Sunday Snippet: A Rockin' Yule (a holiday spirit novella)

December is off to a roaring start. We got some interesting and good family news and I think I'm very close to being finished with my holiday shopping. I might have one or two last-minute things to figure out but that's it.

As noted in my last post, I continued with my Batman: The Animated Series rewatch and started with episode thirty-one and ended with episode forty-seven. I had forgotten a couple of those episodes, in particular "His Silicone Soul" and "Off Balance," which introduced Talia and Ra's Al Ghul.

There were also several of my favorite episodes in this bunch. "Beware the Gray Ghost," "Christmas with the Joker," "Almost Got 'Im," and "Harley and Ivy." Christmas with the Joker is one of my all-time faves and I usually watch it on a yearly basis.

I'm enjoying the rewatch so much, I'm probably going to continue through the end of the year. I have a lot of love for this show.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from A Rockin' Yule, a holiday spirit novella featuring a hellhound and a nymph.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Saffron Sapienza is in trouble with her hellhound pack for being wild and overindulgent. She's looking for an escape in the hopes of letting her latest scandal die down. Gabriel Gabor has a big decision to make—become nobleman of the nymphs or give the job to his arch rival, a man who tries to take everything Gabriel has. A holiday spirit, Jolly Jingleman, brings the duo together at a secluded bed and breakfast over Yule and works his magick to help the couple find their holiday cheer along with some direction for their future.

And a preview snippet…

Saffron Sapienza's mouth dropped open. "Are you serious?" She paced back and forth in front of Calvin Cates, the alpha ruler of her shifter pack.

Her ire rose to epic proportions. Calvin could not have picked a worse time to spring his decision on her. Why did she have to be punished? Why couldn't the hex cat and shapeshifter get the lecture?

Saffron turned to face the window, dragging in a deep breath. "You're banning me from the Yule celebration?" She whirled to face Calvin. "I'm being penalized because two pack members think with their dicks instead of their brains?" She planted her hands on her hips. "How is that fair?"

Calvin shrugged. "Didn't say it was.'' He leaned forward. "But I can't have a fight during the festivities and they're bound to have a blood battle if they're around you."

She threw a hand up. "Bah! I warned both we'd only be short-term but neither listened. I'm not ready to settle down and you know why."

Calvin nodded. "True. But if you didn't stumble from scandal to scandal, you might have more supporters."

Saffron closed her eyes, frustration licking along her spine. "Dammit, Calvin, it's not my fault my mating cycle hasn't kicked in yet. I'll know when it's time and when I've found my match. I always tell anyone I get involved with I'm not in it for the long haul yet." She wouldn't be until she found the one she'd spend her life with.

Calvin sighed. "That's part of the problem, Saffron, you've got a stockpile of former lovers who've been on the merry-go-round you call your love life."

Saffron snarled, her hellhound blood heating up with anger. "Are you seriously slut-shaming me right now?" She barely managed to keep her inner hound at bay.

Calvin blew out a long, slow breath. "No. That's not what I'm trying to do, Saffron." He got up and came around his desk. "You know me better than that."

She shot back. "Do I? Because right now all I'm hearing is how two fragile males can't deal with the big bad female so the woman has to suffer."

Calvin quirked an eyebrow. "Now who's not being fair? I get what you're going through and I know you don't go out of your way to create problems. But you're one member in a pack of hundreds. You have to face that reality. I know it sucks but what other solution would you suggest?"

As much as she hated it, Calvin had a valid point. Only two of the pack species had true mate cycles. The hellhounds and the lupine wolf shifters, of which Calvin belonged to. So he did understand the difficulty she endured when she had an itch that needed to be scratched but commitment didn't enter the equation.

Saffron's shoulders sagged. "Fine. I'll spend the solstice on my own."

Alone … and probably miserable.

I love the holiday spirit stories! It's fun to weave a little whimsy into the lives of the characters when they're facing big dilemmas.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rite of Passage (Warlock's Curse book three)

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. We're always low-key. We head to my dad's, eat, converse for a while then head home to nap in a food coma. We definitely had a good time.

The weather is crazy weird again, which is actually kind of typical for the end of November. It's usually a little colder and the question of whether it'll snow or not. Now it's more like up and down temperatures that go back and forth to drive anyone with sinus issues to the pharmacy to stock up on meds.

I finished up the episode of Ted Lasso I started and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm iffy on Jamie's redemption but hopeful it'll continue and stick. I honestly hated that character so much last season.

I also spent the week watching a large chunk of Batman: The Animated Series as mentioned in last week's post. I started with episode seventeen of season one and continued through episode thirty. I'll be watching more this week with a plan to finish out November with my memorial to Kevin.

One of the things I love most about revisiting this series is finding overlooked gems in the rewatch. There were a couple of episodes I'd completely forgotten about and it's nice to see them again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rite of Passage, book three of the Warlock's Curse series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nadia Iris and Falk Ridenour have one goal—to thwart her father's nefarious power grab. Even though they're on the same page, Nadia struggles for balance and Falk has to make some hard choices about their future.

And a preview snippet…

Nadia fought the tears threatening to come. "Just this once, I actually want someone to tell me what to do." Why couldn't Falk do this one little thing?

The liquid she'd held back leaked from the corners of her eyes. How the hell did Falk think he could help with what needed to be done? Boris had to be stopped, but if she couldn't take him down … how could she halt his plans?

Movement from the doorway drew her attention and Sebastian entered the room.

He stopped beside the fire and glanced around. "Where's Mr. Wonderful?" The sneering tone matched the look on his face.

Nadia quickly wiped her cheeks and faced Sebastian. "Not here. Go find someone else to irritate." She couldn't deal with the annoyance of pointed barbs right now.

Sebastian narrowed his gaze. "You've been crying." He grasped her bicep. "You never cry. What did I miss?" He nudged her toward a wingback chair and made her sit.

The one person on the planet—aside from Boris—she didn't want making decisions for her, yet Sebastian happened to be the only one stepping up. Go figure.

She snorted. "Oh, you missed a great argument with Falk. The one time I want him to put his foot down and tell me what to do and he walks away." Her fingers curled into her palms.

Sebastian huffed out a breath. "And exactly where did Mr. Paragon wander off to?" He poked at the wood in the fireplace then settled in the chair next to hers.

Nadia waved a hand. "Who the hell knows? I'm trying to figure out how to manage Boris since he's pretty much stymied every option I have to deal with him and Falk decides to be cryptic by saying I know what needs to be done and he'd help me out." She met Sebastian's gaze. "By leaving me high and dry? How does that help?"

Sebastian's demeanor visibly changed. He went from slouching in the chair to sitting straight up. His usual practiced bland features sharpened and his blank stare snapped to life.

He leaned forward. "Geez, Nadia. Did you wake up on the stupid side of the bed today?" His hands pressed on his thighs. "You can't kill Boris because his blood runs through your veins and he hexed you to keep you from spouting off about him. Did he do the same to Falk?"

Her mouth dropped open. "Damn. No he didn't. And you think—" She couldn't say the rest—because it meant Falk planned to do something very, very dangerous.

Sebastian clicked his tongue against his teeth. "It doesn't matter what I think. What does your knight in shining armor think and do?"

Falk would engage with Boris and make every effort to keep him in a battle of magickal will until one of them perished. She should've gone after him when he left.

Nadia got up and paced back and forth. "Shit. Shit, shit, shit." She stopped and whirled to face Sebastian. "Where? Where would they meet? And when? Dammit, why would Falk take this on?"

Sebastian smirked. "The why is plain for anyone to see. He's loyal to anyone he loves." He got up and went to gaze out at the grounds. "The where? Someplace out of the way to minimize damage. When? That's a bit trickier. My guess would be early, like the wee hours of the morning. He'd want to test Boris's mettle and learn any weaknesses and dawn or soon after is the safest time."

Nadia shook her head. Sebastian showing an understanding of tactics and planning? When did that happen?

She set the thought aside and focused on the where. "An out of the way place…" The location hit her almost immediately. "The mill. It's not part of the village proper and the walls are thick enough to withstand a magickal battle." Her shoulders slumped. "Doesn't do me a damned bit of good though. I won't be able to help."

Sebastian swung his gaze her way. "What do you mean? Of course you can. You need to go and make your choice known."

Nadia flung her arm out. "How? My asshole father made it impossible for me to speak against him in a way that would clarify what I want."

Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Then don't speak, Nads. You don't have to verbalize what's in your heart. It's there for anyone with half a brain to see." He tsked. "And Boris might be a maniacal egomaniac with tunnel vision but he's also got two eyeballs that won't be able to deny what's in front of him."

She still had doubts. "Okay, great. What about the blood tie? You know he'll pull that thread and try to use it." And he'd wield it against Falk if he could.

Sebastian gently reminded. "Boris's blood isn't the only DNA you have, Nadia. Manchen blood bonds you two, yes, but you also have Iris blood coursing through your veins." His brows furrowed. "Did you forget that?"

She blinked. "Damn. Actually, I pretty much did." Maybe she did get up on the stupid side of the bed today.

Everything became very clear in her mind and she envisioned exactly what needed to happen.

She went and threw her arms around him. "I love you, Sebastian." Whether he knew it or not, he'd picked a side, too.

His eyes widened in surprise. "You do?"

She laughed. "Yes, like the brother I never had or even wanted." Easing away from him, she held his gaze. "But I'm glad to have now."

Her unspoken message registered.

He gave a nod. "That's it then, isn't it? Our fate sealed and all that."

She lifted her chin. "Your fate is right where you left it. Your choice is whether to meet it head-on or continue hiding away from it." Starting for the door, she angled her head around. "But you don't have to decide today. I'd like you to stick around for a bit … if you're up for it."

Sebastian tilted his head to one side. "Is that a challenge?"

She cracked a smile. "Yeah, if you choose to accept it." She didn't wait for a reply … she had a showdown to prepare for.

I have so much love for this story. Nadia and Falk are rock solid even when they don't agree and Sebastian finally proves he's got more going on than being a pawn. This is such a fun group of characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rise of the Son

Whew. November is almost over and I'm not sure where the month went. Crazy weather continues. It warms up then plunges into the cold depths. We've had a dusting of snow twice. I don't mind the cold, but I like it better when it gets chilly and stays that way. The back and forth makes me cranky.

I did finish up one of my work projects and have a brief break on the second one. I thought I'd get some things accomplished around the house but I ended up having two new works projects land in my inbox. Definitely not complaining but I think one of my new goals will be trying to create better balance.

I, again, didn't get a lot of anything watched this week. I started an episode of Ted Lasso but put it on hold when I got the new projects.

I plan to view as many episodes of Batman: The Animated Series as a memorial to Kevin Conroy, as I can. I can honestly say, Kevin is my Batman. He's the first voice actor I ever looked up online because I loved his work in the animated series so much.

One bit of great news is I'm three-quarters of the way done with my holiday shopping. I might even start getting the gifts wrapped and bagged. Then it's off to gather stocking-stuffers.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rise of the Son, the second book in a yet-unnamed series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

After surviving several trials and tribulations to find the Book of Pythia, Aleina and Alston—imbued with the essences of Apollo and Aurora—have to follow the scrolls to lead their people to a new home. Their journey isn't without danger and the map isn't easy to follow, but Aleina and Alston have the advantage of being on the same page and trusting each other to see their path to its end.

And a preview snippet…

Images crashed through Aleina Foyle's mind, huge rocks swirled slowly around her blocking her path no matter where she turned. Pounding sounds drew her attention and she feared the boulders were tightening the circle, ready to crush her under their weight. She tried to run but her feet were tangled in something unseen and she started to fall—

"Laney! Wake up. Someone's knocking on the hatch."

Aleina's eyes snapped open and she found herself snuggled up close to her nearest and dearest, Alston Saddington. "It'll be Frank. He's got news." She sat up, shaking the imagery of her dream away.

Alston narrowed his eyes, but got up and undogged the hatch. "Frank. What brings you at this unholy hour?" He swung his gaze toward Aleina. "Laney said you've got news."

Frank Bollen ducked inside their quarters and quickly dogged the hatch again. "She's not wrong. We've got a potential minefield brewing. Literally." He propped his hip on the edge of their small sofa.

Alston ran a hand through his hair and settled back on the bunk. "Political or otherwise?" He yawned and reached for a bottle of liquid caffeine.

Aleina took the container and nodded for Alston to grab another. "Otherwise with potential to become political. Is that right, Frank?" Her dream played some kind of role and she almost had a clear picture.

Frank shook his head. "Pretty much." He grabbed their hand-held monitor and pulled up a screen. "Long-range scans show a huge block of debris that's just out of scope. We don't know what it is, but it's directly in our path to the next signpost." He widened the view and handed the device to Alston.

Aleina took a quick look and a vision flashed in her mind. "Asteroid field. Too big to jump, too wide to go around, and too dense for a clear path through." She met Alston's gaze. "We're also not going to be able to go over or under it." Not if they wanted to conserve the fuel they had.

Frank huffed out a breath. "Please tell me there's a solution."

Alston didn't hesitate. "We go through." He held up a hand when Frank started to protest. "There isn't a clear path, I know. But it's the only choice."

Aleina gave a nod. "We'll have to find a way to navigate a safe path for all the ships." No easy task with a fleet of a hundred-plus crafts in various sizes.

Frank arched his brows. "How do you propose to do that?"

Alston rolled a shoulder. "We consult the Book of Pythia and hope we can figure it out." He got up and went to retrieve the scrolls. "Give us some time and we'll check in with you before the end of the day."

Frank frowned. "Do I brief anyone yet?"

Aleina lifted her chin. "Only the bare minimum. Keep it to our small circle for now."

Frank gave a nod and exited their quarters.

Aleina heaved a sigh. The group that helped retrieve the book could be trusted not to sound the alarm. The one thing they didn't need … a stampede of terrified captains banging on the door.

They needed time to formulate a plan and pull off a major miracle.

I'm on quite the journey with this series. I love the characters and mixing a bit of sci-fi in with the mystical elements is something I enjoy so much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

We've had the most insane weather this week. Three days in the high sixties and low seventies then a thirty degree drop on Friday with rain, rain, rain, followed by another dip in temperature and snow in an area not far from where I live. I predict a lot of people will end up with upper respiratory issues in the near future.

Had a very busy week with work projects. The two I've been working on are both wrapping up and we're down to the final tweaks and polishing. I've thoroughly enjoyed both and I'm looking forward to a small break to get some additional things accomplished around the house.

I didn't watch much of anything this week, mainly because I needed the quiet focus again. I did get most of the way through Resisting Roots and I started Enola Holmes 2. I have so much love for this movie!

I also got an episode of Star Trek: Discovery in. I'm thrilled everyone is back together and I love the changing dynamic of the characters. Looking forward to seeing more of this season.

I'll hopefully be back to a partially normal viewing schedule in the next week. I also found a streaming service that has a classic television network I've been missing for the past three or so years. I'll be giving that a whirl soon.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella where the characters work out some differences in a cage match with a magickal-skills battle.

Here's the mini-blurb:

An unclaimed attraction leads to some aggressive score settling 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…

Within five minutes of being seated at the dining table, Vita pulled out all the manners her grandmother tried to teach her.

She endured questions and sour looks from Keb's parents. Where are you from? Who are your parents? How did you meet our son?

She got the immediate vibe Keb made a habit out of bringing girls his parents would hate to dinner.

She discovered the truth of that thought a moment later.

Keb's mother, Gia, rudely questioned her son. "Why are you always bringing girls who grow up on the wrong side of town to our home?"

Keb rolled a shoulder but didn't deny his habit of bringing girls his parents wouldn't like to the house.

After several more snide comments from Gia about how Vita looked—vintage—and the inappropriate choice of dinner companion, she sighed, putting on a show of major disappointment.

Keb shot back. "I do this so you know I don't plan to settle for anyone that would get your seal of approval. Nor will I be getting married anytime soon."

Gia waved her hand. "That's all well and good, but girls like Vita don't belong here." Her nose went straight up in the air.

Keb's dad, Norse, added his take. "Yes, Gia. But girls like Vita know the drill. Always willing to keep things smooth and easy and not kick up a big fuss." He went back to spooning soup between his lips.

Girls like Vita.

Norse had definitely defined the exact expectation Keb had for her … a little too late.

Gia rolled her eyes. "Of course, girls like Vita are easy. They're brought up to be accommodating in all ways, especially when they grow up on the wrong side of town." She bared her teeth in Vita's direction.

Vita, with as much grace as she could muster, decided to put all of them in their place. Gia and Norse for being horrible shit-hosts. And Keb for instigating the entire debacle, knowing full well how his parents would react. All without cluing Vita in.

Holding back her anger, hurt, and the betrayal of what could have been, she set aside her napkin. "I might be from the wrong side of town but at least I've always remembered the lessons I learned from my grandmother about manners and common decency. You all could use a refresher course."

A long moment of silence followed Vita's statement then the room erupted into chaos. Keb's parents directed their displeasure to their son, who fired back with angry words about being tired of their bullshit. They spewed venom-filled accusations and insults at each other.

Vita got up and escaped the room. She found the butler, Mathers, hovering next to the heavy oak doors with the next course of food. His eyes darted between her and the shouting family members.

She calmly lifted her chin. "My apologies, Mathers, but I think I'll need my coat. Things didn't quite go as I'm sure they were planned." Her stomach rumbled at the scent of whatever lurked under the dome-covered plates.

Mathers gave her a look of sharp approval. "I'll get that for you right away, miss. Won't take more than a moment." He grasped her elbow and escorted her to the front door and retrieved her jacket, helping her put it on.

She gave him a tremulous smile. "Thank you. Please tell whoever cooked the meal that it smells wonderful." Another growl sounded in her midsection.

Mathers held up a finger and dashed to the kitchen, returning with a carton of food. "Compliments of the cook." He handed the food over. "Shall I call you a cab?"

Barely keeping it together, Vita shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but no, thank you." His kind gesture with the meal had tears pricking behind her eyelids.

He opened the door and held it for her. "Have a pleasant evening, miss."

Vita nodded and left the house. She waited until she made it past the gate before letting the tears flow. Being treated with respect by the butler had been the highlight of the evening and the crushing disappointment of her stupidity weighed heavily on her shoulders.

"Why did I think for one moment Keb Pennyson actually wanted anything to do with me?"

I love, love, love how this story is coming together. There's more to Vita than where she grew up and eventually Keb and his snooty parents will discover how much.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Reflections (Through a Mirror Darkly)

November is off with a bang. We've had way higher than normal temperatures this past week. It's throwing me off kilter to have seventy-five degree weather right now. The trees are bare but it's like summer outside. Weird.

I had another busy week with work projects. I also got my new washing machine and got caught up on laundry. Last but not least, I think I have about half my holiday shopping done. I'm trying hard to be ahead of things this year.

I didn't get a lot of viewing completed this week. I've been on a kick where I need quiet time to get things done. I did watch a couple of things…

Caught the premiere episode of season two of Only Murders in the Building. Gotta say, I love how they've kicked the season off. This is such a fun show.

Also watched an episode of Peak Practice and ended up enjoying it a lot. I like it when they have characters who've been on previously. Adds a bit of realism.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. I think I'm going to catch up on a couple of movies this upcoming week. Stay tuned.

Tonight's post is from Reflections, a novella in the Through a Mirror Darkly brand I hope to get established soon.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The ornate mirror in her grandmother's house creeps Everley Bonice out. When she arrives to settle her grandmother's estate, the mirror depicts erotic images of Everley with a man who seems familiar but one Everley can't place. When Vannes Sullivan shows up to deliver groceries to the house, Everley decides to discover the secrets of the mirror-scenes she keeps seeing, because Vannes is the man in the reflection.

And a preview snippet…

Vannes Sullivan didn't know why he stood outside Ernestine's house. "I can't be sure anyone stayed after the funeral." The berg's gossip mill suggested Ernie's granddaughter inherited the old manor.

Vannes had gone to the graveside service—compelled to attend and maybe get a glimpse of Everley Bonice, the woman Ernie spoke of so frequently. He managed to catch a brief, momentary glance of Everley but didn't get a good look. Dark-haired and curvy were the two things he remembered. Oddly, he hoped she had stuck around and he wouldn't be greeted by one of Ernie's silver spanglers—the ever-shrinking circle of her friends.

He knocked then stepped back and waited a moment. Everley opened the door and blinked then gasped. A bit of an odd reaction.

He lifted his chin. "Everley? I'm with Wellman's grocery. Your grandmother had a standing order—" He broke off. "Whoa, hey, are you all right?"

She'd gone pale and swayed a little.

He grasped her elbow. "Everley? You are Ernie's granddaughter, aren't you?" He'd been certain until this very moment.

She blinked again and nodded. "Y-yes. I'm sorry. You said you're with Wellman's?" She dragged in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

He smiled. "Yeah. I heard you might be staying for a while and since Ernie already paid for the groceries, I thought I'd bring them by." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. "Is it okay if I bring them up?"

She glanced out at the van and bobbed her head. "Uh, sure. That's fine." Her hand went to her head, swiping the hair from her face.

He turned and started down the steps. "Great. Be right back." He kept her in his line of sight while he retrieved the items.

She looked like a much younger version of Ernestine, which meant beautiful. Ernie turned heads even at the age of seventy-eight. What a strange introduction, though. He'd swear Everley had seen a ghost or something. He shrugged the weird vibe off and grabbed the two boxes of staples and the bag of produce.

This story is so much fun. I'm hoping to have more mirror-based tales in the future to create a full anthology!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

Happy Almost Halloween! Gotta say it's been a week. Several work projects hit at once—which I'm not complaining about—and a couple of disasters decided to show up on my doorstep. It's been a low-bandwidth week for me.

I didn't get a lot of viewing time in, mainly due to the work projects and the distractions from the washing machine going kaput, a trip to the ED for one of my grown kiddos, and having another one out of town and calling to check in several times.

I did get a few things watched. Finished up the Umbrella Academy and, wow, didn't quite expect how things went down. Looking forward to seeing the next episode.

Caught some Classic Rugrats with the Thanksgiving episode. I'd actually forgotten about this one and I'm glad I got to watch it again. I might have to set up a bit of countdown and try to catch all the holiday episodes between now and the solstice.

Watched another Batman: The Animated Series. It's always fun when they have Alfred step out of his comfort zone and this episode definitely makes him stray. That's two in a row and I'm here for it.

Enjoyed an episode of Ted Lasso. I love Roy and Keeley so much. Nate is getting a wee bit annoying. Jamie is … I'm not sure. If he doesn't act like a raging ass, I might be able to stomach seeing him. LOL

Caught another episode of Suspects and loved how it all came together. Some really interesting bits popped and I love the pacing. Great show.

I started another episode of Endeavor but I'll have to finish it when I have higher brain capacity. It has a focus on the space race and I love that.

Watched the second part of Silent Witness and whew, this one ended up being very twisty. Kind of bummed about how it ended but not surprised.

Enjoyed another Classic Who episode. I like the setting for this arc and look forward to the next episode.

Sci Fi Science looked into how to blow up a planet. Had a lot of fun watching this episode. I love so much that fans are featured in each episode.

Started the next episode of Ms. Marvel and love it so far. I'm hoping to finish it up in the near future.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a twisty retelling of Hansel and Gretyl.

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…

Marcus paced the confines of his bungalow. "Where the hell is she?" Pissed off, he directed his beast to skirt the outer edge of the village while he reached out with his mind to find Psyche.

His blood ran hot when he discovered her location. "Bah! She's with the boy toy again." His hatred of Errol deepened another level. "Probably his idea to take the night off." No doubt to slake his lust with the woman Marcus considered his.

He sneered. "She should've been mine." He'd come very close to binding her to with the dark arts.

He almost succeeded. Her belief in the importance of knowing what dark magick could do led her to a logical conclusion that one should experience the outcome of its use. He'd been happy to guide her in her first forays into wielding the dark power.

But her stupid father put a stop to her visits to Marcus. Then Padrick had him black-balled into exile. But Marcus would have retribution … by seducing Psyche and getting her to succumb to the black arts. She'd belong to him and rule the enchanted forest by his side.

His lips curved upward. "I sense the dark pull in her and I'll bring her over to my way of thinking." She'd become the dark mistress to his dark master. "But first I have to get her away from her constant shadow." But how?

Guiding the beast back to its lair, Marcus decided to leave some signs on its next outing. "Yes, that will do nicely." He'd arrange to drop clues that would lead Psyche and Errol right to Marcus's doorstep.

A laugh rumbled out of his throat. "And directly into a trap for each of them." He settled behind his desk to begin the plot to lure his prey into the snare.

Which would move him one step closer to having Psyche right where he wanted her.

Marcus might get what he wants but holding on to it will be his challenge.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red Cap

Had a bit of a rough week and felt under the weather for most of it. I did make progress on two of my work projects so not a total loss.

I didn't quite get all the way through my full streaming schedule, but I got a decent amount of viewing completed.

I started the second season of Ted Lasso and quite enjoyed the first episode. I'm interested to see where things go with the psychologist.

Caught another Agatha Christie Hour and loved the cloak and dagger aspect of the episode. Very twisty and turny and an excellent resolution.

Started season six of Endeavor and enjoyed the first episode. Not sure I like the new DCI but I'll see where things go. I don't like not having all the guys together but a shake up now and then is probably good for the show.

Watched another episode of Silent Witness and had no idea Clarissa had a husband. Good to see how they interacted. Interesting premise and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Started a new arc of Classic Who. It's a bit spooky and I liked the first episode. Looking forward to seeing where this one goes.

Sci Fi Science had a fun topic of traveling to a parallel universe. I like to see how a theoretical physicist puts ideas together that could one day possibly happen.

Enjoyed another episode of Ms. Marvel. This group of characters is a joy to watch. I love the way Kamala interacts with everyone and the show nails the entire awkwardness of being a teenager pretty well.

The finale of Only Murders in the Building did not disappoint! I'm so excited to start season two because I have to know what happens next for our trio of characters.

Started season four of Blue Heelers. Nice to see Roz again even if the circumstances were sad. I'm a little disappointed I won't have new episodes to watch after this season unless I want to jump to eleven.

I'm in the middle of an Umbrella Academy episode and should have it finished up later today. Things are really spiraling and that's not a bad thing.

That's pretty much it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Red Cap, a novella that loosely retells Red Riding Hood with a bit of a gender swap.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Magan Drone, a red-capped tree nymph, is ordered to protect Cass Warrison, an earth sprite tasked with guarding the land 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…

Cass headed back after completing a circuit of the western edge of the enchanted woods. Not much activity tonight, but he had an uneasy vibe he couldn't quite shake. And he had a shadow. One wearing a red cap and keeping to the trees.

A faint sound caught his attention. He cocked his head and listened. Rustling leaves and a pained cry for help had him changing direction and backtracking several meters.

"Please, is there someone there? I've twisted my ankle and need help."

Cass came upon a lovely blonde sprawled on the ground, her pant leg tangled up in some underbrush. "What happened?" He crouched low and winced when he got a look at the swollen foot joint. "Ack, that looks painful." Untangling the fabric of her pants, he freed her leg from the brambles.

She nodded. "It is. I heard something rustling around, got spooked, and started running." She carefully tried to move and grimaced. "Don't think I can put weight on this."

Cass helped her stand and tucked his shoulder under her arm. "Did you see what made the noise?" He hadn't heard anything, but with another person—who would remain nameless—loitering around that might explain things.

She shook her head. "No, but I caught a scent, like damp fur. Thought maybe a shifter crossed into the enchanted woods."

Cass shot her a quick glance. "What makes you think that?"

She nodded toward a lane leading to one of the cottages. "My great aunt mentioned seeing some movement and warned me to be careful. When I started running, I could hear someone following me."

Cass lifted his chin. "I haven't seen you around. I would've remembered you. You're staying with your aunt?" He walked toward the lane, helping the blonde hobble along.

She gave a quick nod. "I arrived yesterday to visit for a bit. Auntie doesn't have any relatives here. I'm from a different enchanted area where she grew up." She paused a moment then held her free palm out. "Siera Gilmore."

Cass clasped her hand. "Cass Warrison. Nice to meet you, even if it's under less than optimal circumstances." He escorted to the cottage door. "Do you need help wrapping your ankle?"

She shook her head. "I'll be fine. Auntie can help." Her hand twisted the knob but she angled her head around. "If you'd like to drop by in a day or so, I'd love to see you again. Maybe make some lunch for you as a thank-you."

Cass grinned. "I'd like that." He waited for her to enter the cottage before turning to head home.

A brief flash of red above him spiked his irritation. "Why are you following me?" His gaze went to the trees and Magan dropped down from the lower limbs.

She rolled her eyes. "As if. I happened to be out here first and then you came stumbling along." Her crossbow had an arrow notched and her cap faced backward, a sure sign she'd come prepared to hunt.

Cass frowned. "Fine. Let's assume you're out here for the same reason I am. Doesn't explain why you followed me to the cottage?" She could've continued with her patrol.

Magan shrugged. "Maybe I wanted to see how you handled blonde, breathy, and brainless, especially since intelligent brunettes don't interest you."

Dammit, she needed to stop throwing that incident in his face. He'd been drunk and stupid and he'd inadvertently used her. His unintentional terrible timing and the way he'd hurt her notwithstanding, he didn't warrant the scathing treatment she threw at him all. The. Time.

"Look, Magan—"

She casually leveled her crossbow at his groin. "Don't insult me by apologizing. Again." She tilted her chin upward. "Your personal shortcomings do not interest me. And my curiosity is appeased. Blonde Ambition back there is welcome to your brand of lame romance." She swung the crossbow up and hoisted it on to her shoulder. "Have a lovely evening, Cass. Try not to get ensnared in any traps." She made a jump and grabbed a low-hanging limb, swung up into the trees then poked her head out from under the leaves. "And maybe ask yourself why neither of us heard a thing yet your new girlfriend claims she got chased by a nonexistent shifter … after being warned to stay out of the woods." She didn't wait for a comeback, nimbly moving through the branches and out of sight.

Cass balled his hands into fists. "Damn her. She's nothing but a sharp-tongued viper with a stupid red cap." He discounted her parting salvo.

If Siera didn't know the area, she wouldn't know which paths to stick to or what to look for as telltale signs the shifter were trying to encroach on the woods.

And maybe you're thinking with your dick again.

Cass really hated it when his internal voice sounded like Magan Drone.

I'm having a lot of fun writing this story. Cass did Magan wrong—not purposefully, but he did—and she takes every opportunity to poke him with a sharp, pointy stick.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye