Acquainted with the Night — Tymber Dalton

Dale despised the Terran military. He was drafted, not a volunteer. He never expected to get captured by the Algonquans and sold as a breeder pet, either. He only prays his new owner is kind and doesn't eat him. Then he meets fellow pet, Mark, who informs him getting captured was the luckiest day of their lives.

Mark also hated the military and now spends his days in a life of sexual leisure, enjoying poetry and totally at peace with his fate. Dale settles in and finds not only does he enjoy this life, he loves Mark, too. Despite tragedy striking too close to home in their protected world, they find room to love their Master's newest pets, Cooper and Nate.

When the war ends and the Terran pets are granted their freedom, the men are faced with a choice: return, or stay with the owner they've grown to love?