Mia was bitten by a werewolf as a child and left for dead. But a magician called the Hunter saved her, using magic and healing arts. He smelled of smoke and cloves, and once she was healed, he left to continue hunting the werewolf who bit her. But he left some of his magic in her. Not only is Mia one of the rare female werewolves, but she grows to an enormous size and is able to wield magic. One day, she hears laughter and is drawn to a small group of homeless people, who teach her how to pass for human. One of the group comes into possession of a defunct forest preserve/rest stop and incorporates it as the town of Miasma, population four. Mia comes of age and werewolves, who are almost exclusively male, find her scent intoxicating and won't leave her and her people alone. Some packs try to take her by force while others try to woo her or reason with her. Mia just wants them to leave her and her group alone. Then, werewolves start being hunted and killed and no one can figure out how or what is doing it. But to Mia, the scent of cloves and smoke are like a signature. And she knows the Hunter is trying to find her.