Karzin by Elin Wyn

The Xathi may be defeated. But the battle to rebuild is just beginning.
For geologist Annie Parker, all she can hope for is helping her shattered family heal while she works in her quiet laboratory.
Until a mysterious seismic eruption shakes her entire world all over again.
Teamed up with a surly Valorni, Annie just wants to get the job done. Investigate the incident and get back to her lab.
Ignore the intriguing flashes of the man inside his bitter shell, ignore the sparks he sends through her at every touch.
The war for Ankou was never his.
And Strike Team Two Leader Karzin needs to go home.
His team may be fine helping the humans rebuild their cities, but he has other plans. He’ll find a way back to the Home Worlds, or kill himself trying.
When General Rouhr orders him to help the tiny human female in her research, only long-standing discipline takes him to her side.
But once he’s there, it’ll take more than the attacks of this strange new enemy to drag him away from her.
And when even their memories are under siege, Karzin and Annie may find they have something worth fighting for after all.