QSFer Pelaam has a new MM paranormal book out in her Demonica Origins series: Diable.
When Slayer Henri and his Intermediary Sébastien are sent to Paris to deal with attacks by vampires, they find the truth is worse still.
They also find unexpected allies in a family of gargoyles who help protect mankind.
Paris is under attack by demonic forces and it will take the united talents of humans, gargoyles, and vampires if they are to be defeated.
Sébastien also finds that his mate is the last creature on earth he would have expected.
When the time to fight comes, can Sébastien survive, or will his life be forfeit in the depths of the dungeons of the infamous Cardinal Richelieu.
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Excerpt
With a smile of contentment, Henri hammered at his forge. At the shout of his name, Henri looked up to see Sebastien in the doorway waving a scroll. Grumbling under his breath, Henri plunged the sword he was working on into water before laying it and his hammer aside.
Ambling toward Sebastien as he removed his apron, Henri came to a stop and folded his arms, ignoring the slipperiness of his skin and the sweat glistening on his forearms. This could not be good.
“Do I even want to know?” Henri rumbled the question, not really wanting to hear the answer.
“Let me think.” Sebastien tugged at his small dark goatee as if thinking carefully. “A choice between a quiet life here, with you working in your forge and me running around making sure there is food and that we train, or travelling to Paris because Cardinal Richelieu himself has demanded a Slayer? A hard decision, mon frere.”
Settling for a rude noise as a suitable retort, Henri then sighed heavily. “Do we need report to l’eveque?”
“I’m afraid so. You know l’eveque. Celestin worries every time one of his teams faces preternaturals. Now there’s a summons to Paris to add to his concerns. Not only will he fret about us dealing with a possible preter, but stepping on the toes of Richelieu, which is probably the more dangerous of the two.”
“Zut! As if we have the time to worry about court politics.” Henri hawked and spat to the side. Nothing angered him more than the wealth and privilege in which some of the clergy indulged. Their direct bishop, Celestin, was different; a venerable man, who eschewed the trappings of wealth. He was also a man of great learning and respected by all of his teams, and thus earned the disapproval of many of his peers and superiors.
“In Richelieu’s case, we have no choice. You know it’s said he’s the real power there. He has the king’s ear.” Sebastien shrugged.
“Oui. True enough. Do I have time to finish my sword? She’s almost ready.” Henri cast a longing glance at his forge.
“Of course. I’ll get some supplies and pack. Maybe a couple of hours?”
“Perfect.” Henri grinned delightedly. Sebastien was truly the best partner a man could have. Especially in such a dangerous role when you needed to know your partner had your back. “Take care, mon frere. This weapon will serve us well, I can feel it.”
“Then don’t rush her. I’ll be back soon.”
Henri waited until Sebastien disappeared from his sight, heading over to the stables, before he went back inside to fan the flames of his forge. He stared into the fire. I feel I’ve hardly had time to recoup from our last mission. Sebastien is a good few years younger, a little headstrong at times, but I thank God for him.
Raising his hammer, Henri began to shape the sword as he wished, but his thoughts remained on Sebastien. When I lost my first Intermediary I was distraught, yet Sebastien knew exactly how to get through to me. But if I feel too old to continue, what of him? We know each other so well, how would he fare with a new Slayer? I can’t just walk away from him. If nothing else, he will always have a home with me.
Focusing his thoughts away from his partner, Henri concentrated on his sword. Soon he was lost in the comforting rhythm.
Author Bio
Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation.
Pelaam’s books: “Smoking Mirror” was a finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay futuristic/sci-fi. “Stranded” was the Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-fi. “The Avian Emperor” was runner up and received an Honourable Mention in the 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay futuristic/sci-fi. “Future Imperfect” was a finalist for the 2015 Rainbow Awards in Gay futuristic/sci-fi. “On Dragon’s Wings” was LR Café 2014 winner for Fantasy. “Breath of the Feathered Serpent” was a finalist for the 2014 Rainbow Awards in Gay futuristic/sci-fi.
She can be found on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pamela.pelaamone – with an author page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pelaam/1467778320131583