When Bette Dautry comes to him, seeking his protection, Guardian Rollin Casteel suspects the mysterious beauty has an ulterior motive. Unable to resist her seductive charms, he soon hungers to mark her as his. Only Bette disappears before he can sink his teeth into her tender flesh, leaving Rollin with one mission: to find her--and to claim her. . . .

Bette seduces Rollin intent on conceiving his child, believing the mother-child bond to be the only kind of love she can sustain--the only kind of love that can keep her alive. But she never expects to feel so much for her strong and silent lover. Then she discovers Rollin is none other than the heir to the Balinese throne--a man too noble--too dear--to play a role in her dark scheme. A man she would willingly die for, if only he would set her free. . . .