His magic stolen, Cherchi has little reason to live until an unassuming ocelot helps him find the passion within. After having his magic stolen by the shifter's archenemies, the demon-like Kaga, Cherchi is left scared and struggling to move on. Consumed by the longing of happier days before the attack, he retreats from his clan. A single promise to attend his clan-leader's mating ceremony is the only thing keeping his heart beating. There was once a time when Luka cherished his gifts, but after suffering an unspeakable tragedy, he has learned to resent them. Still, he never turns away a wounded heart. After his sister is bitten by a vampire, putting her unborn cub in jeopardy, his family travels to the legendary home of the Rune Fang in search of the Life-Binder. Cherchi quickly finds himself the object of Luka's interest and, although he wishes to be alone in his misery, he can't deny a deep-seated attraction to the male. Luka's extraordinary gifts heal his ravaged heart, but can he learn to live without the magic that makes him a shifter?