From WIP Desert Water

Lenore stretched and glanced at her watch. "We have just enough time to make love one more time before we need to get up and get ready for the meeting."

Andy groaned from being sapped of all energy. He had forgotten just how great making love to Lenore was. She had reminded him time and again all afternoon. "What meeting, where?"

"Downstairs in one of the meeting rooms. I took the liberty of telling all the local section chiefs to be there for your announcement the ones not local will be on teleconference."

He sat up abruptly. "What announcement. What the hell are you up to Lenore?"

"You'll be announcing that Simon is out and I'm the new chief engineer."

"What? Damn you're sure of yourself. You had this all setup before you even came up here to my room and seduced me. You were that certain you would get the job?"

"Andy you know I'm good and you know you need my abilities. We haven't even negotiated salary but I know you'll be generous with that. Now fuck me some more because I'm good at that too." She smiled and winked. "And so are you. I'd forgotten just how good."

She put her arms around him and drew his lips to hers. After their kiss, she grinned at him. "Andy I'm an excellent choice for this project. You know I seldom make mistakes. I made one big one, I left you, but I'm here and correcting that now. I'll tell you what, if I make a make a small screw up I'll give you a blow job in front of all the supervisors. If I make a big one you can fire me and I'll still stay here and have sex with you. Fair enough?"

He shook his head and pinched his nose.

"I'll take your lack of response as a yes, that you agree." She tossed the sheets back. "Now let's make love some more because I want to be fully blossomed again before our meeting." She slid down and just before putting her mouth over his shaft said, "I never said I wouldn't be giving you blow jobs just not in front of your employees."

"God," he groaned. "You're insatiable Lenore. If we do this much more I won't be able to walk."

Her mouth rose the length of his shaft and she kissed the tip. "Should I order a wheelchair for our meeting," she teased.

"Lenore--"

"Leny, please call me Leny like you used to."

"Leny… Oh God."

Excerpt from WIP. The first time

Mandy and Zack have been friends for months. Tonight they are destined to cross the friendship line.

Mandy was waiting for him when he exited the elevator. "Did you get the boat?"

"Yes are you ready to leave. I already have my stuff onboard and the boat is ready to go."

"Come with me to my room. I have an overnight bag packed and the voltage meter."

He grabbed the items from his room and locked the door. As a crane lowered them on the scaffold shaped platform to the boats below, Zack peered around. Everywhere he could see was just more rolling waves. He gazed down at their destination. Four tug boats were moored to the dock below. The dock in turn was attached to one of the four giant pillars that supported the platform. These pillars, unlike oil drill rigs which floated were anchored in the bedrock hundreds of feet below the surface. This gave the platform complete stability and allowed the elevator shaft to pump complex below to be attached securely.

He studied the tug boats. Although used extensively during the construction of the platform these days they were seldom used. The boats looked like a typical tugboat on the outside but inside they had been modified to incorporate four staterooms each.

"Did you have much trouble getting a boat?"

"No not at all. I just asked for it and he said fine."

The scaffold reached the dock and they boarded number three. Mandy cruised along slowly while he watched his meter. It spiked when they passed over the main power input. "Cruise over this area slowly Mandy," he requested.

She complied while he adjusted his meter. "That's better."

Mandy glanced at his meter then looked up at him standing beside her. "Do you see that number?"

"Yes."

"That is the main power to the pumps." She idled the boat a little further.

"Now see that one. It's a smaller number but still very significant. That is the tap. We need to follow that."

"You just tell me which way and I'll take us there," Mandy told him. 

"Head due south for now."

She nosed the boat in a southern direction. As the distance increased it became easier to separate the two voltages. They followed the tap line for about five miles.

"Damn where is this lead going?"

"Don't know." she shrugged while watching the sonar map scroll by on the screen next to her.

After another five miles he had her halt. "I guess we better go back. By the time we dock it will be getting dark."

"Or we could stay out here and sleep on the boat. That way we'll be able to continue following until it gets dark, stop for the night and continue first thing in the morning. Save going over area we've already been over."

Zack smiled. "We could do that."

The voltage trail slowly led them toward shore. It ended abruptly over and area with the shoreline just in sight.

"Stop here."

She throttled back bringing the boat to a halt. From the corner of her eye she saw a commercial fishing boat pass in the distance.

"How deep?"

She peered at the instrument beside her. "About a hundred feet and will you look at this?"

Here peered at the digital read out she was pointing to.

"not possible."

"Certainly a hundred degree water here in the ocean is unheard of but there it is."

"Can you anchor here so I can go down there tomorrow?"

"Maybe. I'm not certain the anchor chain is long enough. She pressed a button and they heard a splash and clinking at the front of the boat. In the silence surrounding them the unwinding anchor chain sounded loud. It stopped abruptly.

"Well?"

Mandy smiled at him. "Yes, barely but yes we are anchored."

"Good. You didn't happen to bring anything to eat did you?"

"As a matter of fact I did. Good thing you brought me along. The only thing you would have brought is that meter and maybe a change of clothes." She grinned and slipped away to the galley with him following.

 "Smart ass."

"I brought the ADS too. Just in case we needed them which it looks like we do."

He helped her fix some sandwiches and chips. Opening the fridge he saw cokes, water and beer. "Coke, water?"

"I'd rather have a beer Zack. I brought them for both of us not just you."

Chuckling he grabbed two. They sat across the table eating as darkness descended outside. "Mandy I need to ask you something but I don't really know how. I'm afraid it might affect our friendship."

"Well how about you just spit it out and I'll promise that what ever you say I won't like you any less."

He grinned. "Mandy we've known each other for months. Been friends for most of that. I guess what I'm trying to say is I like you. Like you a lot."

She cocked her head. "I like you too.'

"Mandy I want our friendship to go up to the next level boyfriend and girlfriend level."

She smiled. "In other words you would like to sleep with me." She laughed. "Zack you are the most wonderful shade of red right now."

 "I… um…"

"I'm not offended. Not in the least." Reaching out she placed her hand over his. "I'm fluttered really. In spite of what idiot men think women get horny too. I haven't had any since I started working at the platform."

He grinned. "I haven't either. You know the rules."

"Yeah no hanky-panky on the platform." She giggled. "In case you haven't noticed we aren't on the platform"

"Mandy I want… I want to make love with you more than just tonight."

"Well if our chemistry is right, and I'm thinking it will be, we'll just have to make arrangements to take care of each others needs."

Finally he found his tongue. "We get two days off every other week. Maybe we can get a room together in Puerto Penasco."

"That sounds like fun but first…"

"First we need to make love here, tonight."

"I have an idea. Something that will help break the ice a little more rather than us just jumping into bed together. That's where we're going to end up isn't it Zack."

"Hope so." He chuckled.

"Me too." She stood and dashed back to the staterooms. A few minutes later she returned with blankets in her hand. Holding out her hand, she took his and led him up on deck. "Now my idea is we lay here on the blankets and look up at the stars. Did I ever tell you I studied astronomy for a while in college?"

"No. Mandy before we get on the blankets there is something I want t do. I got a small sample of it last night. I'm greedy. I want more. He pulled her into tight embrace and kissed her long, deep and hard. The blankets under her arm tumbled to the deck when she put her arms around his neck and lengthened their kiss.

When they at last broke for air both were breathing hard. "I think our chemistry is going to be just fine. She chuckled and he helped her spread the blankets.

They lay beside each other on their back gazing up into the night sky and she pointed out the different star patterns. He was certain to answer with un-hu or yes when she pointed them out but his main attention was removing her blouse. The last button came free and he went to work on her bra. "Front or back?' he asked.

He did not need to clarify. "Back."

She sat up and he unhooked it. She wiggled her blouse and the straps down her arms and tossed them aside. The dim light shinning up from the deck below lighted her breasts. Zach gulped. "You're beautiful."

Mandy giggled. "You're just saying that because you want to get into my pants. News flash Zack it is going to happen."

Reaching out she unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it over to her own clothes. Next they opened the fly of each other's pants, slipped them off and soon their underwear joined the pile of clothes.

Mandy spread her hands wide and gave him a full view of her. In her blunt manner she asked, "So what do you think Zack, am I worth fucking?"

"God you are sometimes so blunt. You are certainly worth making love to."

They came into tight embrace again, this time naked flesh searing and heating naked flesh. When they joined Zack didn't last near as long as her wanted.

"I'm sorry. I didn't last."

Mandy put her finger to his lips. "Are you fuckin' kidden' I came twice. That's why you have those teeth marks in your shoulder. I did it to stifle my scream. I'm a screamer when I orgasm. I was just as horny as you were."

"The next time I will have you in bed. It will be slower, maybe a little different and even more enjoyable." He rolled to the side pulling himself from her and she cuddled up to his side.

"Promise, promise it will be just as good if not better next time."

He kissed her on the forehead and on the nose. "It will be."

He stood and held out his hand to assist her to her feet. While she gathered their clothes he grabbed the blankets. They tossed the clothes and blankets in an empty room as they passed by then tumbled into bed together.

Zack lay there enjoying the view as she slid up and down on his glistening shaft. "You are so beautiful. I think I'm falling in love with you."

She smiled and ground herself against his groin while his shaft was buried in her to the hilt. "That's good because I think I'm falling for you too."

Negative reviews aren't all bad.

Written by Rainy kaye. For my author friends that are devastated by a bad review.

Wednesday August 21, 2013   Why Negative Reviews Are Awesome Rainy Kaye We all strive for excellence in our work. Sometimes, though, others don't think we measure up. It can be annoying, heartbreaking, or downright infuriating. Others will remind us that not everything is everyone's cup of steeped leaf water, and we'll eventually put down the chocolate, or wine, and get on with our existence. But could it be we actually need negative reviews? Yes! Here are five reasons why: Congratulations! You're real. In the throes of self publishing and sock puppet reviews, it's important to establish a piece of work—and the creator behind it—is honest. One of the surest ways to do this is by receiving negative reviews. Since nothing is universally loved, not even Harry Potter, then a book with only five-star reviews is bound to raise a few eyebrows. Marketing: You're doing it right. When a book is first born, it usually finds itself passed around from one loving supporter to another. And that's okay. Eventually, though, your baby will have to find its legs and start exploring the world. That means it will be outside the safety of the village, and into the wild. And some things out there will want to have it for breakfast. In short, if your book hasn't garnered a few negative reviews, you haven't sent it out far enough. Welcome to the classroom. Before publication, a book should have been revised, beta read, and edited. Even with all that, your manuscript likely only saw less than a dozen people. Once out in the world, it—hopefully—will reach hundreds, or even thousands of readers. Among all the voices, some might ring true with thoughts and opinions no one had considered before. Don't dismiss constructive criticism just because it was accompanied by a one-star. In the words of Picard. Anyone with even the slightest bit of knowledge about a marketing will tell you that word of mouth is the best way to promote anything. This means you need people to talk about the book. Negative reviews often generate conversation among readers. No need to get involved. Just let it run its course. Engaged readers pique curiosity along the way. It's good for the soul. Praise is nice. If you managed to see a book through from start to finish, you've earned all the bubbly feedback. But even Shakespeare had critics (and now entire classrooms pick his work apart). Sometimes it takes a negative review or two to keep us grounded and, therefore, real to our fans. No one likes negative reviews. It's okay to be privately hurt or even angry about them. Rant to a friend, take it out on the punching bag, or indulge in a whole gallon of ice cream (not the fat free kind, either). Just keep in mind that in the end, you need negative reviews. They're part of being a real writer. About the Author: Rainy Kaye is an aspiring overlord. In the mean time, she runs Book and Blog Services, blogs at Rainy of The Dark, and is preparing to debut an epic paranormal series all from her lair somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona. When not planning world domination, Rainy can be found appeasing her inner geek or traveling to strange parts of the world. She is fueled by coffee, encouraged by chocolate, and lives in fear of the household felines plotting her demise. She's married to a man who excels at humoring her.

My book trailer for From the Distant Past

Let me be the judge of whether I need you or not. Perhaps I should shoot you in the legs to keep you from running away again. 

My book From the Distant Past will be published August 16th, 2010

Kat awakes to find that millions of years have passed since she went to sleep. The Earth has changed. Her artificial intelligence implant soon informs her just how much. Her long deceased father has given her a seemingly impossible task to accomplish. To her relief, her AI informs her there are other women from her time that will help once she has revived them and like herself, they are not ordinary women. Now if she could just get off the island where she is stranded. Enter Nolan and his boat.  

My book trailer for Beyond Atlantis. on Amazon

Available at Amazon

My new book Beyond Atlantis is available now at Amazon.


The Earth lay in ruins. Her once shining and beautiful cities are gone. Her strongest armies had been defeated without firing a shot. Countless millions are dead. Only scattered bands of people survive. Carson, a rouge adventurer and Stephanie, a university professor have no military experience at all. Things have changed though. Together, they form these groups of people scattered around the world, into fighting units. The aliens soon find that it was a mistake trying to subjugate this world. Humans do not know the meaning of defeat but they sure know the meaning of vengeance. All around the survivors is ruin, slaughter and the threat of enslavement. Even so, human spirit rises and love blossoms.

Book available on Amazon

Excerpt from WIP Boston

Destin has asked Boston to accompany him on a cruise. The fist step of their journey is a flight on a private jet. She and Destin join Sondra and Jared already on the plane. 

The rest of the week crawled by. She spent almost all of Sunday and Monday shopping in Raleigh. Instead of buying only a few expensive outfits, she did a lot of wise shopping. She found many bargains and ended up with a lot of clothes, including some sexy things, just as Destin requested. One of the items being a very brief bikini. I hope this meets with his approval. She folded the tiny item and put it in her suitcase, which she had been packing for a week.

She waited for him to appear Tuesday afternoon and early evening. The bar was not very busy, so she and Florence stood and talked at the counter. She had her back to the entrance when he came in.

“Don’t pee your panties honey, but your knight in shining armor just walked in,” Florence said with a low chuckle.

Boston’s breath hitched in her throat. It suddenly felt like the temperature in the bar had risen.

“Okay, he’s taking a seat at one of your tables. I think you can go talk to him now. You can walk that far, can’t you?” Even in the dim lighting, Florence had seen how badly Boston’s hands shook around her water glass.

Calmly, she turned and flashed him a huge grin. Though she wanted to race across the floor and give him a big hug, she forced herself to take small, careful steps. She certainly didn’t want to trip and fall, sacrificing every shred of her dignity.

“Hi Destin. How are you tonight?” she said in a cheerful but controlled voice. Inside, she was a raging turmoil of emotions.

“I’m fine. I can’t stay, but I needed to stop by and get directions to your house. A phone number would be nice too.” He took a small pad out of his pocket. He took careful notes when she gave directions.

When she finished, he looked at her for a moment, then spoke. “Great. Well as I said, I can’t stay. See you Saturday morning about nine.” He stood up, winked and left.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. I’m going to Hawaii. I’m actually going to Hawaii. She resisted the temptation to do a happy dance each time she thought of it.

It seemed to take forever, but at last Saturday morning arrived and a car pulled up in front of her house. Not just any car, a limousine. The driver loaded her baggage and informed her that Destin waited at the airport. She spent the drive lounging in the spacious backseat and looking around at the luxury surrounding her. Destin met her curbside with a porter. He wore a nice dress shirt, sport jacket, and slacks.

Boston decided she was woefully underdressed in her white halter-top, tight-fitting blue jeans, and black ankle boots. She brought dresses and skirts, but for a plane flight she figured casual dress.

Boy was I wrong. She almost groaned.

The porter unloaded her bags while Destin gave her a hug. His aftershave smelled great, and his body, just as she had guessed, felt well muscled. He chuckled when he saw the four bags and overnight case she brought.

“Are you sure your dog isn’t in one of these?”

She smiled. “I tried to bring him but he wouldn’t get in, so I had to leave him home.”

They bypassed the commercial terminals and proceeded to the general aviation area. When they walked out onto the tarmac, she saw a private jet awaited them. Though he’d never said so, she guessed from their conversations that Destin’s father had to be well-to-do. Well-to-do are very inadequate words, she decided. It’s apparent that Destin’s father is very wealthy.

“Jared and Sondra are already on board,” he said, as they climbed the steps into the plane. When they entered the passenger compartment, she saw six seats, two of them occupied. Jared, she had met before. About the same height as Destin and with the same muscular build, he had blue eyes and black hair. He wore a dress shirt with sport coat and slacks. The woman with him had long, red hair and green eyes. She wore a lime green dress.

Boston bit her tongue to squelch the anger she felt and comment she wanted to make to Destin about not telling her about the formal dress. Not only are you guys dressed up, but she is too, and here I am in my fucking jeans.

“You’ve already met Jared, and this is Sondra.” Destin pointed to the woman getting to her feet.

 Boston offered her hand in greeting, which Sondra brushed aside. Instead, she stepped into the aisle and gave Boston a big hug. She saw Sondra wore not only a lime green dress but stockings and heels too.

Boston flashed another look of displeasure at Destin and apologized to Sondra. “I didn’t realize the dress code was formal. Someone chose not to inform me.” Her voice reflected her anger. “You all look very nice. Then you have me, wearing blue jeans and a halter.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Sondra assured her. “You look just fine. These guys are not very informative. Sometimes I think they’re sadists and enjoy making women uncomfortable. You should have seen me the first time I met them for an outing. They told me casual, so I dressed in sloppy shorts and a t-shirt, only to have a damn limo pick me up and deliver me here to the airport. They met me dressed like they are now. Talk about embarrassing. That happened a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve learned.” Sondra glared first at Jared, then Destin. “Shame on both of you. A lady likes to know these things.” She laughed. Destin and Jared both hung their heads, but each wore a grin on his face.

From a a paranormal WIP

These two witches do not take kindly to being held prisoner

The women watched as the male members of the crew were marched out to the railing, their hands also bound. In horror, they watched as the attackers forced each man to his knees and placed a gun against the base of his skull. One-by-one they were executed, their bodies kicked over the side.

One of the captors filmed the whole thing. Through the open porthole they watched all four crewmen killed. When the last one was overboard one of the men said.  “That should prove to your fathers we mean business. I’m sure it will motivate them to pay the ransom we demand. If not… well there’s always your girlfriends.”

Destin struggled and was punched in the head for his efforts. “Put them back in their cabins,” the man growled. Three men hauled Jared and Destin to their feet and marched them off.

Both women looked at each other in shock and disbelief. They spent the day trying to think of some way to get free. That night they laid awake and listened to blood curdling screams of terror and agony and the grunts of pleasure of their assailants. It was not hard to guess the fate of the two female crewmembers. In the early morning, the screams stopped. They watched as the women’s bodies were tossed over the side to join the male crewmembers in the deep.

Sondra turned to Boston. Her expression changed from horror and sorrow to intense anger. “I knew every one of them. They were all nice people. Fuck the Rede that says we can’t harm others with our magick. This is one witch who’s going to do as much harm to those sadistic bastards as possible. They may win in the end, but they’re sure going to get a sample of my magick. Maybe I can take a few of them with me into the next life. All of my life, I’ve been nonviolent. Now, I’m pissed.”

“I’m with you,” Boston said. “I don’t know how much I can do in all this water since I am an earth witch, but I’ll help in any way I can.”

****

Sondra sat on the floor and closed her eyes. She did not know what all the men looked like. She had not seen their faces. She knew very well what Jim and Felix looked like though. She had watched as the two of them felt her up. She formed a picture of Jim in her mind. Then she formed a picture of water. She combined the two. Reaching out with her thoughts, she located him and linked.

* * * *

Sondra felt it when, unable to breathe, Jim stumbled and fell to the floor. She could see it in her mind when each time he opened his mouth to scream in pain, water poured from his lungs. She felt him claw desperately at his throat. More water formed in his lungs. His eyes bulged. She heard, “What the fuck?” flash through his mind. With a final gurgle, he lay still. Visibly shaken and feeling some of Jim’s final moments of pain, she opened her eyes and shook herself. I’m learning though. Next time I separate myself from their emotional panic.

A humorless grin creased Sondra’s face. One down. She sought out Felix next and felt his mind, linked with him. He was sitting in the galley. She almost felt his cup of coffee touch his lips. Her grin widened as she sensed his reaction to his lungs suddenly filling with water. Without compassion, she sensed his panic at not being able to breathe. In her mind’s eye she watched the bastard struggle to his feet, only to drop to his knees and quickly die. This time she did not share the pain.

* * * *

Boston watched Sondra attentively as a humorless smile formed on the other woman’s lips.

“What are you doing?” Boston asked.

Sondra did not open her eyes. “Using my water magick to drown the bastards where they stand. Why don’t you see what you can do? I just took out Jim and Felix. A word of warning though, don’t link with them too tight.”

“I can picture the cameraman.”

“Good, then that will be our next target. I’ll help you all I can.”

Boston felt magical energy reach out from Sondra. Goddess, forgive me for what I am about to do. Boston formed a vision in her mind of the cameraman. She sat next to Sondra and closed her eyes to concentrate. Her mind reached out on a seek and destroy mission. He was seated on a bunk. She sensed he was not alone.

The same humorless, almost predatory smile stretched her lips.

* * * *

Rodger, the cameraman, doubled over in pain. His stomach suddenly felt as if it was on fire. He pressed the back of his hand to his forehead. He had never felt a fever like this before, or had one come on so suddenly. His temperature continued to rise and he lost conscious before blood boiled out of his eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rectum.

* * * *

The women opened their eyes.

“Did you get him?” Sondra asked.

“He’s dead.”

“Well, three down, and I don’t know how many to go,” Sondra snarled.

“Now what?”

“For now, I guess we wait. When whoever is in charge finds three of his men dead, I’m sure it will provoke some type of reaction. When the opportunity presents itself, we strike again. I don’t know what else to do at this point. Do you?”

“Nope.” 

Excerpt from paranormal WIP

Heather jolted awake at the excruciating pain in her neck. Her eyes flashed open to find Jason lying top of her and holding her to the ground. She felt a hot stickiness streaming onto her back and knew that he was not just biting her, but drawing blood. . Struggling, twisting, turning she found that she was unable to dislodge him. Though not extremely muscular, Heather was not weak either. Jason, however seemed to be inhumanly strong. He trapped her arms easily and held her to the ground. A scream of terror burst from her lips shattering the silence of the woods.  

He released one of her arms and clamped his hand over her mouth. What the hell was happening? She wouldn’t have been surprised to find herself being raped, she was certain she’d been drugged but why was he biting her? With her free hand she desperately thrashed over the snow covered ground searching for a rock, a stick, anything to use as a weapon. Whatever she found to defend herself, it would have to be soon because she felt herself getting weaker.

Her searching hand closed around a piece of wood. Grasping it tight, she plunged the wooden splinter in his side. Again and again the wood dug into him with no apparent effect until the last time she plunged it in just below his armpit. His hold on her other arm relaxed and a growl that sounded more animal than human was muffled against her neck. Yanking her arm free, she reached up and grabbed a handful of his shoulder length hair. Lacing her fingers in it, she jerked his mouth away from her.

For the first time she saw his eyes. Bloodshot, wild looking and––oh my god––fangs protruding from the roof of his mouth. His lips were red and dripped with blood. Then she realized it was her blood. She screamed again.

“I don’t believe it. You bitch,” Jason cursed and slapped her, making her head snap to the side. His sharp claws left bleeding furrows across her cheek. Jason’s arms gave out and he collapsed forward on her. Claws from his other hand dug into her side. Everything faded to black.

She didn’t know how long she had been unconscious but knew it could not have been long. Jason’s body still covered her although it was motionless. Squirming and pushing, she managed to roll him from her. Slowly she struggled to her feet. He remained unmoving. Apparently dead. Adrenalin that had flooded her veins during the fight was fading to be replaced with bone chilling cold. Her once pretty and sleeveless dress hung from her in tatters and her stockings were full of tears and runners. Even standing, snow spilled over the tops of her mid-calf boots.

Her teeth chattered uncontrollably. Have to find shelter. Get out of this terrible cold or I’ll die.

Stumbling away from the scene of their skirmish, she trudged through the moonlit snow in search of cover.

Weak. Terribly weak.

Only sheer willpower kept her feet moving. Although her mind told her only a short time had passed, it seemed to stretch endlessly. One step…and then another. She spotted a cabin, shack really, in the distance. Struggling through the deep snow, she covered the last few yards on her knees. Turning the doorknob with her half frozen fingers was a near impossible challenge but at last the door opened. Crawling inside, she kicked it closed behind her. Looking around she saw that the interior furnishings were sparse. There was a bed and thankfully a blanket. With great effort she crawled across the wooden floor and pulled the blanket from the bed. Wrapping herself in it was the last thing she did before blackness closed over her once more. 

Kameron and Dirk's new book Naughty Delights Sizzling sex

It is my great pleasure to introduce Kameron Brook and Dirk Tyler and their new book Naughty Delights.

As always from these two authors, the story is fast paced and the sex scenes sizzle.

When Elizabeth meets Donovan for the fist time in front of her new "Guilty Pleasures" shop, sparks of attraction fly immediately. The sexually shaped cookies and treats Elizabeth is selling are not the only sweets that have Donovan's interest.

Below is an excerpt from their new book.

Excerpt:

This is it, Elizabeth thought as she pushed through the door to deliver a large batch of chocolate and vanilla sugar cookies to the display case. It was grand opening day for Guilty Pleasures, and she couldn’t be more excited or more nervous. Years of scrimping and saving had accumulated to this day. In a matter of minutes the bakery would be open for business, and their city would officially have their first taboo sweet shop.

Elizabeth took one final look around, making sure everything was perfect, when Felicia, her business partner and friend, appeared next to her, chomping on a fornication cookie.

Out of all the sugary creations crafted for the shop, Elizabeth and Felicia would agree these were the most fun to develop. They spent many wine-filled nights brainstorming and researching ideas for the inserts.

“What’s it say, babe?” Elizabeth asked, nodding toward the paper in Felicia’s hand.

Felicia laughed and read the naughty message, "Two heads are better than one, but three, now that’s what I call a party!" As she tucked the paper into her back pocket, she asked, “I forget. Was this yours or mine?”

“I actually think your man deserves credit for this one.” Grinning, Elizabeth grabbed the sampler plate off the counter and walked toward the front door, turning to take one final look around before the place filled up. She couldn't be any prouder of the decor in her little slice of heaven. She glanced to her left and smiled proudly as she admired the photos on the wall. 

The food photographer they had hired did a fantastic job capturing the beauty and sexiness of several corset cakes available for purchase. But the icing on the cake, so to speak, was the mural to the right of the entrance. A local artist painted "What Are Your Guilty Pleasures" but the letters were actually naked people in compromising naughty positions.

Felicia giggled. “Oh yeah, it’s all coming back to me now. We definitely drank way too much that night.”

Nodding in agreement, Elizabeth turned on the neon sign and opened the doors for business.

Already, a few eager customers were waiting by the window. They actually applauded when Elizabeth stepped out of the shop door. She greeted them with a smile and offered them their choice of iced cocks or boobs. She wasn’t surprised the guests blushed when they made their selection and bit into the cookie. She expected to witness many rosy cheeks in the hours ahead of them—giggles too.

As the streets began to fill up with people going to work, Elizabeth tried to coax even more passersby into the shop with her funny shout-outs such as: “I bet our peckers taste as good as your man’s. No wait, even better!” And, “Our breasts are fantastic and all natural.” All the while she held up a naughty treat.

After the bell dinged behind her a couple dozen times, she realized the humorous approach to draw in customers was working like a charm. Now with them inside, she had no doubt every person who’d entered the shop erected from her dreams would be a repeat customer. And with this thought, she knew the many dinners of Ramen noodles were well worth the discomfort it cost her over the years. 

Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DELSA9K/ref=cm_sw_su_dp 

Goodreads link for the story: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18073879-naughty-delights

Contact info:
Blog: http://www.dirkandkam.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/DirkandKam

Goodreads' links: 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5781386.Kameron_Brook

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5120666.Dirk_Tyler

Amazon Author Pages:

http://amazon.com/author/kameronbrook

http://www.amazon.com/Dirk-Tyler/e/B00A8IDHMC/

It must be excerpt Wednesday

From a current WIP 

Ellen opened her eyes to find a total stranger hovering over and examining her. She pushed him away and yelled. Her head throbbed and she had no idea where she was. The last thing she remembered was walking back toward her hotel and a man grabbing her from behind then covering her mouth before she could scream.

"Who the hell are you? And where have you taken me?"

"No time to explain right now. We've got to get away from here."

"I'm not going anywhere with you. Where the hell am I?" she demanded and scooted over the floor placing more distance between them.

She watched his lips tighten and sensed him bristling in anger. Flashbacks of her previous beatings by Mitch played through her mind. Ellen glanced around at the unfamiliar area and felt the metal floor beneath her.

The man spoke. "We were kidnapped. We're on a boat."

She processed this new information. "And for all I know you're one of the kidnappers."

"Fine, and I do mean fine with a capitol F. You can stay here if you want." He turned and headed through the open doorway. Partway into the corridor beyond he faced her once more. "Before I leave I just want to say. This boat is run aground, there's a gaping hole in it below. It may breakup any time but you're welcome to stay here if you wish." He vanished into the hall.

Ellen scrambled to her feet and dashed to the door. "I'll follow you. Just don't touch me."

Over his shoulder, he grumbled, "Fine. I wasn't looking forward to carrying you upstairs anyway."

 Out on the deck, he wrestled a rubber raft to the boats edge and while holding an attached rope pushed it over the side. Without a further word he dove after it. She rushed over and watched him fight his way through the angry water and climb into the raft. After taking one more glance at the derelict boat she dove.

A strong swimmer, she quickly grasped the edge of the raft. He reached for her and she edged further away before scrambling over the side.

"Jesus lady, I was just trying to help you in."

Cold and shivering from her dip she looked up at him for a moment then averted her gaze to the floor.

"I know, I know, don't touch you." He grabbed the oars gave her one further look of disgust and started to row. Despite the rough water his powerful strokes brought the raft ever closer until with one final pull it surged up on the sand. He jumped over the side and she jumped over the other. Together they dragged the small boat up on the beach further.

She followed him to the trees where he sat. After moving away from him several yards she followed suit. Both of them panted from exertion. The trees they sat under helped cut down on the wind and protect them from the falling rain. Every time she cast a glance his way he was looking at her. She quickly ducked her head each time.

He struggled to his feet. "Just in case you're confused lady… I'm one of the good guys. The bad ones, like rats, abandoned ship long ago, leaving us both for dead."

She looked up at him but didn't answer.

"I'm going to walk a little ways and see if I can find help. You stay here out of the wind and rain. If I find assistance, I'll send someone here for you. If you're just by chance wondering, my name is Gene. Bye lady." He trudged away to the east over the sand.

"My name is Ellen," she whispered to his back but knew he wouldn't hear. 

Excerpt from a WIP

Xaria's first flying lesson. Excerpt from Zumia a WIP 

Grady started the engines and taxied out to a clear area for take off. Tuyen was sitting beside him and she sat with Astrid in the back. “Well here we go.” Xaria smiled at Astrid as the plane surged forward. She was getting used to flying but takeoffs and landings still scared the heck out of her. She had to put on a show of bravery though because Astrid was terrified when they left the ground and climbed into the sky. She took Astrid’s hand and squeezed.

“Oh damn that was fucking fun,” Astrid lied to hide the terror she felt. Xaria was sure Astrid words were a lie and shook her head at the cuss word. Tuyen you’ve got to watch your mouth and quit letting Astrid learn cuss words otherwise Elof is going to kick all of our butts. 

After they’d leveled off and flown for some distance Tuyen got out of her seat and came to the rear. “Grady wants you hon,” Tuyen said to her.

Standing up, she went to the pilot cockpit. When she got there Grady told her to sit in the copilot seat. Following his request, she took a seat, being ever so careful not to touch anything. In a smart-alec way she spoke to Grady, “So what ya want babe? We can’t make love, you’re flying the plane besides we have company?”

Grady grinned at her. “Time for you to start learning what all these gauges and controls are Xar.” Smiling at the use of Xar she remembered that Tuyen had decided the three of them needed nicknames for each other. Xar for herself, Gra for Grady and Tu for Tuyen.

Without waiting, he began schooling her on what the different gauges indicated. She was smart and learned quickly. In a few hours, she knew what most of them meant. She knew what the controls did and what affect they had on the plane.

“Very good Xar. You learn fast,” Grady complimented her. “I guess there’s only one test left.”

He’d coaxed her into putting her hands on the stick earlier under the pretense of feeling it move as he made minor adjustments from his. Next, he flipped the autopilot off and nosed the plane into gentle decent. “She‘s all yours Xar. By the way you’re headed toward the ground.”

“What?” she cried out in panic. Jerking the stick back toward her, she over compensating and put the plane into a steep climb. “Damn you Grady. Shit, damn, fucking damn. Oh shit––t,” A steady stream of cuss words tumbled from her mouth as she first over compensated one way and then the other. Sucking in her lower lip, she bit down on it to silence the cuss words pouring from her mouth. She accidently turned the wheel adding a banking condition to her problems. She over corrected for this too and sent the plane banking the other way.

Although he was watching very closely and she was certain he would react quickly, if they got in serious trouble, Grady was roaring with laughter. She was too busy concentrating on the controls to give him the look of anger she was feeling right now.

“Damn you Grady. Take over these controls right now before I put us the drink.”

 Only when she heard her own voice booming from the passenger compartment did she remember seeing Grady toggle the PA buttons and open the talk circuit.

Her cussing and his laughter were being broadcast into the rear cabin. Grady was not the only one laughing. Distantly she heard Tuyen’s laughter from behind. Even Astrid was laughing, as the plane dipped and rolled. She was certain that Tuyen had warned Astrid, what was going to happen. There was no doubt in her mind that this was not spontaneous. Her mates had been sitting up here plotting this.

Now, finally, Grady began to instruct her. “Watch the little gauge in front of you. Ease back on the stick. That’s it. See how the little plane on the gauge reacts when you do? Turn the wheel slowly until the wings of the plane on the gauge are level. That’s my girl.” He encouraged when she followed his instructions.  

Finally, she got the hang of gentle movements to the stick and eventually leveled the plane out. When the plane was cruising level once more and on course, she set the autopilot. Drenched in sweat, she sat back in relief. She flashed a venomous glare at Grady that was hot enough to melt the paint off the bulkhead. “Grady you’re a fucking asshole.”

Between laughs, he answered, “I’m sorry Xar but watching you struggle with the plane was so damn funny.”

Now that the plane was flying steady, again Tuyen appeared in the doorway. She was laughing so hard that tears were streaming from her eyes.

“Grady you suck. You scared the crap out of me damn you,” she shouted.

“I’m sorry Xar but in my defense it wasn’t all my idea.” He glanced back at Tuyen.

She looked back at Tuyen. “I’m sure. I’m sure both of you were in on the plot. You suck too. You know you could have given me a damn heart attack?”

Grady and Tuyen broke out in another fit of laughter.

“Get up here and sit down Tu, I need to go pee.” Standing, she glared at both of them then stalked off and slammed the lavatory door closed behind her. When she returned she punched each in the shoulder and smiled. “You’re both shits and I owe you… Big time.” She huffed, and then spinning on her heel, went into the rear. A little later, she returned but this time she brought each of them a glass of water. “This is much more than either of you deserve and I’m still mad at you. At the same time I want you to remember that I love you too. In the words Tuyen has taught me, paybacks are a bitch.” 

From Daughters of Teelan

“Home sick?” Pla’ton asked when he stepped up beside her and leaned against the chest high rail.

“A little,” she admitted. “Is everyone gone for the day?”

“Yes. Supper is on the way for Allan and Marsha. I set up the guard shifts”

“I guess I should go check on my people,” Becky said.

“They’re fine Becky. I checked on them and besides if there was a problem you would know about it right away what with your implants.”

She grinned. Pla’ton had learned about the communicators beneath the skin of each person in her unit. “You’re right of course. I guess then I should go to my quarters and order something to eat.”

“Becky I have another idea,” Pla’ton said, “How about you join me at a restaurant I know of for dinner?”

“Uh…”

“I think that is an excellent idea,” Allan spoke from behind them. “Becky you need to get away from here for a while. To my knowledge you haven’t stepped out the building in the last four months.”

Turning she started to protest and Allan silenced her. “Don’t argue with me. It will do you good. Besides you’re representing our race. It’s high time you mingled a little with the Mistia people. Unless you don’t want to be with the major.” He quirked an eyebrow.

She cast a glance at the major beside her. He was handsome and she liked him. He had a muscular body, rugged masculine face and a great personality. What’s not to like?

“It’s not that. My duties here…” she started.

“Can handle you taking a night off.” Allan interrupted. “In fact, since tomorrow starts the two day rest period and we don’t have any negotiations. I think in addition to going to dinner tonight you should take tomorrow off. The Major might even be convinced to take you sightseeing.” The ambassador quirked one eyebrow at Pla’ton in question.

“Most certainly ambassador. I would be happy to take her for a tour.”

Becky was speechless. Dammit Allan you manipulating bastard. She glanced to the side at Pla’ton. His lips were pressed tightly together to silence his laugh but the twinkle in his ice-blue eyes told her he was enjoying watching her boss lecture her.

The shit. She refused to provide him the satisfaction of knowing how pleased she was to be asked to dine with him.

“And you are pleased,” Randy, her AI, said.

“Shut-up Randy. I don’t need you adding to my discomfort.”

Randy’s chuckle hummed in her head but he didn’t make further comments.

“Well major, it appears in order to please my boss.” She stressed, please my boss. “I will be accepting your dinner invitation. So, is what I’m wearing acceptable at this place you have in mind?”

Pla’ton gazed at her silver and black jumpsuit. “It probably would be, but maybe something a little dressier.”

“I see. Well then I’ll change clothes.”

Pla’ton smiled. “And so will I. Can you be ready in about an hour?”

“I’ll be ready by then. I’ll meet you by the elevator going down to the lobby.” She turned and stalked away. As she passed Allan, she whispered, “I smell a plot here and I will make you pay even though you are my boss.”

Allan’s response was a quickly suppressed chuckle.

**** 

Pla’ton hid his grin. Even though spoken in a whisper, he’d heard Becky’s promise to Allan. He liked Becky and he hoped she liked him in return. Even though she was of another species she was the first woman he had felt attracted to in a long time. 

His gaze shifted from Allan to Becky’s back as she stormed from the balcony and took quick strides to the elevator leaving no doubt in his mind she was upset. He had asked Allan if it was acceptable to ask her out to dinner and Allan had told him that it was not only acceptable but would be nice. It had taken him weeks to work up the courage to ask Becky out and now this. Allan had angered her. Evidently Allan was tired of waiting for him to make a move.

“I think I pissed her off,” Allan chuckled.

“I think you’re right. And now that you’ve stirred her up you expect me to take that angry woman out to eat?” he asked.

“Yep.” Allan chuckled. “We have a word to describe a woman like her, spitfire. It means highly emotional and hot tempered.”

 “Thanks. Thanks a lot.” Shaking his head, he left Allan standing on the balcony and strode to the elevator.

Arriving on the nineteenth floor he walked down the hall and entered his room to get ready. When finished Pla’ton closed the door behind him and glanced down the hallway. Becky was waiting at the elevator with her arms folded under her breasts. Not saying a word, she spun quickly and stepped into the car to wait.

He joined her, the doors closed and the car started its journey down. Glancing to his side, Pla’ton appraised her. Becky had removed the tight bun that normally confined her blonde hair. Instead it hung softly on her shoulders. She had painted her lips a glossy white. The off-white dress covered her completely from just below her neck to just below mid-thigh contrasting wonderfully with her ebony skin. It was tight enough to accent every inch of her delicious looking curves. For a short person, Becky had long muscular looking legs.

“I hope you don’t gnaw my face off for saying this Becky, but you look fabulous.” Her reaction took him by complete surprise.

She burst into laughter. Controlling her outburst she said, “I think you meant to say, bite my head off instead of gnaw my face. I’m not going to bite your head off and thank you for the compliment Pla’ton.”  She studied him openly from head to toe. “You look pretty damn fine yourself.”

Excerpt from a WIP

This posting is short but I hope ominous. 

Deep in the recess of her mind, Meg knew she should be frightened out of her wits. Somehow she knew what was taking place here tonight would change her life forever if she even survived. But she couldn't summon that fear to the forefront of her thoughts. She was certain part of the reason was the wine. Part was the hypnotic beauty of the ceremony she was taking part in and the stunning magnificence of Lamia and her minions.

Lamia approached and stood between her legs looking down at her. Meg saw Lamia's eyes were glowing red. For the first time she was certain the woman standing before her was the demon Lamia.

"Are you ready to join my minions Meg?" Lamia asked.

Meg grimaced. "Do I have a choice?"

Lamia smiled "There are always choices. You can choose not to join us and we will kill you just as we intend to do with the men."

Meg jolted at the thought of Joe and Mark being killed.

"Maybe you should kill me. Maybe that would be better than being your slave," she spat.

"Is that your wish?"

She considered it but the urge to go on living no matter what, took control. She looked away from Lamia.

"That's as I thought," the demon said.

"Fuck you," Meg managed.

Reaching out Lamia stroked her inner thigh. "I'm certain sometime we will, but not tonight."

The demons words, not tonight, played through her, its meaning impressing even on her fogged mind. There will be other nights. How long will I be here?

Reaching between her legs, Lamia slipped two of her fingers between her folds. Lamia removed her hand and raised it so Meg could better see. Meg gulped when Lamia open her fist. Coiled up in her palm was a milky white serpent with beady red eyes. It was about the size of a baby garter snake. Lamia petted the snakes head affectionately. The snake stuck out its forked tongue. "I'd like you to meet one of my babies. We'll call her Sassy, a very appropriate name, don't you think, since you are. Sassy will soon be your good friend." The snake slithered across Lamia's palm and threaded through her fingers. "Sassy is going to take up residence in you Meg. She will bring about a change in you and insure your loyalty to me."

Meg swallowed hard and nausea clutched her stomach at the thought of having that snake anywhere near her to say nothing of in her. "Oh hell no!" Meg struggled mightily and futilely against her restraints seeking to escape the pending event.

Excerpt from WIP Sons of Teelan

Here's my Wednesday excerpt.

“There’s a nice little restaurant I’d like to take you to…” he started when they woke.

“Blake there’s something I want to ask of you. For now at least, I think we should keep this growing relationship of ours a secret. Especially from your mother. I don’t know if she would approve.”

“I’m not ashamed of my feelings for you. I don’t care if others see us together.”

“Please. I’m not ashamed to be seen with you either but I feel so guilty about that first night. The first time we…”

“I don’t regret our first time. Nor any time after that.”

“Please.”

“What you’re asking is going to be very difficult. Have you forgotten who my mother is? She’ll know if we’re seen anywhere in public.”

“Please. I’m begging you. Just until I can figure out how to tell her.” She crawled out of bed and stood looking down at him.

“Fine.” There was disgust in his voice but he agreed. “There’s this quiet little place I know. It’s by a lake. We can swim and have a picnic. You do swim don’t you? I know earth cats hate water.”

She snorted. “Yes I swim. My face may look like an Earth cat’s but I’m not one.” She waved her hand over herself. “Is this the body of an Earth cat? Would you even consider making love to an Earth cat?”

Blake climbed to his feet and pulled her into embrace. “You most assuredly don’t have the body of any cat I’ve ever seen. So it’s decided. Do you have a kini?”

“Kini?”

“Kini is short for bikini. A two piece swim suit.”

“Oh. Yes I think Rayne picked some out for me although they are scandalously brief.”

He winked. “The more scandalous the better in my book.”

Grinning, she slapped him on the arm. “Dial up some wine and something to eat while I change. Oh, and Blake, keep those lustful thoughts of yours in the front of your mind, I may have use for them later.”

He pulled on his clothes and left the room to get a drink. “Tantara,” he hollered at the bedroom where she was changing. “I’ll be right back. I need to teleport to my house and change.”

She stepped to the door and looked out. She had already removed her top. “You make sure you come right back. And Blake, is it possible for you to teleport into my house instead of outside the door?”

“Yes. As long as I have your permission to do so. You need to tell the house computer to grant me access.”

“Computer,” she spoke into the air. “Blake is to have full access inside this house at any time.” She smiled. “Is that sufficient?”

“That will do fine.” He vanished.

Thirty minutes later he returned. Suddenly he was standing in the middle of the living room. His long pants and shirt were gone. He wore a unbuttoned beach shirt and tight swim trunks. In her opinion the trunks he wore showed him off deliciously. In one hand he carried a picnic basket with a folded blanket in the other.

Together they filled the basket with food, utensils and the bottle of wine. “Hold these.” He handed her the basket and blanket then stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her belly. “Are you ready?”

“I was born ready.” She giggled.

A moment later she was looking out over a beautiful lake. The grassy shore tapered gradually to the water. Trees with large green leaves shaded the open space. Bright sunlight gleamed off the calm water. Taking the blanket from her, he spread it on the ground and set the basket beside it.

 “I guess the first thing I need to do is prove to you I’m not afraid of water.” She untied and removed her robe and then the sarong around her waist, handing them to him.

Excerpt from the Daughters of Teelan

After a crash landing on an unexplored world Gina discovers her problems are just beginning. 

She took another bite from the tasteless ration stick and chased it with a swig of water. She frowned at the stick. These may sustain life but they sure as hell wouldn’t qualify for fine cuisine.

Her ears were assaulted by an earsplitting roar. Something struck the side of the life pod and sent it tumbling over and over. Gina was tossed around in the interior like a rag doll in a dryer. When the craft stopped rolling it was upside down. Again a tooth rattling roar came from outside and something struck the side of the pod sending it rolling once more. This time she managed to grab hold of a chair and controlled her tumble.

The ship ceased its wild rotations with the hatch on top. Gina opened it and stormed out like an angry hornet defending its disturbed nest. The creature she faced was the most horrible sight she had seen in her entire young life. She estimated its head was thirty feet above the ground. Its open jaws revealed row upon row of sharp teeth. Two eyes, each half the size of her body, glared at her. The beast had green tough looking hide. It had a long tail, two powerful looking legs and smaller arms midway up its torso with deadly appearing talons.

Brushing a lock of disheveled hair from her eyes, Gina glared at the animal. Anger and frustration took control. She splayed her feet wide. “You will not destroy my ship you damned ugly brute! Ever since the Men-gar I’ve been spoiling for a fight. Something to take my aggressions out on. You’re fuckin it!” she screamed.

Fire snapped and popped between her fingers. She pointed the digits at the beast. Flaming balls streaked across the distance to explode in the creature’s face. It roared in surprise and pain. Its head darted forward and its jaws opened wide. Its putrid breath made her gag and sent her hair swirling. More fire burst from her fingers. This time flaming balls burst deep in the beast's open maw. The roar cut short when the creature’s jaws snapped shut to extinguish the burning flames in it mouth.

“Take that asshole. I may be little but I have a vicious deadly bite.”

The beast took two steps back. She launched more fiery balls. It screamed in anguish vanishing for a moment in a hail of intensely burning softball sized globes. The acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air. With its entire body engulfed in flames the creature voiced a final shriek of agony. It toppled to the side creating a huge splash of muddy water that drenched her. The creature lay still.

Gina remained stiffly erect for some time waiting for the it to rise. She pulled her drenched hair back from her face. With one hand she wiped the mud from her eyes. The sudden silence was eerie. “I think its dead Gina,” Grant said.

“I guess that answers the question of life existing on this planet.”

The pod shifted under her. She gazed down and saw a huge gash in the side the creature had made. The craft was in deeper water and it poured into the gaping hole. She leaped back inside and in dismay saw water already sloshed across the floor. Grabbing the four packs she climbed out, slid down the side of the rapidly sinking ship and swam to shore.

She sat in the sand breathing hard from exertion and the energy expended from forming her flaming balls. The pod settled deeper and finally sunk beneath the surface. “So much for my home.” Turning to the side, she glared at the dead animal. “Grant we need to find shelter.” She glanced up at the sinking sun. “Soon,” she added. “I don’t fancy sleeping here on the beach and having my slumber interrupted by one of those.” She pointed at the dead beast.

“If you wake up before it eats you,” Grant teased.

Gina was in no mood for her AI’s humor. “I’m assuming you’ll remain alert and warn me before something like that occurs. I’ll remind you that if I perish so do you.”

“I’m aware of that and will remain vigilant while you sleep.”

“Thank you,” she said sarcastically.

She gathered the packs, two to an arm. “Something above the ground in the trees for tonight I think.”

“I agree. I will help you search.”

She settled into the branches of the selected tree. Her nightshirt was a shambles after tumbling and rolling inside the pod. “While I’m sleeping I want you to access your archives and look for the methods of tanning and curing hide. I’m going to need clothes soon and that beast out there has a lot of hide I can use.”

“I will do so. You need sleep Gina. It has been a big day.”

“Goodnight Grant. Talk to you in the morning. Remember to wake me if danger threatens.”

“I will.” 

New book

I have a new book just released today

For hundreds of years Carina has killed those she is intimate with by draining their life force. That is her purpose, she is a succubus. When she meets Garron her life changes. She discovers she can allow those she is intimate with to live by only draining part of their life force. Being with him awakens something inside her that has been dormant for many years–– emotions. Her life is changed, but not everyone is happy about the new Carina. 

Available at Amazon.com

Excerpt from WIP Teelan series

Emergency landing on a strange new world. Grant is her internal artificial intelligence computer. 

“Gina.” Grants voice roused her from slumber. The lid and sides of the bed folded away.

“Yes, I’m awake Grant. Rescue?”

“No but I’ve located a planet. We will be landing there soon. Atmosphere is optimal. Gravity zero-point seven-five-seven-seven normal. Planet contains large bodies of water and several land masses.”

“Life?”

“Unknown. The search capabilities on this lifepod are limited.”

“Understood.”

“I suggest the tropical areas near the equator for landing.”

“Concur,” she answered.

“Gina, Some of the pods systems were damaged during our escape. Not all the landing jets are functional. Set down will be rough but survivable. I am searching now for a small body of water to land in.”

 “Understood. Rough landing.”

She glanced down slightly to the left of her feet and saw the planet through the viewport. It was blue and green much like Earth and Teelan but the bodies of water appeared larger. The globe grew in size quickly and soon just a small portion filled the viewport. Although she could not hear or see it, the atmosphere started to buffet the craft as it began final approach.

Straps snaked across her legs and torso, pinning her arms to her sides. They cinched tight holding her in her prone position. A red glow crept across the clear window and she knew it was a result of the tremendous heat being generated as the pod sunk deeper into the atmosphere.

The craft rotated and she was gazing up into a bluish sky. The rockets kicked in with a jar when all three available main engines surged to life in attempt to reduce forward momentum. The compensators fought desperately to equalize the horrendous g-forces pressing against her. Even through the sound deadening, she heard the loud splash when the craft plunged into the water.

Her view of the sky blurred when liquid closed over the viewports. The craft sunk deeper. Outside light dimmed and vanished altogether. At length forward momentum ceased and upward motion began. After what seemed like a long, long time the pod bobbed to the surface. She heard the hissing and popping as intense heat was dissipated from her craft to the surrounding liquid. Though it was light outside the pod, her view was blurred by the boiling steam surrounding her.

“We have landed,” Grant told her unnecessarily.

“So I surmised,” she answered sarcastically.

A single jet shuddered to life and imparted forward motion briefly before it sputtered and died. “I have expended the last of our fuel. We can only drift from here,” Grant reported. “Hopefully it was enough to guide the pod to shore.”

“It should be.”

For hours she watched land get closer slowly. At last the craft ground to a halt when it beached a few yards from shore. The straps holding her released and Gina climbed from her chair. Stepping to the controls she electronically unlocked the escape hatch above her head. Climbing to the pods roof she splayed her feet wide for balance and surveyed her surroundings.

The shore in front of her and to each side as far as she could see contained a heavy covering of blue and green foliage. The trees and bushes and vines appeared tropical in nature. Judging from the stifling heat and humidity that caressed her skin her summation was correct. 

“Well all ashore that is going ashore,” she said aloud. Climbing back into the craft she gazed down at herself, barefoot, wearing only panties and a nightshirt. “Hardly dressed to go hiking in the jungle am I?”

She grabbed a survival pack, slung it onto her back and then climbed back onto the roof.  Sitting, she slid down the side into chest deep water. She waded ashore and sat in the sand. Rifling through the pack she found a survival knife, a small ray-pistol, first aid kit and concentrated rations she estimated would last for about a week. In addition there was a canteen like object that drew in vapor from the air and converted it to drinkable liquid. There were three more bags like this on board the pod.

“Okay four weeks of food so finding something to eat is not priority.” The sand was already becoming uncomfortable on her feet and she stepped into the water. “First order of business is something to wear on my feet.” She looked at the jungle in apprehension.

“Grant, anything on life here? Especially the dangerous kind.”

“Nothing. I’m sorry.”

“Then help keep watch while I gather some leaves and vines to make shoes from.” Fine sand squished through her toes as she headed across the beach toward what looked to be leaves of the right size to make shoe soles. She cut several off, along with vines and then looked up at the ominous clouds gathering overhead.

“I think we will hold shoe making class inside today. Otherwise I’m pretty sure it will be a wet class.”

Holding the vines over her head, she waded back out to the pod, climbed the built-in steps on the side and clambered back into the craft. After shutting the hatch she sat down and went to work fashioning her shoes. Hours later, after many frustrating attempts she viewed the results. “Not high fashion, not even pretty but they will protect my feet,” she mused.