[Excerpt; first 4 chapters only] Aliens storm our ship, threatening the lives of the crew. I bow my head and approach the alien commander, Tarak. Alien predator eyes lock on me. In desperation, I invoke an ancient word. Tarak hurls a metal collar that clatters at my feet. With trembling hands, I seize the collar, lifting it to my neck. The collar locks. Tarak's tail thrashes in excitement, and he clips a leash to me. I make a vow. I wear this collar to save my crew, but Tarak will never own my spirit. Why then do I want to fall to my knees? Why do I crave his touch?