Tracy St. John's Blog, page 39

Releasing June 12: Clan and Commit

Someone's feeling a little intimidated...Bacoj’s impression that Japohn possessed a fair amount of experience and confidence hadn’t been misplaced. The Nobek had no problem assuming responsibility for them…responsibility that should have belonged to Bacoj as the Dramok of the group. However, Bacoj was younger by seven years. He felt naïve compared to Japohn, who’d traveled extensively to dozens of worlds. His lack of knowledge no doubt made him appear foolish, so he was afraid to voice his opinions.
It didn’t help that the instant Bacoj wavered on what they should do next, Japohn swooped in with his opinion. In a matter of seconds, the opinion became an imperative. Bacoj and Vax had to check out a particular club, they had to check out the arena with its top-notch fighters, they had to meet the exotic sex divas of a specific brothel. 
Deep inside, Bacoj knew Japohn was only looking to impress them. He was eager to capitalize on his expertise of the best places where his new friends would have fun. Yet as the Nobek’s assurance grew, he consulted with Bacoj less and less and began to direct their activities as a matter of course.

Preparing for war. Fending off a vengeful stalker. It’s the perfect time for romance on Kalquor.
In one day, Dramok Bacoj realizes his cherished dream only to have it snatched away. Then he meets the perfect man, Imdiko Vax. Unfortunately, Vax is a firm believer in career before love, so he’s unavailable for courtship. Or is he? Fending off a vengeful stalker, he turns to Bacoj for help, and discovers a romance he can’t easily set aside.

Nobek Japohn is all the protector a clan could hope for. However, the young warrior’s personality isn’t geared toward working well with others. Yet when he sees the handsome pair of Bacoj and Vax in the sort of trouble only he can save them from, long-shattered hopes rise anew. Maybe he can be part of a clan, if they’ll only give him a chance…

…and if a lunatic bent on murder doesn’t kill them first.
Available for pre-order now!

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

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit - Now Available for Pre-Order

One man too many?

Bacoj’s fork clattered against his plate. He set it down. “We should go home. If Karil can’t go to Kalquor, that’s where we need to be.”
“That’s a shame. Dantovon doesn’t refund vacations if they’re not at fault for your stay going poorly.” Japohn paused, appearing unsure of himself for a change. When he spoke again, he did so haltingly. “If you want, I don’t mind sticking close so you two can stay and have fun.”
“Oh. Well, I’d hate for us to infringe on your holiday.” Bacoj scrambled, trying to figure out how he felt about such a suggestion. 
“You wouldn’t be. I’m here on my own. I have no real plans except to relax and enjoy a brothel or two, some shows, and a little light betting before I’m off to fight the war. It’ll be more fun to hang out with you guys. Especially if I meet up with that junkie again. I didn’t pound on him nearly enough for my tastes.” The words came out in a rush, the Nobek’s expression growing hopeful, especially with Vax beaming at him.
Bacoj’s uncertainty fled as he saw the ramifications of the offer. He was grateful to Japohn for saving them—they’d be dead if he hadn’t intervened. But this wasn’t the time to become entangled with a Nobek who obviously wanted to be considered as clanmate material. Not when Bacoj hadn’t yet won the Imdiko too perfect to lose. 
Releasing June 12. Available for pre-order now at
Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, print.

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

A chance encounter they'd just as soon have avoided...



Vax noticed a Dantovonian furtively passing a wrapped packet to an Isetacian. Both were armed with knives, and he had the insight they weren’t trading cookies. There was definitely an element of danger in the area. Okay, but we’re minding our own business. Don’t act nosy, and no one will take offense. Getting that spice account was totally worth rubbing elbows with the underbelly of Ler.That optimism fled when he felt hot breath on his neck. Something sharp poked painfully against his ribs.“What a lovely reunion, Vax. So nice to bump into family.”The Imdiko’s heart froze. Bacoj cursed as they both stared at the vicious blade jabbing against him. Karil, smelling as if he’d wallowed in garbage and the nearby jungle, leered at Vax over his shoulder.“Let him go. I swear, if you hurt him—” Bacoj started to move but froze when Karil shifted the blade. Its sharp edge pushed against Vax’s abdomen. He yelped in pain as it dug against him, threatening to slice through his shirt and his skin.“What are you going to do, Dramok boy? Unless you want to watch his guts hit the street, shut your face and do as I say.”
Releasing mid to late June.

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

The lonesome Nobek...



      Japohn dug in. What the inn lacked in appearance and location, it remedied in the kitchen. With an appetite to match his size, Japohn soon polished off round one of breakfast and signaled for the next.      As another steaming tray of mostly meats arrived, he noticed a pair of Kalquorians entering the dining room. His gaze followed them as they chose a table on the other end of the room.      They were younger than him. He wasn’t that old himself, but he’d been out of training camp for over a decade. Nobeks tended to mature faster than the other breeds—at least, that was Japohn’s opinion—so the fresh faces of the other two Kalquorians gave them an almost juvenile aspect.      One was obviously an Imdiko, and adorable to boot. His smile was pure innocence that caused Japohn to smile too. He was pretty sure the other fellow was a Dramok. A handsome fellow. Both were in the prime of life, their expressions belonging to those who’d not encountered too many world-shaking disappointments yet.       They huddled at their table after putting in their orders, talking and laughing with an intimacy that woke an ache in the Nobek’s chest. They were definitely lovers. Possibly clanmates, since Imdikos didn’t tend to remain unattached long into adulthood.      Japohn chewed his food absently, observing the happy couple with envy. If life had been different—if he had been different—he could have hoped to attract the good fortune they’d found with each other. Clan. Family. Love.      I hope you boys appreciate what you appear to have.      Of course they couldn’t. Most Kalquorians were pack creatures, eager to surround themselves with others. They didn’t know the pain of those whose lots dictated they remain alone. Those like Nobek Japohn, who was forced time and again to anticipate a solitary future because he was driven to do things his way, with a marked inability to compromise.      He knew his destiny was to remain unclanned. Yet Japohn couldn’t keep from watching the young men and dreaming about what would never be his.
Releasing in June (no specific date set).

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

Someone's in the home...



      He couldn’t assault his prey in the kitchen. Not when he was off-balance and Vax had access to cutlery. Being a chef, the bastard would know how to wield a knife with the skill that could present a problem should Karil’s unsteadiness provide an opportunity.      He’d strike as the Imdiko passed by. Gripping the doorframe, Karil widened his stance, giving him the stability for a successful leap. He’d knock Vax to the floor and land on him, pinning him down. Then he’d do his cutting and claim justice for Huk.      He didn’t have to wait long. Vax’s voice carried as he moved his way. “Greeting room, kitchen, lights out. Hall light, 20 percent.”Karil braced as that soft pad-pad-padclosed on his position, staring at the spot he’d chosen to take Vax down. The scent of herbal tea wafted in his nostrils. Tea the little shit would never drink. The Imdiko came into view, not looking Karil’s way, holding a steaming cup. He hit the ambush point. Adrenaline spiked through the Nobek.Karil screamed a warrior’s attack cry. He leapt.The surge of energy offered him perfect clarity as he lunged at Vax. The other man’s startled face filled his vision, a wonderful image Karil could enjoy when he played back the memory of killing his enemy. Shock turning to terror as Vax recognized him.Next would come the understanding he was about to die, the most delicious expression of them all.
Releasing in June (specific date not yet set).

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

No one is good enough for the son of this Matara...



Bacoj’s com buzzed, a short beat. He stilled. Another brief buzz. He groaned.               “I have to get that. She won’t quit until I do.”               “She?” Vax twisted to look up at him.               “My mother. She’s rather…insistent…when she wants to talk to me.” His face warmed. What would Vax think of a Dramok who dropped everything when his mother called?                Well, this was fun while it lasted.               “Maybe it’s important, especially if she’s comming this early,” Vax said.               Bacoj reluctantly tugged free of the paradise that was the Imdiko’s ass as the com resumed its adamant demands to be answered. “I doubt it. I adore her, but I’ll be honest with you. She’s on the clingy-to-smothering side.”                “Ah. Better answer that then. I don’t want her breaking down my door.” Vax’s tone and expression were amused.Bacoj glared grumpily. He found his trousers crumpled on the floor and the com attached to its waistband before she could disconnect and signal it was her again.            “Good morning, my mother.”Felac of Clan Rilb might have been needy and overly dramatic on occasion, but her cultured speech could never be called piteous. She sounded dignified while relieved. “Good. You’re alive.”“Is there any reason I shouldn’t be?”“I haven’t heard from you since yesterday morning, and it took you forever to answer just now. What’s going on?”Finally getting into school, having to refuse it because I’ve been drafted for the war, fucking myself silly with the most gorgeous Imdiko in existence.  As if he could say any of that to his mother. She’d have a heart attack. A refined, decorous heart attack, but a heart attack all the same.He settled for, “I met someone interesting and got caught up in getting to know him.”“Someone? A Nobek? An Imdiko? Who are his parents?”Her voice had gone cold. She wasn’t thrilled as so many mothers would be. Parent clans were forever trying to match their sons up with potential mates…but not Felac.
Releasing June (no specific date set at this time)

WIP Wednesday - Clan and Commit

The games young men play...



Vax’s sleeping room was all about comfort, a warm embrace of soothing colors, soft furnishings, and low lighting. The sleeping mat wasn’t quite clan-size, but plenty big enough for Bacoj to envision rolling around on it with the Imdiko, their bodies entwined in the most intimate of embraces. Heat poured into his already rigid cocks.               Yet, standing there next to the knee-high mat while Vax gazed up at him, wet lips parted, Bacoj was abruptly unsure of what to do. He was the Dramok, so it naturally fell to him to take the lead. Vax was an Imdiko, the gentlest breed of Kalquorian, ready to fulfill others’ needs. It should have been an easy situation to navigate.               Emphasis on the should.               Vax ran his hands over Bacoj’s chest, down his ribs, and up again. “Mmm, nice muscles. Nice everything. What does the strong, commanding Dramok desire?”Strong? Commanding? Bacoj didn’t feel in possession of either of those qualities. The categorization tests, taken by all Kalquorian males at the age of five, claimed leadership was Bacoj’s very nature. His birthright. Most of the time, he felt that was true. He was decisive when all the facts were at hand. Yet he became unsure when new circumstances were presented. This was one such situation. Bacoj had never fucked an Imdiko before.He needed a few minutes to figure out how to handle someone who wouldn’t fight him for dominance. Playing for time, he said, “Let’s start with what’s off the table, Imdiko. Bondage, pain play, master and slave?”“Hmm.” Vax’s touch slid up beneath his shirt, exploring. “Nothing too extreme. Definitely no blood. A little bruising is okay…would you like to spank me?” He abruptly turned his back to Bacoj. He pulled his trousers down to show off lovely, round buttocks.Bacoj’s cocks jolted at the sight of such a gorgeous rump. At the idea of parting Vax’s cheeks and diving into the snug hole between them.In a thick voice, Bacoj said, “A spanking. Yes, that ass definitely deserves a warmup. Clothes off. Give me a nice, long look at what I’ll fucking the sense out of. Then lay over my knees, naughty boy.”“Yes, Dramok.” Vax’s clothes went flying, tossed to a nearby chair as Bacoj sat on the edge of the mat and watched.

Releasing Summer 2020

WIP Wednesday - Clan Beginnings: Clan and Commit

The cute bartender has a big, nasty problem...



Vax finished waiting on the other patron and checking on others. He strolled back to Bacoj. “Finish the food, or I’ll think you were lying about how good it is.”In an instant, the worst of the darkness lifted again. Bacoj chuckled and had another bite. Whomever Vax was promised to, the food alone would make him a lucky bastard. He said as much. Vax leaned toward him, settling his elbow on the bar. “Thanks. To be honest, I don’t—”He froze. Vax straightened, his attention riveted on the bar’s entrance. Bacoj glanced over his shoulder to see what had chased the Imdiko’s cheerful mood away.A man who unmistakably belonged to the warrior Nobek breed glared at Vax from the door. His demeanor was as fierce as any of his kind, but Bacoj immediately discerned there were a few unusual details about him.He was as muscled as most Kalquorians, maybe even a touch more. Perhaps twenty years older than Bacoj, he was still a young man. Yet there was something debilitated about the Nobek. His face was gaunt, with deep shadows under his eyes. His hair, black as most of their kind, was thin and lusterless. There was a sense of great desperation that clung to him. The sort of desperation that had turned to a nasty disposition.At that moment, that ugly nature was focused on Vax. Bacoj bristled at the unspoken threat.“Who’s the asshole who wants a punch?” he asked.
Releasing Summer 2020.

WIP Wednesday: Clan and Commmit

The first meeting of Bacoj and Vax



               Dramok Bacoj sat at the bar. He stared into his drink, unmindful of what was going on around him. Not that much happened at a place like Solet Tavern. It was a lowkey neighborhood spot where the locals came in after their shifts to either unwind or get quietly drunk. Bacoj fit neither description, but since he wasn’t in the mood for a rowdy club, Solet fit his needs perfectly.               He contemplated his glass of amber kloq, vaguely aware of the background clink of glasses, hum of conversation, and low occasional laughter. The bar itself was an old wooden slab, showing the scars of glass rings from decades—maybe centuries—of service.                His com sat next to his sweating glass, probably too close, despite its moisture-protective casing. No one was on the line. The holographic vid screen was off, and it would remain so as long as he could stand it. He’d made the dumb move of switching the com off with the text message program enabled. The instant he turned it on again, he’d see the two messages queued up, the messages that had come in within minutes of each other. He’d read the first over and over, memorizing it. Though he’d not done the same with the second, it was burned in his mind as well.               My life is shit.               His pity party was abruptly interrupted by a tray of small finger foods, carefully shoved between his com and glass. Startled, Bacoj jerked his head up. His eyes met those of a young man with a gentle smile.               “You’ve been here long enough to have missed your evening meal. Put something besides kloq in your stomach,” the bartender said.“I haven’t drunk that much.” Bacoj sized him up. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, close to Bacoj’s age. That soft, compassionate expression could only belong to a member of the nurturing Imdiko breed. Ancestors, what a sweet face. Handsome too. “I noticed you’ve been nursing that glass for the last hour. Impressive since your expression tells me you’d love to drink yourself into oblivion.”“The trouble with kloq-induced oblivion is that you have to return from it at some point.” Despite his depression, Bacoj couldn’t help but smile at the other man. Definitely a face to turn heads. Maybe his jaw was a tad too chiseled and his lips too thin to claim perfection, but he’d missed it by just an inch. Were his waves of black hair as soft as they appeared? The urge to find out was close to irresistible.“Are things really that bad?” Cutie Imdiko tilted his head, regarding Bacoj as if no one else in the world mattered."Bad enough."
Releasing this summer.

WIP Wednesday: Clan and Commit Cover Reveal

Preparing for war. Fending off a vengeful stalker. It’s the perfect time for romance on Kalquor.  In one day, Dramok Bacoj realizes his most cherished dream, only to have it snatched away. Then he meets the perfect man, Imdiko Vax. Unfortunately, Vax is a firm believer in career before love, so he’s unavailable for courtship. Or is he? Fending off a vengeful stalker, he turns to Bacoj for help and discovers a romance he can’t easily set aside.
Nobek Japohn is all the protector a clan could hope for. However, the young warrior’s personality isn’t geared toward working well with others. Yet when he sees the handsome pair of Bacoj and Vax in the sort of trouble only he can save them from, long-shattered hopes rise anew. Maybe he can be part of a clan, if they’ll only give him a chance…
…and if a lunatic bent on murder doesn’t kill them first.

Releasing Summer 2020