Sunday Snippet: Not on the Same Page

It's the weekend of trying to keep my doggos from losing their minds. I love fireworks, don't get me wrong, but I feel for all the pets out there that freak out over them.

I continued with the great cleanout stuff this week. Honestly, I did more organizing than cleaning but being organized helps make cleaning and clearing a little easier.

I'm finally at a manageable level of projects. I have a few odds and ends to finish on a couple of them but they're with the authors or the designer and I'm waiting in the wings to review revisions.

Had another decent viewing week. Having a lighter workload does help. And I'm not as scattered on the attention span side of things.

Started out with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm finding new things in the episodes, which is one of the reasons I love to rewatch a series I've seen before.

Watched another episode of Art Detectives and I'm enjoying this show. I'm very interested in the backstory of Mack's dad. I'm also hoping for more backstory with his partner.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Good to see the commissioner's daughter again. The mystery also ended up being intriguing.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to not have a big murder to solve and see how Poirot uses his skill to ferret out what's going on.

Watched another episode of Elementary and, wow, season three ended on a big downer. I'm still trying to decide if Sherlock ended up relapsing or if he's just horribly distraught from Oscar's machinations. Oscar needs to die in a fire. Just saying.

Caught another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I remembered. Loved the spin on an urban legend that had a grain of truth in it.

Started a new to me series with The Lower Decks. Enjoyed the first episode and ended up being happy I clocked the relationship between the captain and the know-it-all crew member. I'll enjoy watching more of this one.

Ended the week on an episode of Peak Practice. A lot going on in this one. And the tragic leap Will's patient made kind of surprised me. Kerry finding out the truth about her parentage kind of bummed me out, but I'm also seriously irritated by her parents being such ninnies about the whole thing. Definitely feel bad for Sam.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Not on the Same Page, a novella that explores how a couple works through differing viewpoints.

Here's the miniblurb:

Irini Domaine loves Nathair Sofen but marries another to fulfill a familial obligation. When she suggests carrying on the relationship with Nathair he coldly refuses, which makes Irini vow to slowly but surely convince him otherwise and unknown to her, her life may depend on the connection with Nathair.

And a preview snippet…

Irini waited a full month before seeking Nathair out.

Standing on the threshold to his cottage, she inhaled deeply. "Nothing to fear from him. Once I explain, he'll get why I did what did." He had to.

Raising her hand, she let out a small gasp when the door opened before she could knock.

Nathair greeted her with a cool gaze. "What do you want, Iri?" His tone bordered on glacial.

Determined to make him understand, she brushed past him. "I want you. I always will." She turned to face him. "And I need you to know that and so much more." They could still be together if they wanted to.

And she definitely desired him above all else.

Nathair swung the door closed. "So much more? As in you married Norj so your father could save face?" He casually strolled through the living room to stand by the fireplace. "Let him sell you to the highest bidder so his good name wouldn't be tarnished?" His gaze clashed with hers. "Is that the so much more you need to share?" He folded his arms over his chest.

Irini blinked. "How did you … no, there's more to it than the family name and money." She raked her hand through her hair. "He made a blood vow. If I didn't honor it, he'd be stripped of his magick and cast out." She'd saved him from that … but at a high cost.

Her father lost his daughter in the process. She hadn't seen or spoken to him since her marriage. And she had no plans to do so in the future.

Nathair made a garbled choking sound. "Your dad used you as the tithe? Geez, Iri. It's been over a century since anyone used another person as the payment for a blood vow." Disbelief filled his voice.

Irini snorted. "Yeah, well, his desperation made him reckless, and he took the only avenue open to a founding family with no money in the coffer." She shrugged. "But that doesn't mean I have to play by his rules. As a matter of fact, I don't intend to." A little nervous, she paced back and forth. "I did what he required, and I'm done. I haven't seen or spoken to him since the wedding." That had to count for something.

Nathair's brow furrowed. "And what? How does that make any kind of difference. You're still married."

She drew her lower lip between her teeth for a moment. "I don't care." She edged closer to him. "I didn't ask to be bartered against my dad's debts. I shouldn't have to play by his or anyone else's rules." Her fingers clasped his shirt and twisted in the fabric.

Nathair lips flattened. "You started playing by their rules the moment you accepted the proposal." His eyes flared … but not with anger.

Want and need resided in his depths.

She leaned in closer. "Maybe. But I don't have to continue…" And she wouldn't … if Nathair would fall in with her plan.

He cocked his head to one side. "You don't? How do you see that working out?"

Her mouth hovered over his. "Like this…" She embraced him with every pent-up desire she had…

And never wanted to let him go.

This story gets a little twisted and I'm very happy with the way it's coming together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not on the Same Page

Man, when it rains, it pours. My workload got intense this week, which I'm not complaining about, more shaking my head in wonderment. I either need to schedule things better or find more hours in the day. LOL

Had a decent week of television viewing even with the added projects. I caught two episodes of Classic Who. I think I'm about halfway through the trial season and it's actually pretty good.

Watched two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Creatures featured again. I'm fascinated by the legend and lore around the big beasts that strike fear in everyone.

Enjoyed two more episodes of The Muppets. Honestly, I'm close to the end of the season and I'm charmed with the show. Probably good it only had one series, but it's a fun one.

Finished up the first season of Harrow. Gotta admit, I'm a little stunned by how things played out. But what a truly terrific opening season. Can't wait to jump into season two.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. The new doctor arrived and he's rather interesting. I'll look forward to seeing more of him.

Watched two more lessons of MasterClass with Es Devlin. I quite enjoy listening to her take on how to collaborate with her team and the people they work with. It's very similar to how I approach editing with my authors.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Paranoid. This show is dark and twisty but there's a lot of humor to counter and balance the deep stuff. I'm looking forward to the final episode to see how everything resolves.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I love picking up new little things when rewatching the show. And remembering things we picked up from watching the original run and encore episodes.

Watched two more episodes of Chicago Med. Things are getting a bit tense for everyone, which I kind of enjoy. I'm constantly shaking my head at Will, but I love his relationship with Jay. Ethan and April make my brain spin sometimes. Maggie is the most awesome of everyone.

Got in an episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life. I have fun watching these short jaunts into the Peanuts realm.

Enjoyed another episode of Queens of Mystery. The larger mystery of what happened still looms and it's intriguing to see how the sisters react when Mattie gets close to making discoveries.

I also started another two-part Silent Witness. I have a weird feeling this might be Leo's last appearance. I really dislike the spook dude who's going around pulling strings but being a total ass about it. I hope he goes down in the end.

Finished up the two-part Blue Heelers episode and I'm happy to say it's not Wayne's swan song. At least not yet. Great ending to this storyline.

Star Trek: Discovery keeps ramping up the emotional toll on the characters. It's so, so good. I'll be finishing up the second season soon and diving into Picard's second season. I hope I'm not disappointed. I've never been a big fan of Q.

That's pretty much it for the weekly update. Tonight's post is from Not on the Same Page, a novella that separates a couple in love and leads to dire circumstances for one of the characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Irini Domaine loves Nathair Sofen but marries another to fulfill a familial obligation. When she suggests carrying on the relationship with Nathair he coldly refuses, which makes Irini vow to slowly but surely convince him otherwise and unknown to her, her life may depend on the connection with Nathair.

And a preview snippet…

You have no right or claim on my slumber, and that was your choice.

He'd caught her off guard with the accusation and now believed she had no idea she invaded his sleeping hours. How could she not? She had power and skill.

Yet … she also hadn't been herself lately. Not since she'd married Braca.

Nathair didn't know what the hell happened to Irini or why she'd started slipping into his dreams. "Doesn't matter. It can't happen again." He gathered his supplies and entered his attic. "I've gotta put a stop to this."

For his sanity and her protection.

He set up for his ritual and cast a circle then settled and closed his eyes. After whispering an incantation, he meditated, going into deep into his subconscious. Erecting barriers took intense concentration and he needed to create strong ones to keep Iri out.

The construction took almost two hours and when he returned to his conscious state, he slumped forward and reached for his water bottle. After draining it, he slowly got to his feet and made his way to the workspace in the corner. Pulling out the chair, he sank down and exhaled slowly.

He dropped his head into his hands. "Maybe now I can rest easy." Or at least get some sleep.

He wouldn't rest easy as long as Irini remained married to Braca. Her burning the wick at both ends would take a toll.

"Mainly on her." He wouldn't be drawn into the fray anymore.

And by removing himself from her nocturnal influence, she might accept the fate she'd agreed to when she walked down the aisle with Norj.

An ache clenched his heart. "Then I can focus on getting on with my life … without her."

Even if he understood her reason for marrying Braca—and he did on a basic level— cutting her father out of her life meant she'd be completely alone. But he couldn't and wouldn't fall in with her plan to carry on an affair, especially one conducted through a dreamscape. How did she really think visiting him while sleeping could work?

Rising, he crossed over to the door, a weight settling between his shoulder blades. "Good-bye, Iri."

Moving down the steps, he couldn't quite shake the dreadful crawl of foreboding creeping down his spine.

This story took a turn I didn't expect but I love the added layer it wraps around the plot.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not on the Same Page

Whew! My daughter's third prom is down and out of the way. She's the junior class president so I had chaperone duties and, wow, let me tell you… I ran my ass off last night. LOL And, of course, the weather ended up being a complete downer. Rainy and actually pretty chilly for the end of April. However, I think this year's dress is pretty much my favorite.

Anyway… while I'm putting my feet up, I'll dive into this week's television viewing. I Finished up Iron Fist and it didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed Ward and Joy's conversation. I'll be really happy to see Davos taken down. I want to be sympathetic, but yeah, not really feeling it. Misty and Colleen need their own show. Just saying.

Caught the Classic Roswell episode, "Heat Wave" and it's one I really loved when it aired the first time. Still loved it this time around too.

Watched the Arrow Elseworlds episode. Quite enjoyed it even though it's the only one I've seen in the crossover event. I'll have to catch The Flash and Supergirl when they make it to a streaming platform. It really annoys me that full seasons aren't available on the network's app. Or at least keep the crossover on for the full season.

Also caught another episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Based on a little google fu, it looks like there will be another season, which makes me very happy.

Watched episode three of The Murders and I like where this show is going. I'm kind of happy to know why Nolan isn't a big fan of Paul in guns and gangs. I'm also glad to have a little more insight into Kate's relationship with her mom.

Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries is such a great spinoff. I really hope there ends up being another season of this one. The second episode had terrific chemistry between all of the characters and I'm such a fan of the secondary ones.

I have some things to discuss about Roswell, New Mexico's finale and I'll save those for later. Caught an episode of Painkiller Jane and it's one I like the first time around. Answers start revealing themselves about Jane's ability. I truly do wish this series had a second season if only for more of those.

Underbelly Razor's penultimate episode dropped some big moves and is titled the same. With one more episode left in this incarnation, I'm excited to see how things end for the women.

Watched a Midsomer Murders episode and, well, found it kind of odd. Then again, with fourteen seasons in front of it and several more to go, there has to be an odd one here and there, right?

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn and I don't remember seeing either of them previously. I'm such a fan of how Peter's group of friends and colleagues add so much to the show.

Okay… Roswell, New Mexico's season finale. Wow. Seriously. It's been a long time since a show gave me a gut-punch feeling and I'm not quite sure how I feel about having one. The episode had so much going on, but all the episodes usually do. The acting ended up being stellar, from, I'm not kidding, everyone. As for where things went? I'm honestly still working through how I feel. I'm thrilled there's a second season, which hopefully means a solution for the thing that happened. I haven't decided if I trust this showrunner yet. So far, I've loved everything from the characters to the plot points, even with the somewhat neglected Maria, and pulling a shock-value move makes me slightly twitchy, hence my inability to fully trust how things will play out. That said, you can bet my ass will glued to the screen when the second season premieres, so there's that. I might have more about the season overall on my sister blog Universes Altered.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Not on the Same Page, a novella that started with a sentence prompt of "I thought we were talking about wanting the same thing".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Irini Domaine loves Nathair Sofen but marries another to fulfill a familial obligation. When she suggests carrying on the relationship with Nathair he coldly refuses, which makes Irini vow to slowly but surely convince him otherwise.

And a preview snippet…

Irini Domaine loved Nathair Sofen with everything she had.

When she tugged him into the bedroom of his cottage, she only had one thing in mind. A night they'd never forget.

Nathair grasped her hips. "You're in a big hurry tonight, Iri. What's got you all worked up?" His hands skimmed her sides.

Irini leaned forward and ran her tongue around his nipple. "You. Always." Her eyes closed and she breathed the scent of him in.

She wanted to memorize everything about Nathair.

Because she lied. Horribly, deeply, and irrevocably.

Sex with Nathair did always get her worked up. But her rush to get them in bed had a purpose. One she couldn't share with him.

Nathair cupped her face and held her gaze. "I love you, Iri. So much." His lips claimed hers and he nudged her to the bed.

She popped the button to his dungarees. "I love you, too. I always will."

Even though she'd be wed at dawn… to someone else.

Her heart recoiled at the thought. She belonged with Nathair. But her father resurrected a dead rite, one unused for at least a hundred years. He made a blood vow to fulfill a familial debt with her as the tithe.

And he'd made it impossible for her to refuse. To break the covenant would bring dishonor on a founding family and not even her rebellious nature would allow her to let him be cast out and stripped of his magick, the only thing he had left after losing their fortune.

Because he no longer had a daughter. She'd never forgive him. Ever.

Nathair stripped off his pants and tugged hers down. She pushed everything else aside and pulled him down to the mattress then wrapped her legs around him, trapping his heavy length between them.

Her hands smoothed down his back. "I hope you're ready, Nathair. I want the whole night with you." She bucked against him, relishing the friction of his cock against her clit.

Nathair lowered his head, his lips trailing along her jaw. "You don't have to ask. I'm always hard and hot for you." He raised his hips and thrust forward, sinking deep inside her.

She moaned, welcoming him and urging him to set a steady pace. Her mind mapped every move, each gasp and groan, the beat of his heart mingled with hers. She committed everything to memory so she'd never forget.

And when she shuddered under him and he let go, finding his release just after hers, she didn't give him quarter. Instead, she twisted so she sat atop him, straddling his thighs. Grinding against his groin, she moved sensually to keep the intimate flame burning hot.

Nathair slid his hands up her thighs and grasped her hips. Bringing his thumbs to meet just above her clit, he gently rubbed the nub of nerves in light circles. Irini closed her eyes, letting the buzz of awareness course through her.

And when his cock swelled and hardened, she lifted her hips and sank down over him ready to find the bliss she only experienced in his arms.

This story has some big twists and turns and I'm excited to get them all put together for a satisfying conclusion.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not on the Same Page

July 17, 2016

Another week of not losing any favorites on The Last Ship. Now I'm really concerned whoever is next will completely gut me. The Greens need to stay safe, at least long enough for a lovely family reunion. I actually fear something will happen to Mrs. Green because that's so not the obvious choice. I'll say this… if the president or Jacob the asshat reporter tries to harm her, I'll come after them. (In actuality, it'll probably be the blonde advisor—whose name I can't be bothered to remember—who does something awful to Kara, which, yeah, will add her to my list of 'deserves to die in a fire' candidates.)

Killjoys had a terrific episode this week. I'm excited to watch the next episode. Really interested in finding out more about Dutch's history, but I also want to see more about Johnny and D'Av, too. Sprinkling in small details about Pree, Pawter, and Alvis along the way is always welcome, too. I'm a little less into the whole nine thing, but I could become intrigued if they play that out a little over this season and really dive into it during the next season. (hint, hint).

Dark Matter jumped up on the interest chart again. I have a sneaky feeling there's been a switcheroo regarding One and I'm looking forward to finding out if my theory is correct. That said, I'm enjoying the dynamic with the remaining crew and the newcomers. We'll see if that continues. J

Babylon 5 and Strike Back rewatches are ongoing. I'm leaning toward a Banshee binge since I'll finish up Strike Back before B5 is complete. I'm also debating whether to start a few of the Netflix series I've wanted to dive into. Decisions, decisions.

Enough TV. Tonight's post is from Not on the Same Page, a novella that got a start with a written quote: I thought we were talking about wanting the same thing.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Irini Domaine loves Nathair Sofen but marries another to fulfill a familial obligation. When she suggests carrying on the relationship with Nathair he coldly refuses, which makes Irini vow to slowly but surely convince him otherwise.

And a preview snippet…

Nathair jerked awake, the bed no longer warmed by Irini's presence. He yawned and stretched, sitting up to swing his legs over the edge of the mattress. He blinked the last vestiges of sleep from his eyes and glanced around, hoping to hear the shower running.

Silence met his ears. "Iri?" He stood thinking she might be in the kitchen.

No aroma of fresh-brewed coffee met his nostrils and she always needed a jolt of caffeine to start the day. Wandering to the doorway, he didn't bother with clothes. He planned to drag Irini back to bed the first chance he got.

Making his way through the small cottage, he discovered her gone, no trace of her left behind. Unsettled, he finally dressed, made coffee, and exited the cottage, determined to find her. Maybe she got an early callout and didn't want to wake him.

His blood ran hot at the sight greeting him when he left the house. Banners and confetti lined the street, announcing the nuptials of a happy couple. The names on the signs sent a surge of pain and anger ripping through his system.

Irini Domaine and Braca Norj.

Married at dawn. Uniting the families. Forming a new cornerstone for the community.

His coffee cup hit the ground and bile rose in his throat. Shuffling forward, the world spinning sideways, his only thought to seek her out and call her wedded bliss for the utter bullshit it had to be. With each stride forward, his step grew stronger and his gait more precise. He strode through the throng of people, which grew thicker the closer he got to the town square. The grotto, surrounded by well-wishers, lit up with golden and pale pink light, the colors of the two families.

Nathair pushed his way to the front of the crowd, ready to call his lover out. "Irini!" His voice sounded like a whip, cracking through the laughter and joy surrounding the couple.

Irini tensed but nodded, pasting a bright smile on her face. "Nathair. Thank you for coming to wish us well." She held out a hand clasped his palm within hers.

When her gaze met his, determination and, well, fear filled the normally sparkling depths. She basically gave him the lay of land without saying a word. She'd done her duty by marrying to unite the two houses and something about the union—or maybe his reaction—had her fingers trembling in his grasp.

Nothing scared Irini. To openly show fright, even if only to him, kicked his ire down several notches. Instead of making the scene he planned, he directed his attention to her groom and gave him a tight smile.

Facing Irini again, he squeezed her hand. "All the best to you for the future." He sounded terse but he couldn't do any better.

He'd miss the silky glide of her skin against his, but he didn't outwardly show a reaction. His goodbye couldn't be clearer and when sadness crept into her gaze, he hardened his heart against the stab of remorse for putting it there. She didn't warrant his care or concern. Not anymore.

Stepping away from the couple, he turned and walked back to his cottage, ignoring everyone and everything along the way. Entering into his quiet home, he glanced around and when the rage built again, he unleashed the fury, sending a whirlwind spinning throughout the domain.

Never again.

Irini had taken his love and burned it to the ground. She married another man, putting a centuries' old pact—not even enforceable anymore—ahead of everything else. Nathair didn't care what he destroyed in his wrath.

Because Irini had wrecked him. Left him broken, bleeding, and emotionally torn.

Ruined.

His head snapped up and the swirling wind ceased. "No. She doesn't have power over me." Bending down, he started picking up the mess he'd created. "Not anymore."

I'm not a huge angst writer, but this one has a large dollop to start things off. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Not on the Same Page

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's and mother figures out there. J

So… S.H.I.E.L.D. should have a great season ender and hopefully a kick awesome season two! Really glad to see it got renewed. Arrow… man, my head is still spinning from last week's episode. I'm REALLY looking forward to the finale. I've heard some rumors about what to expect and I'm dying to see how things wind up. Orphan Black? The show makes my brain spin. Can't say I'm sad to see one particular dude gone, mainly because it plays directly in to what I'd love to see happen with Rachel. And the stuff with Helena makes my skin crawl, seriously.

Tonight's post is from, Not on the Same Page, something of an angsty, twisty-turny novella. Fun to write if all goes according to plan. *side-eyes the sages*

Here's the tagline:

Irini Domaine loves Nathair Sofen but marries another to fulfill a familial obligation. When she suggests carrying on the relationship with Nathair he coldly refuses, which makes Irini vow to slowly but surely convince him otherwise.

And a preview snippet…

Irini sighed and snuggled down under the comforter. She barely noticed when Braca pressed a kiss to her forehead and mumbled about the cold. A warm, languid, and fulfilled hum coursed through her veins.

Several moments later, Braca called from the front room. "I'm headed out, Irini. Should only be gone overnight this time."

Irini poked her head out from under the covers. "Safe journey, Braca." A twinge of guilt creeped into her contentment, but she drifted back to sleep before it could take root.

She awoke to a loud pounding on her front door.

Sliding from the bed, she glanced out the window. The sun glowed high in the sky. Damn, she'd slept the entire morning away. Dragging on a robe, she stumbled through the house and opened the heavy oak slab.

Blinking against the blinding light, Nathair's angry visage greeted her. So happy to see him, she couldn't form intelligible words. A wide smile worked its way to her lips… but didn't stay long.

Nathair shoved his way into her home, slamming the door behind him. The room plunged into half-light, but Irini didn't need brightness. Nathair's rage rolled off him in waves.

He whirled and faced her. "What the hell are you doing, Iri? Invading my dreams?"

Doing what to his dreams? That meant… oh, no… she'd shared every intimate detail with Nathair.

Her eyes widened. "But I didn't… you don't think I intentionally visited you while we slept?" He shot her a nasty glare. "Okay, you do." She sank down onto a small side chair.

Nathair agreed. "Damn right, I do. What did you say, Iri? You'd find a way to convince me?" He paced the length of the front room. "Teasing and tempting with sex-filled dreams isn't the way. It's torment, Iri. And you have to stop."

Torment. The word cut deep. Irini counted to five, exhaling slowly, absorbing the sting with as much grace as possible. The urge to hurl expletives in his direction quelled by the fact he didn't truly deserve her wrath.

He'd called it—she had promised to find a way to continue their affair. But she'd changed her mind when he'd sworn he wouldn't dishonor her vow… even if she had no qualms in doing so.

Her subconscious apparently had other ideas. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Nathair studied her a moment then headed for the door. "Make sure it doesn't, Irini. You have no right or claim on my slumber, and that was your choice." His hand twisted the knob and he exited, the oak slowly swinging shut behind him.

Irini remained seated, a little concerned she'd be unable to keep her promise to stay out of Nathair's dreams.

How could she, when she didn't know how she'd accomplished the feat in the first place? Her skill tended toward concrete, conscious magic. Or at least she practiced the craft she could control, steering clear of the more intuitive type. Getting up close and personal with someone else's brainwaves scared her. Mainly due to the potential for backfire—she definitely didn't want anyone privy to her inner thoughts.

Recalling the heated dream, Irini's face flamed. Nathair had intimate knowledge of her body… and now of her thoughts, as well.

Too bad she'd provided them a little too late.

Yeah, this one is going to be a gut-puncher… so fun to write. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye