Book excerpt: Finley Mars didn't handle the zombie apocalypse well. When her former life as an elementary school teacher was wiped away, she lost her purpose, her passion, and any hope of a safe, stable life. After a series of mistakes lands her in the Blue City slave markets, she finds herself living at Deathcastle, a fortress on the boundary between the Hordelands and the Safe Zone. She's a slave now-little more than a blood bag for Atlan, one of the vampire warriors who defends Blue City against the constant onslaught of the hordes. Since he became a vampire, Atlan Echo hasn't felt desire for any woman. But his tentative friendship with Finley begins to waken something in him-not only his long-dormant passion, but the ache to be known for the monster he is, and loved in spite of it.