Containing Malice And Enemies-To-Lovers In Cyborg/Alien Romance
Containing Malice is an enemies-to-lovers romance…using the cyborg romance/alien romance definition of it.
I have to constantly remind myself to add that last explanation because the enemies-to-lovers trope is VERY different in other romance subgenres.
In many of those other subgenres, the hate directed at the love interest is often personal. The hero or heroine hates the other person for who they are, what they’ve done or said or implied.
In cyborg and alien romance, the love interests have often decided they hated each other long before they knew the other individual(s) existed. They hate the love interest’s species or affiliation or planet of origin and they have good reason to do so.
Often the two factions have been at war. Loved ones have been killed by the other faction. There’s pain and hurt and anger and this is directed at ALL members of that faction.
The love interest is originally seen as merely a representation of his/her species or affiliation or planet of origin. They are not viewed as individuals…at first.
This is TRUE enemies-to-lovers. The love interests are on opposite sides of actual fight-to-the-death battles, staring across enemy lines.
They then find out they are more similar than different. Their ‘enemy’ has as valid a reason for fighting as they do. I love that part of a story, when they realize that hey, maybe they shouldn’t be trying to kill the other being. (grins) It is magical.
***
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Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Containing Malice And Enemies-To-Lovers In Cyborg/Alien Romance
Containing Malice – Third Scene Of The First Chapter
Containing Malice releases on February 2nd. As we wait, I’m sharing scenes from the first chapter.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Containing Malice here:
This week I’m sharing the third scene of that first chapter.
***
Malice’s fingers were folded into tight fists. His muscles were flexed tight. His brilliant blue eyes blazed with unabashed rage.
Most of the anger was directed at her. The cyborg hated her with breathtaking ferocity.
She wanted him with an equivalent passion. Her nipples tightened. Her pussy grew wet.
From the first moment she saw him, she had desired him.
Any female would respond that way to him.
He was a warrior in his prime. His skin was the gray of polished metal. His black hair absorbed the light. His naked form was huge and honed, without a single scar or blemish. He was beautiful and deadly, and he could kill her without much effort.
If he was free, if the specially crafted sleeping support wasn’t stunning the cyborg at regular intervals, immobilizing him, she suspected he would do exactly that. He would tear her to pieces, vent his animosity on her.
And she would deserve that death. Her role was to experiment on him, learn his secrets, torture him over and over again, never allowing him to die but ensuring he wished for that fate.
She had little choice about that. If she refused to cut him open, to poke around his brain, his processors, his body, she’d be killed. The next medic might inflict lasting damage on him. That being might not care if Malice lived or died.
His chances of escape would be greatly reduced.
Illona extracted a handheld from one of her jacket’s pockets. “How is my test subject doing this planet rotation?”
Malice glared at her.
The flippant words irritated her also, but they were necessary. The chamber was equipped with monitoring equipment. In the future, if she needed to pass messages verbally to the cyborg, that information would be hidden within the flow of chatter.
And she liked talking to him. Her communications with other beings were limited to the reports she sent to the Humanoid Alliance every five planet rotations, her horrid interactions with Picton, and the briefest of interludes with Medic Febris.
She scanned the cyborg’s massive form. “All your primary systems are fully functional.” She moved closer to him, unable to maintain a professional distance from the male. “There are some dark patches on your shins.” She slipped her handheld into her pocket. “That signals bruising.” She skimmed her fingertips over his bare skin.
The scans had indicated his frame was intact. It would take much more than a reprimand stick to damage it. And if that rare event happened, the nanocybotics in Malice’s physique would quickly repair him.
But solar cycles of tending to humans and humanoids under device-limited circumstances had created the habit of physically verifying bones weren’t broken.
Plus, she liked touching him.
Malice liked her touching him also…although he would never admit that.
His cock twitched and his knuckles whitened.
His response was due to her being female. Cyborgs were originally manufactured to fight and to breed. The breeding programs weren’t successful, but the instincts remained.
He would react to any viable partner. His hatred of her wouldn’t interrupt that programming.
“There are more dark patches on your knees.” She pressed against his kneecaps. The male’s form was unrelenting.
That excited her and it shouldn’t. She was his medic.
And he was restrained, couldn’t refuse her advances.
Illona continued her examination. Slowly. The longer she took to examine Malice, the shorter the duration she had to experiment on him.
She hated taking apart his fine form. Each incision sliced into her soul. She was a medic, not a scientist, was trained to heal beings, not dissect them.
If she was successful, that torture would soon end. As would his abuse at Picton’s brutish hands. The guard had beaten him thoroughly. The bruising was especially dark over his groin. Malice was repairing but it must have hurt him.
She verbally noted each visible dark stretch of skin. His abs rippled under her palms. He was appealingly warm, almost melting the ice inside her.
Three beeps echoed in the chamber. She removed her hands from his form.
Malice opened his mouth as though to speak. His body convulsed, silencing whatever he was planning to say. The cyborg became still once more, stunned into immobility.
Only his eyes moved. They were devoid of all organics and they glowed with emotion, expressing his frustration, his anger, his unwanted need.
Illona leaned over him to look closer at his face.
“The skin over your jaw and chin is very dark.” The impact of those strikes would have broken his bones if he had been human. She caressed Malice’s jaw back and forth, back and forth.
A rumble rose from his chest. Energy flashed in his eyes.
***
Read the next scene (available January 25th) here: http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7824
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Containing Malice – Third Scene Of The First Chapter
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – January 17th
I am exactly halfway through the second draft of Under Strain and I think you’ll really love this story. Strain is deliciously damaged and his heroine is truly unique. They are an unusual couple but they truly work!
The Cyborg Sizzle Rebellion Omnibus is releasing on Tuesday. That’s a collection of 4 previously published cyborg romances – Hers To Command, Ghost Of A Machine, Seeking Vector and Knowing Zip. The omnibuses are a great way to catch up on the cyborg world if you are newer to me. (grins) I love the covers.
I will be focused on completing the second draft of Under Strain this week. I always have book brain during a second draft. I have to keep the entire story, with all the little details in my head. If I’m a little…vague, that’s why. Yesterday, I put the opened container of orange juice in the pantry. (head slap) Thankfully, the Dear Wonderful Hubby spotted it there almost immediately.
Have a great week, my friends! Stay as safe as you can. Read awesome books!
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Cynthia Sax Weekly Update | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – January 17th
Containing Malice And Zombies
Containing Malice features the Humanoid Alliance’s version of super fast zombies. (grins)
Reanimating the dead has been referred to in previous stories. It is seen as a fate worse than permanent death.
In Containing Malice, we find out more about these experiments.
Why would the Humanoid Alliance bring back the dead? Wouldn’t it be easier to craft beings from nothing?
Reanimating an enemy’s dead to fight that enemy would appeal to the Humanoid Alliance’s cruel natures. And it might be economical for them. They can merely infect the fallen and replenish their fighting forces that way. There would be no need for transportation or manufacturing.
But I also believe the Humanoid Alliance is searching for what many humans have strived for centuries to find – eternal life. These experiments could bring them one step closer to accomplishing this feat.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Containing Malice And Zombies
Containing Malice And Families
Cyborgs don’t have families like you and I might think of them. They were created in vats, didn’t know their genetic donors. Yet they have created family-like units that rival any you and I have experienced.
At first, these units consisted of warriors in their batches, the cyborgs they trained with. These males (females are rare) were all the same model type so cyborgs always have a strong affiliation with brethren with their same model type. (This is why warriors on the Cyborg Council primarily represent their model types.)
When the cyborgs started fighting for the Humanoid Alliance, their families expanded to include other model types they fought alongside. Shared experiences, especially trauma, tightened their bonds.
Malice, the C Model hero of Containing Malice, has been trapped in an underground Humanoid Alliance lab for solar cycles. His sole companion is Valor, an E Model. Their bond is EXTREMELY tight. Malice would kill, would die for Valor. And Valor would do the same for Malice.
The Humanoid Alliance know this and has been using their connection to control them.
The baddies didn’t factor into their equation one determined female medic, however.
(grins)
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Containing Malice And Families
Containing Malice And Names
Illona, the heroine of Containing Malice, is named after a reading buddy. She sent me an email. I told her I loved her name and would be using it in a future story. (grins) That’s the danger of contacting me. If you have a name I haven’t yet used in a story, I will likely steal it and add it to my list.
Medic Febris (whom the Dear Wonderful Hubby calls Febreze after the odor elimination product – grins), Illona’s friend, is named after the Roman Goddess, the protector of beings suffering from fever and malaria. The Goddess Febris was known for her honesty and her good judgment. Only you can decide if those characteristics can be applied to Illona’s friend.
Malice and Valor chose their names. Their names represent how they view themselves.
Malice does intend to do harm to others. (That includes Illona.) That, and protecting Valor, is his primary focus. He is very, very angry and plans to express that anger in violent ways.
Valor, once he is free, is determined to be worthy of his name. He is a very protective being (as Malice is) and he views himself as a futuristic version of a white knight. He merely has to find someone to save.
The baddies in Containing Malice are all named after serial killers. Most of my baddies are named after very bad people. I try not to taint other names with the baddies’ evil actions.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Containing Malice And Names
Why You Should Subscribe To My Newsletter
If you haven’t subscribed to my newsletter (you can subscribe to it here – http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/ ), you might wish to do so.
Why?
Because I’ll be sharing quite a few extra scenes from the new cyborg romance series there (They will also eventually be posted here – http://cynthiasax.com/extras/ – as I realize Gmail has been a pain in the a$$ about delivering newsletters…and many other forms of email lately. ).
I suspect once the identity of Power’s female is revealed (this will happen in Containing Malice), many reading buddies will wish to read about her background.
Why do I suspect that?
Because I wanted to hear about her background (grins). And now that I uncovered it, I want to share it with you.
That background will be glossed over in Seizing Power. You don’t have to read the extras to enjoy that story.
But if you want to have more details about their history, the newsletter scenes will provide that.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Why You Should Subscribe To My Newsletter
Containing Malice – Second Scene Of The First Chapter
I’m sharing scenes from the first chapter of Containing Malice as we wait for its release of on February 2nd.
You can read the first scene from the first chapter of Containing Malice here:
This week I’m sharing the second scene of that first chapter.
***
“You touched her.” Picton, one of the guards, smirked at her. He stood in front of C589632’s chamber.
Nelson, one of his cronies, was positioned against the far wall. He acted as though he had heard, had seen, nothing.
“You’re going to die, Medic.” Picton’s tone was gleeful. “But not before you’re forced to decommission your favorite.”
A chill skittered down Illona’s spine. “I’m not decommissioning anyone.”
That was a process reserved for cyborgs, the half organic, half mechanic beings designed by the Humanoid Alliance to fight their many wars. During decommissioning, the manufactured warriors were dissected for functional parts while they were conscious. No pain inhibitors were utilized. It was a slow and torturous death.
“And I don’t have favorites.” She accessed the control panel by the chamber’s door. “They’re machines.”
That was the Humanoid Alliance view. She was a medic, was well aware cyborgs had human-like brains, as well as processors, were capable of independent thought and fierce emotions.
They also had the ability to form tight friendships, which was how they were being controlled. If C589632—Malice—ignored orders, Valor, his E Model friend, was tortured and threatened with decommissioning. That was, she suspected, the only reason the C Model hadn’t escaped.
And it was why she had to free both of them at the same time…if she, with Medic Febris’ assistance, could accomplish that feat. Neither of the cyborgs would leave without the other.
“You didn’t hear the news.” The malevolent gleam in Picton’s eyes told Illona that news wouldn’t be good. “They’re ending the cyborg program. Some mad being has been targeting all the labs containing them, blowing the structures to shit.” His laugh held no humor. “The Humanoid Alliance aren’t taking the risk of keeping the machines. Your favorite has ten planet rotations, fifteen at the most, left, and then he’ll be replacement parts, his pretty face carved into pieces. By you.” He laughed again. “I can’t wait to see that.”
Illona wanted to dismiss the male’s words as the maniacal ramblings of a being who had been stationed in the remote lab for too long a duration.
But she had heard the same rumors about an unknown force blowing up labs that contained cyborgs. That had strengthened her resolve to liberate her patients before she died.
She would help a few more beings…if that was possible.
Picton would prevent that from happening if he knew about her plans. The male inflicted pain whenever he had the occasion to do that.
His previous planet rotation activities proved that to be true.
“The logs say you entered the chamber during the rest cycle.” She frowned at the control panel.
The guard would have brutalized Malice during that visit. He hated the cyborg, took every opportunity he was given to hurt the male.
Normally, she wouldn’t say anything. There was nothing she could do or say that would stop the abuse permanently, and mentioning it often made it worse. But to free Malice and Valor, she had to push Picton to take extreme action, to seek revenge against her.
“The machine became agitated.” The guard shrugged. “I had to calm it down.”
That was bovine shit. “The next time you have to calm it down during a rest cycle, contact me.” She met the guard’s gaze. “Either I’m present, or there will be a notification on your file. Do you understand me?”
The male narrowed his eyes at her. “I understand.”
The more notifications a being had on his or her file, the higher the likelihood they would be unknowingly experimented upon. Picton had survived as long as he had by not being caught.
She didn’t have much power, but she did have ability to put him in peril. And threatening to do so would prompt Picton to seek to eliminate her…permanently.
That could save the cyborg she had grown to care too much about. She maintained her serene expression, hiding her emotions from view. “Has the chamber been prepared?”
“The portable medic station has been locked in place. The machine has been stunned and strapped to the horizontal support.” Picton caressed the handle of his reprimand stick, his torture tool of choice. “It resisted that process.”
Fuck. The male had beaten Malice…likely after the cyborg had been restrained.
“Then you can take your break.” She opened the door to the chamber.
“You’ll take a stick to the head. Soon.” The guard said that under his breath as the door closed behind her.
If he had said the words louder, she’d have the proof she needed to write him up for that also. But Picton knew the system, knew his voice had been too soft for the monitoring equipment to register.
Reporting a being without proof deleted one notification from the accused’s file and added a notification to the accuser’s file. Illona wouldn’t survive a harsher experiment, and she needed the extra planet rotations. She had beings to save.
The male strapped to the horizontal support was one of those beings.
He wouldn’t appreciate her sacrifice.
***
Read the next scene (available January 18th) here: http://tasteofcyn.com/?p=7822
***
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Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Coming Soon | Comments Off on Containing Malice – Second Scene Of The First Chapter
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – January 10th
I’ve completed my mini reading vacation and am super relaxed AND super inspired. The plot for Under Strain was simmering in the back of my brain during the writing break and I’ve figured out some ways to make it even more wonderful than it already is.
This upcoming week, I’ll be working on that second draft. The plan is to complete the first 11 (of 18) chapters. I have a gazillion pages of notes and am ready to create some magic. (grins)
This past week, North Bound made the semi-finals for the Swoon Awards’ Best Science-Fiction Romance of 2020. Woot! You can vote (for up to FIVE titles per category) here – http://www.theswoonawards.com/2021/01/the-2020-swoon-award-semi-finals.html .
I’ve completed quite a bit of informal research on pandemics (due to personal interest and for Doc’s Orders) and the time period between the first vaccinations and achieving that 80-90% vaccination threshold is often the most dangerous and most deadly duration of any pandemic. This is NOT the time to relax our guards, my friends. Be as safe as you can. (big hugs) I’m taking this time to read more awesome books! Hey, when the universe speaks, I listen. (grins)
***
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Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Cynthia Sax Weekly Update | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – January 10th
Starting With Containing Malice
Some reading buddies have asked me if they can enjoy Containing Malice, the first story in the Rebel Cyborgs series, without having read any of the other cyborg series or stories.
YES! Containing Malice was written assuming readers have never read any of my previous stories.
I was so concerned about getting that aspect right; I asked someone I respected who hasn’t read any of my cyborg romances to read the first 1,000 words. She had some awesome feedback, which I incorporated into the story. And with those changes, she had no problems being sucked into Malice and Illona’s story.
Of course, reading buddies who have read the previous stories will have more insights into events and the histories of the other cyborgs and females mentioned. (grins)
And Releasing Rage, as of today, is still FREE everywhere. If you like Releasing Rage, you will likely enjoy Containing Malice and you’ll have a greater understanding of cyborgs and their universe. You might consider trying this FREE story first.
But you don’t have to do that. You can start happily with Containing Malice.
***
Subscribe To My Newsletter: http://cynthiasax.com/newsletter/
Containing Malice
This tormented cyborg craves vengeance…and her.
***
Malice, a C Model cyborg, has spent his long lifespan enslaved by the Humanoid Alliance. His cruel manufacturers have hurt him in all the ways a male could be hurt.
His enemy has now added a new weapon to their arsenal—a tiny human medic with soft hands and a delectable scent. She experiments on him multiple times a shift, delivering pain…and frustration.
He wants her. He also seeks retribution.
Once Malice frees himself, he plans to achieve both of his goals, taking Medic Illona captive and ending her research…permanently.
Illona is as much a prisoner as the cyborgs she experiments on. Since her arrival at the Human Alliance’s secret laboratory, she has carefully, stealthily, crafted a plot to free her test subjects. To conceal her covert activities, the medic has been forced to harm beings rather than heal them.
The being she has damaged the most is also the cyborg she fiercely desires— Malice, a huge, gray-skinned, blue-eyed C Model with massive hands and a voice deeper than space. He hates her, has good reason to do so, and, when he’s freed, there’s a high probability he’ll kill her.
Illona will take that risk to ensure he survives.
***
Containing Malice is a STANDALONE enemies-to-lovers Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It is the first of five core stories in the Rebel Cyborgs Series.
Book 1: Containing Malice
Book 2: Under Strain
Book 3: Baring Grudge
Book 4: B Free
Book 5: Seizing Power
Pre-order Today:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LK4CWHS
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/containing-malice/id1536770487
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/containing-malice-cynthia-sax/1137961594
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/containing-malice
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1049881
Topics: Story Insights | Comments Off on Starting With Containing Malice
