Born the bastard son of the elder king and his dula, Voren was abused and tormented as a child simply for committing the ultimate sin of being alive. His final shame was the disfigurement inflicted deliberately so he could never sire the young Ishtaan so desperately needed. Rachel Martina Coleman was used to a fight—from the gangs of LA to constantly having to prove herself to her fellow soldiers—but being an expert markswoman didn’t make her invincible. She survived a three-against-one assault by jealous douchebags the night before she woke up on an alien planet. Now, three months later, she realizes she is carrying the physical consequences of that last night on Earth. Can two damaged souls used to clawing for everything they have finally give up the fight long enough to fall in love, or will both of them stubbornly refuse to admit they might just be perfect for each other. And will Rachel ultimately be able to trust Voren’s promises, or will she always worry that he wants her for what she can give him, not for who she is?