During the night, Serena is hit by a new wave of pain, cramps, and overheating. Her memory blurs after she stumbles to the bathroom and sits under cold water, but she wakes the next morning in Koen’s bed, having apparently sought him out instinctively while half-delirious. Mortified by the heavy sweat and scent she left all over his room, Serena strips the bed, starts the laundry, and frantically cleans before Koen can see what happened.

Even after showering, Serena still feels wrong until she secretly puts on one of Koen’s T-shirts under her sweater. The effect is immediate and calming, which suggests that being surrounded by Koen’s scent soothes something unsettled in her Were instincts. Serena then brings coffee to Amanda, who has been patrolling nearby in wolf form to guard her.

From the porch, Serena watches several wolves spar, including Koen. Amanda explains that most of the fighting is normal play-fighting used to release energy, but Koen is visibly rougher than usual with one wolf. When Serena asks what is wrong, Amanda says part of Koen’s agitation may be because he is constantly near his mate and feeling the strain of that bond.

Amanda’s blunt explanation makes Serena realize Koen is sexually frustrated. Serena briefly considers whether she could simply sleep with him, since she wants him too, but stops herself because she is dying and because Koen has repeatedly acted as though he does not want her. Trying to be practical, Serena says Koen should not have to remain pent up and that she could make herself scarce if he wanted to bring someone else home. Amanda is stunned, then reveals crucial information Serena did not know: the Alpha of the Northwest pack is bound by law to a celibacy covenant that forbids both physical and emotional intimate relationships.