Sunday Snippet: Whatever It Takes

Wow, August kind of flew by. I'm always amazed how fast the week slips away, which probably means I need to go outside and get some grounding time in. I'm going to blink, and it'll be the holiday season. Just saying. Maybe I'll moon watch this week with the blue supermoon happening.

Had a busy work week. I'm finishing up an extended project and working on a new manuscript copy edit. Also gearing up for a new developmental edit and a new manuscript assessment in September. Looking forward to working on new books in these two series.

Had a decent week of viewing television. I still haven't watched the final episode of Peak Practice season nine. I needed good vibes this week and didn't want anything to bum my mojo.

I actually caught two episodes of Suspects. I finished out the first season and started season two. The second season is four episodes but they're both two-parters. Looking forward to seeing what happens. I'm a bit bummed that I can't watch all five seasons of this show … unless they become available on the streamer I'm currently using.

Finished the first season of Cannes Confidential. My choice for the big bad was correct and that makes me happy. I'm so hoping there will be a second season of this show.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness's two-parter. Ended up enjoying the twists this one took. A great cast of guest stars really added to the storyline.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. This show makes me happy, which might seem weird because it's always about a murder. The cast is amazing and that's why I love it.

I'm on the fence with Fantasy Island. I enjoyed the episode but I'm not here for having angst solely for the sake of having angst. No thanks. We'll see how the season ends.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. "Sacrifices" ended up being such an interesting episode even if it shortchanged a couple of characters. One of the critiques I have about this show is not digging into the storylines when they should have. The previously on Battlestar Galactica does a lot of heavy lifting in seasons two through four and it's not necessarily a good thing.

Watched another episode of The Batman. This one introduced Penguin and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this episode.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Aunt Miriam made another appearance as did the McNulty's.

Restarted the Agatha Christie Hour and enjoyed the episode. I have one episode left in this series and then I'll have to decide if I want to dive into another Christie series or find something new.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Whatever It Takes, a novella that puts a couple on a treacherous path to find their version of happily ever after.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lysanor Bela runs the gauntlet and while she survives the experience, it messes with her mind. She has a vision of killing Baron Saltman—and gauntlet revelations are never wrong. Lys will do whatever it takes to keep Baron alive as long as possible—even if it means walking away from their relationship.

And a preview snippet…

Something's wrong. Lys should have finished by now.

Baron backed up and glanced at the timer. "She's been in there too long." Longer than anyone else to date.

He kept the comment under his breath. He wouldn't disturb the watchers. They had a job to do and didn't need to be distracted … again. Magheen's interruption earlier only drew the attention of one other, so Lys wouldn't suffer any penalties.

If only his mind seek had worked, he'd have a better idea of what might be going on with Lysanor. The unease of not being able to pinpoint what troubled him didn't sit well. He'd never been blocked before.

Ready to call an end to the test and send a team to pull her out, he hesitated. Lys would be crushed if he stepped in. She had worked and trained hard to get her shot at the gauntlet. If she failed, she'd lose her status and rank within the realm. Earning another chance wouldn't be easy, but Lys would do it … if only to be by his side.

She had the skill to be a master in the magedom. And her intuition rarely missed the mark. Discovering her path would put them one step closer to the vision he had of their future.

So, he waited. "Gotta give her time. At least a little more." He couldn't let her stay in much longer.

Because he couldn't lose her.

Too much time in the gauntlet could be fatal. The exertion needed to get through coupled with the mental stamina required sometimes wreaked havoc on the central nervous system. And while most recovered, a rare few had permanent damage. He wouldn't risk that with Lysanor.

He grabbed the handheld receiver. "Give her five more minutes then send in the med techs." Hanging up, he ignored the raised eyebrows of the other three people in the viewing room.

They couldn't hold his decision against Lysanor. If she made it out, the watchers could chalk his caution up to an overreaction on his end. But he'd rather err on the safe side and have a team ready and waiting.

Curling his fingers into his palms, he exhaled slowly. "Come on, Lys. Cross back through." And do it soon…

I like the way this story is coming together. Lysanor and Baron have a battle ahead of them and the fight will be worth it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Had a very busy week with work projects and family stuff. I'm kind of exhausted but not in a bad way. My sleep schedule is somewhat all over the map and that doesn't help. Insomnia is a definite pain in the butt.

I had a pretty solid week of viewing television. I got another full round of shows in and might be adding one or two in the next week.

I picked back up with Suspects and enjoyed the episode. This show is a little chaotic and I like that. I also rather like the characters.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have one episode left and I'm not ready for the season to end. I truly hope there's more to come from this show. It's so good!

Watched the penultimate episode of Peak Practice season nine. I'm bracing for impact for the finale. Then it's on to season ten!

Started a new two-parter of Silent Witness. Very interesting episode and I'm not sure where part two is going to go. This isn't a bad thing.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. This is such a fun show even if there's always a murder to solve.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, yep, my biggest pet peeve happened. Take a couple and tear them apart for stupid reasons. I'll finish out the season and see what happens, but I'm cranky now and that probably means I won't watch anything else if it has another season.

Started a rewatch of The Batman. I rather liked this series. I might also be able to finish my rewatch of Batman: The Animated Series. For whatever reason, it seems to be available again.

Watched another Classic Rugrats episode with two eps I'd forgotten about. Season five seems to have quite a few of those.

Missed watching Battlestar Galactica this week. My viewing partner had a family commitment and we're picking up again this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Weapons of Mass Destruction, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Bennie Sheehan and Sutton McBride are instructors at a mage academy. When they're trapped by a group of students pulling an elaborate lark—a yearly tradition—the former classmates reminisce about a favorite teacher and discover a mutual attraction for each other. The game then becomes whether they can act on their feelings before the group of academic tricksters undo their prank.

 

And a preview snippet…

 

Bennie Sheehan reached for another archive and opened the book. "I know there's a reference to the topic in one of these tomes." She occupied the large table in the center of the academy's library and had half the surface covered.

She used the index, running her finger along the side of the page. "Aha! Yes. I knew I'd find something." She snagged a bookmark and turned to the noted page. "Why did I agree to take over Carmody's advanced rune class after half term?" Because he'd planned a sabbatical and she had the lightest course load at the moment.

Right.

Because she'd only been back at the Bramblewood Academy for half a semester.

Setting the book aside, she checked over her list. She had everything she needed to get started after the mid-term break. "Hopefully, I won't have to bring everyone up to speed when I take over Carmody's class." The guy rarely stuck to his syllabus.

A noise in the upper stacks drew her attention and she glanced upward. The head librarian, Sutton McBride, guided a cart of books from the center of the left wing using spellwork to return the titles to their rightful place. He moved like a maestro conducting an elaborate symphony.

Bennie tilted her head to one side. "He's only improved in half a decade." They'd graduated from Bramblewood the same year but didn't have many classes together.

She'd had a huge crush on Sutton—like half their class—and always kind of regretted not being more social during her four years of study. If she had been, she might have had an opportunity to take a shot with him. Sutton participated in a slew of activities. The mage society, competitive spellcasters, the underground rune club, and the lock and key group.

Her lips curved. "I belonged to study sessions for one and spent ninety percent of my time crouched over my desk poring over my notes." Kind of like now.

She went back to her research, double-checking the resources she wanted to use. About halfway through the review, an odd feeling settled over her. It's too quiet.

The library usually had a buzz of muted tones and whispers. Right now, the space almost echoed with silence. No hum from groups huddled together discussing their latest projects or the slick sounds of pages being turned. Only utter stillness.

Bennie got up and did some quick recon. The windows on the first floor were shuttered, no light reflecting in from the streetlamps outside. The upper stacks didn't have moonlight filtering in through the large glass panes at either end of the library. A hard ball of dread settled in her stomach when she attempted to open the main doors and they didn't budge.

She tried the side entrances next and couldn't get through. The doors weren't locked, yet something, a spell or hex, held them in place. For thoroughness, she checked the window closest to her, but nope, it wouldn't move.

She put her hands on her hips. "Dammit. Locked in and trapped. What the hell is going on?" As soon as the words left her mouth, realization of the date kicked in. "Shit. Midterm break." She sighed.

Time for the annual biggest magick prank week of the year. Just for tricks and grins.

And I'm stuck in the middle of one. 

 

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. It's early days yet, but Bennie and Sutton are cool characters and a joy to write.

 

That's it for this week.

 

Cheers!

 

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wandering Soul

I sometimes wonder if time is speeding up. The week flew by. Then again, I have multiple work projects going right now and they're all at different stages.

Had a decent week of television viewing. Not quite as heavy as last week but I got through a full round of my current shows.

Actually started and ended the week with Classic Rugrats. I'm currently watching season five and it's weirdly missing Susie Carmichael. Maybe there's more of her in the later episodes.

Finished up the second season of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Ended up fairly pleased with the resolution of Jean's stalker. Very glad and hopeful we don't have to see more of her.

Caught another episode of Cannes Confidential. I seriously love this show. The cast is amazing and the chemistry with all of them is terrific. I have a very sneaky suspicion one of the main characters is going to be a bad guy and I'm actually kind of here for that if it happens.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice. I have two left in season nine and it's going to be kind of heartbreaking because I know what's coming. Also, Andrew is seriously annoying right now and I'm not sure if he'll improve or not.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Scar." This is another one of my favorite episodes even if, like "Black Market," there are some big flaws with development for later episodes. One of the best conversations of the entire series is in this episode.

Finished up a two-part Silent Witness. The culprit was indeed one of two characters I thought it might be. Such a great episode.

Started season two of Death in Paradise. Good opening episode with some familiar faces in the guest stars. I love catching my favorite actors in other roles.

Enjoyed an episode of Fantasy Island. So cool to kind of see how Elena assumed the role of host. I'm very curious about Ruby's mystery woman. I have a theory about her and I hope we get some answers before the end of the season.

Finished up season two of Strangest Things. I'd be interested in more episodes, but I won't hold my breath. The combination of Discovery and HBO Max is the stupidest thing ever and I'm honestly not sure I'll even continue trying to find shows I want to watch.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wandering Soul, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

When unsettling dreams haunt Isobel Graff, she turns to an old friend to help her work through them. Garfield McCaskill has long buried his feelings for Isobel and when she seeks his assistance, he's thrilled … until he realizes the person she trusts the most—him—is part of the reason she's having the nocturnal visions.

And a preview snippet…

Isobel Graff let out a moan and tossed over onto her back. "Uggghhh. What's going on?" Her head thrashed on the pillow and images swirled in her mind.

Music. Music came from all angles. The chords dissonant and clashing against each other. She put her hands against her ears and closed her eyes, trying to keep the sound at bay.

When that action didn't help, she gave up and her eyes popped open. A figure lurked in the shadows, the subtle shift of black, gray, and fuzzy whisps of white hiding facial features.

It's a man. Why can't I see his face?

The orchestral sound dissipated, the strident crash and boom becoming muted. The inky fog whorled around her encompassing everything … except the figure standing somewhere near but not close enough to touch.

Isobel tried anyway. "Who are you?" She reached out, her hands fumbling in the cloudy vapor that kept changing direction.

The figure turned, the heavy mist of gray swallowing him up. Isobel didn't understand the bereft sensation left behind when he disappeared into the darkness.

The music crescendoed, rising to a headache-inducing level. Isobel ran, stumbling over unseen obstacles, trying to escape. The smashing, thrashing cacophony followed and she sank to her knees, covering her head. Her mouth opened on a scream, anything to drown out the noise that wouldn't cease.

Her eyes snapped open and the harsh sound coming from deep inside her chest stopped. Blessed silence enveloped her.

Lifting a shaky hand to her forehead, she blinked the remnants of the nightmarish dream away. "What's going on with me?" She shuddered and glanced around.

The rose-red fingers of the breaking dawn peeked in through her window. Her sheets were twisted and flung aside. Her quilt hung over the edge of her bed. All evidence of the physical cost of her reckless slumber.

Dragging the quilt up and around her, Isobel propped her pillows against the headboard. Leaning back, she tried to shuffle the vision into something that made sense. The jumble in her brain wouldn't settle, similar to the dance of shadows and the constant thrum and thunder of the music she'd heard.

Shaking her head, she rubbed her temples. "Even now, my ears are ringing…"

Unwilling to fall back asleep, she drew her knees up, resting her cheek on them while gazing out the window. "Nothing like being afraid of what my dreams might bring…" She stayed there, an unsettled weight between her shoulders, until the sun rose over the horizon.

This story is very much in the beginning stages but I'm excited to see where it goes. I love writing Isobel.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Voltage

Wow. August snuck up on me. I need someone to slow time down a little so I can catch up. I did have a great week with work projects and I'm hoping that trend continues through the end of the year.

Had an okay week with watching television. I'm going through a weird phase where I'm feeling kind of blah about everything I'm viewing. Not because the shows aren't interesting … more because my attention is very scattered and it's hard to focus right now.

I started and ended the week with episodes of Strangest Things. Seriously, there are some truly weird and bizarre items featured on this show. People are strange sometimes.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. Both featured fun bits with Grandpa Lou (Lew? I honestly can't remember how it's spelled.) They also had an in loving memory of David Doyle, the actor who voiced the character. Nice reminder of his work.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. We're an episode away from the end of season two and I'm not sure if I'm interested in whatever the creepy lady has in store for Jean or not. I'm on the fence about whether I hope there's a resolution to wrap this part up or if it should continue through season three, if there is one.

Enjoyed another episode of Cannes Confidential. This show is so much fun even with the dark theme swirling in the background. I really hope there's another season of this.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness. Very interesting premise. I'm not completely sure I have this one figured out, but I think I do.

Caught another Death in Paradise, which finished out the first season. Looking forward to starting season two this week.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Black Market." I have so much love for this episode even though it has a lot of flaws. Getting action-hero Lee is kind of worth having some thrown-in plot devices.

Watched another Fantasy Island episode and, again, I'm cautiously optimistic with how they're handling the personal lives of the characters. Also really enjoyed the fantasy of the three women. Such a great episode!

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Voltage, a metahuman novella where the dynamics shift with a couple, and they gain some insight into each other.

Here's the miniblurb:

Tess Truvient, Gentry Malloway, and Hunter Keepman use their meta-human abilities for the cause of justice by working with a covert organization with a global reach. Tess and Hunter have a volatile relationship, on one day and off the next. Enter new recruit, Gentry, and Tess finds a much-needed distraction—if only for a few months—except something about Gentry draws her in and she's caught off guard when it's time for him to ship out to his permanent post.

And a preview snippet…

Tess melted into the kiss.

Aw, hell. He always knows how to push my buttons.

She responded, her hands skimming over the skin she knew so well. Hunter worked hard to maintain his physique and stay in top shape. But his powerful brain drew her in and held her interest.

He moved behind her, his hands sliding over her stomach to delve into her pants. He found her clit and swirled a finger around the hard nub. Her knees buckled and Hunter caught her, bracing his back against the lockers and tugging her ass onto his lap.

Tess worked the buttons of her fatigues loose and inched them down to give him some space. Hunter took the advantage and worked two fingers into her hot core. Brushing his thumb in counterpoint to the thrust of his hand, he quickly got her off.

She shuddered against him, a wave of pleasure crashing over her. Her bones turned to mush, and she collapsed in a spent heap. The man always knew exactly what to do to make her fly over the edge of bliss.

When she angled around to meet his lips, Hunter gave her a quick, hard kiss but eased away and straightened, nudging her to her feet.

She faced him, tilting her head. "You don't want me to return the favor?" Her palm cupped the hard ridge of his cock.

She'd gladly provide a toe-curling blowjob. If only to take the edge off. Mutual satisfaction worked as a great mood lifter.

Hunter shook his head. "Not right now. I wanted something of you to take home with me." His fingers glistened with her essence. "I won't expect you tonight … and you'll have the courtesy of giving me a heads-up if you move on with him, right?" An eyebrow arched.

She blinked but nodded, quickly yanking her fatigues up and fastening them. "Uh, yes. Of course." Caught between satiation and bewilderment, she didn't know what else to say.

Leaning in, Hunter gave her a sweetly sexy kiss then with a final glance at her, he headed for the exit.

She stared after him, his stricken face haunting her when he left.

This story might end up going in a direction I didn't expect. The sages are whispering in a corner right now and that usually means they're up to no good.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Veering Off Course

Whew! Busy week, which I love. My youngest kidlet got engaged last weekend and we've been riding that wave of excitement this week.

Finished up one work project and got another new one. It's a mystery and I love those! Also plugging along with an ongoing LitRPG manuscript that's also a sci-fi/fantasy mash-up. I love the series!

Had an okay week of television viewing. I didn't get through as much as I thought I would but I'm cool with that.

I finished up the episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I've got two episodes left and I'm bracing for impact because I know what's coming.

Caught the second part of Silent Witness and I'm happy to say I figured out the real culprit. It took some really twisty turns and I'm pretty sure there might have been a dangling plot thread but, honestly, a great episode.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm almost finished with the first season, and it's been terrific seeing the series in chronological order. Can't wait to start the next season.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica with "Epiphanies." I'd forgotten how much this episode set up for the following seasons. And I'm always blown away by how incredibly good James Callis is the role of Baltar.

I also caught another episode of Fantasy Island. Really enjoyed this one. I'm very, very cautiously optimistic with the Javier and Elena storyline. I'm going to be so disappointed if it ends up being trashed for the sake of angst.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Veering Off Course, a novella that separates a couple just when they're close to having a future.

Here's the miniblurb:

Raine Shippley tends to go her own way, always veering off course. When her true path is revealed, Dalton Tucker thinks they'll finally have a chance, but Raine disappears and he's left to follow the trail alone … or so he thinks.

And a preview snippet…

Raine brought a mug of coffee into Dalton's study. "Any luck with the research?" Considering he hadn't had much sleep while keeping her under, she didn't know how his eyes weren't crossing while reading.

Dalton hid a yawn and accepted the cup. "Well, one name keeps coming up. But I'd like to do a little more sleuthing before I get your hopes up." He settled in a chair by the fire.

Raine dropped down in the matching wingback. "Gonna be hard to raise them anyway." She met his gaze. "But I appreciate the caution." Turning her attention to the flickering flames, she zoned out while Dalton sipped his hot java.

She startled when Dalton draped a soft throw over her.

He smiled and returned to his chair, picking up an open notebook. "You looked chilly." He flipped a page over.

She snuggled into the blanket. "I think I was. Sorry I fell asleep again." The lethargy drover her mad.

Dalton shrugged. "You need the rest. And it gave me time to do some more research." He turned toward her. "I think I found someone who might be able to help you."

She arched a brow. "The name that keeps popping up?"

He nodded. "Faeryn Carnes. She survived entering the shroud and returning. I'd think the experience would give her extra insight about the inner workings of elementals." His finger traced over the name on the paper.

Raine leaned forward. "Do you know her? As in, have you ever met her?" Strangers could be squicked out by multiple wielders.

Hell, friends and acquaintances got freaked out around Raine.

Dalton shook his head. "Not personally. But I've got her contact information and, if you're willing, I can see if she'll meet with us." He nodded toward his phone.

Raine lifted her chin. "Yeah. I mean, at this point, what can it hurt? The worst that can happen is she says no." She turned her attention back to the flames.

Dalton got up and moved into the kitchen to make the call.

Raine stared at the flickering orange and yellow of the snapping and popping wood in the grate. Her mind drifted and the fire dimmed then flared. She didn't consciously make the alteration. The element picked up on her mood and acted accordingly.

Clearing the cobwebs of slumber from her brain, she focused her gaze on the hearth and followed the dancing dips and dives of the tendrils drifting up toward the chimney flue. Her vision blurred and a vivid image filled her mind.

She stood in the center of a pentagram with four points soaked in elemental magick with a shroud for each—earth, air, water, and fire. The fifth point, the top of the star, swirled with shadows and cloaked itself in darkness. The final part represented her. The self. The blackness would remain until she got a handle on her abilities.

The vision shifted and four caricatures branched off from the center and made their way to each elemental shroud. Then, one by one, they merged and moved to the fifth, hidden point. No one else entered the picture. Only she could make this happen, and she had to follow her true path.

Her head snapped up. "I have to walk alone." Her heart sank … because leaving Dalton behind wouldn't be easy.

If she chose to follow the vision…

Dalton popped back into the room. "Faeryn wants to meet you. If you're up for it, she'd like you to stop by today." He pocketed his phone and arched his brows.

Raine got up and folded the blanket. "Let's go. You don't mind coming with me, do you?" She'd meet with Faeryn alone but hoped Dalton would at least be there for moral support.

A smile quirked his lips. "Nope. She's about an hour north of us. Maybe we can stop for something to eat on our way back." He waggled his eyebrows with the suggestion of food.

Raine grinned. "Pretty sure that's a backhanded way of saying you'd rather I didn't cook." She retrieved her jacket from the peg shelf by the door.

Dalton gave her an innocent look. "I would never imply anything of the sort." He chuckled. "But I will say it outright." He breezed past her and started down the sidewalk.

Raine laughed. Because she did suck at making meals. And not because she couldn't control her abilities … she truly didn't enjoy cooking.

She sobered on her way to the car. She loved Dalton for bringing some humor to the day. But she also dreaded what the conversation with Faeryn might reveal…

I'm happy with how this story is coming together. It's also great to revisit Faeryn.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Various Reasons

Still chugging along on various work projects, but I'm at the in-between stages on a few. I like having some free time to focus on writing.

Not a bad week for viewing television. I had to create a workaround for one of the shows I watch, but I'm happy I managed to remember how to set things up.

Caught another episode of Fantasy Island and, wow, I love the unexpected surprise. I'm cautiously optimistic the reveal won't trash things between Elena and Rafael. I'm not holding my breath though. One of the writers is known to mess things up to ramp up the angst factor.

Watched another episode of Strangest Things. I'm always interested in the ancient things they review, but I'm also fascinated by the crazy contraptions featured.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. The puns and play on words are always fun. One of the greatest things about this show is the appeal to all age groups.

I finally finished the Passionflix original, Resisting Roots. I ended up really liking this one. It's not quite as steamy as some of the other movies, but I'm okay with that.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Enjoyed this one. Very glad Dom is back in good form.

Watched another episode of Cannes Confidential. I love this show! Camille and Harry are fun, and the underlying, sinister vibe is present but also subtle. Such a great show.

Continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This week we did a double header of "Resurrection Ship Part One and Two". The next few episodes are solid, but the show stumbles a little leading up to the season two finale. Too many threads that needed some loving care got dropped.

I also started another episode of Peak Practice and need to finish that one up later tonight.

That's it for this week's life update. Tonight's post is from Various Reasons, a novella that explores whether it matters if the timing is perfect to make a commitment.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Paloma and Cedric keep putting off thinking or talking about the future—they've got a fae war on their hands, but after a particularly ugly skirmish, Paloma decides it's time to open the topic for discussion. Cedric is so shocked, he's not quite sure he believes her, but once Paloma gets through the list of various reasons, he's close to getting on board.

And a preview snippet…

Cedric made his way to the private bath in the office of the old subway terminal. "Not like Paloma to give up bragging time." He tugged his shirt off, wincing at the putrid aroma then stripped off his jeans and bagged them up to destroy.

Turning the water on, he stepped under the blast of welcome heat against his aching body. Unwinding from the battle, he finally gave his concern free rein. Paloma had been a little off tonight. Maybe she got injured and didn't want to tell him.

He paused after grabbing a washcloth. "Or maybe she's ready to call it quits." His gut churned at the thought.

But … he'd dragged her into the fray. She'd been happy going about her daily grind and never using her gifts. She'd followed him to the league when he'd pointed out they needed people to hold the line after the blood scribe died without a successor.

Realistically, the league edged ever closer to putting a hierarchy in place. At a snail-crawl pace. Paloma had been patient, sticking by his side and having his back. For five years. How much longer would she be willing to wait?

He couldn't lose her. Not now. He created a long list of various reasons he needed her to stick around.

Soaping up his washcloth, he started at the top of his head. "First and foremost … can't imagine life without her." She'd become a part of him … the best part.

Sloshing the terrycloth over his shoulders, he added two more items. "She's smart and funny, an incredible combination." Brains and humor could be such a turn-on.

He added more soap and started on his torso. "She keeps me sane on bad days and on good days, she brings the crazy fun times." No one got him like she did.

She understood the drive to keep the peace. Her sense of fair play kept her in the battle when others would've walked a long time ago. And her innate talent elevated everyone in the cause.

He loved being with her. Loved everything she brought to their relationship. Loved…

Pausing mid-scrub, he blinked. "I love her." More than his own life.

He wanted forever with her.

Shaking his head, he finished and rinsed off. "Forever could end tomorrow." Especially if Paloma walked.

He'd have to convince her what a terrible idea that would be.

Drying off, he found some clean clothes and fought the unsettled coil of tension in his stomach. He skipped writing up a report on their actions and went searching for a few important things to take up top. Halfway out the door, he turned back and dug through the desk drawer for one last item … a lighter, as promised.

Adding it to the small box, he headed for the door. "Time to make an impression."

This story is coming along nicely. Cedric keeps nudging me to go in a direction I didn't think I would, and I'm having fun seeing what he's trying to reveal.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Variation on Violence (First Breed Nation)

Had a busy week with a new work project landing in my inbox. It's a holiday novel and I'm so excited because I love editing holiday stories! I'm also working on a proofread, which is a nice complement to a copy edit.

Had a slow week of viewing due to another loss of a relative. 2023 has been a rough year for the older generation in my family. I hope the final months are loss free.

I did watch the premiere episode of Cannes Confidential and thoroughly enjoyed it! It's got intrigue and charm and the cast is stellar. Looking forward to the next episode.

Also caught another episode of the Madame Blanc Mysteries. I'm slightly disappointed in the angst factor between the main characters but I'll roll through and see what happens. Very excited Gloria has a new guy even if he's competition for Dom.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and found it kind of interesting. I liked getting some additional screen time for the deaf characters introduced earlier. Also kind of liked Andrew figuring out what he doesn't want.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and, wow, this one had some twists and a heartbreaking scene that I almost couldn't watch. Kind of looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Caught another Death in Paradise. Enjoyed the guys trying to avoid bringing Richard in on the case while he was down with a tropical fever but loved that they ended up doing it anyway.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Variations on Violence, a First Breed Nation novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nichol Gothe and Brewster Walters, two detectives in the major crimes unit, go undercover to bust up a rebel alliance in the undercity. But when Nichol has to use her meta-human ability, Brewster can't decide whether to trust she's working for justice or turn her in to the task force commander. Nichol sends him reeling when she reveals how deeply the secret society of freaks and geeks has infiltrated the regular human world.

And a preview snippet…

Hitching his pants up with one hand, Brewster dashed to the door and yanked it open. Grabbing their voyeur before he could flee, Brewster dragged him inside and kicked the door shut. Their audience of one growled a curse at Brewster.

"Who the fuck are you?" Brewster tucked his spent cock back into his pants and glared at the guy. "I don't put on a show for anyone, not even paying customers. If I catch you watching again, I'll serve your dick to the rats. Are we clear?"

The guy tried to front with some heavy bravado. "Like to see you try." He sneered in Brewster's direction.

Brewster stalked closer, standing toe-to-toe with the man. He caught and held the man's gaze and planted an image of his threat.

Five seconds later, the guy let out a strangled cry, his hands going to his groin. "W-wh-what did you do to me?" He pulled the front of his pants and checked to make sure his manly bits were still intact.

Brewster gave him a nasty smirk. "Showed you a small try. Pretty sure you don't want the actual act, right?" He turned and walked back in Nichol's direction. "Get the hell out of my sight. I'll be in the chapel at the designated time." The old church acted as a neutral meeting place to conduct business. "Tell Cardinal not to be late." Brewster glanced over his shoulder. "And remind him this one isn't on the menu."

The guy's head bobbed up and down. "Right. Chapel. I'll tell him." His hand inched toward the door.

Brewster added a parting shot. "And don't even think about telling him how close you came to losing your dick."

The guy stuttered out an unintelligible response and scurried out of the building.

Nichol choked out a flabbergasted sound. "What. The hell. Was that?" She planted her hands on her hips.

Brewster lifted one shoulder. "Playing a role. If I'm supposed to be a badass dealer of human flesh, I should play the part, right?" Confidence rolled through him after getting the result he hoped for with the scrawny man.

Nichol fanned her face. "Geez, it's kind of a turn-on." She met his gaze. "But … a word of warning … I didn't miss the draw of energy from the air around us. If I caught it, you can bet someone less dense would clock it also." She put a hand on his chest. "You might need to exercise a little caution."

Brewster leaned in close. "Exercise caution? You mean like this?" His mouth covered hers again.

Nichol melted against him, and the kiss spun out of control. He wanted nothing more than a bed and her—preferably naked—for the foreseeable future. But … they didn't have that kind of time. He still had a meeting to get to.

Then again … they had a couple of hours before that happened.

Brewster pulled back. "Ground rules…" He could very easily get distracted.

Nichol blinked then focused on him. "Ground rules?" Her hands skimmed along his torso.

He nodded. "We're undercover. Whatever happens between us can't affect the job."

Nichol huffed out a breath. "Pretty sure it'll only lend credibility to the work."

Brewster arched his brows. "And when you can't call the shots? What happens then?"

She snorted. "I get pissed and you put me in my place."

He narrowed his eyes. "With no retaliation?"

Nichol smirked. "Oh, Brewster. Where's the fun in that? Of course, I'll retaliate." She smoothed her hand down his chest. "But never where it'll put us in jeopardy."

He lifted his chin. "Fair enough." He caught her hands in his. "Any objection to getting the hell out of here?" His head jerked toward the door. "And continuing this somewhere more comfortable?"

Nichol gave him a slow, sexy smile. "Not a single one…"

This story is coming together in a way I didn't expect, which is terrific. Brewster's ability went in a completely different direction than the one originally planned and I love it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye