While driving through the city, Misery keeps replaying what she has learned and brings Lowe to her old apartment. Being in Misery’s home affects Lowe strongly because her scent is everywhere, and the intensity of his reaction makes Misery question earlier assumptions. Misery then asks direct questions about Gabi and learns that Gabi volunteered to serve as Were Collateral because she was presented to the Vampyres as Lowe’s mate only to satisfy the treaty’s requirement that the Collateral be a blood relative or equivalent. That revelation confirms for Misery that Gabi was never Lowe’s real mate.

Once Misery understands that point, the tension between her and Lowe breaks. Misery kisses Lowe, and they quickly become physically intimate against the wall of her apartment. Lowe tries to slow down because he is afraid of hurting Misery, especially because of Were anatomy and the possibility of knotting, but Misery insists that she wants him and wants to try. Their conversation makes clear that both desire each other intensely and that Lowe is struggling to balance restraint with need.

Lowe first brings Misery to orgasm with his hand, then penetrates her carefully. The sex feels unusually easy and complete to both of them, reinforcing Misery’s sense that their bond is deeper than ordinary attraction. Lowe repeatedly controls his movements so he will not knot or climax inside her, and Misery notices that this restraint itself suggests a special biological and emotional significance. After Misery climaxes again, Lowe pulls out before fully knotting and comes on her back instead.

In the quiet afterward, Misery asks whether Were males always knot. Lowe says they do not and implies that knotting happens only in certain pairings. Misery puts together Lowe’s earlier behavior, his reaction to her scent, and the mating explanation he once gave her, and concludes that she must be Lowe’s mate. Misery openly tells Lowe that she cares for him and believes he feels the same way, hoping he will finally confirm it.

Instead, Lowe abruptly shuts her down. He claims Misery has misunderstood him, denies that what is between them is mating or love, and cruelly frames her conclusion as wishful thinking born from loneliness and abandonment. Misery is devastated, especially because Lowe uses her personal history against her and acts as if their intimacy was a mistake. When Lowe receives a phone call, he seizes the interruption, says he has to leave, insists Misery be escorted back to Were territory for safety, and kisses her forehead before going. Misery retreats to her bedroom, hurt and unconvinced by his denial, while Lowe leaves them both in emotional ruin.