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

“Please call me Flo,” the young woman said with a winsome smile. “Rob does, despite using my full name when introducing me.” She kissed Rob’s cheek. “He can be so formal at times, despite the fact that he was a privateer before his death.”


“Flo it is, then,” I replied, looking at Rob with a lifted eyebrow.


Rob chewed his lip momentarily then burst out with, “We’re lovers. The three of us.”


Duff chuckled. “I sort of figured, considering how you’re holding both of them so close.”


“Does it bother you?” Bert asked defiantly.


Liddy snorted. “Why would it? To each his, or her, own as far as we’re concerned.”


::Rob,:: I said, opening the link so Duff and Ephram could hear me too, ::do they know what we are?::


::That we’re all art thieves? Yes. I don’t keep secrets from them.::


::I was more concerned,:: I replied, ::about them knowing Duff is a shifter and Ephram and I are vampires.::


Rob nodded. ::I haven’t been specific, but they are aware you’re not human.::


Chapter 55