Mikhail Dubrinsky is the prince of his people, the Carpathians. But they are dying out, there are few women and the men are either falling prey to vampires or are choosing the soulless life. Losing all hope, Mikhail is no longer sure he can bear the bleak future laid before him. The only thing that can add light to his life, can relieve the terrible haunting loneliness, is to find a life mate. But he has given up believing one exists. As the beast rages inside, threatening to consume him, he vents his centuries-old despair in an anguished cry that fills the waning night ... and then, incredulously, a life saving voice answers him.