Emma rescued Brian from the brutal cages of an underground beast market when he was merely an abandoned cub. For thirteen devoted years, she poured her youth and affection into nursing the wolf shifter back to strength, accepting his cold demeanor as lingering childhood trauma.
Everything shatters when Emma overhears Brian mocking her devotion, confessing to fellow beastkin that he despises her ordinary presence and wishes her glamorous cousin had claimed him instead. Cutting all ties without anger or explanation, Emma releases his bond and walks out forever. Only when she disappears completely does the arrogant wolf realize whose unconditional protection kept him alive.
