Tracy St. John's Blog, page 31

Govi's Turn

 

I'm halfway through the first draft of Clan and Covenant! Lots of twists and turns...the story has thrown a few surprises at me, but it continues to march on satisfactorily thus far.

We're up to our gorgeous Imdiko's background info. His parent clan owns a transport manufacturing company, so like his clanmates-to-be, he comes from an affluent background. Only his Nobek father Twes works outside the clan business, as a wilderness survival teacher.

An interesting tidbit (I think) that hasn't made it into the story...and there's a good chance it won't, as it has no bearing on Clan and Covenant...is that Govi once saved Twes' life. When Govi was seven, Twes took him on a week-long hiking excursion in an isolated area. Three or four days into the hike, an accident nearly killed Twes as they were enjoying the great outdoors. Fortunately, he had trained his young son well. Govi spent two days getting back to where he could call for help, surviving his own trials to bring rescue to Twes.

A story that will show up in the upcoming book has to do with the first Dramok Govi was promised to by his parents. Yes, there was someone else besides Korkla and Raxstad, once upon a time. I won't give it away right now, but that first arrangement has everything to do with why Govi went into psychology.

At the start of Clan and Covenant, Govi is less than thrilled to get the news he's been promised to a couple of men he's never met. He's twenty-seven, having managed to delay a second arrangement for a while, but his parents are impressed with Korkla and Raxstad and have decided it's time. 

That first meeting between clanmates-to-be is a doozy. But you'll have to wait until mid-to-late January to see how it happens.

Clan and Covenant: Nobek Raxstad

 

I'm happy to report as far as writing Clan Beginnings: Clan and Covenant, the status is "so far, so good." I'm about a quarter through the first draft, and my goal is to have it done by mid-January.

So let's have a look at the mighty Raxstad's background:

His Dramok father is

 As mentioned last week when I touched on Korkla's background, Raxstad's parents have taken the lead on finding their son clanmates. They've capitalized on their prestigious rank to snag him Korkla and Govi. Raxstad, while appreciative, does wish they'd back off a little when it comes to making important life (and love) decisions. However, he'll be the first to admit the parent clan knows best when it comes to choosing clanmates for him. He has nothing to complain about, Govi's reluctance notwithstanding.

It should be noted Raxstad wasn't initially overwhelmed by Korkla. After all, his Dramok-to-be was only thirteen when they first met. Raxstad was seventeen and felt himself very much the adult, as many seventeen-year-olds do. Seeing "that little kid" as a future lifelong companion was impossible at that stage. He was impressed by Korkla's intelligence, however. As the years went by and they were better acquainted, especially as Korkla entered adulthood, Raxstad discovered his intended was as perfect a future clanmate as he could hope for.

Raxstad likes to play up the role of a rough, tough Nobek, often claiming he's not interested in intellectual or emotional concerns. The fact is, he's highly intelligent and insightful when it comes to others' feelings. 

Raxstad's impressive skills and record in Kalquor's ground forces, along with his parents' social and professional standing, guaranteed him a spot in Global Security. He's returning from his military service at the story's open and eager to jump right into his training at Global Security as soon as he can.

Clan and Covenant: Talking Korkla

 

With Clan and Covenant still a few months in the future, let's re-acquaint ourselves with it's featured clan. First up, Dramok Korkla, the man who would eventually become the indispensable aide to Crown Prince (later Emperor) Clajak.

Facts about Dramok Korkla:

- He's younger than his promised clanmates, Raxstad and Govi, but has a tendency to be paternalistic.

- As the son of a Royal Councilman, Korkla had the opportunity to meet the Imperial Family, which led to his first job as a Royal Home page.

- One of his teachers as a youth was his own Imdiko father, a prominent educator. That gentle influence leaned Korkla to being less of a "do it my way" Dramok, and more of a diplomatic personality with the great ability to compromise with strong-willed people like Raxstad and Clajak.

- His mother is a youth psychologist, and his Nobek father is the head coach of a champion kurble team.

- Raxstad's parent clan approached Korkla's parent clan about arranging an eventual clanship for the boys when Korkla was ten and Raxstad was fourteen. Raxstad's high-ranking parent clan, aware of how many more Nobeks there were than Dramoks and Imdikos, were eager to guarantee their son a match. The match was agreed on after three years worth of meetings, to be finalized when Korkla turned twenty-five. During supervised scheduled meetings over the years, Korkla and Raxstad got to know each other and became friends. After Korkla turned eighteen, they realized like had turned into love.

- Korkla first met Clajak at the age of fifteen (Clajak was nine). Korkla's first inclination was to feel sorry for the young prince, who was already being rigorously trained for his eventual reign. Korkla has always been understanding of the pressures Clajak faces.

- Korkla and Raxstad were separated for two years, during which Raxstad served a stint in Kalquor's ground forces. Clan and Covenant opens with his return and reunion with Korkla, who is now twenty-two.

Next Book: Clan and Covenant

 

Definition:

Covenant: (noun) an agreement

A pretty apt title for an arranged clanship, which is the featured clan's situation. If you don't recognize the pics from the cover of First Mataras: Michaela, the next Clan Beginnings book features Clan Korkla. We're going way back, about forty years before the events of Alien Rule, for this tale in which we get to see Korkla, Raxstad, and Govi come together as a clan.

I hope to have this out early next year...no later than March, if all goes well. At present, the plot includes:

Twenty-somethings Korkla and Raxstad, promised to each other from a young age, surprised by their parents with a third arranged clanmate in the person of Govi;

Govi, unwilling to be clanned quite yet and coping with pressures as a new psychologist;

and danger at the Royal House, where Korkla works as a page, centered on a teenage Clajak.

As I'm just starting to write this, nothing is set in stone. We'll have to see how it pans out, but that's the current plan.

Fantastic Reviews for First Mataras: Iliana

 

I'm so thrilled with the reception for Iliana! Thanks to everyone who left a review. You are greatly appreciated.

 

"I have been YEARNING for a sweet romance set on kalquor with an earther matara.

...a refreshing change of pace for something nice and light hearted. I LOVED it!"

-Amazon customer

 

 

"Another fantastic story to help you escape for a little while!"

-Amazon customer

 

"…I would be happy to have many more stories set in a similar vein."

-Smashwords customer

 

Come see the more romantic side of Kalquor. Now on sale!

Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Thank You, Readers

 

Once again, you readers have been a light shining in what has too often been a dark time. Iliana is my most pre-ordered book thus far, and the reviews have been amazing. Thank you so much.

I readily admit I'm not the most engaged author when it comes to her readers. Like many of you, I've found myself struggling with the state of the world. It's been downright impossible for me to post often here or on my other avenues of social media...I'm always busy, but during the last couple of years, I've also been overwhelmed and fighting to function.

My saving grace is books...reading and writing them. It was my sincere hope that Iliana would do for you what my go-to authors' books have done for me: offer an escape where love and happily-ever-after rules the universe. Judging from your response, Kalquor has once again given us that refuge. 

So from the heart, I again thank you. I may not show up to interact as often as I should (and want), but you can rest assured I'm writing these stories for you to enjoy while I'm gone. I appreciate that when I do show up, you're there. 

Much love and gratitude to you all. I'll be back as soon as possible with more delicious Kalquor decadence!

Now on Sale - First Mataras: Iliana - Read the Third and Fourth Scenes Now

 

(First and second scenes were posted yesterday)

“Oh, that’s your shop that sells the Earther merchandise? I had no idea. What sorts of things do you sell?”

Iliana maintained her pleasant smile for Clan—was it Otap? Or Opat? She’d forgotten as the parade of hopeful Kalquorians continued, with no end in sight.

It was wearing, but it could have been worse. Thus far, it was as painless a night as she might have asked for, without a pushy clan in the bunch. When she asked for their contact information and thanked them for their time and attention, they readily accepted her moving on. It was the request for com frequencies that did it; a hint that perhaps they’d hear from her again that allowed for a graceful exit. Only a hint, no promises.

Clan Whatever was every bit as agreeable as the rest. Handsome faces, attractive bodies, intelligent, courteous…worth a second look from a woman hoping for love. Something Iliana wasn’t capable of. She couldn’t imagine liking any clan well enough to spend her life with.

Where romance was concerned, that ship had sailed long ago.

After ten minutes…not too short so she appeared rude, not too long so she sent the wrong signals…Iliana asked for their contact information since she needed to speak to a few others. They happily complied, and she drifted away from Clan Nopax. Boy, had she been wrong about the name.

Iliana slunk between groupings without seeming to slink. She worked to avoid the next encounter as long as possible. Had she really only been there for half an hour? It felt like an eternity.

As she skirted a clan and an unsmiling Earther, one of the men took a sudden step backwards, nearly bumping into her. “Oh, excuse me, Matara.” He reached to steady her. His hand froze an inch from her arm, and his gaze widened in recognition. His clanmates were similarly startled.

“Dramok Rykbi.” Iliana all but groaned the name. Of all the worthless creatures to run into, it had to be the clan she’d originally been slated to join. And had adamantly refused. Just looking at Rykbi made her hackles rise. “Still searching for a daughter to raise?”

He managed a brief bow, his face red. “You appear well.”

“Quite well, thanks. Oops, you scared off another one.” Their distraction had allowed the woman they’d been talking to the opportunity to slip away. “Still treating potential Mataras like brainless children instead of intelligent beings? Never mind. I don’t want to talk to you.”

Off she went before they could respond, happy to have had the chance to tell them off again, though not as powerfully as she had the first time. Some guys needed to be reminded often of what jerks they were. She felt she was the other Earther’s savior and actually smiled at those she passed, though she didn’t slow down for them to corner her in conversation.

The night was in a downward spiral, however. She caught sight of another clan she’d had a bad experience with: Clan Bas. Damn it, they’d spotted her too, and from their smiles, they still weren’t taking the hint she was unavailable.

She whirled and spotted an open doorway a few yards off. Weaving like a running back, she rushed to escape.

A myriad of plants greeted Iliana as soon as she crossed the threshold. Large potted trees offered hiding places, but Clan Bas had no doubt noticed where she’d gone. Perhaps she could use the foliage as cover to double back into the main room while they searched for her.

She was halfway across the room, just about to dive behind a tree with pink-hued flowers, when a voice called. “Matara Iliana!”

No, no, no.As Iliana rushed forward, she caught sight of two clans in a corner, engaged in what appeared to be an intense conversation. She headed towards them, setting her sights on the rescue she couldn’t believe she was about to ask for, all in the name of avoiding a scene.

Another young woman slid out of the surrounding foliage ahead of her. She aimed for the clans Iliana headed for. Of course it was the friendlier-looking trio that warmed to her approach. They broke off from their companions to surround the potential girlfriend who joined them.

Iliana plowed on as her name was called again. She refused to stop despite the second clan’s grouchier, unapproachable expressions. They caught sight of her, and she waved frantically, as if they were a mile distant instead of mere feet.

“There you are! I’ve been searching all over for you!” She practically galloped up to them.

 

Selbi blinked and glanced at his clanmates. He’d never met this Earther before, but she greeted them as if they were old friends.

“Where have you three been hiding? I was getting the idea you were avoiding me,” she gushed.

Her coloring was hectic, and she was out of breath. Yet she was gorgeous. With long, black hair framing her fine-boned features, startling blue eyes that matched her simple gown, and a lithe figure, she brought Selbi’s thoughts to a stop. His clanmates were similarly stunned into silence, but he wasn’t sure if it was from her abrupt approach or her breathtaking appearance.

He’d have remembered meeting her before. There was no doubt about that.

“I’m sorry, Matara.” Selbi recovered speech before the others. “You must have mistaken us for another clan.”

He noticed Deefa entering the conservatory, behind a clan he vaguely recognized but quickly discounted. Deefa was alone, Clan Syno nowhere in sight. He nudged Hanvel, whose expression brightened.

“Could you excuse us, please, Matara? There’s someone we have to talk to.”

“No, I won’t excuse you. Give me a damned moment to get rid of those assholes.” Her order was delivered in a snarl between clenched teeth as the Earther grabbed Cosdas by the wrist. The stunning smile reappeared, and she laughed as if Selbi had something funny. She glanced at the clan heading their way, the three men that Selbi knew he recognized from somewhere.

“Oh, you are hilarious. Don’t think you’re pulling this stunt now.”

Recognizing a female in distress, Cosdas and Hanvel broke into friendly smiles. Selbi followed suit an instant later. They crowded around her even as their glances darted to both Deefa and the nearing clan.

“Name?” Cosdas whispered.

“Iliana.” Gratitude filled her expression.

“Matara Iliana, you have to give these other Earthers a chance. The instant you appear, they no longer exist.” Hanvel’s gaze skittered nervously to Deefa, who’d moved within earshot. He kept up his smile, however. A woman in need of assistance couldn’t be ignored. He pretended as if he’d just noticed the clan Iliana was trying to escape. “Dramok Bas. Did you require something?”

Clan Bas. Selbi should have recognized them immediately, but it had been a couple of years since they’d been expelled from the private club Clan Hanvel belonged to. A high-ranked clan, but known for less savory activities, such as drinking too much, losing most of their money gambling, and cheating, whether it be clients of their investment firm or at games. No wonder Iliana was desperate for help.

Bas and his clanmates Nobek Kothat and Imdiko Teg barely accorded Clan Hanvel bows, their attention greedy on Iliana. “Matara Iliana promised months ago to take a trip with us so we might acquaint ourselves better. It’s time we set a date for that, my lovely.”

Selbi had been brought up in a political household. He worked as an aide and campaign manager to Hanvel, a member of the capital city’s council. He knew how to read faces to learn the truth.

Even those without a near-instinctual ability to see beneath a polite façade would have recognized Iliana’s furious denial of Bas’ claim. Her blue eyes widened and snapped. She swelled with indignation.

Cosdas was as adept at reading people as Selbi. The former Royal Guard stepped between Iliana and Clan Bas. “We took the liberty of informing our lovely friend of your past behavior. The trip is off.”

Hanvel joined Cosdas, his expression challenging. “The lady has found a better clan to spend her time with. My clan. Find someone else to swindle.”

Nobek Kothat growled and inched towards Cosdas. Selbi took Iliana’s arm and tugged her out of the way, should Kothat be drunk or reckless enough to think he could take on his clanmates.

She smelled good. Her skin was soft and warm. His fingers tingled where he touched her.

Clan Lathen alerted to the situation, the Matara they’d been speaking to having disappeared. Usbek stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Cosdas and spoke with fatherly reproach. “Tell me no one’s starting fights at a Matara acquainting party. Certainly not Clan Bas, when they’ve worked so hard to restore their honor and reputation.”

Kothat stepped back, rethinking the situation with two former Royal Guards glaring at him. Bas glowered at Hanvel, but he dismissed him to bow to Lathen instead. “Iliana hadn’t informed us of Clan Hanvel’s interest in her. Our lovely little shopkeeper knows where to find us when she’s done playing second fiddle to promised women.”

At that, Selbi checked to see Deefa’s reaction to the confrontation. She was just leaving the conservatory, an insulted glare cast over her shoulder at them before she disappeared.

Clan Bas also made their exit, their bald glances similar enough to Deefa’s to jar Selbi.

On sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

 

Now on Sale - First Mataras: Iliana - Read the First Two Scenes Now

 

Iliana stood at the top of the grand staircase of Clan Syno’s cliff mansion. Her stomach churned. Next to her, in a shimmering gown worthy of Cinderella, her friend Katelyn vibrated with nervous energy.

“I love this moment,” Katelyn confided. “The anticipation, the instant before walking into the party with all eyes upon me…I might like this part best of all.”

Iliana smiled wanly, unwilling to put a damper on Katelyn’s delight. At least one of them enjoyed being courted by fawning Kalquorian men. “You’ll knock them dead. You always do.”

She looked at her friend and co-worker. It felt weird to call Katelyn her employee, which was their true working status. Iliana was uncomfortable with that imbalance of power in their relationship, though Katelyn didn’t seem to mind. She was certainly a better salesperson than Iliana. Her exuberant, gossipy personality attracted admirers, both male and female, like moths to a flame.

“I have to have a good personality,” she’d told Iliana once. “I’m not the beauty you are, after all.”

Iliana almost snorted at the memory and stopped herself in time. Katelyn was a lovely woman who looked far younger than her thirty-four years. Kalquorian men were fascinated by her Rubenesque figure, all flowing curves and softness. Their own females, the few they had, were as muscular as the men, statuesque Amazonian beauties that made even Iliana at five-feet-ten feel miniaturized. Katelyn, standing six inches shorter in heels, was an effervescent bubble bouncing among them. People broke into grins wherever she went.

Katelyn checked her hair for the thousandth time in a wall-length mirror set in the warmly glowing corridor wall. She patted the loose chestnut curls that were her pride. Iliana diverted herself by admiring her friend’s lovely cascading hairdo and perfect skin, shown by her gown’s off-the-shoulder cut. Katelyn’s cherubic face beamed at Iliana. “Well, off I go. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need it.” Iliana found a real smile as Katelyn giggled and floated to the top of the stairs.

The swell of voices on the ground floor quieted the moment she appeared. Iliana had seen the reactions to Katelyn at the two other acquainting parties she’d allowed herself to be talked into attending. Blue-purple eyes were riveted on Katelyn, a vision of breathless delight in shimmering pink and lace. Beams of appreciation were spreading over dark faces. Clans, three men in each, were leaning close together to whisper to each other as they watched Katelyn slowly descend. Clans surged towards the bottom of the stairs, eager to greet her with bows and compliments. Whichever Katelyn first acknowledged would cluster around her, desperate to shield her view from any other trio she might prefer.

Iliana grinned to herself. Katelyn would drift from clan to clan, gathering contact information, a month’s worth of dates and passionate rendezvous before the next party on the tour. Katelyn was eager to join a clan, but with so many to choose from, she’d damn well audition all the candidates she could. Katelyn had adopted the Kalquorian way of sensual life with a gleeful vengeance.

Iliana’s amusement faded, replaced with a weary resignation. She gathered herself for her own entrance. She couldn’t put it off much longer. Just long enough for Katelyn to start her parade among her admirers, to gather a court of lovelorn Kalquorians desperate to earn her favors. The more clans Katelyn collected, the fewer Iliana would have to rebuff.

She glanced at her surroundings, searching for an escape despite having come willingly—more or less—to be courted and flirted with. Besides the gold-trimmed mirror, the light-paneled walls of the corridor were decorated with vid-portraits, no doubt the ancestors of Clan Syno. Picture after picture of dark-skinned Kalquorians depicted full clans of three men surrounding a woman. Muscled aliens, so similar and yet quite different from Earthers. Sufficiently different that the species were currently at war with each other.

Iliana swallowed. Earth was in the wrong. It had declared war because an Earther had joined Kalquor’s ruling clan. Jessica McInness had become empress to the race swiftly going extinct. But Earth had been a mess for centuries, a dystopian society ruled by religious fanatics. Iliana had divorced her feelings from her home planet years ago…or at least, she’d thought she had. It hurt that her people were currently killing and being killed by those she’d chosen to live with.

Conversation swelled on the floor below. The party was in full swing. The moment had arrived, and Iliana had to join it before someone came to fetch her. With a sigh, she plodded to the top of the polished stone staircase.

She paused before beginning her descent to gaze over the crowd.

It was a sea of well-dressed, black-haired Kalquorian men, interrupted here and there by smaller, brightly gowned humans. Very few women. Most of the Earther females who’d come to Kalquor had been snapped up by eager clans on the hunt for lifebringers to add to their three-man groups. Only a few dozen of the nearly two thousand humans brought to the empire had outright refused the clans Kalquor had chosen for them.

There were only two Kalquorian Mataras to be seen. Probably in the whole building. A virus had decimated Kalquor’s population centuries before. The majority of females it hadn’t killed had been left infertile. A living girl child hadn’t been born on Kalquor in years, hence Kalquorians’ desperation to meet and woo Earther women, who’d proven able to bear their children. Hence, the war with Earth, whose leaders were determined Kalquorians were devil spawn.

There were so many clans present, it was hard to see the black-and-white polished marble floor, the costly handwoven Joshadan rugs, or the art on the walls. Most were hidden by the press of muscled bodies. As for the rest of the richly appointed greeting room, Iliana took little note beyond where the open doors were that would lead to potential escape once she’d put up with as much as she could stand.

She paused only a moment as heads swiveled her way. She imagined in that instant what the attendees saw: a woman the absolute opposite of Katelyn’s warmth. Long black hair no different from the Kalquorians’, brushed and tucked behind her ears rather than artfully styled. A slender figure in an ankle-length sapphire dress that matched her eyes. Her gown was saved from utter simplicity by Iliana’s own handsewn embellishments of embroidery and sparkling faux gems ringing her high collar. Her cold, disinterested stare lit on no face, greeted no smile.

Despite her blatant aloofness, there was a ripple of admiration. Movement drifted towards the bottom of the staircase as she hurried down rather than gliding gracefully. Iliana’s goal was the same as ever; to get the night over with by quickly rejecting everyone in sight.

Some saw her reserve as a challenge to their charm. The poor bastards had no inkling they didn’t have a chance in hell with Iliana Rossi.

Iliana kept her gaze on the Kalquorian women present: the hired event planner whose name she’d forgotten and Matara Deefa, widowed by the war a year ago and promised to Clan Syno. If clans were impatient to claim Earther Mataras, they were downright zealous to attract rare, fertile Kalquorian lifemates.

Halfway down the stairs, the men were already bowing to Iliana and calling compliments to her. She pasted on a vague smile that warned she wouldn’t be impressed no matter what they did. She did her best to ward off the guilt that came from changing their pitiful hope to disappointment.

 

Dramok Hanvel no sooner walked in the door of Clan Syno’s mansion before he searched for Deefa. Instead, he and his clanmates were intercepted by Syno himself, along with his clanmates Nobek Drulapi and Imdiko Rema.

“Hanvel,” Syno growled. His brow drew low over slit-pupiled eyes, and the lines in his face deepened. The elder Dramok exuded power. “What is your clan doing here?”

Hanvel beamed with good cheer, and more importantly, confidence. “We’re here to meet Earther Mataras, of course. We have an invitation.”

“Sure you do,” snorted Drulapi. His humor was as ferocious as his anger, but he’d do his best to keep from causing a scene. He smirked at Hanvel’s Nobek Cosdas, not fooled by the other warrior’s bored countenance. “You wouldn’t mind showing me that invitation, would you?”

“With all pleasure.” Hanvel already had it on his handheld’s display, which he triumphantly showed his hosts.

Syno barely accorded it a glance. “I’m at the end of my patience with you and your clan. Deefa has chosen. She’ll become our Matara after the mourning period has ended.”

“Her parent clan made that decision, not her. If you’re so certain she wants to be your clanmate, why are you determined to keep others at a distance?”

“You’ll stay away from my promised or—”

“Hanvel, I can always trust you to be late.” Hanvel’s mother Enia, the event planner for the evening, inserted herself between him and Syno. She beamed at the hosts. “Dramok Syno, thank you for greeting the attendees. You and your clan are among my better hosts. What would you charge to welcome guests at my other functions?”

Clan Syno bowed, their anger smoothed over in an instant to show respect. Imdiko Rema managed to adopt a friendly air. “Matara Enia, you’ve done an exemplary job on such short notice. You have our gratitude.”

“You’re too kind, Imdiko. My youngest son’s clan is the last to arrive—as usual—so I can send you off to escort your intended and circulate among the guests. Be sure to have fun.”

The trio bowed, glowered at Hanvel’s clan, and turned to seek out Deefa. As soon as they were out of earshot, Enia rounded on Hanvel.

“Why? I don’t care if that spoiled, selfish Deefa invited you. She only did it to feed her ego, so spare me the nonsense. You shouldn’t be here, and you know it.”

“It’s nice to see you too, my mother. Besides, you’ve been at me for months to attend one of these matchmaking parties. I’d thought you’d be pleased.”

Enia smiled her most dangerous smile, and Hanvel winced in anticipation. “You’re on thin ice, my son. If you or these two start any nonsense, I’ll take all three of you apart. Then I’ll have your fathers take you apart. Then I’ll speak to Cosdas’ and Selbi’s parent clans, and they can have their turns. Whatever’s left of your selfish, insignificant hides, I’ll tear into again. Are we clear, children?”

Hanvel and his clanmates bowed. “Excruciatingly, my mother.”

“Excellent. Get out of my sight, and stay away from that spoiled brat.”

Enia glided away. Her impressive ire was no longer to be seen, smoothed away by practiced charm. She smiled and complimented and laughed with the guests, her manner easy.

Selbi woofed out a breath. “The lady has a way with words.”

“I adore her.” Cosdas’ gaze was admiring on Enia’s retreating back. “Every time we piss her off, I’m reminded of how lucky your fathers are.”

Hanvel chuckled, amused as always at how his Nobek worshipped Enia. Cosdas’ sappy expression was at odds with his rugged, bearded features. “She’s fond of you too.”

“Except when we’re crashing parties she’s in charge of.” Selbi’s boyish features pinched. Abruptly, his countenance transformed to delight. “There’s Deefa.”

Hanvel searched the room in the direction Selbi stared. His breath caught.

As always, she was magnificent. Tall and elegant, she stood with regal dignity near the bar, her midnight hair plaited with silver ribbons in a braid that reached to her waist. Her sparkling silver gown was daring, plunging beneath her ample cleavage. Clan Syno stood behind her. They glowered while she laughed and greeted those clans who neared her to speak.

Hanvel chuckled. “Flirting is part of her personality. If they couldn’t handle it, they shouldn’t have petitioned to clan her.”

“It’s hard to accept others fawning over your clanmates. But, Mother of All, she’s worth the jealousy and skinned knuckles from punching all those faces.” Cosdas’ tone had assumed a growl.

“She is indeed.” Hanvel’s vision filled with her proud, riveting visage as she looked over her subjects.

Arrogant, his brother had called her. A comment that had nearly led to Hanvel’s own skinned knuckles.

He drank her in, the Matara he was determined to win for his clan. Her high cheekbones and abundance of self-confidence made many characterize Deefa as haughty. They didn’t know her for the warm woman she was. How could they? She’d been clanned to much older clanmates, an arrangement plotted by her parent clan. How unhappy she’d been with her situation had become clear when her clanmates, on a diplomatic mission, had been killed in an encounter with an Earther battlecruiser. Though it had been a year since that tragic event, she’d begun courting suitors barely a month after their deaths.

Clan Syno was younger than her previous clan, but they were still old for her. As before, her parents had chosen their daughter’s clan for rank, rather than compatibility. Deefa was dedicated to a fault to pleasing her parent clan, so she’d allowed them to arrange yet another union rather than insisting on what she wanted…to join Clan Hanvel.

Hanvel tore his gaze from the ideal Matara to acknowledge his equally perfect Nobek and Imdiko. “Threats from old men and an irate mother aside, it would be unseemly to avoid greeting our hostess.”

Selbi’s grin was bright with mischief. Though only a couple years younger than Hanvel’s forty, he could have been a teenager taking him up on a dare. “We can’t insult Matara Deefa when she personally invited us to her party. I get the feeling she threw it just to see us.”

“I think you’re right.” Promised clanship or not, they had a chance to claim her. Hanvel entertained no doubts on that score.

“Lead on, but be ready to step aside if Nobek Drulapi challenges us.” Cosdas’ pleasant smile of anticipation said he hoped there would be a challenge, even if it meant Enia’s wrath.

They started through the crowd. As they went, Hanvel noted the Earther women talking animatedly to other clans. Bright, shining faces of all colors, from pale ivory to dark brown, lovely lifebringers the size of dolls, resplendent in gowns the colors of the rainbow. Hanvel admitted to himself that if Deefa didn’t exist, he’d have been as eager to woo one of them as other clans.

But Deefa did exist in all her perfection, and she loved his clan. No other woman would do.

They were halfway across the room when she caught sight of them. Her blue-purple gaze was a lightning strike across the distance, a punch to his gut. His very being ached for want of her.

She waved, ignoring the glaring Clan Syno. She was aware of their displeasure. It was in her naughty grin, the I-dare-you expression she taunted Hanvel and his clanmates with.

Syno and Drulapi stepped forward.

Cosdas drew close to Hanvel’s side.

Clan Lathen abruptly stepped in Hanvel’s path.

Hanvel scowled at his older brother and his clanmates. “Do you mind? We wish to say hello to our hostess. Never mind; we’ll just stomp over you.”

If anyone could win an award for looking unimpressed, Lathen would have been a shoe-in. “I’d urge you to avoid being a ronka’s ass, but it’s too late for that. Besides, I’d hate to deprive you of the one thing you’re good at.”

“Move, Lathen.”

“Seriously, Hanvel, what are you going to do? Start a fight with Clan Syno over theirpromised mate, taking the chance on aggression getting out of hand? Accidentally hurting the innocent women in the area?”

Hanvel glanced again at the other guests. At the tiny females scattered like flowers across the room. Shame swept over him.

His clanmates were similarly abashed. “We’d do nothing to harm them,” Cosdas said.

“Good. Let’s take some air, cool your heads.” Lathen spoke loudly to get others’ attention and ensure his younger brother’s clan would comply.

The two clans left the main room. They went into an adjoining conservatory filled with lush, tropical plants. Hanvel noted Deefa’s amusement as they walked out. He swore he heard her giggle over the hum of conversation.

The conservatory wasn’t as crowded as the greeting room. Only a couple of other clans, along with Earther females, were in it. It was easy for Lathen, Nobek Usbek, and Imdiko Atrel to draw Clan Hanvel to a semi-private corner.

“She’s playing you. She plays everyone.” Lathen opened the festivities with that unwanted observation. His glare, so much like their Dramok father’s, was for Cosdas. “You’re the eldest, and you’ve been a Royal Guard who’s seen plenty. I know Hanvel’s an idiot, but you should know better.”

“Deefa has made her personal preference for us clear. Her opinion carries all the weight I need.” Cosdas wore his bored face again.

“Come on, you three.” Atrel sighed, his eyes rolling so far up the irises damned near disappeared under their lids. “Do you really think you’re the only clan she’s stringing along?”

“Jealous?” Selbi was the smallest of the two clans and the least likely to throw a punch, but he was quick to verbally spar.

“Not for a second. She does nothing for me.”

“Well, she does plenty for us,” Hanvel said.

“When it comes to making fools of you, yes.” Usbek was just as bored as Cosdas. He’d been a Royal Guard too. Such men were difficult to ruffle.

Hanvel threw his hands up. Until Lathen and his clan had their say, there would be no opportunity to speak to Deefa. No chance to stand close to her, hear her voice, arrange a private meeting…

“Go on with it. And make it quick. The night is wasting.”

On sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases Tomorrow!

 

Begging for a taste

Someone cleared their throat. Iliana and Selbi ignored him, and the chuckles that followed when they continued to kiss and stroke each other with tenderness.

“We’re home,” Cosdas said.

“For the last ten minutes,” Hanvel added.

They sounded amused, but strained. Iliana heard the yearning in their voices. They wanted her too. Though she’d thought she was sated, the idea she could have what Selbi had given her again…and again…sent a surge of undeniable warmth through her.

Sex was damned amazing after all, and she was more than willing to explore its delights. Maybe the world could hold off ending for a few hours yet.

The moment Selbi released her, she went for Hanvel, who stood closer to her than Cosdas. The Dramok was more than happy to take care of a woman who’d just discovered the pleasures of intimacy and demanded more.

The passage from the shuttle bay above ground to the clan’s home in the caverns was a whirlwind of groping and kissing. It turned out Hanvel was almost as talented in the kissing department as Selbi. Cosdas somehow simultaneously helped his rubbery-legged Imdiko and herded the amorously busy Hanvel and Iliana to their abode.

Of the clan’s greeting room, Iliana had few impressions. She became immediately acquainted with its dark blue lounger as Hanvel’s weight pressed her to the pillowy surface. She learned how velvety its fabric was as Hanvel sent her clothes flying.

She noted the ceiling overhead, golden with muted illumination as Hanvel worked down her and stopped to mouth her breasts with appreciative moans. Iliana forgot about loungers and ceilings as his devout attentiveness sent thrills straight to her cunt, which throbbed once more with hunger. Hanvel’s spicy-sweet scent blanketed her, and her mouth watered.

“Let me taste you.” She clutched at him. “I’ve never tasted a man before.”

 

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.

 

First Mataras: Iliana Excerpt - Releases September 17 - Pre-order Now

 

Someone get these two a room.

For Iliana, the kiss was better than what they’d had before. Better, because she wasn’t surprised by it. Because she’d invited it, had been ready and eager.

It started off soft, careful. She sank into its sweetness and surrendered to the warmth that filled her. His tongue slid against hers. He tasted her. She tasted back and enjoyed the mix of Selbi and bohut. She enjoyed him as he deepened the kiss, as he drew hungrily on her.

Excitement jolted through her, strong. Demanding. She hung onto the Imdiko and dove into the heat filling her.

Was it one incredibly long kiss? Or a series of them, each bleeding into the next as they lost themselves in each other? She was desperate for it to never end. She could have kissed Selbi until the end of time.

When they did part, she was breathless. Her lips tingled. Selbi stared at her from inches distant, his gaze unfocused.

She leaned forward, and he met her. The next kiss was as intense and enthralling as the first. More. His hands slipped up her legs, going to her waist. He gripped higher, around her ribcage.

When he paused, she grabbed his wrists. Tugged, first with encouragement, then, when he hesitated, with demand. Until his palms cupped her breasts.

“Mother of All,” someone muttered. She wasn’t sure if it was Hanvel or Cosdas.

It didn’t matter. Selbi rubbed her and squeezed gently. His touch sent tumbling exhilaration through her. She moaned and explored the granite planes of his chest in return. So firm, so powerful, even through his shirt.

She slid her hands down. She found a taut abdomen, then thighs that bulged through his trousers. Inward…

Her wrists were gripped. Someone stopped her. It wasn’t Selbi. He still groped her breasts.

“We’re leaving. Could you two contain yourselves at least until we reach the shuttle?” Cosdas shoved Selbi while Hanvel half-dragged, half-lifted Iliana from her chair.

 

Releasing September 17. Pre-order now available, print on sale now.
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, and Smashwords. Also in print.

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.