Saturday, April 8, 2023

OUT NOW! Chasing Kyrus - kidnapped by the Captain

Buy links below

Excerpt:

Again, as if the pirate knew what he was thinking, the arm around Kyrus' shoulders pulled him closer. He also slowed his pace, allowing Kyrus’ shorter strides to slow as well. There was a low chuckle coming from the tall man and suddenly all Kyrus wanted to do was cuddle into the man’s chest and let the world do what it would do without him. He wanted to forget what he was, where he was, and all that was going on. But just as quickly, he mentally shook himself. This pirate was no different. In fact, for all he knew, Tilbarr was probably worse than all of the bastards he had to deal with in the past combined.

But for a moment in time, he allowed himself to melt into the embrace. What harm would it be to accept this warmth for a second? Maybe even two. It had been so long since he felt anything even close to safe.

And a moment was all he received. He was swung around through another doorway and stopped in what felt like a small room. Tilbarr barked what were orders of some sort, and several of the breathing bodies pushed past him and seemed to vacate the immediate space. The air became decidedly cooler. Kyrus shivered, standing alone away from the warmth of the pirate beside him. Tilbarr’s gentle hands then pushed him down and he sat once again and he stood close behind him, as well. Did he dare to lean back into that solidness?

No. He could not keep thinking like this. How many times had he believed he found a sanctuary, some savior along his weary way? How often had he been betrayed? Sentient beings were all alike, no matter where they were in the universe. Astral Mages were a possession to be used or sold like the ConFed sheplas they traded him for.

He sat still and silent and waited.

“Captain Falland,” I trust you recognize your former prisoner.” Tilbarr’s low voice vibrated right through Kyrus’ chest.

Fuck. Falland was here? Where the hell were they, the captain’s quarters?

“I see him.” Yes, it was Falland’s voice. Shit. But he shouldn’t worry. Falland himself had told him to be quiet about what he was. He wouldn’t give him up now, would he? Maybe to save his hide, he would though.

“So, tell me, Captain, why is it that you were trying to escape with him in tow?” Kyrus couldn’t help it, he cringed with the questiona movement that would not be missed by either man. Tilbarr pressed closer.

“I was with the prisoner at the time and simply brought him with me. There was no master plan behind it, I assure you.”

Kyrus only just stopped himself from huffing at the captain’s explanation, an obvious lie. Falland had been nowhere near him “at the time.”

“Really?” Tilbarr’s tone made it clear he didn’t believe the captain’s rubbish. But then his voice seemed to change, become angry for some reason. “What were you doing being—with him?” Firm hands came down on Kyrus’ shoulders, kneading into his tight muscles. Crap. More manipulation by kindness. He wanted to shake off the hands but in the next instant wanted to escape into the arms they were attached to. Fuck but he was being needy today.

“I-I was interrogating him,” Falland stammered. Kyrus could almost imagine the captain’s sharp nose go up.

“Concerning what?” Tilbarr shot back.

The captain did sniff and ignored the question. Kyrus felt sorry for the man. For some reason he believed Tilbarr was not someone to mess with even though he had done the same thing—ignore Tilbarr’s inquiries.  Except, in this case, the heat and snap in the air was now nearly explosive. Of course, Kyrus had no reason to believe it was coming from the tall pirate. Maybe it was because he was blinded that he could discern more from voice inflection and atmosphere.

And maybe he was lying to himself too—one of the few things he was really good at.

The hands lifted from his shoulders and he instantly felt abandoned. He turned sharply as if trying to see where Tilbarr had gone, but immediately Tilbarr shushed him, gently telling him he was still there. He wasn’t leaving Kyrus alone.

Fuck.

As if that’s what Kyrus wanted. It wasn’t.

Kyrus’ cheeks burned as suddenly Tilbarr was in front of him. He must have knelt down because his voice was right there, level with Kyrus’ face. His hands rested casually on Kyrus’ knees. “So, little one, can we make a deal? Is there any reason I shouldn’t remove this visor?”

No.” Falland’s angry voice rang out from somewhere in the room. “Don’t do that.”

“Why, Falland? Will he be able to escape somehow if he can see?” Tilbarr’s tone didn’t change at all. It stayed low and rumbly, once again stiffening Kyrus’ cock by its closeness. “If you give me your name, pet, I will take this visor off. What do you say?”

Oh yes. It would be wonderful to see again. There was nothing the pirates could learn from his name. Nothing. Besides, he wanted to see Tilbarr’s face. “Kyrus, sir. My name is Kyrus.”

“Mmmmm, Kyrus. I like that name.” He leaned closer. “Thank you, pet.” Those warm hands reached up to the visor, pressing the deactivation button and gently removed the heavy piece of metal.

“You’ll regret this, Tilbarr.” Again, Falland’s voice growled.

“Why…” Tilbarr sucked in his breath, his eyes going wide when Kyrus gazed up at him. Shit, Kyrus thought. That’s right. His eyes were an iridescent purple. A color few beings ever had. He had honestly forgotten all about that. It had been a while since he had seen himself. He tried hard to avoid his reflection. He had seen enough of the freak. And whether or not the color was associated with Astral Mages, he had no idea. But it would raise more questions, that was for sure.

BUY LINK Smashwords

                     Amazon


 

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Cover Reveal - Chasing Kyrus - Kidnapped by the Captain



 Kyrus

I've been kidnapped by Tilbarr, Pirate Captain of the infamous Wolf, and dragged aboard his ship. And judging by the way the big, muscled, beautiful man is staring at me, he just might be thinking about keeping me.

Really not a good idea. 

Because I'm an Astral Mage, better known as a "Soul Giver", a race of beings who can attach wandering life forces energies to any source. Basically, I bring the dead to life, a power the Confederated Authority, the governing body for civilized planets, want to totally control. So, for years they have been hunting down and seizing Astral Mages and whisking them off somewhere. And me? They say I am as pure as they get. The very reason the ConFed will stop at nothing to possess me. TilBarr doesn't seem to understand the incredible danger he's in by not turning me over to them.

Tilbarr

There is something about Kyrus that deeply stir me. I have never ever before wanted to keep a prize I've stolen. And the ConFed? While overwhelmingly powerful and hell-bent on capturing Kyrus, it's not only them I am concerned with. The threat to Kyrus doesn't only come from outside the Wolf. Well, no matter. I will fiercely protect my prize. Even if it means giving up everything. My ship, my crew and even my life. 

Out next Friday, April 7, 2023


This was published originally under the title of The Astral Mage. It has been revised and rewritten.