At the age of twelve, Ox Matheson's father gave him a lesson: Ox was nothing, and no one would ever get him. Then he departed. When the dynamic Bennett family moved in next door, they were sixteen years old and harboured a secret that would alter Ox's life forever. Shapeshifters, who can change into wolves at will, are members of the family. Ox is drawn to these people's magic, loyalty, and enduring friendships and senses a distance between them and the calm life he is used to. The youngest Bennett boy, Joe, becomes a supporter for him as well. Joe is affable and attractive, but he is plagued with wounds he cannot get better. When murder struck the community when Ox was 23 years old, it tore a hole in his heart.