Adal has always loved Shiv. But when he declares that love, Shiv walks away and leaves him behind. Adal's father isn't interested in whether his only son finds love or not. In his mind Adal is the means to increase the size of the family farm and gain the grandchildren he wants. Adal is so much stronger than that and isn't going to allow himself to be used in such a way. Rather than submit to an arranged mating, he takes to the stars to find Shiv and make him listen. Shiv thought he was doing the right thing when he walked away from seventeen year old Adal ten long years ago. He couldn't believe Adal would be able to deal with the fact he was one of the elite Brethren, men trained in the art of delivering death. When he finds out Adal has been searching for him all this time, living through events that would have broken a weaker man, he feels responsible and just can't forgive himself. Jastl has only ever wanted to be one of The Brethren. And Shiv. When chance throws Adal and him together, he finally sees a way to have the man he's always wanted. His solution is for Adal to become his mate, at least temporarily, so they can win Shiv over together. Three men on a collision course with destiny. Alone, they merely existed, yearning for something more. Together, they just might learn that love can handle the worst life throws at you, and leave you stronger.