Sunday Snippet: Broken Down and Maxed Out

With January coming to a close, the first month of the year is in the books. Oddly, I have a good feeling about 2021. I hope I'm right and the year is terrific for everyone.

Ended up with a full slate of work projects this week and I welcomed them with open arms. But they kept me pretty busy so I didn't get a lot of television watched.

I did finish up the second part of the racing episode of Silent Witness. Ended up being very twisty and turny.

I caught a full arc of Classic Who and I'm about halfway through the thirteenth series. I think I like the previous season better than this one so far.

Started a new Queens of Mystery episode and I'm still enjoying this series. I hope they end up doing another one. It's a lot of fun.

As always, I caught the usual mysteries on Ovation and some additional classic episodes of Perry Mason.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Broken Down and Maxed Out, a novella with characters trying to prop each other up and not always succeeding.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Dallas Kirk and Rafe Quinoza, two top agents in the Ministry of Magickal Defense, are broken down and maxed out they turn to each other to regroup and recharge. But when they reach their saturation point at the same time, they struggle to keep their connection strong, which is difficult when they blame themselves for a mission gone wrong.

And a preview snippet…

Rafe woke up to an empty bed. "It's good to be home." The memory of the previous night replayed in his mind.

Damn. Good thing Dallas got there when she did. Not that he'd been much help.

He sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the mattress. No lingering effects. For him. He didn't know about Dallas.

He rose and found Dallas watching the sun rise. He went out to the small balcony and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned against him.

But she kept her eyes forward. "Who knew?" She finally angled her head around, her gaze a little dark and stormy. "Who knew where you'd be and why?" She voiced the question quietly but anger tinged her tone.

He pondered a moment. "Three people. You, Gibbon, and his aide. That I know of." He shrugged. "It could be more." He eased away from her and tugged her back inside their room. "You know Gibbon gets chatty sometimes." Especially when he issued the orders.

She quirked an eyebrow. "You didn't tell Adam?" Her voice held surprise more than censure.

Rafe pushed back a little. "You think I should have?" He'd thought about it, but Adam had a lot on his plate right now.

Dallas gave him a pointed look. "Didn't say that. Just trying to figure out the pieces and where they go." She perched on the edge of the bed.

Rafe shook his head. "Adam didn't make the request for the surveillance detail. But once I get an assignment, Gibbon usually lets Adam know—if he feels it's necessary." He sat down beside her. "Or Adam reads about it afterward in the report." He cocked his head. "It's not like you don't know standard operating procedure. What's going on?" She had a reason for poking around that had nothing to do with which piece went where.

I had this story all plotted out and the sages decided to throw me a curve … which ended up being really good.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Broken Arrow

Wow, January is almost over and it's been a month. I'm cautiously optimistic the year will get better and crossing my fingers to be on the safe side.

Had a semi-busy week with work and I'm still on my cleaning spree. I did get some television watched. Started with another arc of Classic Who and watched the four-part Pyramids of Mars. Will probably get another arc in this week.

Started the next two episodes of Silent Witness. Oddly enough, it featured a horse race and I just finished editing a book about a thoroughbred dynasty so I understood a lot of the jargon.

Also started a new episode of Blue Heelers. There's another new cast member and I'll reserve judgment on whether I like her or not.

As usual, I caught a bunch of the Ovation mysteries and some classic Perry Mason. I also caught a marathon of Hawaii Five-0. I might be somewhat over the loss of Chin and Kono and ready to watch the final seasons. We'll see.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Broken Arrow, a novella that has a character trying to find her way through a crippling experience.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cailin Berg is a broken arrow, a mage suffering from a crippling experience who can no longer use their skills, and she wants to find a way back to her practice. Phelps Morlach can't give her any answers, but he will offer whatever assistance he can provide … especially since he holds some of the responsibility for Cailin's predicament.

And a preview snippet…

After Farsi settled back on her seat, Cailin made a demand. "You're going to help me, old woman. Tell me what I need to know." She couldn't take the constant barrage of images and noisy echoes in her head.

The oracle calmly shook her head. "You're not ready." She folded her hands and held Cailin's gaze.

Cailin crumpled and made a hard admission. "I'm close to losing my mind." Tears pricked behind her eyelids, but she refused to let them fall.

Farsi gently placed a hand on Cailin's. "Let me make one suggestion. Try to find a quiet place to meditate twice a day." Her fingers tightened on Cailin's. "And, yes, I know you don't have a full appreciation for the art, but you do know how to do it, don't you." She arched a brow.

Cailin nodded because Farsi didn't make it a question. Any mage who'd studied the magickal realm had the ability to meditate.

Farsi continued. "After a week, come back and I will make another effort to give you answers." She let go of Cailin's hand.

Cailin reluctantly agreed. "I really don't have another option, do I?" She couldn't do any magick and she couldn't live this way.

If only she could talk to Phelps. I'm too scared to open up to him. Her fear might be the actual death of her.

Giving Farsi a nod, she slowly got up to leave.

I love how this story is coming together. Cailin has a journey to take and she's reluctant to travel the road she's on, but she'll have some help from Phelps.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bright, Burning Yule

Okay, I've been on a cleaning spree again, which means I had a somewhat slow week with television. I haven't been in the mood and my attention span is limited right now.

I did get a new episode of Blue Heelers started. It's an interesting one and I'm enjoying it.

I also finished up the final chapter of the second episode of Queens of Mystery. I really like this show.

Caught the second part of a Silent Witness episode and quite liked the mystery this time. I also enjoyed getting to see the transition from Sam to Leo as professor. I've never seen how they handled that.

Other than my usual slate of Classic Perry Mason and The Saint along with the Ovation shows, I haven't caught much else. Ovation has a new-to-me show called King and I've seen a few of the episodes. Not bad. I'll see if my opinion holds.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Bright, Burning Yule, a Holiday Spirit short.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Stella Silverbell, a holiday spirit, is tasked with bringing Nyssa Nameth, the ultra female werewolf, together with the Braddox Bennington, the prime hunter of all wolf shifters, during the Yule season. Their joining can end centuries of misconception but they have to get over their preconceived notions first.

And a preview snippet…

Nyssa Nameth came up out of the wing back chair. "You can't make me do this." She paced in front of the fire, giving her uncle a side eye.

Nance Nameth didn't flinch under her scrutiny. "Yes, Nyssa. I can." His tone indicated he would, too.

He'd make her mate with someone, whether she wanted to or not.

Nyssa sat back down. "Uncle Nance, please don't. I realize you're the alpha, but you don't have to do this." She didn't ask for the burden she carried.

Nance shook his head. "You're wrong, Nys. And you know it." He turned to face her. "You're an ultra. The first we've had in generations. If you don't choose a mate, we run the risk of dying out completely." His hand clenched into a fist. "The packs have been slaughtered to near unsustainable levels." He pinned her with a hard gaze. "Niece or not, you have until the day after yule to choose your mate." He got up and held his hands toward the fire.

Nyssa slumped. "I'm not ready." She couldn't go into why; her uncle wouldn't care.

Not because he didn't want to, but because the mantle of responsibility rested firmly on his shoulders to keep the packs healthy and whole. Something he couldn't do if she didn't reproduce. Being an ultra wolf sucked balls.

Nance angled his head around. "Too bad. I've given you almost five extra years. You should've chosen at twenty-five. But the responsibility is big; your bloodline will rule until the next ultra female is born." He returned to his chair. "And don't start in about how your bloodline already rules. You know that's not how it works. You have to mate and bond so your children and their children can carry on the lineage." Holding her gaze, he gave her an order. "Choose, Nyssa. Your only other option is exile and the packs will go to war if you decide to take that course." He exhaled slowly and leaned back. "I recommend choosing someone strong and capable of protection and defense."

She rolled her eyes, pissed off he'd picked now to deliver his ultimatum. "Fine. But don't expect to see me at the Yule gathering. If I have to settle and do this, I'm not going to be blasted with reasons why I should pick someone from every male member of the pack." She got up and walked to her door. "Please leave. I've got a lot of thinking to do."

Her uncle slowly rose and, to his credit, didn't sanction her for speaking with disrespect. "I'll expect an answer the day after Yule. We'll make the announcement on New Year's Eve." He exited and closed the door behind him.

Nyssa paced again, cursing her fate and wondering who the hell she might consider spending the rest of her life with. A knock sounded on her door and she bit back a snarl of irritation.

Fully expecting Uncle Nance to be back on her doorstep, she let out a squeak of surprise when an envelope hovered at eye level. "What the hell?" Snagging the missive, she unsealed the parchment and retrieved a folded card.

 

You are cordially invited to spend Yule holiday at Goodacre Bed and Breakfast.

Some much needed peace and solitude will settle your mind and aid in your quest.

 

A brief set of directions followed, noting she could cross into the nether realm whenever she made her decision.

Huffing out a breath, she didn't take really hesitate. "Okay, yeah. Take a few days to ponder my options. Why not?" If nothing else, she could maybe get into the mental headspace she'd need to be in to face the pack when she returned.

Her reluctance twisted in her stomach. She wanted someone to love and grow old with. Wanted to feel the true mating surge—not only produce heirs for the next generation.

Grabbing her bag, she started to pack. "Gonna be difficult no matter what, considering the hunters have significantly thinned the packs."

I have so much fun with the holiday spirit shorts. This one in particular is a favorite. Nyssa's dilemma is going to get worse before it gets better.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blurred Lines

Well, it's definitely been an interesting beginning to the new year. At this point, I'm coasting through and taking happy moments when I can. Blogging is a happy moment for me.

Had a couple of work projects I needed to finish up and started a new one. I didn't have a lot of time for television but I did get a few things watched.

I watched a little more of Gabriel's Inferno and hope to finish it up sometime this week.

Also watched the next two installments of Queens of Mystery. I finished the second part of the first episode and started the first part of the second installment. I rather like this show.

Other than that, I watched most of an episode of Blue Heelers and caught my usual mysteries on Ovation. I'm a little bummed they've changed their line-up, but that always happens. I get used to and love having my shows on at a certain time and the network has to change things up. Ah, well.

Tonight's post is from Blurred Lines, a novella that mixes a little urban fantasy with a fight-club style reunion between the characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Becca and York. Finding their way back to each other is the ultimate achievement. Working out how they'll function together is the challenge. The lines are all blurry because they've crossed back and forth so many times.

And a preview snippet…

The second bell roused York from his sated slumber. He turned, his hand hitting the cool sheets. Coming fully awake, he blinked the sleep from his eyes and looked around the room. "Becs?"

Nothing. Utter silence greeted his call. Realization set in and York thought he might heave, sickened because he'd believed they had a chance.

He should have known better. Becca always ran.

How could he have been so stupid? Collapsing back against the bed, he grabbed a pillow and hurled it across the room. "Fuck!"

Wait. Maybe she didn't run. She could've headed to the arena to get an early workout in. He centered his butt in the middle of the bed and focused, reaching out to the council head.

"Good morning, York. I assume you've heard the news." He didn't elaborate.

York fought the sinking lead-ball swirling in his gut. "What news? I reached out to see if Becca arrived for a workout."

The council head responded quickly. "She came in, but only stayed long enough to exercise the out clause in her contract. She's leaving to join the Marauders in Capesville." He paused a moment. "I apologize. I wrongfully concluded her next stop would be to let you know."

York barely held on to the connection thread, the anger, disappointment, and … well, embarrassment churned in his brain. Of course she didn't inform him. So not her style.

York swallowed the bitter bile rising in his throat. "Uh, no. I had no idea about any of this. I'll be in within an hour to work with whoever you decide to put in her spot."

The council head took a long moment before offering a reply. "Are you certain? We can take up to a week to make a decision. Your input should be considered."

York held back a derisive snort. "My input is I'll be happy to train with your best candidate." He'd already had his choice as the best and she bailed in a major way.

The council head didn't argue. "As you wish. We'll see you soon."

York cut the mental tether and balled his hands into fists. "Becca Wills, one. York Edmonson, a big fat zero."

I like where this story is going. York has good reason to be angry with Becca but she's got baggage she doesn't want to unpack with anyone. She'll eventually come to her senses.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blondie and the Three Wizards

Welcome 2021! It's been raining like crazy the last few days, which is kind of soothing even if it's also a little dark and dreary.

I finished up a work project and had time to get somewhat organized for the new year. I have a few small things to get lined up but I'm ready to dive deep into 2021.

Had a very slow week in television. I caught a couple episodes of Blue Heelers and a couple episodes of Silent Witness. I also did a few year-end marathons and watched my usual classic TV and mystery shows.

And that's how I'm starting this year. Tonight's post is from Blondie and the Three Wizards, a sexy short that riffs on Goldilocks.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Xandra Blue, a mage adept, has to pick a new mentor from three extremely sexy wizards. All three have the skills and could make great partners, but the guys don't make it easy for her to choose.

And a preview snippet…

Xandra entered the common area of the residence hall and paused. "Whoa." She had to pick from the trio of gorgeousness scattered around the room?

Based on the file descriptions, she had a solid idea of who each man might be. And Chris spoke of them frequently. Bless him for making her a part of his life and acting as the big brother she never had. She could really use his advice for how to deal with this group of men, his friends and colleagues.

Moving further into the lounge space, she drew the attention of the men.

The one closest to her rose and gave her a nod. "Hello. You must be Xandra." He smoothed his shirt and stepped forward. "I'm Sam Guilliams." He thrust his palm toward her, blushing profusely.

She shook his hand. "Hi. Yes. I'm Xandra." She'd pegged him correctly.

Sam had a light blue button down shirt and meticulously creased khaki pants. His shoes were spotless, brown loafers with a highly buffed sheen. After his initial eagerness, he retreated back to the table, suddenly timid.

The second man let out a long, low whistle. "Well, hello there, Blondie." His gaze raked over her slowly. "Aren't you a beautiful sight?" He made a twirling motion with his finger, suggesting she turn around in a circle.

She almost followed the unvoiced order but caught herself. "You must be Heath. Chris warned me about you." She smiled, taking the heat out of her words and trying not to be sad at the loss of her mentor.

Heath chuckled. "Should've known." He also stuck his hand out and grasped hers. "Nice to meet you, Xandra." He let go and gave her a bow.

Her mood brightened again. Hard to stay when someone wild, aggressive, and brash made it impossible.

The final member of the trio lifted a hand. "I'm Dare. We're sorry to meet you under these circumstances, but glad to have you here." He moved forward. "Chris left some big shoes to fill." Putting a hand on her shoulder, he led her to the large table in the center of the room. "Let's get things rolling here and find out what you can do and how we can help." He pulled a chair out for her.

Two hours later, Xandra's head whirled with information. Sam listed out a full two pages of pros and cons if they worked together. His presentation showed he had an immaculate depth of knowledge and his skills were impeccable if not rigidly wielded.

Heath pretty much said he'd get her where she needed to be but they'd discuss her instruction over dinner. Then he put on a dazzling show of blindingly spectacular magick designed to impress. And break at least half a dozen rules. <No surprise there.> Heath probably had met a rule he wouldn't break.

Dare started out by asking her a question. "Where did you and Chris leave off?"

She appreciated the gesture. "We were in the middle of the third stage in level three." She wondered if the number three would be a thing for her.

Dare's eyes widened. "A difficult series of maneuvers. Did you have a specific agenda for continuing your lessons?" He conjured the Book of Magicks and opened it to level three.

Again, he'd impressed her. Not by a long monologue of how things should work or by showing off with crazy skills. Instead he asked and offered. Kind of refreshing.

Xandra pointed to the third—seriously, three again—maneuver. "Chris showed me this over and over and I still don't get it." If she didn't master the combination of visualizing and verbalizing, she'd never make it to the next level.

Dare nodded. "This is one of those skills that when it finally clicks, so many things will fall into place." He gave her his full attention and explained further. "The hardest part about the combination casts is subtlety. The vision has to be fully formed before the incantation is spoken or the result is nil." He tapped his finger on the page. "Try this. Visualize a large bouquet of flowers."

She closed her eyes and pictured lilacs.

"Now, hold that image and fill in the details. Make sure there's a vase, water, whatever else is needed for the bouquet to fully form."

Xandra let her mind fill with the suggestions. A green vase filled with water surrounded the blooms. A spray or two of greenery interspersed with the purple petals. She opened her mouth to utter the spell but Dare stopped her.

"Not yet. Hold the image and let it solidify. Don't speak the words until you fully envision the bouquet."

She waited a moment, until the image fully formed, then uttered her cast. "Bring it forth."

A large bouquet of lilacs appeared on the table, exactly how she'd pictured it in her mind.

Her mouth dropped open. "I can't believe it." Her gaze flew to Dare's. "That's incredible."

Heath rolled his eyes. "Look at Mr. Romance scoring big points." He smirked in Sam's direction. "Think we have a chance now?"

Sam shrugged. "Of course. Xandra can't make a snap decision about something this important."

Xandra gave a nod. "That's true." She directed her attention to Dare. "I do thank you though." She got up. "Can we do our individual meets tomorrow? The master sage wants a decision by the end of the week."

The men agreed and they set up times. Sam insisted on nine a.m. He only had that time available for the next day. Heath didn't want to meet until at least two in the afternoon. Apparently, he had a hot date and didn't plan to be up before noon. Dare asked her what time would work best for her. She suggested around five, which worked out well for him.

She gave another nod. "I'll look forward to seeing you all again." Turning, she exited the common area and fanned her face. "Man … not gonna be an easy decision."

I love putting a fun spin on classic fairytales and this story brings a lot of joy when writing.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye