Book excerpt: This is a full-length, science-fiction, alien abduction romance that was previously released as part of a two-book collection introducing the first books in two series. Each book is now being released separately. This revised edition of The Scorpion's Mate has some small changes from the original. Claire has never really fit in with everyone around her, but she's carved out a life for herself using her own unique style and artistic ability to support herself on the Internet. The last thing she expects is to be abducted by aliens and dropped into a research facility, where a genetically-engineered alien soldier chooses her as his life-mate. Thrax's pheromones are compelling, and his status as a fellow unwilling test subject makes them allies, but Claire isn't certain she can trust someone who is convinced she belongs to him, when all she wants to do is find a way to return home to Earth-a place that her devoted alien can never follow, because there's no way the scorpion-like alien would ever be able to pass for human. Still, she'll accept help where she can find it, so she doesn't hesitate to escape with Thrax from the facility, though their time running from their pursuers in the warrens beneath the research facility will forever change Claire, and could make it impossible for her to return to Earth. But will there be anywhere else in the galaxy they can go where their love will be accepted?Author's Note: 18+ only, this book contains scenes of graphic intimacy and violence that are not intended for younger readers. Also, please note that the hero in this book is not human-looking and possesses an appearance and attributes that may not be comfortable for some readers to read about.