Tracy St. John's Blog, page 7

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter Three, Scene Three

 

Releasing May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

Sletran's encounter with his superior, Group Commander Dramok Erybet

* * **

Usually, the moment he stepped across the boundary where hisbattalion bunked, anything going on personally ceased to exist in Sletran’smind. Here, he was squad leader, personally in charge of nearly fifty combattroops. He lived and breathed the soldier’s life. He saw the Kalquorian army ashis extended clan, regarded it as a lover. He was determined to give it all hewas.

He didn’t miss infatuation was turning his head from hisadored ground forces. Conyod refused to leave his mind, refused to berespectful to Sletran’s first love by bowing off the stage until he was calledon to return. Visions of the muscled physique straining beneath Sletran, of hisass reddening under the Nobek’s strap, of him yielding to his urgent cock…

Damn.

“Squad Leader Sletran!” A young Nobek hurried toward him,stopped a few feet away, and bowed. “Sir!”

Someone had a message for him, and Sletran noted the soldierhad been waiting for his return to base. He checked the time. He was reportingfifteen minutes early, so he wasn’t in trouble for being late. However,something important was up if he was being summoned so urgently. It helped tochase the images from the night before off. “Report.”

“Group Commander Erybet needs you to report to his officeimmediately.”

“Thank you, soldier.” He hurried to his commanding officer.

The aide sitting at the desk outside the group commander’soffice waved him in immediately. Sletran hurried to stand in front of Erybet’sdesk and bowed.

“Squad leader Sletran reporting, as ordered.”

“At ease, soldier.” The other man’s tone betrayed no sign ofstress despite the urgency of the summons.

Sletran stood up straight and met his eyes. He wondered whenhe’d stop being struck by Erybet’s looks. After more than a year, he should beused to his commanding officer’s appearance.

Erybet was, in a word, beautiful. His black hair flowedphotogenically over his shoulders and back. His eyes were hooded, but soslightly he looked sexy rather than sleepy. His nose was straight, his jawstrong, his lips full and sensual. He wasn’t as muscled as Sletran, or evenConyod, but he was strong, and his fighting prowess had been well established.Sletran had never met a more stunning man in person.

The Nobek understood such a lovely face and physique hadmade it difficult for many to take Erybet seriously as a soldier and commandingofficer of his rank. The fact he was a Dramok instead of a member of thewarrior breed hadn’t helped matters.

It wasn’t that there weren’t Dramoks in the ground troopranks. The men who tended naturally to leadership among Kalquor’s malesnumbered less than an eighth of the fighting population. They rarely remainedpart of the army past a single enlistment term, however. Nobeks saw the groundtroops as their territory, their proving ground. Dramoks were given hell fordaring to step on Nobek turf. For Erybet to have stayed and risen to his rankmeant he was one hell of a tough customer.

For that reason, Sletran had been among the few to avoidchallenging or disrespecting Erybet. It was obvious the Dramok had provenhimself. Sletran treated him as he would any Nobek group commander and obeyedhis orders without a second thought. He saw Erybet’s rank as no threat orinsult to his own strength as a soldier.

“I’m sorry to have called you in as if the empire wasfalling down, but it may as well be,” Erybet began. “High Commander Zyrf hassprung a surprise challenge on us. We’re to run war games this afternoon.”

Despite the sudden change in the day’s itinerary, Erybetdidn’t sound upset in the least. He also offered no comment about Zyrf, thoughthe high commander seemed to think it was his life’s mission to make Erybet’scommand challenging. Sletran thought he detected a hint of pleasure in hissuperior’s voice, the same pleasure singing in his own heart at the news. “Whoare we up against, sir?”

“Commander Binmej’s battalion.”

Sletran allowed a grin. “A worthy challenge.”

“Indeed. I expect us to win.”

An interesting side effect about being part of a Dramok’scompany was the troops had a tendency to fight harder to prove they weren’tweak due to their commander’s breed. The Nobeks under Erybet’s command had madeit a point of pride to kick their competition’s collective ass as often aspossible.

“We’ll win, sir.”

“You’re dismissed to ready your squads.”

Sletran bowed and rushed out. A fight against fierceopponents after incredible sex with a gorgeous Imdiko? He couldn’t imagine lifegetting any better.

* * **

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter Three, Scene Two

 

Releasing in one week on May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

Time for a little disciplinary action

* * * * 

Sletran, age 35 

Conyod’s sleeping room was still dark when Sletran’sinterior clock woke him. The window vids displayed a sea sparkling undermoonlight.

Not the mountains. He hated the mountains, especiallythose near his childhood home. Hated and feared them.

The Nobek wondered if Conyod had gotten over his loathing ofthose scenic peaks, the site of his older brother’s death.

His night vision was excellent, and the dim illuminationallowed him to examine Conyod’s slumbering features. Once again, he marveled athow stunning his lover of the night before had become. How much a man theImdiko was. Only the shape of his nose and chin remained to remind Sletran ofthe troubled teen he’d rescued from a pack of bullies. The child appeared to belong gone.

Such a beautiful, desirable man. Sletran had never imaginedthe skinny boy with the hollowed eyes could become this gorgeous creature. Hewas amazed anew, as he’d been when he’d sighted Conyod in the bar yesterday.

He’s laid his ghosts to rest.

As if sensing Sletran’s scrutiny, Conyod’s eyelids flutteredopen. He blinked at the Nobek, and a smile curved his lush lips. “It wasn’t adream. You’re here.”

“I’m here.” And ridiculously glad he was.

“How long can I keep you here?” Conyod’s fingertips skatedover Sletran’s chest and abdomen, lower still until he found how awake Sletranwas. “I can’t allow you to leave in this state.”

“I should hope not. Maybe the good Dr. Conyod can cure me inan hour? I have to get back to base for drills.”

“You’re very gifted at drilling, I noticed.”

Sletran laughed. “Worst pun ever.”

“Then I have to earn your forgiveness too.”

“What did you have in mind?”

 

Conyod grinned at Sletran’s question. They’d barelyscratched the surface of his many fantasies starring the Nobek.

“You’re a squad leader and instructor, right? A big deal, incharge of the enlisted men.”

“Hardly a big deal.” His eyes twinkled amusement, a funnylook given how hard and pulsing his primary was in Conyod’s stroking palm.

“Oh? You don’t deal punishment for infractions?”

“Disciplining wayward soldiers is part of my jobdescription.” His cock jerked in Conyod’s grip. He liked where this line ofquestioning was going.

“Strappings, I suppose. And having them submitting togetting their asses fucked, so they’re humiliated…right?”

Sletran licked his lips, his gaze running over Conyod. “If Ibelieve it’ll make them think twice about committing future breaches inconduct.”

“Would a terrible pun be enough to earn a reminder of howoffensive such humor is? How awful I am to assault your ears by committing thissort of foolishness?”

Sletran’s delighted grin answered for him. “On your belly,boy. Your ass is about to sting. Hold on. I left my clothes in your greetingroom.”

He dashed out but quickly returned holding his utility beltstudded by its many sheaths and pouches. Conyod’s shafts surged heat as much athis lover’s excited expression as the anticipation of putting himself at hismercy. They did so again as Sletran whipped the covers from the sleeping mat toexpose him.

Conyod lay carefully on his stomach, aware of his erectionsas he did so. He peered through the midnight spill of hair to watch Sletran ashe stripped his belt clear of devices. The various pouches containing knives, ahandheld computer, com unit, and various other tools of a squad leader’s tradethumped in quick succession to the ground.

The strap minus its accessories was thick. A nervous thrillshot through Conyod.

Sletran approached the sleeping mat, eyeing the vulnerableass awaiting his correction. Rather than immediately roasting it, however, herubbed the muscular cheeks. His coarse massage sent excitement tumblingstraight to Conyod’s trapped lengths.

The Nobek’s gaze moved up. He frowned. “Hair out of the way.I want to watch your face while I beat your ass, boy, so I can make sure you’relearning your lesson.”

“Yes, sir.” Conyod flipped the thick tresses aside. Thoughhe’d never served in the ground troops…an Imdiko soldier was an immenserarity…he was aware of how errant soldiers were disciplined by their superiors.He doubted any of them found it enjoyable, but they probably weren’t givingthemselves to a fantasy he’d entertained through the years.

He’d finally learn if the fantasy could be as good asreal-life play.

Sletran dropped the stern disciplinarian act long enough tosay, “Give me a word to signal if this becomes too much. Something odd, off thewall.”

Conyod had forgotten his safety in his excitement. Oncemore, Sletran was protecting him from real harm. “Berlub.”

Sletran chuckled to hear him name the stolen berries thathad brought them together all those years ago. “Berlub it is.” His expressionhardened again, and he became the officer bringing the force of punishment tobear. “Don’t move, boy. An attempt to escape punishment or hide your face fromme will result in double.”

“Yes, sir.” Conyod’s heart sped as the Nobek ceased rubbinghis ass. His soon-to-be-strapped ass.

Sletran stood tall and imposing, the thick leather poisedfor the first strike. It came in a blur of motion.

Conyod heard the meaty smack before he felt it. Thenthe pain was upon him, lighting a streak of fire across his buttocks. Hegasped, and Sletran struck a second time.

Conyod shouted. The intensity was incredible, and he barelystopped himself from scrambling across the bed to escape. Fortunately, he’ddone pain play in the past, so he knew what to expect…but the furious blazeacross his ass was as intense as anything he’d experienced prior to this.

Another blow from the strap. He wailed and kicked butmanaged to remain in place.

“That’s right,” Sletran grunted. Conyod managed to somehownote in the midst of his torment how pleased the Nobek sounded. “I love hearinga lesson well-learned.”

He paused the strapping to rub Conyod’s ass. The roughhandling, centered on where the belt had fallen, tormented him as much as thestrikes. Conyod held his forearm to his mouth to muffle his involuntary squall.

Sletran resumed whipping him. After a few strokes, hemassaged the searing flesh once more. Conyod made no attempt to quiet hiscries. It hurt.

However, another sensation was making itself known. WhenSletran’s strap returned to its disciplinary work, Conyod grew aware of abuzzing sensation in his skull. The pain was transforming. It burned like hell,but the torment hadn’t alleviated his carnal urges. Indeed, he was growing morearoused as he sank in his helplessness before his “superior officer.”

His yelps changed to moans as the heat of anguish andrapture melted into a single intense sensation. His cock plumped beneath him,and he writhed to apply friction to already aching need. Every slap fromSletran’s leather added to the cacophony of lust. His ass rose to meet it,rather than shying away.

“Fuck,” Sletran breathed, and tossed the strap aside. Hescrambled to get behind Conyod, between his legs. His hands gripped theImdiko’s hips and lifted. An instant later, he sank his thick, wet primary inConyod’s ass.

Conyod shouted as his lover’s shaft rubbed his innerhotspot. A jolt of sheer pleasure shot through his lengths, threatening to makehim spill. Sletran pushed fully in him, then paused. The Nobek’s hot breathbeat against Conyod’s ear as he gasped.

“So damned good,” Sletran groaned. His hand squirmed beneathConyod, who was too focused on the bliss pulsing in his sexes to register whatwas happening.

He was close to climax and eager to let it happen, but astrong grip at the base of his primary asserted he wouldn’t. He yelped acomplaint, but Sletran grabbed the back of his neck with his other hand andheld him down.

“No, you don’t. Not until I decide you can, soldier,” hegrowled. “First, you’re going to take a rough fucking. Then…if I feellike it…you can come for me.”

He pounded Conyod’s ass hard, holding him helpless, dammingup the threatening orgasm. Conyod howled in agonized ecstasy, the brutalfriction on his cumspot sending molten cum to his larger shaft. It was blockedfrom escape by Sletran’s uncompromising grip. The continuous smacks ofSletran’s groin to his strapped ass added to the excruciating rapture that leftConyod screaming in the bed linens.

“Yeah, you feel it, don’t you?”

He rutted, his powerful thrusts rocking Conyod despite thegrip on his neck keeping him from fleeing. Conyod clawed the sheets, fightingfor purchase. He had to come. He’d die if he didn’t.

Sletran’s groan filled the air. His shaft pulsed hugely inConyod’s ass, his hot seed filling him. He continued to drive deep the wholewhile, refusing to relent. Even after his moans dissipated and it was obvioushe’d finished shooting his passion in Conyod, he continued to fuck him.

“Damn, that was amazing. Fucking incredible,” he muttered.

Conyod wailed into the mattress, feeling his loins wouldexplode.

“Yeah, you want it, don’t you? You want to come for me. Letme hear you beg me to let you come, boy.”

Conyod managed to twist his head so his face wasn’t buriedin the bed. “Please, sir, please let me come.”

“More, boy. Say it like you mean it.”

Conyod fairly screamed. “Please! I want to come foryou! Let me come for you, sir!”

“All right. This time.”

His grip loosened only slightly, just enough to allow him topump Conyod’s clamoring primary. Enough to allow the burning tide to erupt inbreath-stealing jolts, each accompanied by the Imdiko’s scream of agonizedrelease.

He was certain he’d never come so hard or for so long. Evenwhen Sletran let him collapse in a twitching heap, his emptied loins continuedto spasm.

Sletran crashed to the mat next to him. “Shit, Conyod. Thatwas insane. Exciting as hell.”

Conyod found the strength to grunt.

Sletran chuckled and sat up to rub his shoulders. “Your assis a lovely red. Should I fetch you something for pain?”

He mumbled, “Not yet. If I’m lucky and it doesn’t get toobad, I can have it for a lovely reminder during work of our night together.”

The Nobek’s grin was admiring. “I can’t get over how yougrew up. You’re all man, my friend. And then some.”

Conyod considered. Had it been merely an enjoyable interludefor Sletran? Did he dare hope for more?

He couldn’t stand not knowing. He made the leap. “Any chancewe could get together again?”

Sletran leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Every chance. Let’sset a date.”

Conyod could have screamed for joy.

* * **

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter Three, Scene One

 

Releasing May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

Conyod's bid for freedom has serious consequences.

* * * *

Conyod, age 15

Conyod scowled at the law enforcement psychologist who’dbeen grilling him for almost two hours. “I got tired of being bothered aboutchores and schoolwork. I wanted a break, so I left.”

“Two weeks ago.”

“Like I said.”

“Here’s the problem, Conyod.” The psychologist, a Dramokwho’d introduced himself as Tyaru, leaned toward him. He smiled confidentially,as if they were old friends who trusted their secrets to each other. “You’retoo thin for someone who’s been on his own for two weeks. Especially forsomeone who admits he brought a week’s worth of food when he ran off. You havethe look of a boy who’s been neglected for a long time.”

Conyod bristled. “Hardly. Until I snuck off, my family knewwhere I was every second of the day. They run a successful kestarsh ranch. Wehave plenty of food. I just don’t eat much.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m not hungry!”

“No need to get excited, Conyod. Prior to leaving home, whendid you last get a decent night’s sleep?”

Stupid questions, and Tyaru kept asking them over and over.Why didn’t he just call Conyod’s parent clan to pick up their runaway son? Whatwas he trying to prove?

At least Sletran had been true to his word and theauthorities had allowed him to stick close. The Nobek sat next to Conyod in thesmall conversation area in a corner of Tyaru’s small, dingy office. When theyoung Imdiko looked at Sletran, he gave him a smile of encouragement.

It was as if the soldier actually cared. Conyod doubted hedid, but he appreciated the show. Sletran was obviously a good man as well asthe perfect protective Nobek. Conyod found himself wishing he could move closerto him and have Sletran put his arm around him for comfort.

“Conyod? How well do you sleep at home?” Tyaru pressed.

“Like shit.”

His profanity elicited no reaction from the psychologist.“Why not?”

“I have nightmares. Don’t you ever have bad dreams?” He wasbecoming confrontational, but he was tired of the interrogation. Send mehome and leave me alone.

“I have nightmares. Every night? No. Is that how often youhave bad dreams?”

Try two or three a night. Conyod was done answeringhis questions, however. “I want to com my parents. It’s time they came and gotme.”

“Letting you go home might be impossible, I’m afraid.”

Conyod stared at him. Was he in trouble for stealing producefrom the farm? A vision of him stuck in a containment cell, surrounded bycriminals, stabbed ice in his heart. “Why? Am I being charged? I took only acouple handfuls of berries!”

“Easy, Conyod. You aren’t in trouble.”

“Then why can’t I go home?”

Tyaru glanced at Sletran. “Well, it may be your parentsaren’t doing their duty by you as they should. They did report you missing, butyou’re underweight, a sign of neglect. Perhaps the issue is inattention to yourneeds. Something’s obviously wrong at home, especially since you ran away.”

Conyod sat staring at him, his mouth hanging open. Neglect?Tyaru thought his parents weren’t paying attention to him?

Laughter surprised him as much as Tyaru and Sletran, butonce it started, he couldn’t stop. He sat on the cushion, whooping peals untilhis ribs hurt and tears flooded his cheeks. He howled laughter until he nearlypassed out from lack of breath. Sletran did put his arm around him then, tokeep Conyod from crumpling full-length on the floor.

“Oh, ancestors,” he wheezed when he finally began to regaincontrol. “That’s…that’s incredible. Neglect. Oh, you…you actually think…”

He had to stop or he’d give in to hysterical mirth again.

Sletran helped him sit up. “What’s going on at home, Conyod?An Imdiko minor running away who’s in the shape you are is serious legaltrouble for his parent clan. If they’ve done nothing wrong, you need to tellus.”

His warning sobered Conyod. He hadn’t realized his bid forfreedom would have such repercussions on his parents.

“They aren’t neglecting me. It’s the opposite, in fact.” Hespoke to Sletran instead of the therapist against whom he’d develop a seriouscase of mistrust and antipathy. “They’re always there, watching every move Imake. Yeah, I don’t eat well, but it isn’t because they don’t feed me. They’reconstantly bugging me to put on weight. All day long, it’s ‘Conyod, where areyou going?’ or ‘Conyod, finish your steak,’ or ‘Conyod, you can’t go visit yourfriends since none of us are free to go with you.’ I can’t take a breathwithout someone there to notice it. I wish they would neglect me, at least fora few seconds!”

Sletran regarded him throughout his diatribe. Watched himclosely, in fact, but didn’t scrutinize him as his parents did. The Nobekshowed mere interest, unworried Conyod might suddenly vanish into thin air.“You ran away because they paid too close attention to you?”

“I only wanted to escape the constant supervision for awhile. I felt like I’d explode,” he admitted. “They love me, but it’s drivingme crazy. Our house, the ranch, those damned mountains…they all feel likethey’re closing in.”

“Have they always been so overprotective?”

Tyaru’s voice came from a distance. For Conyod, there wasonly Sletran. Kind, understanding Sletran, who saw him sitting there instead ofa would-be vacancy.

“Ever since my brother rode to the mountains and didn’t comehome, they’ve been scared the same thing would happen to me. Which is hilariousbecause I hate the mountains. I wouldn’t go there if you paid me every cent theImperial Clan has. Especially now since the ghost started roaming the area.”

“Ghost?” Sletran’s brows drew together.

“Yeah, all the ranch’s hands talk about the boy in whitewho’s been sighted on several occasions on our land. They’ve seen him near thecorral or on the plain, staring at the mountains. Most think it’s the spirit ofHoslek, my brother.”

“Have you ever seen it, Conyod?” Tyaru asked.

“No. I’m never allowed out of the house after dark. I’m notallowed anywhere my parents aren’t.”

“Breathe,” Sletran whispered. His big hand rubbed the backof Conyod’s neck. “Relax and breathe, Imdiko.”

“All I want is to breathe. They keep me cooped up. Theywon’t give me any room. I feel like a prisoner in my own home.” The tears thatcame this time weren’t from a hysterical laughing fit. They sprang from theache of having his every move under constant scrutiny, of love gonesuffocating. “I can’t breathe. They won’t let me have any air. That’s why Ileft.”

* * **

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chaper Two, Scene Two

 

Releasing May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

Sletran works hard to earn a runaway's trust.

* * **

Sletran, age 26

Sletran didn’t consider himself wise by any stretch. He’ddone well as a youth in training camp, and he was considered an exemplarysoldier despite it being early in his career, but he’d accomplished his gainsthrough dedicated effort. He never turned his nose up at shit work. He oftenvolunteered for it. His attitude of getting the job done, whatever it took, hadbeen what had made him stand out rather than his brains.

Nonetheless, he felt something was terribly wrong when itcame to the skinny and haunted Imdiko boy he’d taken to a quiet eatery, wherethey sat on floor cushions at a low table on the pleasant patio. Not physicalabuse. Other than the bruises the shitheads from the local training camp hadinflicted on him, he’d stood up against them rather than cowering readilyenough when they’d confronted him.

It was obvious he’d been on his own for a short while, butit didn’t account for how underfed he appeared. His clothes, while dirty andtorn from days’ wear, fit him properly. Even now, he picked at the food Sletranhad ordered for him when he’d failed to choose from the menu. It wasn’t fancyfare since the Nobek couldn’t afford such, but it wasn’t bad. The kid had eatenravenously for the first few bites, then had become listless. His shadowed eyespeered at Sletran through heavy waves of hair…no longer nervously, thank theancestors, but watchful. Evaluating. He was on guard, and Sletran sensed it wasmore from habit than an actual concern the Nobek might prove dangerous.

“You’re a runaway. Trouble at home?” he prodded.

The boy shrugged. It was the only answer he’d given toSletran’s questions when he answered at all.

“How old are you? Twelve? Thirteen?”

At last, he rewarded Sletran’s attempts with a response inan insulted tone. “Fifteen.”

Sletran kept his expression composed, though he wassurprised. He’d given an estimate higher than what he’d guessed the kid’sactual age to be in an attempt to make him feel complimented. Most boysappreciated it when they were seen as mature for their ages. His effort hadbeen way off the mark, but for good reason.

He’s too damn small for a fifteen-year-old. Don’t hisparents feed him?

Maybe. The boy’s plate was still more than half full, andthey’d been sitting there half an hour.

“Fifteen. You aren’t really a kid then.” He was, but Sletranwanted the teen to like him and feel he could confide whatever had gone sobadly for him to have left home. Imdikos who’d done so were serious business.As the fewest and most sensitive of Kalquor’s male breeds, they were to beprotected.

His young companion shrugged. They were back to his stubbornsilence.

“At your age, you’re aware I can’t simply let you wanderoff. I have to take you to the authorities to sort out and send you home.”

The boy stopped shoving food around on his platter. Hislower lip trembled. His blue-purple eyes brightened. Tears threatened.

Sletran’s stomach squeezed tight on the food he’d wolfeddown. He had no idea what to do if the kid burst into tears or begged him notto take him to law enforcement. The Nobek sat stiff on his floor cushion,waiting for the storm and wondering how he was supposed to handle it.

Instead of sobbing or pleading, the teen blinked the tearsback before they could fall. He pushed his platter aside. “I know.”

The defeated tone hurt worse than Sletran had imaginedcrying would. He’d never heard anyone speak so hopelessly.

I have to know what happens to him. I need to know he’llbe okay when he gets wherever he’s going.

“Since it’ll come out anyway, would you at least tell meyour name?”

The teen gazed at him, some of the lost aspect easing off toallow a tinge of hope. “Will you stay with me as long as the authorities allow?I trust you to make sure I’ll be okay. You won’t let anyone be…cruel.”

“Sure. I’m on leave a couple days, so it isn’t a problem.”He felt pride to have earned the kid’s confidence. He assumed it didn’t comeeasily.

“My name is Conyod, son of Clan Tuher.”

Sletran smiled. For a wonder, Conyod returned it. The youngImdiko’s version was wan, but it was a smile.

“It’s very good to meet you, Conyod. Do me a favor and tryto eat a couple more bites, then we’ll go to the local precinct.”

“Okay. I’ll try for you.”

* * * *

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chaper Two, Scene One

 

Releasing May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

When Conyod met Sletran

* * * *

Conyod, age 15 

“Nowhere to go, thief. What do you have to say for yourselfbefore we beat your ass?”

Conyod peered through the dirty strands of his hair at thejeering Nobek. His tormentor stood at the center of a group of teen Nobeks.They’d surrounded him at the edge of the berlub field they’d chased him from.They numbered five, slightly older than him, he judged. They must have comefrom the nearby training camp he’d skulked past a few miles back.

It was just his luck for them to be on leave when he’d givenin to hunger and plundered the berlub bushes of a farm. He was a thief, no twoways about it, but after two weeks on the run, five days after he’d finishedthe food he’d taken from home, he was starving. There’d been no one insight when he’d slunk into the field to fill his snarling stomach with thebright yellow berries that hadn’t yet been harvested.

Anger and shame…and a hefty dose of fear not entirely due tothe young muscled Nobeks who’d chased him from the field…brought the sting oftears to his eyes. Cornered, the evidence of his desperate wrongdoing clutchedin his fists so the juice dripped from them, he snarled, “Assault is a biggercrime than stealing. Touch me and you’ll be sorry.”

“I doubt it. You don’t look as if you have the sort ofparents who possess the rank to protest a well-deserved thrashing.” His chiefaccuser smirked at the rest.

Conyod glanced down at his clothes. They were torn fromhiding in thorny bushes from those he’d feared might be searching for him. Hewas filthy from crouching in muddy gullies thanks to a couple of days ofdownpours. His carry sack wasn’t in any better shape, one strap knottedtogether after it had caught on a branch and torn.

A slap to his cheek sent him reeling. The teen he staggeredtoward shoved him in the middle again, and he stumbled to catch his footing ashis face flamed hot pain.

“Let’s teach him a lesson,” his chief antagonist said andgrabbed Conyod by his hair. “Don’t hold back. I want to see blood. Make him crylike the baby he is.”

“Hold on, Gotas,” one of the boys gasped. “He’s a skinnykid. I bet he’s an Imdiko. We can’t—”

“I say we do.” The teen identified as Gotas bared fangs atConyod’s would-be advocate. “If you’re scared, you can run to camp. But youbetter hide well, where I can’t find you.”

There was a flash of anger, but when no one else spoke up,the boy subsided.

“Better. To show you I don’t hold a grudge, I’ll let youhave first punch, Hetnur. Step on up and—”

Conyod, who’d been alternating between trying to pull loosefrom Gotas’ grip and hopping on his toes to relieve the agonizing tug on hishair, had come to a decision. He was about to get hurt, no doubt where that wasconcerned, but maybe he could do a little damage himself. Taking advantage ofGotas’ divided attention, he swung his leg at his harasser’s crotch.

He was a good deal shorter than Gotas, and he’d never beenin a fight. He had to kick higher than was comfortable. It was a weak blow, byall accounts. However, his aim was true. His shin landed a bullseye on theNobek teen’s sensitive spot.

Conyod’s shock he’d actually attacked someone else, andsomeone so much bigger, was matched only by the shock on Gotas’ expression. Theteen’s eyes and mouth formed perfect o’s an instant before agony suffused hisfeatures. His breath left him in a curiously high-pitched whistle. He releasedConyod to clutch his assaulted privates as his knees bent and his torso curled.A line of drool ran from his lower lip.

Conyod stood frozen, watching as the bully offered a thinscream as high-pitched as the whistling breath had been. A dim part of hisbrain told him he should be running like hell, but he was too gobsmacked tohave turned the tables on his tormentor to do so.

“You know, kid, once you put your opponent at such adisadvantage, you shouldn’t just stand there. A good move when the enemy’s bentin pain would be to grab the back of his head and yank it down while you smashyour knee in his face.”

A massive man waded between the startled boys. Conyod turnedhis stunned gaze toward the muscled behemoth in the black armored uniform of aground troop soldier. Where had he come from?

A couple of the teens yelped. “Stay put!” the muscled Nobekshouted. Poised to run, they froze on the spot. Except for Gotas, who was stilltrying to learn how to breathe again.

The soldier stared at the terrified-looking youths, hisinitial nonchalance disappearing behind a rictus of fury. “What a company ofcowards and assholes,” he snarled. “Names. Now. You first.”

He appeared so bestial, none of the teens dared to refuse.As his burning gaze lit on each of the younger Nobeks, they stuttered theirnames. Conyod heard none of them, his senses overwhelmed by what had happenedin a matter of minutes.

The presence of his rescuer held him astonished. He wasn’tthe handsomest man the young Imdiko had ever encountered, but he was perhapsthe most riveting. Nearly waist-length black curls framed a body carved fromgranite. The armored formsuit had no hope of hiding the strength of his thighsor the broadness of his shoulders. He looked like the strongest man alive tothe boy.

Having gained the names of Conyod’s attackers, the soldierstripped off a thick strap circling his thigh, in which a knife had beensheathed. He tucked the knife and its pocket beneath the utility belt at hiswaist.

“Pay attention, shitheads. As it seems your instructors havebeen lax in teaching you proper behavior, class is now in session,” heannounced. “A Nobek’s first duty is to protect the empire. His second duty isto protect his clan. And his third duty, which sometimes takes precedence overthe first two, is to protect those weaker than himself.

“Am I appalled to see the opposite occurring here? To seefive Nobeks of the Kalquorian Empire attacking a smaller youth, an Imdiko, noless? You’re damned right I’m appalled. More than appalled. I’m fucking livid!”

His fangs showed as he roared at them. All five, includingGotas, who was beginning to become aware of matters beyond his abused groin,moaned in terror.

“There is no excuse. None.”

“He was stealing—” one of the boys dared.

The soldier was a blur of motion. He grabbed the teen who’dspoken by the back of the neck and yanked him to the middle of the gathered.The strap flailed faster than Conyod’s eyes could follow, though there was nomistaking the thuds of contact.

The youth squalled and fell to his hands and knees. He dughis booted toes and fingers in the ground, trying to escape the beating, butthe soldier held him fast and without obvious effort. The black strap flashedin the sunlight. Conyod and the rest cringed, but they couldn’t tear themselvesfrom the sight. Nor did the teens show any inclination to rescue their fellow.

I don’t blame them. This guy could tear us limb from limbwithout trying.

His thought was as much worshipful as terrified. He’dthought his father Vel was the be-all and end-all of the Nobek breed until thismagnificent warrior.

The soldier paused and shook the howling youth. “Now beg theImdiko’s pardon or get a second round of the same.”

“I…I’m sorry, Imdiko. Forgive me.”

The elder Nobek released the teen, who stumbled a few feet,then collapsed in a shuddering heap. The soldier glared at the remaining four.

“Look at this boy.” He gestured at Conyod. “It’s obvious toanyone who possesses half a brain he’s starving. Why else would he be thievingberries from a field? Yet it occurred to none of you supposed protectors tohelp him. You chose to bully him instead. You’re lower than thieves. You’renothing.” He spat.

The teens hunched. They looked at Conyod in shame. The soleexception was Gotas. His gaze betrayed black hatred, though he was obviouslytoo afraid of the soldier to voice it.

“The rest of you will receive punishment from me, afterwhich you’ll also beg the Imdiko for pardon. If you try to escape, you’ll getdouble. If any of you somehow manage to escape, I have your names. I’ll reportall of you to the training camp, not just the coward who runs off. Havinggraduated from a camp myself, I know exactly what you’re in for if yoursuperiors learn what you’ve done here today.”

The boys were shaking, but they didn’t move an inch. Wouldpunishment at the camp be worse than a strapping from the Nobek? Conyodcouldn’t imagine it.

It must have been true, because one by one, they submittedto his harsh discipline. Their cries rang out over the field, and they beggedConyod’s forgiveness long before the punishment ended.

The fourth youth, he who was named Hetnur and had tried toreason with Gotas, tried to negotiate a lesser penalty when he stepped forward.“Nobek, I tried to tell them, I really did, I said it wasn’t fair for us tojump him—”

“You spoke, but you did nothing. A true Nobek isn’twary of the numbers against him if an injustice is being committed. A Nobekwould rather his breath stop than allow harm to someone who doesn’t deserve it.Except for this piece of dung with the bashed cocks who led you, you’re theworst of the group for your failure to stand up for what you knew was right.You’ll be strapped harder than those who came before you.”

The soldier was true to his word. Hetnur’s punishment wasthe severest thus far. Conyod couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

Then the soldier turned to Gotas. “Do you think I’ll spareyou because you’ve already suffered the greatest damage? I see plainly you feelno remorse for what you’ve done. You’re the leader of these worms. You’ve setyourself up as their superior only to terrorize the weak. Who else have youconvinced them to gang up on? How many innocents have been hurt because youdecided power was better than defending those who’d look to you for help?”

The soldier’s furious glare raked the others. “This is whoyou’ve chosen to fear…a spineless weakling who uses you to intimidate those hehasn’t the strength to overcome alone. He couldn’t even defeat an underfedImdiko. Are you truly so pathetic as to follow this pretend Nobek?”

Gotas said nothing, but he’d gone pale. He went paler as hishowls were added to those of his fellows.

When the soldier had finished, he waved them off as ifshooing flies. “Get out of my sight before I decide you deserve more than I’vegiven you.”

They clumsily slunk to the dirt road leading to the trainingcamp. Gotas was still hunched, and he moved slower than the rest. They left himbehind, and Conyod had a feeling the bully would find himself friendless for along time.

He pulled his sight from the retreating youths to discoverthe soldier stared at him. “Now for you,” the man said.

Conyod’s heart skipped a beat as his gaze skittered to thethick strap the man held. He grew dizzy, and not just from hunger andexhaustion.

“Ancestors, I won’t beat you, kid. You look as if you’vebeen through enough.” The soldier stepped close. His tone was shockingly softfor such a terrifying person. His expression too. “I’m Nobek Sletran. I want tohelp you. What’s your name and where do you live?”

Conyod hunched, hating the idea he might invite the youngman’s ire as the bullies had. He didn’t dare answer his rescuer, however. Hesimply stared at the booted feet in front of him and shook his head. Then hewaited for the blows.

* * * *

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter One, Scene Five

 

Releasing May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

A torrid encounter

* * * *

They were barely in the door of Conyod’s small apartmentwhen Sletran pulled him into his arms and kissed him. It was a searching, deepkiss, the kiss Conyod had dreamed of for years.

He clung to the Nobek, his hands moving over the back ofSletran’s casual shirt, a shirt that would have hung loose on any other man butthis incredibly built warrior. He felt the muscles flex beneath the fabric asSletran also explored. Their mouths moved in concert, and their tongues twined.

Every stroke sent electricity buzzing through Conyod. Hesensed the world turning, turning, turning…then realized Sletran was moving himacross the floor, prodding him toward the greeting space’s small lounger.

Conyod pulled his tingling lips free. “Sleeping room?”

“Later. After staring at you all night, I can’t wait.”

Sletran tugged Conyod’s shirt off, tossed it aside, andpaused to examine him. He grabbed the smaller man by the waist and pulled himclose again. His palms ran over Conyod’s ass. “Ancestors, you’re beautiful. Areyou sure you’re Imdiko Conyod, son of Clan Tuher?”

“I hope so. They keep insisting I come to their ranch fordinner so they can boss me around.”

Sletran barked a laugh before devouring him in another headykiss, squeezing his ass as he did so. Conyod moaned and yielded to a rush oflust, sucking on the tongue plundering his mouth.

The next instant, he was flat on his back on the lounger.Sletran was a blur. Conyod’s shoes flew across the small room, landing in thecorner. His pants were gone too. The Nobek hung over him, his greedy gazeraking him.

Aroused, Sletran had a stare that could burn. Conyod sworeit was lighting him on fire. He reached for the larger man.

His wrists were abruptly pinned over his head. Sletrangrinned as he traced the fingers of his free hand down Conyod’s torso andfurther, barely skimming the larger of the Imdiko’s livid pair of cocks. Helicked the wetness from his fingertips. “You grew big and strong. Do you thinkyou could take me in a fight for dominance?”

It was an aroused Nobek response, the urge to fight thenfuck. Conyod knew he didn’t have a chance against the battle-trained soldier.“Maybe when you’re asleep and I have a huge stick to whack you with.”

Sletran laughed, humor taking the edge of bestial need fromhis features. “Ah hell, Conyod. I’m glad I went against what I thought was mybetter judgment and agreed to meet you today. Seriously though, am I takingadvantage? Do you finally see me as just a guy who helped a kid one day insteadof some ridiculous hero you built too big in your mind?”

“You are my hero. I particularly like the ridiculous side ofyou.” Conyod snickered. “Heroes don’t usually admit to such flaws, so it makesyou even better.”

Sletran’s eyes narrowed. Protest was written on his strongface. “You need to quit the hero worship.”

“Okay. I promise to worship only your body for the nexthour. I’d be able to do so properly if you’d strip…hint, hint, hint.”

Sletran cracked up again. “You’ve become funny in the lastfew years. Definitely not angsty. Hell, who am I kidding? You’re gorgeous,you’re a grown-ass man, and I’m going to fuck you. Why put off today what I canregret tomorrow?”

Conyod’s gut tightened. “I hope you won’t regret this.”

“I doubt I will, but you might, having put me on such a highpedestal.”

Before Conyod could respond, Sletran grabbed his primary andstroked. At the same instant, he kissed him with fierce demand. Conyod writhedin response, his hips rising and falling in rhythm to the experienced movementsof his companion’s hand.

He’d enjoyed a few lovers. An unclanned Imdiko his age hadno shortage of Dramoks and Nobeks eager to prove themselves in bed. None ofthem compared to Sletran, though he’d done so little thus far.

He was Sletran, and he was more than enough.

When the Nobek had aroused Conyod to the point he wasstruggling to escape the warrior’s grip…he was desperate to tear his clothesoff to see and touch what he’d dreamed of for years…Sletran released his largercock. His smile was mocking and hungry at once, an expression exciting andanxiety-provoking.

Conyod was too stirred to bow to the warnings in his headbegging him to not goad an aroused Nobek. Sletran was indeed excited. It was inthe darkness of his eyes, the hint of fangs peeking between his lips, theswollen crotch of his trousers, and the spicy scent of a Kalquorian man’s lustjoining Conyod’s.

“Don’t stop,” the Imdiko whispered, straining toward him.

Sletran continued to stare at him. He slowly, deliberately,licked the wetness from his fingers, which had so recently been strokingConyod’s primary.

“You taste lovely, Imdiko. You feel good. So wet and hard.So hungry for attention. I just have to figure out what I want to do with youfirst.”

“Anything.”

“Really?” Sletran swooped to deliver a kiss to Conyod’snipple. His lips tightened around it and sucked gently. He licked next, hiscoarse tongue rough. Conyod gasped at the spike of pure arousal beelining fromhis chest to his jerking shafts.

Then Sletran bit. A jolt of pain joined the exciting heatbuilding in the younger man’s groin. His cocks throbbed. Conyod writhed andgroaned. “Yes!”

“You are grown up.” Sletran kissed and licked a path to theother nipple. His teeth closed on the dark circle.

Conyod’s ass bounced on the lounger’s cushions as tormentand lust tore through him at the Nobek’s bite. “Fuck!”

Sletran snickered and growled at once. He sucked his nippleand bit again.

It was too much. Conyod had claimed he couldn’t best Sletranin a fight for dominance, hadn’t imagined doing so, but carnal hunger overtookhim. His lover must have thought he’d totally surrendered. When Conyod yanked,his wrists broke free of Sletran’s grip.

He wasn’t as fast as a battle-hardened Nobek, but one whowas taken by surprise was slower to react. Conyod managed to shove him off andpull Sletran’s shirt open to display a chest chiseled within an inch of itslife before the Nobek responded.

Sletran made up for his lapse. The world swirled aroundConyod. He was abruptly on his stomach, his face buried in the velvety seatcushion. Sletran’s weight held him pinned. The Nobek swept his long, heavy hairaside, baring the side and back of his neck.

Conyod discerned what was happening an instant before hislover’s fangs sank in the thick muscle joining his neck to his shoulder. Hebucked, but the fight was finished. Sletran had him.

Warmth flowed through his veins, or perhaps it was Conyod’simagination. Real or not, he knew the Nobek’s venom was filling him, racingtoward his brain, where it would render him more vulnerable than if Sletran hadtied him down.

Kalquorian venom affected various species differently. Itwas deadly poison to Bi’isils, was harmless but burned like acid when used onAdrafs, sent Plasians into a deep sleep, and set off hallucinations forBeonids. Only Joshadans suffered no effects, ill or good, from Kalquorianbites.

When a Kalquorian bit one of its kind, it rendered thevictim susceptible to the biter’s commands. It was the rare Kalquorian whocould resist the intoxicating pull of his attacker’s orders, no matter how hefought to maintain control.

Conyod wasn’t among the rare. When Sletran released the biteand said, “Don’t move,” the command soaked into his consciousness. He didn’tbudge when the Nobek’s weight lifted off him. He felt the other man kneelingover his legs, his knees on either side of Conyod’s.

“Naughty Imdiko.” There was no reprisal in Sletran’s tone.In fact, he sounded as if he were gloating. “Trying to take control? I’ll haveto teach you a lesson.”

He rubbed Conyod’s buttocks, a firm massage to both cheeks.The helpless man groaned, his trapped sexes shoving at the cushion beneath him.Sletran’s calloused touch was amazing. When his thumb brushed Conyod’s hole,passion flooded him. His instinct was to jerk, but the order to stay still kepthim from doing so.

“Yes. Discipline must be given and taught. Fortunately…orperhaps not…I’m a stern taskmaster. If you’re less than an avid pupil, it’llsoon change.”

While he spoke, he continued to rub, occasionally tracingConyod’s entrance. His deep voice, growing breathy in anticipation, deliveredwords the Imdiko took little notice of. Conyod’s entire being focused on theexhilarating touch. He was wholly unready when the first slap sent fire blazingacross his ass.

Conyod yelped and twitched, but Sletran’s command to remainin place meant he stayed exactly where he was.

“All grown up.” A second blistering smack brought a strongeryell. “It’s probably been ages since you’ve had a proper spanking.” Whack.“Good thing I’m here to remind you—” another strike “—how a young man issupposed to behave—” smack “—in the company of his elders.”

Conyod squalled as his ass turned into an inferno. He wasaware of how the heat sank deep in his flesh, seeping into his cocks, whichgrew fuller and fatter beneath him.

He’d had disciplinary encounters with lovers in the past.He’d enjoyed them as part of sensual play, but this was the first time he hadreason to worry he might actually come from erotic punishment. Every blow ofSletran’s open palm was as heady as a firm stroke of his hand on Conyod’s cock.

How pathetic would it look if he climaxed all over hislounger, like a teenage boy having his first sexual encounter? Conyod didn’twant Sletran to think him an inexperienced neophyte.

He tried to concentrate on the pain rather than pleasure,but an endorphin rush had kicked in. All he felt was the incredible heat of thespanking, which enticed rather than discouraged excitement. The fact it wasSletran dealing discipline, enjoying him as a man, heightened his eagerness.

His cries had transmuted from shouts of hurt to cries ofanticipation and moans of delight. His shafts grew more sensitive, keenlyfeeling the velvety brush of the lounger. He would definitely come if Sletranswatted his ass much longer.

In the swirl of elated confusion fogging his brain, Conyodfound a single word. He seized on it, unable to determine if it would help himor make the situation worse. Either way, it was all he had.

“Please!”

Sletran’s growl answered, accompanied by another smack.“That’s it. Beg me. Tell me you’re naughty.”

Conyod panted as the heat of the spanking made the heavinessin his secondary molten. “Nau-naughty,” he groaned, snatching at the word histormentor had provided.

“Yeah. Now say you’re sorry.” The bigger man’s hand raineddelicious torment on Conyod’s vulnerable ass.

“S-sorry.” The liquid heat was climbing his smaller cock,inching an inexorable trail toward its twin.

“Beg me to fuck you.”

“Fuck me!” Though he’d most assuredly lose it if Sletran didat that moment. Conyod couldn’t tell him so, however. He could only repeat thewords he was given as he fought the increasing tide of bliss pushing to hisprimary.

“Mmm, sounds good. Say it again. Say, ‘fuck me, Sletran.’”The palm kept clapping his ass cheeks in turn.

“Fuck me, Sletran!” Conyod screamed the words indesperation. He was on the brink.

The steady slapping sounds ceased. Sletran rubbed Conyod’sass, massaging the heat of discipline deep. The Imdiko groaned, impendingclimax throbbing his shafts, their excitement fed by the pain that was purepleasure.

“Put your delicious ass in the air. Legs spread. Offeryourself to me.”

Conyod wouldn’t have needed the venom spurring him to obey.He was in the excitingly submissive position before Sletran finished talking,his thighs trembling as they splayed wide.

“That’s it. So beautiful. Look at this hungry little hole,waiting for me to fill it. To fuck it and shoot it full of my cum.”

The sound of the Nobek’s crotch seam purring open madeConyod’s shafts jerk. He’d probably come himself the instant Sletran shoved in.It would be embarrassing, but all he could think of was how he ached for it.

Sletran’s legs, still clad in trousers, wedged between his.The man Conyod had loved for years was about to fuck him. It was an exquisitelyerotic moment.

Something hot and slick poked his entrance. Conyodshuddered. His lover felt big. Sletran hadn’t prepared him, hadn’t stretchedhis tight hole before laying claim.

His tapered tip eased in a couple of inches. Eased out. Inagain, a little further. Retreated. In, and this time the Nobek’s largerprimary slid along the crevice of his crack. Sletran was invading using thesmaller secondary. For all his rough play and harsh demands, he was beingcareful with Conyod.

Calloused palms spread his burning ass cheeks. “I loveseeing this. My cock filling your hole while you moan beneath me. I’m sofucking glad you grew up the way you have. So glad.”

Conyod tried to say he was glad too, but it was at thatmoment Sletran’s shaft slid along his prostate. A jolt of purest pleasurebarreled through him, and his cry was an incoherent babble. For a second, hethought he’d come then and there, but Sletran stilled. The surge of heatpaused, then retreated.

“Mmm, yeah, clench my cock. Let me feel and hear how youwant it. How much you need it.”

He pushed deeper, and heat surged anew. Conyod sobbed hisname. He’d imagined this moment for years, had fantasized it was Sletran whenhe’d slept with others, but he’d never hoped it could be this incredible. Itwas as if he’d been created for this man, and this man alone.

Sletran’s groin snugged up to his ass, pressing the entiretyof his secondary in Conyod. “Good and tight, you beautiful man. You’re going tofuck my cock now. You’ll fuck it, and I’ll watch.”

“Yes,” Conyod managed.

The Nobek moved until only his tip remained in. He swattedConyod’s ass. “Do it, gorgeous. Fuck me.”

Conyod was eager to obey. He rocked backward, enclosingSletran’s shaft to the hilt. Forward, shivering at the delicious thrill of hislover’s girth rubbing his hotspot. Back again, groaning his gratitude.

“Oh yeah. Swallow my cock. So fucking good!”

Conyod moved faster, clenching his ass for Sletran’spleasure, which meant more to him than his own. He would have continued for theentire night, ignoring his own clamoring urges, had Sletran commanded it.

He gloried in his long-awaited lover’s groans and sighs ofbliss, in how he clenched Conyod’s ass, then his hips. Sletran began to thrust,meeting Conyod’s backswings so their flesh met in meaty smacks. Their gasps andgrunts were bestial, the ancient primitive song of men fucking hard.

Sletran abruptly pulled free, leaving Conyod achingly empty.The Imdiko began to cry out from loss, but a thicker invader took thesecondary’s place. Sletran yanked Conyod’s hips, driving at the same instant tofill him with merciless lust. Conyod shouted at the exciting clamor of mingledpain and rapture as he was taken.

“Fuck!” Sletran shouted. “Don’t come yet, Conyod. Holdon…just…wait until after…I want to…”

Whatever it was he wished to do was lost in an animal growl.He rutted like a man gone mad, the noises he made telling the Imdiko he wasclosing in on the end.

Conyod was also racing for the finish line, passion fed bythe constant friction against his prostate. In desperation, he reached for hislarger shaft and clenched its base in his fist. The molten fire of release wasstopped there, and he offered a thin shriek between clenched teeth to rejectits heaven.

Sletran’s rhythm stuttered. “Yes! Here it is…ah, ah, ah!”

His cock jerked in Conyod. Heat filled him as the Nobek’sseed erupted. In the midst of his agony of unfulfillment, Conyod wished hecould see his lover’s face as he experienced climax.

Sletran continued pumping for several seconds until hismoans settled to sighs. He stilled, his hands restlessly rubbing Conyod’s ass,thighs, and lower back.

He pulled out and rolled the Imdiko on his back. Conyodstared at Sletran, who loomed tall between his legs. The other man’s cocks werestill erect, but there was only satisfaction on his rugged features. The sightgave Conyod his own sense of gratification.

“How close are you?” Sletran asked him.

“Close.” But since Sletran had stopped fucking him silly,Conyod was no longer on the brink…though it wouldn’t take much to return himthere.

“Hold out for a while longer. Long enough for me to get ataste of those gorgeous cocks.” Sletran sank to his knees next to the loungerand pulled Conyod so he could drape his legs on his shoulders. He settledenough weight so Conyod was pinned beneath him. He inhaled the spicy scent ofthe Imdiko’s arousal. “Fuck yeah, I want to gobble these. You smell sweeterthan most men I’ve been with. Here, let me.”

He shoved Conyod’s hand aside to grip the root of hisprimary so he couldn’t come. The next instant, his mouth enveloped the Imdiko’ssecondary, right to the base.

Conyod arched and shouted as a flood of cum vainly fought toget past the firm grasp damming him. His fists pounded the lounger as Sletran’shead bobbed over him. The Nobek’s rough tongue slid along the big vein on theunderside of Conyod’s length, sending shockwaves of violent delight shudderingthrough him.

Sletran didn’t merely suck his cocks. He devouredthem, moving from smaller to primary, then back, over and over. He slurped andswallowed the natural lubricant flowing from Conyod’s pores in unembarrassedenthusiasm. He gave no sign he noticed how the Imdiko kicked or when he pulledhis long curls or how he shoved against his shoulders as lust became unbearable.

Sletran’s grip keeping Conyod from erupting was unyielding,and the pressure drove the pinned man insane. He squalled and begged and cursedas Sletran fed on his passion but refused to allow its true expression. Then,just as he thought his mind would break from Sletran relentlessly sucking hisprimary, the Nobek loosened his clutch.

Orgasm swept through Conyod, and his sight went blindingwhite. Molten heat poured and poured in the mouth drawing on him in what feltlike an unending flood. He knew nothing but the violent fury of release and thesweet pressure of hand and mouth on his cocks, emptying him.

Little by little, he returned to his senses. His visioncleared in time to watch Sletran carefully lower his legs from the Nobek’sshoulders, so his feet rested on the floor. His lover stood and stripped hisclothing off at last. Despite having come so hard, Conyod’s still thrumming anderect shafts offered a twitch.

Sletran was pure muscle, from corded neck to carved calves.The few scars he sported enhanced Conyod’s attraction to the physicalperfection he’d only guessed at. There was nothing soft or giving about hishero, save the warmth in his eyes as he gazed at Conyod.

“While you’re still erect,” Sletran said as he knelt on thelounger, his knees straddling Conyod’s hips. He lowered and enclosed theImdiko’s primary in his lusciously tight ass.

“Fuck,” Conyod groaned. Lust had been diminishedsignificantly, but the kick he felt in his groin told him it wouldn’t be satedfor long.

“That’s what’s fun about you younger guys,” Sletranchuckled, moving up and down on him. “You’re easy to keep hard and make come asecond time in a hurry. I should be ready to fuck you again by the time you’vefinished Round Two. It’ll be a nice leisurely fuck, so I can enjoy you the waysuch a gorgeous Imdiko should be enjoyed.”

“No…no argument,” Conyod gasped. He did tend to recoverrather quickly, but Sletran was waking his lust in record time. Or maybe it wasbecause he’d dreamed of this night for so many years. He hoped it wouldn’t betheir sole night together, but he had every intention of making it count incase…

No. He couldn’t think like that. The idea of Sletran turningaway after finally granting Conyod the closeness he craved was too awful.

Then give him what it takes to keep him close. Even if itmeans starting with just lust, make sure he wants to stick around beyondtonight.

Conyod fell to worshipping the man who’d rescued him fromthe nightmare of his childhood and adolescence, his tongue and fingers tracingthose mesmerizing lines and bulges of the other man’s impressive physique. AsSletran rose and fell on him, he closed his fist around his engorgedprimary…the Nobek recovered quick as well, it seemed…and pumped the hot flesh.Sletran voiced his pleasure in groans for a little while, then grabbed Conyod’swrists and pinned them to the back of the lounger, on either side of theImdiko’s head.

The control excited Conyod. He gazed at his lover, hisvision blurred as need increased. Then Sletran’s lips were on his, his tonguesweeping Conyod’s mouth as if claiming him.

You did that ages ago. I’ve been yours for years.

He watched in pure love as Sletran moved over him, thoseentrancing muscles rippling in a dance as he worked to bring him to thephysical expression of his adoration. He cried out minutes later when blissflowed from himself to the Nobek, allowing him to merge intimately with theother man.

Let it last. Oh please, let this continue.

When his cocks ceased jerking, Sletran sighed. “You’re abeautiful man, more so when you come. I could watch you do it again and again.”A devilish grin spread over his face. “So I will. Where’s the sleeping room?Never mind, I’ll find it.”

He picked up the loose-limbed Conyod, hefting him on hisshoulder. The Nobek carried him through his home. In such a small apartment, itdidn’t take him long to locate the bedroom, much to their mutual delight. Whenthey finally let sleep claim them, they did so wrapped in each other’s arms.

* * * *

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter One, Scene Four

   

Releasing May 31. Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

 Getting to know each other...and liking what they find. Conyod has hope he'll finally win his warrior.

* * * *

The non-expression on Sletran’s strong features told Conyodhe’d made an impression. Schooled to hide hints of shock, it was the go-toimpassive demeanor for many Nobeks when they’d been surprised. The intensity ofhis stare was as much of a giveaway as a dropped jaw would have been.

Conyod hadn’t developed his well-muscled body solely forSletran’s benefit, but this moment, planned for the last few years, had offereda lot of motivation.

Surprise. I’m not the weak, scared boy you remember. Ittook every mote of his control to not laugh aloud in triumph.

Conyod was aware he damned near worshipped Sletran. The manhad been his idol since saving his pathetic ass as a runaway teen. The Nobek’suber-masculine yet handsome features were framed by black hair. Taller thanmost at six-feet-ten and bulging breath-stopping muscle, his appearance was as textbookNobek as the warrior breed could get.

The waiter set glasses of bohut before the men, thenhesitated. “Thanks.” Conyod’s gaze never moved from Sletran.

Completely ignoring the hopeful Dramok, Sletran leanedforward, his neutral expression breaking into a delighted grin. “Imdiko Conyod,look at you. Wow. Where’s the underweight, angsty kid I knew?”

“Gone. You didn’t think I’d stay a boy forever, did you?”Conyod sipped his drink, affecting nonchalance. “I finished school, you know. Istill have the occasional class to upgrade my certifications, but I work aninternship at the hospital here in the capital. I’m hoping they’ll hire mefulltime after I finish the required hours.”

“A psychologist saving minds from life’s abuses…a greatfield.”

“Well, I know how therapy benefitted me. I thought I’d payit forward. What about you? How are the ground forces treating you? I don’twant your typical response of ‘fine,’ which is all you ever text.”

“Sure, but it is going well. Probably not as impressive wherethe pay grade is concerned as a full-fledged psychologist.”

“Ha! My paid internship keeps me in sandwiches and littleelse. Don’t switch the conversation to me. What’s your rank now? Are yourunning the base yet?”

Sletran chuckled, seemingly unable to stop inspectingConyod. “I’m still a foot soldier, but I am in charge of my squad, second inrank to my group commander. I’ve also been put in charge of training a coupleof squads of new recruits. I hope to make group commander myself in anotheryear or two.”

“Bigger responsibilities and an imminent rise in rank?That’s great. You probably will run the whole show before you’re fifty.” Conyodwas doing his own nonstop assessment. He hadn’t shaken his infatuation forSletran despite the distance their lives had put between them…as well as theNobek’s polite but firm determination to keep a lovestruck boy’s hero worshipat bay.

Conyod was certain Sletran didn’t see him as a boy at themoment.

His assessment was proven when Sletran invited him to dinnerat a nearby restaurant after two hours of nonstop talk. Once the conversationgot going, there wasn’t an awkward pause to be found. Sletran’s past reluctanceto get closer showed no sign of its presence. At the restaurant’s low table,the Nobek slid his floor seating cushion next to Conyod’s and leaned close tohear his companion speak.

At the start, Conyod wasn’t sure what they talked about oreven what he ate. His entire being was focused on the man sitting by him,smiling as if they were the only two people in the world. His heart was alight.He’d at last arrived at the moment he’d hardly dared dream of for the past sixyears. Sletran was looking at him. Seeing him as he was, a grown man ready toclaim life, love, and enjoyment.

Their conversation floated to him. “I’m still in shock overyour appearance. Tell me your workout regimen,” Sletran invited.

Conyod felt his face warm. Had the Nobek brought up thesubject to allow him to openly ogle him? His companion did so, appreciationwritten on his features. Conyod had purposely worn his tightest clothes inhopes Sletran would like what he saw. It seemed his ruse had succeeded.

“Weights, weights, weights. I run too. I’ve also kept up onthe defensive training you taught me.”

“Really? You know, I have a side gig training Imdiko youthin the discipline. You inspired me.”

“Did I?” Conyod cast for another subject to focus on. Thelast thing he wanted to do was remind Sletran of the kid he’d been. The clingy,undernourished kid who’d been no more than an object of pity for the soldier.

“I can’t get over how you’ve changed. So confident. So…grownup.”

Conyod relaxed. “Kids do that, you know.”

“Your parents didn’t arrange a clanship for you?”

A stab of dismay caught Conyod by surprise. For an instant,it detracted from the fact Sletran was fishing for his availability.

The Nobek must have noticed something in his expression.Sympathy crossed his features. “No change on the home front, I take it.”

Conyod managed a rueful chuckle. “Tuher and Sema aren’t sobad, but they never make it a secret I should be a full partner when it comesto running the ranch. They haven’t stopped angling for me to live and work athome, where they can keep an eye on me.”

Sletran nodded. “They’re still fighting your decision to gointo psychology?”

“That’s mostly my mother and Vel. Work at the hospital’spsyche unit gives me a good reason to avoid going home often, and I take it.”He eyed his half-empty glass of bohut and thought about bolting the remainderdown. “They didn’t take full advantage of the therapy they were given. The besttraining in psychology only goes so far if the patients have no intention ofimproving.”

Sletran’s hand rubbing his back brought a bolt of electricityracing along his spine. “I’m glad you recognized it and committed to recovery.You deserve the best in life after the pain you’ve gone through.”

“I’m trying.” Conyod caught himself leaning closer and was readyto make himself stop when Sletran’s arm circled him. His heart pounding, hesettled against his companion. “I’m honestly doing well, even where my parentsare concerned.”

He fought to maintain a casual tone, as if their contact wasthe most normal thing in the universe. For most men on a date, it would havebeen, as would a night spent intimately on a first encounter. Sex toKalquorians was as natural to the process of getting acquainted as havingdrinks. 

Sletran had kept him at a distance for years, however.Conyod felt the need to proceed carefully, no matter how obvious the signalsfor a normal interaction between interested men appeared to be.

They moved on to happier topics. Soon they were laughing asConyod described his more comical patient interactions and Sletran shared the hilariousmistakes of the men he trained.

As they finished their dinner and drank the last of theirdrinks, Conyod wished the night would never end. However, now that he’d hopefullywon Sletran’s attention, he was willing to continue to play the long game towin the prize. He wouldn’t insist on instant intimacy from the only man he’dever dreamed of being in a relationship with. He refused to push Sletran awaybecause of impatience when he’d just begun to capture real interest.

I may be head over heels, but I refuse to be stupid when Ifinally have a chance.

“Conyod?”

“Hmm?” Conyod set his glass down and wondered if suggestinga walk on the nearby beach in the moonlight would be seen as too pushy.

“Would it be obnoxious of me to ask if we could spend thenight together?”

Conyod gaped. Was this actually happening? Was Sletrancoming on to him?

Fuck the beach and the moonlight. “I’d love for you stay thenight.”

* * * *

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

 

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter One, Scene Three

 

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

 Sletran is certain he's screwed up. He has agreed to meet up with a certain Imdiko he once rejected, a young man he has no interest in. Conyod might have a big surprise for him...he isn't the kid Sletran remembers.

* * * *

Nobek Sletran sat in a bar in Kalquor’s capital city, convincedhe’d made a mistake. It wouldn’t be the first time, but since this potentialerror involved a sensitive Imdiko, he winced in anticipation of committing it.

Not just any Imdiko. A psychologically damaged Imdiko with arocky history. It was dumb to have agreed to meet him, Sletran. Dumb.

He sipped his bohut and watched for the scrawny runaway kidhe’d rescued from a group of bullies nine years earlier. Sletran could handlehis liquor, but he wished he’d started by drinking kloq instead. The last thinghe needed was to get tipsy when dealing with a hero-worshipping boy.

He’s an adult now. You heard his voice, how deep it’s become.Conyod was what, twenty-four? Twenty-five? Still a kid, really. Sletran thoughtof the lost, hurt teen who’d made no secret of his crush on the Nobek for the pastdecade. They’d kept in touch because Conyod had desperately needed a friend, thoughSletran had maintained their communications text-only during the past few years.The baritone that had spoken to him on the com three days prior had been ashock. Sletran had barely been able to credit his ears when the calleridentified himself as Conyod.

“I’m working in the capital. Since you’re stationed nearby,I thought we could meet for a few drinks and catch up.”

Sletran had been so caught off guard by the mature voice,he’d agreed. Afterward, he’d regretted it. Conyod was a great kid…young man,he amended…but it was time he stopped seeing Sletran as a bigger deal than theNobek was. He was merely a soldier who’d given a skinny, defenseless runawayImdiko a little help and encouragement. Nothing special.

It was embarrassing to be worshipped like a hero.

His dour ruminations were interrupted by a few whistles.Heads turned, and Sletran glanced to see what the fuss was about.

A gorgeous young man had stepped in the bar. It shouldn’thave been a big deal, but his gentle expression shouted Imdiko. The caregiverbreed was the rarest of the males. A single Imdiko walking in without clanmateswas rarer still. The Nobeks and Dramoks in the room, many unattached, weretaking notice.

For good reason, beyond the handsome fellow’s designation. Sletran,who’d made the decision years before to commit to the empire’s military groundforces rather than to any long-term relationships, couldn’t help but admire thenew arrival too.

The focus of almost every man’s attention was around the Kalquorianmale’s average height of six-foot-five. Wavy black hair spilled to the middleof his back. It framed beefy shoulders and a devastatingly handsome face.

The Imdiko grinned at his admirers. He kept them from convergingon him by shaking his head, pointedly searching for someone in the crowded bar.

He looks vaguely familiar. It suddenly hit Sletran, and henearly dropped his glass of bohut.

He had to be wrong. There was no way the stunner with theknockout body was Conyod.

The young man caught sight of him, and his smile stretchedwider. “Sletran!”

Fighting to keep from gaping in astonishment, the Nobekstood. He managed a clumsy bow, which Conyod laughingly copied.

“Conyod. You, uh, you grew up.” And wider. The Imdiko he’davoided seeing for years wasn’t as tall and brawny as Sletran, but he wasn’t alightweight by any means. He filled his white shirt impressively, its fabricstretching across a chiseled chest. His thighs did the same for his trousers.

“I still wouldn’t arm wrestle you for drinks.” Conyod lookedhim over, his grin brighter by the second. “When were we last face to face? Sixyears ago? You haven’t changed a bit. Yeah, a glass of bohut, thanks,” he toldthe Dramok waiter who’d arrived and openly ogled Conyod.

The Imdiko ignored the lustful gaze from the server and droppedto the seat across from Sletran’s. Sletran drifted to his floor cushion, hisgaze locked on his companion.

Mother of All, this was no kid. Conyod was a man. A lot ofgorgeous man.

* * * *

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

 

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave - Chapter One, Scenes One and Two

 

 Pre-order now available: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

Welcome to the preview of the latest Clan Beginnings book. This week, seven-year-old Imdiko Conyod's last words to his older brother Hoslek come back to haunt him.

* * * * 

“Hoslek, wait for me!” Conyod raced toward the paddock’sshimmering force field as his older brother rode chestnut-furred Ges throughthe opening he’d ordered. Another command closed it behind him.

At nine years old, Hoslek was already an accomplished riderof the six-legged kestarsh their parents bred, raised, and sold. He was also onthe bossy side when it came to seven-year-old Conyod.

“Can’t wait. Two of the mares got loose, and I have to findthem.” Hoslek spoke in a firm tone, but his gaze cut in the direction of theirhome worriedly, though the boys’ parents hadn’t yet returned from a trip to town.

“Let me go too, or I’ll tell them you didn’t properly closethe containment when you brought them in from the pasture.”

Hoslek paused for an instant before scowling. “Don’t be ajerk, Conyod. As long as I bring them home, I won’t get in trouble. Stopslowing me down.” He shouted at the paddock’s system, though the nearest tallmetal pole emitting it was mere feet away. “Corral containment, don’t unlockfor Conyod. Disable his voice commands.”

Hoslek might have been only nine, but he already had a bornDramok’s command. Conyod’s first instinct at his brother’s order was to obey.By the time he’d recovered his stubborn nature, Hoslek was galloping toward thefoothills of Mount Evar.

“I’ll tell!” he shouted after his brother, who’d alreadyspurred Ges out of hearing distance. Conyod kicked a divot into the groundwhere the passage of numerous kestarsh had worn the grass away. Even if he’dbeen able to commandeer a mount in the locked corral, he wasn’t big or strongenough to saddle them alone. He was left behind. Again.

“I’ll tell. You’ll be sorry!”

* * * *

The escaped mares returned home of their own accord at theirnormal mealtime. It was the next morning when the first searchers found Ges, viciouslyclawed and shivering, between outcroppings of rocks. The evidence of a zibger’sattack was obvious. There was no sign of Hoslek.

Conyod’s mother, who’d stayed reluctantly behind while hisfathers, the ranch hands, and local villagers spent the entire night untildaybreak searching for her eldest child, collapsed to her knees in the yardwhen her Imdiko mate Sema brought the horribly injured Ges home. Semadismounted and held her, his arms wrapped around her shaking shoulders. He wasforced to remain at her side for the rest of the rescue attempt…which mostacknowledged was now a recovery effort.

Conyod’s other two fathers continued the search. “We won’tstop until we find him,” Nobek Vel vowed.

Hoslek’s body wasn’t recovered. Like hundreds of riders,hikers, and adventurers who’d dared the mountains brooding over the plain, hewas never seen again. In the end, even Vel was forced to admit the child wouldn’tbe returned for a proper funeral.

The family descended into unrelenting grief. Conyod sufferedendless nightmares of his brother riding away and of his own angry cry, thelast words he’d spoken to Hoslek a mortal prediction: “You’ll be sorry!”

* * * *

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

 

Releasing May 31.  Pre-order now: Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, print

 

What's Coming Up

 First of all, thanks for sending Dark Empire, Book Four: Revelations to Amazon's polyamory bestseller list! I appreciate you all so very, very much. Writing these stories for you readers is a privilege.

Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

We're going to take a brief break from Dark Empire. Dark Empire Book Five is scheduled to be released July 26. But that doesn't mean you have to wait that long for a Kalquor Universe book! 

Mark your calendars for May 31. That's when Clan Beginnings: Clan and Crave comes out, the story of how Alien Redemption's Clan Erybet got together. I have a little description to tease you with:

 

Heneeded a hero and found two. Can love rescue him again?

NobekSletran never took Imdiko Conyod’s infatuation seriously when he rescued himyears before. When Conyod shows up in his life again as a strong and successfulman instead of a traumatized victim, Sletran has to reconsider the one he oncerejected and now can’t imagine life without.

Conyod hasnever given up on the man he considers his hero. Sletran is all he’s everwanted for a clanmate, and he’s determined to win him at last. But the past refusesto be laid to rest. When Conyod convinces Sletran to see him for who he’sbecome, will who he was resurface and destroy the love they’re building?

Sletran’scommanding officer Dramok Erybet is instantly fascinated by Conyod when thesoldier brings his love on base for a visit. However, Sletran isn’t the NobekErybet feels is right for him. When he rejects the Nobek, he risks losingConyod too.

Againstthe backdrop of heartbreaking childhood tragedy, a ghost who haunts Conyod andhis grief-stricken family, and military brass determined to oust Erybet fromthe rank he’s worked so hard to reach, three men must come to terms with whothey are. When tragedy strikes, the nightmares of the past must be faced andburied once and for all. Conyod, Sletran, and Erybet must dare everything tofind redemption and hold on to each other.

* * * *

Excerpts for Clan and Crave begin posting next Wednesday. See you then!