Sunday Snippet: Kindred Spirits

The winter blast is still underway. I'd love to send some of our precipitation out to California to combat the wildfires burning LA right now. Another 3-5 inches of snow in the next day or so. Thankfully, I don't have to really go out for anything until the end of the week.

I made progress on my side project. I have a few more things to upload and some links to get set, then I'll hopefully be ready to launch. I also did some future planning on what manuscripts to focus on next. At least it's movement!

Very light work week again. Still working on the readthrough for my friend and I completed a manuscript proofread. Hoping to have another new one to get started on this week.

Not a bad week for viewing. I had some distractions but nothing major. I also think I've found the next show I want to watch on one of my streamers.

Finished up the premier episode of London Kills. This is definitely going to be a wild season. Can't wait to see more.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Kind of sad to see JP leaving but excited to see what happens next. Marlon is growing on me so that's a good thing.

Started the spinoff Beyond Paradise and enjoyed the opening episode. I'm interested to see where things go with Humphrey and Martha. Not sure about Martha's mom. So far, not a fan. I do love the team and look forward to more interactions with them.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Enjoyed the dynamic with the Sherlock regular, the math guy. Also kind of enjoyed the Joan and Kitty scenes. I'm not sure what's going on with Kitty but I don't think she's really committed to the group therapy thing. We'll see if I'm right about that…

Finished up the second part of the opening episodes of Batman Beyond. I'm excited about this rewatch. The theme song alone makes it worth another visit to this one.

Enjoyed another Classic Rugrats episode. This one was the launch of All Growed Up and I hadn't seen the bookend with the original babies. Such a fun episode.

Also finished up an episode of Peak Practice, which I ended up liking. Will is still a bit of a prat but and I really, really dislike the finance guy, but overall, this ended up being a great episode.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Kindred Spirits, a novella that mixes a little multiple partner fun with magic at a mage academy.

Here's the miniblurb:

Merrit Rhodes accepts a teaching position at the Athena Academy of Magic and Semblance to earn her rites. Vaughn Gregorvich and Kirby Selwig are best friends and fellow instructors who fall hard for the newest addition to the campus. Sparks literally fly when the trio decides to test the power of three after a night of drinking a powerfully potent new cocktail called Elixir.

And a preview snippet…

Merrit had a dilemma.

How did I even try to ignore the simmering awareness and sexual tension with these two guys?

Kirby put her at ease. His running commentary while they gathered what she'd need for uniforms and her new living space entertained and informed. He acted like a big goofball, but she didn't miss the agile way he moved or the controlled lion-like grace to his stride. He had an aura of openness and a flair for the dramatic. Merrit enjoyed his company.

But Vaughn … well … he made her hyperaware of his presence. He stalked through the stores with a panther-like quality, something almost regal, but deep and dark. Something about him stayed hidden in the shadows and he didn't feel like sharing. Walking a finely honed blade might be the way to describe the vibe she got from him. Instinct screamed one wrong move would send the knife plunging deep into her heart and mind.

The idea thrilled and terrified her in equal measure.

Fingers snapped in front of her. "Hello? Merrit, you still with us?" Kirby's raised eyebrow gave him a rakish look.

Merrit shook her head. "Sorry. Yes. What were you saying?" The men each had several shopping bags in hand, while she also carried two on either side.

Vaughn smirked. "He asked if you know what Dean Hargrove's first name is?"

Merrit paused a moment. "Honestly? I don't. None of the correspondence referred to him as anything but Dean Hargrove."

Kirby grinned. "That's his name."

Confused, Merrit stopped walking. "What is?"

Vaughn cracked a smile, a sly twist to his lips.

Merrit laughed. "You're kidding. His name is Dean Hargrove and he's the dean of Athertons?" Kind of a weird and wild coincidence.

Kirby nodded. "Absolutely!" He leaned in. "You're pretty quick on the uptake. Most new recruits don't catch on until at least the third of questioning back and forth."

Merrit shot a quick glance toward Vaughn. Had he meant to give away the joke? His wry response had clued her in.

She shrugged. "I'm just lucky, I guess." She always tried to downplay her intuitiveness.

Kirby snorted. "Or maybe you have strong oracle fu—like your mom."

Merrit raised her brows. "How much do you two know about me?" Her history had pockets of secrets.

Vaughn rolled a shoulder. "Not as much as you think. Kirby's talent is drawing people out, but you're proving to be a tough case."

She smiled. "Good."

Kirby blinked. "Good?" He made what she could only refer to as a confused dog sound.

Merrit gave a nod. "Yes. I have a feeling things come way too easily for you two. A challenge will keep you on your toes."

Kirby sputtered and mumbled something unintelligible.

But Vaughn surprised her. He threw his head back and laughed. The man needed to do that more often.

Holy shit.

I'm having so much fun writing this trio. The sages are having a good time feeding me this story.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye