I’m switching to holiday mode but I have to remind myself to keep working until the actual Christmas Day. BUT as a small gift for fans of A World Beyond, I’m sharing another excerpt. I’m so excited about this release 🙂 I think readers are going to fall in love with Jaron.
kobo barnes and noble ibooks Amazon link coming next month
Releases February 14, 2018
(unedited excerpt-subject to minor changes)
“Interesting isn’t it?”
Jaron faced Dr. Kirkem worried he’d revealed his thoughts. He sat up and braced his elbows on his knees. “What is?”
The Collector continued staring at the screen as he responded. “Attachments are created in the oddest situations.”
A guard entered the room and went straight to the blue skinned Ari. Unable to do anything, Jaron watched as the already weakened male was hit repeatedly with a shock stick until he collapsed in a shuddering ball on the floor. Eyes narrowed, Jaron breathed through his nose and didn’t say anything.
“Nature creates this instinct to form bonds,” Dr. Kirkem continued. “Even when we don’t want them. That’s what happened with me and my Joni. Something about her drew me.”
Jaron’s breath hitched as the guard stopped before a growling Sasha. Everything in him stilled. His heart took off, the beats banging against his chest and he wasn’t sure how he’d react if forced to witness an attack on her.
“Now here is where I get sentimental. Out of my care for Joni, I offer you a choice, Jutak.”
The guard dragged a wicked sharp knife from the leather about his waist. Jaron’s fingers flexed but he kept them on his knees and turned his attention toward Dr. Kirkem. Whatever he heard wouldn’t be good. Nothing that happened here was good and it didn’t pay to pretend otherwise.
When Jaron didn’t answer, Dr. Kirkem squeezed his hand tight on the data pad. The small tell concerned Jaron but not as much as wondering what he planned next. “Here’s my offer. The Argoran or the Earth woman.”
Forcing himself to stay in his chair and not go for the crazy scientist. He couldn’t fathom the question. “What about them?”
“You disappoint me.” Dr. Kirkem tapped a few keys then lifted the data pad to his mouth. “The Earthling.”
The guard spun away from Sasha and approached the other cell. He entered and ignored Luna’s pleas. Jaron shot to his feet but when Dr. Kirkem held up his other hand with a remote, Jaron fisted his hands at his side, chest heaving.
On screen, the first slash went across Luna’s hip, spraying blood. Jaron bit his inner cheek, the pain jolting him. He kept his voice low and calm. “Stop hurting her.”
“Sit now!” Dr. Kirkem roared, his eyes flaring with the light of madness.
Another slash and Luna screamed.
