Sold into slavery at the age of sixteen, Sora serves an abusive master for ten years. Then, to deal with his debts, she finds herself at auction again. Without her youth or any sought-after skills to increase her value, her future looks bleak. Slaves like her rarely survive long, and she expects to suffer and die soon after she's bought, either as a mine slave or in a meat bordello.

Searin, Prime Son of Talin and one of two potential next monarchs, is suffering the early effects of the Fading -- losing his appetite. The next step will be to lose interest in working before lying down and waiting to die. Those afflicted with the Fading are treated as if suffering from a shameful, self-inflicted disease. They're considered weak among the Talin, where love and bonding are strictly prohibited for "the good of the species."

Searin is desperate enough to borrow his good friend's pet human for quick cuddles to stave off the Fading. Humans are popular pets among the Talin. Perceived as weak, needy, and fragile, they're rarely sold, even when they become old and infirm. They're prized possessions among his species.

Because humans need so much affection -- according to Talin doctrine -- to stay healthy and happy, there's no shame in cuddling or comforting a human pet. Finally, Searin decides he needs one of his own and considers himself fortunate when he finds Sora at the auction house. With the human home world Earth long ago destroyed, humans are rare and scattered across the galaxy in small communities. This little female is a prize, and he hopes she'll come to trust him despite her previous experiences.

Sora isn't sure about her new master. He's kind and gentle and wants to hold and carry her. It doesn't take long for her to come to trust him and realize that her new role is that of a pet, not a slave. She's never lived in such comfort and finds herself feeling genuine affection for her new master.

Everything changes while Searin's away and his sister manipulates the situation. Soon, secrets are revealed and consequences must be faced. Can Searin figure out a way to be a good Prime Son but keep Sora and himself safe?

This is a standalone sci-fi romance with an HEA. There will be a hot alien man, purring, cuddling, and an FMC ready to face down the odds to keep the most important secret of her life safe. This novel is intended for audiences eighteen and older.
See inside for Content warnings.

(2021-12-1: edited to remove typos and grammatical errors)

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• Science Fiction & FantasyScience FictionFirst Contact

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