25 years ago, a rift opened briefly between Earth and An’Wa. The Rift transported Orcs, Naga and other “mythical” beings to a remote desert in the Western United States. The US government moved the “Others” into what came to be called The Zone in metro Los Angeles. The Others make do despite sub-standard…well, everything. Never mind the fact that some humans, called “Purists” are more than happy to keep them behind the razor-wire-topped walls of the ghetto.
Marissa is an ICU Nurse caring for Brokka, the Orc Fire Chief who was severely burned fighting a fire. She’s never cared for an Other and pushes through her fear, telling herself he’s just another patient who needs her help. During a visit to Brokka’s fire station, she’s outraged learns that conditions in The Zone are not quite what humans have been led to believe. The hospital and clinic in The Zone are owned by the human hospital where she works. She gets backing from her also-outraged hospital medical director to get it cleaned up and meeting the same quality humans receive.
Brokka is surprised and a bit suspicious to see Marissa arrive at his Fire Station with trays of brownies. He’s touched when she is angered by the conditions in the Zone and her determination to help only fuels his attraction to her. During a visit to his home, Marissa reveals that she had secretly recorded him while speaking to his lost mate in a fever-induced delirium. Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, he sends her away. They both are still committed to restoring the Zone Hospital but otherwise, avoid each other completely. That is, until Brokka’s team is called to a terrible fire in the Children’s Ward of the human hospital. A fire that is the result of a “Purist” terrorist attack. He quickly realized that not only are six Naga children trapped, so is Marissa. She had fought her way in to rescue the Nagini who were left behind by the human fireman.
Brokka realizes he loves Marissa despite her earlier inappropriate actions, but can he reach her and the children in time to save them?