A Witch’s Protocol – Sunday Snippet
This week’s Sunday Snippet is a bit different A WITCH’S PROTOCOL. It’s a short story I wrote for inclusion in an anthology entitled Australia Burns, Vol III with other authors from The Wild Rose Press to help with the recovery efforts from the 2020 Australia wildfires.
What is A Witch’s Protocol about?
Megan, a witch and cybersecurity specialist, has sworn off men after an incident reported to the Witch’s Council. When ex-special forces Braiden crosses her path sparks fly. She is in panic mode when her lucrative government contract is expedited. Offering his assistance is mixing business with pleasure an explosive combination. Is it worth the risk?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Protocol:
A month later, Megan braved the Council’s hearing and escaped with a strong warning and probation. She’d never used magic so irresponsibly before, and looking back, she wasn’t sure what had happened. One minute she was furious and casting Zack aside, the next, all hell broke loose. Of course, she didn’t admit that to the Council or the punishment would—she didn’t want to think about it. She straightened, held her head high, and thanked her lucky stars, determined that her loss of control wouldn’t happen again. To prove it to herself, the next morning she drove back to the park for a run. Maybe the good-looking guy will be there again. Oh no, stop right there. No more relationships. I can’t afford more trouble.
Stepping out of the car, she started through her stretching routine and glanced up. There he stood, not ten feet in front of her—shoulder-length wavy blond hair tousled by the wind, wide muscular shoulders narrowing to… She licked her lips. The dude who played Thor has nothing on this guy. A furry black dog followed at the man’s heels. For a split second, Megan considered ducking back into the car.
One hand on his waist and the other stretched over his head, Braiden bent slowly from side to side and front to back. He looked up, a genuine smile curving his full lips. “Hi there, nice to see you again. Megan, right?”
Too late. She groaned. She didn’t have the self-discipline to walk away. Besides, it would be rude. “Morning. How are you?”
Buy Links: Amazon
I hope you’ll take a minute to check out the book and wonderful stories it contains.
See you back here next month for another segement of Sunday Snippets.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Protocol, Australia Burns Vol 3, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Security Force of Two
Celebrate the Autumn equinox, with a Sunday Snippet – Hold onto your hats SECURITY FORCE OF TWO burst onto the scene on the first day of Spring, with 5-Star reviews and awards! First book in my new Mountain Town Mysteries Series. A riveting #paranormal #romance, #mystery, you’re going to love!
A former CIA agent and a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown for different reasons none of which includes involvement in an investigation of the new police chief’s murder.
A little about Security Force of Two:
Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and family secrets he wants to leave behind for good.
Candle Bearclaw, a gifted computer analyst/programmer with talents she’s buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position with the agency. She returns to her sleepy hometown only to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.
Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, will their secrets be revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open.
An exciting new peek between the pages of Security Force of Two:
When she drove up the circle driveway, a chill shot up her spine, then a strange feeling came over her, almost like someone was watching. Reaching under the seat of her SUV, she pulled out her handgun, checked the weapon to make sure it was loaded, chambered a round, and tucked it in the back waistband of her jeans, covering it with her shirt and jacket. She backed out then drove the entire driveway more slowly, checking the perimeter. Nothing. The cell phone hadn’t chirped to alert her of a breach, but she checked her outside surveillance cameras, then the ones inside her home anyway. Again nothing. She shrugged off the feeling and stepped out of her SUV. Gun drawn, she flicked off the safety and turned on the laser. It didn’t hurt to be safe rather than sorry.
Peeking in the window, she saw the alarm keypad was still set and secure. Then she walked around the house, entered through the back door, closed and relocked it, deactivated the alarm. Nothing was out of place. Part of her wished she’d brought Terrabyte along. Though still young, the pups tracking ability was well-developed. Terra would know if someone were in or around the cabin since they left. Back to the wall, she moved carefully through each room, nothing. When she was sure the house was clear, she sat down at the computer, laying the gun next to it. Warning windows were popped up everywhere on the screen. Someone had tried to hack into her system but hadn’t gotten very far. Closing out the windows one at a time until she found a message planted just under the first layer of security. That is what must have set off the warnings. Her throat went dry as she read the message. “Poking around where you don’t belong is dangerous business. Carl’s death was unfortunate but an accident. Leave it be or pay the consequences.”
Fingers posed over the keyboard. She started to X out of the message but stopped. If this was a disintegrating message, she would have no proof it ever existed. Taking out her cell phone, she took a picture of the screen. The handle on the front door jiggled. She grabbed her gun and jumped up, making her way to the front bay window.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an internationally best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Mountain Town Mysteries Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Security Force of Two, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Skeleton Squad and Bone Jet
Only Fifty-Three days to Halloween! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble and
the rest of the Skeleton Squad continue their search for the Halloween Spirit. This week, found a ghost, a carved pumpkin, AND member of the Skeleton Squad, Octavia Octopus parked on top. But no spirit, darn it. I guess that’s progress. LOL! Toil and Trouble’s quest for the Halloween Spirit continues.
Toil, Trouble, and the Skeleton Squad discovered Bone Jet, working out in the Sunroom, and holding a jam session. They of course had to join in. Didn’t move the search forward, but they all sure had a good time.
Well, its the end of September, the yellow, red and brown leaves are falling. Autumn has arrived. Still nice enough to work out in the sun room, if Bone Jet, would share the equipment!
This week the Skeleton Squad hitched a ride with us to Pleaseant Valley RV Park in Howard, Colorado. They scared the campsite owner into giving us our own deck next to the fifth wheel. Immediately, the Skeleton Squad convened a meeting on the deck table overlooking the Arkansas River.
The next day the search began in earnest with the entire group lining up 
Next to the hummingbird feeder, a group of birds gathered. They frightened all the hummingbirds away, including a particular member of their squad who tried to use the feeder. However, later that evening, a single courageous hummingbird appeared and fearlessly ate from the feeder, daring anyone to come close. Hope you can see the little fellow is just above Octavita’s head.
Penélope Piranha dove into the river under the guise of hunting for the Halloween Spirit, but we suspect she was just having a blast swimming the stream and scarying the boaters.
Great fun was had by all. On our way back, I heard the Skeleton Squad whispering about aliens and Roswel, New Mexico. I sure hope they aren’t planning to pull a stunt like that. I’ll keep you updated! Never a dull moment with this squad.
Speaking of journeys, or possible ones, you may want to check out A Witch’s Journey. What’s it about you ask. Well….
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
How about a sneak peak between the pages of A Witch’s Journey and some of their Halloween escapades?
Klaren threw her coffee in his face, cup and all, then bolted out of his arms and down the stairs as a huge reddish wolf advanced snarling and leaped over the railing knocking Ben down the stairs. He hit the ground and tumbled down the path, he scrambled to get to his feet. But the wolf was too fast, one leap and animal landed on the Ben’s back, knocking him forward before he finally landed face down on the ground out cold. In a blink of an eye, the wolf was gone and witches closed in on all sides.
Pepper ran to her mother and helped her to her feet. “You ok?”
“I’m fine, just sorry I didn’t have time to get more information out of the son of a bitch. Did you see what he did? I wasn’t about to let him transport me to who knows where.” Klaren brushed at the knees of her jeans viciously.
The witches formed a circle around Ben. Wisps of fog trailed along the ground and took shape as spirits floating in the meadow. Duncan stepped forward and cast a spell ensnaring the man in vines of shimmering light.
“Don’t make the vines too tight around his neck, we need him to be able to speak,” Ravyn said in a calm lilting voice.
“Done,” Duncan replied.
Ravyn flicked her fingers, a bucket of water appeared over Ben’s head, it tipped and the liquid splashed over him.
Ben sputtered and cursed, his eyes wild.
“Mr. Bochard. It’s come to our attention that you are misusing magic for personal gain. You’ve called on dark magic to curse an innocent to do harm to your own kind. How do you plead?” Ravyn asked in a commanding tone.
“Bitch.” Ben bit out. “I only acted to get back what was mine.” He narrowed his eyes at Pepper.
She cast a blindfold on him. “Don’t want to take any chances. Not sure what he’s capable of.” Pepper said when Ravyn glared at her.
Ravyn nodded. “I’ll take that as a guilty plea, Mr. Bochard . Therefore, you are to be spellbound immediately.” She paused. “But first, Pepper do you have the candle?”
“Yes.” Pepper produced a tall, thick twisted black candle with beautifully carved moon phases on all sides.
“Step into the circle, face the full moon depiction north.” Raven closed her eyes and murmured several words. The candle ignited in a black flame flickered then faded to pure white.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, ghosts, Halloween Spirit, Halloween Spirit Search, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Skeleton Squad, Tena Stetler, wildlife rescue, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Sunday Snippet – Hidden Gypsy Magic
Welcome to Sunday Snippets – Hidden Gypsy Magic. Each week I spotlight one of my books, tell you what’s special about it, and highlight an excerpt. Join me each week for this fun adventure.
This week is the award-winning Hidden Gypsy Magic part of A Witch’s Journey Series revolving around animal rescue, magic, second chances, and paying it forward. I’m sure you’ll love this feel good series! Let me tell you a little secret. I’ve always wanted to visit Salem, Massachusetts, own a cabin in Maine, and live in a lighthouse. Sure enough I live out my fantasies in my books.
I love all my books, but Hidden Gypsy Magic is one of my favorites. A house and cabin that clean and fix dinner. What more could you want? Maybe wildlife rescue? Magic? A handsome veterinarian? AND it available in audiobook! Yep this book as it all.
So lets take a peek into Hidden Gypsy Magic!
Gwen a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, discover the consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic.
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
A peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
He glanced at his watch. Eleven thirty. A half-hour before midnight and Halloween would be over. Someone clapped him on the shoulder and he whirled around, fist clenched, and arm drawn back.
“Whoa, there Brock.” His friend Butch grinned. “A little jumpy on this Halloween night?”
“No, no not at all.” He lied. “Just deep in thought.”
Members of the Historical Society and The Witch’s Museum gathered around the front door. He hurried over. “Ready to leave so soon?”
“Yes, we’ve had a wonderful time, but it’s late…”A member of The Witch’s Museum said on a yawn.
“Past our bedtime” Another person added jokingly. “Great house you have here.”
“Thank you and thanks for coming.” He escorted his guests to their cars while Gwen took a defiant Misfit upstairs to their room. A thin cloud floated across the full moon in the star-strewn night sky. A twinge of anxiety niggled at his gut as he breathed in the crisp autumn air. Maybe Gwen’s right. He hurried inside. The door slammed behind him and locked.
Gwen raced down the stairs.
His gaze was drawn to the wall where the painting hung. Earlier in the evening, he’d noticed that no one was in the painting…now the chairs contained members of Beth’s family and she stood next to the fireplace inside the painting. Didn’t they all cross over? Could spirits come back after crossing over? Shit! Gwen was right, something is brewing.
Pepper and Lathen stood grim-faced next to Gwen. His mother and father crossed the room to join the little group. Butch helped Martha on with her coat then paused as the back door slammed and locked. The shutters banged against the house. Butch reached for the door handle, an eyebrow raised as the deadbolt slid into place.
“Son, I think your house is trying to tell you something.” His mother peered at the stairway where Dylan, Riva, and Molly stood.
Jeremiah and Morgan stepped out from behind the staircase. “What’s going on?” Jeremiah wanted to know, wrapping a protective arm around Morgan pulling her close.
Next week, a new snippet! I look forward to our next visit!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey Series, fantasy, ghosts, Halloween, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Timetravel, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
