Sunday Snippet: Place of Honor

It's been a busy week. We're still kind of off-kilter after the loss of our doggo. Our younger one is adjusting and I'm thankful for that. Our vet office is amazing, and they've been wonderful throughout this whole process.

Ohio weather is being very Ohio right now. Warm up, cool down, something kind of in between. I had to clear snow off my car at the beginning of last week. It didn't stick around, which is okay with me. I don't mind snow, but I'm also not quite ready for it yet.

Work was very busy this past week. Had a terrific Zoom meeting with an author and two other members of a team I often work with. We're getting ready to hand over the project for the next steps. Also had another Zoom session with a different author and they're making headway on their memoir. Finished up a developmental edit and we're getting ready to hand that one off also. Had an older project pop back up and I think we have that one resolved. I also finished up a copy edit and started a new proofread.

Not a bad viewing week either. I made it through all of my usual slate of shows. The next two weeks are going to be a little iffy, but I'll make an effort to stay current.

I started with the season three opener of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. The introduction of her dad was fun, and I liked seeing Jack show a little jealousy.

Also caught another episode of Foyle's War and I'd forgotten how much of a role Andrew played in this episode. If I remember correctly, we won't see him again for a while.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm enjoying Archie and Esther's romance a lot. I loved Humphrey being in the uncomfortable position of having to question Martha as a suspect to clear her. And I'm so glad Anne finally spilled the beans about her biopsy.

Enjoyed an episode of Poirot. I love Hastings and Miss Lemon investigating and then chatting about Poirot. The lengths he went to to protect the countess kind of charmed me.

Elementary had a great episode. Discovering Joan has a half-sister is interesting. I also love how tangled up everything ended up being. Bringing Mycroft into the equation is a snare that will have some repercussions, I think. Especially with the NSA showing up again.

Caught an episode of Batman Beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remembered it from my original watch. Getting Ace's backstory is great.

Also got to watch another episode of Lower Decks. The characters are starting to gel for me, and Mariner is way less annoying this season. Very glad I stuck with this one.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Place of Honor, a novella with a dark flair that brings a couple together the hard way.

Here's the miniblurb:

A band of bounty hunters go after urban legends, bagging, tagging, and removing the threat from cities, towns, villages, and sprawling rural landscapes. Wiley Star has a score to settle and Hex Harrigan can't deny her quest for vengeance—but when Wiley lands on the wrong end of a double cross, it's up to Hex to track her whereabouts and save the day, which proves difficult because his personal feelings keep getting in the way.

And a preview snippet…

"We weren't responsible for your sister's death."

By the fifth day of poking at the Reavers, Wiley had taken out half a dozen of the members.

And she finally got one to cough up some intel. "So … who killed her?" If this assclown died before he spilled, she'd lose her mind.

The demon coughed, a trickle of blood leaking from his lips. "Vicious new gang threading their way into town. The … Dark—" Another round of wracking coughs. "D-Darkwings." His breathing got raspy. "Leader's name is Mango something."

Who the fuck are the Darkwings? And why the hell don't I know anything about them?

She twisted her fist in his vest. "Where do I find this gang?" She'd tear several new assholes when she caught up with them.

The demon made a garbled choking sound. "N-no … no clue. You think we haven't tried to? They're like cockroaches. Rarely come out into the daylight." His breath seized in his throat and he went lax.

Wiley growled. "Dammit." At least she had a name.

She could hunt this group down and avenge her sister's death.

Wiley stood up from her crouch to find herself surrounded by a group of demons in full motorcycle regalia. The Darkwings, no doubt. At least she didn't have to waste time looking for them.

The leader, this Mango something, had an oily smile. "Fuck. Wish I'd've known there were two of you before we took your sister out." His black gaze gave Wiley a slow once-over from head to toe.

Wiley snarked a comeback. "You're gonna wish you'd never laid eyes on me, jackass." She lifted her chin and held his gaze.

Mango snorted. "I don't think so, sweet ass. Allow me to introduce you to my queen." He stepped to one side.

A gorgeous vision of a woman eased forward and moved to stand toe to toe with Wiley. "You're a beautiful and strong woman." She cocked her head to one side and inhaled deeply.

Wiley found herself doing the same, tilting her head to mimic the woman's actions. And instead of inhaling, Wiley exhaled because the air forcibly exited her lungs. Fuck. A succubus. And she's putting me under her control. Try as Wiley might, she could not look away from the woman.

The woman straightened her head. "My name is Anissa, queen of the Darkwings. You will swear fealty to me."

Wiley tried to snort but couldn't. She expended every effort to look away and break the hold Anissa had on Wiley.

Instead, she slid deeper into thrall. "I swear fealty to you." Dammit!

Anissa's lips curved. "Very good. You'll now swear fealty to my king, Mango Sallivan."

Mango moved to stand beside Anissa. He reached out and groped Wiley's breasts. "Let's hear it, sweet ass." He leaned in closer.

Bile rose in her throat and she fought to keep the words from escaping.

He squeezed her breasts harder and jerked her forward. "Now." The order hissed out.

Her monotone voice answered. "I swear fealty to the king." She'd capitulated, held fast by the bondage of her words.

Mango made a low humming sound deep in his throat. "Yeah you do. You're gonna be a star attraction for me and my crew." His forked tongue darted out, and he grasped his crotch, rubbing the hard ridge under the black leather.

Wiley blinked, not caring about the implication of his gesture. "As you wish, my king."

He let out an evil laugh and cupped her chin in his hand. "Damn straight, honey pot." He sealed her fate by slanting his mouth over hers to the cheers of his other companions.

This story is coming together and it's a challenging tale to write. I love Wiley and hate putting her through the wringer she's going to go through but she double dog dared me to.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye