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

And suddenly I wasn’t certain my trying to stay at arm’s length—by letting him believe something that wasn’t the truth—waswhat I wanted to do anymore. Why the change of heart? Hell if I knew right then. Perhaps because he was so accepting of everything? Or because he had a strength that I don’t think he knew he possessed? Because he wasn’t human? I’d hate to think I was prejudiced that way—but after Ian…Yeah, perhaps that was part of it too.


“It’s okay. I just needed to say it; even though I have the feeling I should have kept my damned mouth shut. Now you’re going to wonder if having me around is such a good idea after all.”


No. What I was wondering was—am I just like Ian? Pretending to be something I’m not to gain my own objectives? Ian was right when he said he played me well. Am I doing that to Ephram? Am I that much of a coward that I need to lie to him—by omission—for fear I’ll be hurt again?


Chapter 34