Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs (Paranormal Bonus Scene)

We had another week of record high temperatures, which means we'll be having brisk, chilly weather this week. Time for more soup! Trick or treat is actually on Halloween this year and we're supposed to have rain and wind. Should make handing candy out lots of fun.

Had another busy work week and also got a good bit of writing done. I'm very close to being ready to launch my new venture. I think everything is lined up.

Had a decent week watching television. I'm still in that weird place of needing silence to focus sometimes, which is truly odd for me. I usually need some kind of background noise going on.

Ended up catching two episodes of My Life Is Murder and enjoyed both. Alexa is growing on me a little more. I'm very interested in getting some additional backstory for her.

Watched a full episode of Agatha Raisin and started another one. I'm kind of crushed they're going to drag out the whole deal with James. I kind of love them together.

Caught the second half of the Silent Witness two-parter. Ended up liking the twists in this one.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I remembered this one from my sporadic watching on the Ovation channel. So weird that this episode timed so closely to Haydn's death. She guest-starred in this episode.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Seriously enjoyed this one. But I do miss having the trio solving the mystery together.

Caught an episode of The Batman. It was the first of a two-parter and introduced the origin of Clayface in this version.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I remembered one of them but not the other. Kind of nice to be surprised.

Watched another episode of VIP and enjoyed it. It's fun when the whole team goes out for job.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a bonus read featuring the couple from The Blushing Brawler.

Here's the miniblurb:

Yardley Holmes has a habit for using zinging barbs to motivate Cale Scarsdale, which makes them late for an awards ceremony because Cale has a talent for shutting Yardley up by getting her hot and bothered.

And a preview snippet…

Yardley Holmes poked her head into the bedroom she shared with Cale Scarsdale. "Come on, Ruralsville. We gotta get going." She'd finished getting ready twenty minutes ago.

Clad only in a towel, Cale glanced up from swiping through the closet. "Yeah, I know. Can't find the black shirt I need." He went back to moving hangers.

Yardley rolled her eyes. "So wear a red one. Geez, it's not that hard." Her lips quirked because Cale usually gave her shit for being indecisive.

Not tonight. She'd had the perfect outfit for the award ceremony giving Cale top honors on the circuit. She'd picked it up a month after they got together. A silky wine-colored wrap dress that showed off her cleavage and toned legs. That's how confident I was in him taking the crown.

Cale frowned. "I'm not wearing competitor team colors." He finally snagged the black shirt and tossed it on the bed.

Yardley snorted. "No one cares. Wait, what are you looking for now?" He'd gone back to the closet and started rifling through more clothes.

Cale gave her a sideways glance. "Gotta find a tie. Can't look fresh off the farm, can I?" He went back to his search.

Yardley winced. "Seriously? You're gonna use my words against me?" Not that she didn't deserve the barb.

Cale rolled a broad shoulder. "You weren't wrong. Had a lot to learn, didn't I?" He found a silvery gray tie and laid it on the shirt.

Yardley didn't comment. She'd been ruthless when Cale first arrived in her father's gym. She didn't think anyone from Ruralsville could get up to speed on the circuit in a limited amount of time … even if they did have a hard body that made women swoon.

Including her.

But Cale proved her so very wrong.

And the delicious memories got her hot and bothered in the worst way, and they did not have time to indulge her neediness at the moment.

She tsked. "Please tell me you're not going to coordinate your sock and underwear colors? We gotta get going." Before she jumped him and made them really late.

Cale arched a brow. "Didn't plan on wearing underwear, but I probably have some black ones around her somewhere." He moved toward the dresser.

Yardley marched around the bed. "Don't you dare. We're gonna be cutting it close already." She grabbed his forearm to halt his progress.

Cale turned and clasped his hand around her throat, lifting her up against the wall. "Uh-huh, maybe it's worth being late, because I have you right where I want you." He used his free hand and had her breasts out and panties down before she could think straight.

Moisture pooled between her thighs and heat gathered low in her belly. "Damn, Cale. We're not really going to do this, are we?" Her words came out in breathy rasps.

He gave her a wolfish grin. "We're not, but I am." His head dipped and his lips closed around a taut nipple.

This is such a fun little glimpse into Cale and Yardley's life. I love writing tiny peeks into my characters' lives.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zeitgeist Hall

I can't believe October is almost over. We have our fall weather in full swing though and that makes me happy. Made two batches of potato soup over the weekend because we had rain and chilly temperatures. Perfect for this time of year.

Had a busy work week with one difficult but fun project and another in the final stages. Also got a lot of writing completed. I finished up the two manuscripts from last week and I'm doing final read throughs before sending off to beta readers. I'm so excited!

Had another light week of watching television. I go through phases were I'm either need to focus on other things and can't have background noise or I'm not quite in the mood to watch anything.

I did get another episode of Only Murders in the Building watched and I'm enjoying season three. It's a little jarring to not have the trio as tight as they have been, but I like the different dynamics playing out.

Watched another episode of The Batman and loved it. I remember this one from my original watch and it's fun when Alfred has to save Bruce's butt to keep his secret safe.

Also caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both had good moments with Dil and I'd forgotten how cute some of the episodes were after he came along.

Enjoyed another episode of VIP and liked having some Nikki backstory. I can't remember if we get anything for Quick and Kay or not.

Caught a double-header of Battlestar Galactica with "Exodus" parts one and two. I can honestly say there's not a wasted moment in the almost two hours of viewing. These two episodes are premium … even the parts I hate that feature Sam and Leoben, my two least favorite characters.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zeitgeist Hall, a spooky and sexy novella that pits an established couple against a castle caretaker that's trying to break a curse.

Here's the miniblurb:

Morley Graham and Watson Kinkead are off on a weekend adventure when they have serious car trouble and end up stranded at Zeitgeist Hall, a castle looming on the edge of a cliff. The creepy caretaker offers refuge, but Morley and Graham begin to suspect he's behind their stay when they discover a body in the tower.

And a preview snippet…

Morley entered a huge room lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books. "I knew this place had to have a library. Check out the book islands." Her arm swept over one of eight counter-high rectangles storing more books.

Watson gave a low whistle. "These look like original first editions." He gently lifted the edge of a huge cover. "Holy shit. Look at these maps…" Carefully turning the pages, his fingers traced over the topography.

Morley pulled a stool closer. "Oh … my. I love old maps." She slid one of the other gigantic books closer and fell in love with the vivid colors.

Watson strolled around the other islands and came back with a book on the history of the island. "Yep. First, and maybe only, edition." He glanced toward the windows, which provided some space between the bookcases. "What does this make? One hundred and seventeen rooms?"

Morley gave a nod. "I think so. I've never seen so many bedrooms, and we still have an entire wing to explore later." But first, a nice relaxing break would be lovely.

Watson grunted and focused on his book.

Morely got lost in the maps. Lush imagery filled the pages and some unfolded to double their size. Footfalls sounded on the soft carpet along with the slightly screeching wheel of a serving cart.

The caretaker entered and wheeled over to their location."Lunch is served." His head bobbed.

Removing two domed lids, he revealed hearty fare of salad, aromatic stew, and crusty bread. Two slices of a dense, moist cake completed the food portion. A carafe of water and one of hot, probably tea sat in the middle of the serving area. Morley's mouth watered and her stomach growled.

Abner raised up on his toes. "I'll return later for the cart. Please enjoy." He stepped back then turned and left the room.

Watson narrowed his gaze. "He really is an odd dude." Closing the book, he pulled two chairs over to the makeshift table.

Morley shook her head. "How does he always know where we are?" The idea unsettled her.

Watson shrugged. "Don't know, but if he's got the tech to keep track of us, there has to be a way to contact the mainland other than a phone." He tucked into his food and made a hum of satisfaction.

Morley agreed but didn't comment. She wanted to ponder the weird little man a bit more before pushing for information. So far, his interactions with them had been polite affairs … if a little creepy.

Once they finished eating, Watson went back to his book. The rain continued and another storm blew in with thunder and lightning. Morley got a little bored with the maps and started to explore the next room.

She frowned. "Hmm. Armaments and weapons. Reproductions or real?" Not that it mattered but curiosity got the better of her.

She opened one of the big trunks and poked around. An array of medieval-looking weapons filled the space. One caught her attention and she grasped the handle, tugging it loose from its brethren.

A smear had her shouting for Watson.

He came dashing into the room, skidding to a halt beside her.

She held up the weapon. "Tell me that's not what I think it is." Blood stains on a battle ax.

Watson tsked. "I'm sad to inform you it looks like it is, and it's fresh or appears to be." He gingerly took the weapon and placed it back in the trunk.

Morley shuddered. "Yeah. Time to explore someplace else." Closing the lid, she crossed the room and headed down a new hall they hadn't explored yet.

Watson caught her arm. "Let's check this out." He nudged the door open.

Morley's eyes went wide. "An atrium. So cool." A rounded sofa sat in the middle of the glass-walled room, surrounded by a wide variety of plants.

Watson led the way, taking a seat in the middle of the couch. "Looks spectacular with the lightning show." He tugged her down beside him.

Morley leaned into him, and they got comfortable. The patter of rain hitting the outside of the windows and the flashes of bold, brilliant light made snuggling together a given. And snuggling led to lips meshing and hands wandering. Morley sat up to remove her shirt but gasped instead.

A snake slithered out from between two plants and almost sank its fangs into Watson's wrist. Morley grabbed a spade sitting on the edge of the pot and cut off its head. Watson jumped up, rubbing his arm.

He shuddered. "Definitely not a fan of snakes." He met her gaze. "What the hell is one doing inside?"

Morley rolled a shoulder. "No clue. Maybe it wanted to get out of the weather." Somehow, she doubted that idea. "Doesn't matter. This place has absolutely lost its charm. Let's go." They left the atrium and tracked Abner down in the library.

Watson jerked his head toward the hall. "Killed a snake in the atrium. Weren't sure what to do with it."

Abner's gaze slid toward the location. "I'll take care of it. Thank you."

Morley faked a yawn. "Think we'll head up to our room. With this weather, a nap sounds really great right now." She grabbed Watson's hand and headed out of the library.

Once inside their suite, Watson grasped her hips. "Pick up where we left off before the snake interruption?" His lips nuzzled her throat.

Morley smiled. "Absolutely." She eased away and lifted the hem of her shirt. "I think we were somewhere close to here, right?" Yanking the shirt over her head, she tossed it on the chair.

Watson lifted his chin. "MmHmm." He tugged his shirt up and off, dropping it beside hers.

Shoes and pants followed, and they tumbled onto the bed, mouths exploring exposed skin. Watson hauled her over his thighs and cupped her ass, urging her to rise up and sink over his hard length. She obliged, taking him slowly, inch by inch until fully seated.

Watson's hands ghosted along her sides then palmed her breasts. Morley moaned low in her throat then leaned forward to catch his lips with hers.

This is such a fun story! Writing a little bit creepy is a challenge for me and I'm enjoying it so much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Your Call

Whew. Very busy week and we had crazy weather to top it off. I'm not a fan of the back and forth super warm one day then very chilly the next. Wreaks havoc on my sinuses, which is never fun.

Also had a busy work week with multiple projects in various stages of completion. The sages also picked this week to start chattering in my ear, which is excellent because I got a lot of writing done. I'm almost finished with two projects and so excited! Brings me one step closer to getting my new venture launched.

Had a very light week of watching television. With so many irons in the fire, TV took a back seat to everything else. I'm honestly in a bit of a weird place with content I want to watch. I've been in the mood to binge shows, but I hate to do that when I have subscriptions to a number of streaming services. Then again, I haven't watched anything on Netflix in forever and I pay for that monthly. Thankfully, other family members watch a lot of that streamer.

I finished up the VIP episode from last week and kind of enjoyed the Tasha backstory. I love television from the late nineties.

Caught another episode of My Life is Murder. Alexa is growing on me a little. She often grates, which I think is a character trait. Blunt honesty is fine, but there's a cruel edge to hers sometimes and I'm not a fan of that in a main character.

Enjoyed another episode of Agatha Raisin. The cast of characters is so much fun. I love when the sidekicks get in on the action. I kind of pegged the murderer early in this one, but I like being able to pick them out then see how they actually committed the crime.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. I'm enjoying the slightly different format in this season, but I miss having the team function as a team together.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. One of my favorites that I got to watch all the way through the first time. I agree with Humph … the genius of the murder kind of blew me away.

Also caught another episode of Battlestar Galactica. The opening eps of season three are so, so good. Actually, the first twelve episodes are pretty terrific. After that, things kind of go slightly sideways, but this show is still one of the best I've ever watched.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Your Call, a novella where the characters are battling someone close to them but don't realize who.

Here's the miniblurb:

After an epic battle with a spell weaver, Norje Blayheart and Barrick Nembly—adept mages—aren't sure they can stay together as a couple. Their love can be used against them, and neither can risk being pawns in the looming war between the weavers and the mages.

And a preview snippet…

Norje didn't like how quiet the riverfront got after an hour of poking around in the dive bars and hole-in-the-wall diners. "It's almost creepily still down here." Uncanny … the waterside district never lacked activity, legal or otherwise.

The place usually started hopping when darkness fell and didn't let up until just after dawn. Places were open but not packed to the rafters. Crowds normally spilled out into the street and down along the paved walkway along the riverbank. She made a quick turnaround and started back toward the city center, ill at ease without being able to pinpoint why.

Except for the eerie silence following her stroll along the block.

Keeping a keen eye on shadowy business entrances and storefront windows, she also kept her ears trained for sounds that didn't belong.

A sharp whistle pierced the air and Norje stopped short, scanning from right to left, trying to discover where the sound came from. In front? Behind? She really couldn't tell.

A masked spellweaver exited from a building behind her and sent her flying when she whirled to face them. She crashed into a brick wall, slumping down with the wind knocked out of her. Shaking her head, she got to her feet but couldn't find her attacker.

Dragging in shallow breaths, she cautiously made her way along the building sticking close to the brick surface. "A fucking ambush. What the hell is going on?" Another whistle screeched overhead, and she deftly moved sideways, avoiding a collision with her assailant when they dropped down from a fire escape.

Spinning quickly, she conjured a baton and moved into a fighting stance. The spellweaver countered by manifesting a wicked-looking whip that cracked and snapped seemingly at will. Norge's eyes went wide. That shouldn't be possible.

She finally realized why the entire vibe didn't feel right. "They're not speaking. How can that happen?" Weavers always needed to speak incantations to manifest something.

But this one sure as hell didn't utter a word.

Out of her depth, Norje did the smart thing. She cut her losses and fucking ran in the opposite direction. The spellcaster came after her, flinging the whip outward. The lashes caught her several times. Once around the waist, once in the middle of her back, and multiple volleys stung her hands and sniped at her feet. Her attacker toyed with her. Any of those salvos could've wrapped around her and one hard yank would've sent her sprawling.

Pissed off, she reached out to Barrick via their mindlink. "I need help." She planted the image of the ambush in his mind. "I gotta escape but can't do it on my own."

Barrick immediately sent her a drop zone location, a stone cave on the outskirt of the city. Then he helped her open a portal. Norje crashed through and sealed it behind her. She staggered forward and fell into Barrick's arms.

He dragged the duster off and quickly assessed her injuries. "You've got welts and contusions." He trailed a finger along her jawline. "And this one might need some stitches. Looks like a pretty large gash." His hand came away with her blood on it.

She blinked. "Shit. Didn't even know I was bleeding." Wincing, she leaned back against the cavern wall and let Barrick apply pressure to the wound.

Barrick broke open a suture kit. "You should be out for this. It's not gonna feel good." He squeezed her hand and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Norje closed her eyes and pictured a starry sky with a single fluffy, white cloud surrounding her body then let herself drift deep into the ether.

This one is finally coming together and I'm excited to see how everything plays out.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtremely Personal

And our above normal temperatures are over for now. Most of the week ended up being kind of hot and humid. Friday brought some rain and cooler weather, like a twenty-degree drop. It definitely feels more like fall.

Busy with work projects and I'm getting closer to launching the new venture I've been working on. I'm not quite ready for prime time but I'm getting there. So excited!

Kind of a slow week for viewing television. I had some distractions and ended up being focused on other things.

I caught another episode of Agatha Raisin and thoroughly enjoyed it. Agatha might end up getting her man, but my big question is whether she'll want to hold on after she gets him. I kind of like the true to life vibe this show has.

Finished up the second part of Silent Witness and actually kind of enjoyed the twisty turns this one took. Also enjoyed seeing Nikki and Matt try to work through a bumpy bit.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm somewhere in the middle of whether I like how the commissioner tries to nose in these early seasons. I love the character and I like how he interacts with the others even if I'm not completely sure if he's 100 percent legit sometimes.

Watched another episode of Only Murders in the Building. Lots of little shout outs to Broadway in this episode and I liked that. Also loved seeing Oliver's son so concerned about his dad. Kind of bummed there's a new detective, but holding out hope we'll see our favorite one later.

Started season three of my Battlestar Galactica rewatch. The opening episode ranks right up there with "33" for being so well done. The next episode is also stellar. Can't wait to watch it again.

Enjoyed an episode of The Batman. The Joker returned and wreaked havoc per usual, which is always fun. And Alfred's snark was on point as always.

Watched an episode of Classic Rugrats. Kind of fun to see some bumps in adjusting to having Dil in the mix. I'll always have a soft spot for the first five seasons because those were the ones I watched the most with my oldest kiddo, but I also enjoy the newer seasons because they have a larger dynamic, especially when two more characters are added to the mix.

Started another episode of VIP and should finish it up later today. I forgot how many dream sequences this show had whether it be sleeping or waking ones. They're always kind of odd but fun.

That's pretty it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Xtremely Personal, the second book in the Xtreme Justice trilogy.

Here's the miniblurb:

A blast from Cythe's past comes blowing in at the worst possible time. Nyx struggles to adjust to being part of a team and half of a couple and dealing with Cythe's ex isn't high on her list of things she wants to accomplish. The duo has to thwart the ex-girlfriend's troublemaking, and both have to brace for a showdown of epic proportions.

And a preview snippet…

Nyx didn't need to buy a clue to instinctively know Cythe's past stood in front of him.

And he's not happy about it.

A myriad of emotions rolled through Nyx—concern, curiosity, and annoyance. But oddly, jealousy didn't rear its ugly head. Mainly because Nyx planned to calmly stake her claim and leave no doubt in the other woman's mind where Cythe's affections were now.

She strolled down the stairs and walked over to Cythe's side, tilting her chin up to give him a long, lingering kiss.

Breaking the embrace, she gave him a crooked smile. "Hey." Her arm went around his waist.

Cythe cupped her ass. "Hey, yourself." His voice rumbled in the sexy way she loved.

Nyx directed her attention to the woman intruding on her plans. "This is the ex?" A cool vision in a skintight pantsuit that aimed to be seductive complete with a zipper from the neck down to the apex of her legs.

Would make removal slick and easy.

Cythe nodded. "Uh-huh. Maris Thompkins. And she's just leaving." His head jerked toward the door.

Nyx tsked. "Not yet, Cythe. She hasn't given you an answer." Nyx fixed her gaze on Maris. "I believe he asked why you came back after years of being away and what, exactly, it is you really want." She gave Cythe a sideways glance. "Is that about the gist of it?"

When he nodded, Nyx raised her brows and focused on Maris again.

Maris's nostrils flared but she didn't reply. Her eyes darkened with anger, and she pressed her lips together in a display of frustration.

Nyx placed her head on Cythe's shoulder but didn't break eye contact with Maris. "We're waiting. I suggest you get on with the explanation in short order." She straightened. "As you can see, we have plans and you're not invited to participate."

Maris snarled. "Never mind why I'm here. I obviously didn't know Cythe had a little playmate." She turned her full attention to Cythe. "You'll regret this. I had plans for our future and you've fucked that up now." She started toward the door.

Nyx waited until Maris had her hand on the knob. "Maris?" When the other woman paused and glanced over her shoulder, Nyx finished. "I'm not a playmate. Cythe and I are partners. You'd do well to remember that."

Maris let out a rude snort and yanked the door open, letting it slam shut behind her.

Nyx turned back to Cythe and raised her gaze to the loft. "My place?"

Cythe grunted. "Absolutely. Gonna be a while before the stench of her return wears off down here." He snagged her hand and started for the spiral staircase.

I have so much love for this couple. They're fun to write and like to turn convention on its side. Can't wait to see where the rest of this story goes.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Xtreme Vibrations (Xtreme Justice)

Welcome to Spooky Season month! I love October even if we're having unseasonably higher temperatures. Fall is such a fickle season in Ohio, but I'm hoping for an actual cooling down before winter snow comes calling.

Super busy work week with little projects, which actually gave me some time to write and organize. I'm hoping to launch a new venture in the next couple of weeks and having that extra time is helping.

Not a bad week for viewing television. The timing of my work projects overlapped a lot this week, so I didn't get to watch as much.

Watched the first of a two-parter Silent Witness. This one is very twisty and I'm afraid Nikki is headed for heartbreak. I love the premise of the case, though.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. The contrast between Richard and Humphrey is fun. Richard was very tight-lipped and refused to be vulnerable. Humphrey is super vulnerable almost from the word go. He's also much more in tune with people in general.

Started season three of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I'm not quite as riveted as I was for the first two seasons, but I love that we get to dive into Oliver's world. We kind of started in Mabel's even if we didn't know that fact at first, and season two brought Charles's past into the picture, literally. It's fun to see Oliver interact with the theater crowd.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Rather enjoyed the take on the puppet master Scarface in this 'verse. And Alfred setting up Bruce's dating profile always makes me chuckle.

Started season six of Classic Rugrats. Introducing Dil with two episodes of how life is different was a good choice. Loved Spike saving the day in his episode.

Caught another episode of VIP. Lots of fun and they nailed the trash TV talk-show vibe of the late nineties / early aughts.

Started another episode of My Life Is Murder and I'm enjoying it. Alexa is a tough nut to crack sometimes and I kind of like that. I do get a little annoyed when she's callous and treats others like they're a waste of her time. Hopefully that smooths out at some point.

And that's pretty much if for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Xtreme Vibrations, a meta human romance and part of the Xtreme Justice series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Cythe and Nyx have one solid ally in their life—Stanja Davidich. When a former mentor kidnaps Stanja to use her vibrating power to wreak havoc on the high seas, Cythe and Nyx go against orders to rescue Stanja. But during the attempt, Nyx falls into a trap and Cythe races the clock to get the women in his life back before he dies from being separated from Nyx.

And a preview snippet…

Cythe followed Nyx out of the briefing room doing a silent countdown. Three … two … one…

Nyx whirled to face, pitching her voice low. "What the hell was that? Are they serious about not trying to find Stanja?" The words hissed out in anger.

Cythe gave her a head shake. "Not here. Let's head home." He grasped her elbow and led her outside. "The walls have ears and eyes. We can't discuss this here." Ushering her into their SUV, he darted around and slid behind the wheel.

When Nyx opened her mouth, still fuming mad, he held up his fist in a stop motion then twirled his finger around, indicating the vehicle might be bugged. Nyx huffed out an angry breath and crossed her arms over her chest. She lifted her chin, more or less telling to get the stick out … because she had a lot more to say.

Cythe took the shortest route back to his building. Once he parked, Nyx had the door open and traveled halfway up the stairs to the loft before he even cut the engine. Cythe got out and braced for a pissed-off confrontation. Heading up the steps, he paused at the midpoint. Nyx held a hefty envelope in her hands and wore a bemused expression on her face.

Cythe shrugged. He had no idea where it came from or how it got on the landing outside her door.

Nyx handed the envelope over and entered her space. "What the hell is going on, Cythe?" She waited for him to follow her in then shut the door.

Cythe set the envelope on the table. "Obviously, the UNIT brass thinks Stanja turned traitor. They were pretty damn clear during that briefing." He studied the packet, his gut certain it had come from Stanja.

Nyx snorted. "No shit. But that doesn't explain why they wouldn't try to find her. If for no other reason than to use her as an example." She circled the room, pent-up energy rolling off her in waves.

Cythe grunted. "Yeah, well, there's an unwritten rule about handling those who exit UNIT under less than ideal circumstances … which means they'll be looking for her, but it's not the kind of all hands on deck kind of thing." He finally caved and grabbed the envelope again, making a blade with his forefinger and tearing through the seal.

Nyx made a low growling sound. "You mean she'll be hunted down like an animal." Her hands balled into fists. "Won't she?"

Cythe pulled out a bound book and several folded pages. "Uh, yeah, probably." He opened the topmost note and quickly scanned the contents.

Nyx marched over and jabbed a finger into his shoulder. "And you're okay with that? I mean, Stanja pisses me off on the regular, but I can't believe she turned her back on UNIT. The damn place means too much to her." She went to poke him again.

Cythe snatched her fingers. "She didn't. Turn her back on UNIT." He handed the missive to Nyx. "She's been grabbed by a ghost from her past."

Nyx read the brief note. "Holy fuck." Her gaze met Cythe's. "What're we gonna do to get her back?"

Cythe huffed out a breath. "Great question."

I'm having a lot of fun with this series. Cythe and Nyx are a true joy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye