Sunday Snippet: Threshold

The first week of February is pretty much in the books and didn't start off too badly. I ended up with several new projects in my inbox and that never fails to make me happy.

Had a very good week of watching television. Considering we got hammered with a bunch of snow and ice, I'm glad I had power to keep the lights and television on.

I watched a little more of PassionFlix's Seduction and Snacks. Holy crap, the awkwardness is off-the-charts terrific. Kudos to the actors for nailing that down with skill and talent.

I finished up an arc of Classic Who and started a new one. The daleks feature in the current one and Davros. Jury is out on whether I'll like it or not.

Caught two episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Finished the first season and started the second. The Alaska Bigfoot episode ended up being more interesting than I thought it would be and the Dark Pyramid episode completely sucked me in. So many weird and unexplained or completely covered-up bits to unpack and explore.

Watched two episodes of The Muppets. The show is growing on me a little. I'm enjoying having the core group in different surroundings.

Started Harrow on the recommendation of my brother and enjoyed the first two episodes. I'm so curious about the overarching mystery and can't wait to find out more.

Enjoyed two episodes of Peak Practice. Season seven is moving right along and has a bit of a different feel to it. So far, I like it.

Finished up Bill Nye's MasterClass and started a new design class with Es Devlin. I think I'll enjoy her instruction and hopefully get some cool ideas.

Caught the two-part The Witcher: Bestiary shorts from season one. Kind of nice to get names and a bit of the lore behind the monsters.

Watched one of my very favorite episodes of Classic Rugrats with "The Santa Experience." My oldest and I used to watch this holiday episode a lot.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Chicago Med. I'm on the fence with whether or not I like Will and Natalie together. Sometimes I think they're perfect for each other and sometimes I think they're terrible together. I like that I can't decide which way to go on this one.

Caught two more episodes of Snoopy in Space. These are so much fun and I love having the human peanuts as the technical crew for Snoopy and Woodstock.

Enjoyed another episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I'm almost finished with the last available season and I really, really hope there will be more.

Watched another two-part Silent Witness and finished out season fifteen. Based on what I read of the episode teasers, sixteen looks like it's Harry-free. I'm a little bummed but also diving into new stuff I haven't seen.

Loved the latest Star Trek: Discovery episode. This show is so good right now. Makes me excited for season two of Picard and the new show that debuts later this year.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of Queens of Mystery. I'm a little bummed about the lack of communication with Daniel and Matilda but slow burns can also be fun. I love the background mystery of Matilda seeking information about her mom's disappearance. Can't wait to find out more about that.

That's it for the weekly television update. Tonight's post is from Threshold, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Satin Welch takes one look at the gorgeous Blade Killian and has to have him. She purchases his slave contract and grants him freedom. Blade doesn't trust the beautiful woman or her idea to make him a partner on the Threshold, a pleasure ship traveling throughout the galaxy, but he can't quite resist the chance to make his own choices after a decade of sexual servitude.

And a sneaky peek…

Blade glanced up when two goons came to collect him from the holding area. "Figures." Of course, the gorgeous woman wouldn't lower herself to personally escort him to his new home.

Determined to not go quietly, he struggled and fought, throwing a punch to the jaw of the tallest guy then whirled and struck the midsection of the other. Both men stepped back and away several times, confusing the hell out of Blade.

He finally goaded them. "Are you too weak-minded to let a man fight?" Could he have no dignity?

The tallest one inclined his chin. "No. But you're too valuable to our boss. You can fight all you want, but we won't engage. My name is Bart, by the way." The man extended his hand.

What the hell? Blade didn't understand. Most owners sent the big guys to make sure Blade got the message and understood the score right away. A beat down usually proved a quick reminder he had no rights.

Blade warily shook Bart's hand. Then did the same with Eugene, the other guy.

Docile for now, Blade followed Bart and Eugene flanked Blade on the left. He expected a lesson before they reached the ship—like in the darkened concourse or on the dimly lit tram. When it didn't come, Blade fought a wave of disappointment. He needed an aggressive release and a physical altercation would do that. A huge head of anger over his circumstances continued to build and he'd need an outlet soon.

The gleaming carrier class ship name Threshold came into view. Once aboard, they glided out of the landing bay with little fanfare. Blade had no idea what to expect but his brain tripped over the richly appointed parlor with a long bar on one side and a stage on the other. Plush furniture, placed in intimate seating arrangements dotted the rest of the space.

It didn't take long for the puzzle pieces to fall into place. "A flying brothel? I'm to be a stud of galactic proportions now?"

His keepers didn't respond but led him through an open hatch to a corridor with the same lavishly designed decor lined with staterooms on both sides. Blade followed along, but his anger grew with every step he took. Bad enough he had to act as an on-demand cock for his masters. But at least he knew what to expect at the palatial residences.

Out in space with millions of ports? Would he be servicing aliens now? So many nefarious images ran through his head he slammed into the back of the mercenary—Blade had been with enough military men to know both were soldiers in a former life. Bart frowned, but only opened the door and preceded Blade into the room—no, two-level suite. Eugene remained outside the open door probably to halt any attempt at escape.

Blade's gaze scanned the area, a very masculine decor with warm wood tones and earthy greens and beiges. A sitting area with entertainment monitors opened into a sleeping chamber and a small kitchenette sat nestled into an alcove. Two other doors on the lower level, one he assumed to be a bathroom took up space along the other wall. The upper level had a gaming area and another sitting area and two enclosed rooms. A gilded cage.

Standing in the middle of the living area, he turned to face Bart. "What am I doing here? Who am I supposed to service?" Hell, maybe he should ask what instead of who.

Neither man responded, but a door opened behind Blade and he whirled around to face his new owner. The gorgeous woman had changed into a gauzy tunic with molded leggings and her curvy body tempted him—but only for a moment—before his rage took over.

He lunged for her, wrapping one hand around her throat. "Why am I here?" He expected her to struggle or for him to be hit from behind.

The woman held up a hand, silently directing her goons to stay back while she held Blade's gaze.

Blade tightened his grip. "Who the hell are you?" And why am I reacting this way?

I really love the way this one is coming together. I'm going a little out of my comfort zone but I have so much fun writing this. I hope everyone enjoys it when it's complete.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye