EXTRACT FOR
Rysykk's Remedy
(J.C. Natal)

Rysykk's Remedy



The sequel to the award-winning "Rysykk's Rise" finds Alarin, former Bottomside skid and hereditary Delegate in Washington-America, in a race to secure his position and his legacy while keeping secrets bred in the dark from toppling him. 



As Alarin struggles to find a mate and consolidate his power, his mentor and lover, the powerful and mysterious Maleus Bryant, fights his own battles against new dangers and unseen foes. Strange disappearances and agonizing deaths are the clues that lead them from Washington to San Francisco, from the dank shadows of Bottomside to the glittering heights of society's elite. Chemical genocide masquerading as a cure and treachery from within are only the beginning of their fight to survive.



Excerpt



Alarin had to have met sixty young women. He sighed as the last of them vanished back into the crowd. He was dead on his feet, the bad leg throbbing, and he really needed to sit down; the only problem was that sitting made him more vulnerable. 



At least the night hadn't been a total waste. He'd met Ashley. His eyes picked her out, dancing with her uncle. She must have felt his eyes as she glanced his way, a smile on her lips. Out of all the young women who had been presented to him, she was maybe the least offensive.



There was a light hand on his shoulder and he could feel the chair behind him. "Sit before you fall." Rose said softly, and he sank into the chair with a groan.



Her hand on his shoulder was gentle, rubbing in small circles. He sighed again. The night was far from over. He was watching the crowd, half looking for Maleus when his eyes fell on a young man who was watching him. He was dressed well, his dark blond hair slicked back. His eyes were dark green and they were focused on Alarin. 



Alarin raised an eyebrow and the man took it as an invitation to come closer. "Delegate Alarin Montgomery, I presume?"



"And you are?"



He grinned, and there was indeed something familiar in him. He held out a hand and Alarin took it hesitantly. "I am Andros. Andros Moreno Montgomery."



Alarin's surprise must have shown in his face because the younger man laughed. "I take it you weren't expecting me?"



Maleus had told him the kid existed, told him he had a half brother who was raised in Rio. "I...I was told you were...in Rio."



"Once I knew I had a brother, I had to meet you. I mean...brothers, right?"



Alarin nodded, though he was stunned by the appearance.



"My mother told me not to come, told me it would be awkward. But I had to see you. I mean, other than in the media. You look younger in person."



Alarin chuckled and nodded. "I am only nineteen."



"Right, today." The kid nodded. "I turned fifteen two days ago. I skipped out on school to get here."



Alarin shook his head. This was too much. "I don't even know what to say."



The kid smiled, and that's when he realized what it was he was seeing. His face was familiar because it was Alarin's own face...the same pointed nose, the high cheeks, the wide eyes. Lighten his hair and color his eyes blue and he'd be Alarin four years ago.



The smile dimmed and Andros stepped back a half step. "I'm sorry. I didn't think this through. I mean...I should have contacted you first, warned you I was coming. I can be an idiot sometimes."



Alarin chuckled and shook his head. "No, you just surprised me. I'm glad to get to meet you."



"Alarin, there you are."



He looked up to find Maleus approaching. Alarin licked his lips and took a breath. Silly, but he somehow didn't really want Maleus to know who Andros was. Not yet.



"Maleus, I trust your evening has gone well?"



Maleus raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Indeed. And you?"



Alarin let out a long breath. "I've met a lot of hopeful young women."



"And a dashing young man." Maleus raised his wine glass to Andros.



Alarin blushed and felt a stab of jealousy. He knew enough about Maleus to know that tone was laced with interest. "Andros, this is Maleus Bryant. Maleus, this is Andros."