Sunday Snippet: A Bright, Burning Yule (a Holiday Spirit short)

Well, it's kind of fitting that my last blog post for 2023 is on the actual last day of the year. I'm taking that as a good vibe to carry into 2024.

Had a semidecent week. Finished up a couple of things that needed attention and started to get my website updated after a very long dry spell. I'm also very close to launching the new endeavor I've been working on for several months.

Did pretty much a full run-through of my usual slate of shows. I have a whole lineup of holiday stuff I want to watch also. I know it's weird to wait until after the holiday is over but I've been very Scrinch-like the past couple of weeks, mainly because of the yucky cold.

Started out with My Life Is Murder and enjoyed the episode. I will say I still get a little put off by how prickly Alexa can be. I'm sure that's by design, but it annoys me.

Agatha Raisin kind of crushed me a little. I love Agatha and James and having them kind of end things breaks my heart. But I do love they ended on a soft goodbye instead of a harsh one. Looking forward to the next episode.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and I'm kind of surprised how things played out. Did not expect the new guy to have such a dark secret. I love that he exposed it himself. Can't wait to see how this ends.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and it's one I'd seen before. Meeting Humph's dad explains so much. I love how this episode played out. Looking forward to starting Beyond Paradise to see if there's more of Humph's family.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Loved diving into Joan's previous life a little. I'm very intrigued by her and having glimpses into her former profession is always fun.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This episode had some great moments even if it ended up being heavier on the cylon lore. Hoping to catch another episode in the near future. Also need to backtrack a little and watch the webisodes and movie.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I actually remembered this one because Alfred ended up being a lot of fun. I love it when he steps out of his comfort zone into his former life.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of this one, especially Angelica trying to be silent. In all fairness, she got robbed for once.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I have one more left for the first season. So far, I'm enjoying it, but I'm glad I have season two ready to go because I have feeling the first is going to end on a cliffhanger.

Finished up my episode of VIP from last week and started a new one. I forgot I didn't get all the way through the episode because I remembered how it ended.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Bright, Burning Yule, a holiday spirit short.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Braddox Bennington paused with a towel to his head after a shower when someone burst through the front door.

"Braddox? Where the hell are you?" A cousin, Hank Hamel, shouted up the steps.

Braddox answered. "Gimme five. I'll be right down." He dragged some workout clothes on and flung the towel over his shoulder before descending the stairs to find Hank in the study. "What's up?" He draped the towel over the banister and dropped down onto the couch.

Hank paced back and forth in front of the fire. "Why haven't you organized a hunt? It's been months since we've patrolled for the wolves." He stopped and planted his hands on his hips.

Braddox frowned. "Have there been new reports? Are the packs running wild?" He should've been informed if there were.

Hank glanced away. "No, they're all quiet and barely poking their heads out to scent the wind." His face reddened.

Braddox bit back frustration. "Then what's the rush? Dad's only been gone for two months. And his death wasn't suspicious." If it had been, Braddox wouldn't hesitate to call for a hunt. "We knew he didn't have long once the diagnosis came through." An inoperable brain tumor could not be called into doubt.

Braddox didn't want the mantle of leadership, but he wouldn't walk away. His bloodthirsty relatives made sure of that. If anything, his brothers, cousins, and uncles hastened his father's demise.

And Braddox faced his first holiday without his dad and wanted a little time to adjust. "If you guys need something to do, why don't you catalog and update the book of kills? Dad only made it up to the 1950s." Maybe if they noted just how many of the packs they'd eliminated, they'd lose some of their bloodlust.

Hank snorted. "No way, man. That's the leader's job." He hand-waved the idea and sat in the chair closest to the sofa.

Braddox shook his head. "No, Hank. It's my job to make sure they're entered. There's nothing written about how to make that happen." Or who had to make it so.

Hank leaned forward. "Dude, you're gonna have a revolt on your hands if you think this will fly." He huffed out a rude snort.

Braddox shrugged. "So be it. Anyone who wants to challenge me for top-spot status can do so." He might welcome the challenge. "But let's get through our yule season first. I didn't get to take any time after Mom died five years ago, and I refuse to pull anyone else away from their families during the holidays." Even if some of them probably wanted an excuse to cut out.

Hank leaned back again. "Yeah, okay. But look, you've got to consider a full summit after the new year. If you don't, you will be challenged for top spot." He got up and headed for the door.

Braddox followed. "I'll let you know what I decide. Have a happy yule." He closed the door and headed back to the couch.

Braddox couldn't find fault with Hank's warning. He didn't doubt he'd face a pile of trouble if he didn't gather everyone and take a stab at being their leader. But he couldn't continue with business as usual. He would not rule the way his father had. Or at least not the way he had after his wife died.

And that would piss a lot of his relatives off.

Flopping down, his head hit the back of the cushions. "Bah, I don't want this conflict." He wanted something different.

A rustling outside the door drew his attention. Maybe Hank had returned to offer more unwanted advice. Rising, he crossed the room again and pulled the door open, ready to blast his cousin.

Instead, his mouth snapped shut when a hovering envelope greeted him.

Braddox snagged it and shut the cold out. Removing the seal, he retrieved a parchment folded in half.

 

You need some time and space to grieve, regroup, ponder, and adjust.

Why not spend the Yule holiday at the Goodacre Bed and Breakfast?

 

Directions were printed below along with an invitation to cross into the nether realm whenever he'd like.

Braddox huffed out a breath. "Why the hell not?" Maybe some time away would get his mind on the right track and help him decide what to do about the future.

And actually give me time to mourn my dad.

Braddox headed back upstairs to pack.

This one is complete and ready to launch into the universe. I'll be uploading the information in the next week or so.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blondie and the Three Wizards

Happy holidays to all who celebrate. We're having a quiet weekend at home to avoid spreading all of our cold germs to anyone else. I'm very okay with that.

Started two new projects this week and slowly getting back to semi-normal while fighting the cold making the rounds through our house. My husband currently has it again.

Made an almost full run through of my current slate of television shows. I've been trying to make sure I get plenty of sleep, so I hopefully don't end up with a setback with the cold.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder and remembered I'd seen most of this episode before. Enjoyed watching it again.

Started another two-part Agatha Raisin and rather enjoyed the dynamic between James's sister and Agatha. Looking forward to the second half.

Finished the second half of a Silent Witness two-parter. I'm kind of excited to see where things go with a new person on the team.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember watching much of this one before, but I do have recollection of at least one scene. Interesting that one of the guest stars is a regular on Agatha Raisin.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This show definitely intrigues me.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I think there might be one more episode of season one left.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I remembered both of the vignettes and enjoyed watching them again.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm still intrigued by everything and can't wait to find out more about Amy's past.

Finished the week out with an episode of VIP. I have vague memories of watching this during the initial run of the series. Lots of fun.

That's it for the personal life update this week. Tonight's post is from Blondie and the Three Wizards, a twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Dare silently observed Xandra exit the room. I want her. And he wanted to be her mentor. His gut indicated they'd be just right for each other.

Heath made a low grunt of appreciation. "What a babe. You two are going to be left in the dust when she chooses me." His lips quirked in a sly twist.

Sam frowned. "You don't know she's going to pick you. She has to meet with us and decide who can do the best job as her mentor." He stomped back to the table and opened another book.

Heath snorted. "Yeah, well, if she's as hot as I think she is, you guys won't know how to handle her." He moved to the billiard table and racked the balls again. "What do you think, Dare? That sweet little thing would look good on my arm, right? Hell, she'd look good anywhere on me." He waggled his eyebrows.

Dare shrugged. "Are there any females you don't think would look good on you?" Heath's ego didn't lack for anything.

Heath grunted. "Nope. Know a few dudes that would make excellent arm candy, too. I'm an equal opportunity kind of guy." He moved around to the side of the table then closed his eyes.

Dare waited a moment, timing his response to when Heath would push his vision forward. "You're an opportunist of the top variety, all right." He hid a grin when the balls went off kilter.

Heath let his middle finger do the talking in response.

Dare laughed. "Rack up again. I'll give you a free shot." Trash-talking aside, Dare played fair.

Always.

Sam glanced up from his book. "Xandra will never advance if she picks Heath. He'll try to keep her in bed all the time and not focus on her training." He rolled his eyes.

Heath gave Sam a bland look. "And if she picks you, she'll spend to much time organizing, alphabetizing, and color coding to learn anything from you."

This time, Sam let his middle finger speak for him.

Dare didn't join the fray. He decided to step back and let the drama unfold. He could be magnanimous.

Because he had no doubt Xandra would find her way to him as her obvious choice in due time.

This is such a fun story to write. I love having three male characters that are so different from each other but still terrific friends.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blending In

I got slammed with a nasty cold and definitely feel it this week. Completely derailed my daily relaxation stress reducer posts. I'll hopefully catch back up next week or start over again for the new year.

Finished up several work-related projects and added a few to my calendar. Hoping to start the new year off with a full slate to stay busy.

Not a bad week of television, even with the icky cold making me super tired and exhausted.

Watched another episode of My Life Is Murder and enjoyed it. I'm still trying to get used to the New Zealand locale with the second season. Still a fun show.

Caught the second half of Agatha Raisin. Feel very badly for James, who kind of seems like the odd man out of the group. Loved how this one played out.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and not sure on the new pathologist. He's not bad, I guess. Clearly, it's time to shake things up for Jack, which probably means things won't go well when his brother gets out of prison.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise, which is one I didn't remember. I'm getting into the Humphrey episodes I missed on the first watch.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite liked the dynamic. I'm very interested in getting into more of what happened with Joan's medical career. Sherlock is definitely true to form and I'm getting into this version.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I think I have one or two more episodes of the first season then a bit of a shift to the second one.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. For some reason, I think I might have missed a season or at least some episodes. I'll do a run through after I finish up the sixth season.

Continued with The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm intrigued by how the season is unfolding and I'm kind of interested in where things are going to go.

Finished out the week with an episode of VIP. Some familiar early aughts faces in this one. Also a fun episode.

That's pretty much it on the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Blending In, a novella that puts a couple undercover and brings them together despite their best intentions of staying apart.

Here's the miniblurb:

Wren and Ethan go undercover in the seedy Bottoms. Ethan's by the book style clashes with Wren's off the cuff attitude, but when a powerful mage makes a threat, they'll have to forge an unbreakable bond or go down in flames.

And a preview snippet…

Ethan considered Wren's justification. "Okay, what's next?" He might as well roll with tide.

She suggested an info gathering opportunity. "No engagement. We go in, get some intel, and come out. That's it." She made a few adjustments to her outfit, knotting the T-shirt under her breasts and letting her hair down.

Ethan followed Wren into Hunter's Glen, his heart pumping with both anticipation and trepidation. He didn't do on-the-fly work and he feared it would show. He didn't want to let her down.

Once inside, he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim interior. "I'll follow your lead. I need a few minutes to get into the role and follow the vibe." And maybe get his shit together.

Wren jerked her head, acknowledging the request. She led him through the throng of people and directly by the trio who'd drawn their attention. The mood coming from the bar area consisted of boisterous bravado mixed with an angry undertone.

Ethan adopted a besotted demeanor, trailing behind Wren like he couldn't wait to get his hands on her. Not a hard sell for him. This might not be as difficult as he'd thought.

She led him to a corner table in a shadowy recess close to the bar. Good cover and strategically located. He admired her quick and spot-on assessment.

Tugging him close, she spoke quietly in his ear. "Look oblivious to everyone but me but pay very close attention to the conversations." She settled onto a chair and gave him a sexy smile.

He scooted his around so he could play the part she assigned to him. Leaning one arm over her shoulder, he twisted her toward him so they looked extra cozy. Her eyes went wide but she didn't resist. And a note of admiration crept into the dark depths. He'd made the right move.

She tilted her head toward him, doing a good impression of a private conversation, but her attention focused on the bar. Ethan tracked the conversations at the line of pool tables. Deviating from the plan might end up paying off if the first hour they spent barely touching their drinks and eavesdropping indicated anything.

He leaned in, speaking in low tones. "Sounds like the triple threat is here to meet the wall of muscle on table two." He eased back and gave her a bold stare.

Wren tipped her chin. "Sounds right. They're waiting until the weasel-faced guy leaves. They don't trust him." She scooted closer, almost sitting on his lap.

But it put her in a prime position when the trio of Orion men made their way to the pool tables. Under the guise of practically making out, Ethan and Wren spent the next sixty minutes carefully catching the bulk of the planned attack on a group of fae intermediaries. Wren's eyes widened when the crucial piece of information dropped. The big ringleader told the trio to be ready within the week.

Ethan made a move to stand, pushing his chair back a little, but Wren slid up onto his lap.

She rested her forehead against his. "Not yet. Too obvious. Let the game wind down first." She eased back and held his gaze.

He didn't argue and gave a barely perceptible nod. Moving his hands up, he palmed her thighs, keeping her from shifting back to her seat. Her lips quirked but she didn't resist.

The final ball sank into the pocket and a round of drinks was raised to the winners. Ethan checked his urge to make tracks. He'd follow Wren's lead again.

When they drew a stare or two from the burly bikers and some raunchy commentary, Wren did a sensuous slide off his lap and tugged him upward.

They left to whistles and catcalls and thankfully before anyone tried something stupid.

Once outside, she clasped his palm. "We're primed with some good intel. Keep acting the part until we clear the next block." She shivered a little from the bite in the wind.

Ethan wrapped an arm around her and tucked her into his side. Neither spoke, pretending to be too into each other to talk. They made their way across the street and headed for the little apartment over the thrift shop.

This story is getting a second book because Ethan and Wren have more to say about their relationship.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Belle of the Underground (a First Breed Nation novella)

I'm having a weird month so far. I'm doing well with posting daily relaxation, stress reducer things to avoid becoming the Scrinch (Scrooge and the Gringe combined), yet I'm also feeling kind of down, which is not the norm for me. I'm thinking a happy medium might be the best I'll do this year and I'm okay with that.

Had a week of busywork projects, which ended up being kind of fun. I like jumping around and moving back and forth between jobs. Keeps me on my toes and paying attention.

Had a solid week of television. A lot of what I worked on this week let me have background noise and I got a lot of shows watched!

I started with the first sixtieth anniversary special for Doctor Who. Thoroughly enjoyed having Ten and Donna back together. Looking forward to the second special this week.

Trying out a new to me show with Elementary. Watched the first two episodes and I like it so far. I didn't watch at all when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing more of this show.

Caught two episodes of The Batman and should be semi-close to the end of season one. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Liked both and loved the play on vintage TV shows the ghost stories episode had.

Watched two episodes of VIP and remembered one from the original airing of the show. Lots of fun with the ice bullets before they were really a thing.

Caught another episode of My Life Is Murder and ended up liking it a lot. The drag queen setting was fun and the snark fest between Alexa and the manager deserves a chef's kiss.

Enjoyed another Agatha Raisin episode. It's the first of a two-parter so I'm excited to see what happens next. Very fun to watch Agatha and James navigate living together.

Finished the second half of a two-part Silent Witness. Actually liked how this one played out. It's cool to revisit old cases and the one they went back to ended up being an important one.

Caught another Death in Paradise episode. I'm enjoying Florence and Humph working together. And I'm fond of the JP and Dwayne dynamic.

Also started a new Passionflix series with The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Got the first episode in and I'm intrigued so far. Looking forward to seeing how the two seasons play out.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Belle of the Underground, a novella that launches the First Breed Nation series.

Here's the miniblurb:

Raven Malone doesn't have an easy job, but she's a mix of freak and geek so both groups are willing to work with her. She meets her match when regular guy, Gio Roberts, starts poking around in her cover up of an unexplained murder. Sparks fly, especially when she lets him in on the underground community she's established. They forge a bond and work side by side, trying to keep everything together. 

And a preview snippet…

Flushing slightly because she'd completely understood his meaning, Gio quickened his step until he reached her side. "What did this used to be? Aside from the subway part. I got that much." He stuck close to her as she led him out and across an old, unfinished tunnel then up into another area.

Raven leaned against the wall, propping one foot behind her on the smooth surface. "From what we can tell, the area we're getting ready to head into was once a subsection of an old hospital. Long abandoned."

"How long have you been down here?"

She punched in a series of numbers and the door slid open. "We've been gathering down here for as long as anyone can remember. The more modern aspects have all occurred in the last five years." She entered the area and he followed, stunned at the sight greeting his eyes.

"What the hell?" He'd been expecting something dank and dusty. This was far from it.

Raven chuckled. "I know. It's rather amazing."

They stood in the middle of a lab, a pretty well set up one.

"There's a clinic through the big doors over there." Raven pointed to the east. "And we have a containment center through the ones along the back wall."

"Containment center?"

"Nothing big, but it's where I hope to hold the one responsible for the killings."  

Gio shot her a skeptical glance. "What exactly do you think you can do down here that can't be done up there?" He pointed toward the city above them.

"Trust me when I say it'll be better if you let us handle it." She wound her way around the equipment to make her way to a large board hanging in the middle of the room. "The cops upstairs will never be able to bring this person in and make a case."

Gio made his way to her location and stood across the table from her. "Look, you can't handle this. The justice system isn't perfect, but it works." He placed his elbows on the table and leaned toward her. "The victims' families need justice and closure. You can't act as judge and jury. Unless someone put you in charge up there and I missed it."  

Raven snorted. "First, we're talking about down here. And yes, I am the one in charge. You might say I'm the HBIC … and if you knew the whole story, you'd understand exactly how true that statement is. Second, if your system could deal with this, I'd let it. Believe me when I say it's hundreds of times easier."

He considered her words. "Then why don't you let it?" He had a very strong feeling he wouldn't like her answer.

She crooked her finger at him. "C'mere. I'll show you." With a flourish she tugged a white drape off the board hanging above the table.

Gio is so much fun to write. He already walks a fine line and after meeting Raven the line is stretched even tighter.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Behind the Line (a Night Raven Banner novella)

Not sure I'm ready for December. The last few months have really flown by, and I can't seem to keep up. I must be getting old. Or life is coming at me fast and that's why I'm struggling to stay in the moment.

And because I'm failing at staying in the moment, I started a daily post for self-care on Instagram and Blue Sky. Each day I'm going to post something that I do just for me to help me shed stress and enjoy a few minutes of me time.

To that end, I might be including some television shows, so keep an eye out for a few specials that aren't in my normal rotation.

I did get two episodes of My Life Is Murder in this week. I'm a little puzzled by the change in location from Australia to New Zealand, but I'm running with it for now.

I also finished up the bonus episodes from Agatha Raisin season two and caught the premiere of season three. I kind of miss Gemma but Toni is a lot of fun.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. Hard to say goodbye to Thomas and it's weird to not see Clarissa at the Lyell anymore. I do like the new vibe Jack and Nikki have. Looking forward to seeing if they add any new cast members.

Also enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise. Camille left for Paris and Humph is working through the new dynamic. I really enjoy this show and I'm so glad I can see it in chronological order.

Finished Only Murders in the Building and I did get the villains right. Excellent third season and I'm excited about season four because who saw that one coming with the new victim?

Caught another episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. The dynamic between Bruce and Alfred is a lot of fun.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. The two vignettes are ones I remembered and enjoyed the first time around. I love it when the parents truly have no idea what's going on.

Enjoyed another episode of VIP. The over-the-top villains are always entertaining. I truly miss that sometimes.

Also watched another episode of Peak Practice. Once again, I'm not interested at all in one of the storylines, but I do love the two new cast members and what's going on with them.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Behind the Line, an Under the Night Raven Banner novella.

Here's the miniblurb:

Emory Cavendish is trapped behind enemy lines and Verity Jones mounts a rescue mission, thinking she won't get much help. Surprise doesn't express her emotion when every other pilot jockeys for a spot on the team to save Emory. Their hard-won acceptance fills Verity with confidence and gratitude. She'll need their full support to bring Emory home.

And a preview snippet…

Verity stuck her hand out from under the plane. "Can you hand me the wrench?"

Percy Longfellow placed a metal object in her palm.

Verity started to raise the tool up to tighten a bolt then rolled her eyes. "A wrench, Longfellow, not a vice grip." She slid out a little. "The silver object with the hexagon-shaped opening." Her lips twitched.

Percy shrugged. "There's a reason I only fly these things." He found the correct tool and gave it to her.

She rolled back under the plane and tightened the bolt then moved her fingers along the cable to make sure it held tightly. Satisfied, she started to move over to the next area.

A pilot came running into the hangar. "Jones! We made contact." He paused, bending over at the waist and dragging air into his lungs.

Verity slid out from under the plane again. "With the resistance?" That would be excellent news.

The pilot straightened and shook his head. "No, with Cavendish."

She dropped the wrench, her mouth hanging open. "You're not joking, are you?" Holy shit!

She scrambled to her feet and put the wrench away, the ingrained lessons from her dad never forgotten.

Percy stilled her hands. "Go, Verity. No one would joke about that." He nudged her toward the door. "I'll take care of putting your tools away."

She went, her head filled with wonder, fear, and … love. Ducking into the communications shed, she put the headset on. "Night Raven base to Cavendish, over." The radio crackled and squawked, and she made an adjustment to the frequency. "Emory, is everything okay?" Dragging in a shuddering breath, she bounced her knee with impatience.

Emory's voice came through the headset. "It's all good here."

Sinking with relief, Verity started peppering him with questions. "How? How did you manage to make contact?" He'd never risk something not secure.

Emory chuckled. "I think I'm working with some of your long-lost family members. Their ingenuity reminds me of you." Another burst of static followed his statement.

She smiled, so damned happy she could burst. "It's so good to hear your voice."

Emory concurred. "Same. I found the beacon and managed to make sure it worked. I'm assuming you know my location?"

Verity nodded. "We know the plane's location. Yours, we're a little iffy on."

Emory responded. "I'm at a farmhouse. It's about three clicks from the plane."

Now it would be so much easier to launch their retrieval operation.

Verity looked at the map on the wall. "This is good. We're coming to get you, Emory. Probably within two to three days now that we have your exact location." A tap on her shoulder from Worthington had her making a hasty farewell. "Hang tight. I'll see you soon." She handed the headset to the CO. "I'm sorry for the breach in protocol, sir."

Worthington's lips curved. "We can let it slide this time, Jones. Be ready for a briefing first thing in the morning."

Verity lifted her chin. "Yes, sir." She practically danced out of the comm shed while Worthington spoke to his CAG. "Not long now, Emory. I'll have you back soon."

I have so much love for this series. I think everything is finally coming together and I'm having so much fun writing these characters.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye