Every twenty-five years the cycle begins anew-a legendary creature reawakens and preys upon the innocent. The police refuse to believe such a monster exists. But Gillian knows it"s real. When she was seven, she watched in horror as it killed her mother. Now the beast is back...for her. As the chosen Hunter, Nick is the only one who can destroy the creature. Yet a gorgeous psychology professor keeps pushing her way into his investigation--and into his most intimate fantasies. For her own protection, Nick"s determined to stay by Gillian"s side, every day and each delicious night. And meanwhile, the monster bides its time....