Excerpt: 'Neverwylde' by Linda Mooney

Linda Mooney joins us to share a scene from Neverwylde, book one in her Rim of the World series.

About the book (courtesy of Music and Press):

Two species, bitter enemies, are determined to destroy each other, until they realize they need one another to survive a major catastrophe.

As they race through a nebulous space anomaly in the midst of battle, the Terrans and Seneecians are blown through a wormhole to crash land on an uncharted world. A half world. A world containing the remains of a long-dead civilization.

Lt. Kelen Chambliss knows she has no reason to trust the furred, humanoid creatures, but she and her crew members cannot survive without their help, and the Seneecians cannot survive without theirs. Neither can she ignore the fearsome-looking one called Kyber, with his wicked talons and piercing green eyes.

As they slowly come to realize there is no escape or forthcoming rescue from the barren planet, Kelen learns there is much about the enemy she never knew. Including the fact that Kyber's formidable appearance hides a strong, brave, and caring heart.

Linda sets the scene for us …

Linda: It was a decision her heart made.

Stranded on an unknown planet, Lt. Kelen Chambliss is the only female among 12 men. Five of those males are Seneecians, aliens and the enemy. There is no hope of rescue. At least, not in the immediate future. Which means if a ship ever makes it to this remote corner of the galaxy, it most likely will find their descendants.

There's just one big problem. Kelen finds herself falling in love with the big Seneecian leader, Kyber Nau. And there is no way the two of them can procreate, being different species.

Their relationship will cause greater tension once it's revealed. She knows it will also increase hostility between the two groups. But for now, all she wants is a moment to revel in Kyber's gentle embrace. And to accept his love in the way he gives it.

EXCERPT

The room was dimmer when she awoke. At least it appeared that way.

The first thing she noticed was that the scratching had ceased. That alone helped to ease her worry somewhat. The second thing she was aware of was the feel of strong arms encircling her.

Slowly, Kelen turned her head to find a dark green gaze studying her. Lifting her arms, she drew them around his neck and brought him closer, burying her face in his shoulder. It felt like the most natural thing to do. The right thing to do. Holding him. Pressing herself against him as his arms tightened, as if to keep her permanently in his embrace.

Several minutes passed as his warmth seeped into her bones. It was as if he also passed his strength along to her. And his zest for life, for survival.

She breathed him in. He had a unique scent that defied description. His short black fur was soft—a complete antithesis to the firm, muscular body it covered. Where she had expected it to be wiry and coarse, it was more of a pelt. Reluctantly, she finally leaned back to stare up into his face and his puzzled expression.

"What?" she whispered.

"You were dreaming. Or rather, you were facing demons."

"Is it any wonder?" She gave him tired grin. "How do you feel? How's the wound?"

"Much better, thank you."

They remained locked together. Neither of them made a move to disengage. Things were too perfect to separate.

Reaching up, she ran her fingers over his broad, flat nose, over his cheek, and down to the corner of his mouth. His lips were thin, she discovered, and hairless. Even his skin was the color of night.

"That tickles," he told her softly.

"Oh. Sorry." She pulled her hand away, but he caught it and returned it to his face.

"But if it pleases you, it pleases me," he murmured.

Kelen smiled. "You're just so…different."

"Is that good or bad?" He was teasing her. They were comfortable enough with each other to tease? The realization gave her a warm feeling. She brushed the back of her fingers across the side of his head.

"It's good. Where are your ears?"

"You touched them. Why do yours stick out?"

"I don't know. Genetics? And you're soft. I mean, your hair is soft. I wasn't implying you were soft, like weak. I meant… Aww, hell. You know what I'm trying to say, don't you?"

Kyber chuckled. "I do. May I ask a favor?"

"Sure. What?"

"May I explore you?"

"Umm, okay. It's only right, to return the favor."

She involuntarily flinched when his talons hovered over her eyes. She couldn't help herself, even though she knew he didn't intend to hurt her. When they caressed her cheek, she barely felt them. She kept her gaze on his, on the way his eyes roamed across her. The tip of one claw followed the line of an eyebrow, sending a shiver through her.

Find out more about Linda and her books at lindamooney.com.