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Tag: Gay Romance

A romance novel in which the two main characters are the same sex. Sometimes referred to as MM Romance or LGBT Romance.

From hot to so much hotter – Tales of the Chosen #SciFi #MMRomance #WriteLGBTQ

All he has to do is seduce Luc, the most powerful man in the empire. And then betray him.

Easy mission. Until he discovers that Luc has a heart...

Jawk spies on the enigmatic Luc Saint-Cyr, known empire-wide as the Harbinger. People who cross "the Man" tend to disappear.

From hot to hotter - Tales of the Chosen #SciFi #MMRomance #WriteLGBTQ

Undercover as a waiter in Luc's favorite haunt, Jawk gets a break when Luc seeks to hire him for a one-night ménage with his current lover, Wulf.

Jawk agrees, and things go well until Wulf and Luc fight, and Jawk is dismissed. He must get back in the man's good graces.

When Luc seeks to make Wulf jealous by taking Jawk on a long trip, the means to gather intel is too good to pass up.

But meanwhile, a forbidden dalliance between Wulf and Alitus tests the bounds of trust between immortals and their Chosen humans.

The elicit affair threatens to rupture the eons-old alliance forever, and subject every last immortal to risk...

 

This erotic MM Sci-Fi Romance serves as the conclusion to the Tales of the Chosen series, and the gateway to the Antonello Brothers: Immortal series.

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Claim Alitus - 99c this weekend only (Aug 19-22, 2021)

Nab Jawk and treat yourself to the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books occupy 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.


Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 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!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


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Tales of the Chosen

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

These books occupy 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.


Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 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!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


Why is the symbol for Lucsondis 2 black I’s? #Excerpt from Jawk #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #Romance

Why is the symbol for Lucsondis 2 black I's?  #Excerpt from Jawk #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #Romance

In this scene from Jawk, the young hero and Luc have arrived at the starport.

While Luc handles a moment of business with his assistant, Jawk checks out the area.

And makes a startling observation...

Tarth City, Starport District
Empire Central Starport, Crossfire Docking Berth

 

After Jawk and Luc exited the car at the starport, Luc led the way. Jawk followed at a respectful distance while the man conferred with a female assistant who met them at the private Lucsondis Entertainment gate.

Luc Saint-Cyr was "the Man" here, and he was in his element. His tuxedo had a conservative cut in the classic Ainmar style he seemed to favor. His white shirt held an almost imperceptible touch of blue, enough to fool the eye into seeing it as more white than it was. Kin spotted a faint color difference as easily as humans spotted misaligned buttons.

While Luc signed a few handhelds for her, Jawk shifted his backpack to his other shoulder and took in the surroundings.

He'd been to the starport numerous times meeting clients, and had flown twice. None of the echo found in the public concourses existed here. Every wall was padded with a dark-hued cloth, the floor a glossy black tile that shone like clear glass. Spotlights highlighted paintings, sculpture, and walkways.

Through the glass wall on the left came the view of a small fleet of ships in their moorings. Two of the usual business skyhoppers sat there, planetside transport. Next to them sat another three with big interstellar engines near the ends of their sleek bodies, the unmistakable blue-chrome and black "II" symbol of Lucsondis and the designations C-1, C-2, and C-3.

Jawk laughed and covered his mouth, but he'd drawn Luc's attention.

The man did not speak, still engaged with his assistant. When he and the woman finished, she bowed to him and moved away. Luc motioned to Jawk to walk beside him up the ship's ramp.

"Something funny?"

"The symbol of Lucsondis," Jawk responded. "I always wondered what the two I's stood for. Never connected the fact that they were black. Now that I've seen you up close, I get it."

Luc cast him a sidelong look, those solid black eyes of his piercing.

[bctt tweet="All he has to do is seduce Luc, the most powerful man in the empire, and then betray him. Easy mission. Until he discovers that Luc has a heart. Jawk, Tales of the Chosen #3 #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #Romance https://books2read.com/jawk-chosen " username="KayelleAllen"]

Tales of the Chosen

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

These books occupy 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.


Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 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!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


No self-respecting Kin male would come here #Excerpt Jawk #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

Jawk, Tales of the Chosen

In this scene, Luc has picked up Jawk at work and is taking him somewhere in a long, black hoversine.

All he knows is that Luc wants to have dinner before heading to the starport.

Excerpt

Jawk stayed on his side of the car as the long hoversine drove through Top Tier.

For dinner, Luc chose the Chocolate Works, a male strip club. 

Although the club catered to male clients one night a week, tonight was most definitely not the night. A line of women wrapped halfway around the block by the time the hoversine arrived.

Jawk shrank against the seat. Was this Luc's way of punishing him for being aggressive? No way any self-respecting Kin male would walk into a male strip club. No way in seven shades of Kin hell. Not even one who was bi.

"Relax, Jawk." Luc smoothed the front of his jacket. "I have a private entrance and a private box. No one will have any idea we're even here."

Jawk scrunched up his shoulders and then forced them to relax. At the sting of his own claws pricking his palms, he opened his hands and rubbed his neck.

In the private dining room, the service proved excellent, as good as anything Batchelors provided. The waiters were handsome, dressed in immaculate evening clothes, and wore white gloves. Aside from their faces and necks, not an inch of skin showed. The entire wall over the dance floor and catwalks was one-way glass. The Kin menu was full of raw meats.

"I'm surprised Kin eat here." Over the menu, he caught Luc's pleased grin.

"I called ahead and asked them to put together a dinner menu for you."

Leaning back in his seat, Jawk dropped the menu. "You called ahead?" Printed on heavy paper and bound in leather, the menu could hardly have been created in one afternoon at the whim of a wealthy patron. "When? We just met yesterday."

Luc folded the menu. "I'd had you investigated long before I extended my first invitation. I'm very careful who I let close to Wulf." He opened the menu once more. "But to be specific in my answer, I called them today."

"And if I hadn't agreed to join you?"

One side of the man's mouth lifted. He raised his head. With those solid black eyes of his, no damn telling where he looked. Luc's smile widened. After a brief pause, he gave a small shrug. "I would have gone to plan B."

"Which was?"

He tilted his head back down. "I'd have come up with something."

No doubt. Jawk toyed with the menu. "Kin males wouldn't come here," he murmured in his native Felis.

"That's true. They don't. Except to work."

"Pardon?" Jawk stiffened. Had he said that in Etymis?

Luc closed the menu and set it down. "Kin males don't come here," he responded in Felis. "Although a great many perform. Female Kin are frequent guests. Apparently a group of Kin ambassadors came here not long ago, and it turned into a boisterous affair." His Felis sounded like it came from a native speaker. Every sibilant and breathy accent was perfect. "Two of them had to be escorted out by security." He patted one finger against his lips. "But you didn't hear that from me."

"So, you speak Felis." Wilting on the inside, Jawk considered what he might have said around the man. Had he given away any hint of his true purpose for allowing Luc to seduce him?

Jawk swallowed. Luc is seductive and wily, his former master had told him. Do not trust him. And never let him see you sweat. Jawk rubbed at his neck again.

"They didn't tell me you spoke Felis."

"So..." He leaned both elbows on the table, hands folded in front of his chin. "Someone told you about me?" He switched back to speaking Etymis.

Jawk set his ears downward. "A couple of the guys at Batchelors saw me get into your car the other night." Purposely, he raised his head and met Luc's gaze, letting him see his discomfort. "Next day, they warned me you take advantage of boys like me."

One eyebrow twitched upward. "Oh, they did, did they? What did you say?"

He released one claw. "That I'm no boy."

Luc steepled his fingers. "Did they cause you any trouble?"

"No." Jawk played with the flatware next to his plate, lining it up so the ends of the utensils were in a straight line. He chewed his lower lip. "I'm a private person. I don't like others knowing about me. Besides, if my mother had any idea..."

Luc threw back his head and laughed, one hand against his chest. He stood and went to retrieve a bottle of wine from a low rack across the room. "I never broadcast information about my sex partners." He uncapped the wine and poured some into Jawk's glass. "Relax."

He tightened and released his shoulders, took a few deep breaths. He'd appeased the man enough to avoid suspicion, but he must never let his guard down again. "I never expected to come here for dinner."

The man chuckled. "I see." Luc set down the wine, studying him for a moment. "I have an idea." Making motions to stay seated, he came around behind him. "Relax. I'll massage your shoulders."

Jawk stiffened, head turned to one side, but the heat of the man's large hands against his shoulders won a small moan of pleasure. Jawk closed his eyes. The combination of pressure, deep massage, and a kneading motion along his neck and the top of his shoulders melted his resistance. "You're good at this."

When Luc leaned down close to one of Jawk's ears, the warmth of the man's breath made it twitch. "I'm good at a lot of things."

[bctt tweet="No self-respecting Kin male would come here #Excerpt Jawk #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks https://books2read.com/jawk-chosen" username="KayelleAllen"]

Tales of the Chosen

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

These books occupy 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.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 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!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


So hard to fight his inner predator #Excerpt Jawk by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

So hard to fight his inner preditor #Excerpt Jawk by Kayelle Allen #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

Setting up the Scene

Luc has invited Jawk to come with him on trial run of a new luxury star-yacht, but Jawk refused because he had to work. When Luc tells Jawk's boss he'd like to take him on the cruise, the man gives Jawk permission to go.

But Jawk is not happy about others telling him what to do... or when to do it.

In this scene, Jawk is in Luc's hoversine on the way to the starport.

Jawk bit the inside of his cheeks, fighting his inner predator's hot-blooded demand for a piece of Luc Saint-Cyr's oh-so-cocky ass. His human father's voice rang through his head like a siren. You're not an animal, Jawk. You're a Kin. One of a civilized, honorable race.

That did not mean Jawk had never tasted human blood. He licked his lips, imagining the fierce, hot rush of it in his mouth, the scent of the man's throat beneath his fangs. The intense warmth of this man, coupled with the glimpse of his erotic taste, drove into Jawk's gut.

The man's solid black gaze refused to look away. No prey held the eyes of a predator--not one this close or for this long--unless they were stupid, drunk, or enthralled. Luc was incapable of the first, and not one whiff of alcohol clung to him.

The feral, victorious joy of a hunter rose up in Jawk.

This man took his breath.

Jawk growled, and a spark of fear scented the hoversine's oversized cabin, then faded, tamped down by the emergence of a different kind of heat. Before Luc could flinch, Jawk launched himself forward, pinned Luc against the seat and sank his claws into the butter-soft leather.

The man gasped.

Jawk gripped his throat with naked fangs, mouth open wide. He gave one stroke of his tongue, and the taste of lust flooded his mouth. Pure, raw, unshielded, savage.

The hard length and heat of Luc's body fit against his, its nearness raising steam between them. The heady scent of romtzeet filled the air. Humans called it testosterone; Kin males reeked of it.

Luc oozed it like the finest cologne.

Tales of the Chosen

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

These books occupy 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.

Untouchable. Isolated. And in love #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Alitus: Tales of the Chosen #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #Romance

They say cheaters never win and winners never cheat. But when you're addictive and no one must touch you, sometimes you have to break the rules.

Isolated. Untouchable. And in love.

How long can he deny his heart?

Alitus - Tales of the Chosen

How is this ever going to work...

Ordered by the Empress to find out if the lover of a friend is having an affair, Alitus investigates. As Minister of Imperial Intelligence, Alitus has access to every camera and remote in the empire. Which is a problem, because Wulf's affair is with Alitus.

As a Better, an enhanced human, Alitus can touch no one -- his pheromones are addictive. Isolated and under scrutiny, he keeps his affair with Wulf secret, because Wulf belongs to another, a powerful man allied with the empress. When the man asks the empress to investigate, Wulf's relationship with Alitus could be exposed. Complicating matters, the empress reveals her immortality, and requires Alitus to prove his loyalty. Her test throws him straight into Wulf's arms, right in front of the empress and Wulf's lover. Hiding what he and Wulf are to each other has taken discipline and denial.

Now, it will take a miracle...

Pick up Alitus now - read it and book 1, Wulf, this weekend!

[bctt tweet="Alitus: Tales of the Chosen #WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #Romance https://amzn.to/33rN3pI" username="KayelleAllen"]

Tales of the Chosen

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

These books occupy 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.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team


~ Copyright ©2025 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!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.


He feared this would get much worse #Excerpt #SciFi #MFRWhooks

This will get much worse #Excerpt #SciFi #MFRWhooks

In this scene from Alitus - Tales of the Chosen, the hero gets news he feared would come.

Betters are enhanced humans whose pheromones can addict and whose voices put a human in thrall.

Now regulated by the imperial government, they must wear an electronic veil that alters their voices and removes their pheromones. Protests have broken out around the Empire. As the Minister of Imperial Intelligence, Alitus must be kept apprised of the situation.

Excerpt

"Alitus." Byrin beckoned to him. "Her Majesty sent word. She needs you immediately."

He joined Byrin, who walked with him toward the elevator. "What's wrong?"

Byrin used the call button. "Three Betters protested outside Parliament by burning their veils. When police moved in, things got out of hand. Seven of them were killed."

Alitus stepped into the elevator, holding the doors open. "I thought you said there were three Betters."

"The Betters were working together to prevent the police from moving them. When their pheromones combined, it killed seven of the cops."

The impact of that event would have far-reaching consequences. "One Better alone can kill. We've seen that. Ganged up? Byrin, this is going to get much worse." He stepped back from the door.

"There's a full-fledged riot going on down there." Byrin put out his hand to stop the doors from closing. "Hey."

Alitus met the man's grim gaze.

"Watch your back."

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[bctt tweet="Alitus is addictive. He must touch no one. But how long can he deny his heart? https://amzn.to/33rN3pI #SciFi #MMRomance " username="KayelleAllen"]

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.

“Why I like you is beyond me” #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

"Why I like you is beyond me" #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance

In this scene from Alitus, Tales of the Chosen, the spymaster Alitus is in the Stable, a harem of male pleasure slaves kept by the Empress. After a brief altercation with Rudy a few days before, Alitus has come to apologize. The groom who oversees security is waiting outside, having warned Alitus not to resort to violence.

Read the previous part of this scene.

Imperial Palace, the Stable
Keeper Wing

As the door opened, Alitus turned to face it, lowering both hands to his sides. If he released his pheromones now, it would lower Rudy's resistance. The pheromones gave Alitus a distinct advantage. Using them to coerce, however, was not in his nature.

The man stood in the doorway, blocking the groom's entrance behind him, and made a small gesture. "I got this, Byrin." The door shut behind him.

Alitus steeled himself for confrontation, hyper-aware of Rudy's stillness, like the motionless menace of an animal poised to strike.

Rudy took three steps into the room and halted. He wore gym shoes, socks, loose shorts, and a white towel around his neck. A white headband held dark hair out of his eyes. A fine sheen of sweat covered him. Rudy was built like Alitus, but more athletic, his muscles more defined. Alitus was blond; Rudy brunet. Both blue-eyed, Alitus's were ocean dark, Rudy's, sky pale. Alitus had been bred for intellect, and Rudy for natural earthiness and sensuality.

"How you doin', Alitus?" The man lifted a corner of the towel and wiped his face, dabbing at his nose, which had a bluish tinge on its left side. The color had seeped into the area below his left eye as well.

"This will never work." Alitus shook his head. "We're far too different."

"Yeah, well, nice to see you, too, you smartass." Rudy jerked open the door.

Outside, Byrin stood like a guard dog off its leash, waiting for a finger snap from its master.

"Wait." Alitus held up one hand. "I'm sorry."

No answer at first. Rudy studied him. "For what? That I'm leavin' 'cause I don't have time for your bullshit? Or that you didn't break my nose?"

"Neither." Alitus gestured for him to shut the door, which Rudy did. "I'm sorry we got off to such a bad start. I should have begun this conversation by saying I was sorry."

"Oh, yeah?" Rudy folded his arms. "That supposed to make it all 'better,' Better?" Before Alitus could answer, Rudy put in, "Let's get something straight right up front. I'm doing this for Her Majesty, not you. I don't need your apology or want it, so if that's all you came for, you can go. I'll fill in for you because she asked me to. I don't need another reason."

"Fine, then."

"Fine." Rudy jutted his chin upward.

Neither spoke. Neither looked away.

Alitus let out a long sigh. "Damn it, Rudy, I was a smartass."

A grin stole across the man's face. "You've got a mean right hook, you bastard."

"If it makes you feel any better, my hand still hurts."

The two men met in the middle of the room and shook hands, Alitus still gloved. When Rudy squeezed, Alitus winced

The other man didn't let go. "What the hell were you thinkin', man?"

Alitus withdrew and rubbed his hand. "She makes me crazy. I didn't think."

Rudy cuffed him on the shoulder. "If I used an excuse like that I'd get thrown out of here."

"Haven't got one better."

"Punny." Rudy wrapped his hands around the ends of his towel. "You do realize what a problem this veil thing is going to be for droid security, don't you? I've been reading up on them. The stuff that keeps the pheromones inside makes it so droids can't read through them to know who's who. An assassin could walk right up to Her Majesty and no one would be the wiser until it was too late."

"I know. That's why they're limiting Better access to her. We won't be able to get an audience until we've been screened. Another way to screw us."

"On a different note, how am I going to get from the Stable to your office without being seen in that Veil thing?"

He lifted one shoulder. "Use the passageway from the Stable to my old office and then go from there. It's the one right outside hers."

Rudy gave him a puzzled look.

"You know." Alitus gestured. "The passage you use when she calls for a Jade during the work day." When no response came, Alitus sighed. "You mean she's never summoned you for a quickie?"

"You bastard." Rudy twisted his mouth in a sardonic grimace. "I'll bet she called you. Which is another reason for me to dislike you."

Alitus rocked on the balls of his feet.

"You smug son-of-a-bitch. Why I like you is beyond me."

[bctt tweet=""Why I like you is beyond me" #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance" username="KayelleAllen"]

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.

That feeling when you have to apologize for being right #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance #MFRWhooks

That feeling when you have to apologize for being right #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance

 

In this scene from Alitus, Tales of the Chosen, the spymaster Alitus visits the Stable, a harem of male pleasure slaves called Jades kept by the Empress, whom he serves.

The night before, a physical altercation with Rudy, one of the Jades, resulted after the Empress suggested Rudy could fill in for Alitus.

Betters -- enhanced humans like Alitus -- are now required to wear a veiled garment, so having the "normal" Rudy replace him set off the temper of the usually placid Alitus.

This moment takes place the next day.

Imperial Palace, the Stable
Keeper Wing

 

Alitus presented himself at the Stable groom's office.

Byrin Arual oversaw the literal army of identical androids involved in caring for the Jades. The middle-aged human was handsome enough to be a Jade himself, yet Byrin's relationship with the Empress always seemed professional. She'd never shown the least interest in him.

Byrin welcomed him and gestured to a chair in the small office. "Sit. Great to see you again, Alitus. Is this imperial business?"

"Personal." He started to strip off his gloves, decided against it, and smoothed them back over his fingers. "I came to see Rudolf Brakovsky."

Byrin perched against the edge of the compact desk. Monitors filled the opposite wall, revealing the Jades in various activities. "If this is about the bloody nose from the other night it's my duty to remind you that any provocation between Jades is prohibited. I know you're no longer a Jade." He held up a hand to prevent interruption. "But Rudy is. I don't want to put him in a compromising situation."

"I won't touch him." Alitus crossed his legs. "I owe him an apology."

Byrin studied him a moment, his expression grave. "If you didn't represent Her Majesty the way you do, I wouldn't permit this. Rudy's a good guy."

He resisted the urge to hang his head and instead, met the man's unflinching gaze. "Yes, he is. Which is why this is important."

"I never expected violence from you, Alitus. When you lived in the Stable, you were the one everyone looked up to, even though you were the youngest. From the first day you entered the Stable, they called you 'Mr. Perfect.' When you were out of earshot, of course, but the guys like you despite the fact you were special to Her Majesty."

"I..." Alitus tugged his gloves on a little tighter. Liking him was an after-effect of his pheromones, but Byrin didn't need to know that.

Would Alitus ever have a true friend? One who liked him without being influenced?

Byrin stared as if waiting for a reply.

Alitus cleared his throat. "Thank you. I don't know what to say."

"Hell, man." Byrin threw out his arms. "She created the 'Lover' level so she could put you above the Keepers. No one else has ever been in it. You know how crazy that makes these guys? Yet not one of them would say a single bad thing about you. And that isn't because of the rules here. You know that?"

Alitus lowered his lashes.

"What the hell got into you?"

"I'd rather not discuss it, Byrin." Alitus smoothed the crease in a pant leg. "Consider it a momentary lapse of reason and let it go, please. Her Majesty has. I'm here to ask Rudy for forgiveness. Isn't that enough?"

Byrin glared as if about to argue, but then brushed off his pants, and stood. "All right. Suit yourself. Take it easy while I go find him. At this hour, he's working out." Byrin searched the bank of monitors for a moment before he excused himself and left.

Alitus thrust himself to his feet and paced. He could do this. Get it over with and get back to work. For two days, he'd done nothing but argue with himself about coming here. Time to put it in the past and move on. How could he have doubted Her Majesty's intentions?

She had not chided him. Although she had not told him to apologize, she had to expect it. "Jealousy does not become you, Alitus. You know you have my respect. You know that. I would never dishonor you."

Clasping his hands before his mouth, he tapped them against his lips. He must control himself. He was going to need Rudy's help.

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.

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.