Odessa's a nerdy angel who just wants to keep to herself. Her unpopular father works in the government of their realm. She doesn't get along with her sister, and no one talks about what happened to her mother. So Odessa has no one to turn to for help with the staggering fear she lives under each day, a terror born from childhood trauma. Until she spots the announcement of a gala for a warrior in need of a mate.

Bryant would rather chew his wings off than get mated, but orders are orders. He's been erratic in the field, taking unnecessary risks, and is cranky with his team. His boss hopes a mate will stabilize him. But Bryant understands what the rest of the realm won't admit. His face full of scars makes him nightmare material, not mate material, for a realm full of vain angels.

When an ethereally gorgeous female accepts his request, Bryant is leery. Then he learns who Odessa really is—the daughter of the man responsible for his injuries. But when Odessa's attacked, Bryant has to get over his resentment. Because he's the only thing between her and death, and together they might be able to save their realm.