In all of Thule, there is only one woman warrior, Catera of the Wolf Clan. When the new king Daegren comes in the guise of a simple messenger to inspect the clans, he is fascinated with this warrior leader. And when the time comes for him to choose tribute from the Wolf, he claims Catera to be the king's mate. Stunned and furious, she seeks to avoid what seems a cruel fate but knows she must submit for her father's honor and that of her clan. Daegren soon comes to understand his claimed bride is no ordinary woman. When a border war breaks, he orders her back to her clan for safety although he will fight with the Dragon Guards. Her defiance of his order and obvious affection for his uncle, the former king Xendor, lead him to refute his claim, an action with consequences for which they must all pay the price.