Kimber Langford, Earl of Chasen, is the alpha male and titular head of the drakon of Darkfrith. Worried about the future of their species and about their relations with pure humans, these human-dragons have retreated into the large English estate where they live according rigorous laws. Kimber's sister, Lia has already fled this restrictive realm, and her parents have abdicated their power to look for her. Now responsible for protecting his people, Kimber is discovering just how uneasy is the head that wears the crown. Among other things he has to learn more about the lost drakon tribe in Transylvania, and he must be prepared to marry their queen.

Princess Maricara has been the behind-the-scenes leader of Zaharen Yce since she was a child. Lately things have not been going well. The sanf inimici - drakon hunters of sorts - are gaining ground, and her own people are beginning to suspect her of bloodthirsty deeds. She heads for England to warn her betrothed, the one she has no intention of marrying.

Kimber only half listens to the warning. He is more interested in the messenger. Even if he were not attracted to Maricara, he would be set on making her his bride. She is one of the rare female drakon who can shift into both smoke and dragon. No wonder it takes a while for him to realize that she is as headstrong and as honorable, in short as alpha as he. By then, the dark forces have gathered, and Kimber and Maricara prepare to fight for their love and their kind.