This book picks up two weeks after the end of the first book in the "Unexpected" series. Alex and his former best friend Sam are now a strongly committed couple. They love the life growing inside of Alex. Gerome the baby's Sire (biological father) continues to offer financial assistance, take them to doctor's appointments, but continues to remain a bit distant. Alex and Sam are still shocked that Gerome is a Vampire Prince and despite having several siblings is next in line to become King.
Chris McHart really did a wonderful job of world building regarding Vampires in Munich. You forget the story isn't taking place in an US city. The vocabulary and grammar are excellent. You don't feel like the author lives in Germany. I really commend her. There are quite a few poorly written mpreg stories. This is NOT one of them.
This book is full of danger, excitement, intrigue, parental demands, scheming, fear, and abuse. I didn't read the book summary and was shocked at the reason why Alex needed saving. Sam was devastated and despite his seemingly chilly demeanor Gerome immediately flew into action to help find Alex and their unborn child. Gerome kept Sam focused and from breaking down. It is at this point that we learn why Gerome was so adamant about not claiming his child. We meet Gerome's parents and learn some disturbing customs / traditions among these German Vampires.
When a Vampire, especially those with any money, status, or Royal heritage takes a mate, there is often a large sum of money that changes hands between the parents, which means just what it implies, whoever is purchased is owned by their new mate. Some Vampires are pure, but many have been mixed with Humans, making them more amenable to the circumstances they find themselves in as Mates to both powerful and power-hungry Vampires. These poor Mates can be mistreated, verbally and physically abused, and nothing can be done. It's just the way things have been for centuries.
The dominant mate could be either male or female. Each can be kind or very cruel. The more modern offspring do as they are told, but not without some arguing, begging, resistance, but ultimately they comply. As in Gerome's case he'd been free to find a mate, but since he hadn't, his Royal father, King Harold used the situation with Alex as a strong-arm tactic to get his son's co-operation in meeting a selected candidate Luis. Demanding proof of bonding and consummation before trackers were deployed to locate the scent of those responsible for Alex's disappearance.
Alex is scared, alone, and frightened for his life, as well as, those of his child and boyfriend. He doesn't know where he's at, but he is disturbed by the increasing violence inflicted on the young man that brings him his meals. He prays that the Prince and Sam will come for him. Little does Alex know all that is happening in his absence.
A forced mating, a fake mating, a despondent mate, a happy King, an angry Prince, a frightened but sympathetic guest, and were trackers hired for their keen sense of smell. Espionage, betrayal, sniffing out or tracking down clues. Violent fighting, conniving parents, confusion, panic, gunshots, a bedside vigil, a secret room, and finally a HEA.