Book excerpt: Bryson MacAfee wanted to forget he had ever hoped for more, but the very woman who destroyed his dreams might also still hold his heart. Isobel was once a member of one of the most highly respected of all the Vampire sects—the Dragon Guard. Her sworn duty was to protect her king and his family. Only she betrayed those oaths, then in a fit of rage attacked and killed her king and disappeared. She not only sent the Vampire Houses into mayhem, but also destroyed every dream Bryson MacAfee had of a life with her. Now, centuries later, Isobel has risen again from her grave promising the same bloody vengeance she brought down before. Only things are not as simple as they seem, not when Bryson digs deeper. But can Bryson betray his friends, his king and every oath he's ever taken to save the life of the one woman he loves?