On the night of a full moon, Payne Manor invited Chef Lowe; he couldn't make it and sent his apprentice. A woman, Sylvia Snow, claims to be his apprentice and offers to cook. Alpha Eric — identified as Eric Payne, the richest man in Valia and owner of Payne Manor — rejects a human female in his kitchen. Sadie, who had sent Sylvia away earlier, apologizes and reports Sylvia refused to leave and caused trouble. Sadie feels an odd familiarity toward him. The confrontation escalates and ends unresolved, forcing Eric to decide whether she may stay.