Impetus. The Fracture War, #2

Public Enemy Number One-- After the Vega Massacre, Andler, the Chief Beryllian Doctor, is desperately trying to save his kind from the brink of extinction. With bonded pairs being targeted, their ability to reproduce is reduced to almost nothing. In his battle to save as many bonded pairs as he can, hope comes from the devastation in the form of an injured Skellyd doctor named Xerra. Immediately drawn to her, Andler is confused by his own core's reaction to Xerra.
Not only is he attracted to her, Xerra once had a bondmate, something thought impossible for a Skellyd! Xerra has accepted her impending deactivation. Injured and grieving for the death of her coremate, it is the paradox of all bonded pairs- When one mate dies, the other follows. She is shocked and confused when she feels a deep connection to the Beryllian doctor who is treating her. Her own medical experience helps her recognize what is happening even as she struggles to understand how it is possible for her to survive the effects of core-shock. Thrust together, Andler and Xerra must find a way to put aside their differences and work together to save all inhabitants of Beryll from a new Skellyd-Beryllian combined society of subjugation and misery.
As they help another couple grappling with core-shock heal, will they learn to heal themselves? Find out in the emotionally-charged second book of The Fracture War series! (A science fiction robot romance emotionally-charged space opera thriller with dark themes.)