Eleven years after the day he left, Xan Davis returns to Los Lobos as a different wolf. Having promised his mad Alpha, Magnum, that no one would ever know who he really is, the man is forced to endure unspeakable torture in distant lands. The Black Hills call to his tormented soul, so Xan returns, hoping the familiar woods will soothe his tormented inner beast. Born a coyote but living as a human, Liv Dunn is constantly looking over her shoulder. Less than a year earlier, a former patient had assaulted her, leaving her emotionally devastated. Hoping for a fresh start and a chance to find the coyote that has remained elusive since her childhood, she travels to the Black Hills. Suffering from PTSD and no longer able to turn around, Xan tries to forget herself by getting drunk at a bar. Gee; Drew intervenes, forcing him to undergo therapy with a human therapist living near Los Lobos. But just as their relationship begins to develop, Xan's past knocks on the door. This time his enemy targeted his mate, knowing that Xander would do anything to protect her.