Sunday Snippet: Seeing Red

September 1, 2013

Hello!

Yeesh, first day of September. That means the holidays are just around the corner. I know, right? How is that possible? According to our local Dollar General, Halloween stuff has to be displayed before the kids even go back to school the third week of August. *shakes head* I fully expect to see Christmas stuff out within the next two weeks. *shudder*

Thankfully, my post tonight isn't about the holidays. I'll save those for a later, more appropriate time. :D

Seeing Red is about a group of meta-humans who face a big battle with an opposing faction. Their special abilities are sometimes a little hard to control which makes the characters so much fun to write. :D

Here's the tagline:

Vesta Crock can't stand tension and a major meta-human uprising puts everyone on edge. Jones Blaylock becomes her target for a series of supposedly fun pranks, but when a fellow member of their team gets injured, Jones sees red and that's not a good thing for the firestarter.

And a preview snippet…

Jones drew in a deep breath, trying to shove the red haze aside. "By Christ, Vesta, do you not have a clue?" He exhaled, long and slow. "Your latest escapade just landed Bryce in the infirmary. He almost lost a damned eye."

Vesta opened her mouth then snapped it shut.

Jones shook his head. "Yeah, didn't figure you'd deny it was your handiwork."

She jabbed her finger at his shoulder. "You prick. Did Bryce get injured or not?"

He grabbed her hand, the red rage kicking in with a vengeance. "You're goddamned right he did. All because of your stupid attacks against me." He squeezed her flesh, the transfer of heat involuntary.

Vesta jerked her hand away, rubbing at her skin and blowing on it. "Shit, Jones. Calm down."

The tray of food on the table beside them burst into flames and the occupants scrambled away. Jones visualized glaciers and a frosty wind and the small fire died down. Vesta backed up to a healthy distance. A fissure of fear crept into her gaze and Jones growled low in his throat, turned, and stalked out.

~:~

Vesta tamped down her guilt over Bryce's injury and started out after Jones. She didn't deserve his wrath. At least not the fiery kind. He could've killed everyone in the room. A hand shot out and halted her progress.

Vesta jerked free and swung around ready to let loose with a torrent of cursing.

Hal shook his head. "Don't even think about it, Vesta."

She snapped her mouth shut. "Fine. What do you want?"

Hal grabbed her hand and tugged her away from the door. "For you to leave well enough alone right now." He pushed her onto the lounge and dropped down next to her. "If you go after him right now, he'll likely burn the place down." He shot her a sideways glance. "And not one damn person would blame him."

Vesta snorted. "I suppose they'd lay that at my feet, too."

Hal huffed out a breath. "Ves, do you have any idea how much of a pain in the ass you've been lately? The deal with Bryce pushed Jones past his limit."

Vesta wanted to deny the accusation, but couldn't. She cast her gaze downward, unwilling to let Hal see the shame in her eyes.

He laid a hand on hers. "Look, you went too far and someone got hurt. Everyone knows you didn't intend the end result, but it's still there, you know?"

She nodded, unable to speak over the lump in her throat.

Hal squeezed her fingers. "He's gonna take the heat and probably receive a harsh reprimand. All because he can't control one of his assets."

She hadn't thought of the possible repercussions. Hadn't looked past busting the boredom. She never did well in a hurry-up-and-wait situation. Didn't mean her team leader should have to pay the price.

Vesta sighed and met Hal's gaze. "You've made your point, Hal. I'll apologize as soon as he's had time to cool off."

Hal nodded. "Give him the rest of the day, Ves. You made him see red."

She shuddered. "I know and it's not his best shade." She turned and started for the door again. "If we get our orders, come find me." She glanced back over her shoulder. "You know where I'll be."

Hal's lips quirked. "In the danger zone. Got it."

Vesta smiled. Hal knew her better than anyone. And the danger zone gave her an outlet for the pent up energy she never quite expelled.

At least she couldn't get in trouble or cause damage in the huge atrium full of combat equipment.

Except maybe to herself.

Vesta will hopefully end up finding herself before it's all over. Jones might have a wee bit of something to do with helping her along. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye