Harper adopts Lucian, a pureblood fox beastman, who looks down on her for being poor and low-born. He openly flirts with another beastwoman, Serena, convinced Harper is too needy to ever leave. He even claws her arm. Heartbroken, Harper applies for a replacement. Lucian assumes she's just jealous and mocks her—until Kane arrives: a grey wolf who looks fierce but is gentle and loyal. Kane retracts his claws on first meeting, crouching so he won't scare her, protecting her in every way. When the Bureau announces Lucian's recall, he finally realizes she's truly done with him. He kneels, begging for forgiveness, but Harper coldly refuses. She's learned: if someone's wrong for you, just replace them.
