Blood and Betrayal

In 1432, Sebastian, a vampire noble, is surrounded by love and hope as he prepares to propose to his human lover, Laurent. But the night is shattered by betrayal: Laurent, secretly allied with a rival wolf clan, lures Sebastian away as the wolves attack. Sebastian returns to find his family slaughtered, his home destroyed, and his heart broken by Laurent's confession and ultimate death. The trauma forges Sebastian into a cold, vengeful assassin, vowing never to love again.

Haunted by the Past

In the present, Sebastian is a notorious vampire assassin, emotionally numb and detached from the world. He stalks the night, haunted by memories of loss and betrayal, refusing to let anyone close. His only solace is watching from afar, especially the vibrant, innocent Matty, whose smile stirs feelings Sebastian thought long dead.

Sunshine in the Shadows

Matty, a human university student, is surrounded by loving friends and family but feels a persistent emptiness. Traumatized by a past assault, he craves safety and predictability in love, yet is drawn to the enigmatic Sebastian. Matty's warmth and resilience shine through, even as he struggles with loneliness and the scars of his past.

Unlikely Connections

Matty and Sebastian's worlds collide at a nightclub. Despite warnings from friends, Matty is intrigued by Sebastian's gruff exterior and unexpected kindness. Their banter is electric, but Sebastian's self-loathing and fear of hurting Matty keep him distant, even as Matty senses the goodness beneath his defenses.

The Taste of Kindness

Sebastian intervenes when Matty's disastrous date turns cruel, revealing a protective side. Matty, grateful and touched, begins to see through Sebastian's mask. Their connection deepens through shared moments—baking, late-night talks, and Sebastian's subtle acts of care—each chipping away at Sebastian's icy armor.

Wounds and Warnings

Matty's friends and family, especially his brother Leo, are wary of Sebastian's dark reputation. Matty, however, trusts his instincts, believing in Sebastian's capacity for good. Meanwhile, Sebastian investigates Matty's past trauma, seeking justice for the man who hurt him, even as he battles his own demons and the fear of repeating history.

The Dance of Denial

The attraction between Matty and Sebastian intensifies, but both are haunted by fear—Matty of being hurt again, Sebastian of destroying what he loves. Their push-pull dynamic is fraught with longing, vulnerability, and the ever-present threat of heartbreak.

Lines Crossed, Hearts Exposed

A night of passion shatters the boundaries between them. For the first time, Sebastian allows himself to feel, while Matty dares to hope for more. But the morning after brings regret and withdrawal, as Sebastian's terror of loss and unworthiness resurfaces, leaving Matty devastated.

Justice for the Broken

Sebastian hunts down Matty's attacker, delivering brutal justice. The act is both a gift and a curse—Matty is freed from fear, but Sebastian is plunged deeper into self-loathing, convinced that his darkness will only taint Matty's light.

The Cost of Protection

When Matty is kidnapped by wolf shifters seeking leverage over Danny, Sebastian's protective instincts override his caution. He and Danny mount a violent rescue, exposing Matty to the full horror of Sebastian's world. Though Matty survives, the trauma and Sebastian's subsequent withdrawal threaten to destroy their fragile bond.

Yearning and Withdrawal

Both men spiral in the aftermath—Matty, desperate for Sebastian's presence, sends message after message into the void; Sebastian, convinced he's poison, flees across the world, seeking oblivion in violence and drink. Their mutual suffering is palpable, each believing the other is better off without them.

The Edge of Trust

Leo and Toby track down Sebastian, confronting him with the truth of Matty's heartbreak. Forced to face his own pain and the consequences of his choices, Sebastian realizes that his absence has only deepened Matty's wounds. With Leo's reluctant blessing, Sebastian resolves to fight for Matty, no matter the cost.

Kidnapped and Claimed

Matty's abduction by wolf shifters is a crucible for both men. Sebastian's rescue is brutal and uncompromising, revealing the depths of his love and the lengths he'll go to for Matty's safety. The ordeal strips away all pretense, forcing them to confront their feelings and the reality of their world.

The Rescue and Reckoning

In the aftermath, Matty learns the full extent of the supernatural world and Sebastian's past. Their friends and family rally around them, offering support and, eventually, acceptance. Matty's unwavering belief in Sebastian's goodness becomes the anchor that pulls him back from the brink.

Aftermath and Unraveling

As Matty recovers, Sebastian struggles with guilt and the fear of repeating old patterns. Their relationship is tested by external pressures and internal doubts, but Matty's determination to fight for their love inspires Sebastian to do the same.

The Long Night Alone

Separated by Sebastian's self-imposed exile, Matty pours his heart into messages he believes will never be read. His pain is raw and unfiltered, a testament to the depth of his love and the devastation of loss. Sebastian, adrift and broken, is haunted by the words he cannot bring himself to answer.

Messages in the Dark

Matty's messages become a lifeline, chronicling his grief, anger, and enduring hope. When Sebastian finally reads them, he is overwhelmed by the realization of how deeply he is loved—and how much damage his absence has caused.

The Return of Hope

With Leo's help, Sebastian returns to Matty, determined to make amends. Their reunion is fraught with pain and uncertainty, but also the possibility of healing. Sebastian's vulnerability and willingness to fight for their future rekindle Matty's hope.

Rebuilding, Slowly

Matty and Sebastian take tentative steps toward reconciliation, rebuilding trust through small acts of care and honesty. Their friends and family, once skeptical, begin to accept Sebastian as he proves his devotion and works to overcome his past.

The Weight of the Past

Sebastian brings Matty to the ruins of his childhood home, sharing the full story of his family's destruction and Laurent's betrayal. The act of remembrance is cathartic, allowing Sebastian to finally grieve and begin to let go of the darkness that has defined him for centuries.

Homecoming and Healing

With the past acknowledged, Matty and Sebastian embrace the future. They build a home together, surrounded by friends and family, and begin to dream of a life filled with love, laughter, and even the possibility of children.

Promises and Proposals

In a moment of vulnerability and hope, Sebastian proposes to Matty, offering him the family ring once meant for another. Matty accepts, and they mate in the presence of Sebastian's family's graves, sealing their bond and promising to never walk in darkness alone again.

Mates and New Beginnings

As mates, Matty and Sebastian find peace and belonging. They navigate the challenges of supernatural life, support each other's healing, and look forward to building a family. Their love, once forged in pain, becomes a beacon for others.

The Birthday of Belonging

Surrounded by friends and family, Matty's birthday becomes a symbol of acceptance and joy. Even as new challenges and relationships emerge within their circle, Matty and Sebastian's love stands as proof that healing and happiness are possible, even for the most broken.

Epilogue: Everything, Always

Years later, Matty and Sebastian have built the life they once only dreamed of—a home, a child, and a love that endures. The darkness of the past is not forgotten, but it is no longer a prison. Together, they have found everything they ever needed, and promise to choose each other, always.

Characters

Sebastian LeClerc

Once a loving son and brother, Sebastian's life was shattered by betrayal and loss. Centuries of pain turned him into a ruthless assassin, convinced he is unworthy of love. His psychological armor is thick, but beneath it lies a desperate longing for connection and belonging. Matty's light awakens hope and vulnerability in him, forcing him to confront his trauma and risk his heart again. Sebastian's journey is one of self-forgiveness, learning to accept love, and choosing to fight for happiness rather than run from pain.

Matty

Matty is the emotional heart of the story—a human marked by past trauma but defined by resilience, kindness, and hope. His longing for safety and stability is complicated by his attraction to Sebastian's darkness. Matty's psychoanalysis reveals a deep well of empathy and a stubborn refusal to give up on those he loves. His journey is about reclaiming agency, learning to trust again, and believing he is worthy of the love he so freely gives. Through his unwavering faith in Sebastian, he becomes both the catalyst for healing and the anchor that keeps Sebastian from the abyss.

Leo

Leo is Matty's older brother and primary protector, shaped by his own experiences and fierce love for his sibling. His skepticism of Sebastian is rooted in fear of losing Matty, but his arc is one of learning to let go, trust Matty's choices, and ultimately support his happiness. Leo's relationship with Ferry and his role as a bridge between the human and supernatural worlds add depth to his character.

Ferry

Once the Grim Reaper, Ferry is now Leo's devoted partner. He embodies calm, wisdom, and a willingness to adapt. Ferry's acceptance of Matty and, eventually, Sebastian, is crucial in helping the couple find their place within the supernatural community. His own journey from isolation to belonging mirrors Sebastian's, offering a model for healing and integration.

Toby

Toby is Sebastian's only surviving family, a vampire who has weathered his own losses. He is both a mirror and a foil for Sebastian—compassionate, persistent, and unwilling to let Sebastian self-destruct. Toby's psychoanalysis reveals the importance of chosen family and the power of forgiveness. His support is instrumental in Sebastian's return to Matty.

Danny

Danny's past as a runaway alpha and his accidental involvement in Matty's kidnapping add layers of guilt and complexity. He is fiercely loyal, protective, and struggles with the burdens of leadership and belonging. Danny's friendship with both Matty and Sebastian is a testament to the possibility of reconciliation and growth, even after grave mistakes.

Lucky

Lucky is Matty's confidant and emotional support, a human who has found happiness with two demon mates. His journey from trauma to joy offers hope and perspective, and his unwavering belief in Matty's right to happiness is a source of strength. Lucky's role as a bridge between worlds and as a model for healthy, chosen family is significant.

Riley

Riley is Matty's irreverent, sex-positive friend, providing levity and unconditional support. His journey from outsider to insider in the supernatural world mirrors the broader theme of acceptance and found family. Riley's ability to adapt and embrace the unknown is both humorous and heartwarming.

Harlow

Harlow is a mischievous, sharp-tongued demon whose antics often test the patience of others. Beneath the bravado, he is fiercely loyal to his friends and family. Harlow's role is to challenge, provoke, and ultimately support the growth of those around him, especially in moments of crisis.

Oscar

Oscar is a grounding presence within the supernatural circle, offering practical wisdom and emotional intelligence. His relationship with Cal and his ability to mediate conflicts make him a stabilizing force. Oscar's acceptance of Matty and Sebastian is emblematic of the broader community's capacity for growth and inclusion.

Plot Devices

Dual Timelines and Trauma Echoes

The narrative structure alternates between Sebastian's traumatic past and the present, using flashbacks and memories to reveal the roots of his pain and the obstacles to intimacy. This device not only builds suspense but also deepens the reader's understanding of how trauma shapes behavior, trust, and the capacity for love. The echoes of betrayal and loss are mirrored in the present, forcing both characters to confront old wounds in order to heal.

Found Family and Chosen Belonging

The story leverages the trope of found family—friends and supernatural allies who become as important as blood relatives. The tension between biological and chosen family, acceptance and rejection, is a recurring motif. The gradual integration of Sebastian into Matty's circle, and the community's eventual acceptance, is both a source of conflict and a vehicle for healing.

The Bond and the Bite

The vampire mating bond, sealed by the exchange of blood, serves as both a literal and symbolic device. It represents the ultimate act of trust and vulnerability, making visible the emotional stakes of the relationship. The bite is both pleasure and pain, a reminder that love requires risk and the willingness to be changed by another.

Messages and Missed Connections

The extended sequence of Matty's unanswered messages, and Sebastian's eventual replies, is a powerful device for exploring longing, regret, and the difficulty of reaching across emotional distance. The motif of messages in the dark underscores the importance of honesty, persistence, and the courage to speak one's truth, even when it seems hopeless.

Healing Through Action

The story repeatedly emphasizes that words are not enough—healing and trust are rebuilt through consistent, tangible actions. Sebastian's efforts to make amends, support Matty's passions, and integrate into his life are contrasted with his earlier self-sabotage. The narrative structure rewards growth, vulnerability, and the willingness to fight for love.

Analysis

Justice by Lark Taylor is a powerful exploration of trauma, redemption, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the novel asks whether those who have been broken by betrayal and loss can ever truly heal—and whether they deserve to. Through the intertwined journeys of Sebastian and Matty, the story argues that healing is possible, but only through vulnerability, honesty, and the willingness to fight for happiness. The supernatural elements—vampires, demons, shifters—are not just window dressing, but metaphors for the ways in which we are all haunted by our pasts and shaped by forces beyond our control. The book's central lesson is that love is both a risk and a choice: it requires the courage to let someone see your darkness, and the faith that they will choose you anyway. Justice is not about vengeance, but about restoration—of trust, of hope, and of the self. In a world that often feels unforgiving, the novel offers a vision of belonging, where even the most damaged souls can find peace, family, and a future worth living for.

Last updated: August 23, 2025