Orphaned and raising my little brother on an alien planet had never been part of my life plan. Yet, here I am.

Experience has taught me not to rely on or trust anyone, especially men. So when one of the native alien warriors rushes in to “protect me” from a guy in our human settlement, my response is anger.

Soon after though, circumstances force me to move to the Tavikhi village. As I find myself spending more time around Rojtar, I begin to realize he might be the one man I can trust.

Rojtar

Since before the cold season, I have watched five of my tribe brothers find their keeshla—their fated mate—among the human females. It is something I wish for myself more than anything.

When I come across a human female being intimidated by a worthless male, instinct makes me step in to defend and protect her. A feeling—a knowing—of some kind tells me Abby is my mate.

Her distrust of people makes me act with caution though. Despite my overwhelming desire to touch her and see if she triggers my mating marks to appear, I will not. Instead, I must do all I can to earn her love.

Maeve

With the protection of a brand new identity, I flee Earth on a ship bound for a planet light years away from the death that awaits me if I remain here.

Months later, life on Tavikh is good. As long as I avoid the attention of the massive Tavikhi warriors—the alien race native to this planet. Two of my best friends may have found their mates amongst them, but the men—males—terrify me. Especially the largest, grumpiest warrior in the village.

Benham

From the moment the humans arrived on Tavikh, we have done our best to protect them from our enemies. And yet, all they do is take advantage of our shefir's kindness. The new shefira and her four closest tribe sisters are the only exception.

They bring hope to our people. Or to those wishing for a mate. Which does not include me. At least not until I accidentally collide with the smallest, always-frightened female who triggers my mating marks. Now I must prove to her that, with me, she has nothing to fear.

Sage

I've built a new life on the planet Tavikh, spending every day seeking penance. And despite witnessing three of my new-found friends find their fated mate, I don't dare hope to find mine. Not when there's a chance someone from Earth will arrive to take me back to face the consequences for what I did.

But when a gravely wounded warrior is brought into the healer's tent, a single touch from me triggers his mating marks to appear. Maybe my punishment isn't having to return to my planet, but rather being given a mate only for him to be taken from me.

Jodah

Ever since Deeka blessed the other warriors with their fated mates, I have wondered if the goddess will find me equally worthy. After awakening from a grievous injury, I discover it is the healer's apprentice she has chosen for me. Except, despite my mating marks, I do not feel the mate bond within, leaving me to question whether Deeka made a mistake in her choice. Or perhaps I am being tested.

As I recover, and we spend more time together, there is something about my mate that makes me hope the bond may still form. Now I have to decide if I will follow where my heart is leading me or reject the female who may or may not be mine.

Zara

Betrayed by someone I thought I could trust. Disowned by parents who never loved me anyway. Which means I have nowhere to go except to another planet. To my surprise, this new life on Tavikh is almost better than my previous one.

I have great friends and who'd complain about the view? Towering lavender aliens with long, golden-blond hair, muscles for days, and tails that put naughty, wicked thoughts in my head. So what if the village is a little primitive and I'm struggling to find my place?

But then some a-hole aliens from another tribe decide they need women and the next thing I know I'm slung belly-down over some mutant camel-lion-thing. Somebody better rescue me for my sake and for the sake of the dude whose life I'm about to make miserable.

Kyler

At forty cold seasons, I am almost considered an elder of the tribe. Which is why I should not be drawn to one of the human females who lives in our village. She is most likely the mate of one of the younger warriors. Yet my eyes are constantly drawn to the weapon maker's apprentice with her bari-colored hair, nenuphar-bloom eyes, and curves that make the tips of my fingers tingle with the need to explore.

When she is taken captive by Njeri warriors, I volunteer to join the rescue party. Despite being our tribe's healer, I will destroy anyone who dares hurt her. Soon, I discover that it is not only her body I must heal, but also her heart.