Sunday Snippet: Same Time Next Year

And we had about two inches of snow this week. Mother Nature is laughing her ass off right now.

The Walking Dead had another great episode. I always love Carol and I enjoyed Morgan's journey. The Talking Dead follow up made me happy, too.

The Flash took a turn I didn't expect and I like it. Looking forward to seeing what else the speed force comes up with to throw at Barry.

Legends of Tomorrow going to the moon proved a fun ride. Personally, I want a lot more Mick and Martin scenes. Their timing is so terrific. I'm also loving the Sarah / Rip dynamic. Love this show.

Arrow upped the tension by a zillion. His past keeps coming back to haunt him in huge ways. While I love how Adrian has everything twisted in his direction, I'll enjoy seeing him go down. At least I hope he goes down. Hard. And doesn't get back up. I'm also waiting for Felicity to land on the hot seat. Something tells me she's going to get into a mess she can't get out of.

Riverdale had a bye week, which makes me sad. No new episode this week either. Grr.

I finished up the first season of City Homicide and started Luke Cage. So far, I'm enjoying the Harlem vibe and look forward to seeing how Luke comes into his hero status.

Still need to catch up on Murdoch Mysteries and X Company. Possibly this week.

And that's it for television. This week's post is from Same Time Next Year, a novella where my main characters start out commiserating with each other and end up finding something awesome together.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After commiserating over failed hook-ups, Tessa Gem and Hart Cantley make a date for the following year at the same time, but they have no idea their fae collective will be at war when they meet again.

And a preview snippet…

Tessa Gem threw her head back and gasped out a harsh breath. "Oh, yeah, hot stuff, you'll do." She gave him a shove and followed him onto the bed.

A nameless guy with a hard body and long dick, she'd chosen the primo specimen from a random group hanging around outside of her favorite liquor store. I sure can pick 'em. Her instincts rarely steered her wrong. The guy had game—a skilled mouth, callused hands, and rapid response time. And, right now, she needed mind-numbing sex chased with a bottle of bourbon to work off some job-related stress. Rough hands grabbed her waist and lifted her up to straddle his thighs then yanked her forward, dragging her clit along his rigid shaft until the flared tip of his cock nudged her core.

He let out a grunt. "Damn. I love a woman who's wet and ready for me." His palms skimmed along her ribcage to grasp her breasts.

She smirked, raised her hips, and sank over his entire length. "And I love a guy who can give me what I want." Pitching forward, she caught his mouth in a hard kiss, nipping his lower lip.

He hissed out a breath. "What do you want, sweetness?" He rolled his hips, going deep.

She straightened and planted her hands on his chest. "A hard pounding until one of us begs for mercy."

He sat up, wrapping his arms around her. "Always willing to oblige a hot piece of ass." He maneuvered them to the edge of the mattress and stood up, his fingers digging into her thighs.

She grabbed hold of his shoulders and flicked her tongue along his jawline. "Don't keep me waiting."

He didn't. He backed her up against the wall and pistoned in and out of her pussy. She clung to him, eyes closed, swirling images filling her head. The spray of blood when she took out the shifter. Rabid and mad, the human behind the animal mostly gone, the death would haunt her. Because he hadn't been evil, only suffering from an ailment he couldn't avoid or control. Not by the time she got to him.

Hot lips scorched along her throat, heating her blood with delicious tingles. The long, thick shaft thrusting deep inside her drove the carnage from her mind, replacing the gore with pictures of writhing bodies in the throes of orgasm. Tessa slapped one palm against the wall and braced her shoulders. Her other hand dug into his shoulder. His head bent and his teeth grazed her nipple. She gasped and pushed her chest out, aching for more. His lips clamped around the taut peak and she came apart, shuddering through a fast climax.

A sly grin twisted his lips and, still seated deep inside her, he toppled them onto the bed and brought her to another toe-curling release before she really focused—her demons pushed back—and gave as good as she got. When he finally came, with a growling shout, both wore each other's marks. He collapsed beside her, panting for breath and dripping with sweat. Flipping over onto his back, he fisted his hand in her hair and hauled her close.

She left the bed after he fell asleep, spread-eagled with his limp but still impressive dick curled over his upper thigh. Moving with slow purpose, her body aching in all the right spots, she grabbed the bottle of bourbon and poured a shot with a shaky hand. She downed it then drank straight from the bottle. Settling down on the lone chair in the room, she charted the moon's movement through the sky while slowly draining the alcohol. She didn't have as much luck making her mind go blank.

She jerked out of a fitful sleep when her hard-bodied distraction dragged her back to bed for a scorching pre-dawn fuck. His stamina got her off two more times and she rode a wave of bliss while he showered. She almost hated to see him step into his battered jeans when the first streaks of light filtered into the room rented for three days.

He shrugged his shirt over his head. "If you ever want more, look me up." Pulling the door open, he glanced back over his shoulder. "I'm usually around."

She gave him a satisfied smile. "Yeah, I'll find you." Right. Not.

He'd served his purpose, letting her gain some much needed distance from her job. She lay awake until the full morning sun streamed through the window. Unable to stand the cotton mouth from drinking all night, she got up and brushed her teeth. Her phone buzzed with a new text just as she stepped into the shower. She quickly glanced at the message and heaved a sigh. A call out for another job. Vampire uprising in Detroit. A car would pick her up at Dina's Diner in an hour.

Stepping under the hot spray, she braced for another shitty assignment. "Yippee-fucking-ki-ay."

Tessa is weary of what's she's called on to do. But things will look up when she gets to the diner for her ride to Detroit.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rumpled and Worn

Seriously, the back and forth of warm then frigid weather is the one thing I hate about March. My sinuses rebel in a big way and it's never pretty. LOL

The Walking Dead had a great episode last week. Nice to see Rick and Michonne working together. Rosita on the warpath is also pretty great to watch.

The Flash is speeding along to the reveal of the big bad and I have a sneaky feeling I'm not going to like who it ends up being. We'll see what happens.

Legends of Tomorrow finally brought Rip back from the edge of evil… or did they? It's never one hundred percent certain with this group. Looks like a great episode coming up.

Arrow had the week off and I missed my Wednesday night fare. I'm not a huge fan of these stupid three-week hiatuses. Just show the damn episodes already.

Riverdale also had a great episode. This series is fast becoming my number two show. I loved getting some background about Fred and FP. That said, if Fred had a band in high school, why was he pretty much unable to connect with Archie about his music? Little things and details like this can make or break a show for me. Here's hoping there's some improvement there. I love sneaky Betty. Cheryl's right about Betty betting a terrible liar, but she's got some game with her clueless parents. On a side note, the seeds being planted for a messy situation with Betty, Jughead, and Archie make me happy. I'd like to see a little more Dark Betty emerge.

I finished up Jessica Jones and ended up loving how things played out. As hard as it is for my brain to wrap around David Tennant playing a raging asshole, I gotta give him kudos for being completely creepy. Started a rewatch of one of my favorite Australian series, City Homicide. I love that show. Also need to catch up on X Company and Murdoch Mysteries.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rumpled and Worn, a sexy short based on the prompt of retelling a fairy tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lindie Lands strikes a deal with the Rumpleman—keep her crazy stalker at bay and she'll hand over the first man she falls for. But when she finally finds a lasting love with Cole Darrington, she's not willing to give him up and together they outsmart the Rumpleman.

And a preview snippet…

"Geez, how stupid can he possibly be?"

Lindie jammed her hands in her pockets and huddled under the awning of an apartment building to avoid the downpour raging from the sky. The little man, who went only by Rumpleman of all things, promised to keep her stalker at bay—for a price.

Lindie snorted and braced against the gusty wind. "Who in their right mind doesn't want cold, hard cash?" The little guy apparently.

He didn't want money. Or valuables. Or anything else remotely normal.

"Nope. He wants me hand over the man I actually fall for." She barked out a laugh. "Like that'll ever happen." She'd sworn off anything more than a one-night stand.

Her track record sucked big, huge hairy balls; the stalker being the last in a long line of horrible choices for male companionship.

Flipping her collar up, she turned to brave the rain and head up the street. After ducking into three different alcoves, she let out a frustrated growl and shrugged out of her jacket and draped it over her head. Keeping her chin down, she started forward again… only to smack directly into an immovable object.

"Oof!" Peering out from her makeshift umbrella, her gaze landed on a wall of solid muscle, the t-shirt clinging across the expanse of chest and biceps dripping with raindrops screamed masculine vibes.

Doing a slow travel upward, she met a warm, brown stare in a face no less handsome from the rivulets of water sliding over the skin. Short hair, spiked from the drenching downpour, stood out in all directions. An eyebrow quirked, a glint of humor lighting the chocolate irises. One side of his sensual lips lifted in a half-smile.

He placed a steadying hand on her elbow. Lindie blinked to avoid gaping at the man. His touch sent a fissure of awareness through her nerve endings and a dull throb started in the palm of her right hand. The one she'd sealed the deal to keep her stalker at bay with.

Closing her eyes, she let her head fall back, the jacket dropping to the sodden sidewalk. "Oh, no way." She found the guy inhumanly attractive, but that didn't mean she'd actually "fallen" for him.

Not here. Not now. Not within an hour of making a too-good-to-be-true bargain.

The man's smile disappeared. "I'm sorry." He thrust his palm forward. "Cole Darrington." He clasped her wet hand in his. "I don't normally go around almost knocking women off their feet." The sexy grin returned. "Wasn't paying attention with trying to get out of this rain." His chin lifted up a notch. "Looks like you had the right idea." Referring to the jacket, doing its best to soak up the streaming mini-river on the sidewalk.

She reluctantly extricated her hand from his. "Lindie Lands." She dropped down and picked up the coat, giving it a good shake before standing again. "Not that it helped much." A nervous chuckle escaped before she could stop it.

She had to look ridiculous. Runny makeup, drowned-rat hair, and a thin blouse over a lightweight camisole that did nothing to hide her pebbled nipples. Thankfully, his were showing through the fabric stretched across and clinging to the glorious torso.

He nodded toward the building. "I live here. The least I can do is offer a towel and a warm place to wait out this downpour." He moved to open the door then paused. "I promise I'm not an ax murderer and you can leave your name with the little, old lady who lives next door." He leaned toward Lindie. "She's always baking me stuff. Cookies, cupcakes, pies, you name it. She'll be happy to act as a pseudo-chaperone." He pulled the heavy slab forward, revealing a small lobby with an elevator and a set of wooden stairs at the end.

Lindie shivered, a combination of the chilly wind and reaction to the hot man offering refuge. The ache in her palm reminded her of the noxious, little man and her promise to him. She only hesitated a moment, her curiosity and the ping of attraction between them getting the better of her.

She ducked past him into the apartment building. "Why not? I need to meet this grandmotherly type who bakes you goodies." She could get dry, eat some sweet confections, spend time with a hot guy, and leave it at that, right?

At worst, she might end a six-month dry spell and scratch an itch with a one-night stand.

But no way would she actually fall for Cole Darrington.

No way.

Lindie better watch out. The Rumpleman has lots of tricks up his sleeve.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

If February in Ohio can be an angsty monster, March is its drama queen sibling. The wind is doing some wicked crazy things lately.

I'm kind of looking forward to The Walking Dead tonight. Of course, whether I watch the entire episode depends on if Negan makes an appearance. I really, really don't like him eating up screen time. No offense to the actor. He's terrific.

The Flash had another great episode. Dueling Harrisons is fun to watch. I'm truly wondering if Iris has a future on this show. I love the actress so I hope she does. That said, the CW isn't afraid to kill off favorites, so, yeah, there's that.

Arrow had another great episode. I had a sneaky suspicion about Adrian, especially after he mentioned Oliver stole his girlfriend back in the day. Season five is kind of up and down but the threads merge in ways I'm not usually expecting and I like that.

Riverdale is still holding my attention. I'm a little iffy on the jumbled up feeling I get, like there's not really a solid through-line, but I'm more than willing to hang in there and see where everything goes. I chuckle at their previously ons… I know a show that used to slip stuff that didn't make it onscreen into the previously ons… just saying.

Finished up season two of Daredevil and loved how everything came together. Looking forward to more with Matt, Foggy, and Karen. Started Jessica Jones and hit just over the halfway mark. It's not quite as great as Daredevil, in my viewer opinion, but I'm enjoying the acting and the characters. Okay, I'm not really excited about Hogarth, but eh, whatever.

And that's it in television this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella that got a boost from the writing community prompt of "sparring". I love how many different directions that could go in, but I chose a mix of verbal and physical.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive flirting in the apprentice's ring, when Vita Morj and Keb Pennyson are challenged to see who'd win in a magical bout. It may end up a draw because neither opponent plans to give quarter.

And a preview snippet…

Bashal cocked his head to one side. "What is it with you two? You're constantly sniping at each other." He blinked and frowned.

Vita snorted. "Oh, Bash, my friend. You do not wanna go there." She sent a sweet sneer in Keb's direction.

He'd had enough. Enough of her biting sarcasm and constant push-push-push on every button he had. Time to call her out.

He got up and made his way to the table. "You know what, Bash, I think you do wanna go there." He gave Vita a pointed glare before directing his attention back to Bash. "What do think Vita and I should do to solve our issues?"

Bash's mouth dropped open. "Are you kidding?" He rubbed his hands together, barely containing his glee. "I know exactly what you two need." A slow smile spread across his face. "A mage on mage cage battle."

Vita shook her head. "No way. Not gonna happen." She folded her arms over her chest and kicked her feet out.

Keb quirked a brow. "Why not?" He decided to push a button of hers. "Afraid you can't last in the cage with me?" That should get her riled up.

Vita growled. "You know that's not why." She straightened and leaned forward. "And you're not exactly in a position to piss off the old folks." Her gaze flicked toward the head precept.

Okay, she had a point. He walked a very fine line between his family's influence and what the elder board would let him get away with. The old folks didn't approve of cage matches, but they usually turned a blind eye. He shot a glance toward Bashal, whose gaze pinged back and forth from Vita to Keb.

As much of a pain as Bash could be, he'd come up with the perfect solution to settle things between Keb and Vita. Keb would take his chances with landing on the wrong side of things. Vita probably had more to lose, especially since the incident that landed her on probation.

Keb lifted a shoulder. "I think maybe you're the one who should be concerned." He pinned her with a smug look. "I've always got a fallback plan."

Vita's fists clenched and her breath hissed out between her teeth. "You're such an ass." She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled then relaxed her gripped fingers. "You're also on." Rising, she nodded to Bash. "Set it up and let me know when." Casting one last, scathing look toward Keb, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

Bash sat in stunned silence, a first from what Keb could recall.

Bash recovered and glanced up. "So… you want I should make the arrangements?"

Keb's lips twitched. "You heard the lady. Get it done." He left the younger mage to figure out how to pull off the impossible and went in search of a quiet place to think and plan.

Keb had his insurmountable task to figure out—namely how to survive in a battle with a woman he'd much rather see tangled in his sheets than flinging magic barbs in his direction.

But he'd blown that chance to hell.

Keb has a lot to make up for and getting in the ring with Vita might give him the chance to clear the air.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Reflection of a Kiss

February in Ohio can be an angsty monster. Two days ago we hit almost eighty degrees. Yesterday, we had a fifty-degree drop in temperature and snow. Seriously… Mother Nature has a warped sense of humor. Just saying.

I'll be skipping this week's The Walking Dead but thoroughly enjoyed last Sunday's episode. I'm always up for Daryl and Carol being in the same space.

The Flash ended up being pretty good, but I need to rewatch. Too many distractions going on while it aired. I did get to see most of Legends of Tomorrow and I'm torn between really hating Rip as a bad guy and kind of enjoying it. I'm very fickle sometimes.

Arrow ended up being awesome! Thea moving behind the scenes to protect her brother is terrific, even when she goes too far. The Merlyn blood is strong in her. I loved Oliver comparing her to Moira, too. A nice, subtle reminder of her other role model in life.

Riverdale got real with the Blossom family secrets. I loved getting some dark background on them. Also enjoyed some of the other undertones pinging in the background. I'm a little confused about Fred's marital status… didn't he say he and Mary split up but they're civil to each other? Oh well, whatever adds more drama, right?

I'm halfway through season two of Daredevil and still enjoying it. It's not as tightly written as the first season, but I love where things are going.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Reflection of a Kiss, a sexy short that got its start from a writing community prompt. Write a short story where one main character reflects on the differences when kissing her partner, her lover, her direct superior and her husband… and they're all the same man. I really fell hard for this prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pryce Baker and Fisk Darrison, two hunters in the middle of a supernatural war, have many different types of kisses. It's not easy maintaining a relationship in the middle of enemy territory, but they take the time to reflect on what they have and make it work.

And a preview snippet…

Pryce handled making the lair secure. A simple hex spell would keep intruders out but let their other recruits in. She changed the entry incantation every day.

A quick note to the next group who came in explained what the next target would be and where each member should be posted. McBain could kiss her ass if he thought she'd stick around to personally brief everyone. She had plans. A hot shower to wash away a full week of infiltrating enemy territory and a long, rejuvenating session in bed with Fisk.

In exactly that order.

Stripping her shirt off, she entered the room she shared with Fisk and warded the door. After tossing her top in the laundry pile, she moved into the bathroom, grinning at the sauna-like atmosphere. The tiny space had a tub, shower, sink, and toilet and not much else. Okay, the mirrored wall added some depth… and other possibilities.

She'd give McBain credit for finding the abandoned hotel with one decent wing their group could use as a base of operations.

She popped the button on her pants, momentarily distracted by the sight of Fisk's ass behind the frosted glass of the shower door. No man's butt should look that good. Then again, the rest of the package matched the sculpted behind.

"Stop looking at my ass and get yours in here." Fisk nudged the door open. "My five-minute head start is long over."

Pryce wriggled out of her fatigues and entered the stall with Fisk. He tucked her in front of him, the spray of hot water providing instant relaxation. She moaned, letting her head fall forward, liquid sluicing over her scalp and shoulders.

Fisk started at her nape, brushing the hair aside. His hands smoothed over her skin, the cleansing gel washing away the day's grit and grunge. Long fingers massaged knots from tight muscles, ghosted over bruises and bumps, and teased with a promise of what would come soon.

Pryce lathered up her hair, her fingertips working the snags and snarls loose. A thorough rinse off and—viola—a new person emerged. One clean, relaxed, and ready for action.

She turned in Fisk's arms and lifted her chin. He meshed their mouths together in a lover's kiss. The slow, sexy slide of his tongue against hers, the sweeping lust holding her in its grip. She craved intimate contact. Hot… so, so hot.

Fisk shut the water off and swept his arm under her legs, lifting her, dripping wet, to carry her into their room. His mouth never left hers, the wickedly erotic lip-lock inching the temperature up another notch. He smoothly deposited her on the bed and crawled over top of her.

Breaking the kiss, he nuzzled her throat. "Bad news. I kind of made plans." His lips latched on to the sensitive spot below her ear.

Pryce threaded her fingers through his hair. "You did? And what would those be?" Her back arched when his teeth nipped her earlobe.

Propping up on one elbow, Fisk skimmed a hand along her ribcage to cup a breast. "Listening to you gasp and moan for the rest of the night." His fingers captured her nipple, tweaking it before his head dipped to nibble around the tip.

Pryce smiled and worked her hand between them, palming his long erection. "I think you'd better get started then."

This might end up going longer than a sexy short, but I love where Pryce and Fisk are as a couple.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

February 19, 2017

Okay, I ended up watching The Walking Dead and enjoyed having the group back together. As always, The Talking Dead made me happy, too.

An off week for The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, which meant I got to start a binge watch of Daredevil. So far, so good. I have two more episodes of season one to watch and I'm loving it.

Arrow's episode with the origin of Wild Dog ended up being terrific. I'm so happy they got a season six order. Arrow is consistently one of my favorites.

Riverdale continues to be must see for me. It's not perfect, but I like that. Lots of room to grow the characters and plot threads. I'll be waiting patiently for the next person to slap Alice Cooper… or to bring her down. Either is okay with me.

Caught up on Murdoch Mysteries and happy to see Brackenreid back. I enjoy him a lot. Looking forward to this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella with a twist on the Hansel and Gretel tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Psyche Hood and Errol Winkham are best friends, growing up together in the enchanted realm. A sinister darkness and red-eyed metal monster is moving in and Psyche drags Errol out to pick up the trail, little knowing she's playing right into the evil wizard's plan. He wants the red-eyed monster to rain fire down on Errol so Psyche will be alone and his for the taking.

And a preview snippet…

The beast, a red-eyed, fire-breathing monster made its way through the enchanted woods. The huge metallic tale cut a swath behind him, ruining gardens, flower beds, and outdoor oases. Marcus Lamier smiled in the dark confines of his workshop, also known as his den of iniquity.

"Ten years I've waited. The time for vengeance is now." He guided the beast along the north quadrant of the magical forest, giving it free reign to destroy yards and wreak havoc on crops.

Banished for using the dark arts, Marcus hated being on the extreme edge of the realm. He didn't appreciate mingling with the others, humans who had no concept of magick or how to wield its power. But the regular population paid his bills and gave him the means to exact his revenge for being exiled.

"They shouldn't have interfered with my plans." Marcus urged the beast to a faster pace; viewing the chaos it left behind through the red filmy haze of its eyes connected to Marcus by a telepathic link.

His reputation for fixing the unfixable gave him a steady clientele that paid whatever price he named to fix their objects. Of course, using magick meant he could repair anything the regulars brought him. It also afforded him the means to build the object of his revenge, the beast plowing through the enchanted woods.

Marcus planned to start small; the north quadrant tonight and the west section tomorrow. "That'll get their attention." And one other person should take an interest. "Psyche."

His obsession with her started over ten years ago. At sixteen, Psyche Hood's inquisitive mind craved new and exciting knowledge. Forbidden topics intrigued her, nothing off-limits—even the dark arts.

Marcus snorted. "And that's how I ended up here." He directed the beast to end its destruction and guided him to the small cottage in the center of the woods.

Psyche resided behind the painted, green door. Marcus used the beast as a conduit and reached out with his mind. Not there. Probably off with her golden boy, Errol Winkam.

The bitter taste of bile filled Marcus's throat. "She won't be yours much longer."

Winkham had no idea what he had with Psyche. Her potential for power grew with each passing year. Marcus wanted to pluck Psyche and watch her ripen into the commanding mage he envisioned.

Ordering the beast to return to its lair, Marcus broke the connection. "Soon, Psyche. You'll be mine very soon."

Enjoying trying my hand at adding a twisty update to one of my favorite fairy tales.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

The Walking Dead returns tonight and I'm torn between wanting to watch and not. I'm feeling very bleh today and might hold off and watch later.

The Flash is getting good. Not that it wasn't already, but I like how much they've upped the stakes and how the Flashpoint 'verse continues to bleed into the current reality.

Legends of Tomorrow also keeps getting better. And it's renewed for season three, which makes me very happy. I'm gutted over Rip becoming a marginalized version of his former self. Here's hoping that changes soon.

Arrow finally had some payoff for the bitchtastic reporter. Oliver just can't pick 'em. I do love the addition of Dinah and look forward to her interactions with the team. Rene and Quinton made me so happy. I love the dynamic there.

Riverdale again had a terrific show. The Betty and Veronica, B & V, team-up kicked major ass and seeing Alice get punched in the face made me happy. I'm kind of hoping we'll get to see what makes her such a harpified menace. Can't wait for this week's episode.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, a sexy short that updates the Red Riding Hood tale.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is tasked with protecting Cass Warrison, an earth sprite, from the wolf-shifter clan. Magan isn't thrilled with the duty—she and Cass share a complicated past—but her handy skill with a crossbow can stop an evil prophecy from coming to light. She'll do her job and save the day, but no way will she let Cass back into her life.

And a preview snippet…

Milton Drone ambled down the stone walkway and knocked on Cecil Warrison's door. The older man cracked the solid oak slab open an inch then threw it wide and welcomed Milt into his abode.

"Glad you could make it." Cecil nodded toward the fire. "Does burning wood offend you?"

Milton's lips quirked. "Only when it's green and not ready." He came from a long line of tree nymphs that respected the circle of life.

Dead fall and careful harvesting needed to be cleared so new growth could sprout. Saplings and greenwood had uses but burning didn't count as one. If only some of the radical "save the trees" and "all trees matter" folk would remember how things actually worked in nature. But he didn't have time for that circular argument today.

Cecil pointed to a wingback chair. "Then, if you don't mind, we'll sit and talk." He moved slowly and took a seat on the matched opposite. "The cold lingers in my old bones and I'm most comfortable by the hearth." He waited until Milt settled in. "You know we've got our work cut out for us. The signs and omens are coming fast now."

Milt nodded, the prophecy heavy on his mind. "I'm aware. I'll assume you've got a plan, because my Magan won't do anything for a Warrison out of the goodness of her heart." His niece's grudge matches rarely ended before she deemed her readiness to forgive.

Which didn't happen all that often.

Cecil heaved a sad sigh. "I wish that weren't the case. I miss her quick wit and that red cap she used to wear all the time." His gnarled fingers picked up a mug from the side table.

Milt snorted. "Still wears one. I can't get her to retire the damned thing." He shifted forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "She says it reminds her of why she'll never settle down."

Cecil grimaced. "My bone-headed grandson and his strong-willed notions sure messed everything up." He sipped the hot liquid in the mug. "He won't cooperate either, but their history aside, he'll have to fall in or risk the future of everyone in the enchanted woods." Placing the mug on the table, he angled to the side. "We'll just have to outsmart both of them."

I'm having a great time rewriting and putting a new spin on the classic story.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rapier's Edge

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rapier's Edge, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of thriller with a bloody knife.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Wren Buxton, an undercover fae agent, finds Jacob Franklin standing over a dead body. He resists her siren call and refuses to answer questions during her interrogation. Wren has a sneaking suspicion all isn't what it seems with the covert mercenary.

And a preview snippet…

Consciousness returned to Jacob by degrees. First, his eyelids and extremities twitched, regaining use. Then his brain slowly lost the gray haze clouding his senses. His shifter genes kicked in and he almost changed form. He fought the transition and got it stopped before more than his hands and feet sprouted claws.

His mind cleared and he remembered what happened. Damn. Been a long time I've been caught in a siren call. A juvenile mistake on his part, especially since her learned the strains of the ancient melodies at his grandmother's knee.

Good, I can resist the next time she tries to put me under.

The woman had tremendous pull. If he hadn't been distracted by the loss of Havish, she wouldn't have been able to shock and awe him into submission. A sharp pain lanced through his chest. His oldest friend on the planet.

I should have returned sooner. When Havish originally contacted Jacob.

But he'd been too close to the shifters to lose the trail. And he'd been paid in advance to handle the quiet takedown of the gang. Hyenas always got into trouble when they banded together.

A lyrical tune drifted into Jacob's consciousness. Serenity ballad. Smart move.

His captor wouldn't be happy when she discovered his ability to remain unaffected. Too damned bad. Jacob didn't like the type that disabled first and asked questions later. Or one who trussed him up like a fresh kill in her SUV.

For all he knew, she had offed Havish. Maybe she returned to the scene to get rid of the body. Whatever her reason for being there, Jacob raged at the fact she didn't give him the chance to explain how he'd come to see his friend and found him dead instead.

He needed to find Havish's killer and bring them to justice.

Even if he had to go through the woman to do it.

Especially if she committed the crime.

I love writing a little suspense. Looking forward to seeing how things go with Wren and Jacob.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye