. With a nod, I let Liddy know they should make their move and gave them two minutes to do so. Then I misted, Rob did his thing, and we moved toward the lodge. Duff would join us once he had a visual from me of the interior.


Rob arrived first and I heard him exclaim, ::What the fuck?:: That didn’t bode well. I found out why seconds later when I was in the great room of the lodge.


Chapter 18