As the third daughter of a third daughter, dragon-shifter Christine Drachen must mate with a human.

Not all human males can successfully mate with dragon-shifters, and suitable matches are uncommon. Christine, though, has identified James to be a potential mate. Since even humans who accept the existence of dragons would be terrified of one who can shift to human form, Christine must not fully reveal her true nature until James has fallen in love and has fully committed to mate.

James gradually discovers who Christine is. Her last name, Drachen, means “dragon,” and he admires the golden dragon that hangs from a chain around her neck. Prints, statues, and tapestries of dragons decorate her family’s home. Strange noises emanate from behind the Drachens’ house, and James believes he actually sees a dragon, one wearing a necklace like Christine’s. Christine laughs as she tells him her entire family are dragons, but James suspects her words are more than a simple joke.

Finally, he sees her shift.

To protect the species from persecution, a dragon-shifter must silence any human who sees a shift. The rule is absolute, and the most practical method is generally death. But Christine has fallen in love with James. How can she protect her family without killing the boy she loves?