The world went to hell a long time ago. Grace Killen is a woman on a mission. In a world where pairings are decided by a lottery, she got stuck with a man who abuses her. After their daughter is born, he leaves and Grace couldn't be happier. He could end up as a meal for one of the shambling dead and she wouldn't cry a single tear. Then he came back for Sophie. Robert Carter is a man with a lot on his plate. The leader of the Oaks and the only known person whose visited Chicago and lived. He doesn't expect a beautiful woman needing his help or the baggage that she brings with her. Neither knows what the future will bring but they plan on facing it together.