It’s the Final Uncommon Rider Snippet!

It’s the final countdown and tomorrow is the BIG day! Woot Woot! Are you as excited as I am about finding out what’s next for The Uncommon Rider?

Chapter Seven

“How did he send this, by carrier pigeon?” Liv asked, flipping the envelope over, looking for a stamp.

“I think you’re focusing on the wrong thing,” Plato said astutely.

She lifted an eyebrow at the lynx. “You’re right, I think he actually wrote the letter by hand. Do you know how to do that? I’m not sure I can even hold a pen.”

Plato rolled his eyes at her. “Is that really your takeaway after receiving and reading a correspondence from the leader of the Dragon Elite?”

“Well, he already popped into my kitchen, half scaring me to death while I was in my pajamas, making nachos,” Liv stated, remembering when she first met Hiker Wallace. He had a clue that she had a dragon rider, or future rider, around her. Without having her permission and apparently breaking through all her wards, he showed up in her kitchen. It wasn’t the best first meeting, but she thought it went mostly okay.

“And what did you tell him then?” the lynx asked, as if he didn’t already know the answer.

“Well,” Liv began, drawing out the word, “I would have told him about the dragon egg and Sophia then, but for one he hadn’t hatched yet. And secondly, Hiker kept referring to this new rider as a ‘him’ so I was thinking maybe he was asking about a different new dragon rider who wasn’t my little sister.”

“Liv,” Plato said, conviction in his tone.

She threw up her hands. “What? He said, ‘If you learn of the presence of a rider, then I want to know about him.’ And since I hadn’t learned about this ‘him’ I didn’t think that Mr. Hiker needed to know anything.”

“Liv,” Plato said again, a challenging quality to his voice.

Liv sighed. She knew Sophia was the first female dragon rider in history. Hiker wasn’t prepared for this. Sadly, the poor Viking was going to be very, very confused for many reasons. Whatever magic had told him about Sophia was absolutely flawed thanks to spells that Liv had put into place to protect her little sister. It wasn’t that she didn’t want Hiker to know about Sophia and her egg early on, but rather she didn’t want him to know until she was ready. And so, Hiker had probably gotten a lot of false readings up until this point.

On top of learning that he didn’t know everything about this new rider and dragon, due to Liv’s tampering, he was going to find out that this person was a girl. It probably wasn’t even an option in his head. But that shouldn’t be the reason that Liv stopped this amazing thing from happening for her sister. “Fine. Fine. Sophia’s egg has hatched. I knew this was coming. But before, I was trying to delay it. She’s already lost her childhood and now she’s going to have to go off to this strange place where I can’t even accompany her. Sue me for trying to delay the inevitable for as long as possible.”

“You do know that I was a lawyer in a past life,” Plato said casually.

“Of course you were,” she said, not doubting this at all. The lynx also did day trading and wrote novels while she slept, apparently.

“And I get that you don’t want her to leave, but—”

“I can’t hold onto her forever,” Liv interrupted. “I get that. But now this Viking from another century demands that my little sister and Beauregard come to his headquarters permanently.”

“I think she named her dragon <redacted>,” Plato said, hiding a smile.

Liv laughed, remembering when she met the dragon earlier that day. He was no doubt the most beautiful creature she’d ever seen. <Redacted> had an opportunity to get to know Liv during his long stint living in his shell in her house where he could hear all the jokes she made. Then, he didn’t like being called random names. Out of the shell, he was even more opposed to the idea. Sophia told her that she should be glad that he didn’t have fire yet.

“So what are you going to do?” Plato asked, eyeing the letter in her hand.

“Well, I don’t have a pen, so I guess I’m screwed,” she stated with defeat. “There’s no way I can return his message. I guess I’ll just to quit my job as a Warrior for the House of Fourteen, sell all my possessions and move Sophia and Burt to a remote island where I use the full extent of my magical powers to shield them from the Dragon Elite.”

“Or…”

Liv gave the feline an annoyed expression. “Or, I guess I can write back Mr. Penmanship and tell my lovely, baby sister that she has to go to a secret boarding school which I know zero about and can’t visit. Then I’ll promptly take up drinking. How early is too early to start shots of whiskey in the morning?”

“Or…” Plato challenged again.

Although she was pretending, this hurt. Liv had lost so much. Her parents. Her older sister and brother. Her combat instructor. Many friends. And now, even though she wasn’t losing Sophia, it felt like it. “Or…I’ll do the right thing, but only because you’re making me.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” he said matter-of-factly.

Liv twirled her finger through the air, magically making a new piece of parchment appear filled with flowery writing. She read over it once before nodding. “Okay, that will do.”

“Are you sure about that?” Plato challenged.

Liv cut her eyes at him. “Yes, it will do, cat. Shush your face.”

“But you—”

“I believe that I said, shush it!” Liv snapped her fingers, making the letter disappear, sending it using the directions Hiker had given her.

“You realize that you’re complicating things,” Plato said, lowering his chin.

Liv shrugged. “Am I? Or am I giving my little sister the chance she needs? First impressions are everything, after all.”

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Hehehe, I can’t wait to see how Hiker reacts when he finally meets Sophia and her dragon! And what the heck? Why did they redact the dragon’s real name? Grrrrr…..

Friday, November 8th is release day! Grab your copy of The Uncommon Rider, now!

The Uncommon Rider 7th Snippet is here!

The date is quickly approaching! The Uncommon Rider is almost here! To whet your appetite, we have the 7th snippet here just for you!

Chapter Six

It had been a hard day for Liv Beaufont. She hadn’t slept in…well, the last time hadn’t been that day. And maybe the one before that. She’d lost track as she trudged to her apartment, intent on curling up in her bed and snoozing for days.

She sighed. Who was she kidding?

She’d get maybe four to five hours before some emergency awoke her. That was fine. The House of Fourteen was robust, full of members voting on issues that pertained to the magical world, that made it a better place. Surprisingly, she loved her demanding job.

Mortals had recently been awoken to the presence of magic, and seven had joined the council, presiding over important matters.

Still, Liv wondered, when given the chance for such luxuries, who took care of the mortal world? The House of Fourteen had the job of enforcing laws for the magical races, ensuring that no one abused their powers. Before magic was visible to mortals, she’d always suspected that the police and firefighters and whatnot took care of their affairs. But now… things, well, they were a bit more complex.

She shook her head, both because of exhaustion and confusion.

“Things are a lot more complex,” she said as she rounded the corner to her apartment.

“You’re talking to yourself… yet again,” Plato, the small black and white cat beside her said. Well, he wasn’t really a cat at all. In the magical world, the mysterious and mischievous creature was known as a lynx and not much was known about them at all.

“I’m not either,” she said, shaking her head again. “I’m simply answering myself.”

“That makes it sound worse,” he stated.

“Well, that’s what happens when I’m not allowed to sleep.” Liv shrugged, pushing the black hood of her cape off her head, looking forward to shrugging off the garment and getting into some pajamas.

“So, you should know… before you go up…” Plato trailed away, stopping at the base of the stairs.

Liv turned, already rolling her eyes at the lynx. “What?”

“Well, you have mail.”

She tilted her head to the side. “How do you know that?” Waving off the question, she shook her head, used to his mysterious ways of knowing things. “Never mind. And if I do then it’s just spam from some mortal business.”

“It isn’t actually,” he said coyly.

Liv lowered her chin. “So you’re telling me that someone who isn’t mortal has put mail in my postbox even though none of the magical creatures I know use such a method? Why?”

He pretended to watch traffic on the street behind her. “Beats me.”

“Beats you, eh?” she asked. “Are you sure that you’re not just playing games with me so you can get upstairs first, taking the best spot in the bed?”

He gave her an incredulous expression. “Would I really do that?”

She stuck her hands on her hips. “Every chance you get.”

“But seriously, you’ve got mail.”

Liv strode for the post box she’d hardly ever checked. “Why wouldn’t this magical person just send me a message to my phone or I don’t know, some other way that is way more efficient?”

“You’ll find out soon,” he said, a hint of teasing in his voice.

“Seriously, Plato, if you know something, you can just tell me.”

“I can, but it’s better this way.”

She shook her head. “For you maybe.”

Liv opened the post box, a bit nervous about what could be residing inside the small compartment. Tentatively, she retrieved a thick envelope, sealed with wax and embossed with a seal of a capital “E”. On the front, in old English cursive was her name: Warrior Liv Beaufont.

“Who writes letters anymore?” she asked, studying the envelope.

“People,” Plato answered, full well knowing he was being less than helpful.

Shaking her head at the lynx, Liv opened the correspondence, unprepared for its contents.

It would change everything. And although she’d known that it was inevitably coming, she wasn’t completely ready for it.

____________________________

Yeah, Liv’s in this series, too! Woot Woot! The countdown for The Uncommon Rider has begun! Only 3 days left! You can pre-order this exciting tale now, and it will be waiting for you when you wake up on Friday, November 8th!

November 1st is finally here!

This day has long since been in the making and I’m so excited! I pre-ordered my copy of Obsidian Detective and it’s waiting patiently for me to stop working so I can read it! How about you? For those who don’t like pre-orders, no worries since the book is now live!!! Woot Woot! Go and grab your copy now!

And to entice you just a bit is the final snippet for Obsidian Detective!

Jia looked down at her napkin before looking back up. I can’t believe I let Mei talk me into this.

She managed to smile at the handsome blond man sitting across from her at the white-draped table. Light classical played in the background.

Jia had agreed to one date. It was her way of proving she didn’t hold her family’s values in contempt, with the hope that if she demonstrated her respect toward them, they might return the favor.

It was also the fact that Mei asked for a favor.

Mei’s version of compromise involved picking out the man instead of their mother doing it, but Jia wasn’t sure if that was an improvement. Tonight’s date was Warren Southward III, a business associate of Mei’s.

Warren picked up his wine glass and took a small sip. “Let me say again how lovely you look tonight. I’m happy you agreed to this, especially on such short notice. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you hadn’t been able to come.”

She nodded. “It’s okay. I had an open night, and as for the rest, thank you, Warren. That’s very nice of you to say. I have to admit, my sister didn’t tell me a lot about you.”

“I work for Aurum. My division focuses in particular on financial transactions involving the Moon and Mars. It’s definitely got its complications, but at least we don’t have to worry about colony financial matters.” He sighed. “What a nightmare.”

“I’m sure they are,” Jia admitted. She glanced around, taking in the room. “So, how do you know my sister exactly? Has her company done work with Aurum?”

Warren chuckled quietly. “I met your sister at a recent business conference. She’s already making quite a name for herself at such a young age.” He tilted his head and shook his finger. “I must say, although your sister did well describing your natural beauty, she didn’t relate to me what you do. Are you in the family business?”

Jia chuckled, shaking her head as she thought of the many reasons Mei might leave out that important bit of information. “No, I’m a police detective. My division technically handles all Class II crimes and higher. We often pass them along for efficiency reasons, but we have a wide scope of responsibility.”

“Class II crimes?” Warren’s lips parted slightly. “That’s very…interesting, I bet.” He sighed. “Not to sound rude, but there can’t be that much to do. I imagine most criminals have been transported offworld by now?”

“Oh. Yes, sure. Of course, all crime is totally under control and limited to small regions of unrest or isolated pockets, but you know, it’s like…” Jia sighed. She’d promised to at least give an honest effort. “Prevention is the key to maintaining an orderly and stable society,” she finished.

Lame! she chastised herself. How about you just read him the prologue of the Law Officers School Welcome book?

“I see.” Warren nodded, something approaching understanding in his eyes. “I was a bit confused about a Lin daughter being in such an…unusual career position, but with that explanation, it all makes sense.”

Jia smiled. “It does? I’ll admit that even my own family doesn’t understand why I chose to become a detective versus following in their shoes.”

“Yes, it makes perfect sense.” Warren returned her smile with warmth. “You’re the youngest? You have no siblings other than Mei, correct?”

Jia nodded. “Just the two of us.”

“I’m the youngest in my family as well,” Warren explained.

And that matters, why? Jia wondered.

Warren reached over and patted her hand. “I understand the urge to want to help society while distinguishing yourself from your family. It’s natural for those of us who are the youngest to rebel that way.”

She eyed his hand, then looked back up at him.

“But,” he continued, pulling his hand back, “the best way to help society is by ensuring a robust economy. If the economy is strong and wealth is being generated, everything else can be handled by people who aren’t capable of achieving that. Business is the true heart driving all of the UTC, ultimately. Think about it. There would be no colonization without the aid of the corporations. Can you imagine human colonization efforts without Hermes or Ceres Galactic? Or White Tiger?”

“I’m not arguing that corporations don’t help promote stability and growth of the UTC,” she countered. “But don’t you think it helps to have people from different backgrounds in law enforcement roles? A healthy society has members of different backgrounds dispersed for maximum diversity of viewpoint and experience.” She put her hands under the table and clenched them into fists.

“Different backgrounds?” Warren mused. “Why would we need that? In truth, I’m dubious of the necessity of governmental law enforcement anymore. Corporate security can handle anything of importance, and the government’s moving most of the antisocial elements off Earth, where Security and the military can handle them.”

Warren picked up his napkin to dab the corner of his mouth. “Even if governmental law enforcement is necessary, our kind of people don’t need to participate. Someone of your family background and education isn’t living up to her full potential working in an unnecessary job.”

“I-I don’t think it’s unnecessary,” Jia managed. Mei, be thankful I don’t kick him under this table! Family respect or not.

“I apologize. I should clarify.” Warren offered her a disarming smile. “It’s unnecessary for people like you and me. Obviously, someone has to be involved in keeping the antisocial citizens and criminals under control, whether private or governmental. Of course, people from more limited backgrounds would find such work fulfilling, and I understand that you were attempting to distinguish yourself from your family, just as I was by thinking about becoming a diplomat at one point. I will fill you in on the story sometime since it’s practically a whitepaper about the youngest in a family. But don’t worry; it won’t be a problem anyway. You’ll find different ways of finding fulfillment.”

Her face scrunched; her confusion was complete. “What are you talking about? What do you mean, ‘it won’t be a problem?’”

Warren let out a quiet laugh. “You working, of course.” He gestured at himself. “I’m rather successful. While I wouldn’t object to my wife working, she would never have to, and I think you would find the busy social life that would come with an appropriate marriage more than adequate to fill your free time. I’d prefer a wife who didn’t work. Otherwise, why wouldn’t I consider Mei, if I’m honest?”

Jia stared at the man, processing what he had just said.

“Wife?” she squeaked.

* * *

“You set me up,” Jia accused as she stomped back and forth in her apartment.

She’d decided to wait until returning home to call her sister. She wanted to give herself a chance to settle her thoughts and clear the wine fog from her brain. She had also tried to burn off some energy by yelling at the onboard computer in her flitter.

It wasn’t even close to satisfying.

The full-color hologram of Mei transmitted by Jia’s PNIU stood there with her arms crossed and her lips pursed. While Jia normally preferred audio-only calls, a good rant needed accompanying body language for the full effect.

And family deserved only her best.

“I didn’t set you up,” Mei challenged, shaking her head while putting up a finger. “I asked you to go on one date with Warren.”

She turned the upthrust finger in Jia’s direction. “Was it not a date? Didn’t he take you out to one of the best seafood restaurants in the metroplex? They serve actual fish. Try to afford that on your policewoman’s salary, little sister.” She huffed. “I think you get spoiled at times, dining with either me or Mother and Father.”

Jia threw up her hands. “He was talking about marrying me. I just met the man. I didn’t know anything about him since you said everything would flow better and it would give me things to discuss if I didn’t, but now I realize you were setting me up for a matrimonial ambush.”

“Oh, don’t be so melodramatic.” Mei rolled her eyes. “He’s a busy man, Jia. He doesn’t have time for a lot of unnecessary dating, and I was trying to give you something to talk about.”

“I understand putting his career first, but I think talking about marriage on the first date is a bit much. Even Mother and Father had an actual romance that led to their marriage.” Jia groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “And I’m not saying I have someone else in mind. I’m not even interested in any dating right now because I’m busy with my career, remember?”

“Ah, yes.” Mei looked pained. “The police career that frustrates you to no end.” She threw both hands up. “I can’t possibly expect you to put that fling on hold to live a more fulfilling life of much higher social status that would both bring you more joy right now and please your older sister and your parents to no end, now could I?” She shook her head. “The mere thought must be complete insanity on my part.”

Jia eyed her through the camera. “That’s not fair, and you know it.”

“Tell me one thing that’s wrong with Warren.” Mei pointed at Jia. “Just one thing.”

“It’s not that there’s anything particularly wrong with him,” Jia replied. “Well, there is one thing. He won’t support me in my career, and even ignoring that, I’m not ready to get married yet, let alone to someone I barely know.”

“It’s not like he was going to marry you tomorrow, Jia.” Mei slapped a hand to her forehead and sucked in a breath. “You are very, very frustrating, little sister.” She blew out her breath. “I have a suggestion. A perfectly acceptable alternative.”

“What’s that?” Jia asked.

“You could join us at the company.”

“You wasted his time too, you know,” Jia insisted, ignoring Mei’s suggestion. “I had to make it very clear to him that I’m not getting married anytime soon.”

Mei chuckled. “Because you’re obsessed with your police career and some abstract notion of justice that is, to be frank, outdated.”

“Serving the public is never outdated,” Jia countered. “And I don’t appreciate you misleading me.”

Mei sighed and lowered her arm. “I’m sorry, little sister. I’ll admit that was a calculated risk on my part, but you’re right, I shouldn’t have done it. In the future, I’ll be clearer about my intentions. Although I only care about your future, and I want you to be happy.” She eyed Jia. “And your job isn’t making you happy.”

“Only because I can’t do it properly.” Jia took a deep breath. “But if I hold out, something will change the status quo, and I’ll be able to do my best to uphold the law.” She nodded firmly. “Everything will be different soon. I can feel it.”

Mei shook her head slightly and lifted a hand to her mouth to cover her yawn before she answered. “I hope you’re right, little sister. I hope you’re right for all our sakes.”

______________________

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