When Nick consults him about an erratic murder committed by athletic ex-con Dimitri Skontos, Monroe soon helps him realize that's actually a victim of 'gladiator games' organized by the most bloodthirsty pride of Löwen, a lionesque feral species. Nick spends his anniversary working out the fighters are recruited through a dodgy parole officer and where the arena is hidden. Captain Sean Renard realizes the lucrative fights are becoming too notorious, his royal order to close down the games is ignored, so he turns to a priestly enforcer. Meanwhile first Monroe, then Nick go undercover, only to end up caged and hence in the ring, facing daunting ferals.