While on a clandestine visit to Earth, Prince Edem of Alpha and his bondmate Mallet by chance meet a humble cook who intrigues them. The impulsive prince feels a brief fling with an exotic human female would be the perfect way to conclude their travels, but his more pragmatic bondmate urges caution. Despite all the reasons to avoid her, the Alphans seek her out, intrigued by her prickly pride and defiant disposition. For her part, Corrine is intimidated by these imposing and mysterious alien men, but finds herself overwhelmed by their determined courtship. Edem and Mallet convince themselves their deepening feelings for Corrine do not have to include bonding, since such a commitment would be forbidden by the King and rejected by the subjects of Alpha, determined to keep the royal bloodline pure. But when danger threatens, the three are forced to choose between having the galaxy at their feet and having each other forever.