When I first started writing
Allegiance of Honor, I thought it would be a fun book filled with updates on the main characters (and a few others). I forgot how nothing in this world ever stands still. So what I ended up writing was a book that updates us on the characters but also moves the plot forward significantly - including a humdinger of a curve ball no one saw coming.
Now that I've teased you unmercifully, here's a glimpse of one of the fun catchup moments in the book. Hope you love it!
Out June 14, 2016
Lucas had had to chase Naya around the aerie at bedtime
last night—her walk might still be a little shaky, but she was a rocket when it
came to crawling. Dressed only in a diaper, she’d laughed uproariously and said
a loud, firm “No” each time Lucas caught her and put her in her crib.
After which she’d clamber out—she’d figured out how to
escape a month earlier—and the game would begin again.
Of course, since Lucas
was a cat, he’d been having just as much fun as their daughter. Sascha,
meanwhile, had sat in the living room with a cup of hot chocolate and just
indulged in the sight of her mate playing with their cub.
She’d had to pretend to be stern when Naya ran over and
pleaded her case with loud sounds and wild gesticulations of her hands. “No,
Naya,” she’d said, biting her tongue in an effort not to laugh. “It’s time for
bed. Go with Papa.”
At which point, Naya had growled at her, eyes sparkling
with mischief.
And Sascha had cracked, laughing so hard she’d had to put
down her hot chocolate before she spilled it. Lucas had shaken his head as Naya
plopped down on her diaper-covered butt and joined in, clapping her hands at
having made her mommy laugh.
“No discipline.” Lucas had mock-growled at her
before picking up their misbehaving baby. “And you”—a growly nuzzle that made
Naya laugh harder and pat his stubbled cheek—“time for bed.”
He’d finally got her to sleep—by walking around with her
pressed up against his bare chest.
Copyright © 2016 by Nalini Singh
Longer excerpt(s) coming soon...