Snippet Saturday – Near Death Experience

Today’s snippet theme is Near Death Experience. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Veils Rising…

Turning, Dilana glanced at Magni and smiled. He grinned, then his eyes widened. Turning quickly, she saw the woman break free then throw three dark green bolts at her, then disappear. From their color, Dilana knew they were soul eaters and she had no way of stopping them.

The bolts reached her and Magni jumped in front of her. He collapsed under the strength of the power. The bolts sucked into his body and rolled though him, searching for escape.

She could see the heat from the bolts rolling around his skin. Dropping to her knees she gathered him in her arms and screamed, “Magni!”

He whispered, pain in his voice. “God, that hurt. How bad is it?”

Tears blurred Dilana’s vision as she watched the bolts start to suck out his life. “Damn you. Why did you go and do that? I can’t live without you.”

He reached up and touched her face. “I love you Dilana.”

His breathing grew labored. Dilana threw back her head and screamed. “Sari.”

A light flashed, then gold smoke formed. From within the gold smoke stepped a devastatingly beautiful woman. Her skin was onyx, her hair was silver piled atop her head in a ponytail that fell down her back. Mirrored shades covered her eyes and rested against sculptured cheeks. She took them off and her catlike green eyes gleamed while her full lips parted in a blood-red smile. A red-floor length coat covered a silver skin-tight leather vest which stopped above her navel and her matching skirt started below her navel, flowing to mid thigh. Her boots were red like her coat. She cocked her head and sniffed the air. A shudder rippled through her.

She turned back and looked at Dilana. “Death.” There was a pleasure on her face. She circled the clearing, sniffing the area.

Dilana said nothing as Sari struggled with her nature. Sari turned back to Dilana, her face cold and eyes blank. Sari looked around and took in everything. She turned and headed for Aunty King.

“No, save Magni,” Dilana demanded.

Sari didn’t stop or look at her. “She has a more immediate need.” Sari stopped over

Aunty King’s still body and said, “Live.”

Aunty King gasped, then sat straight up. She looked up at Sari. They looked at each other.

Aunty King nodded, “Thank you.”

Sari looked at her titled her head and asked. “You do not fear me?”

Aunty King laughed and replied, “Blunt, aren’t you.”

“Yes.”

“No, I don’t fear you,” Aunty King answered Sari’s original question.

Sari laughed, then put out her hand. Dilana was surprised, Sari didn’t touch anyone she didn’t know very well or trust and even then it was a rare occurrence. Aunty King looked surprised, then took her hand and stood. They looked at each other and something passed between them. As one, they turned and walked over to Dilana.

Sari stood next to Magni as Aunty King kneeled. Sari looked at him. She did nothing.

“Help him.”

Sari looked up at Dilana and replied, “I can’t. He’s going to die.”

“No. You have to help him.”

Sari watched, her a cold look on her face. “I can’t.”

Dilana watched her in disbelief, then anger overcame her. Putting Magni down, Dilana stood and stepped into Sari’s face. Sari didn’t change expression. Dilana grabbed her by her coat and jerked her forward.

“Help him before I kill you,” Dilana growled.

Sari didn’t change expression. She looked over Dilana’s head, pushed Dilana’s hands up, broke her hold and swung her to her side, all in one motion. Dilana watched as more dark green soul-eater bolts raced to them. They hit Sari in her chest. The bolt circled her then a sucking sound came and it was gone. Sari looked over at the female Banshee.

“Die.”

The Banshee screamed then rent apart and was no more. Sari turned back to Dilana.

“Where were we?”

Dilana shook her head. “Never mind. Please, Sari, help him!”

“I can’t,” Sari repeated.

Dilana dropped to her knees beside Magni. Taking him from his aunt, she held him close.

He looked up at her, his eye glazed with oncoming death.

Sari continued, “You can help him.”

Dilana looked up at her, “What?”

“You can save him.”

“I don’t have the power to heal soul eaters, Sari.” Dilana shook her head.

Sari shrugged. “Zarya said to tell you life is about living and death will follow without it.”

Dilana’s eyes narrowed. One of Zarya’s powers was that of a seer and she loved to talk in obscure terms. As she thought about Zarya’s message, Dilana reached up to push her hair back from her face. When her hand ran along the side of her neck, she felt a burning sensation. Looking down, she saw the Zerquel around her neck. She hadn’t put it on or called it. Suddenly she remembered what Zarya had said, the Zerquel did as it pleased.

Instinctively, she leaned over Magni and kissed him, passionately eating at his mouth. She could feel something coming out of his mouth and into hers. Leaning back, she threw her head back and gulped it down and felt it burn her throat. The Zerquel heated, then the feeling was gone. A firm hand touched her cheek. Looking back down she saw Magni’s clear amber gaze watching her.

He smiled. “Ah, cherie, give me the words.”

“I love you.” Dilana was surprised at the raw texture and deepness of her voice.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Moira Rogers
Ashley Ladd
Anya Bast
McKenna Jeffries
Taige Crenshaw
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Eliza Gayle
Victoria Janssen
Juliana Stone
TJ Michaels

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Holiday Mania

Time is flying by for the holidays. When I walk around I see so many people with packages for the holidays. Or hear people talking about their plans and so on. The holidays are always a frenzy to get ready. Finding that perfect gift, planning what you will be preparing, baking to be done, and mailings to be made to family who are in other states. And the list goes on and on. With all that to do is amazing it all get done. Yet it does with all that holiday mania. On that bright morning everyone gathers and the looks, camaraderie is all worth the craziness it took.

I’ve started with my holiday stuff to do. I am taking a more laid back approach this year. Started my gift buying early and got most of it done. Also I’m working down a list of things I need to do and spreading out what I have to do. Already have my baking plan down and my ingredients ready. Set aside time for it. While doing all my holiday preparations I am playing holiday music to get me moving. Nothing like a rousing song to get you moving a grooving. Ahh the holiday is upon us it is in the air, the way people smile at you and wish you good day, and the way people who you haven’t spoken to in a while call out of the blue just to say hello and happy holidays. Love the feel of the holidays.

Don’t let the holiday mania overcome you. Stop and enjoy the holiday moments. I want to wish everyone a wonderful, safe, fun, family and friend filled holiday season.

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Snippet Saturday – Parties

Today’s snippet theme is Parties. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Silk and Shadows…

“Oh. She’s probably by the stage with Micah, making sure everything is going well for the first employee party they’ve done together.” The man waved a graceful hand towards the front of the room. “Are you going to be working here?”

“Umm…no. I’m a friend of Syn’s.” Veronica stifled a laugh at the absurdity of her working here.

She was a straight up nerd, and there was no way could she work here with all these people. Just the thought made her want to run out the door. Computer chats was the most social she got. That was the one thing she and Syn had in common--their being antisocial and not wanting to go anywhere. It didn’t stop their other friends from trying to make them go out. At least in Veronica’s case, they were able to talk her into it sometimes. Syn, on the other hand, never went out. She hadn’t left the house in years, at least until a few months ago. Now, she not only went out, but had a new man. It had shocked them all. Well, except for Jian Weiss, who had gotten Syn to actually leave the house after such a long time. They were all curious about what had happened, but Syn and Jian were very mysterious and closemouthed about it.

That’s why the invitation to come meet Syn and her new beau at the club he owned was such a shock. Syn knew Veronica well enough to figure that, with her curiosity, she couldn’t resist coming, even though she hated clubs. At least what the man said about this being an employee party had cleared up Veronica’s confusion on why there was no line or bouncer outside.

“… ask for Galen next time you come and I’ll buy you a drink.”

Veronica realised the man had been talking while she was woolgathering. Hearing what he said, she returned her attention to him. Galen smiled sexily at her and took a step closer. Veronica instinctively stepped back. He stopped, his expression going serious as he tilted his head to the side. His scrutiny was intense. She wanted to run and hide, but refused to do so. Narrowing her eyes, she returned his look. Galen smiled softly.

“You don’t even know how luscious you are,” he purred.

Resisting the impulse to roll her eyes, Veronica retorted, “You don’t even know how full of shit you are.”

Galen looked startled, then threw his head back and laughed. Veronica stifled a shudder. His laugh was as sensual as his voice and face. Galen looked back at her, his bright blue eyes seeming to glow. Veronica blinked, sure she was seeing things. When she looked again, his eyes were normal.

Too much time on computers. You’re losing touch with reality.

“I like you’re sharp wit, Veronica Gunn. Next time you come by, come see me at the bar. I’ll buy you a drink.” Galen winked and went over to the door.

He glanced back and waved. Veronica waved back, and he went out the door.

After the door closed behind him, she realized he had known her name, even though she hadn’t given it to him. She thought about it, then chuckled.

“Syn probably told him.”

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2009.
All Rights Reserved, Total-e-bound

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Vivian Arend
Moira Rogers
Ashley Ladd
Jaci Burton
Kelly Maher
Leah Braemel
McKenna Jeffries
Sasha White
Taige Crenshaw
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Juliana Stone
TJ Michaels

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Snippet Saturday – Secondary Characters

Today’s snippet theme is Secondary Characters. Enjoy a look from one of my books.

An snippet from Carnal Awakening…

Raising her voice so it could be heard, Shay said. “I’d like to apo—”

“Now chérie, I know you’re not going to apologize and ruin the afterglow. Hell it was almost as good as a rip-roaring bout of sweaty sex.” A languid voice interrupted her.

Knowing who it was Shay smiled.

“Hunter,” another voice hissed.

With a glance to her left, Shay took in the twinkling eyes along with the wicked grin on Hunter Brooks’ face. From Flame Brooks’, Hunter’s sister, embarrassed expression Shay could tell Flame wished she were somewhere else. Flame hated being the center of attention while Hunter thrived on it. They were family to Mia and good friends.

“What? I said almost. It’s not like we’re not all adults here.” Hunter stated.

There was a mummer of agreements.

“And I’m sure we…“ Hunter paused, her eyes alight with mischief. She looked at her sister Flame then amended. “Well at least some of us know what I’m talking about.” She purred as if savoring each word.

There was more agreement tinged with laughter.

“Shay it’s always a pleasure coming here,” Hunter winked. “And the entertainment is always a side benefit. Don’t take away from—“

Flame interjected, “Do you always have to be the center of attention?”

Hunter glanced at her. “Of course. You should try it sometime. You might like it.”

Flame glanced at Hunter, up and down, then turned to Tevin who had returned and was standing next to her. Flame reached up pulled him down and kissed him. Hunter’s mouth dropped open. Everyone hooted. Shay who knew how straight-laced Flame was, enjoyed the show especially Hunter’s reaction. Flame released Tevin slowly. He looked stunned. Shay stifled a smile at the look on his face.

Flame sauntered away then looked back at Hunter. “For once you’re right it does feel wonderful.”

Hunter laughed then smacked Tevin on the arm. “Hah. Now that’s what I call entertainment.”

Glancing at Hunter, Shay mouthed her thanks. Hunter nodded, winked again, and then said. “Come on handsome, I have my eye on that Sigal vase in the back.”

Holding Tevin’s arm she led him toward the exclusive merchandise in the large room to the left. The regular noise level of the shop started to pick up as people dispersed. Observing the shop for a few minutes to make sure everything was okay, Shay turned to Mia.

Before she could say anything Mia turned walked away pushing the doors into the back room. Following her, Shay glanced back at Mikhail still standing silently across the room. Going through the doors she lost sight of him. Turning she noticed that Mia hadn’t gone far. She was standing in the doorway leading to the small flower nursery attached to shop.

Walking over Shay said, “Stay here a little bit while I take over for you.” Shay squeezed her hand gently turned and went back to the doors leading to the shop.

She glanced back and saw Mia walk down the aisle of the nursery. Seeing the slump in her shoulders as she disappeared behind some of the foliage Shay’s fist clenched. The callous words spoken by Ms. Cramigla had shaken the usually unshakable Mia. She imagined her fist connecting with Ms. Cramigla’s perfect face and breaking her nose, maybe a couple of teeth. She hoped Ms. Cramigla tried to see through on her threat of trying to ruin her. She would be in for a big surprise. The reputation she had built at Exotic would hold. She wasn’t anyone’s pushover. Making a mental note to place a few phone calls Shay went out the door into the store.

Copyright © Taige Crenshaw, 2007.
All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Vivian Arend
Moira Rogers
Ashley Ladd
Anya Bast
Jaci Burton
Kelly Maher
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Mandy Roth
McKenna Jeffries
Sasha White
Taige Crenshaw
Shelli Stevens
Shelley Munro
Eliza Gayle
Victoria Janssen
Jody Wallace
Juliana Stone
TJ Michaels