Sunday Snippet: Reflection of a Kiss

February in Ohio can be an angsty monster. Two days ago we hit almost eighty degrees. Yesterday, we had a fifty-degree drop in temperature and snow. Seriously… Mother Nature has a warped sense of humor. Just saying.

I'll be skipping this week's The Walking Dead but thoroughly enjoyed last Sunday's episode. I'm always up for Daryl and Carol being in the same space.

The Flash ended up being pretty good, but I need to rewatch. Too many distractions going on while it aired. I did get to see most of Legends of Tomorrow and I'm torn between really hating Rip as a bad guy and kind of enjoying it. I'm very fickle sometimes.

Arrow ended up being awesome! Thea moving behind the scenes to protect her brother is terrific, even when she goes too far. The Merlyn blood is strong in her. I loved Oliver comparing her to Moira, too. A nice, subtle reminder of her other role model in life.

Riverdale got real with the Blossom family secrets. I loved getting some dark background on them. Also enjoyed some of the other undertones pinging in the background. I'm a little confused about Fred's marital status… didn't he say he and Mary split up but they're civil to each other? Oh well, whatever adds more drama, right?

I'm halfway through season two of Daredevil and still enjoying it. It's not as tightly written as the first season, but I love where things are going.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Reflection of a Kiss, a sexy short that got its start from a writing community prompt. Write a short story where one main character reflects on the differences when kissing her partner, her lover, her direct superior and her husband… and they're all the same man. I really fell hard for this prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pryce Baker and Fisk Darrison, two hunters in the middle of a supernatural war, have many different types of kisses. It's not easy maintaining a relationship in the middle of enemy territory, but they take the time to reflect on what they have and make it work.

And a preview snippet…

Pryce handled making the lair secure. A simple hex spell would keep intruders out but let their other recruits in. She changed the entry incantation every day.

A quick note to the next group who came in explained what the next target would be and where each member should be posted. McBain could kiss her ass if he thought she'd stick around to personally brief everyone. She had plans. A hot shower to wash away a full week of infiltrating enemy territory and a long, rejuvenating session in bed with Fisk.

In exactly that order.

Stripping her shirt off, she entered the room she shared with Fisk and warded the door. After tossing her top in the laundry pile, she moved into the bathroom, grinning at the sauna-like atmosphere. The tiny space had a tub, shower, sink, and toilet and not much else. Okay, the mirrored wall added some depth… and other possibilities.

She'd give McBain credit for finding the abandoned hotel with one decent wing their group could use as a base of operations.

She popped the button on her pants, momentarily distracted by the sight of Fisk's ass behind the frosted glass of the shower door. No man's butt should look that good. Then again, the rest of the package matched the sculpted behind.

"Stop looking at my ass and get yours in here." Fisk nudged the door open. "My five-minute head start is long over."

Pryce wriggled out of her fatigues and entered the stall with Fisk. He tucked her in front of him, the spray of hot water providing instant relaxation. She moaned, letting her head fall forward, liquid sluicing over her scalp and shoulders.

Fisk started at her nape, brushing the hair aside. His hands smoothed over her skin, the cleansing gel washing away the day's grit and grunge. Long fingers massaged knots from tight muscles, ghosted over bruises and bumps, and teased with a promise of what would come soon.

Pryce lathered up her hair, her fingertips working the snags and snarls loose. A thorough rinse off and—viola—a new person emerged. One clean, relaxed, and ready for action.

She turned in Fisk's arms and lifted her chin. He meshed their mouths together in a lover's kiss. The slow, sexy slide of his tongue against hers, the sweeping lust holding her in its grip. She craved intimate contact. Hot… so, so hot.

Fisk shut the water off and swept his arm under her legs, lifting her, dripping wet, to carry her into their room. His mouth never left hers, the wickedly erotic lip-lock inching the temperature up another notch. He smoothly deposited her on the bed and crawled over top of her.

Breaking the kiss, he nuzzled her throat. "Bad news. I kind of made plans." His lips latched on to the sensitive spot below her ear.

Pryce threaded her fingers through his hair. "You did? And what would those be?" Her back arched when his teeth nipped her earlobe.

Propping up on one elbow, Fisk skimmed a hand along her ribcage to cup a breast. "Listening to you gasp and moan for the rest of the night." His fingers captured her nipple, tweaking it before his head dipped to nibble around the tip.

Pryce smiled and worked her hand between them, palming his long erection. "I think you'd better get started then."

This might end up going longer than a sexy short, but I love where Pryce and Fisk are as a couple.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

February 19, 2017

Okay, I ended up watching The Walking Dead and enjoyed having the group back together. As always, The Talking Dead made me happy, too.

An off week for The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, which meant I got to start a binge watch of Daredevil. So far, so good. I have two more episodes of season one to watch and I'm loving it.

Arrow's episode with the origin of Wild Dog ended up being terrific. I'm so happy they got a season six order. Arrow is consistently one of my favorites.

Riverdale continues to be must see for me. It's not perfect, but I like that. Lots of room to grow the characters and plot threads. I'll be waiting patiently for the next person to slap Alice Cooper… or to bring her down. Either is okay with me.

Caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and happy to see Brackenreid back. I enjoy him a lot. Looking forward to this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella with a twist on the Hansel and Gretel tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

The beast, a red-eyed, fire-breathing monster made its way through the enchanted woods. The huge metallic tale cut a swath behind him, ruining gardens, flower beds, and outdoor oases. Marcus Lamier smiled in the dark confines of his workshop, also known as his den of iniquity.

"Ten years I've waited. The time for vengeance is now." He guided the beast along the north quadrant of the magical forest, giving it free reign to destroy yards and wreak havoc on crops.

Banished for using the dark arts, Marcus hated being on the extreme edge of the realm. He didn't appreciate mingling with the others, humans who had no concept of magick or how to wield its power. But the regular population paid his bills and gave him the means to exact his revenge for being exiled.

"They shouldn't have interfered with my plans." Marcus urged the beast to a faster pace; viewing the chaos it left behind through the red filmy haze of its eyes connected to Marcus by a telepathic link.

His reputation for fixing the unfixable gave him a steady clientele that paid whatever price he named to fix their objects. Of course, using magick meant he could repair anything the regulars brought him. It also afforded him the means to build the object of his revenge, the beast plowing through the enchanted woods.

Marcus planned to start small; the north quadrant tonight and the west section tomorrow. "That'll get their attention." And one other person should take an interest. "Psyche."

His obsession with her started over ten years ago. At sixteen, Psyche Hood's inquisitive mind craved new and exciting knowledge. Forbidden topics intrigued her, nothing off-limits—even the dark arts.

Marcus snorted. "And that's how I ended up here." He directed the beast to end its destruction and guided him to the small cottage in the center of the woods.

Psyche resided behind the painted, green door. Marcus used the beast as a conduit and reached out with his mind. Not there. Probably off with her golden boy, Errol Winkam.

The bitter taste of bile filled Marcus's throat. "She won't be yours much longer."

Winkham had no idea what he had with Psyche. Her potential for power grew with each passing year. Marcus wanted to pluck Psyche and watch her ripen into the commanding mage he envisioned.

Ordering the beast to return to its lair, Marcus broke the connection. "Soon, Psyche. You'll be mine very soon."

Enjoying trying my hand at adding a twisty update to one of my favorite fairy tales.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

The Walking Dead returns tonight and I'm torn between wanting to watch and not. I'm feeling very bleh today and might hold off and watch later.

The Flash is getting good. Not that it wasn't already, but I like how much they've upped the stakes and how the Flashpoint 'verse continues to bleed into the current reality.

Legends of Tomorrow also keeps getting better. And it's renewed for season three, which makes me very happy. I'm gutted over Rip becoming a marginalized version of his former self. Here's hoping that changes soon.

Arrow finally had some payoff for the bitchtastic reporter. Oliver just can't pick 'em. I do love the addition of Dinah and look forward to her interactions with the team. Rene and Quinton made me so happy. I love the dynamic there.

Riverdale again had a terrific show. The Betty and Veronica, B & V, team-up kicked major ass and seeing Alice get punched in the face made me happy. I'm kind of hoping we'll get to see what makes her such a harpified menace. Can't wait for this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, a sexy short that updates the Red Riding Hood tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is tasked with protecting Cass Warrison, an earth sprite, from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Milton Drone ambled down the stone walkway and knocked on Cecil Warrison's door. The older man cracked the solid oak slab open an inch then threw it wide and welcomed Milt into his abode.

"Glad you could make it." Cecil nodded toward the fire. "Does burning wood offend you?"

Milton's lips quirked. "Only when it's green and not ready." He came from a long line of tree nymphs that respected the circle of life.

Dead fall and careful harvesting needed to be cleared so new growth could sprout. Saplings and greenwood had uses but burning didn't count as one. If only some of the radical "save the trees" and "all trees matter" folk would remember how things actually worked in nature. But he didn't have time for that circular argument today.

Cecil pointed to a wingback chair. "Then, if you don't mind, we'll sit and talk." He moved slowly and took a seat on the matched opposite. "The cold lingers in my old bones and I'm most comfortable by the hearth." He waited until Milt settled in. "You know we've got our work cut out for us. The signs and omens are coming fast now."

Milt nodded, the prophecy heavy on his mind. "I'm aware. I'll assume you've got a plan, because my Magan won't do anything for a Warrison out of the goodness of her heart." His niece's grudge matches rarely ended before she deemed her readiness to forgive.

Which didn't happen all that often.

Cecil heaved a sad sigh. "I wish that weren't the case. I miss her quick wit and that red cap she used to wear all the time." His gnarled fingers picked up a mug from the side table.

Milt snorted. "Still wears one. I can't get her to retire the damned thing." He shifted forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "She says it reminds her of why she'll never settle down."

Cecil grimaced. "My bone-headed grandson and his strong-willed notions sure messed everything up." He sipped the hot liquid in the mug. "He won't cooperate either, but their history aside, he'll have to fall in or risk the future of everyone in the enchanted woods." Placing the mug on the table, he angled to the side. "We'll just have to outsmart both of them."

I'm having a great time rewriting and putting a new spin on the classic story.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rapier's Edge

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rapier's Edge, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of thriller with a bloody knife.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wren Buxton, an undercover fae agent, finds Jacob Franklin standing over a dead body. He resists her siren call and refuses to answer questions during her interrogation. Wren has a sneaking suspicion all isn't what it seems with the covert mercenary.

And a preview snippet…

Consciousness returned to Jacob by degrees. First, his eyelids and extremities twitched, regaining use. Then his brain slowly lost the gray haze clouding his senses. His shifter genes kicked in and he almost changed form. He fought the transition and got it stopped before more than his hands and feet sprouted claws.

His mind cleared and he remembered what happened. Damn. Been a long time I've been caught in a siren call. A juvenile mistake on his part, especially since her learned the strains of the ancient melodies at his grandmother's knee.

Good, I can resist the next time she tries to put me under.

The woman had tremendous pull. If he hadn't been distracted by the loss of Havish, she wouldn't have been able to shock and awe him into submission. A sharp pain lanced through his chest. His oldest friend on the planet.

I should have returned sooner. When Havish originally contacted Jacob.

But he'd been too close to the shifters to lose the trail. And he'd been paid in advance to handle the quiet takedown of the gang. Hyenas always got into trouble when they banded together.

A lyrical tune drifted into Jacob's consciousness. Serenity ballad. Smart move.

His captor wouldn't be happy when she discovered his ability to remain unaffected. Too damned bad. Jacob didn't like the type that disabled first and asked questions later. Or one who trussed him up like a fresh kill in her SUV.

For all he knew, she had offed Havish. Maybe she returned to the scene to get rid of the body. Whatever her reason for being there, Jacob raged at the fact she didn't give him the chance to explain how he'd come to see his friend and found him dead instead.

He needed to find Havish's killer and bring them to justice.

Even if he had to go through the woman to do it.

Especially if she committed the crime.

I love writing a little suspense. Looking forward to seeing how things go with Wren and Jacob.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye