Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.
Don’t Look Back #40 (8.1) by Julie Lynn Hayes
Marshall slowly swam to consciousness. The chitter of birds and rustle of branches over his head were his first clues morning was upon them. Lee’s arm, draped around his torso, was warm and comfortable, their bodies spooned together in the oversized sleeping bag they used when they slept outdoors. Marshall burrowed against Lee, content to lie there. More than two weeks had passed since Thanksgiving, and his fears had begun to recede. They’d spent yesterday quail hunting and decided to stay the night out by the pond, where they’d cooked the birds they shot and made love beneath the stars.
Something niggled at the back of Marshall’s brain, , and it threatened to drive him crazy. There was something he’d left undone. He knew it was nothing as stupid as leaving the stove on, or forgetting to turn off a faucet. That was all too ingrained in him to even be a consideration. So what could it be?
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Fortitude: Part Twenty-four by Cia Nordwell
“What?” I asked him.
“You’ve never done it to me, but you have….” He trailed off, biting his lip. All the color had drained out of his face, and now I knew why. We didn’t talk about that—ever. It was a rule between us. I could only imagine how scared people would be if they knew I could manipulate them and their behavior. Just a little, but if Schvesla’s machine amplified powers.
A Shaman’s Gift: Part 14 by Johayan
As they approached the doorway to High Elpa’s bedchamber, Maikaj
suddenly swept up Kevyl and carried him across the threshold to the
room. He set Kevyl down gently and couldn’t hide the huge smile on his
face.
“Kevyl, my mate, oh how I have longed to say those words. My mate. As
the leader of the Talijali, I have been so busy with my people and the
Great Wolf that I have neglected my own *needs. You have always been
beside me and have always been one who wasn’t afraid of me and you spoke
your mind even when you weren’t asked.”
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Senior Patrolman Aidan Murphy stared at his reflection. Brass polished. Uniform neat and crisply pressed. Boots shined. All he wanted was a quiet and routine Friday night, his last night patrolling the streets. On Monday, he would don a suit and tie and begin his new position as Property Crimes Detective.
“Babe, hurry up! I’ve got your dinner packed. You need to go, or you’ll be late.”
Aidan grinned. His boyfriend had him so spoiled. Chas was his personal clock, always making sure he was on time. He buckled his gun belt, slid the portable radio into its holder…
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Let Me In: Chapter 11 By Carol Pedroso
Cade stared at Louis, until Thomas’ yelling finally snapped him out of it. “I’ll call you back,” he snapped into his cell and hung up on his spluttering boss.
“You can’t just give up your entire life for someone you’ve just met. I can’t do that to you,” Cade stated crossing his arms.
“I’m not giving up my entire life. The only thing I have here is a job, I have no close friends except for the twins. No one else can get past the fact I have to speak into their minds and that they have to face me
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Love Across Time: Chapter 44 by Jim Dunaway
Ethan knocked on Duncan’s door. “Come in and have a seat. What can I do for you, Ethan?”
“Well,” he began, “as you know, Ryan and I are going to be married.”
“Yes, I know. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I was wondering if it would be possible to bring my brothers Chris and Troy, and my sister Alicia forward to attend the wedding.”
“Honestly Ethan, I don’t know what effect it will have on the timeline. If I recall correctly, Chris has been here before, but Troy and Alicia have not. Let me think about this and talk with Liam.”
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Wednesday Briefs 