Sunday Snippet: Same Time Next Year

Think I'm finally over the hump with the ear infection and tooth issues. Feeling much more clear-headed and able to function. Low-grade discomfort is such a distraction.

Had an okay week watching more Batman: The Animated Series. I finished up season one and got started on season two, which is much, much shorter than the first one.

Enjoyed the opening of season two with "House and Garden." Ivy can be very intriguing and watching her playing normal family ended up being fun.

Also enjoyed Ra's Agul's return. I like the fact he isn't part of the usual rogue's gallery and doesn't haunt Gotham like the rest of the villains do.

I'm hoping to finish out the year with the rest of season two and three, then maybe dive into some of my favorite Justice League episodes with Batman.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Same Time Next Year, a novella where the main characters make a date for a year in advance then keep bumping into each other.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After commiserating over failed hook-ups, Tessa Gem and Hart Cantley make a date for the following year at the same time, but they have no idea their fae collective will be at war when they meet again.

And a preview snippet…

Tessa flattened against the brick building then poked her head around the corner. "Damn, it's been a wild three months." Why the hell are so many factions rising up and creating unrest?

She got sent out for a simple job and ended up stuck in the middle of a fire fight.

Taking a quick head count, she had six demons on one side and eight shifters on the other. The group picked a narrow alley for a mega brawl. Heaving a sigh, she darted around the edge of the wall to throw some binding spells.

Stupid move. A demon went wide and the shifter—a Wynan if her information held true—launched a volley of arrows. Tessa ducked to get out of the way, but collided with the demon.

"Shit." A sharp, jarring pain shot through her shoulder. "Tagged with a barbed arrow. Dammit."

At least the shifter had been aiming for the demon. It didn't even register her presence, making a wide arc before facing the shifter and belching out a trail of fire. Tessa quickly got out of the way and barely cleared the perimeter to stumble to her knees. Her vision swam and she flung a hand against the rough brick to get upright.

Unable to stay and quell the violence, she painfully made her way to a darkened enclosure. Her healing ability wouldn't kick in until she got the projectile removed. And she couldn't do that if she stuck around, not without reinforcements.

Sucking in air, she made her way across the street to a different alley. She hated the thought of getting the arrow out.

"Gonna hurt like a bitch."

She headed toward a dumpster for some cover when a hand clamped over her mouth and an arm banded around her torso. She tried to turn but agony shot down her left side making her shoulder and arm go numb. Poison!

A raspy voice confirmed her suspicion. "The Wynans use curare-laced arrows. We don't have much time."

Hart. He sounded far away, but the corded muscle of his forearm remained around her waist. The toxin had started affecting her brain, but she relaxed and welcomed his aid.

He swept an arm under her legs and cradled her to his chest. "Hang on, Tessa." He carried her to the end of the alley and made a quick left. "Let's get you somewhere safe and I'll take care of that arrow."

She didn't respond. Her mouth couldn't seem to form words. Placing her head on his shoulder, she hovered on the brink of unconsciousness. She roused when Hart paused to briefly open the door. The snick of the deadbolt sliding reached her ears. He hadn't let go of her. How did he get the door open?

Full-blood mage. Of course.

A jarring trip up a set of stairs almost sent her into the blackness of the ether. A low moan escaped from her lips.

Hart's arms tightened around her. "Sorry, darlin'. Almost there. Stay with me." He jostled her about to make a turn up to the next floor.

She clung to the sound of his voice, so soothing and warm. But the darkness called, a strong siren song. Her head lolled to the side.

Hart's voice penetrated the fog. "Tessa, don't leave me, babe. A few more moments, okay?" He got a better grip on her.

She gave a nod and tried to reply. Her okay sounded more like a croak than affirmation.

He paused outside another door. "Cead isteach." Ducking through the opening, he deposited her on a bed. "Here we go, darlin'."

She winced when he shifted her position.

He tsked. "Yeah, it hurts, doesn't it?" He moved away and removed his coat.

The toxin made her vision blurry but she focused on his hands. He emptied his pockets, pulling out three small packages. He set them on the bed beside her. Reaching into his shirt, he withdrew a medicine bag—surprising—and quickly opened the pouch.

Moving forward, he sprinkled something onto his palm then formed a cup with his fist, holding it close to her face. "Bungi herb and Spanish moss. The blend will counter the effect of the poison."

She opened her mouth and he poured the dried mixture in.

"Fair warning. It tastes like ass but it works fast."

She had no idea what ass tasted like, but the bitter, pungent flavor probably came damn close. Fighting the urge to gag, she swallowed, her throat working to get the contents down. Hart nodded and produced a glass of water to act as a chaser. Holding the tumbler to her lips, he helped her get a good drink before setting the cup aside.

Closing her eyes, she grimaced, unable to get the nasty taste out of her mouth.

Hart stroked a finger along her cheek. "Yeah, it's disgustingly vile, but it should be easier to breathe and the numbness should be going away." He smoothed the hair away from her forehead.

Tessa opened her eyes, her vision almost clear. When she swallowed, her throat muscles eased. Air filled her lungs and it didn't hurt to breathe anymore. But her taste buds rebelled against the horrible injustice they were suffering.

She shuddered. "I kind of hate you for the ick going on in my mouth right now, but thanks for getting me out of there." She had no doubt she'd have died if he hadn't come along.

He met her gaze, but only for a moment. "You'll hate me even more in a few minutes. We've gotta get this arrow out." He gestured to her shoulder.

Shit. She didn't relish the removal. But, yeah, she didn't want the poison in her system any longer than necessary. Giving him a nod, she struggled to sit up.

He grabbed her biceps, halting her progress. "Don't move too much, you'll make a clean removal harder."

Damn. A rookie mistake.

Heaving a sigh, she eased back down. "Right. You're right." Being helpless made her edgy. And stupid.

Hart reached over and opened the packets he'd set down. "I know. It sucks to be you right now, but why don't you let me do the heavy lifting until we get this bad boy out, okay?"

Not like I have a choice. "Yeah, okay." Tessa grit her teeth.

He got the stuff ready and unbuttoned her shirt. "Have any feeling back in your arm and left side yet?"

She grunted. "Hurts like a bitch. So, yeah, definitely feeling everything."

Hart winced. "Not gonna lie. You know it's gonna get worse."

She growled. "Yeah, yeah. Better out than in. Let's do this." She exhaled slowly, trying to prepare.

Hart leaned forward and cupped her chin. She opened her mouth to question why but he slanted his lips over hers. Her heart rate jumped, especially when his tongue moved past her teeth to tangle with hers. Hart took his time, thoroughly exploring until she all but melted into the mattress before easing back and brushing his thumb over her lower lip.

She blinked. "Wh-what was that for?" Not that she minded or anything—she'd love more.

One side of his mouth curved. "To get your adrenaline flowing to kick start the healing process."

Tessa grinned. "Nice. Remind me to thank you for that later … after I get over the urge to kill you for what comes next."

Hart gave a nod. "Will do." He sobered and got serious.

After clasping the arrow, he put a hand on her collarbone. "Grab hold of me and when I push, haul yourself up."

Ugh. This is gonna suck big hairy balls.

Tessa grasped his shoulders in a firm grip and exhaled slowly.

Hart met her gaze. "Ready?"

She lifted her chin.

He started to push. "Now, Tessa."

She dug her fingers into his skin and raised up, sucking in a harsh breath. Agony tore through her when the barbed tip pressed outward through her skin. Hart dragged her forward with his free hand, helping to keep her upright. "It's through and…" He grabbed the end and gave a hard yank. "Out." His arms wrapped around her. "You're good now." He gently lowered her back down. "Gonna clean up the blood and let you start healing."

Tessa barely registered the words. The room spun and everything went gray and fuzzy. "That's good. Because I think I'm gonna pass out now..." Blessed darkness claimed her.

A little longer than usual for a snippet, but I'm very happy with how this scene came together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye