Sunday Snippet: Protect the Target

I hope everyone survived the crazy sales if you ventured out. Me? I stay home and avoid the insane traffic, surly moods, and disappointment. LOL

Thoroughly enjoyed the premiere of The Librarians. I love this show. The Walking Dead had a solid episode. Love the interactions with the Hilltop people and Maggie and Sasha are terrific.

Gotham is truly coming into its own this season. I'm thrilled the show finally found it footing.

I'm so excited for the crossover episodes with Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow, and Legends of Tomorrow. It's going to be a fun week!

I started my Great Holiday Show Binge Watch. JAG started the marathon and Doctor Who is up next.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Protect the Target, a novella started from the prompt of "Oh, wait".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Noya Vix is a walking target with a lot of magical factions coming after her, the most persistent being Lenj Gottman, who wants to exploit her precognitive ability. Booth Wanderlux is her number one protector, but he's got issues with keeping Noya out of harm's way because she refuses to lay low until Lenj is caught.

And a preview snippet…

Booth found Starkey in his quarters and knocked on the door.

Starkey glanced up from his book. "Booth, come on in." He closed the tome and settled back in his chair. "How'd the conversation with Noya go?" A small smirk curved his lips.

Booth crossed over to stand in front of the desk. "Exactly as you'd expect." He shifted his gaze to the chair opposite his mentor.

Starkey waved a hand, inviting Booth to sit. He sank down and kicked his feet out. The older man didn't speak, waiting patiently for Booth to continue.  Loyalty to Noya battled allegiance to Starkey. The two constants in Booth's life stuck him between a rock and a hard space.

Noting he didn't deal with on a regular basis.

Booth lifted a shoulder. "She's not happy. Which you can't blame her for." He leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his knees. "She gets it. But she hates the idea of using a decoy. Thinks she should be the bait." Blowing out a frustrated breath, Booth straightened and met Sharkey's gaze.

The older man nodded. "But you explained that wouldn't happen and she's pissed." Starkey pinned Booth with a hard stare. "So now you're thinking about caving and letting her join the fray." He made a statement instead of asking a question.

Booth's shoulders slumped. "Dammit, Stark. I'm tired of being the rock you two toss back and forth at each other. Yes, it's hard for me to cut Noya out of the action. She's like my right hand, and it's harder to fight without her." He softened his tone. "But you're not making a bad call here. It's just we each know Noya and she won't sit back and let the plan unfold. Tell me you get that."

Starkey's lips curved in a wry smile. "Oh, I get it. And she'll find a way to be included." He spread his hands out, turning the palms upward. "But she'll have to be cagey and smart, dig deep into deception. Pull all the tricks out of her ass." Leaning forward, he held Booth's gaze. "And that's exactly what we need."

The light bulb went off. "For her to make it harder for Lenj to track her." Booth tamped down the anger at being manipulated. "You planned this little contingency, shaking Noya up so she's actively working to stay concealed yet still in the loop." He had to give the old man props.

Starkey inclined his chin. "I'm not sorry for thinking ahead. But putting you in the middle sucks. If there'd been another way, I would've used it."

Booth lifted a shoulder, accepting the situation. "If it keeps Noya safe, I'll deal." Rising, he headed for the door. "Looking forward to the day I won't be used as the weapon of choice between you two though." He didn't wait for Starkey's response, twisting the knob and leaving before the guy could get a word out.

At least Booth had an idea of what to expect and how to proceed. He kind of looked forward to seeing what crazy scheme Noya would dream up to get in on the takedown of Lenj.

I've been brainstorming ideas for how Noya is going to be right in the thick of the action. Lots of fun!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Price Paid

November 20, 2016

Ugh. It's been a long week with terrific and terrible happenings. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I'm choosing to focus on the terrific. I'm the proud owner of a new to me car! Very excited to have an extra vehicle. Yay!

Television didn't disappoint again this week. I only half-watched The Walking Dead, mainly because I had several deadlines I needed to meet. I'll be front and center tonight for The Librarians, one of my favorite escapist shows.

Gotham upped the stakes again and I'm truly interested in where things go from here. I love the interaction between Cobblepot and Nygma. Seriously, I would probably watch a spin-off show of just them. LOL

The Flash laid some groundwork for the showdown with the Alchemist. Looking forward to the crossover episodes starting on Monday.

Arrow had a great episode. Loved the gestures of friendship and the twisty betrayal at the end. Kind of leaning toward knowing who the vigilante is, but excited for the reveal… eventually.

Legends of Tomorrow is doing an awesome job of making the hiccups and ripples count. I like not really knowing for sure how much they're affecting their futures by messing about in the past. Fun times.

I got a late start to MacGyver's episode and need to catch up on the beginning, but another enjoyable way to spend the thirty minutes I did get to see.

Still need to watch this week's episode of Murdoch Mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the previous week's offering. It's nice to know more about Miss James.

Putting together my holiday show binge watch list. Starting Friday, the holiday tunes and television screen will be filled with merry making fare. LOL

Tonight's post is from Price Paid, a novella that got its start with a prompt to write a story about forgiveness.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Reva Bane's actions lead Mitch Vanderman to a lot of harm, but seeking atonement shouldn't cause so much pain. Then again, betrayal sometimes demands a price paid in blood, and Reva is willing to shed some if he'll finally forgive her.

And a preview snippet…

Reva turned and punched the wall. "Son of a bitch. How?" Moving to her dresser, she dragged out a pair of jeans and rifled around for a tank top.

Shoving her feet inside the denim legs, she jerked the pants past her hips, leaving them unzipped and unbuttoned for now. Tugging the shirt over her head, she wrapped her arms around her waist and blew out a long breath. Anger simmered at a low boil but she couldn't rage at Alonzo. First, he wouldn't give two shits about stepping all over something precious to Reva. Second, her right to a private life—if she had one—came a distant second to her role in the league.

Meeting Alonzo's gaze, she held it. "Never mind the how. I didn't realize you had runners tracking my ass." No other explanation came to mind.

Alonzo snarled. "I don't. The intel didn't come from them." He reached out, grabbing her biceps. "Barax announced the liaison during the council meeting." His fingers dug into her skin and he gave her a shake.

Shit. How the fuck did Barax find out? He wanted Reva and she didn't return the sentiment. Hell, no.

Alonzo let go but stayed right up in Reva's face. "You know Barax has his own personal rat patrol. I wouldn't be surprised if he's not watching video of your hot session with Vanderman as we speak." He made a wanking motion with his hand.

Reva swallowed down the bile threatening to leave her throat. If Barax had a direct video feed hidden in her townhouse, she'd cut his balls off. There were lines that didn't get crossed and invading a hunter's personal space topped the list.

She narrowed her eyes. "You know what I'll do if I find evidence. Regardless of whom I choose to fuck, good choice or bad, no one has the right to tread upon my sanctuary." Her voice lowered. "Not even the preening cock that calls himself our sitting leader." She crossed her arms over her chest, daring Alonzo to counter.

He didn't. Instead he grabbed her shoulder and nudged her out of the room. Once clear, he nodded toward the stairs and she heaved a sigh but trudged down and crossed into her living room.

Alonzo followed hot on her heels. "Look, Reva. You're in shit stew here. If I could do damage control, I would, but—"

She cut him off. "You can't. I get it, Alonzo. Doesn't mean I won't be searching this place from top to bottom to ferret out that bastard's spy gear." Flopping down on the sofa, she kicked her feet up onto the ottoman.

Alonzo shook his head. "Won't matter, Reva. You've been outed and owe recompense."

Reva saw red. "Excuse me? You implied that asshole is beating his meat while watching me have sex and I'm the one who's gotta pay?" She wanted to shoot something, anything, and Alonzo started looking like a damned good target.

He dropped down into the chair next to the couch. "First, you have zero proof and even if you did, who the hell cares? Barax didn't lure you into taking a tumble with our biggest rival." He pinned her with his gaze. "You did that all by yourself and gave Barax what he needed to capitalize on your fuck up."

A sickening dread filled Reva. "How, exactly?" Barax didn't do anything by half-measures.

Alonzo glanced away. "The council decided to give you two options. And I gotta tell you, you're not gonna like either one." His quiet tone screamed red alert.

Dread turned to anxiety with a side of trepidation, but Reva jumped in with both feet. "What are the options?"

Alonzo gave it to her straight. "You can kill Vanderman or put him in the path of vengeance demons."

Reva's head dropped back, smacking against the wall. "Fuck me sideways."

This one is coming together piece by piece. Reva has a very strong voice and talks a lot, but Mitch is waiting to tell me how he feels. I like it when characters know their minds better than I do.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Prank Police

I'm always amazed by how fast the last three months of the year fly by. I look at today's date and think, wow, Thanksgiving is in less than two weeks. Which means Christmas is only a month away, then the New Year. It's crazy.

Television didn't disappoint this week, even with election coverage on Tuesday. I did skip The Walking Dead and watched Chris Hardwick for the after show. Sometimes I need some distance from my favorite shows. LOL

Gotham had a good episode. I'm not quite sure if I like not having as much Bruce and Alfred this season. I really like their chemistry and I love the way Alfred interacts with everyone else. Looks like we'll get more of them this week.

Arrow delivered, as usual. I quite love the interaction between Thea and Quentin. With his daughters gone and her parents out of the picture, the surrogate family connection is terrific. I'm very interested in what Miss Ratings-Grabber will do with the information she has on Oliver. Didn't really expect them to address the fact Oliver didn't spend all five years on the island. Glad they've decided to work that angle in.

Legends of Tomorrow had a fun episode. I'm still kind of iffy on the whole Ray thing, but I'm hoping he finds his true footing.

MacGyver's introduction of Murdoc turned out okay. Glad Bozer's in on the whole deal and hopeful they'll start using his skills at some point. Not sure about the Nicki thing, but I'll reserve judgment.

Need to catch up on Murdoch Mysteries and I have a Killjoys season one disc to watch, but that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from The Prank Police, a working title for a novella built on the two-word prompt of "Oh, [insert deity here]".

Here's the mini-blurb:

The Mage Academy is rife with pranksters and Zenna Doyle and Kyrk Rydercroft must corral the new recruits when they all test their new found powers. And to top it off, the couple pulls duty at the worst time—the night of the blue moon when magic is at its strongest.

And a preview snippet…

Kyrk stumbled to a stop behind Zenna. "No effing way." He shot her a sideways glance, gauging her reaction to the insane sight greeting them.

Her mouth hung open and she took an angry step forward.

Kyrk grabbed her shoulder. "Uh-uh, Zenn. Take a breath, count to fifty, then move." He gave her less than thirty seconds before she blew up at the group of half-naked recruits, writing on the floor in various states of ecstasy.

She snapped her mouth shut and turned her blistering gaze on him. "This is not what we were called out to. Mage Superior said itching syndrome." She growled low in her throat. "We've got a big ass problem if he can't tell the difference between that and an ecstasy enchantment." Her shoulders tensed. "You don't think they were stupid enough to charm the whole—" A wave of bliss crossed her features. "Shit, they were." Grabbing his hand, she spun around and dragged him from the room.

Kyrk didn't make it out unscathed. His dick swelled and throbbed in his pants. Lust held him in its grip. The recruits launched what equated to a sex bomb and didn't limit the area to a containment circle. The entire room pinged with their combined magick.

Zenna shuddered when another hot flash of charged energy hit her hard. She slammed the door shut, flipping the lock. Whirling, she shoved Kyrk up against the sturdy oak and smashed her mouth against his. He hauled her close, reaching around to cup her ass and grind his rigid cock into the heated juncture of her thighs.

Zenna moaned. "Cloaked veil, Kyrk. Cast it." Her hands popped the button of his jeans and worked his zipper down. "Quickly, okay." She sucked on his neck, ghosting her lips up to his jawline. "We got a fire to quench here." Her palm wrapped around his hard shaft.

Kyrk blew out a harsh breath. "Right. Cloaked veil." He closed his eyes, focused, and whispered the incantation. "Done." They wouldn't be visible to anyone passing by.

Zenna sank to her knees. "Pants. Off. Now." Her mouth closed over the tip of his dick and her tongue swirled around the crown.

Kyrk groaned. "Hell, yes." He shoved his jeans past his hips and hooked his arms under her shoulders, pulling her up so he could step out, letting the denim pool at his feet. "Your turn." His fingers dipped under the waistband of her pants, teasing along the skin.

The urge to rip them from her body warred with his higher brain. The need coursing through him induced by the enchantment, he fought the primal call to take what he wanted, damn the consequences. The academy had rules and protocols for using sex spells for a reason.

Zenna stripped off her clothes. "Stop thinking, Kyrk. Only makes the enchantment stronger." She grabbed the hem of his shirt and pushed it upward.

Kyrk took the hint and yanked the garment over his head. "What the hell were they thinking? Pulling a stupid stunt like this." He followed instinct, lifting Zenna and backing her against the door.

Zenna's lips twisted in a sly smile. "Stupid, no." Her hips rocked, brushing her wet folds along the length of his shaft. "Pretty smart, yes. Blue moon magick, ecstasy enchantment, the whole group in one place…" Her mouth hovered over his. "They're contained in a safe place for the moment, probably having the most intense orgasms they've ever experienced, and we're within earshot." She caught his lips in a hot kiss. "Why are we still talking?" Her hips shifted and she sank over his cock.

Kyrk savored the feel of her hot core surrounding his rigid dick. "Who's talking?" His hands cupped her ass, bringing her flush with his groin.

Zenna flashed a sexy grin. "Exactly. Give me hard and fast, Kyrk. Don't wanna waste the sexual mojo." She braced her shoulders against the door.

She made a great point. He could do hard and fast.

Probably more than once.

Gotta say, it's fun to write magick-inspired sex. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Place of Honor

November 6, 2016

Wow, October flew by and I have no doubt November will do the same. It's crazy how fast time speeds along toward the end of the year.

The Walking Dead had a great episode. I really wanted to see where Carol and Morgan ended up. Will probably watch The Talking Dead first tonight.

Gotham keeps me coming back. Very interested in the potential twist thrown in at the end of last week's episode.

The Flash and Agents of SHIELD had great episodes. Very cool to see movement on both fronts.

Arrow, as always, makes me happy. I really like where everyone is headed and I'm definitely interested in discovering who's behind the armor pulling strings. Gonna be really disappointed if it ends up being Malcolm Merlyn. LOL

Legends of Tomorrow delivered an excellent episode. I'm kind of excited about the changes in Ray's status and situation. I love the idea of pairing him with Mick.

MacGyver had a fun episode. I love Jack's weird brand of humor. Looking forward to seeing the rivalry with Murdoc begin next week.

Finished up my rewatch of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and getting ready to start the fifth season of Longmire. Looking forward to watching Katee Sackhoff again.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Place of Honor, a novella based on a prompt about writing one character going on a rescue mission for the other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A band of bounty hunters go after urban legends, bagging, tagging, and removing the threat from cities, towns, villages, and sprawling rural landscapes. Wiley Star has a score to settle and Hex Harrigan can't deny her quest for vengeance—but when Wiley lands on the wrong end of a double-cross, it's up to Hex to track her whereabouts and save the day, which proves difficult because his personal feelings keep getting in the way.

And a preview snippet…

Two fucking weeks and no word from Wiley. Hex paced the chapel, back and forth, over and over. His night watch commander entered and Hex stopped. A quick shake of Seth's head confirmed nothing new on her status.

Hex slammed his fist into the wall. "Dammit!" He rubbed his split knuckles. "We should've at least heard something." Spinning around, he stalked to the altar and braced his palms on the surface.

He needed to think with a clear head. The day crew would have to dig into their well of informants. Hex hated to put up a red flag, especially when snitches notoriously played both sides. But Wiley's quest for payback wouldn't stay under wraps for long.

If her hunt for justice didn't serve to put her directly in danger's path.

Hex snorted. "A predictable move. I never should have let her go." His head hung low. "Sending up a red flare, announcing her intentions, would've been a safer option."

Seth broke his silence. "Since when has Wiley ever gone the safe route?"

Hex made a garbled choking sound. "Since never." He straightened. "Doesn't mean I'm not going to kick her ass when we get her back."

Seth's lips twisted in a sly grin. "Remind me to be far away when that happens. Better yet, you two should mount up and take a long ride into some backwater town and have at it." He leaned against the altar. "Gotta be more fun than an ass-kicking."

Hex shot Seth a look. "What makes you think Wiley would be onboard with that idea?" His mind replayed the kiss they shared.

The hint of promise lingered even two weeks later.

Seth rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding? Obviously she goes out of her way to leave a lasting impression. Why else would she work so hard to be the bane of your existence?" He slapped Hex on the back. "Get a clue, man."

Hex didn't take offense. "Yeah, yeah. I already had one. Didn't know everyone else did."

Seth flashed a cocky grin. "Well, now you do." He sobered when a shuffling sound echoed outside the door.

Holding a hand up, Hex reached for his sidearm then nodded for Seth to open the door. When the heavy oak swung inward, a body toppled to the floor. Seth dropped to his knees and Hex hunkered down beside him, keeping his weapon handy.

He glanced at Seth. "You know him?" The man had been beaten and battered and the wheezing sound coming from his mouth indicated a collapsed lung.

Seth gave a nod. "One of the bowery informers. Usually has good intel." He and leaned over the guy. "Bonnet, what happened? Who did this to you?" Seth did a quick assessment, feeling for additional injuries.

Bonnet spoke between labored breaths. "Got a location on the pretty hunter." He could  barely get the words out, but he shifted his attention to Hex. "P-pr-promise that my family will be moved to a safe location."

Hex nodded. "You have my word. Where did you find my hunter?" He called on every shred of patience. "Did her captors do this to you?" The man's life force drained with each passing moment.

Bonnet gave a quick shake of his head. "N-no. I got caught in the c-cr-crossfire between the Reavers and a new rival gang." He slid his gaze back to Seth. "I-I did what you said. Kept my ears open and my mouth shut." His tongue darted out, wetting his cracked lips. "The fight broke out over her. Some guy got all toasty over having your girl. Said they—" He broke off, wheezing for breath. "Said they stole her right out from under the Reavers." He grabbed hold of Seth's forearm. "S-sh-she's in a bad way, Seth. She's in the Dungeon, in Darkwing hands." Bonnet's breathing went shallower. "Th-they're, they're b-bad n-news." His eyes went wide and his final breath seized in his throat before his grip loosened and his hand went slack.

Seth brushed his palm over Bonnet's face, closing his death-frozen eyes. "I'll handle getting Winnie and the kids to one of our safe houses." He glanced up at Hex and lifted an eyebrow. "Who the hell are the Darkwings?"

Hex leaned back on his calves. "I sure as shit don't know, but you can bet your ass I'm going to find out." Rising, he strode across the floor to the makeshift workstation behind the altar, pulling out a laptop to open a search engine. "Got a feeling Wiley's life might depend on it."

This one is going a little dark. The sages are being very insistent on the direction they want to go in.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye