Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

Happy US Mother's Day to those who celebrate. For those with parental issues, I hope you find joy and peace.

Had the rare experience of seeing the northern lights in Ohio. I can honestly say I haven't been so excited about something in a long time. The mysteries of space are awesome!

Fairly busy week with work projects and other odds and ends. Finished up a couple of manuscripts and started a new one. I have another ongoing developmental edit that I need to dive back into this week.

Not a bad week of viewing even with a few distractions. I'm at a weird place with watching right now. I'm kind of leaning toward doing binge marathons again and I'm not sure I want to fall down that rabbit hole again.

Caught two episodes of Suspects and enjoyed both. This show is kind of choppy and that adds something to the experience. I love the cases and how things are rarely what they seem from the initial starting point.

Finished up the third season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'd love to see another series of this show. The cast is a lot of fun.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. I've realized that after the next one, I'm completely caught up with the show. I really like the current cast and I'm excited to see what the next season brings.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. This is one I hadn't seen before and I liked the case. I'm also enjoying Jack's tenure as DI.

I think I finished out the first season of Elementary. I'm actually thrilled with how the Moriarity plot played out. I love seeing Joan kind of step in to the role of consulting detective with ease and grace. The things she sees that Sherlock doesn't is always interesting.

Watched another episode of The Batman. Nice to see Ethan back again. I'm a little bummed we haven't seen Chen for a while and I can't remember if she comes back or not.

Enjoyed the Valentine episode of Classic Rugrats. I do remember this one but not everything about it. Nice to see some longer length episodes also.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella that brings a couple together against the expressed wishes of the Fury.

Here's the miniblurb:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And a preview snippet…

A persistent buzz zinged under Larue's skin.

"I require your presence in your quarters."

Larue ended her conversation and excused herself from the table. She had no idea why she'd received a summons from Helena. Especially since the Fury had ample opportunity to deliver the message in person.

Larue left the common area and made her way to the residential wing. "I wonder what's going on now." She entered her suite to find Helena pacing back and forth. "You wanted to see me?" Keeping her voice tentative, she hoped the tone calmed the Fury.

Helena whirled around. "You're quite the popular mage, aren't you?" She all but spit the words out.

So much for calm…

Larue blew out a slow breath. She hated it when Helena got into a mood, mainly because Larue tried hard to not cause friction. Unless she counted the fun kind involving sex.

She shrugged and responded somewhat carefully. "If you say so."

Helena snarled. "You uppity, ungrateful bitch." Her hand whipped out and slapped Larue with a stinging blow.

Larue gnashed her teeth and barely held back a retaliatory gesture. She wouldn't give the Fury the satisfaction. Larue had learned control and she'd use it.

Lifting her chin, she kept her voice measured. "I'm not sure what brought this attack of venom on, but I don't seek popularity." She met Helena's gaze square on. "Because of the past, I approach others with kindness because that's the way I like to be treated." Glancing away, she tried to appear understanding. "As the Fury, you might not be in a position to do that. But … if you want your people to flourish and sing your praises, you could maybe do what you did with me—encourage all of them to find their strength instead of making them follow you with blind, numbing mindlessness." Okay, that might push the Fury's buttons.

Helena's lips thinned. "I rather think that little experiment proved the opposite. You're entirely too caught up in your own brilliance, my pet." Her eyes flashed angrily. "Attempting to usurp my power won't garner the acceptance you'll always seek but never find." With a flourish of her robes, she spun away and sailed out the door.

Larue tilted her head. She didn't crave Helena's power. Larue already found the only thing she wanted. A place to call home.

Helena issued one final salvo. "Tread very carefully from this point forward. And be ready to pay the price if you misstep." With a cloud of hailstorm, Helena disappeared from sight.

Larue released a gradual exhale. "That didn't go well at all." And being put on notice didn't thrill her one little bit.

This story is a joy and a challenge. I love writing over-the-top antagonists but also worry about making them too mustache twirly … even if they're female.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

Geez, half of May is gone and I have no idea where it went. At least the weather has somewhat improved and feels more like spring heading into summer.

Had a fairly decent week of work and television viewing. Finished up a project and completed another one.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and got about halfway through. So far, it's an interesting one.

I caught the penultimate episode of No Offence. I have a feeling the finale is going to be a doozy. I'm looking forward to starting the third series.

I finished up the second part of Silent Witness. I should be ready to move on to season eleven in the near future. I think I have one more two-parter to watch.

Watched another arc of Classic Who. Once again, I got a little annoyed with Four. There's something about his arrogance that rubs me wrong. Pretty decent four-part series of episodes leading up to the six-part finale, which I'm looking forward to.

Caught another episode of UFOs: The Lost Evidence. This one focused on pilots and astronauts that had experiences seeing unidentified flying objects.

Watched a couple of The Muppet Show episodes. Don Knotts and Zero Mostel were the guests. I'd forgotten they had a new opening for the second season. I'm kind of partial to the first season's opener.

Caught another episode of The Hardy Boys. I like this show. For me, there's a lot of nostalgia because it harkens back to phones with cords, unorganized or unstructured days, eight-bit video games, and hanging out with friends. The mystery and dangerous stuff is icing on the cake.

Also started another episode of Peak Practice. Jack's in Africa and Beth and Will are trying to manage the practice while they wait on a replacement doctor. I have a feeling this episode might end up being a sad one.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella where my main characters join forces to defeat a harsh antagonist.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And a preview snippet…

Larue strolled the perimeter of the training room, observing her novices work increasingly difficult spells. "They're such a good group." She enjoyed this class so much.

Making another circuit, she paused and helped one of the youngest students adjust her technique. "Hold your palm level, don't curve your fingers." Larue demonstrated the proper method.

The pupil gave her a wide smile. "Thanks, Larue. I always struggle with the right placement." She practiced several times, gaining confidence.

Larue grinned. "There you go. And trust me when I say you'll appreciate the nuance." She waited a beat. "Especially when curved palms bring forth something completely different. Instead of a fire ball you end up with what amounts to a snow cone."

The group laughed then all eyes went wide when a portal closed behind Wade. They'd been so engrossed none had noticed it opening.

Wade quirked an eyebrow. "Listen to her. She's right, you know. Getting a handle on the subtleties now will save your ass in the future." He moved to stand by Larue's side.

She waved the novices back to their practice. "I'm pretty sure you just made everyone's day by dropping in." Her gaze narrowed. "Why did you?" Not like him to intrude during lesson-time.

He shook his head. "I didn't make their day. You did. You're well-liked and this group kind of worships you." He started for the exit but angled his head around. "As they probably should." He gave her wide grin before leaving her space.

The compliment warmed her even if he'd dodged answering the question. She loved teaching and watching talent bloom in the younger wards. Their struggles and achievements reminded her of how hard but rewarding magick could be. This class especially made her proud.

She frowned. "I hate that their talent will be used to keep Helena in power." A kick of guilt landed in her chest.

Larue had no place to go when she couldn't control her power and Helena had taken Larue in. She learned control and discipline and quickly advanced up the ranks. Becoming the top female mage surpassed anything Larue thought she'd accomplish.

"I found a home here." But lately she'd been unsettled.

An itchy, edgy uncertainty crawled in her mind. Something big loomed on the horizon and Larue felt the pull whenever Wade entered her vicinity. And when Helena went on a rampage, which seemed to be more frequent lately.

Larue dismissed the novices because her concentration had been broken and they'd worked hard today. She gave each an encouraging word on their way out. Why didn't Helena foster this kind of reward system?

Larue snorted. "Because she has people like me who do." Even when Helena had given Larue a place to stay and learn, others taught her.

Helena had better things to do, like arrange pyre tournaments where she pitted mages that had fallen out of favor or those she'd grown bored with against each other or had them go up against her current champions. Larue earned her top spot by defeating her predecessor who promptly ended up banished to another realm.

She still had reservations about that. "Maybe that's why my gratitude only goes so far." She could be next on Helena's hit list, top spot or not.

Her mind went back to Wade's unexpected appearance in the class. He fascinated Larue but she never gave any indication she might be interested in anything more than friendship. Wade could have his pick of anyone in Helena's orbit, including the Fury herself. And … Helena made it clear she'd soon have him and no one dared deny her.

I love this story. Larue and Wade are ready for change and they'll have as much as they can handle in the near future.

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

The school year is officially over and now the summer fun begins. My daughter leaves for Disney next week to perform with the band and choir at the theme park. She's been organized and semi-packed for almost a full week already. I have no idea where she got that gene… it definitely didn't come from me.

Not a bad week for television. I caught another episode of Endeavor, which I thoroughly enjoy. Ended up with two episodes of Midsomer Murders. I'm winding down the last series or so of John Nettles's tenure.

Caught two episodes of Constantine. Again, I'm enjoying the high levels of quality snark bandied about by John. And I like how his inner demons weigh even heavier than the actual demons he has to thwart. Truly excellent fare.

Getting closer to the season finale of Gotham. Jerome's brand of crazy reaching out beyond the grave to completely encompass Jeremiah is great entertainment. And I truly do love how the other evolving villains continue to percolate their plans behind the scenes.

Chicago Fire and Blindspot are still holding my interest. I am still a little iffy on the whole Roman plan, but I'm invested enough that I want to find out what his actual master plan is.

Caught a few more episodes of Classic Who and should finish up the Dalek storyline soon. Also caught the second episode of Sense 8 and I'm pretty much hooked. I definitely want to find out what the hell is going on with this group.

The Flash season finale ended up being better than I hoped. That said, there could have been about five fewer episodes in this season and the story would have unfolded better. Riverdale threw a blindside or two into their finale and I'm there for whatever happens next. Hopefully it'll be Hiram's head on a pike parading through town. Just saying.

Krypton continues to make me happy. I kind of enjoy the intrigue and seeing how the alliances are constantly shifting because the ground keeps fluctuating under everyone's feet. Very interested in seeing where next season goes… if there is a next season.

Part one of Ghost Squad's season finale ended up being pretty terrific. I do wish there was more information on how the big boss lady gets her cases. I'll honestly not be surprised if she isn't as dirty as the cops she's trying to bring down. We'll see how that plays out.

Started a new to me show on the Roku Channel app. Archangel, I think, originally aired as TV movie, but it's billed as a three episode season. The first show ended up being pretty terrific. I also caught another episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles on Crackle.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella that started with a prompt about writing a story featuring a new commanding officer. The sages decided it would be better to write how a new command structure came to be. They also wanted a paranormal story instead of a science fiction one.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And a preview snippet…

Wade sensed her presence the moment he completed his punga praeparabit routine. His raging hard-on quickly dissipated and a burst of disappointment swept through him. Wade enjoyed releasing the sexual tension and friction that naturally occurred during the hour-long workout session. He usually stroked his rigid dick to a hard come within minutes of completing the arduous and controlled period of mental and physical training. His balls ached with the break in his daily program. And his mind wanted the enhanced visions that came with spewing his seed.

He'd discovered many important clues and hints regarding his future, including his perfect match—who had yet to recognize their future intimate connection.

But Helena's appearance left him cold. And his body responded by dispelling the magickal energy replacing the kinetic force with frustration. He slowly inhaled, smelling her arousal and put a scent blocker in place to avoid the cloying aroma. No doubt she wouldn't notice, her talent being manipulation, seduction, and subterfuge to get what she wanted. Using the brute force of her lesser mages—with the promise of a liaison or even a full night in her bed—kept her in power as the Fury.

Wade had leeway. Being her top mage saved him from most of the mundane bullshit she heaped upon the novices, adepts, and masters. Helena didn't encourage higher brain function in her acolytes. Their lack of intelligence suited her and she kept them happy with magickal battles on the pyre.

Helena slithered into the room, impatience oozing from her. "The day has finally arrived. I'll wait no more." She didn't verbalize the words and probably didn't realize she'd telegraphed her thoughts directly into Wade's mind.

Gliding to his side, she turned on the seduction, touching, feeling, trying to get a rise out of Wade. His self-control won the day. He showed no outward sign of reaction, which irritated Helena who expected him to fawn over her preening.

Sorry to disappoint. I won't be performing stud service today.

She stamped her foot when he remained impassive. "Why did you ignore my order? And why are you not responding to me?" Her pointblank questions indicated her level of frustration.

They also gave him cause to provide an honest answer. "My mind and heart are elsewhere." He stirred the pot a little more. "I've gone through the beginning of the binding rite."

The slap of her hand against his face resounded in the alcove. "I didn't give you permission to bind with anyone." She snarled, spitting each syllable out between clenched teeth.

Wade kept his anger in check, responding with cool aplomb. "As the Fury, you know the rite isn't always in your control." The Fates trumped all, answering to no one in the realm. "The mystical change overtook me unexpectedly and I'm now bound to the path." And he'd gladly walk wherever fate led him, especially if it led him far away from Helena.

Her chest heaved with rage. "Who? I demand to know who you're bound to." No doubt so she could immediately attempt to break the bond.

Fat chance he'd let her. And he had a layer of protection here, too. One that would buy some time to figure a way out from under her thumb.

He shook his head. "I have to refuse. The other person isn't aware yet." When Helena discovered who his life mate would be, she'd lose her collective shit.

Helena leveled a cold stare on him. She tried to take the information from his mind, but he blocked her, slamming a shield in place to keep her from extracting the name. She growled, pissed off he managed to cut her off. She didn't lack skill and he fought to maintain the protective veil when she redoubled her effort.

She gave up, lashing out with a hard kick to his groin. He managed to stay upright, barely.

She whirled and stalked to the exit. "We'll just see if you end up completing the rite. I'm not done with you yet. I want you in my bed and I'll make it happen."

Wade pushed the pain aside and delivered a parting salvo. "You can't control or force the Fates to do your bidding. You know this."

She sent a nasty, frigid glare over her shoulder. "We'll see about that, Wade. We'll see." Leaving the chamber, she snapped her fingers and grabbed the nearest two minions—one male and one female.

Wade limped to the doorway in time to witness how Helena planned to work through her rage.

She barked an order. "Strip." Dropping her robes, she waited for Mack and Dinah to remove their garments. "Get behind me, Mack. I want you in my ass." She grabbed Dinah's arm and pushed her to the floor. "And you will worship my pussy. Now." Cupping her breasts, she ordered the other acolytes to watch and observe only. "No one else receives pleasure until I'm satisfied."

Wade rolled his eyes and left through a conjured portal. A shower would wash away the stench of dealing with Helena and give him time to plan his next careful move.

In all honesty, this story intrigues me and the sages have a very specific idea of how they want the characters to interact. Here's hoping everything comes together!

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

Okay… getting right to the television part of my post.

The Flash and Arrow premiered!!! Both had excellent season openers. I kind of love where everything is headed and can't wait for this week's episodes. *EEP*

And I'm totally NOT freaking out over whose graveside Oliver and Barry were standing beside. Nope. I'm not. I know who I'd kind of like it to be, but I'll hold off and not speculate too much. LOL

Gotham and Sleepy Hollow had terrific episodes, too. I missed the opener for Sleepy Hollow and still need to watch, but the second ep has me intrigued already.

I also need to watch the double dose of Haven so I'm caught up on that one, too. I've started watching the final episodes of Lost Girl and Strike Back. Two shows I wish didn't have to end. *sniffles*

The conclusion to Doctor Who's two-parter didn't exactly cement the show as awesome for me, so we'll see how things continue. It's still good television so I'll still watch.

But… the best thing of the week? The Walking Dead premieres!!! So looking forward to tonight's episode!!

And that's it for TV. I thought I might do a rambly post about Arrow and The Flash, but you know, they would get a little too spoilery if I attempted to do so.

Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella where my main characters stage a coup.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And a preview snippet…

Helena Ogden strode through her domain in search of a very elusive man. One who wielded his power with finesse and fortitude and remained unmatched by the other male preceptors in the realm. Helena wanted a taste of his depths. She could feast for days on his alluring magick. The strongest mage in her province, the most incredible specimen of manhood, and soon to be her consort prime, if he followed her most recent directive.

She rounded a corner, her voluminous robes spreading out then swirling around her naked body. "He'd better have a damned good reason for ignoring my summons."

Wade Brogan had yet to report to her bed and she'd issued the order after dinner the previous evening. The fact she'd fallen asleep waiting for his arrival didn't rest well and strolling through her domain at the crack of dawn pissed her off. Her generosity toward the sexy preceptor had reached its limit. She wanted him—hard, hot, and ready—now.

A lower adept practiced levitation in a small chamber and Helena snapped her fingers to break his concentration. "Brogan? Where is he?" She squared her shoulders and thrust her breasts forward, the diaphanous fabric of her robes giving the young man a lovely view of her assets.

She hadn't risen to become the Fury without knowing how to manipulate her minions to do her bidding. Appealing to the baser instincts usually proved to be the easiest way to get what she wanted. The adept licked his lips, his eyes riveted to her taut nipples, straining against the sheer material. The scent of arousal filled her nostrils and she deeply inhaled, drawing energy from the young man. Her succubus ancestry came in handy and helped keep her in power.

Helena abruptly cut her connection with the mage and he blinked, shaking his head.

She repeated her question. "Brogan? Do you know where he is?"

The lower adept moved toward the door and stepped out into the corridor, pointing further down the hallway. "Two doors down. Private training room." He gave a small bow.

Helena gave him a smile. "Return to your practice." She didn't thank him—why would she?

She ruled absolutely and completely. Refusing her request would result in a round on the pyre, and with his limited ability, he wouldn't have lasted long.

Moving past several groups in various stages of training and exercise, Helena cast an appreciative eye over the physiques of the men and women, many of them nude. Her blood hummed and she decided a pyre event should be scheduled soon.

Pausing outside the designated door, she took a moment. "If Wade isn't in here, he'll be the top draw in a blood sport match." Twisting the knob, Helena entered the private alcove.

And sucked in a harsh breath.

The sight greeting her would make any woman weak in the knees. Naked and fully erect, Wade worked through a series of complicated moves and incantations, using an ancient form of meditative combat preparation. The muscles and sinews under his skin rippled and bulged with each controlled movement he made. His hard cock jutted outward, rigid and engorged, bobbing with the ebb and flow of his exercise.

Helena's mouth watered, her juices flowed, and she got very hot and bothered when she observed the sensual feast for her senses. Her nipples reacted, the tips tightening into harder nubs. The desire to have Wade's big, hard dick plunging into her three orifices sent a shudder from her head to her toes. A full-bodied response didn't happen to her very often and she resisted the urge to kneel before him, take his long shaft between her lips, and suck the hard cock to the back of her throat.

But Helena kneeled before no one—man or woman. As the Fury, her people bowed to her.

Except Wade. But he would soon.

If his life mattered to him.

Wade's life matters very much to him, but Helena will be sorely disappointed. She's not the match for him and never can be, regardless of her status as Fury.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Feeding the Fury

Hello!

Happy Father's Day to all the great and wonderful dads out there. Including my own. J

It's fun to reflect on my relationship with my dad. We didn't always see eye to eye and had a few rocky years to get through—I even moved in with my Gram (his mom) at one point. I think it's why I love to write about troubled waters between dads and sons and/or daughters. In my case, I got lucky and my dad and I grew as individuals and found our common ground. My husband and his father never quite got to a place where they could embrace their differences and discuss them without rancor.

Tonight's post is from Feeding the Fury, a novella length story which doesn't really have a parental relationship, but it does feature a power hungry leader who controls her subjects with an iron will.

Here's the tagline:

Larue and Wade displease the Fury and she orders them to battle each other in the pyre. But the two top mages decide they won't kill each other for her pleasure, instead they'll invoke the Rite of Phoenix and if they survive, the Fury will have to abdicate her throne.

And here's the preview snippet…

"You know what she's doing, right?" Larue wrapped her wrists with flex tape.

Wade lifted a brow. "Sure, she's showing us what the Fury can do…whatever the hell she wants."

Larue scoffed. "Wade, Wade, Wade. It goes so much deeper than that. The bitch is running scared."

He snorted. "Of us? For bleeding sake, why?" He snagged the tape and started wrapping his ankles.

Larue sighed. "Because you rejected her and once word gets around she'll lose some cred." She shrugged. "When the hottest guy in the mage's court won't screw the Fury, something's gotta be wrong with her."

Wade's eyes widened. "Hottest guy? Looks have nothing to do with why she wants me."

Larue laughed. "Geez, Wade. You're so wrong. But fine, be modest." She reached inside her bag and drew out her robes. "Let's just chalk it up to you being the number one male in the mage pool. No one wields the power like you do."

Wade wound the flex tape around his left wrist. "Except you. And you're popular with the younger adepts. Pitting us against each other kills her problem in one big bang."

Larue nodded. "And now we're on the same page." She paused before donning her robes. "So…since I have no desire to play by her rules, how about we come up with a plan with a less deadly outcome?"

Wade's lips curved upward, but his eyes held no mirth. "I think I have the perfect solution."

His head bent forward and Larue leaned in to listen to the master mage's outlandish proposition.

Wade's plan is so much fun to write about and Larue loves his devious brain. J

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye