Tracy St. John's Blog, page 15

Announcing A New Kalquor Universe Series: Dark Empire

Hello, all. I have a surprise for you. I have quietly beenworking on a new series, one unlike previous Kalquor books. Welcome to the DarkEmpire. 

We’re rejoining the Kalquorian Empire five years after Clansof Kalquor 12: Alien Outcast. The empire has enjoyed a period of peacesince the end of the Basma’s civil war and the defeat of Bi’is. That is aboutto change.

So what’s different about this series? First of all, there’san ensemble cast of characters. Clans, new and familiar, are on tap. Some willmake a brief appearance in Book 1 to set up their storylines in Book 2, sodon’t be confused if a clan shows up for no seeming particular reason (example:Clan Nako).

Who’s in Book 1? Old friends such as Clan Piras and ClanTranis. Sparks will fly between new characters Clan Rihep and Earth II GovernorStacy Nichols. Young Dramok Ilid is another new character whose bravery in theface of unspeakable horror could save Kalquor. A host of more characters, whosestories will be told in coming books, will be introduced.

You might think of this series as being a book version of atelevision show, such as Star Trek or Game of Thrones. We’ll behopping around as events unfold, watching multiple storylines develop againstthe backdrop of an encroaching danger for not only Kalquor, but the entirety ofthe Galactic Council of Planets…which includes Earth II.

There’s still romance and plenty of hot encounters. However,the series is hedging slightly closer to science fiction. There will becliffhangers. Happily-for-nows instead of happily-ever-afters, much in the veinof the Shalia’s Diary series. You’ve been warned.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting the beginning pages of DarkEmpire 1: Shadows Approach on the blog until the book’s release on August 4. This meansyou’ll get a good preview of what this series is about. The book releasesAugust 4, and is available in pre-order and print now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

What does this mean for other series, such as ClanBeginnings, First Mataras, Clan Companions, and Clans of Europa? I plan tocontinue writing them as side projects, when time allows. It could be quiteawhile before any new books in those series appear. Apologies to those whomight wish it otherwise, but one series in particular has suffered asubstantial downturn in sales. I still have to pay my bills, so I must putnon-performers on the back burner, as much as I love to write them.

In the meantime, strap in, ladies and gentlemen. TheKalquorian Universe just got a lot bigger and more dangerous. Wednesday theadventure begins with the first blog sample from Shadows Approach. Ihope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it!

 

In the aftermath ofthe Kalquorian civil war and the defeat of the Bi’is invasion fleet, the empirehas enjoyed peace. A new Earth has been born. A Kalquorian leads the GalacticCouncil of Planets. An era of harmony seems assured.

However, new dangersarrive on the horizon. Governor Stacy Nichols finds herself at odds withpowerful opponents who want Earth II to return to the old ways that led to thedemise of their original planet. They’ll do anything to stop her, especiallywhen they discover her newfound romance with Clan Rihep of Kalquor.

After five years and aterrifying encounter with an unknown entity, Clan Piras is finally leavingtheir spy duties in Bi’is space. Now they must face enemies closer to home: thefamilies of those they sacrificed while on a secret mission during theKalquorian civil war.

A new threat to theexistence of Kalquor and the entire Galactic Council of Planets arrives in themidst of these challenges, a dark menace unlike anything faced before. Oneyoung, inexperienced spyship ensign is all that stands between the galaxy andutter destruction. Can he warn the empire in time…or is it already too late?

DarkEmpire 1: Shadows Approach releasesAugust 4. Pre-order now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Kobo, Apple, and print.

Now on Sale: Irene

 

Nowhere to run

“We can’t outrun him. Unless…” Rusp’s fingers flew over thecontrols. “The Moclu System’s ten minutes away, running engines all out. Thereare comets, asteroids, moons, a couple of planets. We can use any of them wecan reach to hide traces of our passage, at least for a little while.”

It was next to nothing, and both men knew it. They wereabout to get caught, and there wasn’t a damned thing Sherv could do about it.

Jemi’s shout came from the end of the corridor. “The guysare here!”

“Close hatch. We’re going.” Sherv sent the order to thedockmaster to uncouple the ship.

Seconds later, they were winging toward the Moclu System attop speed. Taru, Anez, and Lorj had joined them, as had Jemi, packing thecockpit tight. Sherv watched as the destroyer’s icon changed course. They’dbeen identified.

“It’s faster than us. We won’t reach Moclu System.” Ruspglanced at Sherv, then the weapons station.

“We can’t fight them. We can’t endanger Irene.”

At the mention of her name, she gripped Sherv’s shoulder.“What’s happening? I’m guessing your fleet is on its way, but catch me up.”

He told her about Ezrob’s warning. He pointed to the redtriangle pursuing them. He only kept one detail to himself.

She stared at the symbol denoting the pursuing Nil. “I’ll beforced to clan? I’ll never see my parents again?”

Buy now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print.

 

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

 

Now on Sale: Irene

 

Queen of the stage

Sherv’s head bobbed violently as he made the uferliss wail.The Plasian instrument’s eerie air might have sounded delicate, but it wove overthe thunderous boom of percussion and trasbu bass in a brilliant counterpoint.The club was full and rocking hard. The crew had set up a barrier between theaudience and the stage, unheard of at lemanthev shows, but necessary to allowParlek to move from side to side to capture the band on vid as it played.

Their would-be manager was shooting the footage, but hehadn’t stopped gaping since they’d taken the stage, one at a time, addinginstruments in staggered syncopation. The men wore black-padded outfits,flex-steel armor exposed in places. Their stage clothing had been cut to displaytheir most impressive attributes in a silent statement of power. Even Jemilooked like pure strength in a body-hugging armored getup.

Their instruments had been painted matte black, adding tothe threatening aura they’d decided to emulate. The music wasn’t the wall ofhowls and brutality of lemanthev, but Sherv thought they looked every bit asimpressive. More so, perhaps. The customers had gawped as they took in thetrio.

Then Irene had stepped onto the stage, her arms wide, as ifto declare “look at me.” As if anyone would be able to tear their eyes off her.Before she sang the first note, the customers had left their tables, drawing asclose as Taru, Anez, and Lorj had allowed, their awe apparent.

Irene still sported black hair, darker skin, and purpleeyes, though her lenses had been upgraded so she could actually see. But shewore no gown typical of a Kalquorian woman. Her outfit had been pulled togetherfrom the same tight material as the men’s, embellishments added to accentuateher already imposing figure and presence.

Black leather straps had been added to the bodice of hertop, to give it what she termed a corset-look. She’d also added a tiered skirt,but only at the back. It framed her long, strong legs in their tight pants and knee-highboots, the heels of which made her as tall as Jemi. Metallic chrome studsoutlined her breasts and accented the trim of her clothing.

Her waist-length hair framed her shoulders and face. She’dlined her eyes in black and painted her lips to match. She was stunning, cool,and rather intimidating.

She sang, and the crowd lost its collective mind. EvenSherv, who’d rehearsed and heard her for weeks now, was newly astonished. Sheattained vocal heights that sent chills over his body, then she surpassedherself on the following song. Her glissandos were as smooth as glass, nohitching over any notes. She ranged from a growl in one breath to head voicethe next, without seeming effort. When she belted full-throated, she saturatedthe room.

Whenever Sherv glanced at his clanmates, they were grinningfrom ear to ear, as he did. They sounded good too, there was no denying it. ButIrene as frontwoman owned the stage, and the crowd eagerly obeyed herexhortations to clap or shout along. When she whipped her hair to the beat, thosewho had hair or manes did too. They hung on every instant, every movement sheperformed.

Had he been in love with her before? Sherv was utterly lostin her, hanging on to her presence as desperately as their audience. She waseverything.

Buy now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print.

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

 * * * *

Make sure to check the blog next Wednesday for news. Something new, something exciting, something dark, is coming soon to the Kalquorian universe.

Now On Sale - First Mataras: Irene

 

Now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print.

Happily never after?

She stepped in. Jemi sat on the edge ofthe sleeping mat, his shoulders hunched and head hanging. He stared up throughthe black strands fallen over his face.

“Hey,” Irene said. “Are you okay?”

He shrugged, then shook his hair back.“No.”

“Me either. I’m trying, but it isn’tquite working.” She edged closer.

“I don’t want every time we make loveto feel it be the last. It hurts, Irene.” His expression was pure miserydespite the obvious swelling of his crotch as he stared at her nudity.

“I don’t either.” She sat next to himbut didn’t touch, determined she wouldn’t push him. “But it reminds me of howtruly precious what little we have is. I hate it, but I’m grateful as well. Ican’t take any of it for granted.”

“Will it be worth it? Later?” His voicewas unnaturally thick.

“I don’t know. Maybe at first, it won’tfeel like it. We might even wish it hadn’t happened when we’re missing eachother the most.” She drew a breath and swiped at the tears escaping. “I thinkin the end, I’ll be glad to have been with you as much as possible. Eventually,I’ll have more to smile than cry about when I remember this.”

“You think so?”

“That’s how it usually goes when Ihaven’t visited my parents in a long while. It’s been over a year and a half,if you don’t count vid coms. Trust me, those aren’t the same as being with themin person.”

“We won’t even have that, will we?”

“Not for a while. But Jemi, change isconstant. We can’t imagine it happening now, but someday Earth and Kalquormight get along. Nothing’s impossible.”

Buy now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print.

 

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

Now on Sale - First Mataras: Irene - Read Chapter Two Now

 

Here I am, doing what I love most…teasing and tempting! Ifyou haven’t grabbed up the sci-fi rock and roll fantasy that is First Mataras:Irene, you’re missing out. You can read Chapter One on yesterday’s post…andhere’s Chapter Two.

Or read it all by buying it now:

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print.

 

The thunder of sound was almost aphysical blow, and Irene stood frozen a few steps beyond the entrance in shock.Her senses reeled.

The bass thud had become blisteringthunder inside the sound-canceling barrier, which had kept the club from breakingthe station’s noise level regulations. Irene was grateful her headgear and thehood tugged over it offered some buffering, but her ears would probably beringing when she left.

When she’d recovered from her surprise,she stepped further in the room, taking in her surroundings.

A long bar spanned most of one wall ofthe club, and the clientele standing at it were predominantly Kalquorians. Atleast half wore those black uniforms trimmed in blue, red, or green. The redspredominated, and Irene noted those men had the fiercest expressions, thoughthey appeared relaxed and content for the most part. Even the pair slammingfists into each other’s chests in turn looked absurdly happy. They laughed andgrowled at what was apparently a contest of strength or perseverance. Irenewondered if they’d end up caving in their sternums.

Others, again predominantlyKalquorians, crowded the floor, milling around and shouting in companions’ears. At around the halfway mark to the other end of the club, more stoodgrouped tightly, congregating at the stage’s edge. Thick arms swollen withmuscles and tendons pumped the air in time with the driving beat. It filledIrene’s body; a brutal pulse her heart tried to keep up with.

Her attention zeroed in on the stage asanimals’ howls and growls filled the air and the audience cheered. Three menstood up there, Kalquorians.

She stared. Again, she was astonishedinto stillness, but not because of the sound, which for once in her life, tooksecond place to sight.

The men were shirtless. Gleaming,muscular chests shone with perspiration, accentuating their brawn. The manbeating a line of drums of various sizes and tones, which were set up on theleft of the stage, barely wore anything at all, including shoes. His shortsweren’t skintight, unlike the pants the man screaming at the crowd wore, butthey left little to the imagination. Irene gaped at the obvious bulges of thetrio’s crotches. 

Warmth that had nothing to do with thebody heat of so many gathered people filled her. Her lower guts trembled.

She’d had crushes and fantasies, ofcourse. The curious feelings which she knew were taboo on her home planet haddriven her to touch herself in her narrow bed in New York and learn of carnalpleasure. She was naïve about much when it came to sexuality, but she wasn’tentirely clueless.

However, the blatant vision of suchnaked masculinity was a revelation. She was seeing men, really seeingmen, for the first time in her shielded life.

They were beautiful. Even thedrumbeater, his long, shaggy hair and beard dripping sweat, was brutallygorgeous. His feet pounded the gray-floored stage in time with his drumming,which he alternated between fists, open palms, and thin polished sticks.

The music began to creep back intoIrene’s consciousness when she recognized the sheer technique of his work, theperfect timing he managed despite snarling at the crowd and snapping his headfrom side to side or back and forth. As untamed as his work had initiallysounded, Irene easily determined the rhythm and how he varied the tone bysoftening or intensifying his approach. His fills appeared at the perfectmoments, never stepping on the work of his companions.

Tuned to the music, Irene’s focus wentto the man at the right of the stage. She was surprised to note such a largefellow, though slighter and shorter than his companions, could appear almostdelicately handsome. His features were gentle despite his enthusiastic blowinginto an instrument shaped similarly to a bassoon, but the bell was a large,fluted shape. It emitted the growling sounds weaving through the drumming.Irene thought of jungles and forests full of wild animals, though she’d neverbeen to such places. Nor did she think animals could have achieved the nuancedrhythm and range of notes emitting from the instrument. The way the musicianplayed it, she was certain it could have found a home in an orchestra.

She’d delayed considering the man inthe middle of the trio for last. After concentrating on his companions, whowere undeniably talented, Irene turned her attention reluctantly to thescreaming front man to discover why they’d joined someone so beneath theirabilities. 

He was handsome enough despite thelivid face his violent efforts produced. In fact, in the moments his features relaxedbetween howls, he was quite striking. His eyes were large, prominent inotherwise well-balanced features. A smile broke out every now and then,increasing how attractive he was. His straight hair, cut to shaggily frame hisface, hung to his shoulders. He possessed presence, Irene noted, and hisintense expressions, exhortations, and gestures to amp up the crowd betweenshouts worked to great effect. They responded to his every word with agreeingbellows…whatever he was saying in Kalquorian, they liked…and when his fistspumped the air or he clapped, they answered in kind. As far as performancewent, he was terrific.

But his voice…

Irene’s life revolved around singing,and she recognized damaged vocal cords when she heard them. The lead vocalist’shad been injured at some point, producing a raspy quality impossible to miss.She winced as he howled foreign words, his voice showing the strain in eachoff-note. Why hadn’t he had the damage repaired?

As she tuned to his technique, however,she had to admit for what he was doing, it fit the wild sound of the band. Likethe drummer and growly-instrument player, he had technique. He breathedproperly and seemed to understand the difference between chest and headsinging. He used both and in-between to produce vocalizations appropriate tothe song. His vocal-fold technique was solid when he exploited it. He washowling notes, not merely making noise. It became obvious he’d had training.The audience didn’t seem to mind the quality she’d initially cringed to hear.It apparently worked as far as Kalquorian musical sensibilities were concerned.

He wasn’t so bad after all, given whathe had to work with. As Irene grew used to his sound and gained acceptance ofit, she found herself enjoying the primal harmonies and raw energy. It was theopposite of serene Plasian music, certainly worlds away from opera, but the menwere definitely musicians in their own right.

Her interest was diverted when aKalquorian passed closer to her than any had dared, actually bumping into herand shifting her cloak. His gaze raked her with interest as he passed. Irenewas startled to recognize the red-trimmed clanmate of the Kalquorian captain, amember of the trio who’d gone backstage after the opera. For an instant, panicfilled her as she wondered if he’d recognized her.

He muttered unintelligibly and movedon, though his eyes swept over her yet again. His clanmates were also present.They followed him to the bar, also affording her notice but continuing past.

Calm settled over her. They’d beencurious because they thought she was Odeergin. It was possible the speciesdidn’t make it a habit to attend a Kalquorian music shows. If so, she needed toget out before someone, possibly Captain Nil, thought to question her presence.

It was late anyhow. She needed to go toher quarters. Since the Kalquorians had left the opera venue, a member ofsecurity might decide to check on her. If Donald or anyone else realized she’ddisappeared without anyone noticing, it was a valid concern.

She’d reach her suite faster if sheused the service corridor. Figuring no one who worked in the club wouldchallenge an Odeergin, she headed for the back door.

 

Nobek Rusp pounded his drums in hisusual frenzy as his band, Certain Death, neared the end of their show, hours ofdedicated practice covering for his divided attention.

He’d initially noticed the Odeerginwhen it entered the club. The species had a tendency to clear an area. Hisworry the poisoned-breath alien might cause the evacuation of what had become avery passionate crowd proved unfounded. Probably since the greater number ofthe customers were Nobeks on leave from a destroyer, which had docked at thestation earlier in the afternoon. It would be a point of pride for the warriorbreed to remain in the vicinity of certain death if the Odeergin was riled.Especially since the venue was crowded, which begged for trouble.

The Odeergin had simply stood still forthe most part, slowly advancing a step every few minutes as it watched Rusp’slemanthev band, Certain Death, perform. Who knew Odeergins had good taste inmusic? Touring and playing gigs in the wide reaches of the galaxy taught Ruspsomething new every day.

He’d continued watching the cloakedcreature in case someone did offend it and it pulled off the long-snouted maskto enact revenge. In such a situation, he’d grab Sherv and Jemi and rush themfrom the stage to the back corridor.

That was why he noticed the“Odeergin’s” leg when a Nobek fleet officer brushed against it, shifting theconcealing cloak so the limb was exposed. Rusp had been so surprised by thelong, smooth, female calf emerging from a scuffed brown boot, he’dalmost missed a beat…which he’d taken to boasting hadn’t happened in an entireyear.

He recovered, automatic muscle memorysaving him, as the figure stared at the officer who’d made glancing contact.Then it began to move toward the stage…or rather, to Jemi’s side of the stage,toward the back corridor.

Rusp barely noticed as the endingcrescendo boomed over the crowd yelling the approval he usually lived for. He’dseen pictures of Odeergins. They were scaled rather than smooth. Their legswere cylindrical, not curved. The only leg he’d was aware of that matched thefigure slipping past the stage was of the rarest being in the galaxy: aKalquorian woman.

As the last note died and Shervbellowed over the applause, “Thank you! We’ll be playing here for the next twoweeks, so be sure to come back!” Rusp rushed to Jemi’s side of the stage ratherthan acknowledge the crowd.

What was a Kalquorian Matara doing in aclub on her own? The Beonid station was one of the safer places Certain Deathhad played, but there were still the sort of ruffians roaming around who’dstoop to holding a member of Kalquor’s greatest treasure hostage.

Rusp’s sole thought was to reach herand find out why she wasn’t among clanmates who should be keeping her safe.Then returning her to them or perhaps to a parent clan before she landed introuble.

Were there still females young enoughto be accompanied by their parents? Not fertile ones, but the majority who wereunable to provide children were still precious.

“Rusp! Where are you going?” Shervshouted hoarsely as the Nobek sprang off the stage and hurried down theemployees’ back hallway.

He didn’t answer. The door to theservice corridor was closing, a swirl of brown cloak disappearing from sight.He put on a burst of speed and rushed from the club.

The woman disguised as an Odeergandidn’t turn to respond to the hiss of the door she’d escaped through opening,though she was mere steps away. Rusp was on her heels in an instant. “Matara?”

As she began to turn toward him, Shervand Jemi arrived at his side. Both jerked when they saw the Odeergin breathingmask face them.

“Fuck, Rusp! Get away from it!” Shervgrabbed his shoulder and yanked.

Instead, the Nobek snagged the skirt ofthe cloak where its closures ended and swept it wide. He was treated to thesight of a pair of undeniably Kalquorian knees and shins. Definitely a woman’slegs.

Except there was something wrong. Theskin color was too fair. He realized it an instant before her gloved handslapped him hard.

He blinked at the sting and ache of hisjaw…she had impressive strength…but his brain was busy noting Odeergins didn’thave five-fingered hands like Kalquorians. Nevertheless, his heart nearlystopped when she clutched the respirator snout of her headgear and shoved itupward. Jemi screamed, and Sherv yelled in anticipatory horror an instantbefore her furious features were exposed.

Rusp gaped at the brown eyes and theirodd round pupils. She wasn’t a Kalquorian Matara after all. She was an Earther.

 

Buy now at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print.

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent on snatchingIrene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfit musicianspossibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

Now on Sale - First Mataras: Irene - Read the First Chapter Now

 

It’s out! First Mataras: Irene has been unleashed. Are youready to rock with this incredible singer and the band of musical misfits she’sfound? Read on for Chapter One:

 

Applause washed over Irene Jonson, awarm tide she basked in. She dipped a curtsey and bowed her head, then joinedthe ensemble cast at the rear of the stage. She clapped as Fausto andValentina, the show’s leads, swept in from opposite sides to accept theirwell-earned accolades.

Fausto Casello, known to his ardentfans merely as Fausto, beamed at the various aliens who stood to cheer him. Anaccomplished tenor, he was known even in the far reaches of the galaxy. Hisfame and his insistence he be allowed to tour had sent the opera companythroughout the territories of the Galactic Council of Planets’ membershipdespite Earth’s tendency toward isolationism. Fausto was on a mission to spreadhuman opera as a gesture of goodwill to the myriad species Earth courted asallies. The government and Church had been bent to his arguments, desperate tobe allowed to colonize planets to house Earth’s ever-growing population.

At his side, Valentina De León acceptedpraise, hers the regal benevolence of a queen. She was an hourglass in red nextto Fausto’s barrel torso, a haughty beauty with black hair and flashing eyes.She’d been in top form for their performance, and Irene joined in giving herdue applause. When Valentina was on form, no better soprano could be foundanywhere.

Irene and the rest of the company weretaking their final bows before leaving the spotlight to its stars to becelebrated on their own, when a complement of the group’s security andchaperones spilled onto the stage. James Donald, head of the tour’s security,barked, “Clear the stage immediately! For your safety, the cast must move tothe backstage area now.”

The applause died. The audience lookedat each other and muttered, many looking fairly alarmed. Irene caught a glimpseof Fausto’s face, blistered red, before her chaperone appeared at her side andgrabbed her upper arm. Dolores pulled…she nearly yanked…Irene to the wings.“Come quickly. Kalquorians are present, and I want you out of sight.”

Irene snorted, but softly. She hadintentions to wander the clubs later that night. She needed to keep Dolores, aformer nun and current emissary of the Church, from keeping too close an eye onher. They joined the crush of cast, chaperones, and security leaving the stage.

Behind Irene, Fausto’s voice boomed.“Do not fear, esteemed patrons! We will be onstage again tomorrow night withoutfail, ready to thrill you with another performance. Thank you, and goodnight!”

Backstage, his hearty warmth becamefiery rage as he shouted at Donald, spittle dotting his dark beard like gems.“How dare you desecrate the boards with your foolishness!”

“A group of Kalquorians—”

“Kalquorians, bah! They are nothing inthe hallowed halls of opera. Have you no respect for the genius of Regio’swork? For the hours we rehearsed to perfect this singular piece of art? For theeffort I put into this successful performance? No one disrespectsFausto! Allow me to change into clothes in which I can swing my fists, and I’llteach you better manners, sir.”

Few paid the pair any mind. Fausto’stantrums, though boisterous, were rarely of any consequence. He was obeyed andcoddled because of his millions of rabid fans, rather than his temper. Even theChurch was careful about crossing him.

Dolores was among the minority whowatched Fausto pitch a fit, her thin lips compressed in disapproval. “The manhas no shame. I hope Mr. Donald puts him in his place for once.”

Irene managed to keep her eyes fromrolling. Fausto was Fausto. He had his fair share of ego and wasn’t afraid touse his fame and charm to get what he wanted…and plenty of it. He was alsosensitive under the bluster, a big gooey marshmallow who wept easily atanother’s pain.

Valentina took no notice of hercostar’s histrionics. She strutted past the gesticulating Fausto and patientDonald to strut up to Irene, her chaperone Rosalie a couple of paces behind.“What do you think, girl? If I’d been allowed to take my bows, I would havebeen called back three times. Do you doubt I was born to play Esther?”

“Not at all. You were brilliant. Theaudience love you.”

Valentina swelled with pride. She gazedup at Irene’s superior six feet as if she’d scored a major triumph. “They did.For aliens, they know talent. You did well too,” she added as a grudgingafterthought.

“Thank you.”

“But you are no Queen Esther! Someday,perhaps, but not yet. Probably not for some time.” Valentina’s eyes glitteredas she dared Irene to refute her.

Irene quelled the urge to point out therole of Queen Esther called for a woman much older than her twenty-seven years,but it would have been cruel to do so. On the cusp of forty, Valentina washardly old, but she wasn’t taking her upcoming birthday well. It didn’t helpher performances were inconsistent, her singing and acting only as good as hermood. Fausto had included her in the touring company out of loyalty…they’dperformed together nearly two decades. Why he’d promised her two-thirds of theleading lady roles, Irene couldn’t quite understand. When they’d performedexclusively in New York, Irene had been tapped to play lead more often than thetalented but tempestuous Valentina.

Irene felt no need to play upon hercastmate’s fragile esteem. Especially tonight. She smiled. “You didn’t playEsther. You were Esther.”

Valentina deflated a little. High on aflawless performance, she was eager to remind her young up-and-comingcompetition how good she was. Irene had denied her the opportunity. She wasforced to nod graciously and mutter, “Thank you.” An awkward beat later, sheswept to the clustered males of the chorus to receive their accolades.

“As the Book says, pride goeth before afall,” Dolores muttered. “Mark my words, Valentina will fall far when God isdone with her.”

Irene was tempted to correct the formernun’s quotation, which actually read “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughtyspirit before a fall.” Knowing it would open a different can of worms kept hersilent.

“I’ll check the dressing room and see how crowded it is,” she told herchaperone.

“Judging from how few of the women are here, it’s probably bursting at theseams.” Dolores cast a sour eye at the half dozen young actresses remaining inthe main area, vastly outnumbered by men. Judgment was etched on every line ofher pudgy face despite the fact each woman was accompanied by either a husbandor a chaperone.

Irene nodded toward Meg, a diminutive member of the chorus. The luckygirl’s mother was an assistant seamstress to the wardrobe department andfunctioned as her chaperone. The pair shared quarters near Irene’s. “It may bea while before I can change, and you’ve had a long day. Why don’t I walk to myroom with Meg and Mrs. Hoffman, and you can turn in early?”

The relief in Dolores’ gaze was unmistakable. Irene was no more than anassignment to her. The cheerless chaperone was untouched by opera, thinking ita den of sin despite the fact only biblical subject matter was performed. Shedisapproved of those who performed it, and outright despised the flirtatiousFausto and temperamental Valentina.

Irene had been careful to give Dolores no reason to suspect her ofindecorous activity during the year the company had been off Earth. Hersporadic illicit forays, which had begun six months after leaving their homeplanet, had been meticulously planned and rarely indulged.

The complacency she’d infused in her chaperone was evident as Doloreshesitated a mere beat before heading to the door at the back of the room. “I’llcom you in half an hour to verify you made it to your quarters.”

“Goodnight, Dolores.” Irene was granted a lazy wave. Her chaperone mighthave thought her the least troublesome of the opera company, but she remaineddisdainful.

No matter. Irene had cleared the first hurdle to what she hoped would be afun night out on the town…or rather, the Beonid space station.

She retreated to the corner to sit andwait, making herself as invisible as possible as she perched on a chair. Itwasn’t an easy feat. Not quite six-feet-one, she towered over many, includingher male castmates. In her early years of performing, she’d often been passedover for leading roles because a number of male stars disliked being cast witha taller woman.

Then Fausto had joined the company inNew York City. Over six feet tall himself and possessing a presence that tendedto render even Valentina invisible at times, he’d been delighted to have Irenecast opposite him. Thanks to his approval, Irene had finally come into her own.A critic had called her the perfect balance to Fausto’s sensational bombast.She had the stature to command attention when they shared a stage. His gorgeousvocals and her ringing angelic soprano complimented perfectly, never competingbut melding in what another critic had called, “the very music of heavenitself.”

Irene was no shrinking flower, and sheknew many considered her appearance arresting at the least, beautiful to some.She’d been described as an Amazon; “veering too close to manly for comfort”according to one detractor. Fortunately, the larger-than-life personalities ofFausto and Valentina allowed her to escape some notice when she wished.

As a dozen lucky fans who’d attendedthe show filtered to the backstage area to meet and chat with the performers,she thought she might be fortunate enough to slip in the women’s dressing roomin the next few minutes. At least half the female members of the company hademerged in their street clothes, and the rest would follow soon.

Cries suddenly rang out. Everyone’sattention swung toward the door leading to the stage, and Irene stood to seewhat the excitement was about. Security was trying to push their way throughthe cast to reach the area, and a number of chaperones were pulling theirwide-eyed female charges in the opposite direction.

“No Kalquorians!” Donald shouted overthe excited hubbub.

Irene looked over the heads of thecrowd to spy three men taller than herself standing just in the doorway. Shegaped at the sight.

The brown-skinned alien race similar toEarthers weren’t merely towering. They were also solid walls of muscle. Theirshoulders, which were visible above those between them and Irene, were wide andbulging in black sleeveless uniforms.

They weren’t bad looking, she decided.They were a long way from the somewhat sexless beauty of male models and actorssporting the current trending look on Earth, what with their strong jaws andpronounced bone structures. Unfashionably masculine would have probably beenthe verdict of most humans, but Irene appreciated their size and appearance ofstrength. Their shoulder-length black hair, which would have garnered horror onEarth, did nothing to feminize their powerful looks.

They stared down at Donald in confusionas he ordered them out. Irene wondered if they understood English. Even if theydidn’t, his expression declared they weren’t welcome.

Fausto’s booming voice rang over the securityhead’s chant of “Leave! Out! Leave! Out!” The crowd separating him from theKalquorians parted to let him through.

“For shame, Mr. Donald. Ourperformances are for all as Earth’s goodwill gesture to our fellow members ofthe Galactic Council,” Fausto proclaimed. “These are the exact people we wishto build bridges with. Welcome, honored guests, and you are greatly welcome ifyou enjoy the only music worth hearing, opera.”

As he reached the aliens, they bowed tohim. Fausto’s round face beamed in delight, and he grasped the hand of theclosest of them, whose uniform was trimmed in blue. He shook the Kalquorian’shand heartily, who eyed their joined palms in fascination.

“A delight to make your acquaintance,sirs. How did you find our show? Was it enjoyable?”

A resonant deep voice Irene swore shecould feel in her bones filled the silent and expectant air. “We wereimpressed. A very good story. Excellent singing. I am sorry I can’t say better,but I have too little of your language.”

“Ah, but you have more of mine than Ido of yours, and what you have, you speak splendidly. Whom do I have thepleasure of addressing?”

“Dramok Nil. I am captain of shiptaking leave of our patrol.” The Kalquorian’s smile was pleasant. “My shipmatesand clanmates, Nobek Amig and Imdiko Ginef.” The men in red and green-trimmeduniforms offered second bows.

“A delight, gentlemen. Please, do comein and meet our cast.” Ignoring the dismayed expressions of security andchaperones, as well as Donald’s outright anger, Fausto slung an arm aroundCaptain Nil and urged him further in the room. “Here we have Mark, who playedCyrus. This is John, in the role of Lucas.”

The chaperones were pushing the womento the door to leave the theater. Irene wondered if they actually expected theKalquorians to turn into the lust-crazed monsters Earth insisted they were andstart grabbing every female in sight to rut. She noted Meg and her mother wererooted to their spots, gawking in fascination.

The aliens’ smiles were relentlesslypolite. The one in the green-trimmed uniform appeared a little sad to notefrightened women fleeing, as if it upset him to be an object of terror. Themost brutish of the trio, sporting a scar on his jaw and wearing red-trimmedblack, eyed everyone as if they might suddenly spring on him.

“Fausto—” Donald darted glances at hissecurity team, as if searching for support.

Fausto reached Meg and Mrs. Hoffman.“Ah, a lovely member of our dance corp. This is Meg, the sweetest of our girls.You know what I mean?” He laughed and winked and hugged the pink-cheekeddancer.

“What you mean? Do tell us what youmean, Fausto.” Valentina’s voice rose to a near screech as she stormed towardhim, halting the Kalquorians in polite mid-bow. Mrs. Hoffman wisely grabbed Megas Fausto released her and hustled her to the back door…but she fluttered herfingers and dared a slight smile at the Kalquorians before disappearing.

“Ah, right on cue! My adored leadinglady, Valentina.” Fausto’s smile was dazzling, as if Valentina didn’t look onthe verge of clawing his eyes out.

Another source of Valentina’s frequentoutbursts of temper: her unrequited and phenomenally jealous love for Fausto.She unleashed a string of hectic Spanish, her arms flailing as she read thechuckling Fausto the riot act.

Irene abruptly realized the drama ofthe Kalquorians in their midst was the perfect cover for her to make herescape. She slipped along the edges of the crowd to reach the dressing room,watching for anyone to note her exit. The sole gazes that swung her way werethose of the blue- and red-trim-wearing Kalquorians. She ignored the nervousbubbling of her stomach at those sharp stares set in rather ruthless faces andhurried to the dressing area.

She nearly bumped into Emma Jones, whowas in charge of wardrobe. Emma was well within the confines of the dressingroom, but positioned so she could peer through the doorway and watch thebackstage goings-on. Middle-aged, with her own flare for fashion and thedramatic, she grabbed Irene’s arm as if to steady herself.

“Look at the size of them. Such big,big men. Have you ever seen so many muscles? Oh, Fausto will hear it from theChurch now, welcoming them here in the presence of all these women.”

“Most have run out. Besides, you knowFausto is nearly untouchable.”

“Meg isn’t, but she was able to get soclose. Lucky girl…but unlucky to have Mr. Donald witness it.”

“She did nothing wrong. Fausto willprotect her, as he protects all of us.” Although Irene often worried he’deventually put the whole troupe in danger with his flirtations. Fausto, whodespite his rumored illegal sexual affairs, maintained a close relationship tothe head bishop in New York. Maybe introducing Meg to the Kalquorians was astep too far.

Earth’s Church-run government despisedKalquor with a vengeance. Fausto had said it was because Kalquor was in dangerof going extinct. They’d approached Earth officials to ask for fertile women totest the possibility of crossbreeding and saving their society. The repressiveChurch had declared the notion an abomination. It had at once broken alldiplomatic ties with Kalquor and forbidden its people to have any dealings withthe alien race.

“Watch the door for me, Emma?” Ireneeased from her clutches.

“A night out? Of course, though I can’timagine you finding more excitement than being visited by Kalquoriansbackstage. They are…not handsome, but very, very interesting.” She licked herlips.

“Thanks.” Irene hurried on to thewardrobe racks.

Her disguise was hidden among thecostumes too far gone to be salvaged. Stained, ripped, or from bannedproductions, they awaited their fates to be repurposed. Only Emma and Mrs.Hoffman paid any mind to the damaged rack, and they could be trusted.

Irene slid between the damages and therack of costumes to be cleaned, wrinkling her nose at the various sweat scentsfrom performing under the bright lights. She was probably a bit ripe herself,but it would aid her purposes for the night. She’d shower when she returned toher quarters, as most the cast preferred to do. The water in the theater’sshowers often ran cold and had an unpleasant odor.

Irene located the brown cloak she’dfound in a rummage shop on Dantovon. She’d discovered it shortly before they’dcontracted for a year’s run on the unnamed Beonid station, where they performedfive out of the nine nights of the host species’ week. The cloak was lengthyenough to be a tripping hazard. Had she not also found the thick-soled bootsknown to belong to the Odeerga race, she’d have had to hem it.

She hung her costume robes were hung onthe laundry rack. She swiftly donned her own knee-length dress, the concealingcloak that closed to mid-thigh, and the boots. Fabric had been stuffed in theirtoes to help them fit Irene. The last item she put on came from a nearby shelf:an Odeergan breathing headpiece, its mirrored visor concealing her brown eyesfrom view. The mask was a clunky affair, extending from the bridge of her nosein an oblong snout, which sported a grated round end in which its previousowner would have inserted a filter. It hadn’t been made for a human head andwas slightly loose on her skull, but the cloak’s hood disguised the ill fit.

Clutching her com in a gloved hand kepthidden in her roomy sleeve, Irene gave herself the once-over in the nearbymirror. She saw no sign of any human attributes, the voluminous cloak hidingher curvaceous figure. She was ready to roam free on the station minus achaperone, able to visit any of its attractions without fear of reprisals.

She glanced in Emma’s direction. Herfriend was still watching whatever lay beyond the door, so Irene guessed theKalquorians hadn’t left yet. She was curious about them, but she was twice aseager for the sights and sounds beyond Earth’s iron reach. Irene exited throughthe door at the rear of the dressing room and began her night of blessedliberty.

The dressing room’s door opened to aservice corridor, but it was a short walk to one of the station’s majorconcourses. In less than a minute, she was in the midst of a breathtakingnumber of the galaxy’s myriad species. Beings seethed in the popular station’smetal-sheened environs. They walked, glided, flew, crawled, and hopped; a massof impossibly varied life in all its expected and unlikely forms.

They gave Irene a wide berth as shewalked among them. She’d adopted the hunch-shouldered, slithering gait of anOdeergan. The examples she’d studied on vids always appeared to be trying tosneak up on someone, but it was their normal way of walking. It was no doubtdisconcerting to the majority of species, who were determined to avoid closecontact with the typically shunned race.

The headpiece Irene wore, with itsfiltered breathing apparatus, hadn’t been designed to protect its intendedwearer. It was meant to protect others from it. Odeergans exuded poison at eachexhale, and they’d been known to use it against those who’d offended them.Everyone was well aware how easily those headpieces could be whipped off by anirate Odeergan.

For an Earther female of tall staturewho wanted to avoid close contact and explore unopposed and unrecognized, itwas the perfect disguise. Irene had proven it so in the past six months.

She reveled in her liberty as she wanderedthe long concourse of shops, restaurants, and entertainments. She’d notindulged overmuch in her ability to disappear in plain sight, so she’d onlybeen to a third of the music venues available to explore on the vast station.Hearing the varied expressions of musical arts from the various worlds was hersecret pleasure and obsession. Beonid’s station was famed for attracting actsfrom throughout the galaxy. Irene was determined to sample them all, whetherthey were performed by acclaimed professionals or barely-rehearsed amateurs.

Though she’d already visited thePlasian club Mellossin, she paused outside its doors as the soaring tones of auferliss emerged. Goosebumps covered her hidden skin at the sweet trill thatwove a hypnotic tune. Irene loved Plasian music, which often employed suchgorgeous notes with an electronic edge. Unfortunately, the Church had deemed ittoo seductive. To be caught listening to it would launch an interrogation. AnyEarther who hadn’t hidden in a cave their entire life knew interrogationwas a euphonism for torture.

Irene listened until the song ended.She was tempted to go in and spend the precious couple of hours she’d allottedbasking in more, but there was so much to explore. Feeling real regret, shemoved on.

She’d just reached a stretch of venuesshe hadn’t visited before when her com went off. Irene immediately veered to anentrance to the service corridor. When the doors shut behind her and she’dverified she had the quiet hall to herself, she shoved the headpiece off herface. Affecting a tired tone, she answered, “Yes?”

Dolores’ voice was slightly slurred.She’d started in on the brandy early, which afforded Irene relief. “Justchecking in, Miss Jonson.”

“Thank you. I’ve returned to myquarters and was waiting for your com before showering.” Irene debated andadded, “You missed some excitement.”

“Oh?” There was no interest. Irenecould practically hear her thinking, say goodnight and let me get back to mybottle.

“The Kalquorians came backstage.”

“What? What happened? Did they harmanyone?”

“No. I believe Fausto had them well inhand when Mrs. Hoffman, Meg, and I rushed out, but we didn’t linger to learnmore.”

“Fausto? Where was Mr. Donald?”

“Yelling at them to leave. I can’t tellyou anything beyond that since I left so quickly.”

“Thank heavens you did.” She paused,possibly wondering if she should hear the story in greater detail. She musthave been well in her cups, because she finally added, “I suppose we’ll hearthe details tomorrow.”

“No doubt. Well, I’m off to shower ifthat’s all?”

“I suppose. What did they look like?Did they really have horns?”

Irene bit her lips together to keepfrom braying laughter. When she had control over the burst of humor, she said,“I didn’t notice horns, but I felt it best to get out quickly, so I can’t saythey weren’t there. All I saw were huge men with brown skin and long blackhair.”

And muscles for days. Irene hadappreciated those muscles, but she wasn’t about to share such information withDolores.

“Huge? They sound terrifying. Verywell…I trust we won’t make a big deal of me leaving early? You were with Mrs.Hoffman and came to no harm…”

Irene smirked at the sudden nervousturn. “Oh, I believe I was perfectly safe. If no one else volunteersinformation, I certainly won’t.”

Especially when it came to theinappropriate notice Fausto had drawn toward Meg, who’d pay a higher price thanhe would. Irene’s humor was doused in icy concern. She hoped the fact theKalquorians had gained access to backstage on Donald’s watch would keep everyone,chaperones and security most especially, quiet where Meg was concerned.

Fausto had confided to Irene he had ahead full of secrets on each member of the company’s entourage, specificallyfor the purpose of keeping them from reporting to Earth authorities anyill-advised “mistakes” committed by the cast and crew. He was adamant he’dprotect those he’d handpicked to leave Earth in his company.

Her stomach began to unknot as Doloresreturned to her usual cold tone. “If it’s kept quiet, we can forget the entirematter. Goodnight, Miss Jonson.”

“Goodnight.”

Check-in done, Irene dropped her com inthe cloak’s pocket. She drew a breath, reminded herself Fausto was damned nearuntouchable, and pulled the headgear in place. She returned to the concourseand its swirl of late-night denizens.

She wandered, her attention sharpenedas she approached each club offering musical acts. Beonid, Alneusian, Adraf,Joshadan, Salenxa, Tratsod, Bi’isil, Kitleg; melodious, cacophonic, soft.Single instruments, a cappella singers, ensembles the size of symphonies…eachsociety proved music was the great link of civilizations, no matter howdisparate they might be.

She’d heard much of what swirled to theconcourse before, and she entered those venues featuring songs appealing toher, enjoyed a few minutes, and moved on. It was a soundscape of beauty andwonder. Even the discordant noises claiming to be music were granted a fairhearing if the performers appeared to be in earnest. Irene envisioned takingthe best of what she heard and somehow combining it in a harmonious whole. Sheknew a single piece of music pleasing everyone was an impossibility and shewelcomed the individuality of expression, but it was still fun to wonder whatthe perfect species-spanning tune might sound like.

It was closing in on time for her toretreat to her quarters when she spotted a knot of big, black-uniformedKalquorians congregating in front of a club. Dressed as the captain and hisclan, they were no doubt part of the ship’s crew. For a moment, Ireneconsidered heading to her temporary home and avoiding them altogether.Curiosity about what appealed to the species that had earned Earth’s wrathcalled insistently, however. She detected a bass-heavy throb coming from theclub, and inquisitiveness won out.

Like most, Kalquorians made room forher approach. They noted her without disgust or disdain, merely wariness. Forher part, Irene did her best to saunter casually for an Odeergin, pretendingnot to notice the men who really did resemble humans, size and musclesnotwithstanding.

She drifted beyond the massive men,entered the club, and was walloped.

 

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She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

Releasing Tomorrow - First Mataras: Irene

 

Rough and oh so ready

It was incredible to feel him soacutely. Wonderful for him to bruise his fingerprints on her flesh, perfect hemade her ache where he filled her. She wanted him imprinted on her so she’dalways have the memory.

His growls excited her. His determinedthrusts were merciless as he rutted. He hurt her, and she gloried in it,feeling herself as his, erasing the greater torment of loss in the immediacy offorceful coupling. Tendrils of euphoria woke, enhancing her need to surrenderto his animal hunger. It made the taking enthralling, and she opened to him;not only her sex but all over, spreading wide to absorb him into her very soulso she could never truly lose him.

He retreated, however. She wailed,shoving to reclaim him.

Rusp spun her to face him and shovedhis thighs between hers to spread her wide for his thrust. He was in her oncemore, forward and back, driving deeper. His bearded features were feral, sheeranimal as he snarled. A thrill cascaded through her to see how close thosefangs were, how easily he could tear out her throat.

She wrapped her arms around his neckand pulled him closer. 

Releasing tomorrow! Now available for pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print. (Print is already on sale)

 

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

 

Releasing Friday - Irene

 

A hero’s reward

If it weren’t for her parents, Irenewould tell Clan Sherv to take her to Kalquor that very instant. She’d give upopera and her rising stardom to play rimnastin in the galaxy’s worst dives forthe rest of her life if it meant remaining with the trio. The prospect ofleaving them hurt almost as much as the thought of never seeing her parentsagain.

She felt the agony deep in her gut. Ittore at her, and she thought she might scream. How could she walk away fromthem? How could she sacrifice what little contact she managed with her parentsfor them?

Either way, she’d lose a massive pieceof herself. Whichever path she took meant ripping her soul in two.

Irene turned so they wouldn’t witnessher torment. She stood looking at the dinette table and the mirror hanging onthe wall behind it. Facing her agonized expression, she saw her bleak future,empty and incomplete. Hers was an impossible choice, but she had to make it.

Let me make every second we have asglorious as it can be. When I leave, let it be with as few regrets as possible.

Rusp’s scent of excitement was as gooda clue where to start as any. Irene pulled open the front of the gown and sentit falling to the floor. It puddled around the tall heels she wore, which madeher as tall as Jemi.

Sudden silence greeted her abruptdisrobing. She stalked to the dinette, shedding panties and bra as she went.She kept the heels. She watched herself in the mirror, calling on her actingabilities to erase loss from her features as she bent and grasped the sides ofthe table, her fingers curled on the edges. She set her legs in a wide stance.

She tossed her hair out of the way asshe glanced at Rusp over her shoulder. “The warrior has won the battle. Heshould claim his just reward.”

Rusp pushed Jemi away. He tore off hisclothes. The next instant, he was at her back, hands gripping her hips, hismouth hot on the side of her neck. Irene shouted at twin jabs as he bit her andhung on, but she didn’t attempt to escape.

The Nobek didn’t wait for his venom totake effect. His primary filled her in a single, brutal thrust. Irene wailedagain at the gorgeous mingling of pleasure and pain, her knuckles whitening asshe hung onto the table.

Releasing in two days. Now available for pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print. (Print is already on sale)

 

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

Releasing Friday - Irene

 

Fatherly love? It doesn’t compare to the support of awoman.

Rusp’s father said, “You need to takethe woman to safety as soon as you can, but wait a bit longer. Wherever you’vehidden must be effective since Nil tried to convince me to give you up. I’llkeep tabs on him and let you know when you can smuggle her close to Earth traderoutes.”

“That would probably be our best bet.”Rusp warmed to be on the same page as his father for once.

It didn’t last. “If it weren’t for herwanting to return to her family, you could also clan her yourselves, take theheat off that way. Nil would lose his shit. But of course, you’d have todespise her to force her into your lifestyle. Send her home, let her have areal life clanned to real men.” Ezrob snorted and broke the connection.

Rusp did his best to ignore a wave ofdisappointment, but Irene spluttered as he disconnected his handheld from hiscom. “That…that jerk! I don’t care if he’s your father, he’s a complete…atotal...”

“Asshole,” he finished for her, hissmile rueful.

“Right. A complete, total asshole.” Shewas red-faced and furious on his behalf. He loved her all the more for it.

I do love her. It’s worth putting upwith Ezrob to give her what she needs.

“At least he’s helping us help her.”Sherv rubbed his shoulder.

“Yeah, well, screw him anyway.” Irenegot up and jerked on her clothes with sharp motions. “Come on, guys. We have ademo to record for Parlek to shop around. When you’re huge stars, FatherAsshole will choke on his attitude.”

Rusp doubted Ezrob’s feelings towardhim would ever change, but who needed him when Irene was so fiercely in hiscorner?

Releasing Friday. Now available for pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print. (Print is already on sale)

 

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?

Releasing Friday - First Mataras: Irene

 

The offer of a lifetime, but no Irene

Parlek’s deep voice spoke. “DramokSherv, right?”

A thrill went through him in spite ofthe heaviness in his gut after being reminded Irene wouldn’t be staying.“Hello, Dramok Parlek.”

“Look, I realize I’ve given you next tono time to consider my offer, but I can’t calm down since seeing your bandperform. I’ve been pacing my rooms nonstop, going through my contacts to seewho to approach first, composing my messages to those contacts…Sherv, your bandcould be huge. I feel it in my gut.”

“You saw us with Irene.” His gaze wentto her, and his heart lurched. She watched him, her curiosity frank. Shecouldn’t understand him since he spoke Kalquorian.

How could they do this without her? Butshe insisted they do so. “She won’t be staying on. You no doubt figured outshe’s an Earther.”

“Yeah, but Kalquor is taking Earthers,no problem—”

“Big problem. We rescued her from adestroyer captain attempting to kidnap her to the empire against her will.We’re trying to get her home to her family. She doesn’t wish to go to Kalquor,and we won’t force her.”

“Then it is a mass kidnapping. Iwondered. Damn. What is the empire coming to?”

“The government’s lost its mind.Anyway, we’ll have to hire a new singer.”

“Shit. That’s a major loss. She’sfucking amazing, Sherv. The whole sound is great, don’t get me wrong. You guyskick ass, but she’s such a integral piece of it.”

“I know. I guess you’ll probably dropthe offer, but we could still record a demo for you.” He glanced at Rusp, thenJemi to confirm…Jemi in particular, who’d often spoken of Dramok Parlek as ifhe was no better than a Tragoom. The Imdiko rolled his eyes, but he nodded.“Then, if you convince them to cut us a deal, we’ll sign with you and find asinger.”

Releasing Friday. Now available for pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, Smashwords, and in print. (Print is already on sale)

 

She searched for freedom and found aKalquorian clan.

Irene Jonson is a rising star in opera, thanks to Earthforcing her to leave her parents as a teen to join a prestigious opera company.Years later, she loves music, but she wants the freedom to forge her own pathas a performer and be reunited with her family.

Sherv, Rusp, and Jemi are a clan and band playing hard,driving music. Success means more than fame and fortune; it would show theirdisapproving families they’ve chosen the lives they were meant to live.Encountering Irene, creating a new and exciting sound, gives them thatopportunity…and a chance at love.

Two worlds on the brink of war threaten everything Irene andClan Sherv have built and everything they dream of. Two worlds are bent onsnatching Irene from the men and music she loves. What chance do four misfitmusicians possibly have against Earth and the Kalquorian Empire?