Maurice is shocked to find a man, Ryan, who is her Alpha boss's son, unexpectedly present at her home. He reveals he is also a werewolf and, while playfully licking her, explains her sudden onset of heat is because her fated mate—him—has appeared nearby. When Ryan’s father arrives, Maurice panics, fearing her mate bond with Ryan will be exposed. She’s pressured to ride with Ryan, who later acknowledges he caused her distress and offers to help her relieve the heat, leaving the tense moment unresolved.