Sunday Snippet: Zip Cuffs

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. Ours was low key, exactly the way I like it.

Somewhat of a short week for television. I did enjoy The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. Getting some insight into Mick's world made me happy. The big crossover is coming up on Monday and I'm kind of excited to see it.

Arrow's Thanksgiving episode turned out to be excellent. Love having Thea back and hopefully back in true Thea form.

As usual, I'm behind on a few of my binge watch shows but I'm addicted to the Hallmark Channels' holiday movies. I really love having something going pretty much 24 / 7.

Looking forward to the return of Riverdale next week.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Zip Cuffs, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt of writing a crime drama with handcuffs.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Thrayce Stratton finally has the man she wants, Dino Singer, but when all evidence points to him as the culprit behind several gruesome fae murders, she'll absolutely do her job as an enforcer—including using zip cuffs to get what she needs from Dino.

And a preview snippet…

When the door of Mourning Glory's burst open, Thrayce Stratton angled her head around to see who entered. "As I live and breathe, Dino Singer." She signaled the bartender for another shot.

She'd need it to stay steady. Her former partner left her behind when he received the nomination to become a fae elder almost six months ago. He hadn't looked back since. Going from enforcer to the upper echelon sealed their fate.

They'd never be able to pursue the spark they set off when they'd worked together.

Dino made his way directly toward her, his face impassive and unreadable. Whatever. Shouldn't take her too long to discover why he'd decided to slum it for the evening.

When he parked his ass on the stool next to hers, she gave him a snarky greeting. "It's only been a month. Missing the lesser life already?" She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of looking at him.

Dino propped his forearms on the bar. "No. I'm tired of being told what's appropriate now that I'm an elder." He flagged the bartender and ordered a drink. "Since I am an elder, I should be able to do what I want."

Thrayce lifted a brow. "You make a great point." She downed her shot. "And I'm guessing you have a huge desire to slum it with the underfae? Why else would you be here?" She finally slid him a sideways glance.

He met her gaze, holding it for several long moments before he answered. "No. I came here to find you." Draining his glass, he tapped the bar for another.

Thrayce widened her gaze. "Did you maybe get hexed by someone?" Seeking her out would garner attention he didn't need.

Dino's lips quirked. "No, I didn't." He sobered. "I finally achieved a life goal, but what good is attaining something if I've got no one to share it with?" Again, he held her gaze, making his meaning clear.

Well, a slap in the face wouldn't have shocked her more.

She tilted her head to one side. "Why me? You pretty much have your pick of any fae out there." Disbelief warred with a strong desire to push hard to see how far he'd take this crazy idea. "I mean, you're young, incredibly good-looking, and hold a position of power. I'm pretty sure any number of hot, sexy females are dripping with anticipation." Not to mention swimming in lust and possibly dying to get a leg up in the fae hierarchy.

Dino leaned in close. "The only woman I want wet and tingly is you." His voice rumbled against her ear.

Holy shit.

Thrayce shuddered. "Jesus. I can't believe you just said—you did just speak, right? I didn't imagine it?" Honestly, maybe she'd been hexed.

Dino's lips curved in a half-smile. "I did. And no, you didn't." He trailed a finger over her hand.

She blinked. "Why?" Did she really care?

His brow quirked and he opened his mouth, probably to repeat what he'd already said.

Thrayce shook her head. "Sorry, wrong question. When?" She met his gaze and held it.

He extended his hand. "What's wrong with now?" An eyebrow shot up.

What's wrong with now? Aside from dead fae piling up all over the city and the fact elders didn't mingle—or have sex with—enforcers, not a damn thing. Her brain's inability to wrap around the reasons warred with her libido and a potent desire to finally achieve one of her life goals.

Her sex drive won, hands down.

Reaching out, she grasped his fingers. "Let's go."

I'm kind of excited about where this story is going. Can't wait to dive back in and see what happens next.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zeitgeist Hall

The weather in Ohio is truly crazy. We had flooding from rain yesterday and snow today.

Television this week ended up being pretty terrific. The Flash pulled in a bunch of Harrys to help save the day. Legends of Tomorrow had a fun episode with old Hollywood.

Riverdale had an interesting episode with some changing dynamics. I'm still on the fence with Hiram and whether or not I like him. I'm coming down on the not liking side but he gets some interesting snark lines so that pitches him into the fun column.

Arrow remains probably my favorite show. If the team can't be together, I like having two storylines that run along a similar theme. Also very glad John's secret is out in the open. Having Curtis work on a solution is excellent.

Catching up on Gotham today. I'll be glad to see the last of Professor Pyg. It's good to see Bruce again, too. There's never enough Alfred on the screen. LOL

I'm behind on Murdoch Mysteries. Having issues with my laptop and I usually watch via the website on that device. Here's hoping I get it fixed this week.

That's it for television. Tonight's post is from Zeitgeist Hall, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of murder mystery in a haunted castle. I couldn't wait to brainstorm ideas for this one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Morley Graham and Watson Kinkead are off on a weekend adventure when they have serious car trouble and end up stranded at Zeitgeist Hall, a castle looming on the edge of a cliff. The creepy caretaker offers refuge, but Morley and Graham begin to suspect he's behind their stay when they discover a body in the tower.

And a preview snippet…

Abner Wilhelm jerked awake from a decades-old sleep. His nose twitched, the sweet enticing scent of blood magic filled his nostrils.

He shot out of the bed. "Finally!" He'd waited so long for another descendant of regal lineage.

After conducting a replenishing ritual, Abner wandered the halls of the monstrosity he called home. "Ha. More like my lifetime prison."

The huge castle slowly came back to life. Being the unwilling caretaker tied Abner to the life-force of the building. While he slept, the structure slumbered with him. The awakening unfolded slowly for the stone-walled fortress but for Abner, the possibility of an heir—that could release him from his cursed exile—acted as shot of adrenaline.

He entered the armor room, the only place he didn't feel lonely. Something about a dozen or so suits of armor gave the illusion of company. They weren't even creepy anymore.

He waved to the one he called Baldwin. "Yo! I'm back. Anything fun or interesting happen while I was gone?" The replenishing ceremony updated his language skills.

Words like groovy and out of sight apparently weren't in vogue at this time.

Baldwin, of course, had no reply. Abner didn't care. He had much to prepare if he wanted to be ready to break the curse binding him to this ancient dwelling. The entire castle would need some updates, but not too many. And Abner needed to catch up on world events. Almost sixty years had passed since he'd gone into his forced slumber.

After he'd failed to secure the previous blood heir and reverse fate's decree that left Abner stuck in limbo for more than two centuries. He'd be patient, carefully plan his exodus, and ensnare the next unsuspecting caretaker before he launched the plot that would secure his freedom. He wouldn't do anything stupid this time.

Because Abner couldn't wait to see the last of Zeitgeist Hall.

I have the main story plotted out and can't wait to find time to sit and write away.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

Ugh… what a week. I've been down with a combination of cold / flu symptoms. I'm pretty sure I've pulled at least three different muscles from coughing, sneezing, and blowing my nose incessantly. Bleh.

Not a bad week for television viewing. The Flash had a girls night out that brought Felicity Smoak over from Arrow and entertained in a big way. Legends of Tomorrow kind of disappointed me by bringing Damien Darhk back, even if the fight sequence proved to be very entertaining.

Arrow also had a great episode. Loved getting to know Dinah's former partner and have some background there. I'm fond of the actor who's in the role and look forward to seeing more of that storyline play out. Also liked having Oliver work with Slade. I'm excited to see where that goes, too.

Riverdale turned things up to triple digits. I'm still liking my theory about who the black hood is. Alice's past coming out and her reaction made the whole show for me. I want to see that story explored a little more. My one true hope? The snake charmer ends up being Alice's long, lost sister. How much fun would that be?

Once again, I have to catch up on Gotham. The whole cold / flu thing had me napping when it was on. LOL

The holiday movie overload is ongoing. I thoroughly enjoy the cheesy, sappy, happy fare. I've even watched a couple of them more than once.

Looking forward to more terrific TV this week. Tonight's post is from Your Call, a novella that started with a writing community project of creating a scene featuring the three prompts; sleeping, grass, ring.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

Norje Blayheart moaned low in her throat. "Barrick, I need you now." She twisted away from her lover and projected an image in his mind.

Barrick Nembly groaned. "Ah, Norje. You're killing me." But he gave her room to maneuver up onto her hands and knees.

Norje shuddered when he implanted the vision of her from him point of view. Her hair tumbled wildly over her shoulders, her back bowed pushing her ass up and out, and her juices glistened in the filtered light.

Sometimes being a mage had unforeseen perks. The ability to share thoughts and link on a physical and mental plane topped the list. Barrick continued the projection when he spooned in behind her, leading with his hard cock jutting out from between his legs. The moment he thrust forward, the juxtaposition of experiencing the penetration while seeing it, intensified the pleasure. Barrick couldn't hold the visualization for long—not if he wanted to have the stamina needed to complete their lovemaking. Norje took over, tuning him in to every exquisite nuance of his entry.

He tightened his grip on her waist. "Mmm. Do you feel that every time?" He withdrew and flexed his hips again.

Norje nodded. "Uh-huh. That's why it never takes very long for me to come." She edged back, taking him in deeper.

Barrick's palms smoothed over her skin, traveling the planes of her back before ghosting forward to cup her breasts. Norje basked in the sensation, heightened by the blending of their minds. The mix of internal and external awareness increased with each touch, gasp, and heavy breath. The pace ramped up, driving Norje to the edge of bliss.

Barrick grabbed her hips and held them flush with his groin. "Come with me, Norje. Come with me now." He withdrew and entered her once again, letting out a garbled moan.

Norje groaned. "I'm there. Let go." His fingers dug into her skin and she toppled over the precipice, her orgasm tearing through her at the moment Barrick's release hit him.

Riding the tempest while linked together, each collapsed when the waves receded. Barrick gathered her close and brushed his lips over her temple. She burrowed close pressing a kiss to his sternum.

Barrick's hand drifted down to curve at her waist. "Never gets old, Norje. Love you."

She smiled. "Love you too."

This story is all mapped out and I'm excited about it! There's a chance this might turn into more than one book. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtreme Justice

November 5, 2017

Welcome to November! We're almost finished with 2017 and I'm honestly looking forward to a new year. It's been a rough ten months so far.

Excellent television viewing this week. The Flash had a great episode. It's always fun to see Cisco on the hot seat. Really enjoyed his storyline. Also interested in seeing where things go with Joe and becoming a father again.

Legends of Tomorrow didn't have a terrible episode. The homage to ET maybe went a little overboard but still fun.

Riverdale was sort of on the fence for me… until I got a wild hair theory about who the black hood is and now I have to stay tuned to see if I'm right. I'm honestly fairly disappointed with the addition of Hiram to the fold. He made a better villain working from the shadows.

Arrow continues to amaze me. I love the way roles continue to be mixed up and everything is fluid. That keeps me glued to the screen.

Got caught up on Gotham and watched this week's episode. I won't be disappointed to see the end of Professor Pyg but at least the plot is moving forward and I'm down with that.

Having fun watching holiday movies on the Hallmark channels. There's usually something on one of them that catches my interest.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Xtreme Justice, a novella that started with a writing community prompt to create characters with metahuman abilities.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The double X gene found in junk DNA makes life very interesting for a group of humans. Nyx Boit reshapes matter with her force of will. Cythe Baldetto literally has blades of steel at his fingertips. When Cythe is sent to recruit Nyx, she wants no part of his offer. To make her point, she converts his arrows, darts, and knives into liquid pools at his feet. Finally meeting his match, Cythe figures recruiting Nyx is out, but wooing her is most definitely in.

And a preview snippet…

Cythe Baldetto waited for the lights to lower in the viewing room. "Bring on the crazy." According to his former flame and current boss, he'd be impressed with Nyx Biot's ability.

Stanja Davidich wanted Cythe to become a recruiter. Not something he had much of an interest in. But knowing who else had double "x" abilities helped keep him alive.

The screen went from dark to bursting with action. Apparently Nyx had the ability to alter matter and she wielded her power with passion. Bending metal into cage traps, bringing down light fixtures to act as nets. She'd taken out three people in the first five minutes.

Cythe narrowed his eyes. "Where is this? How did you get the footage?" The building looked too familiar.

Stanja sent him a sideways glance. "Okay, I'll admit we set up a scenario to see what Nyx can do."

Cythe growled. "Which you know pisses me off." He hated the stupid games UNIT played.

A big part of the reason he and Stanja no longer had a relationship.

He let the topic go for the moment. Nyx had raw but amazing moves. She shifted a huge expanse of floor into a liquid pool. Then she changed the shimmering mass into a boiling vat of seething danger. With some training, she could probably do even more impressive stunts.

Stanja read his mood. "She's good. Look at how she almost predicts what her best move will be." Her voice held admiration.

Cythe grunted a noncommittal response. Stanja didn't have things wrong, but she didn't see the way Nyx ducked and ran for cover, moving behind a metal partition for several minutes while the team tried to get around the huge obstacle she'd laid out. Cythe's gut said Nyx had limitations and he'd bet anything the more showy or intense the matter shift, the greater toll it took on her. For now, he'd keep that piece of information to himself.

The final five UNIT members skirted the bubbling mass on the floor and engaged Nyx again. She waited until they got close to a stack of metal beams then altered the bars into flexible restraints and wrapped them around the group. The drone camera zeroed in on Nyx when she shimmied out of the building and headed toward the docks.

The lights came up and the screen went blank.

Stanja shifted her position to face Cythe. "We lost her once she got to the shipping yard, but we're pretty sure she's holed in one of the empty containers." She shuddered.

 Cythe barely bit back a smirk. Stanja liked living the cushy life the UNIT afforded her. So what if she sold half her soul to do it. Cythe signed on with them because they were the lesser of two evils. UNIT didn't try to exploit his ability for profit or personal gain, but he didn't consider himself stupid—they had a measure of control over him. No doubt they wanted to same with Nyx. Someone with her power could be an extreme threat—

Cythe straightened. "What do you want with her?" He cut right to the meat of the matter.

Stanja snorted. "Nothing sinister, Cythe. She's a powerful metahuman. Wouldn’t it be better to have her on our side?" She gave him the standard bullshit curve of her lips.

Cythe lifted a shoulder. "It might. What do you want me to do?"

Stanja flashed a genuine smile. "We want you to recruit her. Bring her into the fold."

Pretty much what he thought. "Why me?" The one piece of the puzzle he didn't have figured.

Stanja held his gaze a moment before answering. "Because you came from the outside. You know what's at stake and why she'd be an asset." She shrugged. "And you know I've been wanting you to bring in new members."

Reluctant, Cythe needed some assurances. "Why, exactly, do you want her?" Even with their past, or maybe because of it, he wanted specifics.

Stanja's eyes went wide. "Did you not just watch the same footage I did?"

Well, yeah, he did. Didn't mean he automatically thought they'd welcome Nyx with sunshine and rainbows. Which prompted his next question.

"What happens if I can't talk her into joining UNIT?"

Stanja glanced away. "We'd rather not consider that option." Her voice dropped to low tones.

Cythe nodded. Pretty much what he'd expected. Nothing sinister or nefarious… unless Nyx didn't want to play ball.

Then all bets were off.

Cythe got up and waited until Stanja met his gaze. "If you want this to happen, I do it my way, meaning UNIT doesn't get involved." At least not until he gave the go ahead.

Stanja opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it. "Fine. We'll give you latitude to work…" She didn't have to add it would only be up to a certain point.

So be it. He didn't plan on failing. If Stanja wanted him to step up and start recruiting for UNIT, she could stay the hell out of his way.

So far, this one is giving me all kinds of ideas. I'm excited to see where Cythe and Nyx go.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye