Fael Mreroyell is an independent woman - a cat woman - who enjoys her freedom. After all, when you've spent half of your life as a slave, freedom is a pretty special commodity. She makes no excuses for the way she lives her life now, and if you don't like it? Well, that's really not her problem is it? Ubutu Bonachi knows all about getting out from beneath someone's thumb to live your own life. He survived his autocratic father's machinations which nearly destroyed his clan and lived to tell the tale. When Fael breezes into his life his cat sits up and takes notice, declares her his mate, and Bonachi thinks that's that and his life is now set. But is he ready for the brash, irreverent, independent feline? Fael's all for a little fun on the side with the sexy Hashani shifter, but a permanent mating? Uh-uh, no way. Fael's precious freedom is threatened when the spoiled son of a newly-minted ambassador for the Union of Planets accuses her of taking liberties and his parents insist she offer for him to restore his reputation. Bizarre? You bet, and Fael's not going down without a fight. When her and Bonachi's leaders decide the best solution is to get her out of the way to just let the furor die down, she's sent on an extended 'assignment' with Bonachi. They reason he has a prior 'claim', and this will give the pair time to get to know each other. It's the perfect answer, right? Bonachi quickly figures out Fael will not be pushed and has to decide if he's willing to throw all his preconceived notions about life and love out the airlock and accept the sassy feline on her terms.