Lions may rule New York City, but the hidden world of beastwalkers contains a multitude of kingdoms. In New Orleans, King Azure rules the Kingdom of Venom with power, cunning, and treachery. And the serpent has just found an animus he wants in the Big Apple. It turns out, Lola Katz isn't the only new animus. Lola's friend, Katy Dire, also has the gift, and Azure has taken her for his own vile purposes.

Lola refuses to sit by while her friend is in the clutches of the cold-blooded king of snakes. Her new mate, Callon Leo, vows to bring the entire might of their kingdom down upon Azure. But someone else has his sights set on Katy's rescue. As soon as it was discovered the girl bears the tattoo of a wolf and should be rightfully mated to a member of the Kingdom of Fangs, No, the kingdom's alpha, dispatched his most fearsome warrior to New Orleans–the Dire.

Gage, otherwise known as the Dire, recognizes Katy as his mate. But forces conspire to keep the pair apart. Gage is a powerful ancient warrior, but even he may outmatched by the might of the Kingdom of Venom. Gage must race against time to save Katy and expose Azure's wicked plans before it's too late.

Contains mature themes.