Sunday Snippet: Only When They Blink

September is starting off with a bang. And crazy busy. Also a full blood moon, which is always fun to see.

Spent all day Saturday in Hocking Hills with a group of cousins on my mom's side of the family. We have so much fun when we get together. We're already planning the third annual gathering for next year.

I finished up two work projects this week and made progress on two more. I have a new one starting this week also. Possibly two. I'm hoping the due dates are a little more staggered.

Had an okay viewing week. I made it almost all the way through my usual slate of shows with the exception of Lower Decks. I started it but need to finish it up. It's the first season finale so there seems to be a lot going on.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one I really enjoyed on my original run through. Always fun to see Dot stand up for not only herself but others.

Finished up season four of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Very happy to see Jean and Dom work through their issues. Loved how Dom proposed and how everyone knew they were meant to be together.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm interested in where things will go with Selwyn. The new officer is going to be fun. I love the vibe he has. DI Wilson might or might not grow on me.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. The entire trip to the coast just to hear good things instead of bad from Japp is such a Poirot thing to do. And the side plot with Lemon was fun.

Elementary had an interesting case along with an interesting side case. I like how Moreland reached out to Joan, and she figured things out with what's going on with him. And I love that she told Sherlock. Also really thrilled Sherlock met the character on the autism spectrum at her level, seemingly with care and patience.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and I didn't remember much of this one. Ended up quite enjoying it.

Started the Lower Decks episode. I do enjoy how many easter eggs are in this show. Mentions of other characters and episodes from all the various series are so much fun.

I didn't get to start season two of Reacher. I'm hoping I have the time this week, but I'm not going to rush in. I like to be able to focus on this show.

Also didn't get to finish up the Peak Practice episode I started, but I'll get back to it soon.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Only When They Blink, a twist on the Princess and the Pea story.

Here's the miniblurb:

Hale Easterson has fae blood running in his veins, but he won't follow the family old school traditions and mate by the designated age. He escapes to his private lake house to find an unconscious Winter Sorn, a beautiful woman, sprawled on his doorstep and realizes he may not be able to avoid what destiny has in store.

And a preview snippet…

Winter tossed and turned, agitating aching muscles. Swirling images floated in her mind. Curled up on the floor, booted feet kicking at her. A harrowing escape after being thrown from a moving car. Cold ground under her hands and knees. Collapsing on wooden steps … so close to a beckoning light.

Her eyes snapped open, and a strangled gasp struggled up from her chest. "No!" She tried to sit up, but agony tore through her body.

A warm hand nudged her back down. "Hey. Stay still. You're hurt." The voice filled the quiet room.

She angled her head toward the sound. "Where am I?" Her throat hurt and she remembered Butchie's palm wrapped around her neck right before he shoved her out the door.

And swallowing dirt when she landed. She coughed, still tasting the earthy remnants.

A cup of water appeared in front of her and a hand clasped her shoulder helping her to sit up. "You're in a safe place. No one knows you're here." The glass touched her lips.

She swallowed the cool liquid in several gulps then cleared her throat. "Thank you." She finally looked up and blinked at the visage before her.

A man with dark hair that brushed his shoulders sat beside the bed. A red T-shirt fit snugly across his chest, and his jeans were well worn and hugged his thighs. His green eyes were directly assessing her, narrowed in their perusal.

His chin lifted. "Huh. They are blue." He set the cup aside on a nightstand.

She frowned. What did the color of her eyes have to do with anything? And why could she not get comfortable in this bed?

The man spoke again. "You have a large bump on the back of your head. You're bruised and banged up." His lips flattened to a thin line. "And someone kicked the shit out of you to the point they drew blood. I cleaned and dressed the wound for now." He held her gaze for a long moment. "I don't know who the hell you pissed off or if they're looking for you, but for the moment, you've got some breathing room." He leaned back in the chair. "Wanna tell me how you ended up on my doorstep?" His brows arched.

She really didn't. But she owed him a debt of gratitude for taking her in. Even if the bed he put her in added to her discomfort.

Smoothing her hands over the blanket covering her, she gave him the short version. "I ended up here because I got thrown out of a moving car by the two men who did this to me. They're not the ones I pissed off. That would be … actually, I don't know who it is, but he owns the Black Stiletto." Her eyes closed when a dull throb started in her temples. "The good news is I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm dead." No doubt Martin and Butchie would tell him that anyway.

The man frowned again. "That's the good news?"

Winter's lips twisted. "It is if it means they're not going to be looking for me." She still wanted to find out who held the reins of power.

The tilted his head to one side. "Fair point." He got to his feet. "You should get some rest. I'll check on you in four hours. I'd like the swelling to go down a little more before you take anything for the pain." He started for the door.

Winter didn't think she'd be able to rest, but she'd try. "Thank you, again … uh … I don't even know your name…" Or anything else about him for that matter.

Her rescuer flashed a smile. "Name's Hale. Call out if you need anything."

Winter turned his name over in her mind then nodded. "Hale. I'm Winter." She pulled the blanket up over her and snuggled into the bed.

And still couldn't get comfortable.

I'm adding a few small twists to the original tale and having so much fun while doing it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye