Winston Matthew Delaney, a former vampire hunter, has been sentenced to seven years labor at Madame Mim's Teahouse. In his late thirties, Winston has spent most of his life strongly believing that vampires have no place in the world and his purpose was to eliminate them. He'd been training his own apprentice Josh to believe the same when he was captured. Josh continues to seek out his master and rescue him. But, shocking himself most of all, Winston discovers a truth that changes everything he's ever believed and based his principles on: Most vampires have no desire to kill and proliferate; instead, they only want to live their lives in peace.

Arabella Bauer believes her brother died in a car accident. In part, that's true. But he was a no-good drunk and actually caused the accident that took the life of one of the men in the other car involved. Only Colin survived. Despite being badly injured himself, Colin killed Arabella's brother in retaliation.

Arabella is contacted by Josh, who attempts to win her over into believing vampires are real. He gives her information that leads her to The Rose Emporium...and Colin, a vampire...