Tracy St. John's Blog, page 2

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Thirteen

 

 Only five days until release!

The GalacticCouncil’s secretary-general is sentenced.

  * * * *

The Meretawill die this evening.

Meretahoped the sudden quickening of his heartbeat was due to his Dark rider as theAll gave its command. Hadn’t he come to terms with death years ago? It wasmerely a transition from this life to the next.

If theDark noted the momentary rising of his pulse as odd, it didn’t seem toattribute it to anything in particular. Perhaps it hadn’t noticed. How is itto happen?

TwoKalquorian prisoners will be used to assassinate the Mereta, then be killedthemselves by Galactic Council security officers. It will happen during ascheduled vid speech the Mereta is to give to those planets remaining allied tothe governing body. It will help convince more of the Separates they shouldremain allied to the council, and therefore quiet the protests against theleaders controlled by the All.

Somewill see the All’s presence on those involved in this plot.

Nomatter. It will confuse those who don’t see. Their questions will cause chaos,which is to the advantage.  It is good.

Itis good.

Meretadetected a slight hesitation before his rider’s response. Did it have questionsof its own?

It did.After his death this portion shall rejoin the All?

No.Another Separate is to be occupied.

Adefinite hesitation. It is good.

Hisrider’s reluctance was of no matter. The Dark would obey the All’s decision andoffer him up for sacrifice.

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

 

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Twelve

 

Laughter Lorenzand Clan Rorix…definitely not love at first sight. 

“Whatpercentage of actual involvement would you say you had in the development,research, and implementation of the Lorenz Long-Distance Com System?”

Laughterdidn’t glare, but she did fix a level stare at the Kalquorian wearing theunfriendly expression. What was it with the Nobeks she was forced to talk to?Were they all assholes, or was she simply unlucky?

Hervoice as direct as her gaze, she repeated the statements she’d already spokenat least half a dozen times during her interview. “I conceived the initialdesign on my own. Except for a very few minor enhancements perfected by myteam, who were under my direction, it’s entirely my project. I supervised allaspects of its growth from concept to final execution. It bears my name, NobekSignis, a rather strong hint of my input.” When the jerk continued to stareunimpressed, she allowed the slightest of snarls to invade her voice. “Aconservative…very conservative…percentage of my involvement would beninety percent.”

She’dhad all the answers to the questions the Coydidak leaders had thrown at herduring the interview in a nondescript conference room located in a lower floorof Kalquor’s Government House. Dramok Rorix and Nobek Signis…especiallySignis…had been obvious in their attempts to trip her up by asking insanelydifficult questions. They might have rattled her had she not practically livedin the design lab, especially during the year after her father had died andshe’d depended on her work to keep from shaking to pieces.

As itwas, she knew the LLDC as well as her own reflection. Better, in fact. She hadno clue how many millimeters separated her eyes or the specific componentsmaking up her skin’s atomic cell structure. She knew everything abouther namesake com system.

It hadbeen obvious from the outset Rorix and Signis were resistant to having her onthe mission. She had no idea why, but her guess was stupid male misogyny.Fortunately or not, she’d been born and raised on Mercy, a bastion of bigotryagainst women. She was more than adept at holding her own against the fragilemale egos that quaked when a competent female showed up to challenge them.Whether it took knocking them down or outlasting them, she’d managed to removethe obstacles thrown in her path.

Outlastingthis pair wasn’t an option, however. The expedition would set off in a matterof weeks, and Laughter had to be aboard it. She was forced to bulldoze themusing her impeccable credentials, to the point of minimizing her excellentteam’s work on the LLDC system. It sucked to do so. She held her fellowengineers in the highest regard.

She’dmade some headway with Rorix. It was obvious she’d impressed him despite hisissues in having her as the Coydidak’s long-distance com systems officer.

Thethird man sitting across from her at the large conference table posed noproblem. Imdiko Negal was the sole source of warmth of the trio conducting theinterview. His function as a member of the Coydidak was head of their finances.She had no idea why he was involved in the hiring process. The KalquorianEmpire was supplying the LLDC system free of charge and fronting the fundsLaughter would receive as a member of the mission as long as spending money wasnecessary,

Negal’squestions had been of a more familiar nature as he’d leaned toward her wearinghis friendly expression. He’d queried her about her hobbies, if any friends orfamily were also applying to join the expedition, and if she felt endangered bygoing to unknown and potentially hostile territory. He was perhaps toofamiliar, also inquiring about any relationships she’d had and her thoughts onhow Earthers were regarded as rather repressed.

“I asksince the rest of us tend to be quite casual when it comes to our…socialencounters,” he’d added, smirking.

“I’mnot a prude, but I’m not as casual perhaps you’re used to,” Laughter had shotback. “I prefer to be impressed, and my standards are exceptionally high.”

She wasgrateful she hadn’t worn anything lowcut in an attempt to disarm them. She’dbelieved this would be the one time her intellect could stand on its own. Notonly was she happy to fend off the Imdiko’s overt interest, but it was clearRorix and Signis would have assumed she was using her body to gain an edge.

Negalhadn’t lost any of his warmth in the wake of her rebuke. In fact, his demeanorrevealed his interest had sharpened. Nonetheless, he hadn’t spoken again.

On theheels of her assessment of her input on the LLDC system, Signis frowned at hiscomputer. Laughter had the feeling he’d have preferred to aim his grouchy mugat her.

Allshe’d seen from the Nobek was coldness. A part of her, the miniscule piece notwishing for a baseball bat to knock the bigotry out of his head and make roomfor sense, ruminated on how handsome he was and wondered what his smile wouldlook like.

They’reall handsome, the bastards. This is probably karma punishing me for the habitof using my figure to distract the assholes who have the power. The idea amused her.

Shewasn’t amused when Signis finally eyed her again, his strong features composed.“Thank you for coming in, Matara Lorenz. We’ll let you know our decision in aday or two.”

Sheblinked at him, momentarily stupefied. Sure, she’d known he and Rorix weresearching for any reason to reject her, but she hadn’t given them any. Of that,she was certain.

“Excuseme? Who could possibly be a better choice for this mission than the person whoactually designed the LLDC system?” she demanded.

“Thereare several qualified candidates.” His tone was icy.

“I see.Male candidates, I assume.” She matched him for the frigidity.

Thoughshe couldn’t see him do so, she was certain Rorix nudged Signis under thetable. It was the Dramok who responded. “I assure you, your gender has nobearing on our decision.”

“I’veheard that before,” she sneered. All attempts at diplomacy ended in a flash.“The Coydidak has just a few elder females left, doesn’t it? None ofchildbearing age? So you’re unused to interacting with us. Perhaps you’rethreatened by the idea of intelligent women who do more than bear children?”

Rorixdrew up as if she’d struck him. “Our council has women on it, and we reverethem as excellent leaders.”

Signisall but bared his teeth at her. “If Kalquorian women could be spared by thehome world, we’d certainly welcome them,”

It cameto her in flash. They were bigoted all right…in a different direction. “Oh, Kalquorianwomen? Then it’s because I’m an Earther. Thank you for clearing up my mistake.”

“MataraLorenz—” Rorix began.

“DramokRorix, I insist you be as up front about your prejudice when speaking to otherapplicants of my race. They deserve to be informed how poorly they’ll betreated by the Coydidak. As do the Imperial Clan and Royal Council.” She leftthe threat of her exposing their speciesism unspoken.

Iguess I will stoop to lower means to get what I want. She felt no shame in becomingthe bulldozer, especially since no cleavage was required. Blackmail would dojust fine.

“Yourapplication will be taken seriously.” Rorix spoke between clenched teeth.

Shewondered how good he’d look if she found the proverbial bat and smashed thoseteeth out. Deciding she had nothing to lose, she promised, “It damn sure betterbe.” 

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

 

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Eleven

 

Print version is on sale now!  

Stacy can be abit demanding.

Shecrawled up her muscled Kalquorian lover, clawing his shoulders as she wrappedher legs around his waist. He growled as his tongue plundered her mouth,instantly hard where she needed him to be. She grabbed a handful of his longblack hair and pulled.

Thenext instant, she was on her back on the desk. Kuran’s weight pinned her to itshard surface. He nabbed her wrists and forced them down over her head, notcaring she took a few strands of his hair along. His grip was punishing, andshe thrilled to his power.

She wasglad she’d worn a skirt, short enough to just brush the tops of her knees. Hewould have destroyed pants as he did her underwear, shredding the thin fabricto bare her to his need. She was surprised he didn’t tear his own trousers. Hewrenched their resealable crotch seam open, and his heavy cocks spilled out,gleaming wet excitement.

He tookher unmercifully the first time, as she’d expected and hoped. She hissedthrough her teeth at the delicious mingling of hurt and lust as he invaded andclaimed her. His groin clapped to hers in a relentless tattoo. In seconds, shewas spiraling upward, reaching for rapture. It came at the exact moment Kuranwent rigid and shouted his release. Their sexes convulsed in tandem, unleashingthe pent-up angst and ecstasy that fed on each other.

Stacygasped in the aftermath, Kuran’s heavy weight blanketing her as he groaned anaccompaniment to the diminishing pulses of his climax.

When hewent still, she rocked her hips carefully, insisting he remain hard inside her.His breath caught, and his head rose from the pillow of her shoulder so hecould look at her face.

“Wearen’t done,” she purred.

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases in one week on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases in one week on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Ten

 

Print version out tomorrow! 

Stacy and Blythesit down for an interview that goes horribly wrong.

Stacycleared her throat as the floor director for the broadcast crew counted theinterviewer down until they went live on air. She straightened in her chair andlet a gentle smile settle on her lips.

BlytheNelson, her pixie features disarmingly innocent, beamed at the vid recorder asthe floor director stepped back, indicating they were transmitting the feed.“Hello, everyone. I’m Blythe Nelson speaking to Governor Stacy Nichols, comingto you live from Alpha Space Station, orbiting Earth Two.” Exhibiting an easethat brought Stacy a pang of jealousy, Blythe smoothly turned to her. “Firstand foremost, Governor, how are you almost two weeks after the vaccinationagainst the virus devastating humans, popularly known as Dark Death?”

As areporter, Blythe had been a thorn in Stacy’s side more times than she wanted toremember. It wasn’t because the lovely blonde was particularly aggressive, butshe gave no quarter when she smelled a story. Though she was currently wearinga friendly and encouraging expression, Stacy was on her guard.

“I’mdoing quite well, thanks. I’ve been posting a live diary each day to show myconstituents how the vaccine’s been treating me.”

“Yes.You had a couple of rough days following the injections. How intense were theside effects?”

“Iwon’t pretend it was fun and games,” Stacy chuckled. “A slight fever, severefatigue, and a bit of a runny nose, which is why you might hear me cough onoccasion. Fortunately, the doctors and researchers have given me the all-clear.I’m excited to return to Earth very soon.”

Blytheaddressed the vid recorder again. “I’d like to note despite broadcasting fromthe Kalquorian station orbiting Earth, it’s an all-Earther crew working for me.We had to prove we were free of infection and Dark influence through a verystrenuous boarding procedure. We’ll be repeating a similar check before we’reallowed back on Earth.” She glanced at Stacy.

“As isproper, given the current state of things.”

“Despitethese safeguards, you specifically asked for us and not the Kalquorian vid crewto do the interview. Why?”

“I wantto promote how comfortable I am to return to Earth and be among my fellowhumans again. I’m ready to be released from quarantine.” Stacy chose to grin atBlythe. “Anyone who’s seen me field your questions in the past knows you cut meno slack, Ms. Nelson. I couldn’t think of a better reporter to challenge thevalidity of the new vaccine for the benefit of those who have voiced doubts.”

Blythelaughed. “We have had our moments, Governor. As a subject of the trial, you’veactually been exposed to Dark Death to see how effective the vaccine is. Howdid it go?”

“I cameup positive for it a day after I was exposed. The consequences were the same asthose of the vaccine’s side effects: slight fever, fatigue, and coughing. Butthe symptoms were significantly less. Two days later and ever since, I’vetested negative. The vaccine works.”

“I’mglad to hear it. Are you aware of how your fellow test subjects did?”

“Forthis round, it was much the same. A few had symptoms worse than me, and somehad no symptoms at all. No one was ill enough to require hospitalization. Atthe extreme end, three people spent a couple days in bed.”

“Howsoon can we hope to see the vaccines available to everyone on Earth?”

“Finaltesting and production are being fast-tracked to protect our people. Our hopeis to begin inoculating the public at large in a couple of weeks, a month atthe latest.”

“Youseem excited about it.”

“I’mthrilled for us to get better and return to our lives. The researchers who madethis happen are heroes.” She turned down the voltage of her smile toacknowledge the sober aspects of the situation. “I only wish more could havebeen saved. We can celebrate the end of Dark Death’s fatal run, but there is alot of mourning to be done in the coming weeks and months.”

Blythenodded. “The tragedy won’t be forgotten any time soon. You’ll be returning toEarth tomorrow, you said. It will be your first day as elected governor, atleast on the planet. I want to ask you…”

Thereporter’s voice faded to the background as Stacy noted over Blythe’s shoulderthat Kuran, who was present as always as her bodyguard, was moving from hispost. His expression was intent, which on his handsome but feral features, lefthim looking ferocious. He slid noiselessly behind the three vid productiontechs manning their console, where they adjusted vid and audio levels asneeded.

“Governor?”

Stacyignored Blythe’s prompt for her to answer the question she’d missed. Somethinghad Kuran’s hackles raised. She lifted a hand to quiet the reporter.

Perhapsher attention on the tech on the right, the young man Kuran had zeroed in on,made him realize he’d been caught. His gaze lifted to Stacy’s as he reachedbeneath the production console.

“Blaster!”Kuran shouted at the same instant he moved.

Stacydove for Blythe. “Get down!”

* * * *

Print version and link will be available tomorrow! 

Ebook releases in one week on August 8. Pre-order Now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version and link will be available tomorrow! 

Ebook releases in one week on August 8. Pre-order Now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Nine

 

Cassidymeets…Cassidy?

Cassidyeyed her subject as the Dark squirmed in the tight confines of its containment.No variations of the Dark Death virus had affected it thus far. Nor had theKalquorian equivalent, RCN-16. She and Egilka were nearly to the point ofperforming biopsies. Despite her intense dislike of the Darks and her abilityto cause them agony and near-death through forcing them into her dimension, shedidn’t look forward to hacking pieces off them. No matter how homicidal the Allwas, it seemed barbaric to maim the Darks. Unfortunately, she and Egilka hadfound no means of sedation or anaesthetizing them.

Atleast the coming necessity of such savagery gave her some comfort she hadn’tbeen completely reduced to sociopathic hatred of the enemy.

Shesent the nano in to inject the subject in her last attempt to infect it withthe final variant of RCN-16. After the Dark finished its outraged squeals andthe nano had been retrieved, she eased the fatal gravity in the containment toa safer, more comfortable level.

Hasthe All really obliterated all sentients in your home dimension?

Stilltwitching from its latest foray into her atmosphere, the Dark sounded almostgleeful in its reply. Of course they were destroyed. Separates areabominations, too low to exist. They didn’t deserve to share being alongsidethe All.

Exceptfor the Other. Why have you allowed it to continue existing?

Seethinganger erupted. The Other is a coward.

Whydo you say that?

Itkeeps itself unseeable. When it does show up, it doesn’t use its own face. Itmakes a mockery of the All!

Cassidywinced at the vicious rage pouring in her skull. It isn’t a lower lifeformthan the All then, is it? If you can’t harm it?

Itis an abomination! It is not the All! It should die! The Dark Egilka worked on athis station joined in the furious denouncements. Since it was pinned motionlessby its shrunken containment, the emperor, rapt in concentration as he worked onit, failed to note its agitation.

“Likechildren, aren’t they?” a low, feminine voice asked Cassidy. “Nasty attitudes,but does one erase their children when they misbehave?”

Cassidyjerked her attention to the figure who’d appeared beside her. She gaped to seeherself standing there, looking at her in detached interest.

* * * * 

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1  

 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Eight

 

Governor StacyNichols loves her promised clan, but she’s still very much her own woman.

“Yousigned up for the vaccine trial?”

Stacywinced at Kuran’s explosive shout. She’d anticipated he’d react the strongest.As a Nobek warrior, her bodyguard, and her promised clanmate, he wasexuberantly protective. Dark Death was beyond his ability to defend her,however, save keeping her as far from the virus as possible.

Rihepand Etnil, sitting with them at the dining table where they were eating dinnerafter a long day, looked unhappy as well. Rihep’s tone was tense, but calm. “Irealize we aren’t clanmates yet, but it would have been nice to be consultedbefore you made such a momentous decision.”

“Howcan I not participate in the process?” Her voice was soft, but she allowed noapology to color it. “The scientists are asking for volunteers. As a Dramok,you understand a leader isn’t above his or her people. We serve them byaccepting the risks we ask them to take.”

“Youfeel guilty for Toni getting sick while you stayed safe on the station.”

“Ofcourse I do. But it has no bearing on my choice in the matter.” Maybe. Stacyhad counted up the reasons to be part of the trials and had found many toshield her from the possibility she was acting out of self-reproach. “Rihep, Ihave to return to Earth to govern. This is also the best opportunity I’ll getto quiet the Earthtiques’ objections to the vaccine.”

Kurangrowled softly. “I feared their opposition to the vaccine before it’s evenready would push you to do something like this.”

“Toniwas one of the few who survived the extreme version of Dark Death. We have thesame genes, so I’ll probably do better than most test subjects.”

“Thatisn’t sound logic, and you know it,” Rihep pointed out. “There’s a lot more toit than genetics. You’re putting your health…your life on the line. Someof the side effects computer simulations showed were profound.”

“In theearliest versions, yes. I’m aware. I’ve been given updates from the researchteams as they’ve happened, and the latest adaptation had no lethal results.It’s already gone through two earlier groups of test subjects, and no one diedfrom them.”

“Longtermquality of life issues are still concerning.”

“Thoseare rare. Two out of three hundred people are good odds, greater than you’d getanywhere in Dantovon’s gaming houses.”

“Yourhealth isn’t a game.” Kuran wasn’t shouting, but he was loud.

“Neitheris the survival of my people.” She looked at each man levelly, ending at Kuran.“It’s my choice. I love you guys, and I accept this upsets you, but I’m doingit. Any attempt to stop me won’t be welcome.”

* * * * 

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1  

 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Seven

 

A grave warningfor Cassidy and the universe.

Cassidyhad been warned by her physician clanmate Degorsk not to work late during herthird trimester. Actually, the overly protective Imdiko had pestered herinclination to work too much since she could remember, but his admonitions hadgrown in insistence and volume since she’d gotten pregnant. Despite herarguments that fretting about the work she wasn’t getting done caused morestress than the work itself, he refused to hear them.

Perhapshis attitude was why she took such pleasure when she checked the time and foundthe hour growing late. Degorsk and the rest of her clanmates were tied up withtheir own important positions tonight, giving her carte blanche to sit in herlab and indulge in studying her notes on the Darks.

Readingcouldn’t be construed as working hard, could it? She was reasonably sureDegorsk had nothing to complain about simply because she did so in the labrather than their quarters.

Novirus or bacteria injected in the subjects have resulted in their illness ordeath. Cassidy sighedto see the results printed on her holo screen. She and Egilka had so little toshow for their experiments thus far. She loved her work, but when each dayended and they were no closer to defeating the All—

Herruminations were cut cleanly off as the file began scrolling swiftly before hereyes. Though her hands were folded on her almost non-existent lap beneath herswollen belly, she looked at them anyway to make sure they hadn’t somehowdrifted to the keyboard of their own volition.

Shockedinto momentary thoughtlessness, her gaze returned to the holo screen to see itreach the end of the file. Immediately, another came up, and it also scrolledtoo fast for her to follow. A second holo screen bloomed over the lab table andan additional file was accessed. Then a third screen shimmered. And a fourth.

Whenher brain reasserted itself, her first notion was her system had been hacked.It wasn’t possible, however. Her computer, as well as Egilka’s, was aself-contained unit unconnected to other systems for security’s sake. Anyaccess or sharing of their files could only be accomplished by saving theinformation to data chips and physically plugging them into another computer.

Cassidyremembered the strange hallucination of Egilka standing behind her days ago.This wasn’t an odd offshoot of baby brain. Someone had been there. Someone orsomething was here now.

“Who’sdoing this?” she shouted, looking around the room she seemingly was the soleoccupant of.

As ifstartled by her cry, all but her first screen disappeared. The remaining holowent blank, registering as a shimmering black rectangle hovering over herkeyboard and computer unit.

Belatedly,she remembered her handheld sitting next to the computer. “Vid record theroom,” she ordered it. A green light appeared on the device, signaling it didso.

“Whoare you?” she repeated, her tone challenging and unafraid. Her scientificcuriosity was too roused to allow space for fear.

Wordsin white letters abruptly materialized on the black background of her holoscreen. Cassidy’s jaw dropped as she read.

Thoseyou call the All and Darks have wiped out every sentient being in their own dimensionwith the exception of one. They’ll wipe you out too.

Herheart quickened. Quickly, she sorted through her potential responses beforespeaking out loud. “Are you the sole survivor of the All’s dimension? Are youthe entity or entities the Darks refer to as Other?”

Theanswer was a punch to the gut. Experience shows you can’t win against theAll. Your efforts are in vain. Make your peace now. The end is coming.

* * * * 

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1  

 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Six

Hope and Piras 

Shewatched as Piras parted the resealable seam of his one-piece armored uniformalong the front. He peeled the top off his shoulders, giving her a nice, longlook at the most streamlined of her clanmates. Though his heavy jaw kept hisotherwise delicately featured face from absolute elegance, rendering itinteresting instead of merely handsome, nothing kept his body from lithe, tonedgrace. He was poetry made flesh; a lyric composed to float on the air. Hisstrength of character, though hidden in this moment, added to the perfectionshe’d seen every day since he’d clanned her.

Herheart ached from love for him. If you only knew how you own me.

Shewished he’d dared to raise his gaze to hers rather than in downcast submissionso perhaps he could see what words would never be able to convey.

Hepaused when his uniform reached his waist to pull his boots off. He stepped onthe blanket as each foot bared. Even his slender feet and their long toes werelovely.

Hefinally glanced up, a wordless request for her permission, then inched theuniform past his waist, hips, thighs, and calves. Bent, he tugged it all theway off and dropped it in a heap at the corner of the blanket. Then he slowlystraightened, giving her an unimpeded view an inch at a time.

Howoften had she seen him naked? As often as he’d stolen her breath, she wascertain.

Shestepped close, gazing up into his eyes, which finally met hers. She’d seen himred-faced in rage, his features contorted as bestial as Kila had ever managed.She’d seen him cold, somehow deadlier when his intent was merciless in itsfocus. That was Dramok Piras outside the bedroom, a force no sane person daredto oppose.

Forher, when they were alone and intimate, the loving Piras emerged, devoted toher with a single-mindedness that meant just her happiness mattered. This wasthe Piras who looked at her now, at once yearning, loving, and eager to offerher everything he was.

Herfingertips traced his straight nose, his arched brows, the delicate cheekbones,the far less delicate jaw. She drew him close for a kiss so sweet it was nearlychaste. “I love you,” she whispered against his lips, so he could feel andtaste the words as well as hear them.

“MyMatara.” His voice was choked from emotion. “My everything.”

Herhands slid down his neck to his shoulders. She touched his arms, then historso, drinking in her unbelievable fortune to have earned such an incredibleperson in her life. She adored Lokmi and Kila no less, but Piras’ submissionallowed her to truly bask in how lucky she was, to appreciate the treasureshe’d been granted.

Herhands curved to cup the roundness of his buttocks. His skin was velvet ongranite muscle, an enthralling juxtaposition. Hope wasn’t surprised to feel wetwarmth sliding from her pussy. Whatever she wished, Piras would give her. Herthoughts found the middle ground between sentiment and carnal lust. She had tohave this man who excited her heart, body, and soul.

Hiscocks stood at stiff alertness, another two points of graceful beauty. He waswet and craving her. She traced a finger on a distended vein, then licked hisnatural slickness from it. Sweet and spicy at once, better than how he smelled.She quelled a groan.

“Lie onthe blanket on your back, my lovely Piras.”

* * * * 

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1  

 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1

 

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Five

 

An excitinginterlude in the midst of danger. 

She’dfelt the room as cool earlier, but Lokmi’s stare made her flush warm. It neverfailed to amaze her how after years of clanship, after being naked in front ofher men on countless occasions, they could still make her feel exposed andvulnerable. Lokmi was particularly adept at it. Simply sitting on a messy,dilapidated bed, he evinced the aura of a king whose every whim must be obeyed.Hope could well imagine enslaved concubines of history feeling as powerless asshe did under the control of a lascivious monarch they dared not deny.

Thedifference was, his undeniable will and how he’d wield it excited her. Therewas anxiety, but it was anticipatory. She had no reason to fear her clanmate.

“Thebra.” His gaze raked her.

Sheschooled her features to not betray her feelings as her chest, her leastfavorite body part, was exposed. Her younger sister Charity had inherited allthe curves. Hope’s figure was slim to the point of boyishness, a fact she’dnever quite lost self-consciousness about. It wasn’t her clanmates’ fault; theymade no secret they found her desirable. Perhaps it was her breasts’sensitivity they deemed alluring. When Lokmi, Piras, or Kila fondled and suckedthem, she could barely contain her excitement.

Lokminor Piras were touching them, however. Lokmi merely looked, and she fought theurge to cover herself, embarrassed yet again and angry she felt that way.Nothing was wrong with her body. Her men had proved it so on many occasions.

Fortunately,Lokmi moved on before she could dwell on her perceived shortcomings. “Shoes.”

Pirastugged her sneakers off. Hope gave Lokmi an appealing look.

“Yes?”His brow lifted, telling her she was pushing her luck by interrupting thestriptease.

“Can Ikeep the socks on, please? The floor looks dirty.”

Hechuckled. “You can wash your feet, my germaphobe.” At her whine, he granted herwish. “Fine. Leave the socks. Shorts, Piras.”

Hopewasn’t as sensitive when her shorts slipped down her legs, her best feature.Kila had rhapsodized often about how gorgeous they were wrapped around theirhips or heads, depending on the specific activity. Toned, smooth, and long forher small proportions, their exposure never failed to make Lokmi lick his lipsin appreciation, as he did now. He rubbed his crotch, adjusting the bulges ashis cocks strained his pants.

“Panties.”

Thecrotch of her underpants, a lacy match to her bra, painted wet lines on herinner thighs as Piras slid them to her ankles. She sensed she looked ridiculousstanding in her very unsexy fleet-issued socks, but she was certain the floorwas covered in grossness. It was best not to take chances.

Herconcerns about filth were brushed aside as Lokmi stood and adjusted hiserections once more. He stalked around her, examining her from every angle.Piras had sunk into a semi-crouch next to her feet, his hands resting on histhighs as he waited to be used, sent away, or simply ignored.

Lokmistroked the Dramok’s hair absently as he passed him. His regard was casual, butHope knew he registered the lift of Piras’ shoulders and his aura ofcontentment at the brief acknowledgement. Lokmi might appear indifferent, buthe was always intensely aware of every nuance when it came to his clanmates,particularly those who’d put themselves under his control.

* * * * 

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1  

 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Four

 

Clan Pirastravels less than luxuriously.

 

TheBeonid twins entered the storeroom, their silver skin gleaming in the dimenvirons. The door shut and locked behind the humanoid pair. They armed thecontainment field and grinned at each other. The thought of a coworker steppingin without checking first and dropping dead of the shock they’d receive amusedthem. In their view, all of life should be a thrill. The extremes thatdestroyed mundane routine were delightful, no matter the form they took.

Themale, Ershma, pointed to the smallest bin lately arrived. “This to start.”

Hissister Ivad nodded. They moved to it in synchronized steps. Ivad tappedElcoger’s proprietary code for this particular shipment, and the lid opened.

Thepair unpacked computer keyboards depicting a myriad of configurations andalphabets from across the cosmos. Almost all went on a shelf depleted to a merehalf dozen keyboards. A few in the bin were broken, unusable, and they tossedthem in a disposal bin.

Theyworked meticulously, recording the numbers and ensuring Ershma’s handheldmatched each unit on the shipping list. They didn’t do it so much out ofconscientiousness. By unspoken agreement, they drew out the anticipation of thejob’s finish. Anticipation was as electric an excitement as the surprise.

Atlast, the bin sat empty. Ivad ran her finger around the thick edge of the bin’stop. Very thick, those sides, the lid, and the bottom. The shipper could havefit in another third of the keyboards had the construction been a standardshipping container.

“TheDarks don’t know any better,” Ershma snorted.

“Theydeem shipping bins too mundane to ask,” Ivad agreed. “Lucky for Elcoger andthose he pays to keep their mouths shut. Ready?”

Ivadnodded. He bent and pressed the slightly discolored corner of the bin’s bottom.

Itpopped open, and a gasp rang out from the person flattened beneath it. Sheslowly, painfully, rose to a sitting position and stretched cramped limbs. Herdark, almost black eyes, set in a delicately lovely face, lifted to take in theBeonids.

“Eartherfemale,” Ivad sighed in disappointment. “It figures we’d find her first.”

Theyturned from the woman clumsily trying to find her equilibrium. “My turn topick,” Ivad said. They opened the lid of her chosen bin to find circuit boards.

As theyunpacked and inventoried, the human managed to gain her feet. Her hair, as darkas her almond-shaped eyes, was mussed. Her blouse and shorts were wrinkled. Shewas petite.

“Shapedmore like their boys than a woman,” Ivad giggled in Beonid, though she didn’tcare if the Earther understood. She glanced at her own curvy figure, smirkingin pride.

“Shehas amazing legs,” Ershma purred. “They look strong. I bet they’d feel goodwrapped around my ass while I fuck her.”

Ivadsniffed. The human did have exceptional legs, but she wouldn’t admit it. No onehad ever complimented Ivad’s legs.

Shefelt happier when the Earther clambered from the bin and nearly fell. Sadly,she caught herself and avoided faceplanting on the hard bare floor.

Thehuman made her careful way toward them, apparently working out stiffness afterspending hours in the cramped bin. She grasped the edge of the latest box andpeered at the stacks of circuit boards. “I’m the first? Can I help?”

“Not ifwe want to keep our jobs. Sorry,” Ershma said. His smile was almost respectfulas he sought to charm her. “Don’t worry; we’re making this as quick aspossible. I’m Ershma. What’s your name?”

Behindthe woman’s back, Ivad rolled her eyes. She wasn’t interested in sleeping withBoy-Girl, and Ershma would be wise to figure it out sooner than later.

“I’mMatara Hope of Clan Piras.”

“Verynice to meet you, Matara Hope.”

Hepicked up the pace, and the bin was cleared faster than Ivad would havepreferred. The next one had better be worth it.

Herpique was forgotten as a well-muscled Kalquorian was revealed. He uncurled hisbulk far quicker than the Earther had, though he’d been stuffed tighter in theconfines. His gaze was wide, almost fearful, until he caught sight of Hope.

“MyMatara,” he breathed and grabbed her for a quick kiss, then sprang out. “Areyou all right?”

“Fine.Glad to be free of that bin. I never imagined I could be claustrophobic untilnow.”

He heldher close. His stare pinned the Beonids. “Where are the rest?”

“We’reworking on it.” Ershma flinched and hurried to another crate.

Ivadpaused a moment before joining him. The man’s soft gaze on the Earther hadinitially given her the impression of him being a gentle Imdiko…an undeniablydelicious Imdiko she’d have been nice to the woman to have a taste of…but henow displayed the uncompromising command of a Dramok.

Hell,she’d fuck the Earther’s brains out to have a go at him. He made her tremble.

“No onein this bin,” Ershma muttered when it opened to display a miscellaneous pile ofused parts, half of which were probably junk. The sides of the bin werestandard thin.

Theymoved on. The Kalquorian stood over them as they opened it to find new holomonitor projectors. They wasted no time inventorying and stacking them on theshelves. Instead, they set the shipment on the floor and opened the falsebottom.

Ivadlicked her lips as a feral and bearded Kalquorian stood tall, his postureindicating he was ready to fight. Scars crisscrossed his arms, left bare by asleeveless but armored top. Hello Nobek. He relaxed only slightly to seehis clanmates grinning at him.

“Piras?”he rumbled as he climbed out to join them.

“Apparentlyin one of those two,” the first male answered, gesturing toward the remainingbins. Ivad still hadn’t settled in her mind if he was an Imdiko or Dramok.

TheNobek moved close to one, then the other, his nostrils flaring. He pointed tothe farthest. “In there.”

Barelya minute later, the smallest of the males was among them. Ivad had no doubt hewas the Dramok of the group. He was disheveled, but his state and stature didnothing to diminish the air of authority he wore like a second skin. 

She andErshma exchanged a lustful glance. When it came to Kalquorians, demandingDramoks were their mutual weakness.

Disappointmentwashed over them when the man identified as Piras gave them a casualexamination before dismissing them. “Tell your supervisor I wish to speak tohim now. We have a lot of ground to cover in a short span. Thank you.”

Ivadpouted but couldn’t deny someone who wielded command like a weapon. Ershma ather side, she hurried to fetch Elcoger.

* * * * 

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1  

 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Pre-order Now! Ebook releases August 8 

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Print version and link will be available August 1