WIP Wednesday - First Mataras: Iliana

 

Sibling rivalry

Hanvel ground his teeth as his brother’s clan schmoozed Iliana, drawing her from him, Cosdas, and Selbi. That his brother was doing it as much to irritate Hanvel as to court a stunning woman was no secret.

It didn’t matter that Hanvel had no intention of pursuing Iliana, despite how bewitching she was. She was enchanting. Her hair was as black as any Kalquorian’s. Her delightful lithe figure was more than hinted at in its somehow clingy-yet-demure dress. He could have drowned in those brilliant, sapphire eyes that glowed in contrast to skin only a few shades lighter than his own.

Just as fascinating had been her frank admission that she had no intention to join a clan. Independent and resourceful, Iliana appeared to be a force to reckon with. Hanvel admitted to being impressed.

It had been his clan she’d dashed to for aid, not Lathen’s. His brother, gifted with more than his fair share of accolades, had swooped in after the fact to snatch her away. After all his grand speeches about Hanvel giving up on Deefa and pursuing an Earther Matara instead, he’d followed it up by trying to win Iliana right out from under Hanvel’s nose.

Movement at the doorway caught Hanvel’s attention. Deefa had returned to stare at him. Imperious. Displeased.

Hanvel flushed with guilt, but before he could hurry her way, Clan Syno appeared. She refused to acknowledge their intense murmurs, her pointed stare skewering Hanvel.

“Can you believe it? Deefa’s jealous,” Selbi whispered, his tone gleeful. “She must think we’re interested in Iliana.”

Deefa? Jealous? A thrill shot through Hanvel. She must truly care about us to be so possessive. It was the proof he’d ached for.

“It might do her good to experience some of what we’ve been feeling,” Cosdas muttered so only his clanmates could hear.

Hanvel grinned at his Nobek and Imdiko. “You’re right. She should know the hurt she’s put us through. My brother could use a lesson too, while we’re at it.”

Aware of Deefa, now arguing with her promised clan as she attempted to shoo them off, Hanvel set his sights on Iliana. Gesturing his clanmates to come along, he approached her with a smile.

Releasing September (specific date not yet determined). 

Their agreement didn’t include falling in love. What happens when a ruse becomes reality?

Iliana Rossi’s reluctance to join a Kalquorian clan comes from a terrible loss that leaves no room in her heart for any men. Dodging the alien three-man clans eager for a Earther mate is a full-time job, and she’s running out of patience with those desperate to change her mind.

Hanvel, Selbi, and Cosdas pursue Matara Deefa, a rare unclanned Kalquorian woman. She’s everything they could possibly want. But her parents have promised her to another clan, and Clan Hanvel can’t seem to convince Deefa that love is more important than rank and family approval.

When Iliana meets Clan Hanvel, the solution seems obvious. They embark on a fake courtship that satisfies societal and family pressure; a relationship that requires no love, no commitment, and no responsibilities to each other.

But when passion wakes for the reluctant foursome, they have a choice to make: loyalty to the impossible past or a chance for love they can keep.