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

I chuckled. “Don’t like being the center of attention?”


“Well…” He looked at me again and smiled. “Of your attention—always.”


“You will have it. Always.” Ignoring the fact we were still the only ones on the dance floor, I swung him around when the band struck up “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”


He laughed, leaning back in my arms. “We will, you know. Misbehave that is.”


“I’m not sure caring for someone, and showing it, would be considered, not to be redundant, misbehaving.”


“Tonight?” he whispered before giving me another kiss.


We both meant the fact that it was nearing dawn by now and he would have to sleep.


“There’s always tomorrow night.” He gazed hopefully at me.


“Barring catastrophes.” Wrapping my arms around him, I kissed him with a passion that startled me. Well, perhaps startled isn’t the right word. Scared me? How did I suddenly need and want him so badly? I think slow and easy went out the door at that moment.


Chapter 43