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