E.G. Manetti's Blog, page 3

December 19, 2024

Indie Romance Spotlight: Aliens Vampire Dentist

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology for the next few months. USA Today best-selling author Demelza Carlton is a first-time contributor to Pets in Space but not to sci-fi romance, with over a dozen published books in her three separate Colony series.

When vampire dentist Dr Fang (yes, really) gets invited to go to the Intergalactic Dating Agency’s speed dating event as his friend’s wingman, he can’t refuse. He isn’t looking for love, let alone his fated mate, but one taste of the pretty young human girl Dani, and he’s hooked.


Dani isn’t sure what frightens her more: aliens, vampires or dentists. Only to discover that there are much more dangerous beings in the Colony…and the hot alien vampire dentist might be the exact hero she needs right now. Maybe even forever. . .

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Check out Demelza’s mischievous meowl in her contribution to Pets In Space 9; Daedalus.

A smitten disgraced pilot, a biologist determined to make her fishy dream a reality, and a mischievous meowl are on a course for disaster… and maybe happily ever after.

After embarrassing himself at the end-of-year office party, pilot Daedalus is given two choices: quit and lose his apartment or accept a demotion to office errand boy. Running errands for Eden isn’t so bad… until one of his less-than-legal side projects overruns the ship.

Just as he’s ordered to transport the woman of his dreams and her precious cargo.

Primula was supposed to build the first aquaponics project on Mars, until an explosion at Exodus Station had both her and her fish winging their way across the galaxy to the Colony instead. Now she has a second chance to build her project on Delta… if only she can get her fish there safely.
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Published on December 19, 2024 09:04

Indie Romance Spotlight: Aliens at War

Oops--this should have posted 12/5 but somehow got lost in the holiday rush.

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology for the next few months. Kenzie Kelly is a first-time contributor to Pets in Space, but not to writing pets. The Ka’atari Warriors Series has sci-fi romance, action, alien warriors, and space pets.

Go to space, they said. It’ll be an adventure, they said. They had no idea.

Cora’s boring job as a lab tech on board the space station Shangris is interrupted when two ships fall out of hyperspace and put Earth smack in the middle of an intergalactic war. She’s not sure which side she should be on, but the built-like-a-brick-house blue warrior who rescues her from the crumbling station could be more evil than Hannibal Lecter and she might not care. Especially if he’s in to eating people. But not in the creepy way.

The Talia’s captain ordered Kiran and his team to search the damaged station for survivors, and kill any Scozid he might find. The squid-like humanoids were known for using more primitive races for barbaric experiments. The Talia was tailing this particular ship when they jumped blindly into an unknown sector of the galaxy. With Ka’atari mates being as rare as a three-headed givuthde, he never dreamed his would be one of the survivors.

Things get even more complicated when another hyperspace jump, an unruly alien pet, and politicians get involved.

Hunka hunka blue alien love, action packed, steamy sci-fi romance fun!

This novella is the first in the Ka’atari Warriors series and has a guaranteed happily ever after and no cliff hangers.

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Check out Kenzie's irrepressible ship's vuhth, Skitter in her contribution to Pets In Space 9; Khanet.

I sought adventure in space. I got more than I bargained for.

I jumped at the chance to leave Earth and my critical family in a spaceship’s rear view as soon as I could join the Denchui Alliance transfer program. On the other side of the universe, I fell for a bad guy and was clutched in his criminal fingers for five long years.

I managed to ditch him and I have the perfect plan to get on the right path. I just have to dodge the notoriously temperamental Skeall warriors while sneaking through their space to deliver perishables to a hungry star system.
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Published on December 19, 2024 08:53

November 20, 2024

Indie Romance Spotlight: Far Future Romance

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology for the next few months. Evelyn Lederman—a first-time contributor to Pets in Space—writes Science Fiction, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her Outer Worlds Passion series features a dystopian society in the 30th century with all the action and adventure a space opera fan could desire.

Travel to the 30th Century in this sexy, gritty science fiction romance.

He looked past his genetically engineered bride and became obsessed with her battle-scarred bodyguard.

Militia cadet Sydney Aubrey’s life is turned upside down when she receives new orders. An attraction to a man after a chance encounter threatens her new assignment. Haunted by her past, Sydney fights not to have history repeat itself.

Clay Wilson worked hard to build his outer world operation and travels to Earth to collect his contracted bride. He questions his decision to marry to enhance his status when a totally unacceptable woman invades his life and stirs his body.

When Earth runs out of natural resources, mankind heads to the stars. In the outer worlds and Frontier, there are no laws and women are a commodity.

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Check out Evelyns's genetically enhanced cats in her contribution to Pets In Space 9; The Purrfect Trip.

Captain Cassidy Ryan has the fastest spaceship in the quadrant and three genetically enhanced cats with neurotransmitters that allow them to communicate. When the government reassigns her to an off-the-books mission, she knows her ship and crew are suddenly deemed expendable.

Squadron Commander Branson Goody’s secret mission must succeed or war will surely come. He can’t let his unexpected sizzling attraction to Cassidy distract him, even though the clever woman is everything he’d ever wanted. Cassidy struggles not to develop feelings for a man who will exit her life as quickly as he entered it.

With no one to trust but each other, can they navigate a course to the future together, or will conspiracy and betrayal destroy them when the Cosmic Consortium goes up in flames?
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Published on November 20, 2024 09:37

November 7, 2024

Spotlight Indie Romance: Pets in Space 9 ~ Galactic Empire

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology for the next few months. I discovered Greta van der Rol's epic sci-fi romance years ago with The Iron Admiral: Conspiracy. Chaka Saahren remains a favorite alpha hero, and Allysha is excellent – intelligent, resourceful, and heroic. As a bonus, the Ptorix are genuinely alien aliens.

Peace in the Galaxy hangs in the balance.

Amid rising inter-species tensions, brilliant systems Engineer Allysha Marten takes one last job to rid her of debts and her cheating husband. On the mysterious planet Tisyphor she meets a security guard who wins her trust and her affection. Like her, he suspects that there’s more to the operation on Tisyphor than reopening an abandoned mine. Together, they uncover a plot that threatens to plunge the Galaxy into inter-species war.

As they scramble to prevent the coming holocaust, Allysha is horrified to learn that her new lover is ex-Admiral Chaka Saahren, the man the Ptorix call Chozhu the Destroyer, the man responsible for the death of her father, along with millions of other innocent civilians.

In a race against time, Saahren must convince Allysha to set aside her conflicted emotions about him to help him prevent the coming conflagration. And perhaps while he’s doing that, he’ll win back the only woman he’s ever loved.

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Check out Greta’s deadly service cat in in her contribution to Pets In Space 9; The President’s Daughter.

War-damaged veteran Darius Fletcher embarks on a pleasure cruise to delay an impending career crossroads. Onboard, he crosses paths with Cilla Beckstein and her companion animal, powerful jungle cat Maahes. When Cilla takes it upon herself to attempt a rescue mission on a hostile planet Darius is pulled into the perilous quest against his instincts.

As they navigate the planet’s unique dangers while avoiding ruthless foes Darius and Cilla’s relationship morphs from an uneasy alliance to respect and affection.

Can they conquer the challenges that fate throws their way and emerge unscathed from a mission where danger lurks at every turn and each decision could be their last? And can the attraction that has grown between them become something much, much more?

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Pets in Space® authors have donated over $18,000 in the past eight years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders? 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 9 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space 9 today so together we can continue to assist this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/





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Published on November 07, 2024 07:11

October 24, 2024

Indie Romance Spotlight: Cyborgs Settle Mars

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, for the next few months, Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology. Where available, I will feature a title from a previous Pets in Space (PISA) anthology. Honey Phillips' story from PISA 7 is part of her Cyborgs of Mars series; I've read four and loved them all. They do not need to be read in any particular order.

Can a lonely cyborg protect a determined scientist from the dangers of Mars?

Dr. Sadie Tucker has spent her entire life in the pursuit of knowledge. That quest takes her to the wild Martian frontier, where her latest bioengineering project could revolutionize homesteading on the planet. She can’t afford any distractions - even though the big, silent cyborg ranger guarding her reminds her that she is a woman as well as a scientist.

When the military sent Z-384 to Mars, he put his troubled past - and his humanity - behind him. He knows that only cold, isolation, and work lie ahead. But the intriguing little scientist he’s assigned to protect suddenly has him longing for a different kind of future. When Sadie and Zeb are trapped in a mysterious underground chamber, any kind of future seems impossible. With some unexpected help from Sadie’s prototype, can the two find a way to escape? And if they do, can they find happiness together?

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The action and adventure of the Central Galactic Concordance continues in Starlane Crossroads.

The Cyborgs of Mars continue with LONE CYBORG

Cyborg Ranger J-418 can’t stop his too-frequent checks of stubbornly independent — and sexy — Mars miner Mattie. When protecting her from danger, they discover unexpected passion… and Mars-shattering secrets.

Mattie works her isolated mining claim on Mars with the help of Sylvester, a cheerful cybernetic canary who is smarter than he looks. But no matter how much Sylvester likes it when Cyborg Ranger J-418 stops by (far too often!), Mattie is determined to stay immune to his considerable charms. When danger forces them together, it's up to Sylvester to help them see that they were meant for each other.

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Pets in Space® authors have donated over $18,000 in the past eight years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders? 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 9 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space 9 today so together we can continue to assist this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/





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Published on October 24, 2024 08:40

October 12, 2024

Spotlight Indie Romance: A Pet Loving Cyborg

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, for the next few months Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology. I will feature a title from a previous Pets in Space (PISA) anthology where available. Carol Van Natta's story from PISA 2 is one of my all time favorites.

It’s a deadly adventure—with pets—in the fringes of space.

An injured veterinarian and a cyborg with unusual pets must join forces to save their town. The vast Central Galactic Concordance strictly prohibits genetic experimentation and alteration of humans on any of its 500 member planets. Animals aren’t so lucky.

On a frontier planet, veterinarian Bethnee Bakonin made a home for herself in the frozen north. Her minder talent for healing all kinds of animals would ordinarily assure her success, but her unwilling stint in the shady pet trade industry left her damaged and scared. She works around her limitations as best she can, and rescues pet trade castoffs.

“Volunteered” for a black-box research project, elite forces Jumper Axur Tragon now has dangerous experimental tech in his cybernetic limbs. He escaped and crash-landed a stolen freighter in the northern mountains of a frontier planet, only to discover a secret shipment of designer pets was part of the cargo. Determined to do right by them, he enlists reluctant Bethnee’s aid in caring for them—a definite challenge, considering Bethnee is terrified of him.

When greedy mercenaries come raiding, can Axur and Bethnee work together to overcome their limitations, with help from their unusual pets, and save the day?

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The action and adventure of the Central Galactic Concordance continues in Starlane Crossroads.

Wanted: Truth. Not another cover-up.

Skyhunter, a genetically-engineered margay cat, delights in jumping to all the high places in the large space station he calls home. His owner, station manager Katalin, has her hands full with him. Plus, fending off a greedy corporation and solving a mystery with the help of Vellek, her wily but secretive security chief. Could unexpected romance — and a leap of faith — be the key?


Pets in Space® authors have donated over $18,000 in the past eight years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders? 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 9 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space 9 today so together we can continue to assist this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/





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Published on October 12, 2024 08:05

PETS IN SPACE 9 AVAILABLE NOW!



Immerse yourself in worlds where love knows no bounds and pets steal the spotlight. With stories full of action, mystery, and romance, this anthology has something for everyone.

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Sabotaged by E.G. Manetti

First Officer Bran and research zoologist Adriana crash-land on a planet that hadn’t been explored for two centuries. Was it an accident, or, as they increasingly come to suspect, sabotage? And while they come to terms with that, plus navigating their increasing attraction, how in the universe will they explain the existence of an undeniably cute, serpent-killing terrier who very clearly wants to be their friend?

Failed Colony by R.J. Blain

Sole colony survivor Kithya finds unexpected kinship with a crippled ghost bird she names and welcomes into her lonely home. Kithya resigns herself to a lonely life with Persistence, but all that changes with the arrival of extraterrestrial sentient feathered predators. Her friendship with the ghost bird makes them take a second look at her, then a third… and therein lies the start of a quest that will take her away from everything she’s ever known.

he Lone Cyborg by Honey Phillips

Mattie works her isolated mining claim on Mars with the help of Sylvester, a cheerful cybernetic canary who is smarter than he looks. But no matter how much Sylvester likes it when Cyborg Ranger J-418 stops by (far too often!), Mattie is determined to stay immune to his considerable charms. When danger forces them together, it’s up to Sylvester to help them see that they were meant for each other.

Starlane Crossroads by Carol Van Natta

Skyhunter, a genetically-engineered margay cat, delights in jumping to all the high places in the large space station he calls home. His owner, station manager Katalin, has her hands full with him. Plus, fending off a greedy corporation and solving a mystery with the help of Vellek, her wily but secretive security chief. Could unexpected romance — and a leap of faith — be the key?

The Purrfect Trip by Evelyn Lederman

The three genetically enhanced cats on Captain Cassidy’s ship are amused every day when the human crew imagines it runs things. When they are all commandeered for a secret mission helmed by sexy commander Branson, the cats know three things: The mission is deadly, the new humans are disrespectful, and Cassidy and Branson are perfect for each other. Why doesn’t anyone listen to cats?

Winta’s Perfect Pair by S. J. Pajonas

Despite Winta’s years of working with enhanced pets to help them meet their human soulmates, none of them have ever been for her. Even the amazingly sexy and out-of-her-league Daichi, well-known noodle chef, has a pair-bond with Itsuko, a clever fox. When everything Winta has built is threatened, can Itsuko and Daichi help her find a new path… including straight into Daichi’s heart?

Daedalus by Demelza Carlton

Pilot Deadalus’s latest side-project should have worked, but it instead infested a ship with a plague of moths. Lucky for him, a meowl — a cross between an owl and a cat — named Lothario will be happy to eat the pests. He’s also delighted when scientist Primula brings her prize fish on board to be transported. Surely she won’t miss a few of them. And if she does, Lothario will just distract her by helping her see that Deadalus might be the best thing that ever happened to her.

Khanet by Kenzie Kelly

Skitter, a cute little armored rodent, thought he was done for when the newest owner of the misbegotten ship he’d been hiding on found him. Instead, Danyx treated him like a pampered pet. And things only got better when the dreaded Skaeall warrior Khanet caught her trespassing and boarded the ship. Their attraction ignited like a rocket, but danger burned even hotter. It will take everything a little armored rodent’s power to save the day.

Royal Cargo by Leslie Chase

Winged black cat Onyx lives for fun and adventure, even when it gets him in trouble with Elaine, owner and captain of a starship. Especially when he discovers their latest cargo is very much alive. Elaine knows trouble, in the form of an incredibly sexy missing prince, when she sees him. But Elaine and Onyx have a lot in common when it comes to finding trouble irresistible.

The President’s Daughter by Greta van der Rol

Cilia, with the help of Maahes, her paired jungle-predator feline companion, put her shattered past behind her and booked passage on a stellar cruise-liner to her future. In the curse of it’s-a-small-universe, she runs into a man who once helped her but is still a reminder of the horrific events. Maahes recognizes in Darius as an ally who will keep Cilia safe when she is determined to mount a noble but dangerous rescue.






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Published on October 12, 2024 08:04

September 26, 2024

Spotlight Indie Romance: Pets in Space ~ Bookstore & Pirates

In celebration of my invitation to join Pets In Space 9, for the next few months Indie Spotlight will feature stories from my fellow authors in the anthology. I will feature a title from a previous Pets in Space (PISA) anthology where available. Leslie Chase's story from PISA 7 features a growly blue alien mercenary, a nerd-girl bookstore owner, and some scary bad guys. There is also a kitty with wings.

He might be the hottest guy in the galaxy, but I don’t need his help. Me and my alien cat are managing just fine.

Running a bookshop on a pirate space station isn’t easy, but Megan’s determined to keep smiling. A lot of hard work and a bit of luck will let her save up enough for a trip back to Earth—but then Drask walks into her shop. The grumpy alien mercenary is infuriating, arrogant, and hotter than molten steel. It wouldn’t be so bad if he wore more clothes—the blue-skinned alien’s muscles are a distraction Megan doesn’t need.

Talbrek Station is the perfect place to lie low, and that’s what Drask needs after a mission gone wrong. Finding a bookshop is an unexpected benefit, especially one run by the sexiest woman he’s ever seen. Exasperating, smart, and unwilling to back down from anything, Megan is everything Drask desires, wrapped up in a curvy package that won’t let him think straight.

When the local criminals threaten both Megan’s bookstore and her pet, Drask can’t stand aside. Not even if it drags them both into a gang war.

US$2.99 Amazon/KU


Releases October 8, 2024!

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From alien warriors to alien royalty in ROYAL CARGO.

A captain’s career is on the line when she finds a kidnapped—and sexy—alien prince in her cargo, leading her to a dangerous decision that could upend the galaxy’s uneasy balance of power.

Don’t touch the cargo. That’s rule number one for an independent ship’s captain, and I’ve never been tempted to break it.

When Onyx, my beloved pest of a cat, claws his way into a container, I don’t have a choice. Which is how I find out I’m transporting a devilishly handsome alien, frozen in stasis. An alien I recognize from the news.

Kidnapped from his homeworld, half the galaxy is searching for Prince Karkonar. Thanks to Onyx, I’ve found him. It isn’t hard to see why he’s so popular. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Muscular is hot enough to melt steel, and he’s big—in every sense of the word!

The safe option would be to reseal the container and forget I saw him. The daring option would be to return him for the reward. Waking him up is the stupid option, so guess which one I’m going to choose?


Pets in Space® authors have donated over $18,000 in the past eight years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders? 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 9 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space 9 today so together we can continue to assist this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/





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Published on September 26, 2024 08:10

September 21, 2024

FLETCHER AVAILABLE NOW!

A broken warrior. A woman's frozen heart. An adventure into the unknown.



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In a perilous galaxy, love will find a way.

FLETCHER

Once a galaxy-renowned Moon Racer, Fletcher’s competitive career ended in the battle for the Thirteenth System. Shot down over Bright Star Deuce, he was fortunate to survive, his left arm and leg replaced with state-of-the-art prosthetics. Now only half a warrior, he is relegated to testing new technologies for Serengeti.

The first step is the Fourth System, where the technology will be tested before being deployed to the Thirteenth System. However, there are forces in the Thirteen Systems that do not want the colonization to succeed and will do anything to ensure the expedition’s failure.

When chance places Clarice on the same transport to the Fourth System, he discovers the former apprentice has developed into a beguiling woman. Torn between duty and desire, he must forge a new path into the future.

CLARICE

Once a lowly apprentice, her skill, courage, and honor promoted Clarice to legalistics protégé. Through years of deprivation, she learned to value every success. Years of humiliation have conditioned her to weigh every relationship for benefit and never risk her heart.

Handsome, charismatic, and a warrior of impeccable lineage, Fletcher Detrenti has been on the periphery of her life for half a decade. She admired his bravery, respected his honor, and enjoyed his easygoing nature. She was shocked by the withdrawn and taciturn man who returned from war. Bound for a distant system in his company, she cannot resist the pull between them.



Don't miss the exciting 1st volume of the Thornscore series!



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Chrys

A hero of the battle for the Thirteenth System, Chrys was part of a small group that waged a stealth war against unspeakable evil. With the enemy defeated, he is eager to resume his career at one of the Thirteen Systems' mighty cartels. Called home to distant Genji by a mysterious bequest, he must balance his duty and career. Unable to delay critical technology development, he takes his engineering partner with him. It is not the first time he has worked side-by-side with Verity, but as the voyage unfolds, he discovers a lovely woman in the place of his battle comrade.

Verity

Verity has harbored a hidden crush on Chrys for years. As much as she wants him to view her as a desirable woman, he considers her only a battle comrade and business associate. Assigned to assist him in developing technology critical to colonizing the Thirteenth System, she is thrilled when it means traveling with him to Genji.

When Chrys falls under suspicion of murder, it will take all their courage and wit to free him. At the outer edge of the galaxy, on a backwater planet, Chrys discovers a legacy that will alter his future while Verity fights for her dreams.



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Published on September 21, 2024 09:11

September 18, 2024

Sneak Peek: Pets in Space 9/Meet the Sabotaged MCs!



I have enjoyed all the Pets In Space anthologies and am beyond honored to be included in Pets in Space 9 with such a talented group of authors. I'm super excited that I was able to explore the Thirteenth System for the first time in Sabotaged. Even more so, I was able to spend time with Bran, one of my favorite characters from the Nightingale's crew.   

Releases October 8, 2024!

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From reluctant allies to lovers.

There are centuries of animosity between the Matahorn cartel of the First System and the free-traders of the Eleventh and Twelfth Systems in the complex universe of the Thirteen Systems.  I could not resist putting together two main characters from those camps for the first story in the newly discovered Thirteenth System.  

The Nightingale, the only space exploration vessel in the Thirteen systems, is on a mission that requires skills and resources from three rival cartels and the free-trader systems. To survive the adventure, the crew will need to set aside centuries of bias and work as a team. 

In his early fifties, Bran was raised in an outlying system isolated economically and politically from the Twelve Systems mainstream.  He has fought pirates, self-educated until he is a leading designer of low-orbit transports, and with good cause, dislikes and distrusts warriors.  He did not expect his intense attraction to the lead zoologist—a woman dedicated to the warrior belief system. He fears he cannot trust her, but that does not stop him from wanting her.

Adriana Pepys, raised in comfort among the second-level elite, found her life upended when her warrior consort betrayed her. Joining the Nightingale was her escape from public humiliation. Her life is further shaken when she finds herself marooned on an uninhabited planet with the alluring free-trader First Officer. Everyone knows that free-traders are only a step above pirates.

A star-bred terrier match-maker.

Extracting two water vials from storage, Bran tossed Adriana one.

With a grateful smile, she cracked the seal.

He waited until she had swallowed half before speaking. “Are you deranged? Incapable of following orders? You should never have been out there when the nocturnal creatures emerged.”

Her eyes widened and a blush darkened her cheeks. “I apologize. I fell asleep while waiting for the lures to activate.” Her sharp little chin came up. “I did jettison the sample closest to the forest.”

“Closest to the forest? There was one even farther away from the DOP-C?”

She had the grace to look abashed. “Er, yes.” But then that chin came up, again. “The breeze carried the lures a good distance. I did not have time to recast. It takes at least a bell for my scent to dissipate.”

She fell asleep. The breeze carried the lures. Terror-fueled anger had him barking, “You are completely lacking in discipline. You endangered your life. The mission.”

“I did apologize.”

Bran clenched his fists against the desire to shake her. “This is your last landing until you can demonstrate the ability to follow orders.”

“What? No.” All signs of contrition vanished, replaced by defiance. “You cannot. I am the lead zoologist. We will not finish in time if I am confined to the Nightingale.”

Bran’s control snapped. His hands wrapped around her shoulders. So fragile. So readily slain. “You could have died.”

Defiance fled as quickly as it had surfaced. Her dark eyes filled with remorse, and warm fingers pressed against his wrist. “I am sorry. I was foolish and I know it. You can have no notion how relieved I was when I saw you standing on top of the DOP-C with the rifle.”

“Promise me you will not be so foolish, again.” He squeezed her shoulders. “Your word.”

With a deep breath she nodded. “My word.”

She was in his arms, her head against his chest. Her black curls soft and springy under his lips. The pleasant scent of the purple flora tickled his nose. Bran enjoyed women, but none had felt so right in years. Not since he lost his wife in the pirate actions. The memory returned him to the present and the fact that he did not have her consent. With reluctance, he released her. “I overstep.”

Her fingers lingered on his waist. “I do not object.”

“This is not the best timing.”

“I suppose not.” With a sigh, she released him. “What of communications?”

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Published on September 18, 2024 07:50