In this erotic paranormal romance, New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward tells the story of two couples who must find love in the midst of a war with Lessening society...As a vampire aristocrat, Payton knows well his duty to ancestry: to marry a suitable woman of her class and continue the traditions of the family. And he thought he had found his perfect match, until she fell in love with another man. But when his lightning-quick decision in a battle with the enemy puts the life of another recruit at risk, Peyton must realize that his heart and his future belong only to Novo... Novo, as a woman in the Brotherhood program, devotes all her energy to training and fighting - she has no interest in love. But when Payton reveals herself to be more than just a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love. As they both must face Novo's past and Payton's present, the other couple must face an erotic connection that is unparalleled. and potentially scandalous. Sexton, heartbroken after his breakup with Blay, discovers a deep attraction to Ran, the newest member of the family. But will he open his heart to Sexton? Or he will give up his soul and mind on what could be true love, which will cost Sexton everything...