The morning after a torrential storm upends Shady Gully, its citizens wake to the news that Wolfheart's beloved sister, Peony, has been brutally murdered. Revered as the Creek's best healer, and adored by the folks in Shady Gully proper, Peony's death rattles the community.

Luke dashes to the scene to help, and comes face to face with Bella, Wolfheart's stunningly beautiful great-niece, and the product of Shady Gully's most notorious scandal.

When Wolfheart stumbles onto the crime scene covered in blood, unapologetic and evasive, Sheriff Rick proceeds cautiously, as he's mindful of the intense feelings Wolfheart evokes within the town. Extremes on both sides erupt when another body is uncovered, and soon Shady Gully explodes in chaos and violence.

As the fates of these three uncompromising and principled men collide, Desi and Robin, the beloved protagonists in Book One, find themselves smack dab in the middle of the hullabaloo.

When Wolfheart is finally led away in handcuffs, he has only one thought. How can he protect his niece and her daughter from the same fate as his sister?