Happy Release Month!
Catch the sequel to Lakisha Spletzer's
debut space opera novel, Jewels.
EXCERPT
They entered and Jewels smiled. The room looked like a dojo. Martial arts had been a required course for any going into Special Ops. Jewels had enjoyed the rigorous training and discipline the training had given her. She hadn't done as much of it in recent years as she would like, but, if that was what Dex had in mind, she was all for it.
"I sense your happiness, my Onugrass. Is this room to your liking?"
"I haven't sparred in a while. That is why we are here, right?"
"That is correct, Mate. My father reminded me that you are a warrior and probably missed training. Was he correct in his assumption?"
"Yes, he is. I didn't say anything because I only wanted to learn about your culture. But, after dealing with Nala yesterday, I realized that I can't neglect the skills that will keep me alive. I'm not so naive as to think that you don't have enemies. I need to be able to protect myself and you. So training is a must."
"I am glad you feel that way."
Jewels heard the strange tone to his words and she glanced at his face. It was unreadable as always. Just what was Dex planning?
The whooshing of the doors opening caught her attention and she frowned at the interruption. An Eirarjuss strolled in and Jewels felt a moment of confusion. Who was this Gatoan? The Eirarjuss wasn't one she had met before. Was the newcomer another female trying to use Dex to become Queen?
That thought bothered Jewels and she swiftly tried to push it away. Never make assumptions. That's what Jeremy had constantly drilled into her. She knew better than to jump the gun about anything. She would wait for Dex's explanation about the new arrival before drawing any conclusions.
"Jelin, thank you for coming." Dex walked over to the Eirarjuss who bowed before responding.
"It is my honor, your Highness, to assist you and your mate."
Jewels gently brushed against Dex's mind. Not enough to intrude, but to let him know she was confused. He didn't block her, but he also didn't answer her. Immediately, she strengthened her mental defenses. The familiar rush of anticipation filled her. Maybe Jelin was a challenge that she had to overcome. So be it. She was ready. She'd already proved that with Nala.
"Jelin, this is my mate, Jewels." Dex turned and gestured for Jewels to come closer.
Jewels joined them, taking a moment to assess the taller Gatoan. All the Gatoans were taller than Jewels. That wasn't a problem. It meant she'd have a better advantage in a fight. At least in theory she'd have one. Every fight was different so who knew what might happen.
"It is an honor to meet you, Jewels, mate of his Highness."
"Nice to meet you," Jewels kept her tone neutral. So far the Eirarjuss was the complete opposite of Nala's grating and whiny personality. That was a perk.
"Mate, Jelin comes highly recommended by Lord Bravenone. She is one of the few female warriors on the ship. I wanted you to meet Jelin today because she is your new adviser and bodyguard."
Jewels frowned. Had she misheard him? "Bodyguard?"
"Yes. My father feels that you should have protection. Though one guard might be considered an insult to other Gatoans, I know that you will be fine with this arrangement on the ship until we can get more at home on Felinia."
"Really?" Jewels clenched her hands. Did Dex think her so incompetent that she couldn't take care of herself? All she needed was a little training and she would be fine. This was what she hated most about the whole “males are stronger than females” crap. True, males had the size advantage and strength but that didn't mean they couldn't be defeated. And it wasn't like she didn't have her psionic skills to augment her physical and weaponry skills. "And when was I going to be consulted about the need for a bodyguard?"
Dex's surprised look almost made her calm down but his next words only fueled her pique. "You are precious to me. I do not wish you to be harmed."
"Dex, just what am I to you?" she demanded. "I mean, really. What am I to you?"
"You are my mate. You should be kept safe at all cost."
"Uh...huh. And that's why we are going to have a problem."
"I don't understand."
Jewels smiled; she knew it wasn't a friendly one. She really wanted to rip into him so badly she could taste it. She struggled to keep from lashing out, but it was hard. She was tired of all the over protectiveness of the male Gatoans.
In a mock happy tone, she explained to her bewildered husband, "I know you don't, Dex. It's infuriating. I am not a doll that will break if you touch it. I am a warrior in my own right. By assigning me a bodyguard, you are offending me. You are telling me, by your actions, that you don't think I'm capable of taking care of myself."
"Mate, that is not...,"
"Furthermore, the last adviser you gave me wasn't worth the air she breathed and tried to kill me. I'm not feeling very welcoming of your choices in that area."
Jewels felt Dex try to talk telepathically but she kept him out. He needed to learn that he couldn't treat her this way. She wasn't a bed toy. She was a woman and a fighter. He had to acknowledge that or else she'd be stuck in a life she hadn't wanted.
"If I may interrupt, your Highness, Lady Jewels."
Jelin's voice distracted Jewels from arguing further with Dex. What could the Eirarjuss possibly have to add?
"Jelin?"
"Your Highness, let me spar with Lady Jewels."
Jewels was shocked at the suggestion and, judging by the stiffening of Dex's body, so was he. That intrigued Jewels. Was the Eirarjuss really that good? The competitor in Jewels wanted to find out.
"I agree."
Dex's annoyed growl didn't faze Jewels. She moved away from him and walked up to Jelin.
"I'm ready. Are there any rules I need to be aware of?"
Jelin smiled, baring her fangs. "Do there need to be any? Let us spar as if I am an enemy intent on killing you. Use any means necessary to stop me."
Jewels grinned. "If I win, you can still be my adviser but not my bodyguard." She had no objections to the rules. She and Jeremy used to do the occasional fight the same way. It helped keep them both sharp in the field. Riding that edge of near death. That suited the mood she was in perfectly.
"And, if I win, I will become your bodyguard and adviser."
"Sounds good to me. And, Dex, don't interfere," Jewels warned her glowering mate. Let him stew. She had to concentrate. Her life and respect depended on this fight.
About the Book
Special Lt. Jewels Enbran took to the stars with her husband, Dex LoudRoar, Crown Prince of Felinia, to search for answers about Earth's new allies and their enemy, the Lupinious Empire. She didn't expect to have such a difficult time fitting in or dealing with the crushing animosity of the xenophobic Gatoans.
Amid the political turmoil and the ongoing war with the Lupines, Jewels struggles with her own understanding of the two species. She tries to keep it together, but that is hard to do with the recurring nightmares, frequent assassination attempts and her own inner demons. She wants to find happiness, but at what cost? Can the deepening love and trust she shares with Dex be enough to withstand the challenges of his people? Is the fate of three empires worth more than her own desires?
She thought she would find peace and security with Dex, but the trials and tribulations of her unexpected pairing to royalty are just beginning....
Make sure and grab ebook #1 in the Alien Encounters Saga: Jewels for only $0.99.
Special Lieutenant Jewels Enbran, a human telepath unable to shield her mind from thoughts, uses telepathic anchors who protect her vulnerable mind. Her current anchor, Colonel Jeremy Lingley, is nearing burnout. An alien race is seeking an alliance with Earth and the pair are assigned the mission of discovering the aliens’ secrets.
Crown Prince Dex LoudRoar is a Gatoan warrior and a royal with a terrible secret. His people wage a constant war against their enemy, the Lupinious empire. But the tide of battle is turning and his people seek help from a new source: the humans of Earth.
With an interstellar war looming, Jewels and Dex seek salvation for their planets and find their destinies changed forever.
About the Author
Where to start? I suppose with the basics.
I'm an indie cross-genre writer of science fiction/fantasy/paranormal romance/YA.
I started writing stories and poetry at the age of 8 and haven't stopped yet. I think I've always been a writer, but becoming a published one took a lot of work and dedication.
That didn't happen until after I left my home state of Virginia, and moved to Florida in 2004.
Finding time to write while being a full-time mother and wife, can be difficult but I've always liked a challenge.
I've learned to not let life's many road blocks and speed bumps throw me to the curb. I can't wait to dive in and continue to share the stories swirling around in my head.
To learn more about me as an author feel free to visit any of links below.
GIVEAWAY
Prizes
- Autographed Paperback Copy of Jewels 1 & 2 (US & Canada only)
- $15 gift card from Amazon or Barnes & Noble (Nook)
- Ebook pack: Jewels 1 & 2
Terms and Conditions: Giveaway ends Feb 29, 2016. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Lakisha Spletzer,
http://www.lakishaspletzer.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Once I let my characters take over, it was an easier journey. There were several things that helped me and I want to share them with you.
