A vampire aristocrat, Peyton is well aware of his duty to his bloodline: mate with an appropriate female of his class and carry on his familys traditions. And he thought hed found his perfect match-until she fell in love with someone else. Yet when his split-second decision in a battle with the enemy endangers the life of another trainee, Peyton has to face the idea that his future, and his heart, actually lie with another. Novo, as a female in the Black Dagger Brotherhoods training program, feels like she has to prove herself to everybody-and she has no interest in being distracted by falling in love. But when Peyton proves to be so much more than a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love. As the two grapple with Novos past and Peytons present, another couple must contend with a connection that is unparalleled-and potentially scandalous. Saxton, who has had his heart broken, discovers in himself a deep-seated