The Hybrid
The Wild Clan Sagas
Novel 2
Christine Murphy
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Publisher: KnightFall Publishing
Date of Publication: August 1, 2015
ISBN: 9781311085313
ASIN: B00Z8QXLXO
Number of pages: 200
Word Count: 139,328
Cover Artist: Christine Murphy
Sara, a hidden Hybrid disguised as a BioGen Monitor, will find an enslaved Justin being experimented on. She will help him gain his freedom and in the process will gain her own. Trust will grow between them and from that trust will blossom a love which will give them the power to escape BioGen.
Book Video - http://youtu.be/Mji5bytVyBU
Buy from: Amazon | BN | Smashwords
Excerpt
Hands touched her skin and she tried to push them away because the heat was burning her up. Justin’s voice came from so far away as he called out, “Victor, I’ve got some medical supplies, but no intravenous. Do you still have the emergency kit?”
Sara didn’t make out the answer and Justin’s following words became a garbled mess of jumbled syllables. His hands still lingered on her touching her skin and she was tormented. Part of her wanted him to keep touching her but part of her tried to escape while cascading waves of heat reacted to the contact. Continuing to fade in and out she wasn’t sure what was real or what was her fever-induced imagination. She felt the prick of a needle in her arm, a cooling wash of fluid, another round of heat which crescendoed into a blistering inferno until she cried out. Her own whimpers seemed far off but the gentle feel of a cool cloth on her skin was crystal clear.
A caress calmed her and she tried to follow the strong hand that delivered it struggling against the blankets which cocooned her. A heavy weight held her down when she struggled, but a warm murmur eased her until she stilled again. Her eyes flickered open and awareness surfaced enough to know it was Justin who held her in his arms. His handsome face was a picture of worry as he stroked his fingers through her hair and continued to murmur words to her.
Her hearing cleared for a moment and Justin’s broken words reached her when he whispered, “Just a couple more hours, my little flame. The sun will be up soon and you’ll feel much better. Just, please, hold on for me.”
His little flame. Her mind captured those precious words and held on to them just like she held on to her life. Her insides were on fire while the infection from the damage the Monitors and guards had inflicted on her tried to defeat her. Through it all Justin held her, whispered to her, and demanded she stay with him. Did he mean it? Did he want to keep her? Were the words of her being his a truth that he meant, or just a passing moment to help give her strength? Yes, by the Fates she did wish to be his, but the odds were so against them, especially with her Hybrid abilities.
Lost again in her agony all she could think of was the possibility she could kill him. She couldn’t take it if she harmed him with the strange fires that burned within her. In her injured state she was surprised he had not already been harmed. Again she struggled not wanting to hurt him but he held her down, brushed his fingers through her hair, and gently touched her cheeks. He was trying to calm her but she was so lost until the feel of his lips against her temple had every cell in her body focused in on the one moment.
Her breathing caught and her heart seemed to pause in its beat. Justin froze against her and she could feel the hard hammer of his heart. Her body was completely limp, unmoving, but she managed to open her eyes. He was so close, his golden-brown hazel eyes with those brilliant flashes of green just a breath away, and within them a pain that reflected her own. And within the pain, a determination as his arms tightened around her and he rested his forehead against hers.
“Please, Saraphina. Stay with me.”
The whispered torment made her want to cry out. With a shaking hand she reached up and brushed her fingertips against his cheek. The feel of stubble tickled her because of her hyper-awareness. Slowly, with one fingertip, she inched closer to his lips needing to feel them. It was her escape from everything tormenting her, haunting her. Past, present, future combined in a growing haze until she reached her goal and the tactile feel of his firm lips became everything.
With the last of her strength she tried to lift her head, wanting, needing, to feel his lips against hers. As much as she tried she couldn’t reach him and tears of frustration filled her leaving her gasping for breath. A reflected image of grief sparked in Justin’s eyes and she hoped he didn’t think she was telling him goodbye. She was going nowhere because she knew what her future was supposed to be now. Her old caregiver had foretold it so long ago. Her future was right before her…Justin…and she wasn’t going anywhere. He was her future and she was going to protect him and his people no matter what.
Hands touched her skin and she tried to push them away because the heat was burning her up. Justin’s voice came from so far away as he called out, “Victor, I’ve got some medical supplies, but no intravenous. Do you still have the emergency kit?”
Sara didn’t make out the answer and Justin’s following words became a garbled mess of jumbled syllables. His hands still lingered on her touching her skin and she was tormented. Part of her wanted him to keep touching her but part of her tried to escape while cascading waves of heat reacted to the contact. Continuing to fade in and out she wasn’t sure what was real or what was her fever-induced imagination. She felt the prick of a needle in her arm, a cooling wash of fluid, another round of heat which crescendoed into a blistering inferno until she cried out. Her own whimpers seemed far off but the gentle feel of a cool cloth on her skin was crystal clear.
A caress calmed her and she tried to follow the strong hand that delivered it struggling against the blankets which cocooned her. A heavy weight held her down when she struggled, but a warm murmur eased her until she stilled again. Her eyes flickered open and awareness surfaced enough to know it was Justin who held her in his arms. His handsome face was a picture of worry as he stroked his fingers through her hair and continued to murmur words to her.
Her hearing cleared for a moment and Justin’s broken words reached her when he whispered, “Just a couple more hours, my little flame. The sun will be up soon and you’ll feel much better. Just, please, hold on for me.”
His little flame. Her mind captured those precious words and held on to them just like she held on to her life. Her insides were on fire while the infection from the damage the Monitors and guards had inflicted on her tried to defeat her. Through it all Justin held her, whispered to her, and demanded she stay with him. Did he mean it? Did he want to keep her? Were the words of her being his a truth that he meant, or just a passing moment to help give her strength? Yes, by the Fates she did wish to be his, but the odds were so against them, especially with her Hybrid abilities.
Lost again in her agony all she could think of was the possibility she could kill him. She couldn’t take it if she harmed him with the strange fires that burned within her. In her injured state she was surprised he had not already been harmed. Again she struggled not wanting to hurt him but he held her down, brushed his fingers through her hair, and gently touched her cheeks. He was trying to calm her but she was so lost until the feel of his lips against her temple had every cell in her body focused in on the one moment.
Her breathing caught and her heart seemed to pause in its beat. Justin froze against her and she could feel the hard hammer of his heart. Her body was completely limp, unmoving, but she managed to open her eyes. He was so close, his golden-brown hazel eyes with those brilliant flashes of green just a breath away, and within them a pain that reflected her own. And within the pain, a determination as his arms tightened around her and he rested his forehead against hers.
“Please, Saraphina. Stay with me.”
The whispered torment made her want to cry out. With a shaking hand she reached up and brushed her fingertips against his cheek. The feel of stubble tickled her because of her hyper-awareness. Slowly, with one fingertip, she inched closer to his lips needing to feel them. It was her escape from everything tormenting her, haunting her. Past, present, future combined in a growing haze until she reached her goal and the tactile feel of his firm lips became everything.
With the last of her strength she tried to lift her head, wanting, needing, to feel his lips against hers. As much as she tried she couldn’t reach him and tears of frustration filled her leaving her gasping for breath. A reflected image of grief sparked in Justin’s eyes and she hoped he didn’t think she was telling him goodbye. She was going nowhere because she knew what her future was supposed to be now. Her old caregiver had foretold it so long ago. Her future was right before her…Justin…and she wasn’t going anywhere. He was her future and she was going to protect him and his people no matter what.
Sara didn’t make out the answer and Justin’s following words became a garbled mess of jumbled syllables. His hands still lingered on her touching her skin and she was tormented. Part of her wanted him to keep touching her but part of her tried to escape while cascading waves of heat reacted to the contact. Continuing to fade in and out she wasn’t sure what was real or what was her fever-induced imagination. She felt the prick of a needle in her arm, a cooling wash of fluid, another round of heat which crescendoed into a blistering inferno until she cried out. Her own whimpers seemed far off but the gentle feel of a cool cloth on her skin was crystal clear.
A caress calmed her and she tried to follow the strong hand that delivered it struggling against the blankets which cocooned her. A heavy weight held her down when she struggled, but a warm murmur eased her until she stilled again. Her eyes flickered open and awareness surfaced enough to know it was Justin who held her in his arms. His handsome face was a picture of worry as he stroked his fingers through her hair and continued to murmur words to her.
Her hearing cleared for a moment and Justin’s broken words reached her when he whispered, “Just a couple more hours, my little flame. The sun will be up soon and you’ll feel much better. Just, please, hold on for me.”
His little flame. Her mind captured those precious words and held on to them just like she held on to her life. Her insides were on fire while the infection from the damage the Monitors and guards had inflicted on her tried to defeat her. Through it all Justin held her, whispered to her, and demanded she stay with him. Did he mean it? Did he want to keep her? Were the words of her being his a truth that he meant, or just a passing moment to help give her strength? Yes, by the Fates she did wish to be his, but the odds were so against them, especially with her Hybrid abilities.
Lost again in her agony all she could think of was the possibility she could kill him. She couldn’t take it if she harmed him with the strange fires that burned within her. In her injured state she was surprised he had not already been harmed. Again she struggled not wanting to hurt him but he held her down, brushed his fingers through her hair, and gently touched her cheeks. He was trying to calm her but she was so lost until the feel of his lips against her temple had every cell in her body focused in on the one moment.
Her breathing caught and her heart seemed to pause in its beat. Justin froze against her and she could feel the hard hammer of his heart. Her body was completely limp, unmoving, but she managed to open her eyes. He was so close, his golden-brown hazel eyes with those brilliant flashes of green just a breath away, and within them a pain that reflected her own. And within the pain, a determination as his arms tightened around her and he rested his forehead against hers.
“Please, Saraphina. Stay with me.”
The whispered torment made her want to cry out. With a shaking hand she reached up and brushed her fingertips against his cheek. The feel of stubble tickled her because of her hyper-awareness. Slowly, with one fingertip, she inched closer to his lips needing to feel them. It was her escape from everything tormenting her, haunting her. Past, present, future combined in a growing haze until she reached her goal and the tactile feel of his firm lips became everything.
With the last of her strength she tried to lift her head, wanting, needing, to feel his lips against hers. As much as she tried she couldn’t reach him and tears of frustration filled her leaving her gasping for breath. A reflected image of grief sparked in Justin’s eyes and she hoped he didn’t think she was telling him goodbye. She was going nowhere because she knew what her future was supposed to be now. Her old caregiver had foretold it so long ago. Her future was right before her…Justin…and she wasn’t going anywhere. He was her future and she was going to protect him and his people no matter what.
About the Author:
Christine Murphy started her writing career at a young age even before she was putting words to paper. Living in the Midwest left her with plenty of time to read and develop her creative mind. Her first short story was written in grade school and was in a fantasy-type style. Later she took an online course in writing and created another story based on the adventures of a Native-American youth searching for her purpose in life and filled with lots of symbology.
Science-fiction fantasy was her main reading preference but quickly shifted to romance. In the beginning she preferred Contemporary Romance but that didn't last long when she discovered Christine Feehan and JR Ward. Paranormal Romance had infected her and she read as much of it as her voracious mind could adsorb.
Eventually Christine joined the work force, and although she continued to read, she didn't pursue her need to create her own worlds other than in her head. Her imagination continued but reality kept her busy including a successful medical based career in the military. Working as a clinical laboratory scientist she was stationed in several locations in the United States and in numerous areas of the world including England, Italy, Germany, Africa, and the Middle East. Finally her career brought her to a small town outside the Tampa Bay area in Florida. This is where she finally realized time is too short to put off those enjoyments in life especially when her husband was struck with leukemia. He successfully recovered but it made her decide she wanted to pursue writing which seemed to be put off her whole life.
Within two years she had completed an entire series - The Sphinx Warriors Series, and started the first book of The Wild Clan Sagas. Currently she continues to write from her Florida home while looking out her back lanai to a small pond where the wild-life gathers and the flowers bloom in exotic pinks and purples. This is her place of peace and freedom she has searched for all her life and where her husband and crazy African Gray Parrot, Raider, hang out with her. It’s the place where her creativity runs wild while she spins tales of adventure and passion. She captures the unique characters, civilizations, conflict, passion, and love in her writing from the fantasies which still spin in her head. She captures the strong, spirited, and powerfully attracted characters and all of their adventures and share it with others who are searching for that very thing to make their lives more exciting.
If she accomplishes nothing else in life, she hopes to share the romantically magical worlds and the lovers she sees with all of the passionate readers out there. Her next projects are continuing to work on her Wild Clan Sagas and her Midnight Riders Series as she partners with KnightFall Publishing and CK Productions.
Website: http://christinemurphybooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CLMurphyBooks
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Interview
Please welcome The Hybrid author Christine Murphy to Diane’s Book Blog.
What is your favorite part of the story, (name of book/series)?
My favorite part of The Hybrid is when Saraphina gains the confidence to control her abilities. The action in the scene keeps you hooked in while the determination to save those she loves keeps you on the edge of your seat. Near the end of the book a fiery battle takes place between the BioGen army and the Rogues. The Rogues are made up Saraphina, Justin, the Wilder family, and the others who were banished from the UNS long ago where BioGen rules. Between the Rogues, Defiance, and Justin, and Saraphina they might just be victorious. It doesn’t hurt that Saraphina has abilities allowing her to create explosive fire and to concert certain kinds of energy. Will they win against BioGen? You’ll have to check and the book and see!
How long did it take you to write (name of book)?
The Hybrid (Book 2 of The Wild Clan Sagas) took about 6 months from start to finish which is about my average. The first year of my writing I had 1 book published in The Sphinx Warriors Series but worked on the rest of the series while we were going through all the publication steps. The second year I was pumping out quite a few books and had an average of about one every four months. Ended up being 7 published in the next two years. Decided I didn’t want to burn myself out quite that fast so am planning at least two books a year – maybe three. This year I will have two books published counting the one in August with an additional planned for the Christmas Holidays. The Hybrid is released in August and the next book in The Midnight Riders Series will release in December time frame.
If you were stranded on a desert island which of your characters do you want by your side?
In the Hybrid there is a supporting character known as Daman. He is a Companion controlled by a Handler and who entertains the Gens of BioGen. His Handler believes he is completely under their control but he is actually the leader of Defiance. A group of underground criminals and escaped Companions who wreak havoc against BioGen and anyone else they can gain benefit from. Daman has recently taken over Defiance and is striving to move the group onto better things such as supporting the Rogues in their battle against BioGen. Although he works secretly against the government entity he is still enslaved to them because of a tracking device in his neck. He is a survivor, fights with everything he is, and is determined one day to have his freedom and those who he considers friends and family. He will have his own book later in the series – The Companion.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Two things inspired me. The first was when I read the Twilight Series. The emotions of the experiences that the characters in those books went through reminded me of the emotions I went through in highschool. So many feelings that I wanted to relive and capture that feeling of youth. Everyday life had sort of repressed all of the adventurous things I wanted to do when I was younger. The hammer that drove my desire to do more home was when my husband was told he had cancer. The suffering he went through to survive on the other side motivated me to reach for the goal of writing and being published. Even if I failed, how bad could it be it comparison to having to go through chemotherapy sessions. Plus my writing was kind of a psychological way to work through the demons that haunted me because of what he had to go through while I watched.
What is your favorite book that you wrote?
Picking a single favorite book is difficult because all of them are a part of me in the creation of my books. Perhaps my initial favorite was my first book Sphinx Resurrected because it was my first project and the characters came from two of my favorite people that I had known in the past. I think there was more in Michael and Stormy as far as my personal experiences from when I was younger on an emotional level. In the Hybrid, I really enjoyed creating Saraphina because she is a strong character who has been through unimaginable challenges in life and still survived. On the outside she was hard because she had to survive in an atmosphere where everyone was trying to kill her. On the inside she was kind and good-spirited and made the choice to free Justin even though releasing him was risking her own existence. She asked for nothing in return but knew he was important and had to be saved.
Who or what inspired you to be a writer?
I have been writing since 2012. I had always wanted to write dabbling a bit in school and then taking an online course in writing but never actually committed. Life was always keeping me busy and with marriage, kids, work, and being in the military I just didn’t have time. In 2010 my husband was diagnosed as having leukemia. After watching him go through chemo and a bone marrow transplant and surviving I realized life is too short to not grab onto what you want to do now. So, I decided then and there it was time to start writing no matter how busy I was. Right then and there I got my computer and started researching for the first book and have never looked back. It has been a great time and I have lots of great ideas to keep on writing more books.
What books have most influenced your life?
My favorite genres when I was younger was science fiction/fantasy but as I grew older I got into romance. After a while I found that I lived some sub-genres than others in the romance realm. My favorite I have found are the paranormal or superhuman realm of romance such as those written by JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood and Sherrilyn Kenyon and her Dark Hunters. These books captured my imagination and I liked all of the brooding males, action, and dark enemies to fight, not to mention the incredible heroines that end up with the guy. I also enjoyed The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer because it touched the young woman in me from back in the day.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I would have to say JR Ward and all of her incredible Black Dagger Brotherhood men. Her writing was both exciting and dark and I like all of the brooding males running around. There was no pansy cutesy hand holding and love scenes. No, the character interactions are raw and more realistic including the male view on “feelings” and the way they think. She captured both the masculine and feminine (and some in between) in her writing. She wasn’t afraid to take her scenes to the extreme of the sensual or the disgusting. All of it was fascinating and kept my attention for hours.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Absolutely. The Hybrid is a continuation of The Wild Clan Sagas. The first book being The Source. In The Hybrid, Sara is a genetically created Hybrid who hides herself using her ability to disguise herself as a BioGen Monitor. In her duties she is assigned to guard one of the subjects of a research study who happens to be Justin who was captured and enslaved by BioGen. Sara will help him gain his freedom and in the process will gain her own. Together they will make a run for The Wilds where Justin’s family and the Rogues live in freedom. Battles will be waged between the controlling government and those who want to live in freedom. Unexpected alliances will be made between Defiance and the Rogues in an effort to survive. Trust will grow between Sara and Justin amid the chaos and from that trust will blossom a love which will give them the power to escape BioGen.
What book are you reading now?
When I’m not into my writing I’m working on Cat’s Lair by Christine Feehan – one of the Leopards Series. She is an incredible writer as well and I’ve enjoyed her books for year. She was my first paranormal romance writer that I indulged in before JR Ward or the others. Her Dark Series with the Carpathians was the first time I got into the series format and since then have always been fascinated with series. I think the multi-book format allows a writer to better develop not only the characters but a whole complete society and structure for the characters to exist in. That is why I have gone toward the direction of series writing. The Source started as a single book but after writing it I realized it has so many characters and plot lines that I could continue to build on and work with.
What do you prefer paperback, hardcover, or ebooks?
I believe all formats serve their purpose but my favorite personally is paperback. I like the feel of something tangible in my hands and can take it anywhere. It is good for traveling because I can put it in my backpack, purse, wherever and I don’t have to worry about a power source if I run out of energy. Ebook is good too because I don’t have to worry about recycling or donating the paperback when I am done with. Ebook I can read on different devices and I can magnify the clarity if my eyes get tired. When I deployed with the military I took both ebooks and paperback.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
In my stories there is a central theme such as in the Hybrid that is threaded throughout the book. The central premise of The Wild Clan Sagas, including The Hybrid is that no matter how advanced civilization becomes or what challenges face us love is the most important factor. Love and family is everything to fight for no matter what the cost. In the Hybrid, Sara longs for love and Justin has lost his family and has been captured by BioGen. Together they find each other and escape. They are fated to become lovers and only as a team will they find their freedom to escape to The Wilds. They will be free to love who they want and be with their family without the influence of a futuristic government determined to use them as nothing but genetic material for procreation.
Giveaway
5 ebook sets of The Hybrid and The Source –( first Novel in the Wild Clan Sagas)
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