Being the only female on a ship full of hot dragon warriors would be a dream come true for most women. Stacy If it weren't for all the wounded pouring into her med-center, Stacy might enjoy the novelty of being surrounded by so many admiring dragon males. Even a heads up when a battle was brewing would help. However their taciturn captain left much to be desired when it came to communication. Just when she was primed to give him a piece of her mind, he offered himself for scourging in punishment for his oversight. The poignant reminder of the abuse he'd suffered at the hands of his former queen melted away her anger. When her guard was down, she had to admit that big, scarred captain was attractive. Guarding her heart from him was going to be a nearly impossible task. Meric Draconian queens were deceitful, vicious and thought nothing of digging their claws into a warrior when least expected. Having been a breeder for ten long solars, Meric knew their ways well. Draconian females were hosts for parasites that fed on the pain of others. They'd lull a male into a false sense of security before unleashing horrible physical and emotional abuse. Humans were unlike the queens he'd known. They seemed open, outgoing and almost innocent compared to Draconian queens. There was no arguing that they were clever and intelligent beings, but Meric harbored reservations about their true motivations. He'd guard himself until he was sure they weren't simply more skilled at deception. Especially the lovely healer who had insisted upon joining his crew. Meric knew that he spent far too much time thinking of the fair human female. It took all his discipline as a warrior not to follow her with his eyes and come running when she needed assistance. He refused to allow himself to become enamored with another cruel female, albeit it one wrapped in a beautiful package.