The Final Frontier

By Justine Elyot (Guest Blogger)

Well, it's wonderful to be here and I'd like to thank Lisabet and her loyal readers at Beyond Romance for giving me this space to talk about my story in the Seeing Stars anthology.

Talking of space...

What's your final frontier? Is it the vast outer reaches of the cosmos? Or is it something else?

The theme of my first ever science fiction story is exploration - but not necessarily the obvious kind, of seeking out new worlds and new civilisations, although my characters certainly do that. But my pair of space anthropologists, Paul and Suka, also have a more personal quest to pursue.

They live in a society where kink, especially power exchange, is against the law. Both have learned to sublimate their sexuality, but when a chance to express it, risk-free, presents itself, they are hardly going to pass it up.

What I enjoyed most about writing this was the parallel between space exploration and the journey into their own sexual identities. Well, that and the hot sex. But BDSM in all its glorious forms is riddled with frontiers, boundaries, strange new territories to discover and map. Paul and Suka embrace their opportunity with gusto, boldly going where no citizen of the future has gone before.

I hope you will want to follow them.

The Sevarian Way by Justine Elyot

In space, no-one can hear you scream. So you can spank as hard as you like.

Commander Azed Paul and Ensign Suka Demontel are space anthropologists in a future civilisation where kink is illegal. Both have learned to repress their natural sexuality, but Suka's undergraduate work on the ancient practice of BDSM has captured Paul's professional attention, and his less academic interest too.

This makes her the perfect crew member to accompany him to the surface of Paladium Three, a dead planet where old-fashioned service and discipline were woven into the fabric of life.

There might not be any life forms left there, but what Paul and Suka discover is fascinating evidence of a culture that both realise might have suited them very well...

The temptation to experiment, risk-free, with the kinks they have been denied all their adult lives, proves too much for the space explorers and they give their fantasies free rein.

But will this be a unique, never-to-be-repeated experience, or will Paul and Suka find a means to fully embrace the Sevarian Way?

Reader Advisory: This book contains BDSM

Excerpt

They stopped at the top left corner of the square, where a small platform acted as plinth to what looked like some kind of sculpture. Crafted from a smooth obsidian-like mineral, it mimicked the crude outline of a humanoid shape, dark legs travelling upwards in an inverse V to a broad flat torso, with arms raised upward. The only thing missing was the head - at neck height, a padded semicircular dip curtailed the body's progress. Suka and Paul, once on the platform to examine the installation more closely, noticed that thin leather straps dangled from the 'knees', 'waist' and 'wrists' of the sculpture.

"You know what this is?" Paul turned to Suka, seemingly expecting her to supply the answer.

"I'm…not sure," she hedged, though actually she had seen a picture of one of these in her copy of Peoples of the Outer Reaches. That chapter had been abandoned half-way through for Suka to dive beneath the covers and think about it in exquisite detail, fingers working busily inside her slicked sex lips.

"Yes, you are," contradicted Paul, one hand travelling down the defenceless left arm of the headless statue. "You know exactly what this is." He turned and grinned, challenging her. "Don't disappoint me. You aren't usually so coy."

"It's a whipping post," said Suka, the thought of disappointing Paul somehow unbearable.

"That's right. The nobility of Sevarium underwent an interesting form of training. They believed that, to demand service, you first needed to experience it. To rule, you needed to understand how it felt to be ruled. Men and women alike, it must be said. They were equal opportunities deviants."

Suka laughed.

"Judging by the height of this, it was the women's post. Tell me what you know about this aspect of Paladian society, Suka. What have you read?"

"Once a Paladian noble reached majority, they were put into the service of a Sevarian master or mistress. It was quite a harsh regime, I think. Training lasted three or four years…I can't exactly remember. If they didn't please the boss, they were whipped."

"Good thing we don't operate that policy on the Ulysses IV, eh?" smiled Paul. "Or is it?"

Suka's cheeks burned. She was uncomfortably damp between her legs at the thought of standing on the whipping platform as it was, and her trousers felt too tight all of a sudden. If Paul was going to personalise all this, she was going to end up coming then and there, right in front of him. She wondered what the Federation penalty for that was. Nothing as exciting as a whipping, obviously.

Paul began searching the deck, looking for something which he eventually found beneath a loose plank of the platform. It had an ornate, marbled handle and six stiff leather tails. A whip.

"Ah," said the Commander, swishing the thing through the air.

Suka was transfixed. An actual whip. In the Commander's hands, it looked so deadly and sexy that her knees began to feel as if they might give way. She held on to the sculpture, wrapping an arm around its waist for support.

"Commander Paul," she ventured faintly, pressing her body into the cool, sleek embrace of the whipping post.

"Mm hmm?" he replied absently, running fascinated fingers along the whip strands, curling them around and around.

"Are we…observable? From the Ulysses?"

He looked up sharply. "No. This is a low-risk mission. Visual satellite link has not been enabled."

"I see." She fitted her chin over the padded neck rest. Exactly the right height.

"Why?" Paul's arch question hung in the air, seeming laden with hope to Suka's oversensitive ears.

She spread her legs to fit the sculpture's inverse V and raised her arms up, pressed in a close embrace with the whipping post. It felt too good, wickedly good. She knew she ought to take a step back, recover her wits and ignore her senses, but this was too intoxicating to resist. She was a young Paladian noblewoman, in the service of a strict Lord who looked highly reminiscent of Commander Paul…and she had failed in her duties…and now the price must be paid…in front of the populace. There they would stand, all around her, munching on hot snacks from the nearby market, jostling and catcalling, remarking on her physical attributes.

Her master would approach, whip in hand, and then…

She flinched as something - it could only be the handle of the whip - came to rest at the small of her back.

"Suka." Paul's voice, in her ear, saying her given name, was so intimate that she shivered. "I asked you a question. Why did you ask whether we could be seen?"

She gripped the top of the model, where the hands were meant to rest, and thought that, perhaps if she wasn't looking directly at Paul, she might be able to say this.

"Because I can't help thinking…this chance will never come again…"

"You may well be right. But I'm your commanding officer. If it ever gets out that I—"

"It won't. It wouldn't. Ever."

"And I have certain principles to which I must adhere. I can't just go giving in to my base desires."

"Just this once…"

"Especially with an Ensign. It's an abuse of power. An abuse of privilege."

"I want you to abuse your power. I will do anything if you'll just abuse your power, just today, just this once, please."

"Then ask me for it. There must be no ambiguity at all. Tell me what you want me to do."

"Please whip me, Sir. Please tie me to this thing and whip me hard."

"Alright," he whispered, bending to strap her legs to the post. "I can do that."

About the author: Justine Elyot has written extensively in the genres of erotica and erotic romance for publishers including Black Lace, Xcite Books, Carina Press, Total E-Bound, Resplendence Publishing and Cleis Press. She lives in the UK, where she pursues her passions for history, music and hot men (not necessarily in that order).

She loves to tweet and generally blether on and can be found on Twitter and Facebook, as well as at her website, JustineElyot.com.

Sexy Scavenger Hunt Starts TOMORROW!

The authors from the Seeing Stars anthology are having a scavenger hunt.You can win a digital prize pack of great books! All you have to do is answer four simple questions and you're in the draw. The winner gets:

• A copy of the "Seeing Stars" anthology from Sophie Angerming, featuring stories by Lisabet Sarai, Justine Elyot, KS Augustin, Buffi BeCraft, Lizzie Lynn Lee and Sophie Angerming
• A copy of the "Master Me" anthology from Justine Elyot, featuring stories by Elizabeth Coldwell, Jane Davitt, Justine Elyot, Trina Lane, Lisabet Sarai and Charlotte Stein
• A copy of the "Cougars & Cubs anthology" from KS Augustin, featuring stories by Ashley Ladd, KS Augustin, Mia Watts, Catherine Chernow, Elizabeth Coldwell and Imari Jade
• A copy of "Truce of Trust" from Lisabet Sarai

That should be enough stories to keep you satisfied, for a little while at least!

What do you have to do to win? Easy! Answer four questions and email your answers to contest [at] lisabetsarai.com with the subject line "Scavenger Hunt". We'll even give you the website details where you can find the answers.

Q1) Lisabet Sarai has a story in a recently released steampunk anthology. What's the name of that anthology? (http://www.lisabetsarai.com)

Q2) What is the title of Justine Elyot's story in the "Master Me" anthology? (http://justineelyot.com)

Q3) KS Augustin has written for one other Total-E-Bound anthology. What is the name of that anthology? (http://www.ksaugustin.com)

Q4) Captain Kate Thorn from the "Seeing Stars" anthology has a sister. What is the sister's name? (http://www.sophieangerming.co.uk)

Put your answers in an email and send it along. The hunt starts on 9th May and runs through to the 15th May. The winner will be randomly selected from among all the correct answers and announced on all our blogs.So get hunting, get your entries in before the 16th May and the best of luck!

Creating Strong Supporting Characters

By Mike Arsuaga (Guest Blogger)

When speaking or writing about a supporting cast of characters, movies usually come to mind. Starting in the 1920’s first British and later American film makers recognized the importance of them. Interestingly writers used the tool practically from the first novel written. Robinson Crusoe had his man “Friday”. Don Quixote had his squire Sancho.

This type of supporting character complements one or more main story figures, either by contrast or through some form of supplementation. The relationship is designed to enhance both personalities and make them come alive.

A good example is the character of Linda in “My Life as a Dog”. She is private investigator and shape shifter Drake Martin’s secretary. I used her insouciant competence to showcase his frequent inattention to detail. She is the classic “I am woman; I am strong” female who balances work and family keeping both on course, while complaining of being under appreciated by all.

On the other hand nothing beats a good villain. Where would Superman be without Lex Luthor, or Batman without The Joker? The character of Cynthia in “Subspecies” provides a sometimes humorous, sometimes guileless, high energy teenage foil to Sam’s cool adult behavior, with insights only the young can come up with. The contrast between her persona and that of the main characters, Sam and Jim, more clearly defines all three of them. She’s the kind of character you can both laugh and marvel at. Without her the personalities of hero and heroine would be watered down.

You build a supporting character using the same methods as any other. Plan them out. They should have unique and believable attributes. In “My Life as a Dog” I contrasted Linda’s teased hair, East Texas speech, and general confident sassiness against Drake’s more laid back deeper thinking persona. That she doesn’t know about his shape shifting ability keeps tension in the interactions between them.

The character of Jethro from “Subspecies”, on the other hand, is what Mark Twain called “flourishing villainy”, that most despised of all creatures by humankind. Holding sway until the very end he keeps the hero and heroine on their toes, without respite.

So, build the supporting cast with the same care you take with the lead roles and the work, whatever the genre, will benefit.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

My employer, Cynthia Meadows, recently emerged lycan who exploded into the world of high fashion modeling with the force of an Atom bomb, wishes to announce the birth of “Subspecies”. The healthy novel of 73,000 words came into the world on May 6, 2011 at 12:01 AM. Ms. Meadows, whose professional name is “The Fashion Model Known as Cynthia”, will sponsor a series of promotions to be held throughout the web in honor of Samantha “Sam” Johnson, lycan mate of Doctor Jim White, himself a vampire and professor of mathematics. In addition to this imaginative site, the promotions continue at http://museithot.blogspot.com/2011/02/subspecies-samantha-johnson.html continuing on http://linsownfirebrand.blogspot.com/2011/03/lj-holmes-presents-subspecies.html and http://www.tony-paul.com/ .

The purpose is to celebrate the book’s release as well as the imminent arrival of The Subspecies' First Children, a litter of three, two females and a male. Due to Ms. Meadow's recent fortunate change in circumstances, the event has been relocated from Doctor White's apartment to the Grand Ballroom of the Charles Weston, the crown jewel of hotels in this university town. The event is monumental for all subspecies. As the first lycan/vampire couple, Sam and Jim have discovered the key to reproducing our kind.

All subspecies as well as their human familiars are invited.

RSVP at http://www.mikearsuaga.weebly.com or http://museithotpublishing.com

Subspecies by Mike Arsuaga

Available now from Muse It Hot Publishing!

Blurb

A sexy paranormal romance about the deep love between two very special beings

With Samantha “Sam” Johnson, Dr. Jim White, a 130-year-old Vampire, has the best sex of his life and it’s a shame she had to be his next victim. But she had a surprise for him. As a Lycan, she hunted him as he hunted her. After discovering each other’s secret, they cannot resist the physical attraction. Together they hunt and reach out to others of their kind using technology to form a support group. Sam and Jim become the first Lycan/Vampire pair bond.

As a mathematics professor and man of science, Dr. Jim rejects the ways and lore of old in favor of modern solutions that, if not acceptable to humans, allow Lycans and Vampires, The Subspecies, to live invisibly, because discovery is their worst fear.

The Subspecies are a mutation within the human genome. No more than 700 have been alive at one time. They cannot breed with humans or within their own group, but an unexpected event rocks the world of subspecies, opening a universe of possibilities with the promise of their lives being more than hunting, living in shadows, and fruitless mating.

Excerpt

Setting the scene:

A rain soaked, bedraggled, and hysterical Cynthia appears at Sam and Jim’s front door. Sam, a lycan like her, recognizes the early stages of emergence. The female lycans begin the ritual, excluding Jim. When he returns to the scene, Cynthia is a seven foot tall lycan, gradually resuming human form.

The scene unfolds:

“What is this?” I asked in awe. Lying on the floor, a sexually mature Cynthia, totally unmindful of her nakedness, gazed at me tiredly.

“What’s up Doctor Jim?” she murmured.

The sickly, pale skin changed dramatically. A rich and vibrant white, like marble or porcelain, replaced the dullness, the difference between pasty-skinned zombies from a low budget horror movie and Snow White. Her eyes and hair showed a new depth and shine. The once skeletal face filled out, still lean but not malnourished. The flesh still tautly covered handsome bone structure but with a new vitality and substance. Breasts rose from her formerly featureless ribcage, adhering to the saying more than a handful is a waste. Each presented a firm delta topped by a hard dark nipple, like a black cherry on a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A curve of hip projected from the waist. Her long legs filled out and acquired shape. A vivid black pubic triangle filled the space where her thighs joined. From it emanated the rich scent of her new sexuality. How did I not notice the difference between a female lycan’s scent and a human’s? I wondered.

A touch of color brightened Cynthia’s cheeks. “Doctor Jim, I had no idea!” she said dreamily with a flirt in her tone as she assessed me with lycan senses. “I think you’re hot, too.”

Too Much Plot - The Outcome

Late last month, struggling to meet a May 1st deadline, I wrote a blog post entitled "Too Much Plot". The problem, in a nutshell, was that I was writing to a word count limit and couldn't figure out how to fit all the scenes I'd outlined into the story.

I received many sympathetic and helpful comments from my fellow authors. I thought you might want to know how the whole situation turned out.

First of all, I made the deadline. I submitted Wild About That Thing on the 28th of April. With 63 words to spare!

It's possible that the story might have been improved if I could have made it a few thousand words longer. However, as this was intended as a contribution to an anthology, that just wasn't an option.

So how did I manage to shoe-horn my plot into my word limit? Well, first of all, I had to cut out one of the two three-way sex scenes I had planned. As you may imagine, I regretted this, especially since this is a ménage anthology. However, it couldn't be helped. I did manage to draw out the scene I retained, importing some of the emotional (and sexual) content from the discarded scene. I know it's a bit implausible that three people should develop a strong bond in a single sexual encounter. On the other hand, this is romance - fantasy - so maybe my readers won't mind.

Another way that I condensed my plot is by moving events from one setting to another. For example, I had originally worked out a scene that revealed a critical secret about one of the three main characters. I had envisioned this revelation as occurring while the three were sitting together at breakfast, the morning after an erotic encounter. Moving your characters from one place to another does consume time and word count, though. As an alternative, I incorporated the discovery scene earlier in the sequence of events, in the same setting as another scene.

The third strategy I used was trimming the back story. One of the characters was supposed to explain the tragic events in his past, that led him to behave in a certain way. I kept the explanation, but cut it to the bare bones - just one or two sentences, enough to suggest his grief without going into detail.

Quite a few of the romance novellas I've read have a rushed feeling near the end. I really hope that my attempts to deal with the "Too Much Plot" problem haven't had this result. I can only cross my fingers.

I do have one piece of encouraging evidence that this isn't so. The story has been accepted!

Being Contrary

By KS (Kaz) Augustin (Guest Blogger)

(Before I begin, I'd like to thank Lisabet for this spot on her blog. I've always wanted to be in an anthology with her, and I say that most sincerely as an unabashed fan-girl of her work!)

It never fails. Tell me that f/f romance doesn't sell...and I go write one. Show me a bodyguard story...and I write about a female bodyguard and a male body to guard. Ask me for a science fiction romance (SFR) story for an anthology entitled "Seeing Stars"...and I set the story metres below ice.

I've been talking to a friend recently and he complained to me how he was told "not to rock the boat" at work. And I disagreed completely with the naysayers and told him how I thought he had done the right thing by pointing out a flaw in something his manager was putting together.

It's a bit of an oh-oh moment though, isn't it? I can feel you cringing already. Should my friend have even mentioned anything to his boss? What will the reaction be? Was it a wise or career-limiting move?

And you're right. Sometimes, you'll find yourself thrown on the heap as a result. But other times.... Other times, you'll find that you've stumbled across something precious and valuable, whether it's gratitude from your boss or a story that someone tells you gave them a new perspective on a situation. The contrary stories I wrote may not be bestsellers, but I can gain a small degree of pride in thinking that, at the very least, my contrariness provided me with a new perspective on an established trope. And feelings like that never get old.

'Europa Europa' by KS Augustin

The Company appreciates its genetically modified humans...as long as they don't get any smart ideas.

Salvia is a genetically modified human, at home in the oceans of Jupiter's moon, Europa. Intelligent, young, lonely, she demands that the mysterious "company" that employs her send a companion or she'll never work for them again. With no choice, the company creates Rhus, a young brash male. But a relationship that begins with mistrust ends up forging deep links between the pair and they look forward to a happy life together.

Unfortunately, Salvia's tactic of holding the company to ransom was not well received. While they may have introduced Rhus to Europa, the company are mulling over other options. Options that include the very real possibility of death for Salvia. Or Rhus. Or both.

Reader Advisory: This story is best read in a hot-tub! Preferably, with some company.

BIO: Kaz Augustin writes mostly SFR, although she does dabble in fantasy and contemporary romances from time to time. Her latest release will be part of the "Seeing Stars" anthology, out on 9 May from Total-E-Bound. She keeps full first chapters of all her books at her website (www.ksaugustin.com) and blogs at blog.ksaugustin.com A slave to the social media whipmaster, you can also find her on Facebook and Twitter as "ksaugustin". Don't expect much coherence though!

Starting Today! Carnal Machines Blog Tour

Do you like Steam Punk? If you do, you'll love Carnal Machines, a brand new release from Cleis Press, edited by D.L. King. Carnal Machines is a collection of sexy short stories set in worlds of corsets and clockwork, bizarre devices of brass, leather and rubber, airships and subterranean probes. It's a delightfully creative mix of Victorian sensibility, fantastic technology, and unbridled sensuality.

Already we've received two fantastic reviews, from Erotica Revealed and the Erotica Readers and Writers Association.

Starting today, the Carnal Machines authors are running a blog tour. I'll be posting next week, and giving away a copy of the book to one lucky commenter. Meanwhile, visit my fellow authors and read about their tales.

May 1 D. L. King http://dlkingerotica.blogspot.com

May 2 Teresa Noelle Roberts http://teresanoelleroberts.blogspot.com

May 3 Kathleen Bradean http:/kathleenbradean.blogspot.com

May 4 Jay Lawrence http://jaylawrenceerotica.blogspot.com

May 5 Kannan Feng http://kannanfeng.wordpress.com

May 6 Essemoh Teepee http://www.smotp.com/html/blog.html

May 7 Elizabeth Schechter http://easchechter.wordpress.com/blog

May 8 Delilah Devlin http://delilahdevlin.com/blog

May 9 Tracey Shellito http://traceyshellito.livejournal.com/

May 10 Renee Michaels https://alimom.wordpress.com/

May 11 Elias St. James http://dlkingerotica.blogspot.com

May 12 Lisabet Sarai http://lisabetsarai.blogspot.com

May 13 Janine Ashbless http://janineashbless.blogspot.com

May 14 Poe Von Page http://poevonpage.blogspot.com/

Don't miss the fun!

Of Conferences and Cats

By Simone Eden (Guest Blogger)

This weekend I'm attending the 16th annual Romance Slam Jam, a conference held in Baltimore MD this year. The Romance Slam Jam grew out of an early desire to recognize, and pay respect to African American authors, and to celebrate their craft with their avid fans.” Emma Rodgers, Ashira Tosihwe and Francis Ray gave birth to the ROMANCE SLAM JAM in 1995 in Dallas, Texas, to demonstrate what Nikki Giovanni describes as “The Power, Passion and Pain of Black Love.”

Slam Jam is a blend of offerings for both author and reader. It's a chance for readers and authors to meet one another in relaxed situation. It's like a huge family reunion. Exciting to meet people you haven't seen awhile. I think Siam Jam readers are a particularly sophisticated and knowledgeable group. As expected, there are serious topics and discussion. Things like the role of non-white romance in the genre, changes in the direction of various sub-genres, as well as breakouts. We debate stereotypes and about special issues of marketing. We talk about the romance genre in general.

But mainly I always have so much fun at Slam Jam. When the conference was created, the hip slang for a really good party or music a jam, as a synonym for spontaneity and exuberance. That's exactly the atmosphere at Slam Jam. It's like a big old family reunion. There can be gossip and jealousy, yes. But there are also hugs and lively conversations. Like at many predominately women conferences, meals at restaurants tend to keep on growing to encompass several tables and there's laughter and shouting from one end to the other. The hotel lounge is a big old meet and greet. Groups will make an impromptu trip to the nearest mall or store-in-a-box. African-Americans-- and I'm sure other ethnicities-- are particularly fanatic about seeing themselves and their lives portrayed in a loving, fun and accurate manner. So they are greedy for the opportunity to talk to their favorite authors. Besides books, we talk a lot about our families and daily lives in fun and friendly way which can turn hilarious in a snap. We exchange ideas and teasing.

Last night, Thursday, was the welcome party with a 60s/70s theme. I'm wearing a tee shirt with a silhouette of Fred Sanford and the words "You Big Dummy." Check my Facebook page where I'll give links to more photos as the conference goes on. People, some of them really elaborate. There were prizes for costumes and dancing. We had a Soul Train line which entertained by allowing women of all ages (and the few men: writers or husbands) to show their dance moves. I got out on the dance floor and waved my arms in the air which is not my usual routine at a party. This music is from my generation and it brings back a lot of memories.

This is only my third Slam Jam. I always thoroughly enjoy myself. Although I don't have a huge fan base, I'm often thrilled by running into someone who recognizes my name. These are occasions that remind me what it's all about. I'm enclosed in my office for so many months weaving my private visions; but the whole purpose is to share with others.

Although this conference is focused on the romance of Black authors, all ethnicities are welcome. I've seen people of all races welcomed and having a good time. Like other conventions, you leave exhausted, filled with inspiration, buoyed by new friendships and bursting with new ideas.

Here are some of the other events scheduled. Do visit the website to follow along. RSJ Emma Awards; RSJ Mega Book Signing; RSJ Aspiring Author Contest; Black Romance Online Book Club.

About me:

I became addicted to reading around age eight when my teacher read aloud Charlotte's Web to the class. When I was in high school, I began writing my own novels. Readers don't always understand that writing is something we have to do and that urge can sometimes be frustrating. In my stories I love to explore sensuality and spirituality but I never know what strange settings or characters will be involved.

email: Simone_Eden [at] yahoo.com

Facebook: Facebook/SimoneEdenBooks

Website: www.simoneeden.blogspot.com

About my latest novel:

The shape-shifting cat-like creatures called Baashi, have hidden from humans for eons. Jenna, a computer specialist at a laboratory where the Baashi are being experimented on, has begun to despise what is happening to the mysterious creatures. Keth, a male of the Baashi, returns from a journey to find his pack being captured and disappearing into a lab. He'll do anything to get inside that lab and rescue his people. Jenna and Keth are bound together in a series of mind-shattering encounters. But in order to be together, one of them will have to betray their own kind.

To Purchase: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-spellofthecat-473687-142.html

Here's a brief excerpt from my current book Spell of the Cat. You be the judge of how sexy the shape-shifter Keth is.

Golden yellow eyes blinked at her, then closed as it laid its head back down, a purr rumbling from its body. The aides at the lab called the animals were-cats instead of the official scientific name created by Dr. Phillips. Gazing into this animal's golden eyes, she could believe it.

Jenna shrugged her perplexity away. She'd done all she could at this point. Its breathing sounded more regular and it seemed to be sleeping naturally now.

She carried the animal to the couch in the nearby living room space and threw a light blanket over it.

"You are magnificent," she murmured. She dug her hands into the soft fur and stroked her hands up and down its ribs. She could now tell that the animal's fur wasn't a monotone color, but a luxurious mottled blend of warm browns, golds, and black. The cat stretched and nuzzled against her. In helpless fascination, Jenna allowed it to make itself comfortable.

She'd been impressed by the cats at the lab, but this one made her blood rush through her body with wonder. She couldn't seem to take her eyes off it or keep her hands out of its fur. She felt, rather than heard, the deep rumble in its chest.

Jenna continued to stroke the cat on her lap, watching the TV show. Snowball gave them both a jealous sniff and stalked off with her nose in the air.

The program barely registered in her mind as a warm buzz spread throughout her being, making her more and more sleepy. Finally she eased from beneath the cat, went into her bedroom and closed the door.

* * * *

Keth snapped awake. A tiny house cat was snuggled up against him. When he moved, it sneezed delicately and scooted closer. Keth eased himself away. A pain reminded him of his predicament and the night's events. He stretched his body while absorbing the sensual awareness from the nearby human woman. The woman with her strong, beautiful spirit.

Being with her had started to heal him. His bones were stitching back together; the pain lessening. His friends had brought him to this house because of the powerful healing he needed. Since ancient times, energy had flowed between Baashi and humans in a therapeutic symbiosis, benefiting both. The Baashi had once been viewed as gods but when humans began to try to control and exploit the power, the Baashi went into hiding, roaming the earth in small feral packs.

A pulse on the side of his head teased Keth with the woman's nearness. The bond between them was already woven thick. His inner mys itched to join with her. Leaping to his feet, Keth concentrated on transforming. A knot of pain protested the exertion of his power but he focused harder. With sparkling and crackling, his body wrenched into man form and he stood upright, naked, shaking long dark hair back from his eyes. The woman's house cat backed away from him, hissing and flicking its tail in antagonism. Keth ignored it.

Scratches marred his muscular legs, a bruise discolored the golden skin over his ribs. He ran one hand through his hair. He still had a headache, but he felt much better than when he arrived here. He looked towards the woman's door.

One more exchange with her should finish his healing. On bare feet, air caressing his naked skin, he padded across the living room. But when he reached for the doorknob, the little cat sprang out and sank its teeth into his toe. Keth cursed, his leg reflexively kicking out. The animal tumbled across the floor and righted itself at once, hissing and arching its back. Keth hissed a warning of his own. The cat backed down and Keth turned the knob on the door.

There was no sound within the room as he eased the door open. Keth slipped inside and shut the door behind him, leaning back against it. The woman on the bed lay in a deep sleep due to the enspelling nature of the mys bond he'd cast between them. A stream of light from the slightly opened bathroom door flowed over her honey-caramel skin. She was an exquisite dessert laid out for him. Her hair was hidden by a cranberry colored wrap, which suited her skin tone, but he knew rich mahogany waves of hair fell past her shoulders. Dark lashes swept her cheeks and rosy lips were parted. The unconscious sensuality of the scene warmed his core and caused his erection to thicken and rise further. He hungered for the most direct connection, physical joining.