This book CAN be read as a stand alone

Arrogant, powerful and dangerous, Devon King is one of the world's greatest warriors. Yet even he is helpless against the evil that is stalking the children of Washington DC. When the gods assign him to protect Shan Harrison, he can't believe that the beautiful and spirited Goth girl is the key to defeating the nightmares that haunt the city. Shan has the potential to become one of the strongest dreamers in history, if she can survive long enough to come into her full powers. Devon is used to getting what he wants and he wants Shan. Her submissive nature, hidden beneath her tough exterior, calls to the dominant side of his nature like a siren’s song.

Ashamed of her cravings, Shan fights her attraction to Devon and tries to convince herself that what they have is only physical. Sensing her vulnerability, the servants of evil use her insecurity and self-doubt to try to tear Shan and Devon apart. If Shan doesn't learn to accept her desires and Devon's love, darkness will triumph and everyone she holds dear will be destroyed by terrifying nightmares come to life.