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

“Why don’t we take a walk in the park,” Teddy said, pointing up the street with his free hand.


“Why would we want to do that?” Ephram asked.


“Because you and I have to talk, after I get rid of your friend here.” Teddy pulled his hand out of his pocket just enough to let us know he was armed. “You—” he glared at Ephram, “—walked away from me once, but not this time.”


“If he wanted to be with you, he would be,” I snarled to get his attention.


Teddy snorted angrily. “He doesn’t know whathe wants. Bouncing from one man to the next. But he’ll stop doing that, once I take him back home with me.” Of course he looked at me as he spoke. It was all I needed. I took control of him.


Chapter 53