Fearless at 80 and Beyond by Anne Fowler

FEARLESS FRIDAY

Anne, it's great to have you back for Fearless Friday on Discover... I'm so excited to hear you've published another book. Readers, Anne is a fearless lady whose life has had many twists and turns. And now she's fearlessly published book two based on other seniors' experiences. Tell us about The Truths We've Carried, Anne.

At age 80, after publishing my memoir I've Worn Many Hats, I never planned to write another book. However, a project came about when I was inspired by conversations with other seniors who expressed a desire to “someday” write about THEIR personal life experiences.

Utilizing Facebook, I posted a challenge to fellow octogenarians inviting them to share their memories. It was a post seen not only by women with a story to tell, but by the younger relatives and friends of ladies who are “less computer/social media active.” This call for action resulted in “Grandma/Mom/Auntie, you MUST share your story!” I’ll admit I was totally surprised not only by the number of responses but by the level of interest their stories were sure to evoke. 

To be honest, I had been expecting a bunch of "old lady tales" no one would want to read. Wrong! The Truths We've Carried is a collection of true, mesmerizing stories recounted by the women who "lived" the events. Expect the unexpected; it won't read as you thought! The diversity of subject matter is really quite extraordinary. 

Entries came from several different countries: Canada, US, England, Germany, Honduras, Australia. How did I receive the stories? My first contact was usually with a younger family member “checking me out” to ensure I wasn’t some wacko trying to scam their mom or grandma! Once my credibility was established, I obtained the stories in two ways. 

One, the contributor emailed me along with a draft of her story. We would go back and forth from there. Another was via Face time/messenger where I’d have live conversations with the prospective writer. She would tell me her story verbally while I took notes. These meetings were set up and attended by a family member with a computer who would handle the "technical" aspects of the job as the ladies and I talked. Several written drafts were then exchanged via email until both of us were satisfied with the result. This was the way I received probably 75% of the stories…talking face to face. Quite interesting as it was a more personal experience for both of us. One of the things I discovered during all these conversations is that it seems most seniors are quite protective of their privacy and only when I assured them that they could use a pseudonym were they comfortable with the process. And I'm referring to the women who were not hiding anything! When you read the book, you will definitely be able to identify the ones who had good reason NOT to give their real name! 

The diversity of subject matter is really quite extraordinary. To give you a taste of the content, here are some examples: escape from Dachau, lunch with Elvis, I climbed Mt. Everest, a clandestine romance, our plane was hijacked, and the other 54 stories are just as varied in topic.

This has been quite the journey both for me and the women involved. Next to my work in Honduras, it has been the most rewarding thing I've ever accomplished. I am truly grateful to the ladies who trusted me and shared the surprising, sometimes shocking, events drawn from their years of life experience. 

Click HERE for The Truths We've Carried

BIO
I am a retired Canadian who grew up in Toronto and for more than 30 years my career was focused on Human Resources. In 2000, I closed my company and “retired” to pursue philanthropic projects in Honduras, a country where I now spend six months of each year. Please visit my website to view the community programs that I initiated. You will see that I am a VERY active senior! http://anne.honduranhope.net

Family Saga, Romance, and Small Town Novels by Judythe Morgan

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Judythe Morgan to Muse Monday on Discover... How fun to learn where ideas come from and how they make it to the page. Read on and enjoy.

“When Love Endures” is the third book in my six-book Fitzpatrick Family series—a small-town romance collection built around eight preacher’s kids, each one searching for a hard-won happily-ever-after. The idea for the series began years ago, in 2009, when White Rose Press held a contest that included a “Mad Libs”–style synopsis and a cover graphic with the prize being publication. The rules were charmingly specific. The story had to include seven siblings… including a set of twins. I couldn’t resist. I entered the contest, didn’t win, and tucked the idea away. 

But stories have a way of waiting for the right moment, and eventually every one of those Fitzpatrick siblings started chattering in my head, insisting I tell their version of love and grace. That’s when the Fitzpatrick Family series truly came alive. 

Book three features Sarah Fitzpatrick, one of the twins. She still lives in the small hometown where she and her sister grew up, and after her high-school sweetheart breaks her heart, Sarah pours herself into her music. She teaches elementary school music, runs a piano studio, and finds comfort—and courage—at the keyboard. 

There’s a Christmas duet scene in "When Love Endures" that’s especially close to my heart. Sarah plays a duet with Nick’s young daughter, and that moment was inspired by a real duet my own daughter and I performed at one of her Christmas recitals. It was tender and nerve-wracking and unforgettable—exactly the kind of memory that slips quietly into a story and makes it feel true. 

I hope you’ll watch for that scene when you read “When Love Endures.” It carries a bit of my heart right alongside Sarah’s. 

If you'd like to meet the whole family, you can find the series here: https://www.amazon.com/The-Fitzpatrick-Family/dp/B08W8CTXY7    

 

Sarah Fitzpatrick, pianist extraordinaire, stopped believing in true love the day her high school boyfriend, Nick Stephens, ran off with his pregnant ex.

Eleven years later, Nick’s daughter walks into Sarah’s music class—and one look at Nick brings every old dream and feeling rushing back. Sarah is determined to protect her heart this time. She can’t risk that kind of heartbreak again.

Nick has never stopped loving Sarah, and returning to Burton, Texas is his chance to prove it. But he has secrets—ones he can’t share with Sarah or even his daughter. And those secrets may cost him the future he longs for. 

Will their second chance survive the truth? 

If you’re new to the Fitzpatrick Family series, don’t worry—each story can be enjoyed as a standalone.

 

EXCERPT from WHEN LOVE ENDURES 

As much as Sarah enjoyed teaching music, she disliked Meet the Teacher night every school year almost as much as she dreaded the yearly holiday program, which was fast approaching.

All the parents seemed to want to meet her and promote their child as lead for said production. She’d had a steady stream of suggestions all night. One more session then she could go home and put her feet up.

“Miss Fitzpatrick, Miss Fitzpatrick, he’s here.” She recognized her new student, Rachel Stephens’ voice. The child’s cocoa colored, teddy-bear eyes pulled at her heartstrings from the second she’d waltzed into her classroom. The fifth grader had been so worried her father wouldn’t be able to attend tonight.

Rachel ran in. “He came like he promised. This is my Dad.”

“I’m so happy for you.” Sarah smiled at the child then lifted her head to meet the same blue eyes she had once imagined staring into as she said, “I do.”

Nick Stephens.

Square jaw, perfect posture, massive shoulders, and piercing eyes. Her Nick had matured into as intriguing a man as he’d been as a teen. Smile wrinkles like deep crow’s feet framed the corners of his eyes. He’d always been a great smiler. He flashed one her way now. A warm, friendly, country-boy grin.

The past roared to life and memories squeaked in her head like an orchestra tuning up. Her ears rang until her knees swayed. She sank into the nearest chair.

Ms. Lorene, the streams of gray in her auburn hair flying, huffed through the door. “Sorry. I stopped by Becca’s class to give her a hug. We do miss seeing you two at Bible study.”

Her familiar face crinkled in concern. The former summer camp nurse, who also happened to be Nick’s mom, aimed her hand for Sarah’s forehead as if on medic alert. “My dear, you look a little pale. Are you okay?”

Sarah blocked Ms. Lorene’s hand and waved her foot in the air. “New shoes. Just resting my feet a little. I’m fine.”

Or would be if she could only get her heartbeat under control. Summoning her best Homecoming Queen smile, she gripped the sides of the chair seat and pushed up. Knees don’t fail me now. “Glad you could make it.”

She’d assumed Nick Stephens still lived in Louisiana and Rachel Marie was just another of the Stephens’ kin. Over the years, she’d had several grace her classes. She should have remembered the thing about assumptions.

“Glad to be here.” His smile grew. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it. I travel a lot for business and flight schedules can be iffy. That’s why we moved in with Mom.”

A beat of awkward silence hung between them until Sarah fully processed his words. He lives here!

“Well, welcome back. I know Rachel’s glad you’re home.” Her voice sounded like an alto trying to sing first soprano.

His mom beamed. “I’m so glad he and Rachel have come home.”

What about his wife? Why wasn’t she with them? Sarah clamped her lips. Not the time or place to ask. It didn’t matter, anyway.

A bell sounded and an announcement that the meet-and-greet had ended blared from the classroom speaker. Sarah led Rachel toward the door. “Thank you for bringing your father and grandmother. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She looked from Nick to his mother. “Nice to see you both again.” Liar, liar pants on fire.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W9MP12F 

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08W9MP12F 

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08W9MP12F 

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08W9MP12F 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57020058-when-love-endures 

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-love-endures-fitzpatrick-family-sarah-the-fitzpatrick-family-by-judythe-morgan 

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/When-Love-Endures-Fitzpatrick-Family/dp/B093CKNGK3 

AUTHOR BIO:

Judythe Morgan is an award-winning, multi-published author who believes stories should offer escape from real life, with strong characters and engaging plots, and satisfying endings, without explicit content. 

A lifelong wanderer as an Air Force daughter then an Army wife, Judythe now lives in a small Texas town north of Houston with her husband and their Old English Sheepdog, Finnegan MacCool. They enjoy a busy life with three grown children, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and nine granddogs who keep their lives filled with fun and laughter. 

When she isn’t writing, you’ll likely find her on the porch swing with a glass of sweet tea, reading a book. 

Stay connected by subscribing to her free newsletter with subscriber-only sneak peeks at https://judythemorgan.com/contact/ or her blog at https://judythewriter.com 

FOLLOW Judythe

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A Hopeful Escape: Simplicity by the Sea by Jennifer Vido

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Jennifer Vido to Muse Monday on Discover... She's got me hooked on wine and romance, city girl and small-town guy. See what you think!

I love that this book takes the familiar idea of a city girl meeting a small-town guy and gives it a new twist. By bringing together the Virginia wine scene with the coastal charm of Gull Island, I’ve created a backdrop that feels both romantic and fresh. For me, Delaney’s story is about those big life questions we all ask at some point—what does success really look like, and is the life I’ve built truly the one I want? I think that makes her journey very relatable, especially for women who’ve worked so hard but still feel like something’s missing. I had so much fun weaving in wine and seaside details. This story isn’t just about romance—it’s also about experiencing a sense of place, which I think makes it appealing to readers who love travel, food, and lifestyle angles.

Luke’s story brings another layer of heart to the book. He’s a single dad who’s built a steady life for himself and his daughter, and I think readers will connect with his devotion to family while also rooting for him to take a chance on love. Since this book is part of my Gull Island series, it carries forward the world I’ve already created while also welcoming new readers. It shows that Gull Island is a place worth returning to, filled with stories about love, second chances, and community. At the end of the day, I want this book to feel like a hopeful escape. With everything going on in the world, I think readers are craving uplifting stories that remind us love and new beginnings are always possible.

Book Blurb:

What if the perfect pairing isn't found in a bottle, but in each other?

High-powered marketing executive Delaney Huger thrives in Virginia's wine scene until a quick trip home to Gull Island for a wedding forces her to slow down. Suddenly, she's questioning the life she's built and what comes next. Can she uncork a new beginning or keep pouring into a dream that no longer fits?

Charter captain Luke Sullivan has built a quiet, predictable life on Gull Island, perfect for raising his daughter and growing his business. But when a captivating wedding guest stirs something he thought he'd buried, he wonders if it's time to change. Will he chart a new course toward love or stay safely ashore?

Excerpt:

A distant murmur of cheerful voices and melodic peals of laughter pierced the night air, drawing Delaney Huger closer to the illuminated lighthouse nestled on the South Carolina coastline. She sank onto a rock, twisting her dress in frustration. She’d let them down. Her partners-in-crime, notably her sister and best friend, were tucked inside the adjoining wedding tent, glasses clinking in joyful toasts celebrating the nuptials of childhood friends. The imaginary scene played out in her mind—her friends in summer cocktail dresses, heels clicking on the parquet dance floor, while she stumbled through apologies. “The traffic was terrible, and you’ll never believe what happened.” She could almost hear her voice faltering as she grasped for excuses for failing to arrive on Gull Island as scheduled.

The charming, small-town affair wasn’t just an ordinary island celebration with some random tourist couple exchanging vows in the lush Lowcountry amid crickets chirping and frogs trilling in the late May heat. The social event of the season—the wedding of the beloved Cate Ainsworth and Knox Price—witnessed by her childhood friends, extended family, and island neighbors, had unfolded nearly an hour ago at a picturesque sunset ceremony on the beach, painted in a vibrant palette of pastel hues. The town buzzed with excitement over their second-chance romance. 

Preorder Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

ITunes

 

Jennifer Vido is the author of The Gull Island Series, sweet Lowcountry romances inspired by her love of coastal living and small-town charm. Serendipity by the Sea won Best First Book from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest, and Baltimore Magazine readers named her Best Local Author in 2024 and 2025. A Vanderbilt graduate, Jennifer traded in teaching French to follow her dream of becoming an author. She loves discovering and sharing literary gems through her Jen's Jewels column, celebrating the books that make her heart happy. Jennifer lives in Maryland with her husband and is mom to two grown sons. Her rescue dog, Fripp, is her constant companion, though he's better at napping than editing. When she's not writing, you'll find her at the beach with her toes in the sand, dreaming about her next romance.

Author Links

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Website

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Wicked X 2 by Joanne Guidoccio

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Please welcome back Joanne Guidoccio to Wicked Wednesday on Discover... This mermaid tale sounds intriguing and a fun read!

Two wicked mermaids, a mother-and-daughter duo, are determined to make a lesser mermaid’s life even more difficult. And they’re well positioned to do so: La Bella is the tribe’s elder, and Annabella is the elder-in-waiting.

Here is a “wicked” excerpt from my novelette, Hippie Mermaid:

Terrified. It was the only word I could use to describe the expression on Mama’s face. I couldn’t read Annabella’s face, and I permitted myself only a quick glance at La Bella. Almost a carbon copy of Annabella, her features appeared sterner and more unapproachable. I was in some kind of trouble; that I knew for sure.

La Bella approached and poked me on the shoulder. Hard. I winced but said nothing. Whenever I had displeased Mama or Aunt Lina, I had received a gentle reprimand. Physical violence was taboo in the kingdom, though I heard of altercations among the Onas and mermen.

“You are a disgrace to your tribe and the Kingdom. How dare you pressure my daughter into accompanying you on your trysts? By all means, tag along with the Ettas, but do not presume to go any higher.” La Bella turned to Mama. “Did you and your sister not learn your lessons?”

“I didn’t pressure Annabella,” I said. “She asked me to accompany her.”

Mama gasped and put her hand to her mouth. I had been taught to tell the truth and hold nothing back. Why was Mama so upset?

Annabella laughed. A cruel laugh. One I had not heard before. She spoke directly to La Bella, “I felt sorry for her situation and decided to befriend her. I went along with her foolish desire to find a man and escape from the clutches of her mother and aunt.”

Mama’s eyes clouded. For a split second, there was uncertainty. Annabella’s lies had found an easy target. I longed to comfort Mama, but I needed to confront Annabella right now. Or at least, that’s what I thought I had to do. “Why are you lying?”

“How dare you accuse my daughter?” La Bella grabbed my arm and squeezed even harder. “Mermaids have been banished to Crete for less.” She withdrew her hand and closed her eyes.

Mama whispered. “Say nothing.” She turned to La Bella. “Please let me deal with this.”

La Bella shook a finger at Mama. “Right now, I have too much on my plate. But we will not let this go.”

Annabella’s eyes glittered with excitement. She would be chief elder in one week’s time and have a say in my punishment. A shocking realization washed over me. Had she planned this all along? Trifle with a lesser mermaid and then test her new powers?

From sea to shore, betrayal follows her wherever she goes. 

On Christmas Eve, psychic Kendra Adams reveals the secret she’s hidden for decades—she was once Rosina, a mermaid torn between sea and shore. Betrayed in her ocean kingdom and desperate to escape banishment, she persuades a politician to smuggle her into the human world. But freedom on land comes at a cost, as she soon finds herself ensnared in another web, this one spun by the politician’s power-hungry sister. 

Buy Links

Amazon US  https://www.amazon.com/Hippie-Mermaid-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon CA  https://www.amazon.ca/Hippie-Mermaid-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FVHQ2T3N

Author Bio

Joanne Guidoccio enjoyed a rewarding career teaching mathematics, business, and co-operative education courses before retiring to pursue writing. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she writes paranormal romances, cozy mysteries, and inspirational stories from her home base of Guelph, Ontario. Find her at https://www.joanneguidoccio.com. 

Social Media Links 

Twitter:                       https://twitter.com/joanneguidoccio

Bluesky:                      https://bsky.app/profile/joanneguidoccio.bsky.social

Pinterest:                     https://www.pinterest.ca/jguidoccio

Facebook:                   https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanneguidoccio

Goodreads:                  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7277706.Joanne_Guidoccio

LinkedIn:                    https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanneguidoccio

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Guidoccio/e/B00FAWJGCG 

Reading and Reviews (Sandford and Parrish)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author. 

Holy Ghost (A Virgil Flowers Novel) by John Sandford 

Wheatfield, Minnesota: a metropolis of six hundred souls and change, for which the word "moribund" might have been invented. Nothing ever happened there and nothing ever would—until the mayor of sorts (campaign slogan: "I'll Do What I Can") and his precocious teenage buddy come up with a scheme to put Wheatfield on the map. Should something dramatic occur—say, that the apparition of the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared at the local Catholic Church—the whole town would be turned into a shrine, attracting thousands of pilgrims. And all those pilgrims needed food, shelter, all kinds of crazy things. The town would get rich! What could go wrong?

Then the shootings begin. And as they—and Virgil Flowers—are about to discover, that's only the beginning of their troubles… 

My Review

As usual, John Sandford is skilled in creating an entertaining read. I’ve loved his character, Virgil Flowers, from the first book in which he appeared. He’s cool, calm, and layback, approaching law and order with his own methods. The characters populating Wheatfield are delightful. The story is unique. All around a good read. 

https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Ghost-Virgil-Flowers-Novel/dp/0735217343/

 

 

 

Southern Woman by Kathleen Parrish 

Kathy Whitaker works tirelessly to build a future for herself and her family in 1953 Cottondale, Mississippi. She’s turned Weaver Variety Store, inherited from Minnie Weaver, into a successful business, and despite her long hours, their family is thriving. Now, she eagerly waits for her husband, Towanna, to complete his last semester of medical school in New Orleans and return home to intern with a local doctor. However, two strangers arrive in town who threaten to upend her life: Richard Coswell, who claims to represent a large variety chain wanting to buy her store, and Ellen Matheson, a single mother seeking a fresh start for herself and her daughter.

Kathy rejects Coswell’s offer but soon finds herself entangled in a legal battle when Coswell discovers the probate on her inheritance was never properly closed and fabricates a claim that could force her to sell. Worse, her new salesclerk, Ellen Matheson, claims to be Minnie Weaver’s long-lost, illegitimate daughter and only surviving blood relative, entitling her to a share of the Weaver estate. 

My Review

Ms. Parrish weaves a complicated tale with enthralling characters. I love a book whose characters are vivid and well defined. She is also very adept at putting us in the time period and in the setting of the southern United States. Racism was accepted and part of life in the 1950s and even more so in the South. But not by everyone. Behind the fight for Kathy to keep her inheritance is a racial tale of love and deception. Early on, I was slightly confused at times with so many characters, but it was worth sorting it out to enjoy the read.  

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Woman-Kathleen-Parrish-ebook/dp/B0FGBN92JM

Saving the Earth: Let's Hope for Time Travel by JL Peridot

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome JL to Muse Monday on Discover... What a premise for a book! You'll love how her Muse led her down the path for this sure to be good read.

What happens in the past stays in the future

My latest book, Until We Met Again, is a time travel story set against the backdrop of a post-collapse society. I wrote it in the midst of learning about climate change and how the prevailing “growth at all costs” mentality is costing us the earth.

This wasn’t the most uplifting topic of study, but while exploring what such a futuristic society might use time travel technology for, I also wondered how they might try to survive and thrive until the people tasked with changing the past succeed.

After traversing through time, my heroine returns to the camp she calls home: a controlled village-population settlement at the edge of an arid landscape, with radioactive regions to the north, a desert to the east, and a toxic wasteland in the south. It’s is just one of many human camps dotting what remains of a once-lush world.

Without trees to spare, they lash together dried mushroom bark for doors. They weave rugs from strands of grass species that still grow in harsh climates. Some folks travel between camps to share resources, contribute manpower, and deliver messages to loved ones because communication networks aren’t what they used to be.

All the while, brave volunteers travel back in time to change the past, believing if they alter just enough of it, they’ll secure the beautiful future their ancestors dreamed of.

In real life, however, the only way you and I can affect the future is with what we do today. At some point, our descendants will look at the world we gave them and wonder what we were thinking. I wonder what we’ll tell them if they manage to come back and ask?

Until We Met Again: A Time Travel Novelette by JL Peridot

A time traveller absconds to the past in search of her lost love.

One word: my name. A call from Origin through the neural lace grafted to my brain and nerves, connecting me to another place in another time. A reminder of what I’m here to do.

I clutch a bottle cap; its sharp metal edges ground me in the present. It’s funny, don’t you think, to consider this moment the present, as if the past and future I came from aren’t supposed to exist? If you were here, I’d ask. You’d smile and kiss my forehead and say you love my nonsense questions.

But you’re not here. They want me to forget you ever were.

Available now at most e-book retailers.

About JL Peridot

JL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. She's a qualified computer scientist, former website maker, amateur horticulturist, and sometimes illustrator. But most of the time, she's an author of romantic science fiction. She lives with her partner and fur-family in Boorloo (Perth, Australia) on Whadjuk Noongar country.

Visit her website at jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work.

Vampire Wicked by Frankie Sutton

WICKED WEDNESDAY

Today's guest on Discover... for Wicked Wednesday is Frankie Sutton. Frankie is going to share a wicked scene from her book, Vampiric Crush. Vampires qualify as wicked, I'd say. Tell us about yourself, Frankie.

Howdy, I’m Frankie. Being born and raised within Motown, aka Detroit, it’s no surprise that creativity is in my blood. I’ve experimented with scripts, role playing, songwriting, novels, poems. After dabbling with Hollywood (appearing in two movies and a music video) and doing local singing contests, I found my home in writing novels (and poetry). 

Tell us a little about the book, Frankie.

Shae Taizer hides in the protective Royale Realm, away from the reach of Gerard, the infamous manipulative Vampire King. Yet she seeks a way to rid herself of the vampire's crush on her, denying him an ally in his quest for pleasure. She would rather
die than become his Vampire Queen. 

But after recalling a childhood of being raised among Civilians, she is gifted her own Pandora's Box. She discovers a prophecy bonding her to two Civilians, Nickolas and Kiran. One is the key to defeating Gerard. However, reuniting with them ignites something more sinister--her own Vampiric Crush.

Where can we purchase Vampiric Crush?

Amazon: https://a.co/d/2ag4SKt (Kindle) & https://a.co/d/4LeOR06 (Paperpack)

Now, let's have a wicked excerpt from the book.

While observing the arrival of the others entering the room, Shae’s eyes narrowed wickedly. She bared fangs at Dorian while briefly levitating. “How nice of you to join us.” She smirked at Diane. “It’s a pity that I must take leave now…just as things were getting so juicy with your husband.” Darkness wrapped around Shae’s figure. 

“Shae, please…” Nick’s voice was a shocked whisper coming from his crumbled cowering position as she settled back down on the rug. She took a step toward the door and the lackeys rose off their knees. 

Dorian stepped forward, standing next to Nick. “That’s not Shae.” 

As Shae stopped at the doorway, the lackeys moved to file out of the room via the hole in the wall. “You are of no use to me in this sorry state,” she scoffed. A distracting glow of blue formed within her peripheral. She whirled around and there was Dorian, standing tall and determined despite his slight frame. The rippling muscles in his arms only begot her amusement, evil laughter rippling from within. “Oh, my foolish husband. Or should I say ex-husband. You want to play?” 

Before Dorian could even react, she swept one of his legs with remarkable agility and he fell backward. Jumping atop him, she whispered a spell and sucker punched Dorian with a heavy fist—knocking him out cold. 

“MOM. DAD!” 

Diane turned to see Riley standing in the doorway. “Riley!” 

Shae slowly stood up over a now unconscious Dorian. She turned her attention to the girl, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts. “Foolish little Riley…” 

“Riley, go back to your room.” Nick’s voice trembled, as he tried to warn his daughter away. 

“Shae, stop hurting my family!” Riley, yet again, dared to face the danger. 

“You are trying my patience!” Her rage was building. Shae took a swipe at Riley. 

Diane snatched Riley out of harm’s way. “Nick…do something!” She sent him a disappointed glance before rushing Riley out of the bedroom. 

“Shae, stop this now.” Again, Nick grabbed her upper arm. “Don’t let Jacquain’s path be yours.” 

For a moment, she hung her head, “Nick, please…” Save me! 

But Nick’s hesitation was much too long. Their bond wasn’t strong enough yet. 

She shoved him away with a snarl. “You try that again…and you’ll lose a daughter.” Then Shae vanished from their home.

You can connect with Frankie Sutton here:

Website: CreatorFrankie.com

Twitter: https://x.com/MotownCountry

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/frankiesutton.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motowncountry/