Sunday Snippet: Veering Off Course

Whew! Busy week, which I love. My youngest kidlet got engaged last weekend and we've been riding that wave of excitement this week.

Finished up one work project and got another new one. It's a mystery and I love those! Also plugging along with an ongoing LitRPG manuscript that's also a sci-fi/fantasy mash-up. I love the series!

Had an okay week of television viewing. I didn't get through as much as I thought I would but I'm cool with that.

I finished up the episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I've got two episodes left and I'm bracing for impact because I know what's coming.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and I'm happy to say I figured out the real culprit. It took some really twisty turns and I'm pretty sure there might have been a dangling plot thread but, honestly, a great episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm almost finished with the first season, and it's been terrific seeing the series in chronological order. Can't wait to start the next season.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Epiphanies." I'd forgotten how much this episode set up for the following seasons. And I'm always blown away by how incredibly good James Callis is the role of Baltar.

I also caught another episode of Fantasy Island. Really enjoyed this one. I'm very, very cautiously optimistic with the Javier and Elena storyline. I'm going to be so disappointed if it ends up being trashed for the sake of angst.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Veering Off Course, a novella that separates a couple just when they're close to having a future.

Here's the miniblurb:

Raine Shippley tends to go her own way, always veering off course. When her true path is revealed, Dalton Tucker thinks they'll finally have a chance, but Raine disappears and he's left to follow the trail alone … or so he thinks.

And a preview snippet…

Raine brought a mug of coffee into Dalton's study. "Any luck with the research?" Considering he hadn't had much sleep while keeping her under, she didn't know how his eyes weren't crossing while reading.

Dalton hid a yawn and accepted the cup. "Well, one name keeps coming up. But I'd like to do a little more sleuthing before I get your hopes up." He settled in a chair by the fire.

Raine dropped down in the matching wingback. "Gonna be hard to raise them anyway." She met his gaze. "But I appreciate the caution." Turning her attention to the flickering flames, she zoned out while Dalton sipped his hot java.

She startled when Dalton draped a soft throw over her.

He smiled and returned to his chair, picking up an open notebook. "You looked chilly." He flipped a page over.

She snuggled into the blanket. "I think I was. Sorry I fell asleep again." The lethargy drover her mad.

Dalton shrugged. "You need the rest. And it gave me time to do some more research." He turned toward her. "I think I found someone who might be able to help you."

She arched a brow. "The name that keeps popping up?"

He nodded. "Faeryn Carnes. She survived entering the shroud and returning. I'd think the experience would give her extra insight about the inner workings of elementals." His finger traced over the name on the paper.

Raine leaned forward. "Do you know her? As in, have you ever met her?" Strangers could be squicked out by multiple wielders.

Hell, friends and acquaintances got freaked out around Raine.

Dalton shook his head. "Not personally. But I've got her contact information and, if you're willing, I can see if she'll meet with us." He nodded toward his phone.

Raine lifted her chin. "Yeah. I mean, at this point, what can it hurt? The worst that can happen is she says no." She turned her attention back to the flames.

Dalton got up and moved into the kitchen to make the call.

Raine stared at the flickering orange and yellow of the snapping and popping wood in the grate. Her mind drifted and the fire dimmed then flared. She didn't consciously make the alteration. The element picked up on her mood and acted accordingly.

Clearing the cobwebs of slumber from her brain, she focused her gaze on the hearth and followed the dancing dips and dives of the tendrils drifting up toward the chimney flue. Her vision blurred and a vivid image filled her mind.

She stood in the center of a pentagram with four points soaked in elemental magick with a shroud for each—earth, air, water, and fire. The fifth point, the top of the star, swirled with shadows and cloaked itself in darkness. The final part represented her. The self. The blackness would remain until she got a handle on her abilities.

The vision shifted and four caricatures branched off from the center and made their way to each elemental shroud. Then, one by one, they merged and moved to the fifth, hidden point. No one else entered the picture. Only she could make this happen, and she had to follow her true path.

Her head snapped up. "I have to walk alone." Her heart sank … because leaving Dalton behind wouldn't be easy.

If she chose to follow the vision…

Dalton popped back into the room. "Faeryn wants to meet you. If you're up for it, she'd like you to stop by today." He pocketed his phone and arched his brows.

Raine got up and folded the blanket. "Let's go. You don't mind coming with me, do you?" She'd meet with Faeryn alone but hoped Dalton would at least be there for moral support.

A smile quirked his lips. "Nope. She's about an hour north of us. Maybe we can stop for something to eat on our way back." He waggled his eyebrows with the suggestion of food.

Raine grinned. "Pretty sure that's a backhanded way of saying you'd rather I didn't cook." She retrieved her jacket from the peg shelf by the door.

Dalton gave her an innocent look. "I would never imply anything of the sort." He chuckled. "But I will say it outright." He breezed past her and started down the sidewalk.

Raine laughed. Because she did suck at making meals. And not because she couldn't control her abilities … she truly didn't enjoy cooking.

She sobered on her way to the car. She loved Dalton for bringing some humor to the day. But she also dreaded what the conversation with Faeryn might reveal…

I'm happy with how this story is coming together. It's also great to revisit Faeryn.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Various Reasons

Still chugging along on various work projects, but I'm at the in-between stages on a few. I like having some free time to focus on writing.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I had to create a workaround for one of the shows I watch, but I'm happy I managed to remember how to set things up.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, wow, I love the unexpected surprise. I'm cautiously optimistic the reveal won't trash things between Elena and Rafael. I'm not holding my breath though. One of the writers is known to mess things up to ramp up the angst factor.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. I'm always interested in the ancient things they review, but I'm also fascinated by the crazy contraptions featured.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The puns and play on words are always fun. One of the greatest things about this show is the appeal to all age groups.

I finally finished the Passionflix original, Resisting Roots. I ended up really liking this one. It's not quite as steamy as some of the other movies, but I'm okay with that.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Enjoyed this one. Very glad Dom is back in good form.

Watched another episode of Cannes Confidential. I love this show! Camille and Harry are fun, and the underlying, sinister vibe is present but also subtle. Such a great show.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This week we did a double header of "Resurrection Ship Part One and Two". The next few episodes are solid, but the show stumbles a little leading up to the season two finale. Too many threads that needed some loving care got dropped.

I also started another episode of Peak Practice and need to finish that one up later tonight.

That's it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Various Reasons, a novella that explores whether it matters if the timing is perfect to make a commitment.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Paloma and Cedric keep putting off thinking or talking about the future—they've got a fae war on their hands, but after a particularly ugly skirmish, Paloma decides it's time to open the topic for discussion. Cedric is so shocked, he's not quite sure he believes her, but once Paloma gets through the list of various reasons, he's close to getting on board.

And a preview snippet…

Cedric made his way to the private bath in the office of the old subway terminal. "Not like Paloma to give up bragging time." He tugged his shirt off, wincing at the putrid aroma then stripped off his jeans and bagged them up to destroy.

Turning the water on, he stepped under the blast of welcome heat against his aching body. Unwinding from the battle, he finally gave his concern free rein. Paloma had been a little off tonight. Maybe she got injured and didn't want to tell him.

He paused after grabbing a washcloth. "Or maybe she's ready to call it quits." His gut churned at the thought.

But … he'd dragged her into the fray. She'd been happy going about her daily grind and never using her gifts. She'd followed him to the league when he'd pointed out they needed people to hold the line after the blood scribe died without a successor.

Realistically, the league edged ever closer to putting a hierarchy in place. At a snail-crawl pace. Paloma had been patient, sticking by his side and having his back. For five years. How much longer would she be willing to wait?

He couldn't lose her. Not now. He created a long list of various reasons he needed her to stick around.

Soaping up his washcloth, he started at the top of his head. "First and foremost … can't imagine life without her." She'd become a part of him … the best part.

Sloshing the terrycloth over his shoulders, he added two more items. "She's smart and funny, an incredible combination." Brains and humor could be such a turn-on.

He added more soap and started on his torso. "She keeps me sane on bad days and on good days, she brings the crazy fun times." No one got him like she did.

She understood the drive to keep the peace. Her sense of fair play kept her in the battle when others would've walked a long time ago. And her innate talent elevated everyone in the cause.

He loved being with her. Loved everything she brought to their relationship. Loved…

Pausing mid-scrub, he blinked. "I love her." More than his own life.

He wanted forever with her.

Shaking his head, he finished and rinsed off. "Forever could end tomorrow." Especially if Paloma walked.

He'd have to convince her what a terrible idea that would be.

Drying off, he found some clean clothes and fought the unsettled coil of tension in his stomach. He skipped writing up a report on their actions and went searching for a few important things to take up top. Halfway out the door, he turned back and dug through the desk drawer for one last item … a lighter, as promised.

Adding it to the small box, he headed for the door. "Time to make an impression."

This story is coming along nicely. Cedric keeps nudging me to go in a direction I didn't think I would, and I'm having fun seeing what he's trying to reveal.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Variation on Violence (First Breed Nation)

Had a busy week with a new work project landing in my inbox. It's a holiday novel and I'm so excited because I love editing holiday stories! I'm also working on a proofread, which is a nice complement to a copy edit.

Had a slow week of viewing due to another loss of a relative. 2023 has been a rough year for the older generation in my family. I hope the final months are loss free.

I did watch the premiere episode of Cannes Confidential and thoroughly enjoyed it! It's got intrigue and charm and the cast is stellar. Looking forward to the next episode.

Also caught another episode of the Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'm slightly disappointed in the angst factor between the main characters but I'll roll through and see what happens. Very excited Gloria has a new guy even if he's competition for Dom.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and found it kind of interesting. I liked getting some additional screen time for the deaf characters introduced earlier. Also kind of liked Andrew figuring out what he doesn't want.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and, wow, this one had some twists and a heartbreaking scene that I almost couldn't watch. Kind of looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Caught another Death in Paradise. Enjoyed the guys trying to avoid bringing Richard in on the case while he was down with a tropical fever but loved that they ended up doing it anyway.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Variations on Violence, a First Breed Nation novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nichol Gothe and Brewster Walters, two detectives in the major crimes unit, go undercover to bust up a rebel alliance in the undercity. But when Nichol has to use her meta-human ability, Brewster can't decide whether to trust she's working for justice or turn her in to the task force commander. Nichol sends him reeling when she reveals how deeply the secret society of freaks and geeks has infiltrated the regular human world.

And a preview snippet…

Hitching his pants up with one hand, Brewster dashed to the door and yanked it open. Grabbing their voyeur before he could flee, Brewster dragged him inside and kicked the door shut. Their audience of one growled a curse at Brewster.

"Who the fuck are you?" Brewster tucked his spent cock back into his pants and glared at the guy. "I don't put on a show for anyone, not even paying customers. If I catch you watching again, I'll serve your dick to the rats. Are we clear?"

The guy tried to front with some heavy bravado. "Like to see you try." He sneered in Brewster's direction.

Brewster stalked closer, standing toe-to-toe with the man. He caught and held the man's gaze and planted an image of his threat.

Five seconds later, the guy let out a strangled cry, his hands going to his groin. "W-wh-what did you do to me?" He pulled the front of his pants and checked to make sure his manly bits were still intact.

Brewster gave him a nasty smirk. "Showed you a small try. Pretty sure you don't want the actual act, right?" He turned and walked back in Nichol's direction. "Get the hell out of my sight. I'll be in the chapel at the designated time." The old church acted as a neutral meeting place to conduct business. "Tell Cardinal not to be late." Brewster glanced over his shoulder. "And remind him this one isn't on the menu."

The guy's head bobbed up and down. "Right. Chapel. I'll tell him." His hand inched toward the door.

Brewster added a parting shot. "And don't even think about telling him how close you came to losing your dick."

The guy stuttered out an unintelligible response and scurried out of the building.

Nichol choked out a flabbergasted sound. "What. The hell. Was that?" She planted her hands on her hips.

Brewster lifted one shoulder. "Playing a role. If I'm supposed to be a badass dealer of human flesh, I should play the part, right?" Confidence rolled through him after getting the result he hoped for with the scrawny man.

Nichol fanned her face. "Geez, it's kind of a turn-on." She met his gaze. "But … a word of warning … I didn't miss the draw of energy from the air around us. If I caught it, you can bet someone less dense would clock it also." She put a hand on his chest. "You might need to exercise a little caution."

Brewster leaned in close. "Exercise caution? You mean like this?" His mouth covered hers again.

Nichol melted against him, and the kiss spun out of control. He wanted nothing more than a bed and her—preferably naked—for the foreseeable future. But … they didn't have that kind of time. He still had a meeting to get to.

Then again … they had a couple of hours before that happened.

Brewster pulled back. "Ground rules…" He could very easily get distracted.

Nichol blinked then focused on him. "Ground rules?" Her hands skimmed along his torso.

He nodded. "We're undercover. Whatever happens between us can't affect the job."

Nichol huffed out a breath. "Pretty sure it'll only lend credibility to the work."

Brewster arched his brows. "And when you can't call the shots? What happens then?"

She snorted. "I get pissed and you put me in my place."

He narrowed his eyes. "With no retaliation?"

Nichol smirked. "Oh, Brewster. Where's the fun in that? Of course, I'll retaliate." She smoothed her hand down his chest. "But never where it'll put us in jeopardy."

He lifted his chin. "Fair enough." He caught her hands in his. "Any objection to getting the hell out of here?" His head jerked toward the door. "And continuing this somewhere more comfortable?"

Nichol gave him a slow, sexy smile. "Not a single one…"

This story is coming together in a way I didn't expect, which is terrific. Brewster's ability went in a completely different direction than the one originally planned and I love it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Utter Not a Word

Well, it's been a week. I hit a slump even though I got a lot accomplished. Not sure why I ended up being so distracted, but I struggled to stay focused on anything.

Had a very slow viewing week, probably due to being randomly distracted by everything.

I watched another episode of Strangest Things and enjoyed the artifacts featured. This show makes interesting connections when they're trying to figure out what something is.

Caught a Death in Paradise marathon, which ended up being fun to watch. I'm still doing a full watch in chronological order, but fun to have a whole day of great episodes.

Enjoyed another episode of Battlestar Galactica. We finished up the first half of season two and during our discussion we remembered how long we had to wait for the next half, especially because the episode kind of ends on something of a cliffhanger. And there were so many great moments in this episode!

I planned to start Cannes Confidential this week but ended up being too distracted. I'll be watching it in the very near future and will post my reaction next week.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Utter Not a Word, a novella that brings a couple together after the murder of a dear friend and the death of a mentor.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Maren Roth is reeling over the loss of her oldest friend after a skirmish with an opposing faction goes horribly wrong. Wayne Edelman, a superior adept with the responsibility of their sect resting in his hands, offers comfort and support in a very unexpected way and Maren realizes the man has become an expert on reading her moods. With a huge battle brewing, she takes solace in the concept that together with Wayne, they might have a fighting chance at winning.

And a preview snippet…

"Jessie, no! Don't send the—"

Maren woke up with a scream, her head pounding and her eyes filling with tears.

The dark room cast gray and black shadows and didn't resemble the warehouse.

A hand reached for her. Wayne's here.

Right here.

"Hey, careful now." Wayne eased up from the chair and settled beside her. "You're back at the manor." He grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him. "You've got a nasty bump on your head, and you're banged up."

Yep. Physically and emotionally. Banged up. Wrecked. Ravaged.

Maren bit the inside of her cheek but couldn't stop the flow of liquid streaming down her cheeks. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out but a garbled whimper that ended on a sob.

Wayne carefully scooped her up onto his lap. "Yeah, it's hitting hard. I know." He smoothed a hand over her hair.

Maren tucked her head under his chin. "She's gone. My oldest friend in the world." She took the tissues Wayne grabbed for her. "I can't deal."

How did she go on without Jessie?

Wayne hugged her closer. "I know. I know." His fingers carefully pressed around her nape. "How's the head?"

She grimaced. "Hurts. The tears aren't helping." But damned if she could stop them.

He nodded. "Yeah, I get it. But you'll feel better letting all that out." He reached over and turned on the lamp then carefully checked her cuts and scrapes. "Any pain from these?"

Maren shook her head. "I can't feel them. I'm too numb." She shivered a little and wondered if feeling like drowning underwater would ever stop.

Wayne dragged the blanket up and over her shoulders. "Do you remember what happened after Jessie went down?" His voice held no censure but something wrong must have happened.

Maren shook her head. "I remember giving her the rites and burning her. You bringing me here. Vaguely remember the shower." She eased back to meet his gaze. "Why?"

Concern creased the corners of his eyes. "Do you remember using hellfire at all?"

I unleashed hellfire? Geez. That explained the concern. Not in a chastising way, because he also stayed with her because of her head injury. But if she used the forbidden deterrent, he'd have some serious explaining to do.

Maren shook her head again. "I don't. Not really. Did I hurt anyone?" She had no recollection of what happened to the wizards and their team of mages.

Wayne shrugged. "Somewhat, but no one died." He didn't elaborate or say how bad any injuries were.

Maren wanted to care but couldn't. "I'm not at a place where she can give a shit about hurting the wizards who killed Jessie." Her shoulders squared and an ache went through her.

Wayne grunted then gently prodded for answers. "Did you intend to kill them?" Again, his tone lacked any heat or anger—he only needed to ask.

She rolled her good shoulder. "Honest answer? I don't know. I can't be sure one way or the other." Rage and fear fueled her after Jessie went down. "But I can say if I wanted them dead not even you could've stopped me." Her eyes filled again. "So … I guess that's the answer we'll have to live with." Her throat clogged and swallowed another sob.

Wayne cupped her face. "It'll do, because I agree. If you'd wanted them dead, they would be." He shifted his position and settled a little further into the pillows on her bed.

Maren put her head on his shoulder, letting the tears fall and the muffled sobs escape. Wayne whispered soothing words, creating a safe zone to express her grief. She didn't know how long she cried before she drifted off again.

But she appreciated having him with her … because, right there in Wayne's arms, she finally found a moment of solace.

I'm taking a bit of a dive into the grieving process with this story and I'm pretty happy with how it's coming together right now.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Urban Grit

Welcome July! The month that my doggos hate with the intensity of a thousand suns. And we actually got an early start on the fireworks this year … about mid-June or at least the last two weekends. Personally, I love a good fireworks show. The dogs really don't. They get antsy and want to go outside but hate it outside because of the loud crackle and booms. It's exhausting.

Had a good week with work. Finished up two projects and made way to get started on a new one. I'm hoping to slide in some extra freelance work this month because I'm in between two developmental edits at the moment and could use something to keep my busy.

Also had a bit of a scare with my dad. He ended up in the hospital for a few days but he's doing well.

Not a bad week for television. I'm really angry I didn't get to watch Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies before Paramount yanked it. It angers me that studios can pull whatever they want to write off for tax purposes. I'd love to be able to do that on a personal level.

I finished up the ninth season of Brokenwood Mysteries. Actually loved the episode. This is such a comfort watch for me. Looking forward to starting Cannes Confidential this week, especially since one of my favorite actors is involved.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed the mystery. Not sure I'm excited about having the creepy woman back but I'll reserve judgment on that one. I love the cast of characters in this show.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and the episode definitely took a turn I didn't expect. I like it when that happens!

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one before and I'm glad I got to watch the whole episode. I'm loving this show.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Flight of the Phoenix." This one had so much going on and it was all spectacular. The pilot interaction ended up being my favorite thing, as usual. But lots of good stuff overall.

Started the second season of Fantasy Island. I'm about halfway through the episode and enjoying it so far. I'm definitely here for Raphael and Elena interactions!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Urban Grit, a novella about a couple that drags their friends into a dangerous situation then have to solve the problem.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Keeley Fitz and Holt Matterworth produce and star in the reality docu-style web drama, Urban Grit. They shamelessly drag their friends along on their adventures where they try to bust and debunk urban myths … except they quickly learn most legends all have a basis in truth.

And a preview snippet…

Holt stopped the SUV by the main gate and waited for Dean to get inside before pulling up the property assessments for the house and acreage. "This covers everything listed on the deed." He made the map go full screen on the tablet.

Keeley leaned closer. "So, the house is pretty much centrally located on the plotted area. What's this section behind the summer kitchen?" The small structure sat directly behind the house.

Holt glanced at the key in the lower portion of the monitor. "Looks like a cemetery, according to the symbols here." He pointed to a square going around the bordered off area. "It's surrounded by shrubbery and has an iron gate if this picture is accurate." The image had a date about ten years old on it.

Dean frowned. "There are two more outbuildings on the east side of the property and three in the northwest corner. That's a lot of ground to cover."

Holt gave a nod. "We should maybe start here." He pointed to the far side of the grounds that butted up against the neighbor's boundary line.

Dean cocked his head. "Why not go through the main gate?" He fidgeted, his impatience rolling off him in waves.

Holt countered. "The hound might be guarding the entrance. And we can't see it, so I'd rather start from the back and work through those areas first." He didn't like not having a clue about where to begin.

Dean grunted. "Good point. Rear of the property we go." He started to pop the door open.

Keeley put up a hand. "Hold up. Let's start with the cemetery. It's out in the open and we'll have more room to maneuver." She dug through the duffel bag at her feet and brought out three bags of salt. "If we get trapped or chased, the salt should neutralize the hellhound and keep him from coming after us." She handed two of the bags over and kept one for herself.

Holt didn't roll his eyes, but he doubted the salt would offer much in the way of protection. "Look, there's a lane that goes along the east side of the property. Let's drive as far as we can then cut through the trees toward the cemetery on foot."

Keeley and Dean settled back, and Holt started the engine again. He carefully maneuvered the SUV over the jutted track and finally came to a stop about two-thirds of the way down the trail. A fallen tree blocked the rest of the path.

Dean scrambled out of the vehicle. "This might be good. According to the assessor's marks, if we cut through here, the cemetery should be in our sights." He started toward the tree line.

Keeley met Holt's gaze. "Let him take the lead. We'll back him up." She started forward, hefting the bag of salt under one arm.

"Hey! I see someone. It's gotta be Joanie." Dean started off a run.

Keeley quickly caught him. "Slow down. I know you want to find out if it's her, but if you run and the hound isn't at the front gate, it'll give chase." She sent Holt a pleading glance.

Holt lifted his chin. "She's right. Let's take our time and listen for anything prowling around on the way. If it's Joanie, she needs us to get there in one piece."

Dean huffed out a breath. "Fine. You're right. Let's go." He started forward again at a slower pace.

Holt kept his ears tuned to any odd sounds. When they approached the hedge line, the gnarled branches were so overgrown he didn't think they'd get through. But Keeley found a small opening and motioned for them.

She held some branches back. "We should fit through here. You guys go first and I'll hold the branches back." She made a bigger hole.

Dean ducked through and Holt quickly followed. Keeley turned and backed through then let go of the swath she held. Turning, her eyes went wide, and she nodded toward the figure waving their hands up and down.

Dean's lips curved. "It's her! I'd recognize that monstrosity of a coat anywhere." He started forward but paused. "Go slow. Don't run."

Keeley nudged Holt with her shoulder. "He's getting it." She followed behind.

Holt brought up the rear still listening for the sounds of growling or running footsteps … or paws as the case might be.

Joanie called out when they got closer. "You're okay. The hound is prowling outside the gate over there." She pointed to the rusted barrier.

Dean swept her up. "Are you okay? Did it hurt you?" He set her down and started checking her over.

Joanie shook her head. "No, once it tore the door off the freezer, I kind of held my ground while it circled me. It came toward me, snarling and snapping but stopped when I put my hands down." She shuddered a little. "Then it got behind me and nudged me out of the freezer and kept pushing me until we got here. I started for the house, but it growled and started butting its head against me again until I finally figured out where it wanted me to go." She held up her phone. "There's a lot of information about hellhounds on the web. I'm pretty sure it won't let me leave the property. But I do think we might be able to get to the house."

Holt shook his head. "That's a terrible idea. We should get the hell out of Dodge and as far away from her as we can." He raked a hand over his head. "There has to be something better than going back to the house."

Dean whirled around. "Tough shit. We're going there. I won't put Joanie in any more danger." He wrapped an arm around her.

Holt frowned. "Look, there's a cabin about ten miles away that's secluded and should be safe." He didn't think sticking around with a ravaging beast would be a good plan.

Joanie gave a quick shake of her head. "I'd rather not chance having the hellhound follow us there and hurt innocent people." She tucked her injured hand in her pocket.

Keeley agreed. "They're right, Holt. We can at least poke around in the house and set up for a few days to figure things out. We've got our gear and we can take turns making runs for supplies if we need them."

Holt made a low growl. "Fine. But this is a shit plan." He tore the bag of salt open. "Get your bags open, put Joanie between you two, and let's make a break for it." He led the group, pouring a trail of the white crystals on the way.

Longer than usual peek but I'm happy with how this turned out.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye