Resan isn't fooled when it comes to Betra's hopes.
* * * *
Transport MT-118
“A word, my Dramok?” Betra ventured after the transport’s gym emptied for the day.
“That was four words.” Resan’s tone was gruff, but his eyes twinkled as he regarded his clanmate. “Of course, Betra. What’s on your mind?”
“Our itinerary for our leave on Kalquor. My mother is planning the usual—”
“A big party to celebrate yet another safe return of her darling son to her embrace, brief as it’ll be. Matara Elwa throws a terrific party. Will Oses’ parent clan be there?” Resan tossed him a cloth in unspoken expectation of Betra helping to wipe down the equipment, as he usually did when his duties permitted time to do so.
“I believe they will. Naturally, Mother’s invited your parents and grandmother.”
“And naturally, my mother and fathers are too busy to break off from work.” Resan made a face. His parent clan often put their careers ahead of all else, including family. His more family-oriented grandmother could no longer see well enough to pilot a shuttle herself, so she wouldn’t be able to attend the party either.
“It’s never a problem for us to visit them.” Betra paused and plunged in. “In fact, I’m looking forward to it. I’m in the mood for a hunt.”
Resan grinned, his good humor restored at the idea. “Sounds right. Grandmother commed to tell me the senilows are due for a culling again. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.”
“Can we bring guests?” Betra concentrated on the padded bench he cleaned, his demeanor as offhand as he could manage.
He sensed his Dramok’s attention intensifying. “Who?”
“Nieces and nephews. Clan Seot’s children. We haven’t seen them in about a year.” He was careful not to mention Shalia herself.
There was a chill in Resan’s voice, nevertheless. “They’ll probably be at your mother’s gathering.”
“Yes, but I’ll be catching up with my parents, adult friends, and so on. I’d like some one-on-one fun with the kids.”
“Betra.”
A Dramok’s commanding tone was nearly impossible to ignore. Betra had never been able to successfully fight off responding to Resan’s. He straightened and faced his clan leader.
“Yes?”
“Tell me this isn’t about her.” Resan’s expression dripped acid.
* * * *
All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in the
crossfire.
Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral, in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terrible events unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquorians in Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate and martial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to the Kalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but how can a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of the Galactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?
Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Station to hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young and irrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stifling restrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, her Kalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending with her stubborn refusal to be kept in check.
Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behind him. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the best course of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speaks louder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’s built, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing the unthinkable?
Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquor and Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re only beginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip on the galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.
Releasing Friday, July 26
Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print
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