Sunday Snippet: Dawn of the Son

It's been a weird week but also a productive one. I can't quite believe March is almost over. My middle kid has gallbladder surgery on Tuesday and my youngest kid has a long weekend coming up and I'm kind of excited to have everyone home.

Very slow work week so I got to focus on writing again. Made a lot of progress on the back end with a good bit or organizing and updating files. I got some new projects launched and made a big dent in some older ones that have been on the back burner. It's always nice to feel productive.

Also got some cleaning done, which is terrific and long overdue. I've been setting a timer and sticking with one area for that timeframe. Seems to be working well so far. I pick a room, set the limit, and get busy. Makes the job seem less daunting.

On the television front, I got three arcs of Classic Who watched this week. I'm almost finished with season fourteen and I miss Sarah Jane but Leela is pretty fun. I don't think I've seen any Leela episodes so it's kind of fun to see new fare.

I also watched several more episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm about halfway through the first season and other than remembering how annoying Miss Piggy's karate chops are I'm having great memories.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and finished out the ninth season. I'll be starting ten this week.

Got another episode of Peak Practice in and should have one more for the second season then ready to start the third. I'm not sure how long Jack and Beth will be sticking around but I'm really enjoying this show.

I also got to catch an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. I'm behind on the new season, but I like to binge this show so I'll get caught up soon.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dawn of the Son, a novella that got started with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Apollo and Aurora aren't supposed to get together, but the Universe has other ideas. When everything starts to go sideways, two mortals personify the ancient deities and balance is restored.

And a preview snippet…

Aurora entered Apollo's grotto and propped a shoulder on the marble column. "The oracle said it's time." She moved forward, coming to a stop beside the love of her life—a man she couldn't have.

Apollo reached out and drew her forward. "Pythia found them. The two who can fulfill the prophecy." He only held her for a moment; otherwise, she'd start to dissipate.

The curse of belonging to a different pantheon. She only had brief windows of opportunity to see and converse with Apollo, something that drove both mad.

Rules are rules—even when they're stupid.

Apollo's lips curved. "Railing at the forced limitations doesn't make them go away and cuts into the brief time we have together." He withdrew a scroll and spread it open. "Pythia provided me with this…" He waved his hand over the parchment.

A couple appeared, their life unfolding on the page. Aleina Foyle and Alston Saddington fought their way through a war that ravaged their planet. Now they were part of the leading force that had to convince the population to leave their homes and take to the stars. The warfare decimated their home to the point it wouldn't recover.

Aurora tilted her head. "She's magnificent." Aleina had strength and faith that did little to curb her headstrong ways. "Has Pythia started planting the seeds yet?"

Apollo nodded. "With waking dreams and nightscape visions. It's going to take a toll on Aleina." He frowned, his poet's heart battling with his hunter's mind.

Aurora turned her attention to Alston. "He's an enigma. He doesn't believe in the pantheon but he has a wellspring of fortitude and a moral fiber that runs strong." She met Apollo's gaze. "Will he accept his role for what needs to be done to save humanity?" If he didn't, she'd have a very long wait to be with her love.

Apollo studied the scroll. "For her, yes. He'll resist and fight the current, but the prophecy indicates he'll carry through." He waved his hand over the vision and the parchment returned to normal.

Aurora sighed. "I wish I could be there when you bring Aleina over. It's not fair, these tiny openings in the veil never last long enough." Already, the pull to return to her side tugged at her.

Apollo gathered her close. "Patience, my love. We'll be together soon." He meshed his lips with hers, taking the kiss long and deep.

The moment ended when Pythia entered the grotto. "My dears, time is short. Aurora must return to her side or humanity's fate will come to an end." The oracle stood vigil over the rift in the veil. "The mists swirl and her path will obscure soon."

Aurora sent Pythia a grateful smile. "Thank you. For everything." Pythia's role in bringing the prophecy to light would always endear her to Aurora.

Taking one last lingering look at Apollo, Aurora made her way out of his grotto and slipped through the mists to her side of the veil. The plot set, the pieces in motion, she hoped the oracle's vision for saving humanity held true.

The goddess of the dawn would soon be chasing the moon away and seeking her light, the god of the sun. Aurora had the power to intervene and give humanity its last chance to get things right. But she'd need her poet hunter to balance the universe. Aleina had the strength to carry the burden of bringing the people together. Alston had the right mix of military bearing and political savvy to keep them on the path.

And the triggering event would take place soon to bring Aurora and Apollo together on the mortal coil.

What started out as a single standalone title has morphed into a trilogy. I'm not how that happened, but I'm running with it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Dangerous Elements (a Lantern Jack tale)

I did get my vaccine this past Tuesday and only had mild side effects, for which I'm very grateful. I'm glad it's out of the way and look forward to everyone else getting theirs and finding a new normal.

Had another slower work week and caught up on more writing. It's nice to focus for longer periods when I'm able to. Had a few distractions involving family member health issues but both of those were expected.

Television ended up being fairly decent this week. I finished a new arc of Classic Who and it might be the last one with Sarah Jane Smith. I'm not sure but should find out this week.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. Jack and Amanda finally got married and had some drama prior to the wedding.

Caught the last two episodes of No Offence's first season and, wow, what a great ending. A little twisty and turny but very satisfying. Also caught the deleted scenes and a behind the scenes meeting of the cast and creator. Worth the watch.

Watched a couple episodes of The Muppet Show. Again, I had some great memories of watching as a kid. I'm enjoying diving back into the show.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers but haven't made it very far yet. Looks like a good episode so far.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. Almost at the end of season nine. This looks like another good two-parter.

Did a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0 and watched a good portion of season nine. I'll have to revisit because I missed some key points, but it's a decent season so far.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Dangerous Elements, a Lantern Jack tale featuring a shifter and a guardian.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. The long-standing animosity between shifters and the human council comes to a dangerous head. Dahlia Derringer is next in line to rule the council and she's stepping into the role because a shifter almost took her father's life. Otto Orpheus leads the shifters and he's furious a rogue fox acted against his orders. Samhain is nigh and the shifters need to replenish their aura … if Otto can get Dahlia's permission to do so.

And a preview snippet…

Otto Orpheus stood outside the Derringer house, with an ugly jack-o-lantern on the porch, biting back anger and frustration. "How dare the council refuse entry to the sacred lands?" He crumpled the letter.

Were they trying to kill off the shifters?

He knocked, fully expecting a tense conversation with Dean Derringer, the head of the human council. Otto wanted a treaty, one that would allow access to the land throughout the year. If he had to concede to small numbers and having his people escorted throughout their visit, he'd do it. He'd do anything to get his clan healthy and whole again.

The door jerked open and Otto nearly swallowed his tongue when a vision of female loveliness greeted him. Tall and sensuous, she had legs for days but also glorious curves. He loved a woman with some hips. His eyes scanned upward and he almost fell in love with the gorgeous female … until he met her gaze—hard, furious, and unyielding. Dahlia Derringer had certainly grown up in the ten years since he'd seen her last.

She huffed out a breath. "What do you want?" Her chest heaved with indignation.

Otto showed her the letter. "To speak with Dean. He can't bar us from the sacred lands. He can't refuse—" His words were cut off when she shoved him on the shoulder.

Dahlia snarled. "He didn't, I did." She gave him another jab.

What the hell?

Otto shook his head. "Why? What's going on?" What on earth happened?

She stepped back, her mouth a thin slash across her face. "Leave. Now." She started to close the door.

He stuck his foot out to stop her.  "Hold up. What the hell is going on here?" He couldn't go anywhere until he got some answers.

Dahlia got pissed. "You dare show up when my father's life hangs in the balance? Demanding entry to sacred lands? No, I don't think so." She made another effort to slam the door.

Did I step into an alternate reality? What's going on here? He literally had zero clue what had her so furious. How did Dean's life hang in the balance? Her chest rose and fell with anger and her gaze, while glittering with rage, also held an underlying note of concern. She truly feared for her dad's life.

But he needed to secure entry to their sacred area. "Wait a minute. What happened to Dean? I haven't been informed of any of this."

She rolled her eyes. "Do you expect me to believe you? Really?" She turned and walked toward the hall.

Otto followed her but stayed close to the door. "I don't expect anything. I'm asking what's going on. If you refuse to answer, I can't address or defend whatever it is you think I've done wrong."

And for once he hadn't been plotting or planning anything.

I have such a good time writing the Lantern Jack tales. Otto and Dahlia are a fun couple to put on the page.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Lost in Translation (Crystal Shard Brotherhood)

Well, I think I get my vaccine this week. I'm actually rather excited they made it to my age range. I'll look forward to being able to be out and about more than I currently am.

Had a slower work week, which ended up being nice to get caught up on some writing and start some new projects that have been waiting in the wings. Also caught some television.

Ended up watching two arcs of Classic Who. I am in season fourteen and but I'm not halfway as I originally thought.

Caught two episodes of No Offence. I'm almost finished with the first season and it's getting really good. I'm thoroughly enjoying this show.

Watched the first part of Silent Witness and started the second. It's actually kind of a creepy episode.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice, which ended up being really good. I'm near the end of the second season and almost ready to start the third.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers and it continues a bit from the previous episode. It's getting a little more into the personal lives of the characters.

Also watched several episodes of The Muppet Show. I'm having some seriously fun childhood flashbacks.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Lost in Translation, a Crystal Shard Brotherhood novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A body dumped outside a fortress. A scroll located in twelve different locations. A trap sprung. But the brethren are too smart to take the bait. Jackson Alexander and Jacey Durham have to turn the tables on the nemesis trying to dismantle the Crystal Shard Brotherhood.

And a preview snippet…

The scary look on Jacks's face didn't deter Jacey from trying to remember what happened.

She thought back, the twinge of pain less intense this time. "I got a phone call." She left out the encoded part for now, better to hold the information back until she knew more about Jacks. "Left to meet the driver."

She had a memory of walking to the lift, going down in the empty tram, and heading through the lobby of her building.

The bump on her head started to throb, but she continued. "I was early so I waited by the doors." Things got a little fuzzier after that. "The car pulled along the curb so I exited and went out to meet it." She frowned. "The driver usually gets out and opens the door, but he didn't this time." Why hadn't he? She wished the details weren't so murky in her head.

Jack showed an interest in that statement. "That the first time that's happened?"

Jacey shook her head. "No. But it's not common." Her hand rubbed absently along the bruised area on her head.

Jacks noticed. "You okay? We can stop if you need to."

He clearly didn't want to. Curiosity warred with concern on his face. With a dash of wariness.

Jacey shrugged off the fatigue. "No. I'm fine. But there's not much more I can tell you." She pushed her limits. "The door popped open from the inside and I entered…" Jacey frowned again. She got a little more—a flash of a face—but nothing clear. The visage got shoved aside by the memory of a stinging pinch on her arm.

Her eyes widened and her hand went to the spot on her bicep. "I was injected with something." But what?

Her eyes flew to Jacks. "I think I was drugged." Buy why? She didn't have a clue who would want to do something like that. Or why they'd want to then beat her and dump her outside the keep.

Her head ached and now her arm throbbed.

I'm excited about moving ahead on this series. I don't have all the books plotted out but I do have some good beats jotted down so I at least know where things are going.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Consortium of Chaos

Hello, March! It seems weird that a year ago next week, I went out with friends to celebrate birthdays and a week later we started the state shutdown. It's been both the longest and shortest time span between the two. I'm not sure that makes sense, but it's definitely how the last twelve months have been for me. LOL

My middle kiddo, who is actually a grown adult, ended up being admitted to the hospital on Monday. He's got some health issues going on and he's really tired of trips to urgent care, the ED, and various doctors. I'm hoping he eventually gets a solid diagnosis and starts to find some relief soon.

Had another fairly busy week with work. My projects have slowed down a little since last June, which is a blessing and a curse. I like having more time to hit some side projects but I also like to stay busy so I don't lose my groove.

Not a bad week for television. I caught a couple episodes of Silent Witness. Season nine started on such a downer but one of the things I love about British dramas is how they explore the journeys characters take. US television doesn't do that as often.

Watched another episode of No Offence. I'm still enjoying this show. I like the overreaching arc of a serial killer and the case of the week stuff also. Good show.

I caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm almost finished with the second season and I'm looking forward to easing back into this show on a regular basis.

For fun, I started watching The Muppet Show series. I remember experiencing the original run with my two brothers. It was one show we all agreed on and watched together without fighting. Brings back good memories.

Caught a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0 and I'm almost at the point where I stopped watching regularly. Not sure if seasons eight through the end will be on, but I'll try to finish out the series.

Finally, caught another arc of Classic Who and started season fourteen. I can't remember how many seasons the fourth doctor had, but I think I'm at the halfway point.

And that's pretty much it for this week. Tonight's post is from Consortium of Chaos, the opening book of the Chaos series, which has a bit of a steampunk flair.

Here's the mini-blurb:

A missing brother, a madman's sinister plot to make a perfect world, and a connection so strong it saves a life hundreds of miles away. Ashton Sylvester and Esme Von Staunton never have a dull moment.

And a preview snippet…

Ash smiled. "I can absolutely do that." And without using his attunement skill.

Other than an occasional emergency, like the warming calm, he rarely gave free rein to his ability.

His fingers plucked at the buttons of her vest, one of her ingenious inventions. The pockets held all sorts of odds and ends. He pushed the heavy fabric off her shoulders and let it fall to the floor.

Esme leaned in and Ash caught her lips, working the buttons of her shirt loose. His mouth dropped down, ghosting along her throat before stopping to nuzzle her collarbone. Esme moaned, low in her throat, and her hands busied themselves removing his jacket.

Ash helped and shrugged out of the coat, but kept his hands on Esme. He craved the contact, fingers gliding down her arms, sliding the thick cotton shirt along with them. It hung by the cuffs at her wrists and he trailed nibbling kisses along each arm before working the cuffs off her hands.

He skimmed his fingers along her sides, then slid the thin straps of her camisole over her shoulders. Esme's impatient fingers freed the buttons of his shirt and Ash dipped his head to snag her lips again. Her mind filled with need and he decided not to toy with her any longer. He tugged the ribbon in the center of her camisole, loosened the laces and spread the fabric to reveal her breasts.

Esme shivered, the cool air puckering the nipples. Ash cupped her breasts with the warmth of his hands and gently kneaded them. Hurried now, Esme shoved his shirt off his shoulders and dropped her hands to unfasten his trousers. Ash grinned. She always got in a rush when he wanted to slow things down.

He leaned in and whispered against her ear. "You're impatient, my love. We have all night." The pad of his thumb worried over a pebbled nipple.

Esme pushed his trousers past his hips and his cock sprang forward. "You're primed and ready, let's not waste time." Her hand wrapped around his length and applied firm pressure. Not enough to hurt, only to entice. "I want to stoke the fire while I can."

She loosened her pants, the ones Ash loved. He never cared how scandalized other got when she wore them. They hugged her curves and let his imagination run wild.

Esme tugged forward on his shaft and gave her hips a twist. The clinging fabric slid down her legs and pooled at her feet. She took his breath away.

The wanton look of her, chemise gaping open, breasts exposed, holding his cock in her hand, made him swell and harden. "Gads, Es. Stoke the fire much more and you won't achieve your goal for the evening."

She threw him a sly grin and kissed him hard on the mouth. "Oh, yes, Ash. I will." Her hands moved to his hips, drawing him closer.

He stepped out of his trousers, lifted her, and urged her legs to warp around his waist.

His cock nestled snug in the crease of her buttocks and her slippery wetness drenched his groin. "Mmm … you're very eager tonight, love." His hands moved to cup her ass. "Won't be able to make it last." His mouth met hers and he carried her to the bed.

He sat on the foot end of the mattress, Esme's hot center, heating his blood.

She broke the kiss and eased her head back. "Don't care if it's fast. I need you, Ash." She nudged him backward, planted her hands on his chest and lifted her hips.

Poised above his rigid shaft, her gaze held his, a myriad of emotions passing through her eyes. Desire. Need. Want. But most prominent … love. Ash understood her silent declaration and when he nodded Esme made a slow descent, enveloping his cock inch by inch.

She drew him in and held fast, squeezing her walls around his length. Ash moaned and lifted his head, crushing his mouth against hers. Esme rode him, slowly at first, but when his hands cupped her breasts, her hips rocked faster and harder, dragging them quickly to the edge of reason.

Esme broke the kiss, gasping for air, and tossed her head back. Her fingers curled into her palms and her hands pressed hard into his chest. Ash held on by a thread, wanting … needing her to break first.

Her hips twisted and he choked out a harsh breath. "God, Es. So close." He sucked in another breath and begged. "Come with me. Please." His thumbs brushed over her nipples and Esme tensed then shuddered, an orgasm rocking through her.

A little steamy but this scene came together better than I'd hoped. Esme and Ash are a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Choice to Make

The shortest month went by really fast. I can't believe we're headed for March again. It's been such a weird year and I'm actually kind of blown away that it feels like the last twelve months have flown by yet also seemed to last a decade. Seriously.

Had a somewhat busy work week and didn't get a lot of television watched. But I got a few things viewed. Started with Silent Witness and finished up the first episode of season nine.

I actually got two arcs of Classic Who watched. I think I'm almost finished with season thirteen. I like this season. There have been some interesting episodes and I love Elisabeth Sladen a lot.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. I had to do some downloading with the IMDBTV app to get back into this one. That's what happens when I take a longish break.

As usual, I caught my mystery shows on Ovation and some Classic Perry Mason. Also caught a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0. I'm hoping to see the last two seasons at some point.

That's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from Choice to Make, a novella that puts a heavy decision on the heroine and she has to choose how her future will unfold.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Hallen and Will never get the timing right until the Fates step in and give them a chance. But each has a choice to make and cosmic irony may rear its ugly head … again.

And a preview snippet…

Hallen came awake slowly. At least she thought she did. Maybe slumber hadn't claimed her. It could be something else entirely.

Who knew?

She experienced a floaty, shifting kind of feeling. Heavy and buoyant at the same time. The space around her glowed brightly, but she couldn't find a source for the light. She tested her arms and legs. At least they seemed to be functioning properly.

What the hell? Does the crazy just have to follow me around? Sitting up, she made sure she had her feet on solid ground before standing. She might as well use them to explore. If the weird drifting sensation thing didn't make her fall over when she tried. Hallen took a tentative step forward and remained upright. So far, so good. Two more steps and she stopped. Looked down. And discovered she happened to be wearing a dress.

Not just any old rag either but an exact replica of her once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity gown. The one she wore during the Landing Day celebration. Only this one came in some soft, shimmery shade she couldn't begin to name. Not really gold, white, or ivory but a subtle mix of all three.

She laughed, not caring if the sound echoed all around her. Too bad Will isn't here to see me. He'd appreciate the humor.

Recalling the look on his face that day long ago, she figured he'd probably like the dress, too.

She sobered. Why a dress? Not even close to what she'd choose to wear for all eternity.

Oh shit. Maybe she'd gone to hell.

The thought irritated her. No … it pissed her off. After everything, everything … this could not be hell. Hadn't she made up for all the damnable things she'd done?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Hallen shook off the notion and made her way around the huge cavernous area, still wondering at the brightness. Like thousands of candles burning, but from no source she could find.

And the light followed her around, illuminating areas where she walked, staying lit as she passed through. "There has to be an end to this place somewhere, right?"

Hallen kept going and discovered several room-sized niches. She explored each as she came upon a new one. So far, there were eleven, laid out in random intervals off the main circular chamber. None of them gave her any indication of where she might be. In fact, they all looked similar to each other, only the colors were different.

Entering the last one, she found that it, too, remained empty of life. Disappointed, she made her way back to the center, surprised to find it no longer vacant.

Three women in ancient garb stood in the middle of the large space surrounded by so much light Hallen held up a hand to shield her eyes. She had a feeling answers were about to come her way. The thought filled her with relief and dread at the same time.

Making her way toward the women, Hallen stopped at the outer edge of the circle they inhabited. The brightness finally dimmed and Hallen got a good look at the three. One carried a spindle. One had a large staff held gracefully in her hands, almost like an extension of her limbs. And the last woman held an odd looking pair of scissors, circular in shape, with the markings of a sundial around the edges.

The Fates.

They couldn't be anything else, not if all her indoctrination as a child was correct. And if she felt a small pang of fear, it was only because the scriptures described the trio as crones who could be harsh and cruel, or benevolent, depending on their whims.

Hallen straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, ready for whatever.

The woman with the spindle, Klotho … if memory served, stepped forward. "Hallen Marx, we are the Moirae, weavers of destiny."

Hallen kept her mouth shut when a craggy hand passed over the thread on the spindle. Moments of her life blinked in and out of focus as the spool changed into a spinning wheel, which then morphed into a loom.

Each and every connection she'd ever made with people, friend or foe, added to the tapestry that represented her existence. But it all seemed distant and out of perspective, so it appeared much less intense than it had actually been. Hallen found it odd and unsettling.

The woman with the staff, Lakhesis, directed her rod to the current moment. "Your destiny is complete, Hallen Marx. You led humanity to its end." She placed the tip on the loom. "The measured thread stops here."

Hallen shrugged. "I completed my journey, so that means what?" There had to be more. "Why am I here? Is this my end?"

Atropos moved forward, placing her scissors on Hallen's thread, then turned her searching gaze in Hallen's direction. "Perhaps. Have you found what you've always searched for?"

A very loaded question. Had she? Hallen considered an answer. She'd let go of the past. Resolved her parental issues. Ended on good terms with the old man.

She'd dealt with James. Managed to be there for him in the end, regardless of him being an enemy agent. She hadn't been the greatest wife, but she'd cared for him the best way she knew how and finally let him go to find his way to the other side.

And then there was Will. Always Will.

This story is pulling threads, no pun intended, I didn't expect and I like how those strands are coming together.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Casting Spells (a Lantern Jack tale)

What a week. I spent a lot of time texting family and friends in Texas to make sure they were making it through their worst deep freeze ever. Even my brother, who lived in Ohio for most of his life, had a tough time. He's in the Dallas area and, so far, has had two pipes burst. Here's hoping that's the worst of the damage.

Television ended up being pretty light this week. I caught another episode of No Offence, which I'm enjoying a lot.

Also finished up the final episode of Silent Witness for season eight. I'll be moving on to season nine this week.

I've heard some good things about Riverdale, so I should probably finish up what I have to watch and get started on the new season.

Weirdly, the sages have been feeding me a ton of new story ideas, which I love, but I also have a massive amount of WIPs that need to be finished. I need to have a sit-down chat with those pesky imps.

Tonight's post is from Casting Spells, a Lantern Jack short featuring a witch and a warlock who need to get on the same page with Jack's help.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The Lantern Jack is back to right another wrong. Celia Carmichael is overwhelmed by her new role as coven head and she's determined to learn all she can about the familiar who chose her, the cat named Haven. Nyx Nolan is on a mission to discover where the remains of his ancestor, the warden of warlocks is buried. The man disappeared over a century ago and left a signet ring and a photo for Nyx as the only clue to his whereabouts. Celia and Nyx discover their histories are entwined and they have the power to lay the animosity between the witches and the warlocks to rest.

And a preview snippet…

Celia Carmichael opened her front door ready to blast the next offender standing on the other side. "Dammit, I'll move to the manor when I'm good and—" She spoke to an empty space.

Confused, she almost yelped in surprise when a sleek white cat brushed up against her legs.

"Well, hello, who are you?" And how did you knock on my door? "Are you lost?" She stooped down, running her hand over the silky creature.

A collar graced its neck and a little charm dangled from a metal circle. Celia checked to see if the tag contained the owner's information.

She gasped when the symbol for haven met her eyes. "There hasn't been a coven familiar in almost two generations." Scooping the cat into her arms, Celia closed the door and carried the gorgeous animal into her living room. "You're the first good omen in my very short tenure as coven leader." And possibly a sign she'd actually be allowed to function as the head of their group.

Depositing the cat—Haven would be her name—on the couch, Celia gave the feline freedom to roam. Haven sat on her hind legs and met Celia's gaze. Celia opened her mind and whispered an incantation, hoping the familiar would communicate its reason for choosing her.

An image of a man filled Celia's head. Dark hair and eyes, a little brooding, and fit. Just her type—when she used to have the opportunity to get out and mingle with men.

Celia tilted her head to one side. "That doesn't explain why you picked me. Do I need protection from this guy?" An image of the manor flashed in Celia's brain. "Oh, not you, too." She heaved a sigh.

The cat broke the psychic connection and curled up on the couch, content to stick around for a while.

Celia rose and crossed to the front door. "I'll move when I'm ready." Grabbing her coat, she exited the carriage house, got in her car, and headed for town. She had some shopping to do. After all, even familiars needed food and cat litter.

I love writing these Lantern Jack tales. I've got several more plotted out and one final story to figure out that will wrap everything up. These books are so much fun.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: A Capsized Buccaneer

Happy Valentine's to those who celebrate. We're supposed to get blasted with more snow but I definitely won't gripe about it because I have family and friends in Texas that will no doubt have it so much worse.

Semi-busy week again with a new work project. Things are picking up a little and I'm grateful and happy to have work still coming in.

I started a new episode of Blue Heelers and have a feeling it's going to be an interesting one. I love getting slice of life glimpses into the town and how it operates.

I finished up the first part of Silent Witness's last two episodes of season eight. I'll be starting the second part this week. Then it's off to season nine.

Caught another episode of No Offence and I'm still liking the show. I'm not a big comedy fan, which is probably evident in my weekly recaps, but I will give dramedies a shot. Glad I stuck with this one.

New seasons are starting of shows I normally watch but I'm so far behind. I haven't been in the mood or the right headspace to really absorb some of them. Maybe I'll get there during the blizzard that's supposed to be headed our way.

I also caught my usual fare of mystery shows this week, but that's pretty much it for television. Tonight's post is from A Capsized Buccaneer, a novella that takes a few interesting twists and puts the main characters on a deserted island that isn't so deserted.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kallen Bond, a star athlete certain to lead her team to a championship win, takes a much needed two-day excursion aboard a Bertelli luxury yacht before the big game. The Bertellis sabotage their ship to eliminate Kallen from the competition, but she's saved by Zeb, the family black sheep, and they end up stranded on a remote island with no way home.

And a preview snippet…

Both had certain notoriety so they had some common ground there. They didn't move in the same circles, but that didn't stop social media from making their names trend on occasion. She called her own shots, maybe he meant that.

Zeb rolled a shoulder. "You live by your own code. It's refreshing." He kicked his feet out and leaned against the crate. "Me? I've had a set foundation since birth; one that's hard to deviate from." He sent her a raised-eyebrow look. "And I'm the black sheep of the Bertellis. But even then, there's a standard I have to live up to. One not of my choosing." His lips twisted in a grimace.

Kallen kind of got what he meant. "I sort of get that. I have a ton of freedom, but I still had to meet requirements—like attending the glitzy function on the yacht." She shuddered. "I love interacting with fans, but the end of the season is such a grind, especially if we make the playoffs. I'm never at my best." Wincing, her shoulders slumped. "I sound horrible. I'm thankful for the sponsorships and endorsement opportunities … don't get me wrong. I'd rather not have to play dress-up and attend functions when I have a championship to prep for." That said, she did have an off season.

She couldn't imagine having a family name to worry about. Black sheep or not. She came from a solidly average background and her parents had been proud of her achievements. When they died in a multiple-vehicle accident right after she signed with the Buccaneers, she'd mourned them but moved on—just as they'd expect her to do. If nothing else, they'd ingrained practicality into her and gave her the support groundwork she'd need to survive on her own.

Even with the Bertelli bucketloads of money at his disposal, Zeb didn't seem to have had that kind of framework to fall back on.

She crawled over and straddled his thighs. "You know … there's a lot to be said for going your own way. But I get why you can't. At least not completely." She wriggled around, getting comfortable and getting a rise out of him as well.

He cupped her face. "I'd walk away with nothing but the yacht—which is, well, a moot point now—if I could." His thumb stroked her cheek. "I don't need the iron-clad prison being a Bertelli keeps me in most of the time." His lips ghosted along her jawline.

Kallen inched his shirt up. "Why do you stick around then?" Her fingers brushed over his torso.

He grabbed the back of the garment and tugged the tee over his head. "A promise I made to my mom long ago. As long as she's alive, I won't rock the boat too much." He huffed out a laugh. "No pun intended."

Kallen chuckled but sobered. "Why not go for the full-treatment vacation then? Be who you want while we're here?" She inched back and loosened the button on his pants. "And make the most of what we can?" She leaned in to capture his lips.

Zeb mumbled against her mouth. "Sounds like an excellent plan." He pushed her shirt up and cupped her breasts.

We definitely have this in common. Being stranded with him won't get boring.

This story is fun and challenging. I didn't intend to turn this into more than one book, but I have a feeling there's more to come from Kallen and Zeb.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye