Tracy St. John's Blog, page 22

Pre-Order Now - Clans of Europa: Bernadette

 

Bernadette hires a new crewmember

Halmiko scowled at his borrowed clothes and scatter of belongings. “I guess welcome to the crew, then. I don’t have a lot of choices, do I?”

Bernadette told herself his grouchy attitude was due to losing his property rather than having to work for her. She hoped that was the case.

She covered the sting his unhappiness had dealt her ego by heading to the bathroom. “I’ll be quick so you can clean up too. Then we’ll report to the bay and give Kom the happy news his fighting buddy is sticking around.”

“At least my new quarters and roommate are nice.”

From the bath’s doorway, she glanced over her shoulder to see his leer. “Calm your jets, crewman. One night doesn’t mean a relationship. You’ll have your own quarters, separate from mine. Clear?”

His scowl returned, and he threw his clothes onto the bed. He followed that by kicking his handheld across the floor. “Aye, Captain.”

So temperamental. So different from Doljen. 

Releasing October 7. Pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords. Purchase now in print.

 

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Releasing October 7. Pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords. Purchase now in print.

 

Pre-Order Available - Clans of Europa: Bernadette

 

Is it hot in here, or is it just Bernadette and Halmiko?

“The iron Matara isn’t so tough at the moment.”

“Just don’t mess with me when we have our clothes on,” she warned.

“I’ll keep that in mind. As for right now…”

Still holding her so she couldn’t move her arms, he slid down. He seized her breast in his mouth, sucking hungrily. His tongue, wet and coarse, rubbed over her nipple. A jolt of sheer rapture shot from that contact to her pussy, and she cried out. She did so again when he turned his attention to the other breast.

He worked back and forth, alternating between them. Sometimes he was rough, and his teeth scraped her flesh, leaving flushed trails in their wake. The moments he was tender were more shocking for some reason, perhaps because he appeared to be such a brute. Either way, he enthralled Bernadette with his ardent, fastidious attention.

Her breasts were aching wonderfully from the attention when he finally moved on. He mouthed steadily down her stomach…it couldn’t properly be called kissing, because he nipped and licked a fiery path to her navel.

There he paused to rear up. His gaze absorbed her hairless sex, unabashedly swollen with need.

His presence was abruptly replaced by a memory of Doljen gazing at her womanhood as he shaved it of its dark curls. Her legs had been spread wide, her ankles circled by hovercuffs that left her helplessly exposed.

“No hiding anything, Bernadette. All your secrets, physically and otherwise, will be laid bare before me.”

She caught herself in time to keep from whimpering his name as the reality of Halmiko replaced the vision of Doljen.

The magnificent Nobek swooped down on her, bringing her fully into the present as his mouth latched onto her sex. She writhed as excitement burst through her. He’d given up his hold that kept her arms pinned to her sides, but he gripped her thighs in the crooks of his arms and grasped her wrists. She was imprisoned in his clutch, weakly kicking the air as he fed on her.

Releasing October 7. Pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords. Purchase now in print.

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords. Purchase now in print.

 

Releasing October 7 - Clans of Europa: Bernadette

 

It's go time

“Take your clothes off.”

The gruff order lit her insides. That was more like it.

She sauntered to the open door that led into her bedroom, pulling off her tailored black jacket to reveal the crisp white shirt beneath as she went. She went straight to her closet to hang it and the matching trousers. Keeping her back to Halmiko…she assumed he’d followed her in, that his steps were as silent as any Nobek’s…she pulled her hair free of its severe bun. The curls tumbled to the middle of her back, a heavy weight.

She tugged off her ankle boots and socks. Then she unsealed the front seam of her shirt. That, she let fall to the floor. She had plenty in reserve, and they weren’t difficult to clean.

She turned to face Halmiko. As always, she experienced an instant of uncertainty, aware of how spare her figure was. She was trim and toned, but her breasts were small and her hips narrower than what most men seemed to prefer. He might take one look and lose interest.

His gaze raked over her. His avid cocks jerked, and a deliciously dangerous smile threatened to curve his lips. “All of it, woman. Unless you prefer I rip the rest off.”

The crotch of her panties was abruptly wet. She would very much have enjoyed him tearing off her underthings, but the matching lace bra and panties were her nicest set, and she preferred to keep them intact. Instead of indulging in the rough fantasy that made her pulse race, she reached behind and unhooked her bra.

Halmiko growled as the sapphire blue cups fell away, revealing her pert mounds and hard nipples. His cocks jerked again. “I can’t wait to suck those. Go on. Show me that pussy too.”

Her excitement flared at his blatant eagerness. She was quick to strip away the rest of her undergarments.

“Mother of All. Look at you. You’re beautiful. Get over here.”

Any concern he might find her unattractive melted when his feral growl transformed to reverence. Bernadette strode to him. An instant later, she was wrapped in his muscular arms, his slick cocks pressed against her abdomen, his lips covering hers.

 

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Releasing October 7. Available for pre-order at Amazon, Amazon UK, Apple, Kobo, and Smashwords. Pre-order from Barnes & Noble and print sale coming soon.

 

WIP Wednesday - Clan of Europa: Bernadette

 

When you owe Captain Bernadette Miller, she will make you pay

“Don’t worry. I’ll pay what I owe.” Halmiko sat up, ready to leave Medical before he embarrassed himself further…and realized under the sheet that had slid to his waist that he wore nothing. “Shit. Kom wouldn’t have an extra…oh, thanks,” he said when Bernadette pointed to a pile of folded clothes at the foot of the medi-bed.

He paused when she didn’t leave to let him dress. Then he realized she’d already seen everything. Still, didn’t Earther women usually hold modesty in high regard?

She smirked as if she knew what he was thinking and turned, as if to head for the door. Then she paused, swiveled to face him again, and looked his bare torso over. A rush of excitement filled him, and he warned it off. Surely she wouldn’t…

Her regard met his again, and her grin widened. “You know, there’s always another option.”

“For what?”

“For settling your debt to me.”

He gazed into her dark eyes. No, it was too good to be true. Certainly no Earther woman would invite a Kalquorian she barely knew to her bed? Most definitely this tough lady wouldn’t.

Amusement sparkled her eyes. “Unless you’d prefer otherwise. Maybe I don’t interest you. Or perhaps you’re in too much pain? Weakened by your injuries?”

He tossed the sheet aside. “Do these look weak to you?”

She eyed his cocks, already standing stiff and strong, beginning to shine with lubrication. “They’d better not be. I don’t have time or patience for uncertain men. Come on if you want your debt forgiven.”

He grabbed for the clothes, but she was already striding out of the medical bay. Halmiko cursed. Shielding his excitement with the shirt and trousers bunched in his fists, he raced after her into the corridor.

 

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Releasing late 2022

 

WIP Wednesday - Clans of Europa: Bernadette

 

Bernadette gets an eyeful

She came to the door of a small chamber she’d given to the battle-happy Nobek trio of her crew to work out their cabin fever by pounding the hell out of each other. As long as they showed up for their shifts and did their jobs competently, they were free to indulge in as much fighting as excited their warrior hearts.

The door was open, but that wasn’t odd. The rest of the crew was free to watch Kom, Burken, and Dakmo fight and bet on who would win. There was no one there to cheer the combatants, however. They were all no doubt drinking and fucking their credit accounts empty on the station.

Bernadette peered in to see which of the Nobeks had opted to bring the party home. A glance, and she froze.

Her shock wasn’t due simply to seeing Halmiko on her carrier, locked in combat with Kom. It was seeing him stark naked as he fought.

Kom was naked too, but that barely registered on her radar. Neither did the shredded fabric scattered over the padded floor, material that had once been their clothing.

Over the years, she’d seen her security chief nude more times than she could count. He refused to wear clothes in his own quarters during his free hours and thought nothing of answering his door or even stepping out to talk to others in the buff. Hell, he’d wandered into the mess hall naked to pick up meals to eat in his quarters on several occasions. He was only careful when Bernadette took on Earther refugees to transport to safe ports, as her race was so easily upset by a scarred giant stalking around with two swaying dicks.

A distant part of her mind registered that she’d better warn him they were taking two human women and children to Haven. It was a dim whisper in her consciousness as she gaped at Halmiko.

Kalquorians, as a rule, were magnificent. Nobeks, born fighters, were particularly spectacular when it came to fit bodies. But she’d never seen the equal of Halmiko.

He was pure brawn as he grappled with Kom, trading punches, kicks, and occasionally tossing each other across the space. Scars crisscrossed his torso, arms, and legs, but they couldn’t detract from the incredible definition or perfect symmetry of masculine excellence. Nor could the streaks of blood, his and Kom’s, painting his brown body like warpaint. The typical amount for a pair of Nobeks fighting for fun.

Like Kom, he was erect. His thick cocks curved up, but sex wasn’t in the air. The Kalquorians always grew hard when they fought, but there was no glistening of their natural lubrication when it came to combat. At least, not that she could tell from the distance where she stood.

Still, Halmiko held her gaze. She tried to ignore the heat crawling through her, an eager response she hadn’t known since Doljen. Her heart pounded. All at once, it was hard to breathe. Was she breathing?

Halmiko landed a kick to Kom’s midsection, a rippling stretch of abdominal muscles. Kom grunted and doubled, and as Halmiko sought another angle with which to capitalize on the instant of superiority, his attention fell on Bernadette. He froze, his stare locking with hers. Electricity shot through her at that primal glare.

The distraction was his undoing at what had appeared to be a fairly equal contest. Still bent, Kom rushed him, his shoulder driving into his opponent’s equally defined gut. He rose with Halmiko draped over his shoulder, simultaneously pivoting and tossing him into the air. Halmiko flew. His head thudded against the wall, and he dropped to the floor in a heap.

“Shit,” Bernadette swore, and she stampeded across the floor to check on the crumpled Nobek.

 

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Releasing late 2022

 

WIP Wednesday - Clans of Europa: Bernadette

 

Irresistible woman meets immovable Nobek

A frown from Halmiko. “I’d like to find out what happened between you and Doljen.”

“Yeah? Tell me exactly where on Haven I can locate Tumsa.”

“He isn’t hiding, as far as I know. Ask around.” Halmiko looked her over, his gaze evaluating. “You look better with your hair down.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment? Let me try. You look better with my eyes closed.” Bernadette patted the coiled bun of her hair. “At least I have hope of improving my appearance in the light of day.”

She was lying through her teeth about his looks. His features were a touch craggy and rough, yes, but handsome, framed by jet-black hair that reached to his waist. That double-spiked beard gave him a devilish aspect. In a good way.

A hint of warmth within told Bernadette she was perfectly fine with his appearance. He probably would have looked even better without the grim set of his features, which occasionally drifted into a morose expression.

He relaxed. There was no smile, but he proved her assessment correct as his countenance eased. He made a show of sizing her up.

“Let’s go somewhere private. When I strip off my clothes, you won’t give a damn about how my face looks. You won’t be able to take your eyes off all I have to offer.”

“You have nothing I’m interested in, unless you can tell me where Doljen is.”

“Did you fuck him, little girl? Is that why you’re so determined to find him?” Halmiko took a step toward her. No softness now. He was brutish with sudden anger.

His fury was red hot, and Bernadette met it with ice-cold ire. “I want to find out if he’s all right. If he’s in one piece. Safe. In short, I’m doing what you, as his Nobek clanmate, promised and failed to do.”

Rage turned him into the demon he’d only vaguely resembled. Halmiko abruptly loomed over her, threat etched on every inch of him. His growl filled her ears, erasing the racket of the marketplace.

He froze, a terrible gargoyle hanging over her. His gaze slid from her face to the blaster she’d shoved into his rock-hard abdomen.

“You can back up now, Hal,” she purred.

A new emotion was added to his anger. His pupils dilated. He licked his lips as he retreated a step. “Quick draw, Matara. Impressive.”

“Thank you.” She pretended she didn’t notice the telltale spicy scent that came from him. Anger and arousal were a dangerous mix when it came to Nobeks. Even if she’d considered for a single moment taking him up on his offer of sex, she wouldn’t do so in his current mood. “I’ll leave you to your shopping, big guy.”

She left him there, holstering her weapon as she walked off…purposeful strides, but not too fast. Running from a Nobek was more dangerous than fucking him when he was angry.

 

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Releasing late 2022

 

WIP Wednesday - Clans of Europa: Bernadette

 

First meeting of Bernadette and the Kalquorian who would turn her world upside down

“I recognize that look of betrayal, Bernadette.” He came close again, and the wall was suddenly at her back. She couldn’t retreat any further, and he loomed over her. “I too lost out on love. See? We already understand so much about each other.”

“I don’t want to understand you.”

“No?” His hands closed around her waist. Warmth radiated from the pressure in all directions. It was a man’s touch, a touch she’d once dreamed of.

“No.”

“We’ll find out.”

He was so close. Close enough that the heat she felt didn’t come from just his hands. Prophets, she could feel him right through her nightgown, the coarse fabric no protection. He stared down at her with the air of a predator. She was certain he’d tear her gown off and force her.

She was shocked when he stepped back, releasing her. “A meal will be arriving shortly. And a bed. I’ll talk with you again soon, Bernadette.”

With that, he left her, alone. Shaking. Confused. Feeling as if she’d somehow been defeated.

 

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Releasing late 2022

Thanks, All! And What's Coming

 I'd like to thank everyone for reading and reviewing the CyberServed trilogy. I had such fun writing my cyborg romances, and the response was terrific. Built to Last had more pre-orders as Mine to Keep...that's amazing! I'm so grateful.

CyberServed was the break I needed. No matter how much a writer loves a world they create, if they're working on a long-running series (or several series in the same universe), it eventually starts veering into a bit of a grind. I wouldn't trade Kalquor for anything, but it was time to take a little vacation from the clans. It paid off when I returned to the Kalquorian Empire. The new story and writing came fast and easy. I'm in the midst of edits now, and we're looking at a release possibly in October, more likely in November.

Up next: Clans of Europa: Bernadette.

She searched for the man she couldn’t forget and found a shattered clan she couldn’t resist.

Captain Bernadette Miller was a nun on the moon Europa, hiding from a painful past. Now she hunts the galaxy for the Kalquorian who made her stop running from herself. When she gets a lead on his clanmates, she thinks her search is finally over. What she finds, however, is a clan devastated by broken promises.

Nobek Halmiko was once a star kurble player. Now he wanders space aimlessly, picking up jobs where he can find them, trying to forget the clanmates he let down. When Bernadette shows up asking questions about his missing Imdiko, he has nothing to say. But some women get in a man’s head. Some women don’t take no for an answer.

Dramok Tumsa had it all: a career he loved, the perfect clan, a troubled but talented brother he’d do anything for. Tragedy on the kurble field destroyed it all. Now his estranged Nobek is back, with a beautiful, hardnosed Earther captain who offers him an opportunity to make amends. Can he piece his clan together again? Does he deserve the chance?

Imdiko Doljen is wracked by guilt. He’s hidden from those he let down…including a woman he couldn’t keep. When she shows up in the company of his clanmates, old hurts ignite anew. It doesn’t matter what he wants; he can’t fix the mistakes he made.

The only path to regaining the love Bernadette lost means healing this shattered clan. Is she ready to commit to three men instead of the one she came for? When disaster strikes, she has to call on all the strength she possesses to stop them from falling apart for good.

Now on Sale - CyberServed: Built to Last - Chapter 2 Part 2

 

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and print.

Matrix powered and online.

Victor’s vision swam into view, and he knew at once where he was. A thrill shot through him as he identified the woman standing outside his capsule. Amadis Dubois had elected to make use of his services.

She’s gorgeous. Everything Tosha Cameron told me she’d be. Even if he’d lacked a beauty appreciation program, he was certain he’d have found Amadis in a league of her own among women.

Tall, at least five-feet-ten. Her black curls swirled to her elbows, framing a heart-shaped face. She could have been a model with those sculpted features, including wide eyes almost as dark as his. Her lips were lush…what he’d once heard a drunk male CEO refer to as “perfect cock-sucking lips.”

Victor had seen Amadis before. They’d both been at a party that had exhibited CyberServe’s cyborgs to the buying public, had even spoken to each other briefly…the very party where he’d heard that quote about lips. And yes, the drunken businessman had been looking at her when he’d said it.

She’d been dressed to kill that night, in a formfitting red gown that had shown off a figure as perfect as her face. It had displayed her assets better than the sensible and well-cut suit she wore now, complete with oxford flats shined to a mirror finish and a silk turquoise tie. Cool composure had taken her from femme fatale to the appearance of an efficient executive…which Victor knew her to be, thanks to the information Tosha Cameron had shared with him before sending him on the mission to Nu.

His capsule opened, and he stepped out. “Mr. Dubois,” he purred and offered her a courtly bow. “It’s delightful to resume our acquaintance. How may I be of service to you?”

To a human, her poise would have appeared unflappable, unchanged. However, he detected the surprised blink and her increased respiration. CyberServe had taken a cue from his original programming and included the ability to identify the slight physiological changes that helped him to discern a subject’s true feelings at a given moment.

His deep, cultured voice had struck a nerve. Nonetheless, her gaze remained level. “We’ve met?”

“Briefly, at a party.”

“Good, then introductions aren’t necessary. I need you to help me move a body.”

It was his turn to blink. It wasn’t an affected response spurred by his matrix; he was honestly surprised. “As Captain LaFarge is the only human on board besides yourself, I assume the body is hers?”

“You assume correctly.”

Crisply, efficiently, Amadis described the situation to him, from the moment she’d awakened in her cryochamber to her decision to continue on to Station Nu.

“Of course, if you have salient information as to why we shouldn’t maintain our course, I’ll be glad to hear it.”

Victor’s matrix had been tallying up the pros and cons as it learned the particulars of the crisis. The state of affairs was less than ideal, but he judged it could have been worse.

“When Mr. Cameron tapped me to be your assistant on the humanitarian mission to Station Nu, I availed myself of all the data I could regarding our trip,” he said after his matrix reported its conclusions. “Acting in concert with the ship’s systems, I have the capability of acting in Captain Lafarge’s stead.”

“With the mission commander Amadis Dubois’ permission,” the ship’s system smoothly interjected.

“Of course.” He smiled at Amadis, noting the small indications of the relief she felt at his readiness to act. “Mr. Dubois, you are in charge of the relief effort to Nu. I bow to your orders, though I will offer advice based on what I know.”

“What about the potential for hostile encounters?”

“There is the possibility. However, as long as we remain on the route established by ITCS’s marker buoys, there is little concern about attacks. If by some chance we do find ourselves confronted by pirates or rebels, the ITCS has patrols standing by, ready to assist.”

“And until they get to us? How well staffed are patrols?”

“Along the route, a fighter vessel will be no more than twenty minutes distant.”

She frowned. “A lot can happen in twenty minutes.”

“I have numerous tactical programs to keep the ship and you from harm. I will begin work immediately to learn all the skills a human captain is required to possess to command this particular vessel.”

She visibly relaxed. Familiar with cyborgs’ capabilities, Amadis was happy to rely on his expertise. “Excellent. We’ll continue on to Nu then. Ship’s system, regard cyborg Victor with the same authority you’d give to Captain Lafarge.”

“Order received and accepted.”

“Let’s grab a gurney for the former captain. The system can light the way.”

“No need.” Victor turned up the charm, smiling with all the friendly confidence at his disposal. “I’ve downloaded the ship’s schematics. I might know it better than it knows itself.”

“Unlikely.” For an unemotional program, the system managed to answer with a clipped tone.

Victor was careful to avoid staring at Amadis as he directed their route to the medical department and on to the bridge, but his peripheral sensors noted all they could about her. Could this lovely woman be the one he’d wished for? Did he dare hope the meaningless encounters with customers, empty and unfulfilling, could be over now that he had a chance to actually get close to someone?

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Victor was a cyborg spy during the corporate wars that devastated Earth. Now he’s a refitted demo model for CyberServe, spotlighting the services a repurposed cyborg can offer…in life and love. Suave, cultured, and fully realized as a sentient being, Victor has it all, except the love he wants for himself.

Amadis Dubois has played second fiddle to the powerful her entire life. Now she has the chance to prove to everyone and herself she has what it takes to lead. She accepts a humanitarian mission to bring desperately needed medical supplies to a disease-stricken space station. If she can pull off rescuing thousands of lives, she can finally move out of others’ shadows.

Fending off the attentions of a lovelorn cyborg becomes a secondary concern when the captain of Amadis’ ship dies suddenly, leaving her the only human on board. With her career-setting mission endangered, pirates and rebels threatening at every turn, she has to turn to Victor for assistance after trying to keep him at a distance. Between moments of fighting for her life, she’s vulnerable to the numerous charms of the cyborg she has no business falling for.

Life and love hang in the balance for Amadis and Victor, with trouble at every turn. They can have it all, if they survive.

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and print.  

Also on sale, the first of the CyberServed series: Made to Order

Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

Also on sale, the second book of the CyberServed series, Mine to Keep 

On sale now from Amazon, Amazon UK, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and in print.

He was the most hated cyborg on Earth, and love is far from his original design. But when old enemies hunt the woman he’s sworn to protect, he discovers a passion for vengeance…and her.

 

CyberServe’s president Lillian Kwolek enjoys Alek on her terms: no love, no strings attached. It’s easy to keep him at a distance and guard her heart from hurt until an extremist group determined to right old wrongs targets her. Alek is loaded with a security program to keep Lillian safe, and it opens the cyborg to learning emotions. 

Alek doesn’t like these feelings, which include a confusing mix of devotion to and wariness of Lillian. She doesn’t like his developing emotions either. The new Alek, who fulfills desires and her need for safety from increasing threats, is too intoxicating a temptation for a woman who can’t trust men, whether they’re flesh or machine. 

They can’t resist each other, but past hurts threaten to destroy what they could have…and open the door to killers bent on annihilating cyborgs and Lillian.

 

Now on Sale - CyberServed: Built to Last - Read a Portion of Chapter 2 Now

 

 

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A first look at her crewmate

Amadis eyed the clear capsules. They contained twenty-five cyborgs shipped to assist the victims at Nu Station by their parent company CyberServe, a subsidiary of Life Tech. The majority were of the CCM and CCF lines, the streamlined units with runners’ physiques. A half dozen of the handsome PSMs were also present, their frames heavier but not bulky. None had the heft of the TWMs, the type of cyborg Amadis was most familiar with. None of that particular model were present.

Cyborgs had been death dealers on Earth, denizens of a war thirty years in the past, and far from forgotten by its inhabitants. Amadis, born off-planet, had none of the prejudices the Terrans greeted their old foes with. To her and other “starkids,” the reprogrammed and refurbished cyborgs were simply a growing fact of life in the ITCS.

“These are all tied to the bay’s central computer bank?” She moved to the podium that powered up at her approach.

“Affirmative. I can activate them at any time.”

“One will do.” She was tempted to ask for a male, maybe a PSM, but this was no pleasure cruise. Eyes on the prize, she told herself. “Any of the…the life assistants will be fine.” Prevailing culture at Life Tech and CyberServe dictated the cyborgs not be referred to as units.

“There is a recorded message for you from Life Tech CEO Tosha Cameron marked ‘Play Before Activation.’ Shall I play it for you?”

“Of course.” Amadis smiled as her boss’ image appeared on a nearby screen.

“Hi, Amadis. I hope you had a nice nap and are ready to save the day at Station Nu.” Despite her tailored suit and no-nonsense chignon, Tosha was as warm as if they sat in a club during their occasional girls’ nights out. “I know you’ll have things well in hand no matter what obstacles are thrown at you, but I’ll wish you luck again anyway.”

“I won’t let you down,” Amadis murmured to the woman who couldn’t hear her. Resolve kicked in at the sight of her boss and mentor.

“Though I have absolute faith in you, I did send along a little help. Listen, I couldn’t have gotten through the past three years without you keeping me in line, so I’m giving you an assistant of your own. He’s the only SIM on board. His name is Victor, and he’s fully programmed for…well, mostly interpersonal communications, but as a demo model for CyberServe’s sales floor, he’s about as well-rounded a cyborg as you can find.” Tosha gave her a wicked grin and wink. “I expect you to enjoy his company as much as you wish, but try to get some work done too, mmm-kay?”

Amadis shook her head when Tosha’s recording blinked off. “Fiend. You won’t be happy until we’re all mechasexuals.”

“Shall I activate the cyborg designated SIM-715 for you?” the ship’s system inquired.

“Hold on. Show me where he is first.”

“Victor” had been stored in the back row. She stared up at him, unaware when she licked her lips.

She’d paid little attention to the SIM models. Though they’d been the original model of large batch-produced cyborgs, they tended to be overshadowed by the stunning PSMs and larger-than-life TWMs. Designated as spies that Earth’s ruling corporations had pitted against each other, no two were alike. They were, as a rule, charming and handsome. Their female counterparts, the SIFs, were gorgeous, with impossible figures human women could only approach through extensive contouring.

Amadis had to admit Victor was delicious. His was a slim, graceful figure, accentuated by the well-cut designer suit he wore. He’d have been equally dashing in a tuxedo or flannel and jeans. His eyes appeared as black as his styled hair. His features were sleek and handsome, and though he was powered down, a devil-may-care smile teased his well-shaped lips.

“Fuck,” she whispered in a drawn-out sigh. “Tosha, I love you, but you’re a bitch to place so much temptation in front of me.”

It was her own fault. At their last girls’ night, she’d complained she hadn’t had a decent date in ages. Diversions like dating weren’t likely in the foreseeable future either, what with her renewed focus on challenging herself to rise above the sidekick role she’d lived most of her life. “I have to be all about career from here on out, until I’ve achieved something that’s mine,” she’d told Tosha. “Starting with this assignment to Nu. Did I thank you for giving me the opportunity?”

Tosha had waved off her gratitude. “Career and a relationship can go hand-in-hand. If you have a chance at love, don’t ignore it. You’re smart and capable. You deserve to have it all.”

“Well, he looks good,” Amadis grumbled to herself, staring at Victor. “But I had my heart set on a human friend-with-benefits. One closer to my age.” His designation put his manufacturing date nearly a hundred years prior, though with his old matrix removed and a new version installed, he’d be closer to three.

He didn’t look like an old man or a toddler. He was perfect.

“All right, system. You can switch him on.”

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and print. 

Victor was a cyborg spy during the corporate wars that devastated Earth. Now he’s a refitted demo model for CyberServe, spotlighting the services a repurposed cyborg can offer…in life and love. Suave, cultured, and fully realized as a sentient being, Victor has it all, except the love he wants for himself.

Amadis Dubois has played second fiddle to the powerful her entire life. Now she has the chance to prove to everyone and herself she has what it takes to lead. She accepts a humanitarian mission to bring desperately needed medical supplies to a disease-stricken space station. If she can pull off rescuing thousands of lives, she can finally move out of others’ shadows.

Fending off the attentions of a lovelorn cyborg becomes a secondary concern when the captain of Amadis’ ship dies suddenly, leaving her the only human on board. With her career-setting mission endangered, pirates and rebels threatening at every turn, she has to turn to Victor for assistance after trying to keep him at a distance. Between moments of fighting for her life, she’s vulnerable to the numerous charms of the cyborg she has no business falling for.

Life and love hang in the balance for Amadis and Victor, with trouble at every turn. They can have it all, if they survive.

Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and print.  

Also on sale, the first of the CyberServed series: Made to Order

Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

Also on sale, the second book of the CyberServed series, Mine to Keep 

On sale now from Amazon, Amazon UK, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and in print.

He was the most hated cyborg on Earth, and love is far from his original design. But when old enemies hunt the woman he’s sworn to protect, he discovers a passion for vengeance…and her.

 

CyberServe’s president Lillian Kwolek enjoys Alek on her terms: no love, no strings attached. It’s easy to keep him at a distance and guard her heart from hurt until an extremist group determined to right old wrongs targets her. Alek is loaded with a security program to keep Lillian safe, and it opens the cyborg to learning emotions. 

Alek doesn’t like these feelings, which include a confusing mix of devotion to and wariness of Lillian. She doesn’t like his developing emotions either. The new Alek, who fulfills desires and her need for safety from increasing threats, is too intoxicating a temptation for a woman who can’t trust men, whether they’re flesh or machine. 

They can’t resist each other, but past hurts threaten to destroy what they could have…and open the door to killers bent on annihilating cyborgs and Lillian.