Sunday Snippet: Rumpled and Worn

Wow, I can't believe January is almost over. Actually… yeah, I can. It's been a strange month. The weather is definitely not winter-like, which I'm not really complaining about. It might be nice to have snow… but maybe after we get our roof repaired.

Slow week for television as I had a few projects to get caught up on. I caught a new arc of Classic Who episodes. I'm in the tenth season and have one more to go with Three.

Also watched two more episodes of Gargoyles and finished out the first season. The second is super long with something like fifty-plus episodes. I'll gradually make my way through those.

I watched the first episode season eight's Arrow. Man… I'm going to miss this show so much. I'm excited there might be carry-on with Mia and the Dinah's and I actually hope some of the others in the 2040 version of Starling City find their way to the new show.

Caught an episode of Murdoch Mysteries and loved it. I always find it fun when they have historical figures mixed in with the regular cast. And I love the soft jabs the show takes at current events.

Watched another episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and I have one left for the third season. I really love how they work Flo and Mary into the storylines and I'll be interested to see what season four has on the horizon. If there is a season four.

Started the Riverdale finale for season three. I'm so hoping Edgar is gone for season four and I know Hiram isn't but I at least I might get one wish to come true. Seriously, I hate Hiram with the passion of a thousand burning suns. Ugh.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rumpled and Worn, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt about taking an established fairy tale and putting a new twist on it. I chose Rumplestilsken for this one.

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…

Cole Darrington knocked on Mabel Hawthorn's door. "Mrs. H? I'm going down to the ATM. Do you need anything?" He usually tried to ask whenever he went out later in the evening, especially since Mrs. H tended to run out of milk, eggs, and other baking supplies.

The oak slab swung inward and Mabel poked her head outside. "Ah, Cole. Come in for a moment, will you? I've got a wee list almost ready." Which could mean she had one or two things or up to a dozen items.

Cole stepped inside the tidy apartment. "Smells good in here. What sinfully delicious thing are you baking tonight?" From the aroma, he'd put his money on some kind of cake.

Mrs. H handed him a scrap of paper. "Mini coffee cakes. I need some cinnamon for dusting to mix with sugar for dusting the tops." She nodded at the jar on her counter. "Take what you need—"

Cole held up a hand. "Uh-uh. One container of cinnamon won't break the bank, Mrs. H." He tucked the paper in his pocket—not that he needed it—to humor Mabel.

She narrowed her eyes. "Well, then, I'll be bringing some of the cakes over for you to sample." Turning around, she bustled around, putting the mixing bowl into her sink.

Cole patted his stomach. "You're a very bad influence, Mrs. H."

She angled her head around, giving him a grin. "I'm not the one you need to worry about." She referred to her prophetic statement about the woman Cole would spend his life with.

Cole only half-believed her crazy theory he'd immediately know when he met her from the jolt that would supposedly shoot from his palm to his heart. Mrs. H had some mystical notions about love and soul mates and how the universe helped guide people on their right path. He'd never completely discount Mabel's statements because she'd been instrumental in helping Cole discover his calling as personal trainer and gym owner. You get what people need to motivate them and you're not an asshole about it. His lips quirked. Mrs. H didn't mince words.

Mabel paused from washing the bowl and cocked her head to one side. "Better hurry. Rain's coming." She sent a glance over her shoulder.

Cole gave a nod. "You've never been wrong. I'm headed out now." A quick trip to the local grocery then a stop at the ATM shouldn't take too long.

She lifted her chin in farewell and Cole backed out of her apartment, closing the door quietly behind him.

When he stepped out onto the sidewalk in the murky darkness of evening, a low rumble of thunder rolled in the distance. Cole shook his head and dashed across the street.

I love reworking fairy tales and adding an urban flavor to them. This one is so much fun.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Rite of Passage

I'm so excited! We're getting our leaky roof replaced in the very near future. I've been waiting to do a small renovation in our bathroom because I need to make sure we won't have any more water damage in there. Can't wait!!

Not a bad week for television. Caught an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries and, once again, enjoyed the four main characters and their bonding. Terrific female representation in this show.

Watched the penultimate episode of Riverdale's third season. So many revelations in this one and nothing I'm terribly surprised by. Edgar is just as creeptastic as I suspected. I do want to know if Polly is aware of Jason being… whatever the hell Jason is. My gut says Alice is not. Can't wait to find out. Veronica pulled a savage move on Hiram and I'm totally there for more of that. I literally hate that guy and actually wouldn't mind if he died in a fire. No such luck, I'm sure.

I caved and watched a season twelve episode of Peak Practice. I'll probably go back and forth on this show, catching the entire run while also sneaking in episodes with my favorite actor.

Caught the behind-the-scenes episode of Midsomer Murders and I'm ready to start season twenty-one. Looking forward to diving in next week.

I'm excited to watch the final season of Arrow in the very near future, along with the crossover event. I'm also thrilled to have some new super-hero shows on the horizon. Should be an interesting year for watching.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Rite of Passage, a Warlock's Curse novella.

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 spoke quietly. "Why are you checking out on me?" Tension radiated from her.

Falk sighed. Only Nadia would see him taking a step back as abandonment. How could he explain the clarity he now had?

Nadia paced back and forth. "Falk, you're letting my dad get to you." She stopped and pinned him with a glare.

Falk tilted his head to one side. "Yes, but also no. Having him in my face—and yours—all the time is pissing me off, so yeah, he's getting to me." He straightened and presented his case the best way he could. "Look, Nadia, I have to let you choose for yourself. If I don't, I'm no better than Boris." He moved forward and put his hands on her shoulders. "I'll offer any and all insight where I can, but won't be a dick like your dad and force you into making decisions." He cupped her chin and held her gaze. "I also won't use my dick to bind you to me." Because that would be exactly what Boris would do… hell, had done with Miranda. "Ultimately, Nadia, you have want that binding and come to me." Something he hoped for more than he wanted to admit right now.

Nadia's eyes welled up. "Don't you see the ultimatum is almost as bad?" Her fingers dashed the tears away.

Falk shook his head. "You see giving you the choice as an ultimatum?" How could she not understand? "I love you. Witch. Warlock. Woman. I don't care what you call yourself. I do care about not using you for some endgame to gain power." Boris had that wrapped up tight.

Nadia closed her eyes and swayed a little. "I'm so tired, Falk. Tired of fighting Boris. Tired of having Sebastian underfoot. Tired of not knowing which way to jump." She turned and stared into the fire.

A flash of insight hit Falk. She needed his guidance and didn't see him being alpha and demanding she choose him as a bad thing. But he couldn't make a demand, not even if it helped override and balance her warlock side. He could, however, share his conviction with her.

Moving to stand behind her, he wrapped his arms around her. "You know what has to be done, Nadia, and I will help there. You'll also know who's going to win. You'll make the right choice… because I trust you to do it." Pressing a kiss on her temple, he eased away from her and turned to leave.

Because Nadia also needed Falk to end her dad. She couldn't do it. The binding Boris did during her conception prevented her from killing him. But Falk didn't have any restrictions other than doing no harm. Putting Boris down would test the boundaries of magickal law but Falk counted on love winning out. His love for Nadia would be the deciding factor when he had to face whatever the coven council threw at him.

Exiting the study, he whispered an incantation and forwarded a message to the warlock master. They'd meet at dawn to end the battle for Nadia.

Honestly? I love this series so much. I'm hoping to get the time I need to write the whole thing before releasing any of the books.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Rockin' Yule

We're having unseasonably warm weather for January. The temperature hit seventy degrees today. I'm pretty much planning on having a blizzard during prom season and possibly during my daughter's graduation in May. Just saying.

I've had the unique experience of being project-free for a whole week. I can honestly say it's actually been kind of nice to have the downtime. It's good to catch up on mundane things like clearing my inbox and deleted items files.

Had a semi-decent week of television viewing. I finished up the episode of Frankie Drake and watched a new one. I really love this show.

Caught an episode of Midsomer Murders and finished out the twentieth series. I have a behind the scenes thing to watch then off to series twenty-one. Looking forward to starting it.

Finished the Sapphire and Steel series. I can honestly say the way ended surprised me but not in a bad way. The unique spin on how time functioned ended up being fun to watch.

Also caught the Three Doctors arc of Classic Who. Very interesting to go watch this one because I didn't get to watch during its original run.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Started the second season, which is a lot longer than I originally thought it was. I've also discovered I'm pretty sure I missed the entire third season of this show. New stuff!!

Started a new episode of Murdoch Mysteries and I'm enjoying it so far. I feel like fans are on borrowed time because sooner or later the shoe is going to drop on William and Miss Hart will be the one to wield it. Not sure how I feel about that, to be honest.

Finished up a Blue Heelers episode and started a new one. Still enjoy this show so much. I love getting a look at how law enforcement works in another country, even if it's fictionalized.

Finally, I've been waiting and waiting for a very long time for an old British show to make its way to the streaming services. It's finally here! I watched the first episode of Peak Practice and I can't wait to watch the episodes with one of my favorite actors. Of course, he doesn't show up until the final season and it's a solid bet I won't be able to wait to watch his episodes, but I'm trying to view in chronological order. We'll see what happens.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from A Rockin' Yule, a Holiday Spirit short.

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…

Jolly Jingleman, a holiday spirit in the nether realm, put a log on the fire and settled back onto the sofa. He had a new book he could read but he opted for a deck of cards instead. This close to the Yule holiday taught a very valuable lesson...

"Never make plans, start a new book, or go on vacation because, inevitably, the spirit forces will wreck all of the above."

He'd been around long enough in the afterlife to always be prepared—especially during the cheeriest time of the year.

He took a nip of his hot toddy. "So many people lose their holiday happiness." Hence the reason spirits had busy schedules during the last month of the year.

Sure enough, halfway through his third game of solitaire, the low burn of energy buzzed through his system. He scooped the cards up and put them away then retrieved the fluttering notification from the mantle. Settling down on the couch again, he perused the orders to bring two wayward souls together for the holiday.

Leaning back, he set the parchment aside. "Well, well, well. I have my work cut out for me." He brought out the Book of Everything and found the background for Gabriel Gabor, a wood nymph in an ancient glade. "Let's see, Gabriel is up for the nobleman position. His problem?" Jolly read through the lengthy description. "Ah, he's not sure he can get the nymphs on board to integrate into the human realm. Doesn't help his archrival wants the position and likes to spread dissent." Jolly shook his head. "Tyson Truman is a piece of work."

The man didn't care how much nymphs disliked strife. He fanned the flames of fear, wanting to rule over the masses and keep them under his "protection".

Jolly rolled his eyes. "More like control thinly veiled as protection." Truman only cared about lording himself over the other nymphs.

But the nymphs were slowly dying out. Gabriel recognized the need to spread out and gain new blood. If it didn't happen soon, the species would cease to exist.

Jolly turned his attention to Saffron Sapienza, an extraordinarily beautiful hellhound. Tall, darkly exotic in human form, and deadly, but gorgeous in her hound form.

Jolly chuckled. "Whoo, boy. She's a fire cracker."

Saffron tilted the world on its axis no matter where she went. She didn't do anything on purpose. In fact, she rarely enjoyed the attention she received or the havoc it caused within her pack of shifters.

Jolly snorted. "She's a perfect storm of brains, beauty, and unrestrained hellhound blood."

Too bad the DNA limited Saffron's options. Hellhounds had a high sex drive but they mated with one person and they had a switch that flipped when they found their match.

Jolly laughed. "No wonder the spirits needed help on this one."

With the nymphs rarely leaving the glade and Saffron's pack issues, the two wouldn't have met under conventional circumstances.

Jolly rubbed his hands together. "Okay, let's find a place for my charges to explore new possibilities with no distractions."

He thumbed through several locations. The city penthouse would have too many diversions for the potential couple. And the chalet, while lovely, lacked the romantic ambiance Saffron deserved when she finally met her mate. The next location pinged as exactly right.

"Ah... here we go. This will be perfect." Goodacre Bed and Breakfast.

The secluded inn, situated in the nether world, would provide privacy and a charming locale for the duo to discover their future.

Jolly got up and shifted between the veils separating the spiritual realm from the supernatural nether world. "I have a stage to set."

I love writing the holiday spirit sexy shorts. It's fun to come up with ridiculous names for the spirits and create conflict for the fae / supernatural characters.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Ringside Seats

January 5, 2020

Hello 2020! I'm quite thrilled to have a clean new year to take out for a spin. We have a new puppy named Maggie Mae and she's a sweetie. Her big sister Annabelle needed a companion and so far they're settling in together very well. I'd totally forgotten how much energy puppies have. Yeesh.

Had a limited week of television viewing but got a few shows watched. I caught a full arc of Classic Who and also watched quite a bit of the Doctor Who marathon on BBC America. Sadly, I missed almost all of the episodes from last season.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. I had a long hiatus mainly because I've been catching up on laundry and had so much to fold I couldn't do it in my laundry room.

Watched two more episodes of Gargoyles. Also had another great conversation with my oldest about watching this show when he was a little one.

Caught the prom night episode of Riverdale and, again, enjoyed the hell out of it. This show is so incredibly batshit I can't not have fun while watching.

Also watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm so on the fence about where they're going with William and Julia. To date, this show has never let me down so I'm hoping that won't be the case here.

Finally, I started an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. This is another show that rarely lets me down and I'm having a good time watching this episode.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Ringside Seats, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

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…

Vita Morj draped the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder. "Finally finished with finals." The mage academy wouldn't get another thought from her for a full month.

Which meant she had to budget her funds even more, but the break would be worth it. Too bad the financial aid stipend her grandmother secured didn't extend during the semester downtime.

"Vita! Hold up a moment." The deep, resonating voice came from behind her.

Vita paused, her breath catching in her throat. What could Keb Pennyson possibly have to say to her? Not like they even came close to existing in the same circles. He had blue blood running through his veins and while her pedigree topped his… a grand total of three people had access to that information.

Turning, she slid her gaze in his direction. "Keb. Need my notes or something?" He'd snuck into class during one of the instructor's spell lessons.

He flashed his megawatt grin. "Nah. I have a guy for that." He leaned in close, crowding her personal space. "What are you doing tonight? Can you see your way to having dinner with me at my family's estate?" He braced on arm on the wall behind her, creating an intimate cocoon.

Vita's eyes widened. "Uh… dinner? Well… sure, I guess so." Color her shocked, because Keb had cool and aloof down to a fine art.

But his invitation, issued with a warm tone, thrilled her to her toes. And he got her name right, which also surprised her. He normally referred to people he didn't run around with by the first initial of their name, followed by incorrect versions. Visa, Vila, Veela…

She bit back a huge smile, not wanting to show how much having her secret fantasy guy ask her out excited her. "Should I just show up? Or will you be picking me up? Oh, what time?"  She stumbled over the words but, holy shit, Keb Pennyson. "And, um, does your family dress for dinner?" That could be problematic.

He gave her a quirky smile. "Yeah, the folks like a formal affair, but you don't need anything special. Just wear a dress and you'll be fine." He backed away. "I'll pick you up in the quad… around seven? Dinner's at seven thirty." He raised an eyebrow.

Vita gave a nod. "Okay, seven PM in the quad. I'll be ready." She started a mental list because she didn't own a dress.

Surely the vintage thrift shop would have something appropriate? And she'd have to use the last of her grocery allowance to buy something.

Then again… worth it.

She had a date with Keb Pennyson.

Vita all but floated out of Banner Hall before heading for her dorm.

I so love writing this one. Keb is getting ready to learn a valuable lesson at Vita's hand and he's going to stumble and fall a few times.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Reflections

Welcome to the last post of 2019. I hope everyone had a terrific holiday or the best they could have given the trash fire that has turned into a raging wildfire of possible corruption and back channel maneuvering in the RWA. I'm not a member of the organization but I stand with marginalized authors. Period. Full stop.

I believe I made it through the mild case of the flu. I'm still a little stuffed up and achy, but otherwise doing well. I caught some decent television time also.

I watched an episode of Riverdale and thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again, the play on theme of the episode title worked so well. I'm sad because it's almost the end of the season and that means no more Luke Perry soon.

I finished Dirty Sexy Saint and ended up really liking it. I also caught the new Quickie, The Naughty List and loved that also.

Caught another episode of Murdoch Mysteries and enjoyed the different approach. The episode played out almost like a dinner theater murder mystery and I'm totally there for that.

Frankie Drake also had a different style of episode and I loved it. The cold opening had me wondering for a few moments if we'd lost a major cast member. Well done.

Watched an episode of Midsomer Murders and, weirdly, it reminded me of Doctor Who if only because two of the actresses in this episode guest-starred on the series. I've been watching some of the marathon leading up to the New Year's premiere of the new season.

I'm finishing out the week with a full arc of Sapphire and Steel. I started season three and since there's only one assignment for this season, I'll have it finished up later today.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Reflections, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt for a special call themed romance.

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…

Everley Bonice entered her grandmother's—no, it belongs to me now—house and tossed her keys on the delicate console table by the door. She unwound her scarf and hung it on the coat tree then followed with her peacoat.

Heaving a sigh, she glanced around the foyer. "Where do I start, Gram?" As if the one constant in Everley's life could answer.

Although, knowing her grandmother, a response from the great beyond might not be impossible.

Everley wandered through the house, sifting through memories of good times. Better ones than the last five years where living in the city proved difficult.

She entered the room she called hers from the age of six. "Well… I won't be sleeping in here." Every available surface had clothing bags and storage bins covering them.

At least Emma made an attempt to start sorting through her vintage wardrobe and antiques. Now Everley would finish the project and decide if she wanted to keep the grand old Victorian home or sell it to a family that would love and care for it.

Gently shutting the door, Everley crossed over to her grandmother's former room and peeked inside. The room hadn't changed in close to twenty years, as long as Everley could remember. Beautifully stained and polished wood furniture gleamed in the sunny space. And, of course, in the far corner stood the only thing Everley didn't like.

Emma's heirloom mirror—the one that always freaked Everley out.

The ornate, standing frame seemed to whisper in Everley's mind in muted tones she couldn't make out. Emma used to laugh and shake her head whenever Everley threw whatever she had handy over the reflective surface. A coat, a throw, Emma's bathrobe, it didn't matter as long as it covered the mirror that gave Everley the heebie-jeebies.

Emma always rolled her eyes. "Someday that mirror will belong to you and you'll understand its mysteries."

Everley always shuddered at the thought. But her grandmother extracted a promise that Everley would keep it for future generations. Like there would be any after Everley.

She grimaced. "Highly unlikely. I have exactly zero plans to have offspring." She'd have to adopt because she'd sworn off any kind of long-term relationship.

Glancing up, she gasped. "What the ever-loving hell is going on?"

In the mirror's reflection, an intimate scene unfolded between a man with raven-colored hair and a woman. Everley wanted to look away, but the beautiful symmetry of the male's movements kept her gaze glued to the sight. The strong, powerful thrusts he used, the flex and release of the muscles in his thighs and buttocks were gorgeous. The woman's back arched off the bed and her mouth opened on a silent shout of pleasure.

Everley fanned her face. "Goodness. Definitely didn't expect anything X-rated today." She couldn't tear her gaze away from the couple. The man, when he came, threw his head back and Everley bit back a startled yelp… because the woman enjoying the prime specimen of manhood happened to be her.

This story is coming together nicely. I love the challenge of writing to a specific idea and through a mirror darkly is fun to explore.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Reflection of a Kiss

So, I'm pretty much caught up on the holiday shopping and just in time. We adopted another doggo this week and I ended up with a mild case of the flu. So far, a multi-symptom medication is taking care of the flu and the puppy is chewing her way through anything she can sink her teeth into. We're working on the little shredder to help break her of tearing into everything.

Slow week for television, but I did watch a Classic Who arc. I think I have one left of season nine.

Caught two more episodes of Gargoyles. I had a great conversation with my oldest about the shows we watched together when he was little. Some great memories shared of how much fun we had.

Started Mr. 365, a Passionflix original, but stopped it about halfway through because I'm behind on everything and I wanted to catch Dirty Sexy Saint, the holiday movie for this year. I'll finish up Mr. 365 soon.

I'm in the middle of Dirty Sexy Saint and, so far, love it. I'm so glad I got a founding member's subscription to Passionflix.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Reflection of a Kiss, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community 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…

Fisk grinned. "Oh, I plan to." He worked his mouth from her breasts down over her stomach and then lower.

He shifted and settled between her legs, hooking her knees over his shoulders. He grasped her hips then leaned forward to trail his tongue between her folds. Pryce rewarded him with a low moan.

Fisk loved the sound, his dick twitching in response. He could wait—the desire to push Pryce over the edge took precedence over his needs. For too long, they'd been caught in an endless cycle of patrol, dispatch, regroup, and start again. Tonight's elimination of the ravaging hell beasts bought some time.

Finally.

To relax. Unwind. Rejuvenate. And reflect.

He'd missed this—stolen moments belonging only to them. He planned to savor Pryce while he had the chance.

Flicking his tongue over her clit, he then sucked it lightly between his lips. Pryce gasped and shuddered. He inserted two fingers inside her hot core and fluttered them against her g-spot. She bucked against his hand, her head thrashing on the pillow. The tight grip on his fingers when she came completely turned him on. Only he did this to her—pushing her into pleasure, giving her release.

When she relaxed into bliss, he worked his way back up her body, trailing open-mouthed kisses over her skin. Pryce surprised him with a hand planted on his chest.

He quirked an eyebrow but grinned when she nudged him backward onto the mattress. Straddling his thighs, she scooched downward and gripped his dick. "My turn for some fun…"

Fisk closed his eyes, anticipation filling his mind and his cock.

One of my favorite things when writing is to find the bare essence of a moment and create a scene. This story is challenging me to search for those small pieces of heaven.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Red-Eyed Monster

There's nothing quite like hitting the third week of December and realizing less than half my holiday shopping is complete. I need about five more hours each day to get everything finished up. Something tells me I'm not going to see that extra time.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Caught an episode of Riverdale and, wow, I'm seriously impressed with how the relationship with Betty and Alice is being portrayed. I'm on the fence with the Hal stuff. Was completely thrilled I didn't have any Hiram to deal with and loved the father / son stuff between FP and Jughead and Archie and Fred. It's so bittersweet to watch Luke Perry's scenes.

Caught another arc of Sapphire and Steel. I should be getting ready to start the third season next week.

Watched an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Really not sure what to make of the neighbor interaction. My gut says the wife is probably some type of murderer. We'll see if I'm proven right. I have a vague idea of who I think she'll end up taking out if she is.

Also watched an episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Enjoyed seeing a family member added to the fold. Loved Nora's mama bear protection instincts.

Also caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Very happy this has another season coming up.

That's pretty much it for television this week. I also dived deep into the holiday music on a couple of days. Tonight's post is from Red-Eyed Monster, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

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…

Psyche stood outside the door of her father's house. "Here goes nothing." Twisting the knob, she entered the foyer and waved his ever-present butler and best friend aside. "He'll be expecting me, Smithy. No need to make an announcement." She didn't wait to get a response from the man she'd known since the age of two.

She definitely didn't want an audience for the argument she'd no doubt have with her dad.

Padrick Hood sat behind the large desk in his study, poring over a map. His dark hair had rows where his fingers had combed through the strands and his red pencil made three quick circles on the plotted page before him. He heaved a sigh that sounded older than his forty-six years.

Padrick didn't glance up when she took her usual spot across from him. "The destruction is even worse after last night. Why haven't we caught the red-eyed beast yet?" He finally looked up, a bit of accusation in his gaze.

Psyche didn't rise to the bait. "Because you don't want more than two people out there looking for it." And one of those two happened to be her.

Padrick tossed the pencil on the paper. "You know why I don't. I'm not going to put anyone at risk when something fueled by dark magick is roaming our glade." His fingers drummed frustration on the desk.

Psyche put her hands on the surface, covering the map. "Then let me do what needs to be done." She braced for the explosive response.

Padrick shot to his feet and got in her face. "No. I will not have you mucking about in your mother's books and journals." He slammed a hand down. "You're better than that and shouldn't need to delve into using the dark side of magick to catch this thing." His nostrils flared and his voice boomed.

Psyche barely refrained from rolling her eyes. "Why do you always assume I want to use dark magick? I only need to get a handle on how it works, not wield the power." His utter lack of understanding pissed her off.

Padrick backed away and paced the floor behind his desk. "You don't need to be anywhere near your mother's history." His tone held accusation.

Beyond tired of getting lumped into a category she didn't deserve, Psyche lifted her chin. "You know what, Dad? It's not my fault you got all hot and bothered over a dark arts mistress and couldn't keep it in your pants. The fact that I'm the result of dark and light coming together is something you won't let me forget and the one time I tried to find answers about my mom you flipped your shit and locked me down with an enhancement that won't let me practice anything other than light magick. What exactly are you afraid of here?" Did he really want the beast caught or not?

Padrick stopped and faced her. "I'm afraid of losing you the way I lost her." His eyes filled with ragged pain. "She couldn't turn away from the dark, Psy. She tried but couldn't resist the temptation. I won't let you go down the same path." He came around the desk and stood at her side. "You have to understand it would kill me to see you succumb like she did." His hand grasped her shoulder in a fatherly squeeze.

Dammit. She did get it. But she also hated the low-level distrust her dad held for her at all times. She made one mistake—over a decade ago at age sixteen—and he couldn't let it go.

She'd given her idea her best shot. Now they had to figure out how to proceed with finding and containing the red-eyed monstrosity wreaking havoc in the glade.

Blowing out a breath, she gave a nod. "I get it, Dad. Let's focus on catching our interloper." She swung the map around and pointed to the center of the village. "I'm thinking we should stake out the—"

Padrick interrupted her. "No, it started in the north quadrant, then moved west the next night. Last night it tore up the south quad. I want you to patrol the east sector tonight."

She sighed. "Don't you think at least one of us should be in the square? That way if the beast returns and doesn't go where we predict, we have a better shot at catching it."

Her father shook his head. "No. Errol needs to be with you. I don't want you two to split up."

She'd rather have Errol Winkham with her at all times, but she also wanted to rid the village of the contraption causing all the problems so she and Errol could get back to doing what they did best… challenging each other in work and play.

Psyche lifted a shoulder. "Fine. Whatever you say, Dad." She backed up and turned to leave.

Padrick softened his stance a little. "If you don't have any luck in the east quad, you can do it your way. As long as you and Errol agree."

Psyche's lips curved. "Not a guarantee but, thanks." She exited the study and nodded to Smithy before leaving the house.

Standing outside, she shook her head. "Okay, that didn't go well, but it could've been worse." She started down the drive to head over to Errol's.

I love this story! One of my favorite tropes is having an established couple go through a personal trial that could end up breaking them apart. This story has that through-line and I'm having so much fun with it.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye