Lionel Jett, the eldest brother of three, all dark coven vampires, has sworn to a lifetime of service to the Monteleone family, vowing to sacrifice his own chance for a family of his own. The powerful Golden Vampires for whom he works, almost consider him family, although he is of a difference race, and forbidden to breed or marry across racial lines.

He harbors a secret love of the long-deceased Maria Monteleone, who chose to live as a mortal woman, and who died in his arms centuries ago. Part of his vow is to protect her offspring, to the death.

A war is brewing between the Goldens and rogue dark covens battling for dominion. Returning to Tuscany as part of the Monteleone security detail, he attends a Christmas wedding, and there meets the six-times great granddaughter of Maria Monteleone, a nineteen-year-old virgin who has not yet adopted the Golden Vampire turning. She looks identical to her infamous ancient grandmother, and a forbidden attraction begins to bud and then bloom between them in secret.

He is bound by duty, but will he have the strength to break the young Phoebe's heart—a woman he knows he was destined to love and to protect for all eternity? Or will his forbidden love mean the end of them all?