Rolf has to calm down the Colt as a troublemaker among the ranks of the brotherhood is exposed. Jeremiah arrives in Mobile and encounters Jason. Another nasty encounter between Nick and Andrew. Andrew confronts Victor.
Andrew makes a decision. Victor recounts his experiences with his mentor Jeremiah who is arriving for an unexpected visit and possibly bringing a gift.
Early on Christmas morning, Marabeth and Kris, in their separate spaces in Strauss hall, reflect on their pasts and their fears. Joyce is welcomed into the busom of a family isolated from most others by their secrets
On Midnight of Christmas Day, Joyce travels with her friend, Marabeth, back to experience the mild magic and mystery of Strauss House and know a little better the family that Marabeth herself has been extranged from.
After another brutal session with his new master, Andy discovers that his master is not only a vampire, but has healing powers that give him a scary amount of freedom to do what he wants with Andy's body. This time, Sebastian plans to train his slave to be more obedient by threat of punishment.
Vincent is a 1000 year old vampire who encounters a student named Andrew at the University where he teaches and what unfolds is the story of their emerging relationship intermingled with the memories of Victor's past.
While Lewis Dunharrow and the vampiric family of Chris Ashby pause to take their next steps, Marabeth Strauss receives an undesired gift on Christmas Night that changes her life and reveals the legacy of her family. (If you did not read or did not enjoy the old, then there is no need for you to read this story, which is its sequel).
Twas the night before the night before Christmas, and all through Laurie's house.... are a lot of fucking vampires. Meanwhile, Kristian Strauss wonders why he's here, and Lewis's wedding night: so to speak, arrives.
As the Dunharrows prepare for Christmas and... other things, they are crashed by unexpected visitors. Laurie has houseguests and Lewis wonders how best to get bloodstains off of a hardwood floor.
As Seth and Lewis reaffirm their love, Seth shares his vision of Nathan and Laurie realizes all of his resolve to be a new man might be too late to save Lynn.
Laurie has a discussion with Loreal that becomes too personal. Seth meets a spirit. Lewis meets a wolf and makes a resolve, and Lynn reveals something worth knowing.
The funeral puts Laurie in a strange place and brings him closer to Loreal while Lynn is assisted by a helpful archivist to find her old family records.
As Lewis remembers the past, Loreal does too, and we all see the distant origins of the Dunharrows. Meanwhile, in the present, Susanna's funeral awakens thoughts of mortality.
Seth rises from his self initiation back in the normal life of the Dunharrows which, today, involves a discussion on the Devil and the arrival of two new friends.
As Seth undergoes initiation, he drifts through present and past and the world of gods and men. Code for: this will be trippy and surprising, but just hold on.
As the first night of mourning wraps up, Loreal, Lewis, Seth and Chris all have to take a hard look at the traditions they've kept and the fears they've held onto.