Sunday Snippet: Nature Calls

March 31, 2019

Man… another week full of crazy sauce. In all honesty, I could do with a bit of slowing down and a tiny amount of smooth sailing. That said… I won't hold my breath. And it's not like anything majorly negative is going on. It's only being busier than I normally am.

Not a bad week in television. My current obsession with Roswell, New Mexico continues and I rewatched the first nine episodes. This week's episode didn't disappoint and my conspiracy theory side is having a heyday about the fourth alien. I'm such a big fan of how… messy… the relationships are. Awkward interactions abound and I'm totally here for watching all that unfold. So far, I'm also a big fan of how those touchy moments are being portrayed. I love how the core characters are letting the subtext shine and mixing it with lots of snark and offbeat comments. This show… if you're not watching it, give it a whirl. You won't be disappointed.

Caught another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and loved how the show title got worked into the book William and Julia are writing. It makes me wonder if the twelfth season might be the last. If so, I'll fondly say goodbye and look forward to rewatching from the start.

Watched the Arrow "Unmasked" episode and thoroughly enjoyed. I should be to the point where I can catch up on the crossover event with The Flash and Supergirl. I'm behind on The Flash but, sadly, I don't miss it as much as I thought I would.

Caught a great episode of Painkiller Jane. I remembered this one and enjoyed the second viewing. I actually wouldn't mind a reboot or reimagining of this concept at some point.

Started from the beginning of Peter Gunn and watched the first two episodes. I finally found another streaming source that has all of the first season episodes. This is such a great show to watch when the mood to write noir strikes me.

Watched another episode of Underbelly: Razor. Things move fast in this series and I kind of enjoyed watching Kate get served even when she did the right thing. Communication would go a long way in her world. Tillie and Nellie are probably next and I'll look forward to seeing how the cracks and chips start showing in their armor too.

Caught one of my favorite episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. I truly loved how Jessie's gambit finally got revealed and the sole purpose she brought Riley back to the past came into play. And I also liked how Derek is finally edging toward knowing they're working at cross purposes. Good stuff.

Watched the final episode of Birds of Prey and I'm glad I took the time to rewatch this single season show. The last scene is more than worth watching the entire series for.

Started the sixth episode of Strike Back's sixth season. Gotta say the Mac and Wyatt interactions are terrific in this episode. Also love Coltrane's bits so far. I really want to see him rip into the DEA agent for blowing their cover. He's too smart not to know she had a big ass hand in doing that.

And that's it for this television this week. Tonight's post is from Nature Calls, a sexy short that got its start with a prompt of writing a scene about a nature documentary and binoculars. I switched up the type of documentary but kept nature involved.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kacee did an internal happy dance. Russ proved to be up for the challenge of answering her call of nature. And he played a little rough, which she didn't mind at all. In fact, she craved the wild side of him.

And not in a submit-to-her-master kind of way. No, she relished strutting through the supposedly enchanted forest wearing nothing but a pair of socks with a gorgeous guy getting an incredible view. Let the banshees come for her. She had a super-hot distraction following behind at ten paces. The dangerous edge to their little game turned her on like nothing else.

Russ got a little impatient. "Kace, if I don't have those binoculars in my hand in less than five minutes, your punishment will reflect the delay." His feet snapped twigs, adding a thrilling timber to the promise.

She laughed and wiggled her butt. "Almost there. Just keep enjoying the naked woman in front of you to pass the time." Taking the most direct route wouldn't be any fun at all.

Russ's voice strained when he replied. "Trust me. The view of your incredible ass is the only thing keeping me from throwing you over my shoulder and spanking you." He waited a beat. "Which doesn't mean it won't happen at a later time."

Her insides quivered at the thought. "Mmm. I hope that's a promise." Resisting the urge to glance over her shoulder, she kept moving toward the small outcropping of rocks where she'd hidden his precious binoculars.

Russ let out a low groan. "It's fast becoming a life necessity." The strain in his voice got a little stronger.

Kacee bit back another laugh and inched closer to the hiding spot. If all went according to plan, she'd have Russ buried deep inside her very soon. Her core throbbed with anticipation and desire thrummed in her veins.

When she got to the edge of the rocks, she pointed to niche between two of the taller rocks. "You'll find your precious binoculars right there." When he quirked an eyebrow, she sashayed over and retrieved the device.

Draping the cord over her neck, she let the chilly metal-clad viewer rest over her exposed breasts. By the time she made her way to Russ's side, her nipples stood at attention from the stimulation and cool contact.

Russ cupped her breasts, immediately tweaking both taut peaks. "Give me the binoculars, Kace." His head lowered so she could put the cord over his neck.

His mouth captured hers in a hard kiss before he swooped down to suck a pebbled nipple between his lips. Kacee gasped, heat arrowing from her tits to her clit. She squirmed, desperate for more.

Russ eased away, a slow wolfish grin spreading on his face. "Time for some retribution and this is the perfect spot." His chin lifted slightly. "But you knew that when you hid them, didn't you?" He removed the binoculars and set them aside out of reach.

Kacee didn't play coy. "Pretty much. I planned this out very carefully."

Russ nodded. "I can tell." He popped the button on his dungarees. "Did you plan this part, too?" The zipper lowered, revealing the tip of his cock then the engorged shaft. "I'm thinking you definitely did." He jerked his head toward the rocks. "The height is terribly convenient if you didn't." He crooked his finger, indicating she come forward.

She complied, so ready for what she hoped came next.

Russ propped his ass on the stone, his hard dick sticking up from the opening in his pants. "Is this what you want?" He fisted his length, freeing the rigid line of flesh.

Her mouth watered and she shakily bobbed her head up and down.

Russ flashed a grin. "Then come get it, Kace. Suck my cock."

She gave him a slow smile. "Thought you'd never ask." Moving forward, she wrapped her lips around the head and flicked her tongue over the spongy tip.

Finally. Finally she had exactly what she wanted.

This one is fun. Kacee has definite ideas of what she wants me to write and I have to tone down some of her more outrageous requests. The sages don't always work that way, but Kacee is very persistent in my head.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Muddy Up the Waters

Whew. Very long week where focus became a huge hurdle. Without getting into a whole too much information thing, hormones are a total pain in the ass and not a lot of fun to deal with. Bleh.

Decent viewing week in television. Caught another episode of Endeavour and it ended up being pretty terrific. Two more episodes of season five then a wait for season six.

Next up… Roswell, New Mexico. This show has been eating my brain in a really good way. I caught up on all the back episodes and started a rewatch already. Seriously, I haven't had a show do this to me since Battlestar Galactica and Arrow. I'm going to be so disappointed if Roswell, NM doesn't get a second season.

Started an episode of Midsomer Murders and it's rather interesting to see Jones sporting a beard. The character looks so different, especially when glasses are added to the mix.

Caught another episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles and it's one I'd forgotten about. Only six or so more episodes before the end of the line. Also caught the next to last episode of Birds of Prey. I'll finish up that series and head back to Blade on CW Seed.

Watched the fifth episode of Strike Back and loved the twist and reveal of who Kingfisher actually is. Gotta say I didn't see it coming and loved not knowing. Things will get very tricky now, or more tricky because this show doesn't do anything else. With luck, the DEA agent will meet with a satisfying end. Just saying.

Caught an episode of Chicago Fire and have to comment how nice it is to not have the squirrely deputy commissioner in my face anymore. I'll keep saying that in the hopes he'll never grace the screen again. I'm still kind of "bleh" about Stella and Kelly's breakup. A little too contrived and disappointing.

Watched a Classic Roswell episode. I'd forgotten how much of an ass Kyle is in the first season. Geez.

Also caught a couple Classic Who episodes. Getting ready to watch the Time Meddler episodes, which should be fun.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Muddy Up the Waters, a novella that started with a two-word prompt of "That's right."

Here's the mini-blurb:

Fiona and Warrick can't quite get their timing together long enough to be on the same page when it comes to making a commitment. Instead they expend their energy on playing a game of who can hurt who the most… until one decides enough is enough.

And a preview snippet…

Fiona Freeman paused beside her vehicle parked outside the shop she owned. "What the hell?" A charmed message floated above the windshield.

The magical missive freaked her out. Not because anyone could see it, only she could. But because it had been almost three years since she'd had contact with anyone in the glade.

Well, anyone of importance anyway. She maintained several friendships with fringers, people with one foot in and one foot out of the supernaturally protected environment. Fae creatures, shifters, magical and preternatural beings all found sanctuary and purpose in the glade—if they abided by the rules.

Fiona snorted. "Not exactly my strong suit." She unlocked the car and stowed her bags.

Then she used her witch blood to guide the message closer so she could review it.

Time's up. You're needed in the glade. Now. Warrick

Warrick Lawton. Ex-mentor. Ex-best friend. Ex-love of her life. Current head of council—the main reason they were no longer together—and all-around jerk.

Loosely translated, the brief command demanded she stop playing in the real world and get her ass back home. The unnecessary "now" only served as a needling dig. Which, okay, she might deserve. A little.

Because she'd made it clear when she left the only way she'd return would be by demand. "Looks like my self-imposed exile is over." Fine. Life on the outside didn't thrill her that much anyway.

But she did love the whimsical store she owned. A quick text exchange with her lone employee, Lyla, covered the week's hours. Enough to let Fiona sort out the summons. She hoped.

Taking a quick glance around, she thought about moving her car, but decided to send off another text and ask Lyla to drive it around to the alley behind the shop in the morning. For extra security, Fiona placed a quick ward around the perimeter to avoid any unwanted attention. Anyone who tried to mess with the car would get a nasty surprise.

Stepping back, she considered how to make her entrance to the glad. A wickedly wonderful idea took shape in her mind. If Warrick needed her immediate presence, she'd comply. Didn't mean he'd like the way she showed up.

She smirked. "After all, wouldn't want to keep the big man waiting, right?" Her lips curved in a wider smile. "Time to break out the broom." Snapping her fingers, the object appeared.

Fashioned to look like one of the original handmade relics, Fiona's broom had an ash handle with sage and thin branches from a fire bush making up the brush. Hoisting a leg over the long end, she muttered a cloaking spell and straddled the rough-hewn sweeper.

Once she'd taken flight, she squared her shoulders. "Get ready, Warrick. The witch's wrath knows no bounds."

Honestly? I'm enjoying this story. It's still in the early stages and not everything has gelled yet and I love the process of discovery, figuring out where the next scene comes from and how it fits.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mr and Mrs Black

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all who celebrate. I'm not big on drinking green beer, but I do have Irish—apparently from County Cork and County Down—on both sides of my family so I love to visit some of the traditions around this time.

Once again, we've had crazy back and forth weather. A lovely high in the upper seventies on Thursday with a thirty degree drop to the mid-forties on Friday. Lots of wind and rain Thursday night. Everyone who just got over the nasty upper respiratory ick that went around is probably going to end up with it again. Bleh.

Had a decent week for television. Caught another episode of Chicago Fire. Gotta say I'm a little "meh" about the whole Stella and Severied breakup. Honestly, and I don't say this lightly, her accusation of Kelly being jealous kind of put me off. First… because she's the one who went a little crazy when Kelly's former flame came back to town and second, because Kelly never really tried to keep her from hanging out with creepy friend dude. The distant thing, I definitely feel. But if she knows Kelly… and she does… his go-to coping mechanism is to be kind of aloof and alone, not to mention he's been giving her some space because of creepy friend dude. So, yeah, the whole breakup thing? Not thrilled with it. Too forced, in my opinion. Casey's situation, though, really played out well. I enjoyed the whole storyline of the reporter getting her story with his help.

Caught an episode of Iron Fist. Actually loved Ward and Joy's interactions with everyone. Ward is such a dickhole but I love how it's played. Kudos to the actor because he's perfect for the part. Danny and Colleen make me happy even when they're not really communicating well. The whole Mary or whatever her name is better start making sense soon. I'm a little lost with that arc.

Watched another Passionflix movie, The Protector, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm truly thrilled to be a founding member of this group. If you haven't checked out a subscription, please do. And if you're not big on streaming subscriptions, maybe think about getting a DVD. Their original movies and programs are excellent.

Also caught another episode of Classic Roswell. The one where Liz's journal goes missing and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed that episode. Michael started growing on me after this one.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and I'm getting into the story of William and Julia's endeavor to write a book. The case this week also intrigued me. I love having some backstory with William.

Caught another episode of Arrow and it's one I've been waiting to see. "Slabside Redemption" didn't disappoint. I've been excited to see how the prison storyline would end and I'm quite happy with how it played out. My one and only "meh" moment? Stanley's escape. That means we'll be seeing him again, right?

Watched another episode of Roswell, New Mexico. This show is starting to eat my brain in the best way. It's messy and I love it. There's nothing uncomplicated about any of the relationships. I'd love to see a better and stronger Maria and Liz vibe because I loved that friendship in the original. The Rosa storyline is starting to grow on me and I'm hoping the whole illegal alien thing smooths out soon. On one hand, I like the topical aspect to making Liz's dad illegal. On the other, I struggle a little because it's so very different from the classic version. We'll see if that one starts growing on me.

Caught another Painkiller Jane episode I either missed or forgot about the first time around. "Breakdown" ended up being a terrific episode. I loved how it ended.

Started another episode of Underbelly: Razor. This show goes to some interesting places and I'm kind of interested in where this episode will end and who will be left standing. Hopefully will have time to finish it soon.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mr and Mrs Black, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of putting original characters into a scene from a movie.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Ember Frost and Winter Smoak, assassins for opposing factions, are ordered by their respective employers to kill each other, which would be so much easier if they weren't happily married, but hiding some big secrets—like their occupations—from each other.

And a preview snippet…

"Do you understand your orders, Ms. Frost?"

Oh, yes. I understand perfectly.

Ember glanced at the screen on her phone once again. "I do. End of night." She drew in a long breath, trying to keep a lid on the red-hot rage coursing through her veins about the image staring back at her. "Report by midnight." She ended the call and barely refrained from throwing her device across the room.

Son of a bitch.

Her work as a "fixer"—a more palatable word than assassin—for the House of Thorn just took a very personal turn.

She paced, back and forth, cursing softly under her breath. "How could he do this to me?" For that matter, how could she not know? "Stupid. I'm so, so stupid." Only anger kept mortification at bay.

A person with her intelligence and skill set shouldn't have missed the now obvious signs. And, okay, he had a solid cover. Bigwig consultant to several fae corporations with ties to House of Bellark. His spellwork and in-depth knowledge of history made him very in demand.

And, hell, her cover-story rivaled his. Troubleshooter for hire, problem solver extraordinaire. Mainly for House of Thorn industries, of course.

But the similarities didn't quell her rage. Nope. Not one tiny bit. Her gullibility didn't trump the betrayal.

She stopped walking, raking a hand through her hair. "All those business trips? Hit jobs. Just like me." Argh! How dare he keep something so important from her?

Because now she'd really hit the shit jackpot. Fuck! She didn't have a single damn option to get out of the work she had to do.

Her orders were to take Winter Smoak out of action by any means necessary. Which totally sucked balls.

Because Winter Smoak?

Happened to be Ember's husband. And she loved him more than anything.

I'm having such a good time with this story. Ember and Winter are going to have to get past the issue of keeping their professions secret from each other then they'll turn the tables on the employers. It's so much fun to write.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mocking With a Side of Sarcasm

As usual, the weather in Ohio is crazy. Snow and cold to start and last most of the week and a semi-thaw today with a ton of rain and wind. It's supposed to get cold again by next weekend. Sigh.

Kind of a slow week for television. I had several work deadlines that needed a lot of my attention and focus. I did get some viewing in though.

Finished up the Killjoys season and, holy crap, I'm truly ready for next season already. Where they left things? Yeah, I need to know what happens.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and it was another one I didn't remember for the original airing. A pretty good one, too.

I watched an episode of Underbelly: Razor and I gotta say I'm really mad at Kate. That's the whole point but the whole deal with Bruce just burns my chaps. Tillie and Nellie are ripe for a downfall and I'll be interested in seeing how that comes about.

Caught the third episode of Endeavour and really enjoyed the case and hints dropped about the robberies. I like that there's something of a through line into the next episode. At least I hope that's what will happen. The robbery guys are total doltheads, just saying.

Watched one of my favorite episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles and I’m almost at the end of the road for the series. I really forgot how terrific and ahead of its time the show is.

Caught the third episode of Roswell, New Mexico. I'm truly loving this show and have become quite a fan. Here's hoping it gets a second season.

I'm two episodes from the end of Birds of Prey. Watched "Reunion" this week and enjoyed how Barbara and Helena discovered some internal truths. Also caught the first episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold season two. Not sure about continuing but I did like how they transitioned from the previous season.

Started episode four of Strike Back. Got distracted by work so I'll have to finish it up in the near future. Hopefully the very near future.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mocking With a Side of Sarcasm, a novella that got a start with the two-word prompt of "yes, sir".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

Vasek entered the armory and found Teague in the alcove he used for an office. "Wanna tell me what's going on? Or why you think you can use my men to make Bentley heel." The man better have a good answer or he and Vasek would be exchanging blows.

Teague didn't turn around, intent on the paperwork in front of him. "Yeah, about that. I overstepped there and it won't happen again." He folded up the documents and stuffed them back inside an envelope.

Vasek relaxed a little but had to make a point. "Look, I appreciate that—" He broke off when Teague held up a hand.

He turned and shoved the envelope into Vasek's chest. "Before you go any further, read the contents. Then we'll talk." He didn't wait for a reply, moving past Vasek to head back into the main armory.

Vasek frowned. "What the hell is going on?" Removing the papers, realization slammed into him when he reviewed the birth certificate and adoption papers. "Well, that explains a lot." Chip off the old block took on a new meaning.

Teague Mallick had fathered Bentley Briggs then signed away his parental rights when her mom married Baron Briggs. Pieces Vasek didn't know were missing clicked into place. Bentley's coloring so differed from Mariana and Baron's. Her temperament also didn't match either of her parents'. But Teague's snarky and irascible demeanor? Well… Bentley had that in spades. She also lacked patience but, like Teague, managed to get past her frustration when things didn't move as quickly as she'd like.

Vasek carefully returned the pages to the envelope and placed it on Teague's desk. Mind spinning with information, one piece fought its way to the forefront in Vasek's head. With Teague as her birth father, Bentley could have—

"Damn." Vasek nearly ran into the main armory and skidded to a halt when he bypassed Teague who stood just outside the walled-off area.

Vasek turned to face Teague. "She's got your genes. That means—"

Teague's nod cut Vasek off. "She does. Yes." He wouldn't meet Vasek's gaze.

Vasek fisted his hand in Teague's shirt. "Do not ever threaten to use my hounds again. You know what they'd do to her if the caught her." Turn her into mincemeat and it wouldn't be on them if they did.

They'd get a taste of her and wouldn't be able to stop.

Teague's gaze clashed with Vasek's for a brief moment. "Yes, I do know. I already told you I overstepped and it won't happen again." His tone and the fact he hadn't shoved Vasek away indicated Teague held something back.

Vasek's eyes went wide. "Aw, fuck." He pushed the older man harder into the wall. "She doesn't know, does she?" He let go of Teague and backed away before his fist found its way to Teague's face.

Teague shook his head. "Not yet, no. She's been a tad resistant to learning and training to control her new ability. That's why I've been in her face and worried about her." He moved away from the wall and paced the floor.

"Well, hell, yeah." Vasek started walking back and forth in the opposite direction. "You can't let it slide, Teague. She has to know." The sooner the better, because if word got out— "You have to tell her." The repercussions didn't bear thinking about.

"Tell me what?" Bentley breezed into the room, her hair damp and her shirt clinging to her skin.

Son of a bitch. As usual, Vasek's body reacted to her but the new knowledge tamped his libido down.

Teague definitely had a reason to be worried about her.

I'm still figuring out where this story is going but I love the dynamic between Vasek and Teague in this scene.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mister Mysterious

Well, hello, March. So far, I'm still battling the stupid respiratory crud I thought I was over last week. It was just a little reprieve. That said, I do feel way better than I did three days ago when I had a moment where I thought death might actually be a better option than being sick. LOL Then I remembered to not be a ninny and get over myself. In the grand scheme of things, a stupid recurring cold won't last forever.

I did have a decent week of television viewing. Started off with a weird episode of Lexx that I honestly don't remember if I finished or not. Cold meds make things a wee bit fuzzy.

Followed up with an episode of Strike Back and, man, did they cram a lot of stuff into a single episode. I love that about this show. So much goes down it's hard to keep up.

Started an episode of Midsomer Murders while doing laundry. One of the best things I've ever done is add a television to my laundry room. Makes the chore of sorting and folding much more enjoyable.

Watched the first episode of Iron Fist's new season. While the pace is a little slow, I loved catching up to where everyone is. Joy is the biggest surprise that isn't actually a surprise. It'll be interesting to see where she ends up by the end. And Ward just fascinates me. Looking forward to seeing him work through all of his issues. Or not. LOL Danny and Colleen are terrific and I'm curious about how the episode ended. Danny's got some internal drama to work through or so it seems.

Chicago Fire had a great episode. I'll be really pissed if anything happens to Cruz's Chloe. Here's hoping that works out okay. The way the episode ended though, with Matt's place in flames, doesn't bode well for him.

Gotham had such a great episode. The ending though? Holy crap. I did not see that coming. I'm actually loving this season so much.

Caught another Classic Roswell episode and it's one of my favorites where Liz's grandmother suffers a stroke and doesn't make it. Michael being sneaky is such a not-Michael thing and I loved it, too.

Watched another episode of Arrow and I'm slowly but surely getting caught up. A great theme about what being a hero entails. Also liked getting confirmation that Stanley's a weasel. Loved Oliver's face when that realization kicked in. Also watched another episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I loved seeing some of the secondary characters shine in this one.

Caught a few episodes of Classic Who while attempting to get through the huge stack of dishes I have waiting to be washed. Being down with the sickness doesn't mean those buggers wash themselves. Bleh.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mister Mysterious, a novella that started with a concept prompt of writing a story about characters who get word someone they thought was dead ended up not being so.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Marlow Spence loses her sister to a sinister spellbinder who believes the siblings have the power to control dreams. When Tharn Oliver shows up on her doorstep, there can be only one reason—Leo Tolstoy is back and he wants Marlow.

And a preview snippet…

"Nooooooooo!" Marlow stumbled to a halt at the side of the crumpled figure.

She dropped to her knees, hauling the body of her sister close against her chest. Tears of rage and grief streamed from Marlow's eyes. Her sister's gaze, locked open in death, staring into an unknown void of darkness, no longer spoke to Marlow. You can't be gone, Charlotte. I should've done more to protect you.

Strong hands gripped her shoulders. "Marlow, I'm so sorry." Tharn spoke between heaving gasps, no doubt from giving chase to the man responsible for Charlotte's death.

Marlow looked up, blinking to clear her vision. "Did you get him? Where is he?" She carefully eased Charlotte back to the ground and got up, searching the area around Tharn.

Tharn shook his head. "He's gone. I hit him with a wave of fireballs. He burst into flames and disappeared." Something in his voice sent up a red flag.

And the crimson haze of rage nudged aside her grief. "Disappeared. Disappeared!" Her hands shoved at Tharn's chest. "How could you let him get away?" Her eyes welled up again and she swiped the moisture away.

Tharn held up his palms. "He might not have! There's no way to tell for sure." He grasped her biceps. "He exploded, Marlow. There's not much chance he escaped."

But not knowing… would haunt her. Maybe more than Charlotte's death.

Charlotte.

Marlow angled her head around to glimpse her sister's unmoving form.

Tharn hauled Marlow close, wrapping his arms around her. She welcomed the protective embrace, even if she didn't deserve the comfort. My fault. It's my fault she's dead.

Resting her forehead on Tharn's shoulder, she fought to stay upright. "We should have been here for her. She wouldn't be dead if we were." Guilt kicked her hard in the ass.

Tharn smoothed his hands down her back then brought them around to tip her chin up. "Look, we didn't know he'd gotten so close. We had no idea." His thumb brushed over her cheek.

The gentle, caring gesture broke something inside Marlow. "You're wrong. She knew. But we were too busy fucking to pay attention." Shoving away from Tharn, she spun around to avoid smashing her fists against him. "Charlotte told me he'd strike soon. And I let your dick distract me." She turned back to face him. "I let you distract me." And Charlotte paid the price.

Tharn flinched, his voice hoarse when he replied. "That's not fair. You and I—" He broke off, closed his mouth and swallowed hard. "We just—" He stopped again, sighed, and finished on a truth she didn't want to face. "Couldn't stop the inevitable from happening."

The inevitable. Such an innocuous word. It didn't begin to describe the all-consuming, highly addictive passion and attraction that sparked the moment they met. And still existed—even though, right now, she fought the bile rising in her throat.

She and Tharn… not happening. Ever again.

Clenching her hands into fists, because—dammit—she ached to touch him, she met his gaze square-on. "Tharn, get away from me. I don't want you here." The words snarled in her breath.

Because she did want him. Here. Now. Always.

He reached out, grasping her arm. "I won't let you go through this alone." His gaze went to Charlotte's prone form.

Another wave of bile threatened to rise. Marlow didn't need his help with Charlotte. She needed… time. To be alone. To grieve. To weigh her role in Charlotte's death.

Pulling away, Marlow fished in her pocket for her phone. "You don't have a choice, Tharn. I will shut you out." Of everything. "This is my burden to bear right now. Charlotte's my sister. To you, she's just a former protectee." She scrolled through her contacts but lifted her gaze. "One who no longer needs your nonexistent guardianship." She nearly choked on the words, harsh and brutal.

Tharn's normally open and expressive features faded into a granite-like mask. He inhaled sharply, the only outward sign her barb had reached its target. Good. She'd achieved the desired effect. Shrugging, she turned away to make the call to the proper authority.

With her eyes closed, she waited for the connection to go through. She sensed Tharn's retreat; didn't need her ability—the one that got Charlotte killed—to sever their link. Tharn would have a barrier in place now.

Which she simultaneously wanted and regretted. She needed it to process her grief, guilt, and pain. She regretted the separation because it marked the beginning of the end. She and Tharn were over… before they really had a chance to start.

I'm very excited about where this story is going. Marlow and Tharn have some obstacles to overcome but they'll have to work together if they want to avenge Charlotte's death.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye