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Bonds of the Maleri' (Collection) by Kate Steele Release Date: 10/2009
Publisher: Changeling Press
ISBN: 978-1-60521-340-8
Buy Link: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1250
Blurb: On the faraway planet of Belthola exists a group of extraordinary men, the Maleri'. Born with empathic powers, they devote themselves to the service of their planet as mediators, diplomats, doctors, lawmen and scholars. Where help is needed by any planet or people, they generously provide it. But even those with powers have their weaknesses. For the Maleri', the use of their gift can eventually cause madness, even death. The one thing that can prevent such an ill fated end is the taking of a mate. Male. One with whom they can join -- mind, body and soul.
Publisher's note: This collection contains the previously released titles in the Bonds of the Maleri' series: Mate Hunt, Double or Nothing, Between Love and Law, Ride 'Em Cowboy, and Redemption. This collection is also available in print!
Excerpt:
"Col, can you hear me?"
Coltas Oldarie stirred at the sound of his name and opened his eyes. He lay still for a moment, then commented in a resigned voice, "It happened again."
"Yes."
His gaze wandered the room, a utilitarian yet pleasant place, equipped with a bed and a small table with two chairs. Behind an automatic sliding door, which was triggered by proximity sensors, was a small open closet space and another sliding door that led to the bathroom. It was a typical room in the Contaral Healing Complex, the kind he was well familiar with as this was where he worked.
Col let his gaze connect with his friend's. His green eyes flared for a brief moment and Geral's gray eyes echoed that fleeting flash. Geral smiled. "It's past time, Col. You have to seek your mate before you can continue your work. Your mind has absorbed all it can. Unless you want to end up a permanent patient, instead of blacking out a time or two, you need the relief only your true mate can provide."
"I know, it's just that..." Col swallowed, unable to finish his thought.
Geral caressed Col's face, brushing a lock of sable hair from his forehead while his eyes filled with understanding. "You know Sam and I would keep you as our third forever if we could. We both love you, but we all know that's not possible. You must seek your mate and Sam and I will bring another of our brothers into our home until such time as he, too, is ready to leave." Geral grinned and winked. "Besides, it would be selfish to deny you the opportunity to discover for yourself the joys of being mated."
Col grinned in return. "You mean the nagging, chiding and scolding?"
"Hey! I resent that," said the man entering the room. He frowned, his brown eyes filled with ire at the two already present, which brought a laugh from them both.
"I'm only teasing, Sam. We felt your approach and it's just too much fun watching you rise to the bait," Col confessed.
"Hmm, I suppose for someone with so little imagination you have to get your jollies somewhere," Sam replied with a satisfied smile.
"Is that any way to talk to an invalid?"
"Invalid my ass," Sam snorted and approached the bed. His hand cupped Col's cheek and he leaned down, kissing him gently on the lips. Col responded by sliding a hand to the back of Sam's head and holding him while his tongue slid between Sam's parted lips for a leisurely exploration of his mouth.
When released, Sam drew back and gave him a skeptical look. "Yeah right, you're sick," he responded sarcastically. "If you were any healthier, I'd find myself riding that," he accused, pointing to the growing bulge in Col's pants.
"That's actually not a bad idea," Geral said, giving his mate a look filled with heated intent. "I think Col deserves an appropriate send-off." He turned his gaze to his friend. "Col, go lock the door."
Sam's chest began to rise and fall at a more rapid pace as the rate of his breathing increased. "I should have kept my mouth shut," he quipped, even as he returned the growing look of arousal in his mate's eyes.
"Oh no, lover, I want your mouth open," Geral replied, shaking his head.
Col watched their exchange with an anticipatory smile before sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He stood, crossed the room and locked the door. By the time he returned to them, Geral had Sam in his arms, his mouth engaged in a passionate kiss.
