Attacked by pirates and jumping blind into an asteroid field, Beth and Sven crash on a planet of the reclusive Sapath, a cat-shifting species.
As much of a surprise to Beth as to the Sapath, the humans are considered potential mates. The only problem is, Sven and Beth are married. The introduction of human hormones to the Sapath pheromones creates changes in the shifter society that most view as dangerous.
Interrogated, tested and studied, Beth just wants to resume her life with her husband as farmers on a human colony world.
Alavine, Princess of the Reaah Republic, and second highest voice in the land, finds herself drawn to Sven. The resulting ripples of dismay in her society put all their lives in danger.