Dark Empire Book Three: Secret War - Chapter 1, Scene 4

 

Lidon's home.

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Tranis’ teeth weregrinding hours later when he straightened his desk in preparation for leavingfor the day. He shut off his computer by pounding his fingers on the keyboardrather than ordering it off.

“How many keyboardshave you gone through in the last week? At least half a dozen, if you’vetreated them the way you’re treating this one.”

Tension drained fromTranis in an instant as his Nobek clanmate walked in. The admiral hurriedaround his desk to fling his arms around Lidon. “You’re back! Thank theancestors.”

“Was there doubt I’dreturn? Unless you feared I’d die of boredom while I was on my mission.” Lidonchuckled at the enthusiastic greeting.

His feral featureswere handsome in a very Nobek fashion, framed by shoulder-brushing black hair.Lidon was thirty years older than Tranis, but they were well matched.

Tranis gazed at him,his affection undisguised. “I’m glad it was boring. Piras was the same as ever?No sign of anything off from him or anyone else?”

“Nothing out of theordinary. Everything seemed well in hand.” Lidon’s smile lessened in voltage.“I understand word has leaked he and his clan are assigned to the spacestation.”

“It was inevitable.You know we’re trying to make it so he can return home someday. He’s stillbeyond empire borders.”

“But closer than hewas…and now his location is public.” A muscle twitched in Lidon’s jaw.

Tranis tried toignore a jab of jealousy. Piras had been Lidon’s promised clanmate prior toclanning with Tranis. The pair had a long history.

I trust Lidon. Otherwise, Tranis wouldn’t have sent him toplay Piras’ bodyguard while the other man’s Nobek was off on a mission. Still…

“No threats to theTerror of the Fleet while you were there. Good. Captain Kila will be back intime to deal with the fallout of Piras’ presence being leaked.” Tranis finishedshutting his computer down.

“I battled only thethreat of overwork and Earther drama. I’m dying to hear the latest about theBi’is situation.”

They started for thedoor, and Tranis huffed a depressed snort. “Good, because I’m ready to give youan earful as soon as we leave headquarters.”

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Timeis running out to halt the Darks’ march to the Kalquorian Empire’sannihilation.

Finallyhome on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, whichhe barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’sexistence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks havearrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from anunthinkable end.

OnEarth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting hispotential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a roguelieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning whena deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile,spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporterBlythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering thetruth, including their secret activities on her world?

Havingwiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of theGalactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to itsknees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroyingKalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethalenemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Releasing January 26

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