QSFer Pelaam has a new MM sci fi romance out: Serendipity.
PrideHomer Iseoy is horrified to find that the new member of the crew of the Njord is a Vedrinan, their culture of sexual freedom in stark contrast to his own, very rigid beliefs.
Iseoy’s tenure aboard the ship is a minor act of rebellion against his father’s strictly enforced expectations. To Iseoy’s surprise, Rainbird is an excellent warrior and they make an effective pairing.
Slowly, Iseoy starts to see Rainbird as something more than just another crew member. But after being trapped, thinking they were going to die, Iseoy does something he’s convinced Rainbird can never forgive him for.
Can they be brought together for the truth finally set them both free?
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Excerpt
Striding into the captain’s office, Iseoy glanced briefly at Chelan, the head of security, then with a frown at Rainbird who sat rigidly on Chelan’s left. An empty chair was on Chelan’s right and Arvid looked at Iseoy, then the chair. Without a word, Iseoy sat down.
“Well now, gentlemen, I’m pleased you’re both here.” As Arvid’s grey gaze shifted to him, Iseoy experienced a sensation as if his stomach had just lurched in an unpleasant way.
“As you are aware, Lieutenant Iseoy, Commander Chelan has run simulated tests alongside the ship’s doctor and the AI to see who might bring out the best in your inherent abilities. Lt Rainbird scored an almost perfect match.”
“Sir –” Iseoy surged to his feet ready to protest, but the look in his captain’s eyes was enough to make him instantly sit down again.
“It’s a well-kept secret that Rainbird has some psi abilities. He’s not a true telepath or empath as we currently use the terms, but he can sense certain … emotions, for example.”
This time Iseoy’s stomach knotted. PrideHomers had excellent sight, vision, and scent. He could usually tell how someone was feeling by scent. He’d never given thought to mental signals he might unthinkingly give off.
He’d always attributed Rainbird leaving at his approach as the Vedrinan’s way of avoiding confrontation, or an unwillingness to force himself to keep up the polite veneer with which they worked on deck. Instead my own thoughts probably drove him away. That’s what Tamesis was trying to tell me. And yet Rainbird still worked, and worked well, with me.
“I see, sir.” Iseoy kept his eyes front.
“Do you? I’m very pleased. Because you and he are going to be assigned together on the next away mission.” Arvid leaned forward, his gaze shifting from Rainbird to Iseoy, with the same cold intensity. “Allow me to be very plain about this. The AI, given all the available data, suggests that you two will make an excellent pairing thanks to your divergent, yet complimentary, talents. So long as you keep your personal … feelings to yourselves.”
“Yes, sir.” Rainbird spoke at the same time as Iseoy who couldn’t help but wonder whether it was pure coincidence, or something more.
“I have some even better news.” Chelan looked right then left, his smile feral. “You boys get to have extra sessions with me to hone your fighting instincts, to make you think and work as a single cohesive unit. Won’t that be fun?”
The soft groan Iseoy heard from the other side of Chelan almost made him smile, and he would have, had the situation not been so serious.
“Do we have a choice in this, sir?” Iseoy asked, certain of the reply.
“Not unless you have a personal objection to working alongside Lieutenant Rainbird. You’ve said yourself you wanted to be a better warrior. You now have the perfect opportunity.”
Very well, sir. When will this begin?” Iseoy asked.
“Right now.” Chelan stood up with speed and grace that his broad, powerfully-muscled physique belied. “Follow me.”
Author Bio
Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a best-selling, multi-published author of M/M romance and erotica across time and space.
When not writing she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation.