Bound by War is up for pre-order!

Release date is June 21st. It's been a long time in  coming, but we're finally here! I'm really excited over this one.

Blurb:

A brief moment in time can change everything.

Laken Fihk has no idea his destiny waits for him on the Unity, a Tah’Narian starship. But all it takes is one look at the incapacitated male, and Laken knows that’s his fated mate. Which is a problem, because the severely beaten, bloody, and unconscious male is the Blishue warrior named Torin. The species is considered sadistic, cruel, and without mercy—bloodthirsty monsters who kill without regard.

No one, absolutely no one, is going to be happy if Laken claims Torin as his.

Torin, member of the Blishue House of Dorntok, has found his mate and nothing will stop him from claiming Laken. So what if he has Tah’Narians doubting his honor, Ne Reynians wanting to kill him, and a battle brewing that could jeopardize all he holds dear? War has bound them together, and nothing can break them apart. He and Laken will overcome all obstacles to find a love that could last a lifetime. No matter what.

Destiny doesn’t make mistakes.

Trigger Warnings: violence, mention of past sexual abuse and rape, flashbacks

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B36NYNTF

Cover Reveal for Bound by War!!

 

Bound by War update

No Tuesday Teaser today... instead an announcement!

The last book in the Harvest Young series is finished! Bound by War came in close to 88K. And here I thought Laken's book would be the smallest of all of them. 

WRONG!

It's been sent to edits now. We still have to get through that, proofreading, and writing the blurb before it's released into the wild lol. But it's coming!

Those of you who are in my author group know what a mess 2021 has been for me. Between the cancer and radiation, dealing with the carotid artery, and the thyroid biopsy, it's been hell on wheels. It's taken a year to get Bound by War written, but I believe the wait will be worth it. I'm very happy with how it turned out!

~M

Tuesday Teaser (on a Wednesday lol) Bound by War

 

~This will be the last excerpt from Bound by War. The female having final meal with Torin and Laken is called Veri. She is a Ne Reynian warrior who is friends with Torin.

Torin led Veri to the sitting area and offered her a glass of Akdova. He picked up a tall bottle that held a pale golden liquid. “It’s good.”

He poured it into a glass as he explained it was a popular Tah’Narian drink. “It has a light and delicate taste. Here.”

“Thank you,” Veri said taking the glass. “Mmm, this is nice. Not overpowering.” She snickered as she sat down in an overstuffed chair. Torin sat on the couch across from her. “Not like Blishue bloodwine, huh?”

“Excuse me? Blood… what?” Laken yelled from the kitchen.

“Bloodwine,” Veri called back.

Laken joined them in the sitting area with his glass of Akdova. “Final meal will be ready shortly. Okay, so, I’m almost scared to ask, but what is Blishue bloodwine?”

“A full-bodied alcoholic drink. It’s often used to celebrate victories.” Torin sipped his Akdova. “Bloodwine is highly intoxicating, to the point that most non-Blishues are incapable of tolerating it.”

“Oh, really?” Laken scowled at Torin as he sat down.

“As with many Blishue foods and beverages, it’s not for the faint of heart,” Veri said.

Now Laken scowled at Veri. “Oh, really?”

Veri pointed at Torin. “That one had a flask of it, and one night he shared it with me and Dossi. This was when he was still able to meet with the resistance. Trust me when I tell you that small flask was enough to get me, Dossi, and Torin stinking drunk.”

“You and Dossi were drunk. I, being a Blishue, was merely buzzed.” Torin sniffed.

Veri crossed her arms over her chest. “Uh-huh. You couldn’t figure out how to unzip your pants so you could piss.”

“At least I still remembered how to walk, unlike you two,” Torin pointed out.

“It was a great night,” Veri sighed dreamily. “There was much laughter.”

“There was,” Torin agreed.

Laken glanced at the two of them. “Not sure I should ask this, but hey, why not, right? What’s bloodwine made of?”

“Ah, that’s a closely guarded Blishue secret.” Torin’s smile was slightly evil. “But I will tell you it has fermented blood and sugar.”

Laken crinkled his nose. “Holy shit, it seriously has blood in it?”

“Of course.”

“Of course he says. Blood from what? Or who? And also? Gross.”

“I can answer that!” Veri jumped in before Torin could open his mouth. “He’s going to tell you that it’s the blood of his enemies.”

Torin nodded.

“Oh, good grief.” Laken sat his drink down. “Yeah, I think I’ll stick to non-bloody drinks.”

“Except for the taste, bloodwine isn’t that bad,” Veri said.

“Just so you know, that makes absolutely no sense.” Then Laken pursed his lips. “Except in connection with anything Blishue, then yeah, I guess it does make sense.”

Veri laughed again. “Very true.”

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

This is an excerpt from Bound by War. No released date as of yet, but it is close to being done.

Guess that answered the question of Torin’s sense of smell. He licked his lips, thrilled to see Torin’s eyes dropped to follow the motion. “O-okay.”

Torin leaned closer, practically plastering his body against Laken’s. “I wasn’t asking permission.” 

Laken’s cock hardened as he stared into Torin’s eyes. The amber color had darkened to a golden bronze. This close he noticed there was a black ring around the irises. Inches apart, their breath mingling, Laken yearned to feel Torin’s mouth on his. 

Opening slightly, his invitation was very clear. Would the kiss be hungry? Intense? Would his mouth be claimed by an onslaught of passion that’d leave him breathless and deliciously bruised? 

His eyes drifted closed as Torin brushed his lips across Laken’s, dragging a small moan from him. Raising his hands, he clutched Torin’s shoulders, and the feel of more ridges under his hands registered vaguely in his mind.

He jerked in surprise at the sweetness of the kiss. He’d expected rough and urgent. Hot and demanding. He didn’t think a Blishue was capable of such gentleness. Such care. 

Torin’s tongue swept inside, exploring. Pleasure exploded in Laken’s mind, and a dark need rose. That need to mark Torin rose again. He broke the kiss and nipped Torin’s bottom lip. A small bead of blood appeared. 

Torin shuddered then fisted Laken’s hair. Bells chimed softly around them. Breathing heavily, Torin stared at Laken. Danger lurked in his eyes, but Laken wasn’t afraid. He licked the blood from Torin’s lip.

Torin’s eyes fluttered, and a low, sexy growl of pure need escaped his throat. Shivers raced up Laken’s spine at the demand he heard in that groan. So Torin had liked that little hint of violence, huh? 

There was no answering hardness, but that didn’t worry him, not with the amount of pain meds Torin still had in his system. Tightening his hands on Torin’s shoulders, he urged Torin nearer. 

Another low, guttural moan sounded as Torin briefly closed his eyes, as if he was struggling for control. So Laken went to him. He pressed his lips to Torin’s throat and sucked hard, demanding the blood rise to the surface. Torin had to wear his mark, dammit. Had to.

Torin jerked like someone used a stun wand on him. His body trembled, and he moaned throatily, but he didn’t try to pry Laken off his neck. Satisfied he had accomplished what he wanted—that Torin wore his mark—Laken leaned back. 

“I marked you.” Laken licked his lips, defiance shinning in his eyes. 

Torin’s control broke, and he yanked Laken to him by his hair. His mouth crashed onto Laken’s, and Laken whined deep in his throat. He’d be embarrassed about the low whimper of need that escaped him later. 

This was the kiss he’d been expecting earlier—hard, hot, and aggressive with an edge of desperation that washed over Laken like a wave, threatening to drag him under. But he didn’t fear drowning. Not him. 

Time stood still as Torin destroyed him with a kiss. Never had such a simple action like a kiss affected him so. This male was the one he’d waited on for a lifetime, the one fate had given him. Fucking finally. 

He wanted to wake with the rising of the sun and spend every star-filled night wrapped in Torin’s arms. And nothing was going to get in the way of that. 

Not even Torin. 

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War. No release date as of yet

Torin snorted. “Got a good look earlier, did you? Good. Yes, it’s sort of like body armor, except it never comes off.”

“I—huh?” Since when were feet sexy? He dragged his gaze upward. 

“Remember saying that Neo was damn impressed with my anatomy?” Torin’s smile was positively lethal as he slowly advanced toward Laken. “As I’ve said, Blishue are damn hard to kill.” 

The slow walk had a sudden air of menace to it. It was an unhurried, rolling gait—a predator whose attention had been caught but was in no hurry to move in for the kill. Laken’s breathing accelerated, and he edged back a few steps. 

Torin tracked Laken’s every movement. “What that means is my anatomy is redundant and supernumerary; most of my organs have a backup, including an extra set of kidneys, an eight-chambered heart, a third lung, a secondary brain stem, as well as an extensive and hardy skeletal structure—thus the ridges you saw on my body.” 

Butterflies took off in Laken’s stomach as Torin prowled closer. “That’s… that’s helpful.” Laken took a few more steps back. Torin copied him, moving forward, and goose bumps rose on Laken’s arms. Torin was stalking him… and he liked it.

“Yes, it is. It’s also helpful that our insanely rapid metabolism allows injured Blishue to heal extremely quick.” Torin continued to move closer, herding Laken toward a nearby wall. “All of this makes us tremendously resilient and difficult to kill. Which is fortunate since we’re so aggressive. We’re resistant to physical trauma, environmental exposure, and illness.”

Laken’s back hit the wall, and his eyes widened. It took a few unit seconds, but his brain finally caught on. “You… you mean you would’ve been okay even if Neo hadn’t operated?”

“Most likely, but I probably would’ve gone into a hibernation-type state to heal, which would have left me incapacitated and vulnerable.”

The thought horrified Laken. 

“The sleep might’ve taken quite a while, considering the state I was in, along with a possible raging infection. I do appreciate him operating, though.” Torin brought his arms up, slapping his hands on either side of Laken’s head, effectively caging Laken.

“Oh?” Laken swallowed. This was so hot. Why was this so hot? “W-why?” 

“Because that act brought you to me.” Torin tilted his head and breathed deeply, his chest expanding in then out. “Mmm. I smell your arousal.” He lowered his head and stared into Laken’s eyes. “I’m going to kiss you, Laken.”

Guess that answered the question of Torin’s sense of smell. He licked his lips, thrilled to see Torin’s eyes dropped to follow the motion. “O-okay.”

Torin leaned closer, practically plastering his body against Laken’s. “I wasn’t asking permission.” 

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War. No release date as of yet.

Neo’s comm buzzed. He tapped the button and answered. “Yes?”

“King Consort, King Hamza says that Queen Dossi, along with her guards, will be transporting up for treatment. You  are to meet them in Medical immediately.”

“Now that’s excellent news. Tell my king I’m on my way.”

“Yes, Sire.”

Neo ended the communication and grinned hugely at Laken. “I don’t know who talked her into it, but thank all the gods they did.”

Torin walked out of the shower, dressed, toweling his long hair dry. “Did I hear that Queen Dossi was beaming up?”

“Yes. I need to go so I can meet them. Torin, please take it easy. Don’t lift anything heavy. Rest. This suite is yours for several more unit days.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s no problem. I’ll send pain medication over later. The last dose should hold you for a while yet. The new medicine can be taken by mouth and won’t knock you on your ass. Also, I’ve cleared you for a regular diet. I heard you weren’t a fan of soup.”

Torin shrugged. “It’s warmed up liquid. What do you expect?”

“Hamza says the same. Okay, if you need anything, comm me.”

“We will,” Laken said. “And thanks.”

Neo waved on his way out.

“I’m surprised she beamed up. Things have to be in chaos on planet.” Torin finished drying his hair and glanced around the room, holding the towel.

Gods above, he was right. Torin’s hair was a beautiful deep amethyst when clean. He wanted to touch it. Have it fall in his face as Torin hovered over him, thrusting into—

“Laken? What do I do with…?”

“Oh.” Laken fought not to blush as he pointed at the reprocessor. How many times had Torin asked that while Laken indulged in a little fantasy fucking in his head?

Torin discreetly sniffed, then grinned as he crossed the room and stuffed the damp towel inside. “Thanks.”

Did Torin know he was aroused? Was his sense of smell that good? If so, he was seriously busted.

“No problem.” And he thought the Tah’Narians moved like liquid silk. Torin moved like a damn shadow—quick, quiet, and deadly. “Do the clothes fit okay? I used the reduplicator and guessed at sizes.”

“They’re fine. I need boots too.”

“That was next on the list. Do you have an idea what—” Laken glanced at Torin’s feet, and his mouth fell open. “Size? Stars above, even your feet have those ridges?” Heat flooded his face. Sure enough, there were raised ridges on the tops of Torin’s feet.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~Excerpt from Bound by War (No release date as of yet).

“Thanks,” Laken said once he returned.

“Glad to help.”

Neo had apparently decided he needed to prop up the nearest wall in the suite with his shoulder. Seeing that his best friend wasn’t leaving anytime soon, Laken crossed his arms over his chest and met Neo’s gaze. “What?”

Neo was silent for a full unit minute before he finally spoke. “It’s been over a day. Word is getting out about Torin being on the ship, probably thanks to Raiden. He’s still pissed.”

Like Laken cared. “He can get unpissed.”

“Right, I’ll make sure to pass that along.” Neo flashed a sardonic grin at Laken. “Don’t know why I didn’t think to tell him that myself.”

“What the hell is it going to take to get Raiden to move on?” Laken demanded, annoyed enough to stamp his foot. Bells chimed angrily.

“Um… blood? From Torin?”

Laken made a fist and one long spine that was razor sharp extended from his middle knuckle. “This is what I think of that. Make sure to pass it on.”

Neo snickered. “Oh, I absolutely will.” The laughter died, and Neo sobered. “Have you told Malk and Kia that Torin is your mate?”

“The hell, Neo?” Laken retracted the weapon. “It’s barely been a day! And I’ve hardly left Torin’s side. Besides, Kia is still dealing with seeing Ogill killed and the feelings that brought back. I don’t want to add to what he’s going through.”

“I love you like a brother, and as such, I’m going to call bullshit. Yes, you’ve hardly left Torin’s side. Do you honestly think that hasn’t been commented on? You don’t want to tell them because you know how they’re going to react. Malk especially. Doc, Gibor, Keyno, and Malk have all met the Blishue before and don’t think highly of them.”

“Fuck.” Laken scrubbed his hands over his face, slumping as his anger faded. “I know.”

“I’m going to give you some free advice. Tell them before they get wind of it. There were other people in Medical besides us. Who knows what was overheard? You can’t keep secrets on a ship, even one this size. They need to hear it from you.”

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War (Laken and Torin's story. This is a WIP and I don't have a release date as of yet.)

WHEN THE clothes hit the floor, Laken couldn’t help himself. He peeked… then nearly choked as he tried to stop his surprised gasp. Down the center of Torin’s back was a thick ridge of… nodules?

No, no, not nodules. It was more like ridges. Laken swallowed as it dawned on him what he was looking at—Torin had a thickly ridged spine. His gaze followed the graceful arch downward. Gods above, even his muscular buttocks were ridged. They’d look good with bite marks.

While they were definitely worth close study, along with the various scars, the number of bruises on that pale lilac skin was horrifying. Scars he found sexy, and there were several. But getting them? Not so much.

It was a peculiar turn-on for him, and he had no idea why. His gaze traveled back up Torin’s body. As he stepped into the shower, Laken noticed the wound on Torin’s shoulder was particularly wicked-looking and fairly new.

As the water drenched him, Torin groaned. It was not a painful sound, by any means. Delicious and gravelly, the noise arrowed straight to Laken’s gut. He wanted to join Torin under the water, get soapy, then clean every naked inch of him. After that, he’d kiss all that lovely purple skin.

Possessiveness rose, and the urge to mark what was his was nearly overwhelming. Everyone should know who this male belonged to. It was suddenly hot in there, and not just from the steam. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and the bells in his hair chimed softly.

This uncontrollable need shook him up. He didn’t react like this. He’d been attracted to both males and even some females through the years, but this low-grade hum that flowed through his body was new. This urge, this neediness to dominate was a little frightening.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~This is an excerpt from my WIP Bound by War. It's Laken and Torin's book. I don't have a release date as of yet.

Heaving a sigh, Laken grimaced and met Torin’s gaze.  

“That’s what I thought.” He’d gone undercover, sacrificed his dignity, almost died, and it still wasn’t enough for these Tah’Narians.

“I’m sorry.” Laken’s fingers tightened on the fringe before letting go. “Neo tore a strip off several of them. He even questioned their honor, which for a Tah’Narian is a big deal.”

Torin refused to comment, not in the frame of mind he was currently in. But it incensed him. The Ne Reyn assassinated King Duran, but he was the one they wouldn’t treat because he was a Blishue?

“Then a doctor offered to do the surgery after the tongue lashing, but Neo refused. Said he didn’t trust anyone to do it but him. There was significant paling over that one, let me tell you. Never saw that many Tah’Narian lose color at the same time.”

He would’ve liked to see that too.

“Then Neo suggested they have a nice long talk with Grand Lady Impur on how the resistance feels about you. Ever seen a full grown Tah’Narian with his tail tucked?” Laken’s smile was positively evil. “It was great. Serves them all right. They did act dishonorably.”

“I owe Neo my thanks, then.” Just what he did not need—a debt of gratitude to a Tah’Narian. Not that he thought he was really in jeopardy of dying. And he’d never admit otherwise.

“Neo takes his oath as a doctor seriously, but beyond that, he’s a good person.” Laken shrugged. “Then again, I might be slightly biased. Neo’s my best friend.”

It took every bit of his training not to show a reaction to Laken’s statement. Neo, the king consort—the second most powerful male on Tah’Nar—was Laken’s best friend?

And Torin was attracted to Laken? Wanted him? Fully intended to have Laken no matter what. Once Laken’s friends found out, they’d do everything possible to keep them apart. Torin refused to allow that to happen. Laken was his.

Immediately he started plotting how to get off this starship with Laken. He’d take him and run to the ends of the galaxy if he had to. Nothing was going to stop him from taking Laken.

Not even Laken himself.

“I don’t know what else to say except how those doctors acted was wrong, and I’m sorry. They better hope Hamza doesn’t find out, but since Neo is Hamza’s mate, I wouldn’t bet on it.”

Torin dragged his attention back to the conversation. “Don’t concern yourself over it. It’s not important. I’m fine now.” Time to change the subject. “Have you heard anything about Queen Dossi?”

“No, not really. I’ve pretty much been here. I think Neo is still trying to get her to transport up to the Unity.”

“So she hasn’t yet.”

“I don’t know that she will. From what little bit I’ve heard, and what I saw while we were at the palace, she’s got a lot of work in front of her. No everyone is pleased with her plans.”

There was a whoosh from the console. “That sounds like the next dose of pain medication.” Which he would gladly take now. The sooner he healed, and the sooner he could get out here with Laken. “I probably won’t be awake long. You said I’ve been asleep for twenty-four-unit hours?”

“Yes.”

“Have you been here the whole time?”

“Of course. I told you I would be.”

“Thank you.”

The polite thing to do was tell Laken to go to his quarters and rest, but he wouldn’t do that. Not now. Not since he’d learned how important Laken was to the Tah’Narian leadership. Namely Neo.

“Will you stay?” Torin asked.

“If that’s what you want.”

“It’s what I want.”

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War (Laken and Torin's story)

“Meat. I normally eat meat. I like meat.”

“—but you just had surgery.” Laken swallowed heavily.

Torin wanted to smack himself. Had he frightened Laken?

“I like meat too.” Laken’s gaze dipped briefly down, then jerked back up. He cleared his throat.

Apparently not. Torin blinked in shock.

“Ah, yeah, anyway, Neo said to go easy on your digestive system, so stop snarling.” Laken hesitated before smoothing the sheet around the tray—the tray that was situated on his lap. When he was done, Laken stepped back, a slight blush on his cheeks.

Was Laken flirting with him? Was there a dirty mind hiding under that innocent-looking façade? Torin felt every brief touch through the thin material of the sheet, even though his cock didn’t react. The sudden rapid beeping of the heart monitor told a different story. Hearing it, Laken grinned.

Fascinating. Torin picked up his spoon. “And what does Neo know of the Blishue digestive system?”

“Enough to know that this is the best thing for you right now.” Laken sat in the chair next to the bed. “He actually had to do a quick crash course on Blishue anatomy since he was the one who operated on you. He was damn impressed with how the Blishue are put together.”

Torin blew on the liquid. There were little chunks of some sort of noodles floating around. Noodles. A warrior needed something more substantial than that. Tentatively he tasted it. He refused to call it soup, as this was sadly lacking in spices and meat, but it wasn’t bad for warmed up fluid.

“How is it?” Laken asked.

There was no missing the playful grin on Laken’s lips. Torin truly did not know how to react. Laken didn’t fear teasing him. Torin had slit throats for less, and Laken blithely tread where others feared to go.

Was it sheer brazen nerve? A sort of monstrous cockiness? That fit with Tah’Narian personality. But Laken was also part Ne Reynian, and the males were considered weak. Submissive.

Absolutely fascinating.

“Not bad,” Torin answered finally. “Thank you for bringing me something to eat.”

Careful to hide how much it bothered him, Torin took another sip. The meal itself wasn’t the issue—having Laken provide it was. That was Torin’s job. As the more dominating of the two, he should be the one to hunt food down, kill it, and bring it to Laken.

It should be Torin who furnished what was required for them to survive. Not Laken. Aaaand he needed to remember they were both civilized beings on a starship and not stuck in a cave somewhere like his ancestors used to be. He shook his head. Sometimes the Blishue mentality was very primitive.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

The male had his nipples pierced. 

His.

Nipples.

Pierced.

Stars save him. It was the sexist thing he’d ever seen. Laken still wore the same cobalt blue sarong, and matching sandals graced his feet. He also was holding a tray that had several steaming containers.

“Neo might not be as nice reinserting all that a second time.”

He forgot the IVs. They could wait. Torin licked his lips. Something smelled wonderful, and his stomach growled in agreement. He honestly couldn’t remember when he’s last eaten.

Laken’s gaze dropped to Torin’s mouth, so Torin ran his tongue over his lips again. The scent of the ocean suddenly strengthened in the room. So that hadn’t been a drug-induced hallucination. Laken really did want him.

That knowledge triggered something in him. He wanted to throw the male over his shoulder and carry him off. He’d lock him away, guard him jealously from attack. Care for him. Use his body endlessly and kill anything that came near them.

His heart rate rose, sending the machine next to him beeping faster. Laken cocked his head and stared at the monitor before glancing at Torin. Quickly Torin took a deep breath, and the monitor calmed. He might not be able to get hard, but he still responded.

Star fucked meds.

So, his desire to capture and protect the male wasn’t some strange reaction to whatever drugs they were giving him, either. Interesting.

“What is that?” Torin asked, inhaling deeply. He pulled himself into a sitting position. There was minimal pain from his abdomen. That was reassuring.

“Final meal.” Laken placed the tray across Torin’s lap. “You’ve been asleep for a day. It’s evening now. Neo came by and looked in on you also. He said if you woke and were hungry, you could have some—”

“Soup?” Torin snarled down at the liquid that Laken uncovered. “Soup? Are the Tah’Narians trying to finish off what Ogill started by chance?”

Laken rolled his eyes. “No, they aren’t, and yes, it’s soup. I know it’s not what you normally eat—”

“Meat. I normally eat meat. I like meat.”

“—but you just had surgery.” Laken swallowed heavily.

Torin wanted to smack himself. Had he frightened Laken?

“I like meat too.” Laken’s gaze dipped briefly down, then jerked back up. He cleared his throat.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

THE SCENT of food woke Torin. His mouth watered, and his stomach growled.

Opening his eyes, he surveyed the room. Curtains now enclosed the medibed giving him some privacy. Machines beeped, reading his vitals. Nevertheless, none of that indicated how much time had passed. His muscles warmed as blood flow increased, and his stomach rumbled again, more loudly this time.

There was something missing. Someone, actually. Then he heard a low chime of bells and the scent of the ocean washed over him.

“Well, I’d say you’re hungry. I can hear that all the way over here. Just a moment, and I’ll be right there.”

So the male hadn’t broken his word. Ridiculous how reassuring that was. Laken’s voice soothed him, even if he couldn’t see him. Funny how the sweet melody from the bells Laken wore in his hair had infiltrated his sleep.

That was what was missing, and it should’ve made him uneasy. Blishue didn’t depend on anyone, much less let their guard down, and that included around his own kind. But he’d slept soundly with a stranger next to him. Very troublesome.

As were the annoying IVs. That he hadn’t ripped out them out was its own minor miracle. Why hadn’t he then? Being drugged left him vulnerable.

How many hits to the head had he taken?

He stretched, his joints popping. His mind was heavy and sluggish, but there was no pain. He eyed the IV. This was ludicrous. He couldn’t think straight. Maybe he should yank it out and—

“Ah, yeah, I wouldn’t do that if I was you.” Laken nudged the curtain open and ducked inside.

The sight of Laken hit Torin like a space shuttle. How had he not noticed the ice-blue gemstones that sparkled in the overhead lights? They winked from his ears, wrists, ankles, and nipples. The male had his nipples pierced.

His.

Nipples.

Pierced.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

Excerpt from Bound by War

“Raiden’s anger may have sidetracked him from what Neo said right when I walked in, but I haven’t forgotten. Is there something you need to tell me?” Hamza asked.

Laken might be part Ne Reynian, but he was raised as a Tah’Narian. He grew up with Hamza, but that didn’t change the fact his younghood friend was also king of Tah’Nar. Laken considered himself more Tah’Narian than Ne Reynian.

“Are you asking as my friend or as my king?”

“Right now? Your friend. There may come a time, unfortunately, when I have to take an interest as king. But for right now, I’m asking as Hamza.”

“Then I’ll gladly tell my friend that I found my mate. I’ve heard you all talk, you know. I also remember hiding in a copse of trees with Neo so he could spy on you during training. I saw how he was affected just by watching you. Plus, he told me what he felt.”

“It was so humid water was dripping off the leaves.” Neo grinned at Laken. “A royal guard was training with Hamza and Raiden. I was ogling Hamza, and you were ogling Jar.”

“Hey! I was only admiring his battled-scarred physique. I have a thing for that.”

All three of them looked at Torin with his many scars.

“Anyway, I told you there was someone out there for you. Said I felt it,” Neo said slowly.

Laken nodded. “And I said that I wished I felt it.”

“And I said that you would. That when you did, it’d be like a kick to the gut.”

“I didn’t think you actually meant it felt like that. But it does. It so does, but in the best way ever. I saw him, and everything just stopped.”

Hamza rested his hand on Laken’s shoulder. “I’m happy for you.”

“Even though my mate is a Blishue?”

“Fate doesn’t make mistakes. It’s paired you with him for a reason. What that reason is? We don’t know yet. I also will not lie to you. There will be some who have issue with this, especially the older generation.”

Neo pinched the bridge of his nose. “I can think of three right off the top of my head.”

So could Laken. In fact, his dabba was going to blow an antimatter inducer. He didn’t have any idea how Kia would react.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War

"Long story short, Princess Dossi offered me the opportunity to obtain vengeance for the murder of King Duran. I… returned the blade to her.”

Torin raised an eyebrow.

Hamza’s tail whipped behind him before lying quietly. “My reasons are my own. Nevertheless, Dossi had more cause to extract revenge than I.”

“Queen Ogill had your dabba killed. I am curious as to what could be more important than that.” 

“Ogill removed her own daughter’s tongue because Dossi spoke out against Ogill. I simply can’t wrap my head around that kind of atrocity.” Hamza paused, then glanced at Neo before returning his attention back to Torin.

“You might not, but I can,” Torin replied.

Laken struggled not to whine again. That absolutely broke his heart. Like Hamza, Laken had been surrounded by affection and solid friendships.

“And that’s a shame. My dabba and atat love me. I grew up knowing this, Torin. Losing my dabba set me on a course that could’ve destroyed all I held dear if I’d continued on that path.” Hamza took Neo’s hand.

Laken had seen Ogill die. It had been gory. But also emotional. Emotional for Hamza but also for Kia. Kia had been abused by the female Ne Reynians before being given to the Tah’Narians as a mate to Malk.

They traded him away as if he was nothing more than a used good that had no value. Which pretty much described how the females viewed their males.

Neo tugged Hamza’s hand until Hamza moved so they were standing side-by-side. “Anger is a poison. It can destroy the best of us. Hamza had a choice to make, and thank the gods, he made the right one,” Neo said. “He refused to let rage rule him.”

“Ogill, of course, used that as an example of how I was a weak male. She didn’t get it.” Hamza released Neo’s hand and wrapped his arm around Neo’s waist. He kissed Neo’s cheek then returned his gaze to Torin. “She died not understanding that love isn’t a weakness, but that’s not my problem. What matters is I can sleep at night.”

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~excerpt from Bound by War (Laken's story)

“You’re lucky she didn’t kill you.”

“It wasn’t for lack of trying,” Torin said. “I take it she’s dead?”

“She is,” Hamza answered.

“And?”

Hamza studied Torin. “Are you sure you wish to get into this now?”

“Yes. I—” The was a whoosh from the console near Torin, and he grimaced. “I feel fine, but if that’s pain medication, I probably won’t be awake long.”

Neo moved to the machine and checked something. “It was. It’s amazing you’re even sitting up. You should be flat on your back and unconscious.”

“I was highly motivated not to be.”

“I’ll make this brief,” Hamza said. “As you know, Tah’Nar got involved in the Ne Reynian civil war. My starships attacked, the tide of the battle turned, but the Ne Reynian battleships refused to surrender.”

“Not surprising.”

“They sustained massive loss of life. Once it was safe, ground troops were sent to the surface. They rendezvoused with the resistance and took the palace. Thanks to you, we knew Queen Ogill was in residence.”

Torin bowed his head in acknowledgment.

“Queen Ogill was captured. Princess Dossi was located and freed. Queen Ogill was chained to the floor in the throne room to await judgement. Long story short, Princess Dossi offered me the opportunity to obtain vengeance for the murder of King Duran. I… returned the blade to her.”

Torin raised an eyebrow.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

THE SCENT of food woke Torin. His mouth watered, and his stomach growled .

Opening his eyes, he surveyed the room. Curtains now enclosed the medibed giving him some privacy. Machines beeped, reading his vitals. Nevertheless, none of that indicated how much time had passed. His muscles warmed as blood flow increased, and his stomach rumbled again, more loudly this time.

There was something missing. Someone, actually. Then he heard a low chime of bells.

“Well, I’d say you’re hungry. I can hear that all the way over here. Just a moment, and I’ll be right there.”

So the male hadn’t broken his word. Ridiculous how reassuring that was. Laken’s voice soothed him, even if he couldn’t see him. Funny how the sweet melody from the bells Laken wore in his hair had infiltrated his sleep.

That was what was missing, and it should’ve made him uneasy. Blishue didn’t depend on anyone, much less let their guard down, and that included around his own kind. But he’d slept soundly with a stranger next to him. That was troublesome.

As were the annoying IVs. That he hadn’t ripped out them out was its own minor miracle. Why hadn’t he then? Being drugged left him vulnerable.

How many hits to the head had he taken?

He stretched, his joints popping. His mind was heavy and sluggish, and there was no pain. He eyed the IV. This was ludicrous. He couldn’t think straight. Maybe he should yank it out and—

“Ah, yeah, I wouldn’t do that if I was you.” Laken nudged the curtain open and ducked inside.

The sight of Laken hit Torin like a space shuttle. How had he not noticed the ice-blue gemstones that sparkled in the overhead lights? They winked from his ears, wrists, ankles, and nipples. The male had his nipples pierced.

His.

Nipples.

Pierced.

Stars save him. It was the sexist thing he’d ever seen. Laken still wore the same cobalt blue sarong, and matching sandals graced his feet. He also was holding a tray that had several steaming containers.

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

~from my WIP Bound by War

 “Then quit being an idiot,” Dayo suggested. “And on that happy note, come on. We need to return to our stations. Move that sexy ass before we both get written up.” 

Laken glanced over his shoulder to see Dayo pushing Raiden in front of him, Raiden grumbling the entire way. Since Raiden was leaving, Laken allowed the spines to retract. Now that the threat had passed, Torin also let go of Laken’s arm, and he missed the heat from Torin’s touch immediately.

But right before Raiden and Dayo walked out a Medical, Dayo turned and shot Laken a look. Dayo might’ve defuse the situation, but it was by no means over. Laken knew this. Dayo wanted to speak to him? He’d have to get in line behind Kia, Malk, all his friends, and even the King of Tah’Nar. 

“At some point I have to remember to ask Gibor or Doc if Keyno was that hotheaded when they were younger,” Hamza mused as he watched the pair walk out of Medical. 

“If I had to guess? I’d say yes. Anyway.” Neo slowly approached the medibed, keeping an eye on Laken. “I’d like to update you on your condition, Torin. Do you wish for Hamza and Laken to leave? You have the right to privacy.”

“That’s not necessary. Go ahead.”

“Okay,” Neo said. “Your permission has been recorded. So, you had emergency surgery, which means you need to take it easy. That wound in your abdomen was significant.”

Laken whined softly.

“Fortunately, no organs were involved, but I’m worried about infection, so precautions were taken. I also repaired all the minor wounds, but I can’t do much about the bruising. I don’t foresee any complications, especially since I flooded your system with antibodies, but you need to be monitored for now.”

Neo’s diagnosis was short on details, and that worried Laken. Neo seemed to be glossing over the situation, which probably meant it was much, much worse than what they were being told. 

Plus, Neo was only addressing the physical damage. Nothing had been said about Torin’s mental welfare. What had the female done that they couldn’t see?

“Thank you.”

“You’re dehydrated, malnourished, at risk for infection, and suffering from blood loss. We tried to clean you up as best we could before I operated, and we redressed you in surgical pants. The assorted IVs will help with the majority of what I listed. For the next several unit days you’re going to be sore, weak, and have pain,” Neo said. “You’re lucky she didn’t kill you.”

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 

~from Bound by War (Laken's upcoming book)

“Fuck, Laken, what the hell was that?”

“The next person who takes a step toward them will be dealing with me. Understand?” Hamza demanded.

There was grumbling, but Laken didn’t care. Well, he did, but he was too busy staring into eyes the color of amber. Beautiful. They were simply beautiful.

His gaze traveled over the too-thin body. The obvious proof of what Torin went through enraged Laken all over again. The lilac skin of the Blishue’s upper body sported ugly dark blue and yellow bruises, but it was the thick, pristine white bandage around Torin’s torso that worried him the most.

He whined deep in his throat. What horrors had that female visited upon his mate? He didn’t know—wasn’t even sure he could handle knowing. Nothing in his life could prepare him for whatever Torin went through, but he’d manage. Somehow.

“It’s not as bad as it looks.”

The melodious voice snapped Laken out of his critique of the injuries. He raised his eyes back to the face that had been wiped clean of blood, at least. “Neo said you might’ve died if you haven’t been brought aboard. I’d say it was serious enough.”

That alone terrified him to the depths of his soul. He could’ve lost his mate before he’d even found him.

“It’s very hard to kill a Blishue. I’m Torin.”

Someone muttered something sarcastic behind Laken. Most likely Raiden. But that did remind him he had an audience, so he shoved that terror into a dark little corner for now.

“Hard, but not impossible. I’m Laken. I guess you know everyone behind me.”

Look how nice and polite he was being when all he wanted to do was tackle Torin and kiss every inch of him. Of course, that thick white bandage reminded him why that would be a bad idea. Torin also needed a shower.

“I do. Some better than others. I’m sure they’d say that was most unfortunate.”

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by War

 ~From Bound by War

All his friends had been paired even before birth. Except him.

No one had any idea what kind of hole that left in his psyche. And now Raiden wanted to come in here and stomp all over his happiness? No. He wasn’t having it.

“Without Torin, there’s a distinct possibility I wouldn’t have had the chance to confront the person who murdered my dabba,” Hamza continued. “The gods only know what he survived from that female.”

“You can tell what he went through,” Laken snarled. “The proof is all over his body!”

“Would it help if I said I was sorry?” Torin asked quietly, swinging his legs over the edge of the medibed. “Because I am. I hated what I had to do to protect your mate, Raiden. I’m well aware it wasn’t enough.”

Chaos erupted.

“He’s awake? How the hell is he awake? He shouldn’t be awake!”

“Shit. Shit.”

The voice behind him startled Laken so badly he swung around, the spines still extended. Torin calmly caught one of Laken’s arms, keeping the spines away. Electricity jumped between them.

The touch burned Laken but in the best of ways. He barely managed to stop the gasp that threatened to escape. Gods above, if he hadn’t, Raiden probably would’ve lost the rest of his mind and gone on a rampage. As it was, there was a scramble of feet behind Laken, and he hissed, the sound low, mean, and piercing. 

“Fuck, Laken, what the hell was that?”