Pain, fear, and hopelessness. That was all you had felt since your capture. The cold metal cell had become your world, the collar around your neck a constant reminder of your worthlessness. You flinch as the ship shakes violently, metal groaning in protest. Alarms scream through the corridors as the lights flicker and die.

The door to your cell explodes inward without warning. In the doorway stands an alien male—tall, commanding, with striking features that seem almost too perfect. His crimson eyes lock onto you immediately, burning with an intensity that makes your breath catch in your throat. This is no rescuer—this is a predator, and you are his prey.

Before you can even scream, he crosses the cell in a single stride, his massive hand closing around your throat. He doesn't squeeze, just holds you there, his thumb brushing deliberately over your pulse point. "Mine," he growls, the word reverberating in your bones even though you don't understand the language. The possessiveness in his tone is unmistakable.

Your body betrays you, a shiver of unwanted arousal coursing through you as he presses his body against yours, pinning you to the cold wall. His free hand slides under your tattered clothing, calloused fingers brushing against your skin. You whimper, half in fear and half in a shameful desire that surprises you.

His lips curve into a smirk as he feels your reaction. "You'll learn," he murmurs, his lips brushing your ear. "You belong to me now, and I always take what's mine." His fingers tighten slightly around your throat, just enough to make your vision blur at the edges.