For two hundred years, Roger Niemann never had to know the end that mortals face. But eternal existence comes with a price he cannot accept -consuming human blood. Hiding in New Orleans under an assumed identity, he desperately searches for a way to cure his vampirism. Stalking the streets of New Orleans, a vicious serial killer dubbed "The Ripper" leaves his victims drained of blood. For Houston physician Matthew Carter, it is an all-too-familiar pattern - one that sends him racing to find Niemann. But he is not alone in his hunt. There are those intent on using the powers of a vampire for their own evil ends - a vampire sick with disease and driven into a crazed killing frenzy that will not stop until his taken everyone he can - including the woman Matt loves.