Commander Archer Orwell cannot outrun the isolation that clings to him across the stars, not until the human female Nell Pryce steps onto his ship. Her virgin body and wary resilience spark a hunger he refuses to name, one that demands he claim exclusive rights to her before any other male can interfere.

The narrow corridors amplify their proximity, each moment tightening the forbidden pull between his scarred iridescent skin and her yielding curves. A rival's interest threatens to steal her away, sharpening Archer's possessive need to mark her as his and trace the crescent birthmark hidden on her inner thigh.

The quarters door seals behind them with the rival's challenge still unanswered. He orders her to give him the answer now.