“We also know that Deep Earth Crystals respond to one another…It is this reaction that allows us to harness their energy…and produce steam for power…”
The lecturer was in the center of the room. A table stood behind him lit by huge panes of frosted glass that glowed brighter than a full moon. Each was held by a large copper stand with gears built into them so the light could be aimed in different directions. Like a lamp that might be moved to aim light in any direction.
But what was a Deep Earth Crystal? And how could it respond?
She took a step sideways into one of the rows of seats ringing the stage the lecturer stood on and sat down. Excitement gripped her as she leaned forward to hear the rest of the lecture. A sound rose from those watching as the man pulled a large crystal from a case.
“Impressive…yes…but remember…size does not dictate the potency of the conductive properties.”
He set the crystal down and plucked what looked like a folded leather apron off the table. Once he flipped it open and pushed his hand into it, it was clear it was a glove, made of leather reinforced with sturdy canvas. Janette leaned forward, eager to see why he needed such protection from rocks. He lifted a dome such as she might expect to see on a breakfast service tray, and beneath it lay a small crystal.
It was no thicker than a broom handle and only about six inches long, but he handled it with great care, reaching out his gloved hand to pick it up while holding his head back, as though the crystal were molten metal.
“Here we have an excellent example of the true power of—”
The moment the smaller crystal came closer to the large one, the room filled with a sharp whine. The lecturer stiffened, fighting to maintain his grip on the smaller crystal. His assistants lunged forward to help him, but the smaller crystal broke his grip and went sailing up into the seats.
The whine decreased as it arced through the air and left the other crystal behind. The Illuminists watching in front of her ducked, and the crystal landed neatly in her lap.
Janette picked it up before thinking, and the pulse of electricity began shooting through her body. It was deeper, almost harmonic. She swore she could hear the delicate sounds of music, and the crystal itself felt warm against her palm. It felt completely correct to hold it, and satisfying in an unexpected way, as though she’d never truly been complete until this moment.
“Madam…madam!”
Janette was startled out of the strange euphoria by the lecturer’s frantic voice. He’d rushed up the aisle but stood staring at her.
He suddenly smiled, and crinkles appeared near his eyes. “I wasn’t informed we had a new handler in our midst. When did you arrive?”
The rest of the audience all stared at her.
“Well…just now.” She stood, and those closest to her shifted back, their attention on the crystal she held. “Would you like me to place this somewhere for you?”
Four assistants were clustered around the lecturer. They wore leather overcoats and had leather hoods on their heads with a pair of goggles pushed up above their eyes. One of them leaned in and whispered in the lecturer’s ear, pointing at Janette. The lecturer’s eyebrows rose.
“You will need to come with me.” A deep voice issued the command from behind her.
Janette felt a tingle race down her spine. The newcomer had a voice edged with steel, the solid sort of authority that announced a man who was accustomed to being obeyed. She turned to discover the owner of the voice standing only a single pace from her. She had to look up because he was tall with broad shoulders.
He was attired in a double-breasted vest and overcoat—just as proper as any gentleman—but there was something in his dark eyes that was very uncivilized. For all that they were surrounded by others, she felt like she was alone with him.
And that knowledge excited her.
Definitely wicked…
The sensation was unsettling, and for some odd reason, she sensed that he knew exactly how he affected her. It was in the narrowing of his eyes and the thinning of his lips—tiny little details she shouldn’t have noticed but did.
“My apologies, Professor, for having your lecture interrupted by a trespasser,” the newcomer said. “I will remove her.”
“Mr. Lawley, she is still holding the crystal…If you touch her…the current…ah…” The lecturer’s warning came too late. Janette barely felt the man close his grip around her upper arm when he growled and released her.
“I did warn you, Darius. That’s a level-four sample she’s holding. Because she’s a Pure Spirit, the current is going straight—”
“Enough. She’s heard too much already. She is not an Illuminist.”
Darius Lawley offered the professor a frown. When he turned his head, Janette was treated to the view of some sort of device covering his ear. Several copper and silver gears were visible, and the men behind him wore similar devices. These men didn’t look like the other Illuminists attending the lecture. They were burly, and their expressions, hard.
Like constables.
Darius jerked his head back toward her the moment she moved. There was sharpness in his eyes, but what she sensed most about him was the fact that he was dangerous. He was unlike any man she’d met. Her world had always been full of gentlemen whom she trusted to remain at a polite distance.
This man was nothing like that. He’d boldly touched her, and that brief connection felt somehow…intimate. Yet she wasn’t offended. The surge of excitement was only growing stronger as she contemplated leaving with him.
“If you please, miss, give the crystal to Professor Yulric.” His voice was deep and raspy, setting off a ripple of awareness that traveled down her length in spite of how perfectly polite his words were.
“Yes, quite right. Hand it here. It’s quite volatile, you understand.” The professor shuddered. He extended his hand with the protective glove still in place.
“I find the lecture quite amazing. I’d like to remain to learn more about the crystal.”
“Illuminists only,” Darius informed her. His expression tightened, his lips sealing into a hard line.
She sighed before turning her hand over so the crystal dropped into the professor’s waiting palm.
“Clear a path…Clear the way…” Professor Yulric hurried down the aisle, and the crystal began to whine as he neared the other one. “Remove the male, for heaven’s sake, or we’ll have another uncontrollable reaction.”
“The what? Did you say male? As in gender?” Janette asked, too curious to contain her question.
“Nothing,” Darius informed her quietly. “You do not belong here.”
He reached past her and grasped one of her shoulders and neatly turned her around so the sight of Professor Yulric was lost. It was done with such a light touch she stood slightly shocked.
“But I want to see—”
“I’ve no doubt you do, but you have snuck inside our chambers, which I cannot allow. Please come with me.”
She really couldn’t refuse; after all, he was correct. She followed him, and his men fell into step behind them.
Confusion needled her as they went right past the doorman. Her expectation that she would be tossed unceremoniously out onto the front steps vanished as Darius continued on, granting her the opportunity to see more of the forbidden building.
It should have alarmed her; instead, she felt another jolt of heat stab into her. She didn’t care at all if the situation was proper, it was exciting.
“Where are you taking me?”
“To my office.”
He lifted his hand to touch the device in his ear. Almost in the same instant there was a groan as a door ahead of them opened. Darius led her through it, and the door closed behind them with a solid sound.
About the Author
Mary Wine is a multipublished author in romantic suspense, fantasy, and Western romance. Her interest in historical reenactment and costuming also inspired her to turn her pen to historical romance with her popular High
lander series. She lives with her husband and sons in Southern California, where the whole family enjoys participating in historical reenactments.
Kiss of Steel
by Bec McMaster
WHEN NOWHERE IS SAFE
Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it’s the last safe haven. But at what price?
Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It’s been said he faced down the Echelon’s army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he’s been quicker, stronger, almost immortal.
When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping.
She’s so…innocent. He doesn’t see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he’s been seeking.
“McMaster’s wildly inventive plot deftly blends elements of steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results. Darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy…”—Booklist Starred Review
“A leading man as wicked as he is irresistible… Heart-wrenching, redemptive, and stirringly passionate…”—RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars
For more Bec McMaster, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious
by Mary Wine
Beneath the surface of Victorian life lies a very different world…
Hated and feared by the upper classes, the Illuminists guard their secrets with their lives. Janette Aston’s insatiable quest for answers brings her to their locked golden doors, where she encounters the most formidable man she’s ever met.
Darius Lawley’s job is to eliminate would-be infiltrators, but even he may be no match for Janette’s cunning and charm…
“This fast-paced, unique steampunk story has introduced me to a whole new world that I can’t wait to read more of.”—Night Owl Reviews
“Filled with action, intrigue, and a small twist of humor, A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious is for the true lover of romance—some of the scenes are sure to peel the wallpaper right off the walls.”—Book Loons
For more Mary Wine, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl
by Gina Lamm
The stakes have never been higher…
An avid gamer, Jamie Marten loves to escape into online adventure. But when she falls through an antique mirror into a lavish bedchamber—200 years in the past!—she realizes she may have escaped a little too far.
Micah Axelby, Earl of Dunnington, has just kicked one mistress out of his bed and isn’t looking to fill it with another—least of all this sassy, nearly naked woman who claims to be from the future. Yet something about her is undeniably enticing…
Jamie and Micah are worlds apart. He’s a peer of the realm. She can barely make rent. He’s horse-drawn. She’s Wi-Fi. But in the game of love, these two will risk everything to win.
“Lamm’s wonderfully quirky romance brings fresh humor to a familiar trope, with snappy writing and characters who share a surprising, spicy chemistry.”—RT Book Reviews
“A light romance with plenty of passion and conflict.”—Historical Novels Review
For more Gina Lamm, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Geek Girls Don’t Date Dukes
by Gina Lamm
She’s aiming to catch a duke.
Leah Ramsey has always loved historical romance novels and dressing in period costumes. So when she has a chance to experience the history for herself, she jumps at it—figuring it can’t be too hard to catch the eye of a duke. After all, it happens all the time in her novels.
But sometimes a girl can do even better…
Avery Russell, valet and prize pugilist, reluctantly helps Leah gain a position in the Duke of Granville’s household… as a maid. Domestic servitude wasn’t exactly what she had in mind, but she’s determined to win her happily ever after. Even if the hero isn’t exactly who she’s expecting…
For more Gina Lamm, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
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