Ivan of McDarmund joins the Cuchulian tribe for one reason, to find his mate. He scented him at a Cuchulian wedding ceremony, but now that he�s within the halls of Rostrorod, he only ever catches traces of his mate�s tantalizing scent again. Until he�s served lunch by the very source of the mysterious scent, Lebanon of Cuchulian. But before he can introduce himself and claim the young gargoyle, Lebanon is accosted in the gymnasium locker room. Ivan saves him, but when their Huzza comes to investigate, Ivan learns that someone else has laid a mate-claim on Lebanon. The only way to have a chance at claiming his mate now is by challenging the other gargoyle to a fight to the death. Will he succeed? And if he does, after what happened in the locker room, will Lebanon even want to give Ivan a chance to win his affection?