Crossing Nuwa: Trials
Sean Ian O’Meidhir & Connal Braginsky
Publisher: Dreamsprinner
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 02.04.20
Blurb
With the help of technomage and hacker Theo, rare snake shifter Robbie escaped his mother and clan, who planned to use him as breeding stock. While still working to break through the conditioning and mind control of his past, Robbie is enjoying exploring a new relationship with the worldlier Theo.
But their fight isn’t over yet.
A trip to his aunt’s house for Thanksgiving is highjacked by political intrigue, leaving the couple wondering who their friends really are. They cannot help but be drawn into larger plots while trying to find justice for Robbie at his mother’s trial. When clan rivalries turn deadly, they’ll need their allies—and each other—more than ever.
Cover Designer – Anna Sikorska
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It had become second nature in San Francisco, me draping my arm around Robbie and occasionally kissing him while waiting for our car to be brought by a valet or for an Uber to arrive. It wasn’t something I even thought too much about. And normally I am incredibly fast with comebacks.
But when the intoxicated moron behind us in line said, loud enough for the next zip code to hear, “Fucking faggots!” I was stunned as I turned to face him and stood uncomprehending for a beat. That sort of thing doesn’t happen in San Francisco. Maui, where I grew up, sure. I had seen it there from time to time regardless of the Polynesian culture of acceptance. But it was so unexpected it took me a second to wrap my mind around what the hell.
“What the fuck did you just say, you ignorant piece of shit?” Abi had somehow teleported from being in front of us in line to standing between Robbie and me and the Neanderthal in a suit with his pudgy girlfriend, who was frantically pulling his arm. At least she had the decency to look embarrassed.
“You heard me, Barbie. People like them make me sick.”
I instinctively pushed Robbie behind me when I turned around with a clenched fist, just about ready to swing at the man’s head when Abi shouted, “Help! This man needs help! He’s”—as she made eye contact with him, she said clearly, her tone cutting through the magical protection offered in my earpiece—“choking.”
Abruptly the man grabbed his neck with both hands and was doing exactly as she had Commanded. The Nüwa are a race of weresnakes who, in addition to being able to shift forms from human to a freaky half snake/half person to snake, also had powers of hypnosis through their stare and Commands.
The man flailed as his girlfriend let out a cry and started screaming for help as well. Abi looked back at us with a triumphant smile in her eyes as she said, with mild deadpan sarcasm, “Oh no. That poor man.”
I glanced back at Robbie, who looked stricken, and Abi apparently saw him at the same time. Her sharp intake of breath was followed by an expression of horrified apology. She had been with him during the time her mother worked with Robbie every day to help undo some of the damage his mother and aunt had inflicted through their Commands.
“I can help,” Abi said quickly, shooing the woman away as she kneeled next to the man, who had fallen to the ground, his face purple and foam pouring from his lips. Abi made a show of pressing on his chest and saying, “Breathe.” The man took a deep gasp of air, and Abi leaned down and whispered something to him. The man nodded with terror, looking up at me and then back to her before scrambling away from us.
I turned back and went to put my arm around Robbie, who shrank away from me, his mouth working soundlessly with expressions of confusion, fear, and dismay in his eyes. “Huh-uh.” I shook my head and pulled him into my embrace. “Fuck that guy. We do not hide who we are.” I held him tight until his trembling subsided some and his rigid stance loosened.
He glanced up at me, then over to Abi, who gave a contrite smile. “Robbie… I’m really sorry. I… he just pissed me off.”
The valet brought Abi’s car just then, and Robbie gave a brave smile that did not reach his eyes. “It was a great restaurant, Abi. Thanks.”
Abi impulsively hugged him tight and held him. “You know I’m not going to let anyone hurt you? Not when I’m around, right?”
He returned her hug, though not as tight. “Thanks. Text me if you need anything. Okay?”
Sean is a shrink who by day spends time in jails and prisons (evaluating criminals) and by night writes romantic fiction. Sean and partner live in San Francisco ruled by their three cats and can often be found trying new restaurants. With the understanding that they live in Heaven, Sean adores spending time sitting near the water with a laptop in hand, gazing at the bay and making daydreams a reality for others to enjoy. To read more about Sean’s adventures, please visit www.dreamersworkshop.com.
Connal Braginsky is a tech nerd that has taken a leap of faith and took a chance on writing. Born to Russian immigrants, he came out as gay at 19, and was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s Syndrome).
He loves to read, and learn about Technology, Esoteric subjects and considers himself a transhumanist (the Russian Cosmism variety). His other pastimes revolve around philosophy which includes Panpsychism, Process Philosophy, Taoism, Buddhism and Gnosticism. He is also interested in various scientific fields, including Quantum Physics, Quantum Biology, Neurology, Psychology, and Sociology.
https://linktr.ee/DreamersWorkshop
