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Spare me the theatrics #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Spare me the theatrics #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #PietasFans #SciFi #MFRWhooks

In this scene, Luc had rescued a little girl who'd been kidnapped. Only afterward did he discover that her going missing was part of a grand scheme for Pietas to control her scientist-parents. When Pietas shows up unannounced and acts as if nothing happened, Luc confronts him about the kidnapping. Pietas denies it.

With Pietas, the truth was often in what wasn't said as much as what was. "Then you hired some lackey to do it."

"A king has no need for lackeys." Pietas drew back a lock of silver hair and flipped it behind his shoulder. "I command soldiers. Or if needed, I ask a favor. Like I did you."

"You asked someone to kidnap this child for you, then you put her into the Guild and asked me to find her."

"I told you. I did not kidnap her."

"If you asked someone to do it, it's kidnapping!" He snapped the wineglass stem, stabbing his hand. He dropped the pieces and pressed a thumb against the cut. The blood staunched. The cut healed within seconds. "Don't skirt the truth. You thrust that child into danger to get what you wanted."

"Spare me the theatrics." Pietas flipped a hand. "The girl wasn't harmed."

"The Guild told her that her parents were dead. They isolated her! She's a Better. Are you aware what the Guild does to non-humans?"

"Betters are human."

"Not to the Guild."

"They are human." Pietas turned his back. "I should know. I designed them. Genetic manipulation is my role in this lifetime."

"As I said, not to the Guild. I rescued a HalfKin child today. They'd been locking him in a windowless room in the dark as punishment. They fed him from a bowl on the floor. He's three. Was that harmless?"

"That's barbaric." Pietas grimaced. "Why would the Guild do that?"

"Because he isn't human. Imagine what they'd do if they discovered what I am."

Antonello Brothers

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #Romance

Crystal Clear Truth is out April 25, 2022


Welcome to Book Hooks!
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

Deleted Scene: Khyff and Fawni Dine with Family #SciFi #Romance #Excerpt For Her Only by Kayelle Allen

For Her Only by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

This was deleted from For Her Only. I always liked the scene, but it didn't add to the story, so it ended up on the cutting room floor. I saved it for a rainy day, and decided it would work on my blog.

Setting up the Scene

Here's a peek at Khyff and Mehfawni on her homeworld as they're getting ready for dinner with her family. Unknown to Fawni, her grandmother has threatened to kill Khyff, which is the real reason he is afraid of the woman.

He can't tell her or he'll blow his cover. Tight situation for him.

"Fair warning, Khyffy." Mehfawni fastened his shirt and slid her hands across his chest. "My grandmama will be there when we go to dinner."

The sharp spark of his fear pierced the air. He quelled it immediately, but she could not miss the sensation. "Um, Fawni? Will I have to sit next to her?"

"No. I'll put you between me and my father. Tovar will be across from you. But we don't eat at a table the way humans do."

"I've been to a Kin restaurant back on Tarth. They had a pit under a low table where you put your feet." He cocked his head. "Is it like that?"

"Yes."

A hint of pleasure wafted from him as he smiled.

"Our utensils are like yours. Sharp knife, spoon, a piercer. Like a fork but with two tines. Napkin. But we're not as dainty as humans. We burp after we eat. It means the food was good."

"You burp?" He scoffed. "You're such a lady. I can't imagine that."

"Me?" Mehfawni covered her mouth and giggled. "I'm a warrior, Khyffy. Oh, I burp. I thought you were too polite for such things."

"Trust me." He rubbed his nose against hers. "I manage an awesome burp now and then. Usually when I'm around other guys."

"Fawni." Her father's voice sounded through the door. "Dinner time."

Khyff offered a faltering smile. "I'm ready."

She took his hand and smiled back. "Let's eat."

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

#SciFi #Romance

Complete Set Antonello Brothers Series

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

If You’re Bad in Hell… Deleted Scene from For Her Only #SciFi #Romance #Excerpt For Her Only

For Her Only by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

This is a deleted scene from the book For Women Only, a Science Fiction Romance. Khyff is a master of pleasure with a tortured soul. Mehfawni wants to redeem the man her people destroyed. His fragile trust could be a response of love and a healing heart -- or a ruse for revenge.

Setting up the scene

Khyff is under orders to seduce Ambassador Mehfawni Ruh, or his brother will be allowed to die. If Khyff obeys, his brother will live.

All his life, Khyff has been forced into one compromising situation after another. Now, after getting to know Mehfawni, he is torn about hurting her. But what can he possibly do?

I deleted this scene because it didn't add to the overall story, but I've always liked it.

"Have you ever been to Kyrenie, Fawni?"

"No. Isn't that the firestorm planet? Have you been there?"

Khyff nodded.

"Lucky you! I've heard it's beautiful. What was it like?"

"Lucky? Do your people believe in hell?"

With a gasp, Mehfawni covered her mouth. "Yes."

"If you're bad in hell, they send you to Kyrenie."

She caught the flicker of a smile in his eyes. They both laughed.

"I'm sorry, Khyff." She slid her fingertips down his cheek and along his chin. "But I promise, you will never have to go back."

He pressed his brow against hers. "Thank you for saying that."

His relief smelled like the sweet fragrance of Vulits, clean and fresh. "No one will ever make you do anything you don't want to do again."

His scent abruptly changed and he turned his head. Why didn't he believe her? Was there some part of what she'd said that he thought was a lie? Mehfawni stroked her fingers into his hair and drew him closer for a quick kiss. "I want you to believe me, Khyffy." She pressed her cheek against his. "I want to make you feel safe."

With a sigh, Khyff took her hands and rested his brow against hers. "Please don't promise me anything. Promises only break your heart. Just love me."

Antonello Brothers

Antonello Brothers Sci-Fi Romance Series by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #Romance

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

Series page https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers

#SciFi #Romance

Complete Set Antonello Brothers Series

Any of my characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright Β©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.

The truth risked not only his quarry’s life, but his own as well #Excerpt Alitus #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

The truth risked not only his quarry's life, but also his own #Excerpt Alitus #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

 

In this scene from Alitus, Tales of the Chosen, the spymaster Alitus investigates the lover of one of the most powerful men in the empire.

Failure is not an option.

Spymaster Alitus Vivaldi paused beside his new assistant's desk and tapped a finger on it.

The man jumped to his feet. "Yes, sir?"

"I didn't mean to startle you, Jarod." The man had been with Alitus less than a week, but he'd already proven himself invaluable. "I'll be working on a Class Four project the rest of the day. Keep interruptions to a minimum."

"Yes, sir. I'll ensure you're not disturbed, Minister Vivaldi."

Inside his private office, Alitus set the standard safeguards, and added a few layers of additional protection. The glowing logo for the Conqueror's Division of Imperial Intelligence faded as Alitus pulled up a bank of images from the idBot interface. He flicked his fingers to cast images onto the walls around the room.

"Begin capture. Target: Wulf Gabriel. Parameters: record my questions as well as any and all information available in database for target." Pointing toward the top right of one wall, Alitus moved his finger diagonally to the bottom left to bring up another bank of pictures. "Play series." His current quarry was walking toward the Renyoj Building in the Di Consueto District. "Stop playback."

The truth risked not only his quarry's life, but also his own #Excerpt Alitus #MMRomance #SciFi #MFRWhooksAlitus tapped a finger on one picture to create a still, and zoomed in for a better view. Mid-stride, Wulf had reached the entrance. He wore a charcoal gray suit, dark hair tousled from the breeze. A former supermodel, Wulf's chiseled features and strong jaw set him apart in any crowd.

How could anyone fail to recognize him? Wulf was beautiful. All he had to do is walk into the room and everything stopped.

The lover of wealthy tycoon Luc Saint-Cyr, few things Wulf did were off the public record. The man still had fans from his modeling career five years ago, but these days, fans followed him because he managed famous rock bands for Lucsondis Entertainment, Saint-Cyr's business.

That wasn't what had warranted the attention of the spymaster. Wulf was no traitor to the crown, and he'd committed no crimes.

Wulf was suspected of having an affair.

Luc Saint-Cyr wanted to be sure, and since he was a friend of the Conqueror, she had tasked Alitus with finding out who was to blame. Saint-Cyr might have no qualms about engaging in an affair himself, and was well-known for his licentious behavior, but his partner had no such freedom. Saint-Cyr and the Conqueror were allies in every sense of the word. Were even lovers when it suited them.

Alitus would refuse no request she made. Nor could he refuse Saint-Cyr. One drew the Harbinger's ire at one's peril.

The man owned a large percentage of legitimate businesses on Tarth, Kelthia, and a smattering on other planets. He had once headed the Kelthian Thieves' Guild. No one had yet proven he led the largest crime syndicate in the empire, but the assumption was there, despite official denials. There was no public discussion of Saint-Cyr anywhere except entertainment news, where it seemed to be encouraged. On Kelthia, they said his name only if they couldn't avoid it. Otherwise he was the Harbinger, or the Man, or simply Him.

One could hear the capital letters.

Proving Wulf was having an affair would be dangerous. It could cost Wulf everything, up to and including his life.

Especially if they discovered the affair was with Alitus.

Please take a look at the other authors in this blog hop, listed below.

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Then pre-order Alitus and Jawk to claim the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books are in the same universe as the Antonello Brothers, and Antonello Brothers: Immortal books.
Click the cover for a universal buy link. Click the title for the book page on this website.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

5 Myths About How Cats View Humans #humor #MFRWhooks #SciFi

5 Myths About How Cats View Humans #humor #MFRWhooks #SciFi

 

I write Science Fiction Romance, and many of my stories involve the Kin, a feline humanoid species who are at once quite human and quite catlike. It occurred to me that discussing myths about how cats view humans might be helpful in understanding how the Kin view humans.

Here are my top five myths.

Myth #1: Cats don't like humans.

Cats like humans very much. They think humans are useful domestic animals. If possible, I'm told, every cat should own at least one.

Kin like humans too, but because humans fight so hard for independence, it's difficult to own one. Besides, unlike Kin who use only natural cleansers, humans tend to groom themselves with scented soaps and lotions, and the smell is-- well... the smell.

Myth #2: Cats don't listen to humans.

Cats listen. They occasionally blink to show they've registered human words. Now and then a cat will twitch its tail in response. Listening does not imply cats care what humans are saying. That is an entirely different matter.

Kin listen to humans. It's just that with the placement of Kin ears on the upper parts and sides of their heads -- the human voice enters on one side, and goes right out the other.

Myth #3: Cats don't pay attention to humans

Far from true. Cats completely understand the meaning of focus, and nothing comes between them and their quarry when hunting -- unless they want it to.

The Kin focus extremely well, but are capable of switching focus in an instant, giving the impression they are not paying attention.

Myth #4: Training is difficult with cats.

False. Most cats can have a human trained within 48 hours.

A Kin needs far less time.

Myth #5: Cats expect humans to feed them.

This is mostly true. However, many cats are capable of rustling up a mouse or other pest for dinner if forced to fend for themselves. That said, this is no excuse to abandon them.

Kin have no need of anyone to feed them. They have opposable thumbs and can manage quite well in the kitchen. That said, if you live with one of these fascinating creatures, you learn quickly there is no snooze button on a Kin who wants breakfast.

5 Myths About How Cats View Humans #humor #MFRWhooks #SciFi

Surrender Love

An Immortal Alpha Male / Submissive Alien MM Science Fiction Romance Novel

With his heart freshly broken, does he dare to love again?

Luc is a 12,000-year-old immortal alpha male, and the most powerful man in an intergalactic empire of 22 planets. When his mortal lover walks away, the smart thing is to move on and forget, but how can he bear his loneliness, life after life?

When Izzorah landed on Tarth five years ago, he'd been nothing but a feline-humanoid alien from the backwoods of a distant world, but he made himself into a rock star. When Luc rescues Izzy from a terrible situation, the adorable Kin hero, who has an almost superpower ability to smell every subtle change of emotion, falls for the heartbroken leader.

This might be the soulmate Luc has hoped for. The one person to whom he can surrender his heart. But to bring his beloved closer means revealing every damning secret, every twisted truth, and every hidden lie.

Surrender Love is a heart-melting Sci-Fi Romance novel sure to induce an insatiable desire for sequels, which fortunately, are on their way.

Want to read the advance copy?

Sign up for my review team.

Preorder Now Available

Amazon - will be in Kindle Unlimited and in print Feb 20, 2021

Read a sample of Surrender Love (no sign-up necessary)

~ 3 ways to know when a new book releasesΒ ~
1) Sign up for my newsletter. You'll get a free book and other exclusive perks. You can unsubscribe at any time.
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JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

#NewRelease A Stolen Heart by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MFRWhooks #MFRWorg

#NewRelease A Stolen Heart by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MFRWhooks #MFRWorg

New Release: A Stolen Heart

Party time! A Stolen Heart is finally a new release.Β The book went live on May 11, 2020 and is exclusive on Amazon. On sale for 99c, or free if you're a member of Kindle Unlimited.

The premise is simple: a former space pirate who’s gone straight rescues a vulnerable child adept at breaking into things.

If you liked seeing the bad guy in Despicable Me transform into a soft-hearted dad, you'll like A Stolen Heart. Luc's minions aren't yellow. They're thieves.

Setting up the scene for today's excerpt:

Luc Saint-Cyr interfaces virtually with Shohn, his idBot liaison. Although Shohn speaks fluent Etymis (English), it's not the native tongue of the Kin female. (Sayr te means "forgive me" or "I'm sorry" in Felis.)

Excerpt from the new release, A Stolen Heart

During the ride into Miraj City, Luc pulled out his mobile and scrolled through the list he'd uploaded from the paper in his pocket. He forwarded one item to his assistant, and added the note about the penthouse to his own to-do list. The mobile buzzed in his hand, showing the name Shohn Lexius.

He answered, voice mode. "What's up?"

"A bit of intel. I know we're meeting later, but this will only take a minute. I think you'll want to hear it."

He put the device on holophone and she shimmered into view. "Go."

"Go?" Her ears went back. "Sir? I thought you wanted--"

"Sayr te. Forgive me." He smoothed his jacket. "You're so fluent in Etymis, I forgot you might not get idioms. In this case, 'go' means the same as 'talk.'"

"Oh. Good to know. I anticipated you'd want a background check on"-- She looked at something off-screen --"Senthys Antonello."

"What are you? A mind reader?"

"Oh, no, sir." She picked up a note-reader. "I try to anticipate what'll be needed next. What's the next logical step. Prepare for it best I can."

"Do you have relatives needing work? I could use a dozen more like you."

Inclining her head, she lowered her ears in a Kin thank you. "I'm one of a kind."

"You can say that again."

She gave him a curious look. "Idiom?"

"Means I agree." He gestured toward her. "So you know I took custody of the boy."

"Sir, I know your shoe size, what sort of pickles you like and the thread count on your sheets. You signed papers for him at the Guild. It wasn't hard."

In his other lives, no one had known squat about happenings within Guild walls. "You scare me a little, Ms. Lexius."

One ear flicked back. "Is that good?"

"I'll let you know." He set his mobile on handsfree and dropped it into a pocket. "What do you have?"

"I dug up the name of the place where the boy lived from birth until he was bought by the Guild. He--"

"Bought?"

"He was purchased in a group of thirty children. Twenty-seven humans plus him."

"That's twenty-eight."

"There were thirty total, but two are unaccounted for. Not sure who they were or whether they were human." She tapped a screen. "Looks like they were counted when they left the children's shelter where Senthys was reared, but I have no record of them reaching the Guild. No record of names, either. Just the count."

"Were they sold before the Guild got them?"

"No record."

The more he learned about the doings of his Guild, the less it felt like the one he knew. His Guild had been honorable. Like a family. This felt more and more like a faceless organization. Since when did family sell its most vulnerable members?

"But sir, I'm looking into it. That two children can disappear makes my claws itch. If they're safe, I want to know and if they're not-- Well, I'll let you know either way."

Be sure to check out the other authors in this blog hop - links below.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors. Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

How could a killer with soulless, nightmare eyes ever care for a child? #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SpaceOpera #MFRWauthor

How could a killer with soulless, nightmare eyes ever care for a child? #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SpaceOpera #MFRWauthor

Nightmare Eyes: a scene from A Stolen Heart

(this book is coming soon)

Luc has rescued a half-human three-year-old boy and to protect him, is taking him home as part of a foster program. Having worked with human teenagers for decades, he's comfortable with young people, butΒ  children baffle him. And because his real eyes--his nightmare eyes--are terrifying to humans, he never reveals them to anyone.

While they are in Luc's hoversine, he realizes this child has better vision than most, because he's commented on something far in the distance.


"I can't believe you can see that far."

"I see better than humans." Senthys folded his hands. "Can you see that far?"

"You mean because I have 'weird' eyes?" Nightmare eyes, more like it.

"Uh huh."

"I have better vision than most people." How odd to have a discussion with a child. Usually, none stayed in his presence long enough to say hello.

"Do they hurt?"

"My eyes?" His real eyes would send the boy screaming in the other direction, but it was sweet of him to show concern. "They don't hurt. I cover them for protection."

The boy squinted. "Do my eyes need 'tection?"

"Pro-tection." He patted the boy's hand. "Yours are fine. Mine are sensitive to light." It was an old lie but kept people from asking him to show them his real eyes. He fished out dark glasses he wore in the event of a lens failure, and put them on. "I wear these if I'm in the sun all day."

"Can I try?"

Luc considered it. "Why not?" He pulled them off and helped the boy adjust them over his ears and nose.

The wraparound glasses dwarfed the young face. When they slid down his nose, the child tilted back his head and pushed them up.

"Don't move." After pulling out his mobile, Luc captured an image. Without proof, his friends would never believe he'd been this close to a child without it fleeing in terror.

"Do us!" Senthys patted the seat beside him. "Take our picture."

Luc set his device to hover an arm's length away, then put his head closer to the boy's. "Portrait. Capture." The mobile made a soft click signaling completion.

When he showed the image to the boy, Senthys squealed. "That's me! And that's you."

"Yes, it is." The glasses had the name Draap on the earpiece. No kid this age could afford those and it was Luc's preferred brand. Proof he hadn't faked the entire thing. His friends would lose substantial bet money with this.

---
Be sure to scroll down and visit other authors in this hop!

The Antonello Brothers Series

~ visit the series page ~

You'll find Senth and Luc mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors. Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Life speaks louder than beads #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SpaceOpera #MFRWauthor

Life speaks louder than beads #Excerpt from A Stolen Heart #SpaceOpera #MFRWauthor

From A Stolen Heart

In this scene, Luc has contacted idBot via his mobile. When his new liaison introduces herself, Luc senses trouble right away.

Readers of the series will recognize Shohn Lexius, the powerhouse who answers only to Luc and provides him with incredible intel and access.

This is their first meeting.

Beads: an excerpt from A Stolen Heart

"This is Shohn, sir. As of a few days ago, your permanent liaison."

"Permanent." Luc scoffed. "That remains to be seen."

"Oh, you won't fire me."

His attention jerked from the changing scenery outside. "What did you say?"

"That you won't fire me."

What audacity. "Indeed? Put yourself on holophone. I want to see the person cocky enough to say that."

When she appeared, the substantial holopresence smiled. She had dark hair, golden-hued skin. Athletic, she dressed in the green and black uniform of an idBot Guard. Catlike ears perched atop her head and she had the slit pupils of a cat in a very human face.

A Kin. He should have known, judging by the level of sass.

"How are you, Mr. Saint-Cyr?" She wore a blue bead of a Lexius clan warrior in her hair. It hung in a single braid on her left, designating the highest privilege among her people. The long string of ornate beads beneath it meant she'd earned the right to wear it many times over.

What was that Kin insult? You don't have the beads to fight me. Apparently, this one thought she did.

"So, you're a Kin."

"I'm a Kin?" She reached up, felt one pointed ear. "I think you're right." She gave the ear a swipe, looking for all the worlds like a cat grooming itself. "And you're human."

"According to my DNA." He steepled his fingers. "Whoever assigned you to me either wants to get rid of you, or they think the fact I speak Felis will make a difference."

"Dok cho," she said, in the slow, breathy tone of the language. "Sten til du?"

Any schoolchild knew Hello, how are you?

"Seeyoo, skah," he responded. "Yl tu?" Fine, thanks, and you?

"Not much accent. Well done." With one claw extended, she toyed with that single braid. "I've been told you're a warrior among your people and hold great honor despite a lamentable lack of beads to prove it." She angled one ear out at the side. "Although your curls are long enough to hold two or three, if you had beading skill."

"Skah." He inclined his head. "Nahtay shah cohahkka nokk."

"You're welcome. And you're right. Life speaks louder than beads." She tossed back her braid. "My people say that to face an enemy, you must sharpen three things; your wits, your blade, and your fangs. I hear you fired the last ten people who worked for you. You'll keep me."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Threaten the man half the empire calls the Harbinger and the other half is owned by? I have no death wish."

"I own no slaves." Luc sat straighter.

"Forgive my poor choice of words. I'll restate. You are the power half the empire bows to."

He would not argue that. It had taken multiple lifetimes to set it up.

"Sir, you'll keep me because the others didn't get results. They were trofee. Beadless. Useless. Results are my specialty."

"That remains to be seen. Say your first name again, Ms. Lexius."

"Shohn. Like the stars at night. And may I say, I'm impressed you know my clan. By my beads, I assume." She tugged on the long dangle of braid. "Good eyesight, even wearing those solid black contacts."

"You might be worth keeping purely for your sense of humor." And sass, though he'd never admit that to her.

The Antonello Brothers Series

You'll find Pietas and Luc mentioned in nearly every book in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors. Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Share a sweet but awkward father and son moment with Senth (from Bro) #MFRWhooks #YA #SpaceOpera

 

 

In this scene, Luc and his son share a typical father and son moment. Awkward, sweet, and filled with memory.

Father and Son

"Is that the info?" Senthys nudged his chin toward the reader. "What else does it say?"

"In good time," Luc responded. "I adopted you but didn't change your last name to Saint-Cyr so if your family looked for you, they'd find you, and that's how it happened. A worker at the Guild mentioned to this person that he knew another Antonello. One thing led to another."

"That's why you kept my name?"

"Of course." Luc frowned. "Why else?"

"I thought--" Senthys eased back into his chair. "Never mind."

"Say what you're thinking."

His son didn't react at first, but finally lifted his head. "I figured... you were--you know." He gave a small shrug. "Ashamed of me."

"What? No! I am inordinately proud of you." Why did his son not see that? "Why would you think I wasn't?"

The youth traced a pattern in the wood. "I figured if you were proud, you'd have wanted to tell people about me." He peeked up under his lashes. "Instead of making me hide."

His son could not have cut out Luc's heart any better with a knife.

"No! That was never why. Son." He reached for Senthys but placed his hand flat on the table. "I promise you." He held his son's gaze, willing him to understand. "I am indeed proud of you. I hide you to protect you."

"You're my father. It's public record. You own the house where I live. You sponsored me into the Guild. I don't see how that's hiding."

Luc sagged in his chair. "Do you have any idea how much it costs to buy off the media? There are almost two dozen planets in this empire. The media exacts a heavy toll on silence when--" He stopped himself. Lowered his voice. "You don't need to know the deals I make and you don't need to make it more difficult--or expensive--for me to protect you from the fame that dogs my every step. A thief can't work in a spotlight." He drew back. "Most of the time, neither can I."

"What you're saying is--you've been protecting me?"

How many times had he said that exact thing? Did this child never listen? With yet another reminder to pick his battles, Luc tamped down his frustration. "Yes."

The adorable blue eyes and shy smile that had charmed Luc when Senthys was a toddler flashed across his son's face and then was gone.

No sweet little kitten remained a kitten forever. No matter how much you wished they could.

 

The Antonello Brothers Series

You'll find Luc mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


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Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors. Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Luc’s house is lit up. Everyone is home. Uh oh! #SpaceOpera #YA #MFRWhooks #MFRWorg

Luc's house is lit up. Everyone is home. Uh oh! #SpaceOpera #YA #MFRWhooks  #MFRWorg

 

This is a sneak peek at A Stolen Heart,
on target for a January 2020 release.

In this scene, Luc is bringing home his new foster child. The other five he has fostered over the years are home, which means Luc's house will be in chaos...

Luc's House

Luc arrives home and knows the status of his house will be chaos. Luc's house is orderly. Unless the boys are back.

By the time they drove into the neighborhood where Luc lived, sleet pelted the hoversine. The splash-slide sound of it freezing and then slipping off the vehicle's shields set up an irregular rhythm, a heartbeat out of sync.

Of all the domiciles he owned on multiple planets, this house felt most like home. Dark brown marble trimmed a lighter brown stone and the windows showed lights behind the white curtains.

Which meant his Deshai were back.

Which, in turn, meant his usually immaculate house was no longer so.

What was it about boys? They walked into a house and it was like unsealing an inflatable boat. All available space immediately disappeared. Items fell off them and landed everywhere, scattering across furniture, onto tables, and into every room. Within an hour of anyone's arrival the house looked like it hadn't been picked up in a month.

Surprising how much he'd missed that.

After this, no one was graduating. No one would come back. If they did, it wouldn't be to see him. After all, their new homes would be wherever they decided to work and Luc could think of no reason he'd be invited. They'd want to see each other.

Family. Not him.

A dull ache bloomed in his chest.

The Antonello Brothers Series

You'll find Pietas and Luc mentioned in nearly every book in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors. Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.