When Maria and Clay leave Rio De Sangre one jump ahead of a deadly order of holy warriors, they must strike east to buy each day anew by their wits and the strength of their bond. A sinister band of vampire hunters stalk them up and down the Mississippi, led by an ancient being of immeasurable power. A honeymoon spent on the dodge is no easy thing for the newlyweds, but Maria's growing thirst for blood presents problems all their own. Our hero and heroine find themselves with a mysterious invitation to the most exclusive card game in the world. Clay will need to use every trick he's ever learned in a smoky saloon or on the hoot-owl trail to take the pot, and going bust is not an option. This time, the stakes are higher than ever, and they aren't playing for money. They are playing for their very souls, and playing for keeps.