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.