Sandy accepts her widow status in the pack. Her daughter's status as queen bitch gives Sandy the status she needs to lead a good life. Only one thing is missing: the companionship of a mate. Ralph is tired of simply protecting Sandy from a distance. Too many strays chance upon her, hoping for a nibble from the youthful-looking widow. It's time to make his move, show her he still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Retired Shadow Hunter and were-cat, Ulrik, is forced out of retirement when a rogue werewolf calls for his blood. It's Halloween in New Orleans, and the last thing the Council needs is open warfare. Just when he thought things were under control, Charlene arrives on the scene. Flower shop owner Jill Evan's biggest excitement is carving pumpkins and spraying gladiolus orange and black. She attends a Halloween singles bash, looking to add a little fun to her normal, boring life. Leo and Arden have searched eighteen years for a woman to break their cursed existence. With only a few nights remaining until death claims them, Jill dances into their lives, exactly what they're looking for.