Say hello to the cover for Surrogate: Traditions, the third novel in the Surrogate Series. I might tweak it a bit more, but I might not. I rather like it as it stands.

That said, this WIPpet comes from the same novel.

Here’s my WIPpet math: 7/26/2017

19+26+1+7 = 53 x 7 = 371 words from Chapter Five “141 Hours Before” with enough added to finish the scene (twenty words, thereabouts)

The setup: One of Etain’s daughter’s is soon to return from Etain’s home world, Gno’,  where she has undergone her final transition surgery, (yes, she’s transgender) but Etain’s eldest daughter, Analeigh, has left after an argument, leaving Etain to round up her other daughters, who have just returned from an overnight survival training trip with Stra. Stra, however, has her own plans.

Warning: strong sexual innuendo

     “Later, Mom.” Analeigh slammed the apartment door closed but not before Etain saw her obligatory guard take step behind her.

     Well, at least she has that. But Etain didn’t have the opportunity to think more about it. Time to go. “Come along, everyone!” She called upstairs. “Stephany and Pala will be landing soon!”

     “I’m ready.” Stra popped a fish roll into her mouth as she stepped from the eat-in. She was powerfully built— muscled by nature and training— a seasoned Cycalk warrior and a hunter but so gentle and playful with Etain’s children that they’d adored her since her arrival. Stra wasn’t a mother figure but a friend, teacher, and protector. She’d returned home with Analeigh, Lyly, and Merchal an hour earlier, but by then Mateo had left with the younger children for a morning play group. “Did you enjoy your time with Merch and Dresh?” Stra hugged Etain from behind.

     “Yes, I did.” Etain looked up when Stra kissed her overmane. “But it was interrupted by Empire business, so I came home.”

     “That’s why I smell Mateo so strongly in here.” Stra placed her hands on Etain’s shoulders. “The door between the apartments has been removed. Have you two come to an understanding?”

     “He is moving back in and bringing Bowen with him.”

     “Good, but that’s not what I really asked.”

     “I believe you know the answer.”

     Stra leaned down to nip her ear. “Yes, and in both the solarium and your nest. But I like hearing it from you, too.”

     “Voyeur.” Etain kissed Stra under her chin. “Yes, my dear. Mateo and I finally confirmed what you and Leigheas have been rallying for since Achan left.”

     “Good. I look forward to tasting him on you.”

     Etain looked up to see her Cycalk lover’s grin. “You, Stra Ttla, have a salacious mouth.”

     “I like what I like, Schatja, and your taste after being with others in your circle— yes, I definitely like that.” Stra turned Etain to kiss her mouth. “And you enjoy how I show my like.” She licked her lips and twitched her ears in the way Etain knew meant arousal. “You’ve been a busy woman since you left the gymnasium yesterday.”

     “So busy I haven’t had a chance to sand scrub, much less shower, but I did take a bath with Merch and Dresh yesterday afternoon.” Etain sighed dramatically. “We were far too busy to properly wash.”

     “You’re cruel to tease me so.” Stra looked up the stairs. “Give them and me a few moments.” She grabbed Etain’s hand and brought it to her nose to sniff and nibble her palm. “I’ve something for you in my room.”

 Read more WIPpet selections from Surrogate: Traditions HERE.

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 *WIPpet Wednesday is a blog hop hosted by Emily Wrayburn wherein writers share excerpts of their latest WIP. All genres and levels of accomplishment are welcome. The only stipulation is that the excerpt must coincide with the date in some manner. For example, on 10/8/14 you might share 10 lines from page 8, 8 paragraphs from chapter 14, or perhaps 18 sentences by doing WIPpet math and adding the day to the month. We’re flexible like that.