Sunday Snippet: Only When They Blink

June kind of flew by in a rainy, chilly, dreary kind of way. I'm kind of looking forward to July. Not the heat so much, because it did finally get hot, but mainly in a new month clean slate deal.

Not a bad week for television. I'm staying somewhat caught up on everything. Started out with an episode of In the Dark and I'm happy Murphy and Dean are on speaking terms again. I also love how much Max messes up with her.

Watched another episode of Classic Roswell and enjoyed it a lot. I'd forgotten Michael became an emancipated minor in the first season. For some reason, I thought that happened later.

Caught Frankie Drake Mysteries and loved this one. I thoroughly enjoy seeing historical characters woven into the storyline. I also still want the detective and Mary to hookup but have a feeling Frankie is in his sights. Bummer.

Man… Riverdale truly embraces the batshit crazy. And I love it. I still want Hiram to go down hard. And Alice… oh, Alice. What the hell happened to you? I guess I better keep watching to find out.

Watched an episode of Arrow and it's one I've been looking forward to. I enjoy the future flashes almost as much as I loved the flashbacks. How awesome is having Nyssa train Mia? Seriously.

Caught the next episode of Krypton and didn't really see Brainiac possessing Seb coming. A cool twist though. I'm also quite enjoying having the multiple storylines unfold. So glad to see Lyta's mom back on the screen.

Painkiller Jane had a solid episode even for a clip show. Series television doesn't do those much anymore, which isn't a bad thing, but when they're done well, it's fun to watch.

Watched another episode of Durham County, the first season finale, and wow. Kudos to the actor who portrays Ray Prager, Sr. Watching him unravel was seriously compelling. I'm so curious about the actual… original… serial killer though. Maybe that line will be picked up again?

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and I'm still enjoying this one.

Also watched the next episode of Midsomer Murders, which ended up being terrific. The mix of themes with Romeo and Juliet and Sleeping Beauty worked out better than expected.

Got two more episodes of Peter Gunn in and also two more of Classic Who. Not a bad way to round out the week.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Only When They Blink, a novella that started with a writing community prompt to put a new twist on a fairy tale story.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hale Easterson has fae blood running in his veins, but he won't follow the family old school traditions and mate by the designated age. He escapes to his private lake house to find an unconscious Winter Sorn, a beautiful woman, sprawled on his doorstep and realizes he may not be able to avoid what destiny has in store.

And a preview snippet…

Hale Easterson stood at the huge windows overlooking the gardens at the rear of the estate house. He didn't turn when the double arched doors opened and soft footfalls whished along the carpet. He continued facing the crystal clear glass with his arms behind his back.

His father stopped halfway into the room. "Why aren't you dressed? The cocktail hour starts in fifteen minutes."

Hale waited a heartbeat before answering. "I'm not staying tonight, Dad." He'd had more than enough of the hints, the females being parading in and out of the house, and the never-ending must-find-a-mate discussions.

Henrick Easterson reacted accordingly. "Tradition demands you settle on a female and start the next generation of the family. No Easterson waits until they're over thirty. You're not going to be the first." He made his way to Hale's spot by the windows, anger seething under the surface of his demeanor.

Hale rolled his eyes. "First of all, settle on a female is beyond insulting—to me and the potential woman I'd be spending the rest of my life with." He turned, facing his dad. "Second, the concept is barbaric and antiquated. Old school traditions aren't necessary anymore and I won't feed into the idea that a man has to be tied down to a singular future before he reaches his third decade." He glanced down at this jeans and battered boots, each well-worn and comfortable, fitting like a second skin. "I'm done with the whole thing. The invasion of my privacy, the wrecking of my solitude." He met his dad's gaze. "All of it." Including the stupid cocktail hours three nights a week.

Henrick's mouth thinned to a slash across his face. "You're being rash and untenable." He turned and strode to his desk.

Hale snorted. "No, I'm being me, Dad. I'm not a chip off the old block. I don't care how old the fae blood is in our lineage. I'll get mated on my own terms, thanks." And to someone of his choosing… not whomever his father found suitable.

His dad's head snapped up and an angry grunt escaped. "Bah! Your own terms. You don't know enough about yourself to dictate terms, Hale." He whipped a drawer open and pulled out three files. "Since you won't be participating in actively seeking a mate, I've taken the liberty of culling the prospects down to this trio." He tapped the top folder. "You can choose all three, but only one will carry the Easterson name and bear your children." Glancing up, he met Hale's gaze squarely.

Hale made a garbled choking sound. "I. Am. Not. You." He charged forward, sweeping the files off the desk. "I'm not marrying anyone you pick or parade in front of me. And I'm definitely not setting up for multiple mistresses… unlike you." Planting his hands on his hips, Hale all but dared his dad to keep the conversation going.

Henrick's shoulders slumped. "There's a lot you don't know, son. And you aren't interested in listening, but you need to. You can't outrun fate, Hale." He straightened and met Hale's gaze.

Hale shook his head. "I'm not running, Dad. I'm calmly walking away. Whatever fate has in store for me can find me at the lake house… where it's quiet and not filled with people I have nothing in common with." He made his way to the large French doors, placing his hand on the knob. "Do not send anyone over. I don't need a servant or a caretaker and I don't want your loyal minions snooping around in the one place I call a sanctuary. It doesn't belong to you and never will." He opened the door and stepped outside.

Henrick didn't follow but his words did. "No matter where you hide, fate will still find you."

Hale didn't break his stride. "Let it try."

This is a loosely based Princess and the Pea concept story. I love writing Hale and Winter and how neither wants to settle for fate ruling their destiny.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: One of These Things

It's been a crazy week. Our county had severe flash flooding in the far eastern end and many of the people affected are still trying to dry out. Then there was a terrible barn fire that took three teenagers, most a little younger than my daughter. And to top it off, a beloved coach and teacher lost his battle with cancer. So… yeah. Rough and crazy week. Also… it can quit raining whenever it wants to.

A little light on television fare, but I did get some shows watched. Caught an episode of Durham County and, honestly, it's insane how dark this show goes. Not in a bad way either. But it's super-twisted and seriously messy. I can't wait to see how Ray Prager, Sr. tries to keep the upper hand he gained this week. I also can't wait to see him go down really hard. Please make that happen.

Midsomer Murders had a great episode featuring astronomy. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and figuring out the why and how.

Watched two more episodes each of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I'm nearing the end of the first doctor's tenure and should be starting Two's in the near future.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and enjoyed it. I like the episode the first time around because it opened up some questions about whether all neuros really needed to be chipped. I think this show was a little ahead of its time.

Blade had a decent episode where Krista needed to detox and Blade had to find a serial killer vampire. Not a bad hour's worth or so of entertainment.

Started another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm still enjoying this Aussie drama.

Watched another episode of Banshee. It took me three days to get through the entire episode due to several interruptions and a number of work deadlines. But I loved this one from the original watch and didn't want to miss anything.

Caught Chicago Fire penultimate episode of season seven. Excellent showing. I kind of love where all the characters are right now… which means they'll all be upended in the finale. LOL

Started Daredevil's third episode of season three. I'm really liking this final season. I'm so disappointed with all the consolidation and shifting of assets and how it affects terrific television. I'm not a huge Disney fan because they keep snapping everything up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from One of These Things, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt about recreating fairy tales.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Tanis Watts comes of age in the human world, but discovers she has fae abilities. When she's caught between warring factions, she falls in with the wrong side and barely escapes with her life. Seeking sanctuary, she lands on Falco Corsair's doorstep and runs headfirst into her destiny.

And a preview snippet…

Brevan Hollis shook like a leaf but he'd promised to help whenever he got a call. "Didn't know I'd be going back to the hell pit I escaped from." Being a mid-liner—a fae who didn't have allegiance to either the Black or the White—put him in a position to be useful to both sides.

But someone from the White had saved his sorry ass when the dark priest wanted to make Brevan a sacrificial example five years ago. Middle liners had at least one human parent and weren't supposed to be recruited by the fae councils. Some long ago treaty gave the half-faes freedom from swearing fealty to either sect.

Something the high priest conveniently forgot when it suited him.

Brevan's steps slowed when he came to the small stone building. A shot-gun styled interior with a short hallway and four tiny rooms on either side and a larger single room in the back, the makeshift jail held only one prisoner.

Tannis Watts.

Brevan didn't have a clue what she looked like or what condition she'd be in. The call didn't have those kinds of specifics, only the location and the urgent need to get Tannis to safety. He'd come semi-prepared with a small medical kit and a bag of charms and crystals. Both were tucked inside his jacket, just in case.

Slipping through the gate in the front yard, he stooped down and crept quietly toward the house. No guards were posted outside, which actually helped and hindered his quest. He could enter through the front door, but opted to go around back in case someone acted as a sentry inside.

Angling toward the rear entrance, he squinted through the window. "Unless something major has changed in the five years, I'll have a better view to the front." Sure enough, the large space that once used to be a kitchen and dining area gave him a straight view to the front of the building. No one stood inside.

Brevan used his quick and nimble fingers to get through the lock. He carefully opened the door and eased inside the house. Now, he only had to figure out which room Tannis would occupy.

Taking a step forward, he listened for any sound that would give him a clue. "Rather not have to pick every lock in the place." He stopped by the first door and pressed his ear against it.

Nothing. No creaking floorboards, no rustling, not a peep.

He crossed the hall and listened at the neighboring door.

Same thing. Not a sound.

Biting back a sigh, he moved to the next room. "It's after midnight, dumbass. She's probably sleeping." Might as well finish the rounds and try the next door.

He leaned against the heavy oak, trying to detect any kind of movement. He almost fell on his face when the door jerked open and he stumbled into the darkened space. A hand caught him under his chin, squeezing his throat then pushed him up against the wall.

Dim moonlight illuminated a beautiful female face marred only by the slash of her angry mouth.

Her fingers clamped tighter around his neck. "Full moon's not until tomorrow. Why are you here?"

He tried to swallow but couldn't get his throat to work. "T-t-tannis W-ww-watts?" He resisted the desire to claw at her hand even though he couldn't breathe.

She narrowed her eyes. "Why. Are. You. Here?"

When he couldn't do more than choke out a garbled response, she finally relented and loosened her grip on his airway. He dragged several lungsful of air into his chest and cleared his throat.

He glanced down to his jacket. "Inside the pocket." He hoped she'd retrieve the card otherwise he might not make it out alive.

She reached in with her free hand then read the name and address before slowly letting him go.

Brevan gave her the same introduction he'd received five years ago. "If you don't want to die, I can get you out. The choice is yours."

She pinned him with a clear gaze, searching his face for any sign of imminent betrayal. Brevan didn't flinch or look away even though her scrutiny unnerved him. They needed to get going if she wanted to escape. The building would be on a regular patrol route since it didn't have guards.

Tannis relaxed her posture and nodded. "Let's go."

I hope this story turns out the way I see things in my head. It's fun to write the conflict between dark and light and how those who aren't on either side have to play carefully to not get in the way.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: On the Circuit

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, father figures, and mentors out there. The weather has been wet and chilly and, honestly, I'm okay with that. When it's ninety in October and I'm complaining… remind me how the temperatures were in June.

Not a bad week of television. Had some deadlines to meet so a little lighter than usual.

Caught Banshee's fourth episode and loved the interaction with Job and Hood. Also liked entire theft scene and Carrie's rescue of Lucas. Very cool visuals there.

I've watched about three more episodes of Blue Heelers and still enjoy the show. I'm a little frustrated with Roz and finding a job. First, she did the mobile beauty thing, which was terrific. Then, when she lost her license, she was offered a job with a cosmetics firm but turned it down to supposedly take a job in the city. When Wayne got shot, she decided to stick around and now she applied for the office staff job at the station. I'm aware that's how things work sometimes, but it's a little whiplashy for me.

Caught Chicago Fire and loved the episode. I've got two more left of season seven and I'm really excited to see where things go. I'm very interested in how the situation with Casey and Brett plays out.

Episode two of Daredevil delivered another solid viewing experience. Again, my favorite parts were with Karen and Foggy. But I enjoyed Matt's story a lot more this week.

Watched another classic Roswell episode. I'd forgotten how funny Max and Kyle were in the episode where Liz gets to go on a blind date with someone else. And I'd also forgotten how terrific Maria sounded when she finally got to sing.

Frankie Drake Mysteries had a good episode. I'm glad Trudy is sticking around and I loved Mary and Flo's road trip. Also like the mystery this week.

Caught another episode of Riverdale. Gotta say Gladys might be even crazier than Hiram. And, honestly, I'm this close to being done with Hiram. The best part of the episode was Archie and Fred and FP and Jellybean and Jughead. Seriously, loved those scenes. I also loved, loved, loved Betty and Ethel teaming up to brig-break the creepy sisters' home.

Watched another episode of Arrow and, I'll say it again, I'm going to miss this show so much when it's gone. No one does flashbacks and flash forwards better than Arrowverse.

The premiere of Krypton's season two ended up being awesome. I missed this show! Colin Salmon truly seems to be relishing his role as Zod and he's quite good at being smarmy yet evil. I like that about his character. I'm so excited to see what else happens.

Also caught In the Dark. Man… talk about a crazy episode. It's seriously messed up when I'm rooting for the drug dealers to win the day, right? Yeah, I love this show. LOL

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from On the Circuit, a novella that started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The popularity of breaking dragons on the rodeo trail lures Reggie Pitch to test her mettle as a bullfighter. She works her way up from green recruit and tries out for the big show with Dwight Merlyn as her trainer, which proves intimidating because not only is he attractive as hell, he's a third generation handler and his family breeds the rankest, meanest beasts on the circuit.

And a preview snippet…

The rider went sailing through the air and landed with a bone-crunching thud in the arena.

"And down he goes." Reggie launched into action, darting to the center of the ring.

She made a big play out drawing the dragon's attention by wiggling her hips, the red hankies tied to her belt loops flouncing up and down. The big beast snorted and ambled its huge body in her direction, tossing its head. The rider had a chance to scurry up and get through the chute and to a safe location. Good.

"Now it's showtime." Reggie did a handstand, keeping a careful eye on the snarling, blue-scaled creature lumbering toward her.

Its golden gaze followed the motion of the red bandanas. Springing into a tumble, she flipped end over end three times getting close to the holding pens. Two more bullfighters came out, looping lassoes around the dragon's neck to help guide it out of the arena.

Reggie did a little exaggerated dance, swinging her hips and kicking up her feet then stood and blew kisses to the retreating animal. The crowd went wild, cheering and shouting their approval for her flirtatious show. Reggie basked, but also paid close attention to the huge, dangerous animal… just like Dwight taught her.

When its tail made a long, slow swish, Reggie drew in a breath, ready for anything. The crowd gasped when the dragon made a quick snap and sent the barbed projectile directly toward her. Dwight had prepared her for such an occurrence and Reggie didn't take her eyes off the incoming blur of motion. She leapt high in the air and did a backward flip, landing well out of reach of the hazardous zone. Wobbling a little on her landing, she made a show of cowering, covering her head for a three count then peeking over her shoulder. The gate slowly closed behind the big dragon and she jumped up and made a dramatic eye roll, dusted off her hands, and made spinning pirouette before holding her arms out to her sides.

The crowd roared, filling the arena with thunderous applause and shrill whistles. Reggie bowed once then turned and ran toward the chutes so the next ride could begin. She had to sit this round out, which didn't bother her a bit. Her heart raced and the blood pumped heavily through her veins.

The announcer's voice boomed over the loudspeakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, our newest bullfighter, Reggie Pitch! A welcome addition to tonight's entertainment. Next up…"

I did it! And they loved it!

Reggie cleared the gates and the chute three opened with a red and orange dragon hopping and roiling in circles with the rider clinging to his rope.

Reggie accepted her chilled bottle of water when someone pressed it into her hand. Twisting the lid off, she downed most of the container then paused to thank whoever had given it her. Her gaze met Dwight's and her eyes went wide. Did he approve of her performance?

Did he like the show I put on?

The slow curving half-smile his lips twisted into showed his appreciation, even under the silver and black clown face painted to resemble a snarling wolf. She'd passed his final test. She had a spot in the big show.

Recapping the bottle, she gave him a quick nod. "Thank you." She waited a beat. "For everything."

His chin lifted and a touch of something primal slid into his gaze. A shivery jolt of awareness trickled down her spine. She barely registered the announcer calling out the score for the completed ride.

Dwight pushed away from the stall behind him. "You're up again in two. Chute six." His head jerked toward the last stall on the end.

She lifted her hand and started down the aisle to get ready for the rider's launch. Dwight climbed up on the back of chute four and took his post on the pole next to the gate. He crouched into readiness, his thighs flexing under the shredded trousers of his costume.

Reggie took one moment to admire his physique before shaking her head clear. "Get your game face on, Reg. You can admire his ass when this is all over." Dwight would have her head in a vice if she screwed things up now.

Both of their reputations were on the line and Reggie didn't want to tarnish either one.

But she'd definitely drink to her success—and Dwight's—after the event.

This story is so much fun! I'm still getting the details nailed down but I'm excited about where this one is going.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Nowhere Good

Got a solid week of TV viewing in because the weather has been so back and forth it's easier to not plan anything. LOL

Caught another episode of Chicago Fire and, wow, it was terrific. The whole creepy buildup to the reveal played out really well. I have some thoughts on Brett and Casey but won't hold my breath to see what I want there. Loved seeing some good interaction with Kelly and Stella.

Watched the premiere episode of Daredevil's third season. Not a bad start at all. Enjoyed Karen and Foggy the most and liked seeing Matt try to come back. I'm not completely down with him being all pissy about everything but then again why wouldn't he be?

Enjoyed Frankie Drake Mysteries third episode. I kind of miss Frankie having different guys revolve in and out of her life, but she's got chemistry with the detective… even though I'd kind of like Mary to hook up with him.

Riverdale does batshit crazy better than just about any other show out there. As much as I like Mark Consuelos as an actor, I truly loathe Hiram and seriously see nothing redeeming in his characterization. That's usually when I start to lose interest. Here's hoping that doesn't happen with this show.

Watched several more episodes of Blue Heelers. I can't quite decide if I like the detective or not. And Wayne's wife Roz annoys me sometimes. That said, I love the show. Glad I picked it to watch.

Arrow managed to surprise me with the Brothers and Sisters episode. I'm very intrigued with Adrian Paul playing a bad guy. I can't wait to find out what his connection is to Emiko… I have several thoughts about how it might tie into how Oliver spent some of his time in earlier seasons and who he spent that time with. We'll see if I'm right.

Caught the finale of The Murders and it did not disappoint. I so hope this show gets another season and, if so, it needs to have Nolan. Just saying.

Watched another episode of Classic Roswell and enjoyed it again. I like how viewers can almost see the moment Valenti shifts his perspective on possible alien residency in Roswell.

Speaking of Roswell... New Mexico added the actress who plays Rosa as a series regular for season two. I admit this concerns me. Not because I didn't enjoy the actress; more because this is already a huge cast and I'd rather not have my favorites lose screen time. Maria was woefully underused and my hope is Rosa will help bring her into the fold. If not, I might be saying "so long" to Roswell, New Mexico… which actually saddens me because the first season is still eating my brain.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and it's one I didn't remember. I liked seeing how Jane's situation ties into the whole neuro craziness while at the same time is a completely different beast altogether.

Durham County is so damn hard to watch sometimes. I mean that in the best possible way. It's such a raw emotional look at the big and little things that make people who they are. Ray senior has got to be one of the worst examples of humanity and I want to know how the hell he got to be such a waste of life. Hopefully there's an answer in the series somewhere.

Watched another episode of Midsomer Murders and it was really terrific. Sometimes, especially with a show that's been on so long, episodes feel like they're a rehashing of previous seasons. This one was definitely not.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. There's something fun about watching black and white television. Maybe it's the nostalgia factor?

In the Dark ripped a huge band-aid off Murphy's life and, boy, did she react. Sometimes I get frustrated with her prickly demeanor but her flaws really are front and center and Jess always has the best way of presenting why it's easy to overlook some of Murphy's abrasive personality traits.

Last but not least, I watched another episode of Blade and I'd remembered it from the first go around. I can't say seeing Marcus's origin story really made me sympathetic to him but I can see how Krista got sucked into the scenario of maybe seeing some shades of gray there.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Nowhere Good, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After wiping out a rival fae faction, Adrian Stock plants a hot kiss on Shaun Henrickton, a fellow enforcer, and their world tilts sideways. They've got custom and ritual, protocol, and baggage between them and if they cave to their baser feelings, the outcome can't go anywhere good.

And a preview snippet…

Adrian Stock hurled a huge pile of concrete blocks toward the line of fire demons outside the warehouse. "You'd better let the hostages go." Her aim true, five of the beasts went down and shimmered back to the depths.

Her fellow enforcer, Shaun Henrickton, swept another three up in a whirlwind, increasing the speed of the twirling tower until they blew apart. "Thirty seconds to set the sirens free or the rest of you have the same fate." He conjured another mass of spinning air and expanded his arms.

The lead demon hissed a response. "Do your best. We know what we're up against now." He lifted an arm and the remaining two hellspawns rolled into action, shooting flaming arcs from their fingertips.

Adrian anticipated the counterstrike and moved a vat of water in front of Shaun who flung the whirlwind against it and doused the flames. The demons sizzled and popped before blipping out of sight.

Adrian strode toward the leader and lashed out with a whipcord noose, snagging the firebrand around the throat. "Let them go. Call back your inferno so they can get out." She tightened the bonds, cutting off the demons air supply.

He struggled and sent a line of fire in her direction. Her jacket singed but she darted to one side, twisting the rope more. Jerking hard, she got behind the red-skinned beast.

Pressing her advantage, she snarled in his ear. "Call it back and you can live to shimmer another day." She marched him forward, putting him within range to remove the wall of fire separating the fae creatures from safety.

The demon growled and choked out a command. The burning barrier shrank down until it finally extinguished. He thrashed and fought his confines again, demanding to be let go.

Adrian loosened the noose but didn't plan to let the hell beast get away. "Ranger Band, you're under caution by the ruling houses of the glade. You'll stand for judgment of your actions—" A bolt of heat shot up her arm, stopping her vocal warning.

Son of a bitch. She dropped, landing on her left side to dampen the flickering flames. Her right hand kept a tight hold on the whip, instinct and years of being an enforcer kicking in to keep her quarry.

Shaun raced forward, snagging the weapon from her and twisting hard. The demon's neck snapped and he sank to his knees before faceplanting on the gravel surface of the parking lot. The group of sirens came running out, huddled together. Adrian shook off her ruined coat and ran a palm over the burnt skin of her forearm.

Lucky. The damage could be much worse. If not for Shaun…

She startled when he grasped her hand, looking down to inspect the burned area. "Are you okay? Do you need a healer?" He gingerly turned her arm back and forth, trying to assess how badly she'd been hurt.

Luckily, not too much. And only because of him. They saved each other on a regular basis. Always had each other's backs. But only Shaun knew how much she fear fire and hated dealing with creature who could wield it.

She should be seeing to the sirens, making sure they were unharmed and helping them get back to safety.

But, right now, Shaun held all of her attention. He'd killed the demon, usually a last resort once the warning and reading of charges began. And he'd done it to save her.

Adrian gently pulled her arm away and reached up to cup his face. "I'm fine. I'll get Matilda to take a look later." She shivered a little, the chilly air seeping through her lightweight shirt.

Shaun held her gaze and her heart kicked hard when his revealed the worry, concern, and an unguarded depth of something else. The thing they never talked about for more reasons than either could keep track of. The indefinable feeling they regularly ignored so they could keep working together.

Adrian let the unnamed emotion swell and take hold then threw caution out the door and slid one hand to the back of Shaun's head. "Thank you. I owe you my life." She tugged him closer and pressed her mouth against his.

Big mistake.

What she planned as a brief kiss slid into a deeper embrace, with his tongue sweeping past her lower lip and tangling with hers. Everything except Shaun faded into nothingness; the fire demons, the sirens, the cold snap of the night air, her injury. All were forgotten against the backdrop of swirling awareness coursing through her veins.

One thought took up prominence in her mind.

Shaun Henrickton kissed like a god and rocked her world.

Trouble. I'm in very big trouble.

This is a fun story to write. I love it when characters take a random moment and let it open their eyes.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Old Wounds

Well, hello there, June. To be honest, considering it's only the second day of the month, June isn't starting off too badly. We're actually having a spring in Ohio and it's oddly unsettling. LOL

Not a bad week of television viewing. Finished up the second episode of Banshee and started on the third of the first season. I want to search around and see if the mini-episodes of the origin storyline are available. Definitely filled in some blanks.

Caught two additional episodes of Blue Heelers and started a third. I really do enjoy this show a lot.

I'm almost finished with Chicago Fire's seventh season. I'm up to episode eighteen. I loved the focus on luck and also the interaction with Severied and Foster. Great to see Donna again too.

Gotta say, I'm actually pretty satisfied with Iron Fist's season finale. Well, I guess it's more of a series finale and I freely admit that disappoints me. That said, I'm thrilled with the potential for what could have been the third season's story elements. Misty ended up in a good place even if she's not completely certain where her career is going to take her. Joy and Walker could have some terrific potential for figuring themselves out. Colleen, quite simply, kicks ass no matter what she does. But the best part is where Danny and Ward ended up… on the adventure of a lifetime to figure out what their roles are in the big picture of life. So… I would have been thrilled and happy as hell to have a third season but I'm very okay with how the show ended this iteration of itself.

Caught the camping trip episode of Classic Roswell. I remembered this one and Kyle's snark coming out if full force was so much fun. I also enjoyed the interaction with Jim and his dad. Considering the episode is all about fathers, it was a great piece of the puzzle.

Watched the second episode of Frankie Drake and enjoyed it. The show feels different this season and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'll see how the rest of the season goes.

Caught another episode of Riverdale and, man, it's so… poignant to see Luke Perry on screen. Being behind like I am, I've had time to deal with the loss of the actor but I haven't had the chance to deal with losing the character on the show… because it hasn't happened yet.

Arrow's episode ended up being excellent! Nice to finally have Black Star's name and to know her relationship with Oliver, Felicity, and William. Have to admit, my heart kind of broke when William decided to leave with his grandparents. And… I'm going to miss this show so much when it's over!

Watched the penultimate episode of The Murders and it definitely didn't disappoint. I'm excited to see if this show returns. I'm crossing my fingers because I really love the cast and the storylines.

Discovered I didn't watch the penultimate episode of Painkiller Jane. I'd forgotten this had a full season of twenty-two episodes. I'm ready to see what else happens now.

Caught the third episode of Durham County and, yeah, still dark. I truly love the character dynamics and watching Mike kind of fail at holding shit together is compelling. There's a very fine line he has to walk to stay sympathetic and so far the actor is pulling it off.

Midsomer Murders had a good episode featuring Jones in a way I haven't seen him before. I like it. Looking forward to another episode this week.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and Classic Who. I started the Gunfighters arc and it's not bad at all.

Watched two episodes of In the Dark and both were excellent. Good to see more of Darnell's story and I really like the detective and the bartender maybe getting together. As usual, I'm on the fence with Murphy… just when I get so damn pissed off at her, she had a moment of clarity or remorse and shows her softer side. I'm definitely intrigued and can't wait for another episode.

Caught another episode of Blade and remembered it from the first time around. Watching Krista deal with her mom kind of kicked hard and watching Chase completely screw over the pureblood did not surprise at all. Just saying.

And that's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Old Wounds, a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing the anniversary of someone's death.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Abbot Isley's father lies near death, Nixie Grimm is willing to open old wounds to help him cope. Taking a trip down memory lane is not her favorite thing, but Abbot's steadfast support triggers a healing process she didn't know she needed and lets her move forward—with Abbot.

And a preview snippet…

"Nix? Time for a road trip." Abbot Isley poked his head into the makeshift lab.

Nixie Grimm glanced up and smiled. "Does that mean?" She bit back the question almost afraid to hope.

Abbot gave a nod. "We've got a lead." He jerked his head, indicating they should leave now.

Nixie put the texts she'd been working on back in the oiled leather case. "Hot damn. Finally." She'd much rather be on the trail of their latest pain in the ass than translating ancient documents… then entering them into a database.

Even the magickal world she lived in had to get digitalized.

It didn't mean she had to be the one to make it happen.

Grabbing her backpack, she exited the room and nearly bumped into Abbot. He held her go bag in one hand along with his.

She grinned. "Remind me to thank you later." He'd know how eager she'd be to get the hell out of the estate house and on the road.

Abbot fell into step beside her and pitched his voice low. "And by thank me you mean seriously hot sex later, right?" He waited until she pushed the door open then followed her out.

She gave him a wide smile and started toward the parking lot. "Probably. After all, you're saving me from a mind-numbing fate." A hand on her shoulder halted her progress.

Abbot shook his head. "We're not going by vehicle, Nix." His gaze flicked toward the catacombs.

Holy shit.

She altered her direction. "How hot is this lead and how far away?" Only the rarest occasion warranted teleporting.

Abbot shrugged. "Solid enough they want us to go right now and by normal means a two-day drive." He trotted down the steps into the tomblike chambers.

Nixie walked beside him while they made their way to the furthest location, a tie-in to the cave system under the estate, the space where the residents could teleport to other places.

Abbot quirked a brow. "Are you ready?"

Nixie nodded. "No, wait." She leaned in closer to him. "Definitely serious hot sex later." Straightening, she waited for Abbot to start the incantation to transport them to their designation.

He made a garbled choking sound then cleared his throat to start the spell.

Nixie bit back a laugh. She lived to mess with Abbot's concentration.

This story will have a few twisty turns but I love where the road leads the characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye