#Breys Book Tours

[myah--reads]

Release Day!

Happy Release Day to Rain Falling on Embers by Liana Gardner! Keep reading for link and blurb.

This YA thriller is available here.

How do you survive the worst thing that can ever happen?

When thirteen-year-old Katie McCabe’ s dad gets sick and is hospitalized, she’ s sent to live with her uncle in a strange town. But within days of arriving, her dad unexpectedly dies.

Struggling with her new reality, Katie is lost. She doesn't fit in at her new home and never will.

It only gets worse when Katie starts her freshman year of high school and begins to have run-ins with the son of the man who owns the town— a powerful man with ties to her family’ s past.

Then one day, she is attacked from behind. Blindfolded and slung across the back of a horse, Katie is taken up into the hills. Dumped in the middle of the wilderness in an oncoming storm, she is left to find her way home. But how will she survive?

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Secrets ~ 1

Warnings: noncon sexual acts later in series

This is dark!Bucky and dark!Steve and explicit. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: A buried family secret comes to light thrusting you to the forefront of an old alliance.

Note: Bruh, other series are still going. At least one update a week for existing series in future, I promise! Probably more. 

This was semi-inspired by The Princess Diaries but obviously we’re not going highschool. 

Thank you. Love you guys!

As always, if you can, please leave some feedback, like and reblog <3

You found it hard to focus on the lecture. You copied the slides without processing the words. You couldn’t tear your mind from the unusual stranger. The one who had slipped from the room not ten minutes earlier. The one no one else seemed to notice; even the professor as she outlined the fall of the Roman Empire.

You did because you were early every week. You sat in the same seat, pulled out your notebook and pen, and put your phone on silent. You’d worked too long to screw this up. Years of saving and scrounging just to pay the application fee, bursaries awarded for your volunteer work and nearly forgotten extracurriculars from high school.

So, you noticed. The man sat in the back row with not a possession before him. Silent, discerning, and to be frank, a bit too old for the student body. Even you, after several years away from academics, thought so. You used the reflection in your phone screen to watch him and when he stood and left without cause, you angled it after his departure.

Perhaps he had come to the wrong room. Or maybe he had got the wrong time. He could be an older student or a guest speaker. Whatever he was, he was gone and you needed to focus. You didn’t have much time outside of class to revise your notes. Between your job at the campus bookstore and your intern position at the museum, you didn’t have time for anything beyond a few hours sleep.

You packed up as the lecture came to an end. Tuesdays, Professor Halren went over the week’s material and Thursdays you had a class discussion on the assigned articles. Basic, simple, but at least eighty pages of reading a week. You climbed the steps between the rows of tables and passed through the upper doors. The east entrance down the rear stairwell was the quickest exit.

You tossed your bag in the passenger seat of your crummy used Honda, parked in front of the burger joint several blocks away from campus parking. It cost you more to park on-site than it did for the beat-up contraption itself.

You drove to the museum and got out, your lanyard around your neck denoting you as a volunteer. You usually worked the help desk or handed out pamphlets for upcoming tours. Most of the time it was quiet enough for you to study in between visitors.

Sheila was the curator on duty that night. She kept to her office, saying she trusted you to direct the rare patrons who arrived on a Tuesday night. As expected, it was dead. You wandered around with textbook in hand, occasionally looking up to check that you were alone.

There was a man by the chart of Greek gods and their relations. A spiderweb with no end. You closed your book and quietly set it down on the nearest bench as you kept an eye on the man. It was him, the one from the lecture hall. A frightening coincidence. He leaned closer to the diagram then turned away, walking, no marching along the wall and rounding the corner into the next section.

Your heart was beating; in confusion and fear. You followed, carefully not to let your shoes click as you did. As you reached the next corridor, he was nowhere to be seen. You continued on, around corner and corner, on and on, looking up and down the walkways. He was gone.

You came back to the bench where you left your textbook. You glanced around one last time and opened it. Behind the cover was a ribbon, a tricade of red, white, and blue, a star emblazoned three-quarters of the way up embroidered in gold and silver. You’d seen it before but none so new as this.

You held it up and felt it between your fingers. You closed the book again and tucked it under your arm. You went to the next wing; medieval history. You walked along the timeline of European kingdoms, below each was a display of royal families of each. 

The same ribbon, aged and frayed, laid beneath the kingdom of Astrania, marked by the house of Rogers. A long storied bloodline thrust in and out of power by civil wars and politics well into the twentieth century. A country that stood still, one of the few who still lauded a monarch, as famous as the Windsors in England and beyond. The last vestiges of long lost era.

You shoved the ribbon in your pocket. It was likely a souvenir from some commodified tour of the country. A forgotten novelty sold for pennies and shoved into a used textbook. You shrugged and headed back to your usual spot among the ancient civilizations. Strange things happened. That was life.

👑

You spent your few hours before midnight writing up your rough draft for Life and Death in Ancient Greece then finally crashed. You slept on your back, uncomfortably; a heavy, exhausted sleep. You woke to voices. Your mother’s and another. One you didn’t know.

You checked the time, it was barely seven in the morning. You grumbled as you sat up. Your mother’s tone set you on edge as her voice rose. You stood and crossed to the door. You turned the handle slowly, listening through the crack of the door as you eased it open.

“You get out of my house.” She snarled. You’d never heard her sound so vicious. “I am not that person anymore. I never was.”

“You can hide behind a name,” The deep voice replied evenly. “It doesn’t change your real one.”

“My father is dead, his name died with him.” She hissed. “I won’t tell you again to leave.”

“Or what?”

“I’ll call the police, asshole.”

“I’ve been sent here under the banner of diplomacy, what are they gonna do?”

You stepped out as the argument continued, your mother growing angrier as you tiptoed down the hallway to the kitchen. She grabbed a frying pan from the dish rack as you stopped in the doorway and she waved it at the man standing on the other side of the table.

“I’ll just have to make you,” She warned. “Now go--”

“Mum,” You rubbed your eyes. “What’s going on?” You looked to the man as he turned to look at you. It was the same man from the day before. You recoiled and pressed yourself to the wall. “Who is that?”

“No one. He’s leaving.” She edged around the table and drew back the frying pan.

He didn’t move. She swung and he caught the pan as his palm deflected it away from his head. He wrenched it away from her and tossed it away.

“Sit down, your highness,” He glared at your mother as he clanked the pan against the table.

You frowned and looked at your mother. Her eyes glinted at you and she shook her head.

“You will not tell my daughter what to do,” She scowled. “Not in my house.”

“You can send me away now, but I’ll be back.” He looked around the kitchen. “Looks like you can afford a fine lawyer, indeed.”

“Lawyer?” Your mother spat.

“There’s a contract, Princess,” He sneered. 

“There is no kingdom left. No crown, no throne.” Your mother neared and grabbed your wrist, drawing you to her. “My daughter does not belong to anyone.”

“Your own father signed the accord. We paid our dues, even after his fall, we expect you to fulfill your end of the contract.”

“My father is dead,” She pushed in front of you, shielding you from the man. His square jaw twitched and his blue eyes glimmered defiantly.

“As his heir, you would acquire his responsibility. She is his first born granddaughter.” The man asserted. 

“She has no title.” Your mother insisted. “You can see we have no wealth, no holdings. We are displaced; we are common.”

“Princess Karissa of Ecklun,” The man addressed your mother, “Her daughter, Duchess of Brey. You needn’t land to uphold your titles… and your obligations.”

“The contract is old. Outdated.” Your mother countered. “There are other duchesses. Real ones.”

“The contract is legal still, it has been upheld to this point and there is no clause for annulment. Unless of course you have the funds to buy out the agreement.” He challenged. “Fifteen million, with interest.”

Your mother was silent. He hand squeezed your wrist. 

“I never received any of these payments you claim to have made,” She said.

“In a trust, as stated in the contract, to be accessible upon the day of marriage.” He declared. “If you insist, however, I can return with my legal council… and a military escort.”

Your mother let out a long breath. She released you and shakily pulled out a chair from the table. “Sit,” She gestured you forward and drew another chair out. “I’ll entertain your… discussion.”

You stepped forward and sat and she did too. The man across from you lowered himself into another chair and set down his briefcase on the floor. He reached inside and drew out a bundle of papers. He slid them across to your mother.

“If you’d like to look over the terms,” He smirked. “You’ll see all is as I said.”

“He couldn’t find another bride?” She spat as she ignored the contract.

“Not legally.” He insisted and looked at you. “Forgive me. I didn’t introduce myself, your highness. James Barnes, I am a representative of the Astranian court.”

“I don’t--” You blinked. “I don’t understand what’s--”

“Yes, apparently your mother has created a convincing ruse here in this… slum,” He sighed. “What do you know of your grandfather?”

“Don’t talk to her.” Your mother snipped. “Talk to me.”

“She must know--”

“I will explain. That is my responsibility. My right.” She sneered and grabbed the papers. 

She flipped the first page, then the second, she continued as she hastily read through it. You peeked over her shoulder but she kept turning away to block you. When she finished, she turned it face down.

“You signed it, Princess,” The man said.

“I was sixteen.” She said. “I was still a child.”

“You were a married woman.” He returned.

“A girl forced into a ring.” She slapped the paper. “And you would have me do the same to my daughter?”

“You already did,” He said plainly. “And she is older. Quite a few years, in fact.”

“It took you years to find us,” She grinned. “You think you’ll be as lucky again?”

“You are being watched. You have been watched.” He pushed his shoulders back. “We have waited long enough.”

“Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on?” You said.

The man, Barnes, looked at you. Appalled.

“I will,” Your mother squeezed your arm. “Mr. Barnes.” She turned back to him, her head held high. “Might you allow me some time to prepare?”

“To run?” He challenged.

“If we are being watched as you say, that should not be an issue,” She sniffed. “You must understand the circumstance.”

“I do understand your negligence,” He raised a brow. “One day. That is all I can allow you.”

He left the contract and stood. He took his briefcase and nodded to the table. “A copy for your records.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card and flicked it onto the document. “My information should you require it.”

He bowed his head and turned to leave you. The door opened and closed loudly as he strode out the back door. You sat, perplexed, and reached for the contract. Your mother caught your hand. She turned to you and drew your hand back with her.

“Honey,” She said softly. “I need you to listen to me. Just-- don’t talk, just listen.”

“Mum, I--”

“You’re going to hate me. I know that hate, I felt the same for my own father. I would not blame you for hating me even more than that.” She said grimly. “But please, there is much I need to tell you. That I should’ve told you before.”

“I don’t-- I don’t understand.” You sputtered.

“So just listen,” She pleaded. You nodded and your stomach bubbled nervously. “You’ve heard of Ecklun? You were always so fond of history.” You confirmed and she continued on. “And Astrania. Occasional allies until the dissolution of the former… but that all doesn’t matter.” 

Your mother hung her head. 

“My father knew the tide was against him. He tried to rally his reinforcements, he made promises to those he thought could help. He was the king, you see? He was dethroned, we were all thrown out of the country. I tried to… stay with him. Tried to make him move on but he wouldn’t. So after I had you, I left. Your father didn’t want to let go either and he refused to come with me.”

She touched her cheek and shuddered.

“It was all gone so I thought that meant it was over. Everything. The promises, the debts.” She shook her head. “I tried so hard to start over. For you. But… Your grandfather promised you to the heir of Astrania to fund his personal guard. The same that ejected us from our home.”

She twined her fingers together then pulled them apart. She gulped before she found her voice again.

“That heir is now in power,” She could barely look at you. “And you… you are to be his wife.”

“I-- no, they can’t-- it--”

“I thought I could stop it. I didn’t think they’d want it still but-- I always hated how backwards it all was. Bloodlines, lineage, privilege… It was all so ridiculous.” She huffed. “I-- tried. I failed.”

“You ran once, we can--”

“That man found me. I am not foolish to think he did not come with back-up. I have seen what happens when you undermine others. I have seen the ugliness of it. I can’t say what’s worse; to let them have you or to refuse and suffer further. You don’t know how-- I was stupid enough to think I could ever outpace them.”

You gaped at her. Shocked, angry, sickened.

“And now I can’t stop them.” She uttered.

“You didn’t tell me,” You breathed. “You should have told me.”

“I’m sorry--”

“I have school, work...I… No, they can’t. I have a life!” You stood and the chair wobbled.

“Honey, please,” She got to her feet. “I know how it feels. Trust me. My father, he did the same--”

“So what? Family tradition?” You scoffed. “They can’t make me. I’m staying. I’m going to school, I’m working. I’m not--”

“You don’t have a choice.”

“I won’t go!” You shouted.

“They’ll make you.”

“How?”

She looked at you. Her face was grim, her wrinkles more apparent than ever before. She didn’t need to say.

“They can’t--”

“They’ll find a way.” She muttered. “They always do. I’m so so sor--”

“So I’ll make them drag me,” You said. “I’ll fight it.”

“It’s treason--”

“It’s the twenty-first century!”

“Not there. It’s not the same as here. There’s no one to stop them.” 

You didn’t know what to say. You hit the table and swore. You stormed from the room and slammed your door before you fell onto the bed and screamed into your pillows. 

It was a dream. It had to be a dream!

[bechloeislegit]

Things are Different in the Light of Day

Beca is stunned to find out something about Chloe and doesn't know what to do with the information. She avoids Chloe but Chloe confronts her and storms out when Beca tells her to back off. What happens when Beca goes looking for Chloe? Will she finally spill her guts to Chloe? Set during PP2 but modified a tiny bit.

John Smith and Gail Abernathy-McKadden-Feinberg, members of the Collegiate Acapella Commission, had just informed the Barden Bellas that they were suspended from competing in this year's acapella competitions due to Fat Amy's "Muffgate" incident.

"It says we can't hold auditions, or do the Victory Tour," Chloe Beale said as she read the documents given to them regarding their suspension. "Who's going to sing at the Puppy Bowl?"

Beca put a comforting hand on Chloe's arm and looked at the Dean, John, and Gail.

"The most recent winners of the World Acapella Championships," Gail said. "They call themselves DSM."

"Wait!" Chloe said. "It doesn't say anything about stripping us of our title, which does not preclude us from competing in the World Acapella Championships."

The Acapella Committee Reps laughed in their faces and said the U.S. has never won the World title.

"What if the Bellas win it?" Beca asked. "Will we be reinstated then?"

"If you win, little missy," John said. "I will personally see to it that the Bellas are reinstated. But, don't get your hopes up, because you'll never win Worlds."

"Come on girls," Chloe said, ushering the Bellas out of the Dean's office. "We have a lot of work to do."

The Bellas all filed out behind Chloe; Beca stopped them and told Chloe, "I have to go to the radio station. I'll meet you back at the house."

"Don't be too long," Chloe said. "We need to start strategizing."

"I won't," Beca said and hurried in the opposite direction.

Chloe turned and the girls followed her back to the Bellas House.

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

"What are we going to do?" Stacie asked as they entered the house and gathered in the living room.

"We'll figure it out as we go," Chloe said. "First, we have to fill out the entry form for the Worlds. Second, we'll have to make sure our passports are all up to date. And, third, we'll need to make our reservations. After that, it will be up to Beca to put together a setlist so we can start working on choreography and vocals."

Chloe started pacing back and forth, anxiously biting her lip. She stopped and looked at the other Bellas.

"Did I forget anything?"

"It sounds like you hit on everything," Stacie said. "Let's look up the registration and get that out of the way."

"Sounds like a plan," Chloe said. "My laptop is in the kitchen."

Stacie followed Chloe and sat next to her as she registered the Bellas for the World Acapella Championships.

"Okay, done," Chloe said. "Find and update your passport, Stacie, because we're going to Copenhagen."

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

It was late when Beca returned from the radio station.

"Chloe's going to kill me," Beca muttered as she entered the Bellas House.

"You're safe until the morning," Stacie's voice said from the living room.

"Oh, hey, Stace," Beca said. "I didn't know anyone was still up."

"I'm studying," Stacie said. "Everyone else went to bed. And Chloe was exhausted so she was the first to call it a night."

"I'm sure she's probably mad at me because I got back so late," Beca sighed. She sat down across from Stacie and looked at her. "Um, Stacie, can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure, Beca," Stacie said, setting her book aside to face Beca. "What's up?"

"I really like Chloe," Beca said. "As in like, like her."

"I know," Stacie said, smiling.

"You do?" Beca asked. "How do you know that? It's taken me months to figure it out."

"It's the way you two look at each other," Stacie said. "You look at her like she's the only person in the room. And she looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars."

"She looks at me like that?" Beca asked. "I've never seen it."

"Just because you haven't caught her looking at you, doesn't mean she isn't," Stacie said.

"I want to tell her how I feel about her," Beca said. "And, I want to hear her say she feels the same way."

"I think that's great, Beca," Stacie said. "I'm glad you're going to tell her. I can guarantee you that Chloe likes you, too."

"What?! How in the world can you guarantee something like that?"

"Because she told me. Besides, you and Brey are the reason Chloe and I stopped hooking up," Stacie said, nonchalantly. "Chloe likes you, and I like Aubrey. It didn't seem right to keep doing it."

"You and Chloe hooked up?" Beca mumbled, shaking her head. "Did not see that coming."

"It only happened twice and was just a Friends with Benefits type thing," Stacie said, shrugging her shoulders. "That's all. It was no big deal."

"So, you don't have any romantic feelings for her?" Beca asked.

"No," Stacie said. "I just told you I like Aubrey."

"Riiiiight," Beca said, sounding unconvinced. "I'm going to head up to bed. Goodnight, Stacie."

"Goodnight, Beca," Stacie said, as she opened her textbook to continue studying.

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

Beca made her way slowly up the stairs, stopping outside Chloe's room. She debated on whether to let Chloe know she was home and decided against it.

"Stacie and Chloe?" Beca thought. "Even on my best day, I can't compete with Stacie. This changes everything."

Beca hung her head and slowly continued making her way to her room.

After a restless night thinking about Chloe and Stacie, Beca woke early and decided to get dressed and leave the Bellas house before anyone else was up. She showered and dressed and was quietly making her way downstairs when she heard Chloe's door open behind her. She hesitated and looked up to see a giggling Stacie and Chloe coming out of Chloe's room. She sprinted down the last few steps and out the door with the sound of Chloe calling after her.

Beca didn't stop; she kept going and hurried to her car. She jumped in and drove off before Chloe could catch up to her. She looked in her rearview mirror to see Chloe standing on the front sidewalk watching as Beca's car drove away.

"Dammit," Chloe muttered, stomping her foot.

She ran a hand through her hair and went back inside the house.

A couple of hours later, Stacie was looking for Beca. She saw Chloe and asked, "Hey, Chloe, where's Beca?"

"I don't know," Chloe said. "I haven't seen her since she left this morning. Or rather since she ran away from me. I was going to ask her to breakfast because I wanted to talk to her about something."

"Maybe you can ask her to dinner at rehearsal," Stacie suggested.

"That's if she comes to rehearsal," Chloe mumbled. "You know how she is when she gets into one of her moods."

"Why don't you call her to find out where she went?" Stacie asked.

"She's obviously ignoring me for some reason," Chloe said. "I'm not entirely sure she would answer my call."

"Do you want me to call her for you?" Stacie asked.

"Would you? Maybe she'll actually answer for you."

"Sure," Stacie said, pulling out her phone and placing the call. "Huh, she's not answering. I’ll send her a text and ask if she's coming to rehearsal."

Stacie sent the text and told Chloe not to worry because Beca is always good about answering texts.

"I just wish I knew what I did for her to run away and avoid me," Chloe said sadly, wiping a tear from her eye.

Stacie reached over and pulled Chloe to her in a hug.

"Calm down, Chloe," Stacie said quietly as she rubbed her hand up and down Chloe's back. "I'm sure Beca will come to talk to you when she's ready."

Unbeknownst to Stacie and Chloe, Beca chose that moment to walk in. Seeing Stacie holding Chloe, and whispering to each other, Beca turned and immediately walked back out again.

"So much for there being nothing between them," Beca mumbled, as she stood on the porch, wiping a tear from her eye.

Beca pulled her phone from her pocket as she turned to walk down the porch steps. She was surprised to see a text from Stacie asking about rehearsal. She wanted to say she wouldn't be at rehearsal but knew everyone would be after her if she didn't show up.

I'll see you at rehearsal Beca texted back. She quickly made her way down the steps and into her car.

Stacie's phone pinged and she checked it.

"It's from Beca," Stacie told Chloe. "She said she'd see us at rehearsal."

"That's good," Chloe said. "She can't avoid me if I'm standing right in front of her."

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

Beca waited until all the Bellas had entered before making her way into the Auditorium. She saw Stacie sitting next to Chloe and hurried to the front where she dropped her bag on the floor before taking the vacant seat between Jessica and Cynthia Rose.

Chloe watched Beca and frowned when she didn't sit next to her. Beca crossed her arms over her chest and stared down at the ground.

"So, um, Beca," Chloe said. "Do you have anything you want to say before I start?"

"No, I'm good," Beca said quickly without looking at Chloe.

"Okay, so, um," Chloe stuttered as she looked at Beca. "I've registered us for Worlds, so everyone needs to make sure their passports are up to date as soon as possible. I'll check airfares and lodging and make all our reservations this week. Then we'll be set until we get closer to the Worlds."

The girls all clapped and squealed with excitement. Beca just sat there staring at the ground.

"Becs?" Chloe called out, causing Beca to finally look at her. "We'll need to discuss the set so we can get started on choreography."

"No problem," Beca said, shifting in her seat.

"Okay, let's call it for now," Chloe said, looking around at everyone.

"Aw, yeah," Fat Amy yelled. "Let's go out tonight and celebrate."

"You mean, let's go out and get drunk tonight," Jessica said.

"That goes without saying," Ashley said.

The other Bellas shouted in agreement as they gathered their stuff to leave. Fat Amy shoved Jessica, who fell into Emily, causing both to fall to the floor. They laughed and stood up to follow the girls out of the Auditorium.

"Hold up for a second," Chloe called out, stopping them. "For now, be careful and try not to kill yourselves, or each other, okay? And, I'll let you know when our next rehearsal will be scheduled."

"You got it, Captain," Fat Amy said, saluting Chloe.

Beca took the opportunity to leave while everyone was distracted. Chloe watched the girls leave but didn't see Beca.

"Hey, Stacie," Chloe called out, racing to catch up with her. "Did you see where Beca went?"

"No, Chloe," Stacie said. "I didn't even see her leave. But, don't worry, I'm sure you'll catch her at the house."

"I'm sure you're right," Chloe said.

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

Beca had been in the house for about ten minutes and was sitting at her desk in her room. She heard the Bellas returning, excited about going out that night. Beca put her headphones on and stared at her computer screen so she looked like she was working.

"Are you going to get ready?" Fat Amy asked when she saw Beca just sitting and staring at her computer.

"I'm not going," Beca said. "I really need to start working on the set for Worlds."

"We have months to worry about that," Fat Amy said. "Come on, we all need to unwind a bit."

"Maybe next time," Beca said, randomly moving her mouse and clicking the screen, hoping Amy would take the hint and leave her alone.

Fat Amy shrugged her shoulders and got changed to go out with the Bellas. Beca continued to act as if she was working on their set.

When Fat Amy finally left to join the other girls, Beca breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Where's Beca?" Chloe asked when she saw Fat Amy coming down the stairs alone.

"She's not coming," Fat Amy said.

"What?" Stacie asked.

"Why?" Chloe asked.

"She said she needed to start working on the set for Worlds," Fat Amy said.

"You girls go ahead," Chloe said as she started up the stairs. "I'll let you know if I'm going to join you or not after I've had a chat with Beca."

"Go easy on her, Chloe," Stacie said with a laugh. "We need her to do the set before you kill her, okay?"

"I don't have any plans to kill her," Chloe said, stopping midway and looking down at Stacie. "At least not yet anyway."

"Come on girls," Stacie said. "Let's go."

Stacie and Fat Amy led the girls out the door and Chloe thought for a moment and went into the living room and sat down. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

The door slammed closed as the last Bella made it out the door. Chloe smiled when she heard Beca coming down from her attic bedroom. She patiently waited until Beca walked toward the kitchen.

"How's the set for Worlds coming along, Beca?"

Beca squealed, jumped, and grabbed at her chest. "Jesus, you scared the shit out of me!"

"It's just you and me now," Chloe said, standing and walking over to Beca. Beca took the opportunity to check Chloe out as she walked toward her. Chloe looked hot, but then again Chloe did know how to dress to impress.

"We need to talk."

"That's never good," Beca said, pushing past Chloe to continue into the kitchen.

Chloe grabbed Beca's arm and pulled her back. "Just tell me why you've started avoiding me and the conversation will be over."

"I'm not avoiding you," Beca said, jerking her arm out of Chloe's grasp.

"Okay, then," Chloe said. "Tell me why you're suddenly going out of your way to make sure you don't occupy the same general area or space I do?"

"No matter how you dress it up," Beca said. "I'm not avoiding you."

"Then why does it feel like you are?" Chloe asked, frowning.

"I'm not," Beca whispered.

"Will you talk to me?" Chloe asked. "Or at least tell me what's going on with you? Did I do something? Did something happen to you? Please, tell me."

"There's nothing to tell," Beca snapped. "Could you cool it with the inquisition? I've got work to do."

Chloe's face fell; Beca's words stung. Chloe turned and stomped toward the door, grabbing her things. She turned to look at Beca.

"Fine!" Chloe said. "I'm sorry to be such a bother to you."

Chloe opened the door and walked out, slamming it behind her. Beca stood there, speechless. She ran a hand through her hair and slid down the wall so she was sitting on the floor.

"Way to go, Mitchell," she mumbled.

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

Chloe walked into the bar and found the Bellas.

"Chloe!" Stacie called out. "Where's little Miss Grumpy?"

"Don't know," Chloe said. "And don't really care."

"What happened?" CR asked.

"Just Beca being Beca," Chloe said. "And not giving two shits about how her words can cut right through someone."

Chloe wiped a tear before it could fall. Stacie pulled Chloe into a hug and Chloe sniffled against Stacie's shirt.

"Why do I let her get to me so much?" Chloe cried.

"Because you have feelings for her," CR said. "The ones we love always hurt us more than someone we don't care so much about."

"Here, Chloe," Fat Amy said, handing Chloe a shot. "I think you need to get drunk so you can forget about Beca for a while."

"Thanks, Amy," Chloe said, taking the drink and downing it. "Keep 'em coming. I want you girls to have to carry me out of here."

"YES!" Fat Amy cheered.

The other Bellas cheered and toasted each other with a shot. Chloe downed her shot and slammed the glass down on the table. Chloe kept downing shots and it wasn't long before she was really feeling them. She sat at the table with her head on her arms.

"Chloe?" Stacie said, causing Chloe to slowly lift her head and look at her.

Stacie nodded her head in the direction behind the Bellas; Chloe turned to see Beca standing there. Chloe sighed and looked at Beca. Beca moved closer to the table.

"I thought you were too busy to come out with us," Chloe said, downing another shot.

"I came to apologize. . . to you," Beca said. "Can you come outside with me so we can talk?"

Chloe looked around at the Bellas and saw Stacie nod her head. "Go ahead, Chloe."

"Fine," Chloe said. "This had better be one hell of an apology."

Beca turned around and walked toward the door without saying anything. Chloe stumbled after her, barely managing to stay on her feet. She stopped and stared at Beca once they were outside.

"I'm sorry I was such a dick to you," Beca said. "I, uh, I found out something about you and it messed with my head. I didn't know how to process it."

"What did you find out about me?" Chloe asked, slurring her words.

Beca took a moment to really look at Chloe. She frowned when she realized Chloe was swaying a bit.

"You're drunk?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes, it matters," Beca said. "Let me take you home and then we can talk, okay? I want you sober when I tell you what I have to tell you."

"I'll have to let the girls know I'm leaving," Chloe said as she turned to make her way back into the bar.

Chloe stumbled and Beca grabbed her before she fell.

"I'll tell them," Beca said, guiding Chloe to a bench where she could sit down. "Stay here and I'll be right back."

"M'kay," Chloe said.

Beca went inside and found Stacie.

"I'm taking Chloe home," Beca told her. "She's drunk. I know it's my fault she's like this, so I'll take care of her."

"Okay," Stacie said. She picked up Chloe's purse and phone and handed them to Beca. "I'll text you when we're on the way back to the house."

"Okay," Beca said. "Be careful."

With that, Beca turned and went back to Chloe. She sat next to the redhead and called for an Uber.

"Our ride should be here in about three minutes," Beca told Chloe.

"Okay," Chloe said, snuggling against Beca's side.

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

The ride back to the Bellas house was quiet; Chloe continued to snuggle Beca. Beca tried to keep Chloe from falling asleep.

"Come on, Chloe," Beca said, shaking her best friend. "We're home."

Chloe mumbled something and Beca got out of the car. She helped Chloe out of the car and managed to get her into the house. She didn't think she could get Chloe to her room so she laid her on the sofa in the living room.

"I'm going to get you some water, okay?" Beca said and turned to leave.

"Don't go," Chloe said, as she grabbed Beca's arm.

"I'll only be gone for a minute," Beca said. "I promise."

Beca went to the kitchen and came back with two bottles of water.

"Here," Beca said, handing one of the waters to Chloe.

Chloe drank down about half the bottle before handing it back to Beca.

"Thanks," Chloe said, clearing her throat. "I recall you saying something about an apology."

"I did," Beca said, as she sat on the edge of the sofa next to Chloe. "I'm sorry I was such a dick to you earlier. I found out something about, um, about you that really surprised me. I didn't know how to process it and I lashed out at you. I'm really sorry."

"What did you find out about me?" Chloe asked.

"It doesn't matter," Beca said. "It's really none of my business. It all happened before I knew how I felt about you."

Chloe furrowed her brow. "And how do you feel about me?"

"I like you," Beca said. "As more than a friend. And I wanted to tell you but I got scared when I found out that you and-. Um, you."

"I what?" Chloe asked. "And don't say it doesn't matter, because obviously, it matters to you."

"I, uh, found out that you and, uh, Stacie hooked up a couple of times when you were drunk," Beca said.

"Oh," Chloe breathed out. "And that bothers you?"

"Yes. No," Beca said. "Yes. I mean, you've seen Stacie. I can't compete with that."

"Then don't," Chloe said. "It didn't mean anything."

"Stacie said it was a Friends with Benefits type of arrangement," Beca said, looking down at her hands.

Chloe nodded and said, "It was. And it only happened a couple of times. We both liked someone else and it didn't feel right to keep doing it, so we stopped."

Beca looked up at Chloe. "So, I know Stacie wanted Aubrey; who did you want to be with?"

Chloe decided to take the bull by the horns and pulled Beca to her and kissed her. She pulled back after a moment.

"Does that answer your question?"

"Are you going to remember this in the morning?" Beca asked.

"Can you help me upstairs to my room?" Chloe asked. "And stay with me so we can cuddle? Then we'll see how things go in the morning."

Beca smiled and did as Chloe requested.

~~ Things Are Different in the Light of Day ~~

Beca woke the next morning when she heard someone knocking on Chloe's door. She looked around and quietly got out of bed to answer the door.

"Shhh," Beca said as soon as Stacie opened her mouth to speak. "Chloe's still asleep."

"Is she okay?" Stacie asked as Beca stepped outside the room. "Oh, did you two finally get together?"

"She's fine," Beca said. "She was still pretty drunk when we talked. I did tell her I liked her, but I wasn't sure she'd remember it this morning. So, I put her to bed and we said we'd talk more this morning."

"So, do you think she'll remember what was said last night?" Stacie asked.

"I hope so," Beca replied.

"Becs?" Chloe's voice called out.

"I'd better get back to her," Beca said and left Stacie standing in the hallway.

"I thought you went back to your room," Chloe said.

"I said I'd stay," Beca told her.

Chloe patted the bed beside her and Beca laid down. Chloe snuggled into her.

"Please tell me I didn't dream last night," Chloe said.

"What do you remember?" Beca asked.

"I remember me telling you that I liked you," Chloe replied. "And you told me you liked me, too."

"That wasn't a dream," Beca said. "It really happened. So, are things different in the light of day?"

"Yes," Chloe said, causing Beca to stiffen and look at her.

"How so?" Beca asked softly.

"Well, last night I said I liked you," Chloe said. "But what I should have said was that I love you."

Beca's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes, I really do love you," Chloe said, turning on her side to face Beca.

Beca did the same and was now facing Chloe.

"I love you, too," Beca said smiling.

Chloe smiled back and leaned in to kiss Beca. Beca met her halfway and pulled Chloe closer to her. The kiss broke naturally and they smiled at each other.

"Can I take you out to breakfast?" Beca asked.

"Can we make it lunch, instead?" Chloe countered. "I just want to stay here like this for a while."

"I'm good with that," Beca said and snuggled closer to Chloe.

[aion-rsa]

Top New Fantasy Books in April 2021

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Fantasy helps us take a break from reality when we need the respite, or learn more about our real world. Here are some of the fantasy books we’re planning on checking out this year…

Top New Fantasy Books April 2021

The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner

Type: Novel Publisher: Redhook Release date: April 13

Den of Geek says: It’s always good to see more Jewish voices in fantasy. This book sees the root of superhero stories made specific as a threat can only be defeated by a cast of Jewish miracle-workers.

Publisher’s summary: Deep in the Hungarian woods, the sacred magic of King Solomon lives on in his descendants. Gathering under the midnight stars, they perform small miracles and none are more gifted than the great Rabbi Isaac and his three daughters. 

Hannah, bookish and calm, can coax plants to grow even when the weather is bitterly cold. Sarah, defiant and strong, can control the impulsive nature of fire. And Levana, the fey one, can read the path of the stars to decipher their secrets. 

But darkness is creeping across Europe, threatening the lives of every Jewish person in every village. Each sister will have to make an impossible choice in an effort to survive – and change the fate of their family forever.

Buy The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner.

The Helm of Midnight by Marina Lostetter

Type: Novel Publisher: Tor Books Release date: April 13

Den of Geek says: Alternate genders and inventive magic spice up a serial killer story in a weird city.

Publisher’s summary: In a daring and deadly heist, thieves have made away with an artifact of terrible power―the death mask of Louis Charbon. Made by a master craftsman, it is imbued with the spirit of a monster from history, a serial murderer who terrorized the city.

Now Charbon is loose once more, killing from beyond the grave. But these murders are different from before, not simply random but the work of a deliberate mind probing for answers to a sinister question.

It is up to Krona Hirvath and her fellow Regulators to enter the mind of madness to stop this insatiable killer while facing the terrible truths left in his wake.

Buy The Helm of Midnight by Marina Lostetter.

Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

Type: Novel Publisher: HarperTeen Release date: April 20

Den of Geek says: The line between genre fiction and genre YA is sometimes muddy. Is it about the age of the protagonist? Purely a marketing decision? We’ve decided to err on the side of promoting Witches Steeped in Gold here, mostly on the strength of the dynamic between the two prickly characters.

Publisher’s summary: Divided by their order. United by their vengeance.

Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom—and vengeance. 

Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power.

Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain—except the lengths they will go to win this game.

Buy Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart.

Top New Fantasy Books March 2021

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab

Type: Novel Publisher: Scholastic Press  Release date: March 2

Den of Geek says: The next entry in this well-received series mixes fantasy and horror in a twisty mystery about a ghost-hunter in an atmospheric New Orleans.

Publisher’s summary: Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows . . .

Unless it’s the other way around?

Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while traveling for her parents’ TV show.

But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colorful, grisly local legends. And the city’s biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.

Buy Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab.

A Broken Darkness by Premee Mohamed

Type: Novel Publisher: Solaris Release date: March 30

Den of Geek says: This is another one hard to categorize. It’s a little bit fantasy, a little bit science fiction, and a little bit eldritch. The first book in the series showed off Mohamed’s unique aesthetic and mix of serious stakes and wry humor.

Publisher’s summary: It’s been a year and a half since the Anomaly, when They tried to force their way into the world from the shapeless void.

Nick Prasad is piecing his life together, and has joined the secretive Ssarati Society to help monitor threats to humanity – including his former friend Johnny.

Right on cue, the unveiling of Johnny’s latest experiment sees more portals opened to Them, leaving her protesting her innocence even as the two of them are thrown together to fight the darkness once more…

Buy A Broken Darkness by Premee Mohamed.

The Councillor by E.J. Beaton

Type: Novel Publisher: DAW Release date: March 2 Den of Geek says: This political fantasy follows in the footsteps of The Traitor Baru Cormorant. We’re intrigued by the story of a character tangled in her own ambition, and fantasy where words are more important than swords.

Publisher’s summary: This Machiavellian fantasy follows a scholar’s quest to choose the next ruler of her nation amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination

When the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen’s closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publically, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne. Privately, she seeks to discover which ruler murdered the queen, suspecting the use of magic. Resourceful, analytical, and quiet, Lysande appears to embody the motto she was raised with: everything in its place. Yet while she hides her drug addiction from her new associates, she cannot hide her growing interest in power. She becomes locked in a game of strategy with the city-rulers – especially the erudite prince Luca Fontaine, who seems to shift between ally and rival. Further from home, an old enemy is stirring: the magic-wielding White Queen is on the move again, and her alliance with a traitor among the royal milieu poses a danger not just to the peace of the realm, but to the survival of everything that Lysande cares about.  In a world where the low-born keep their heads down, Lysande must learn to fight an enemy who wears many guises… even as she wages her own battle between ambition and restraint.

Buy The Councillor by E.J. Beaton.

Top New Fantasy Books February 2021

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard

Type: Novella Publisher: Tordotcom Release date: Feb. 9 Den of Geek says: De Bodard is a staple around here for lush settings and unique characters. Here she turns her hand to a romance (and maybe love that doesn’t work out after all) compared to Howl’s Moving Castle. Publisher’s Summary:

Fire burns bright and has a long memory….

Quiet, thoughtful princess Thanh was sent away as a hostage to the powerful faraway country of Ephteria as a child. Now she’s returned to her mother’s imperial court, haunted not only by memories of her first romance, but by worrying magical echoes of a fire that devastated Ephteria’s royal palace.

Thanh’s new role as a diplomat places her once again in the path of her first love, the powerful and magnetic Eldris of Ephteria, who knows exactly what she wants: romance from Thanh and much more from Thanh’s home. Eldris won’t take no for an answer, on either front. But the fire that burned down one palace is tempting Thanh with the possibility of making her own dangerous decisions.

Can Thanh find the freedom to shape her country’s fate―and her own?

Buy Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard.

City of the Uncommon Thief by Lynne Bertrand

Type: Novel Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers Release date: Feb. 9

Den of Geek says: This novel sits at the crossroads of fantasy, horror, and YA. A gothic city provides a pleasantly weird background to a dark adventure about teens who lurk on the rooftops of the city.

Publisher’s Summary:

“Guilders work. Foundlings scrub the bogs. Needles bind. Swords tear. And men leave. There is nothing uncommon in this city. I hope Errol Thebes is dead. We both know he is safer that way.”

In a walled city of a mile-high iron guild towers, many things are common knowledge: No book in any of the city’s libraries reveals its place on a calendar or a map. No living beasts can be found within the city’s walls. And no good comes to the guilder or foundling who trespasses too far from their labors. Even on the tower rooftops, where Errol Thebes and the rest of the city’s teenagers pass a few short years under an open sky, no one truly believes anything uncommon is possible within the city walls. But one guildmaster has broken tradition to protect her child, and now the whole city faces an uncommon threat: a pair of black iron spikes that has the power of both sword and needle on the rib cages of men has gone missing, but the mayhem they cause rises everywhere. If the spikes are not found, no wall will be high enough to protect the city—or the world beyond it.   And Errol Thebes? He’s not dead and he’s certainly not safe.

Buy City of the Uncommon Thief by Lynne Bertrand.

The Memory Theater by Karin Tidbeck

Type: Novel Publisher: Pantheon Release date: Feb. 16 Den of Geek says: Tidbeck is known for her strange and literary short stories, full of musing and teeth. Her take on portal fantasy is bound to bring something new to the subgenre. Publisher’s summary: From the award-winning author of Amatka and Jagannath—a fantastical tour de force about friendship, interdimensional theater, and a magical place where no one ages, except the young In a world just parallel to ours exists a mystical realm known only as the Gardens. It’s a place where feasts never end, games of croquet have devastating consequences, and teenagers are punished for growing up. For a select group of masters, it’s a decadent paradise where time stands still. But for those who serve them, it’s a slow torture where their lives can be ended in a blink. In a bid to escape before their youth betrays them, Dora and Thistle—best friends and confidants—set out on a remarkable journey through time and space. Traveling between their world and ours, they hunt for the one person who can grant them freedom. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious traveler who trades in favors and never forgets debts, a crossroads at the center of the universe, our own world on the brink of war, and a traveling troupe of actors with the ability to unlock the fabric of reality.   Endlessly inventive, The Memory Theater takes us to a wondrous place where destiny has yet to be written, life is a performance, and magic can erupt at any moment. It is Karin Tidbeck’s most engrossing and irresistible tale yet. Buy The Memory Theater by Karin Tidbeck.

Top New Fantasy Books January 2021

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire

Type: Novel Publisher: Tordotcom Release date: Jan. 12, 2021

Den of Geek says: McGuire’s Wayward Children series is a loosely connected group of novels all playing with fantasy tropes. What does it really mean to be a chosen one in a magical world? In the latest installment she turns her careful wit to centaurs and unicorns.

Publisher’s summary: “Welcome to the Hooflands. We’re happy to have you, even if you being here means something’s coming.”

Regan loves, and is loved, though her school-friend situation has become complicated, of late.

When she suddenly finds herself thrust through a doorway that asks her to “Be Sure” before swallowing her whole, Regan must learn to live in a world filled with centaurs, kelpies, and other magical equines―a world that expects its human visitors to step up and be heroes.

But after embracing her time with the herd, Regan discovers that not all forms of heroism are equal, and not all quests are as they seem…

Buy Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire.

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner

Type: Novel Publisher: Ace Release date: Jan 12, 2021

Den of Geek says: Romance and magic come together in what looks like a fun tale with a wide variety of characters. The roguish setting reminds us of The Lies of Locke Lamora with more women. Publisher’s summary: Dellaria Wells, petty con artist, occasional thief, and partly educated fire witch, is behind on her rent in the city of Leiscourt—again. Then she sees the “wanted” sign, seeking Female Persons, of Martial or Magical ability, to guard a Lady of some Importance, prior to the celebration of her Marriage. Delly fast-talks her way into the job and joins a team of highly peculiar women tasked with protecting their wealthy charge from unknown assassins.   Delly quickly sets her sights on one of her companions, the confident and well-bred Winn Cynallum. The job looks like nothing but romance and easy money until things take a deadly (and undead) turn. With the help of a bird-loving necromancer, a shapeshifting schoolgirl, and an ill-tempered reanimated mouse named Buttons, Delly and Winn are determined to get the best of an adversary who wields a twisted magic and has friends in the highest of places.

Buy The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner.

The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson

Type: Novel Publisher: DAW Release date: Jan. 19 Den of Geek says: A gorgeous and mysterious fantasy world is ready to unfold. The world-building here looks delightfully weird, with sailing ships on fields of greenery.

Publisher’s Summary: On the never-ending, miles-high expanse of prairie grasses known as the Forever Sea, Kindred Greyreach, hearthfire keeper and sailor aboard harvesting vessel The Errant, is just beginning to fit in with the crew of her new ship when she receives devastating news. Her grandmother—The Marchess, legendary captain and hearthfire keeper—has stepped from her vessel and disappeared into the sea.

But the note she leaves Kindred suggests this was not an act of suicide. Something waits in the depths, and the Marchess has set out to find it.

To follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, Kindred must embroil herself in conflicts bigger than she could imagine: a water war simmering below the surface of two cultures; the politics of a mythic pirate city floating beyond the edges of safe seas; battles against beasts of the deep, driven to the brink of madness; and the elusive promise of a world below the waves. 

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Kindred finds that she will sacrifice almost everything—ship, crew, and a life sailing in the sun—to discover the truth of the darkness that waits below the Forever Sea. Buy The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson.

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[astra-and-lilith]

https://twitter.com/AUC_MoussaFaki Président de la Commission de l'Union africaine. Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat hat retweetet Phil Hogan ‏Verifizierter Account @PhilHoganEU 24. Mai Mehr How can we: improve productivity, develop infrastructure & skills, & incentivise responsible investment in the African #agrifood sector? Today @JosefaSacko, @MimicaEU & I are proud to launch the Taskforce for Rural Africa. Read more: http://europa.eu/!dX78Cx #AUEU Link geht auf https://ec.europa.eu/commission/commissioners/2014-2019/hogan/announcements/remarks-commissioner-phil-hogan-kick-meeting-task-force-rural-africa-brussels_en Anklicken des Buttons für die Wei 08 : 18 Uhr Check Herz Technikkontrolle und ein "Danke" und der Bildschirm geht aus beim erneuten Starten 09 : 20 Uhr Da drüben "Schönes Wochenende" und "Alles klar" Titel der verlinkten Seite SPEECH24 May 2018 Remarks by Commissioner Phil Hogan at Kick-Off Meeting of the Task Force for Rural Africa, Brussels Eine Weiterleitung auf Facebook ist nicht möglich. Es erscheint lediglich eine weiße Seite mit folgendem Permalink https://www.facebook.com/dialog/return/close#_=_ bei Google eingegeben erscheint als erstes der Link "Warning Parents" Datenbank-Eingabe am Bildschirm so. technisches protokoll ...! und ab zur bearbeitung! ergibt unter anderem Protokolle der Militärcommission der Teutschen Bundesversammlung: ... https://books.google.de/books?id=redLAAAAcAAJ Deutschland (Deutscher Bund) Militärcommission - 1822 ... von Seiten der hohen Bundesversammlung die technische Bearbeitung des ... sind, so lassen sich in Ermanglung eigentlicher Bundesgesetze nur diejenigen ... Ökonomisch-technische Flora Böhmens nach einem ausgedehntern Plane ... https://books.google.de/books?id=ZVc_AAAAcAAJ 1843 e er m s do N e?! ro h ber f al F s so s s so e. g. so es z j g s s Kalk vermischt; 13 Thl. Farbe und 2 Thl. zu Brei gekochten Kartoffeln eingerührt. Die Farbe kann ... Ja. Der K alk wurde vermischt ... Und Böhmen liegt noch mal wo genau? Offenbar noch jemand mit Appetit auf eine mit Schnaps gefüllte Schokoladen-Praline. Und das war dann wohl wieder ein: Volltreffer! Siehe dazu die Beiträge unten. Mit einer weiteren Anmerkung: Ich hatte vorgestern nacht im technischen Dialog berichtet über das merkwürdige Verhalten manches Masai in Kenya mit offenbar grossem Aufmerksamkeits-Syndrom, der im Jeep als Tour-Guide sich erfreute an den erschrockenen Gesichtern der Touristen, da sein Horn, seine Hupe ihm als Spielzeug diente, und der damit derart die Elefanten verschreckte, dass sie in Rudeln wegliefen in Richtung der Bäume. Auch dieser Tour-Guide wurde entlassen. Wie ich annehme anhand des Dialogs. Ja. Überall gibt es solche. Und solche.

[myah--reads]

Cover Reveal!

Mixing up Mayhem by Heather Nix is releasing on October 31st! Keep reading for the blurb and preorder links!

Blurb:

Things are finally looking up for thirty-five year old Jackie Miller. She’s scored her dream job as head pâtissier at the top restaurant in the country, she’s going to propose to her girlfriend, and she’s flexing her creative muscle with a showpiece dessert that will blow the socks off of the Seattle food scene. 

Or so she thinks.

When she meets a hellish princess in an explosive mishap, her whole life gets flipped upside down, and Jackie has to figure out how to juggle an unexpected breakup, an unexpected houseguest, and some unexpected feelings which might just lead to heaven on earth.

Preorder Now at: https://amzn.to/46u4lB3

[myah--reads]

Sacrifice by Erin Coal Book 1 of the Night Coven Duology

Unsure how I feel about this one. It's not bad but you have to read it and judge it yourself. There were a lot of moments where, as a reader, I was like "???? you're not gonna question that?" to the MC. The storyline itself is good, the execution wasn't the greatest. The character development wasn't as intense as it could've been and the plot twists were underwhelming. But I will be reading the second book because I need to know how it continues. Keep reading for the blurb.

Using magic always comes with a price to pay…

All alone in a new place, Alicia was sent away by her own coven for an arranged marriage, although she had no clue what she would be walking into. 

Alicia suspects her soon-to-be husband and his coven are practicing dark magic. But it gets worse. He’s an arrogant arsehole that can’t stand to be in the same room with her, yet he stirs all these unfamiliar feelings from within her, and she can’t help but be drawn to him.

Surrounded by darkness and with no one who will answer her questions, Alicia needs to make the biggest decision of her life before it's too late…

[bechloeislegit]

14 Days of BeChloe Valentines

A/N: I'm back! I said I'd resume this series once I got over my writer's block. I hope these last few chapters are okay - I did most of them while still trying to break through the wall I had hit with my writing. I hope you enjoy them.

DAY 09 - SACRIFICES FOR BECA?

Prompt from FanFiction User RJRMovieFan: Set at the end of Pitch Perfect 3. The story involves Beca, Chloe, the Bellas, Theo, Chicago, and the aftermath of the kiss.

NOTE: The actual prompt was way longer than this, so I summarized it. I apologize for the ending; it just sort of took on a mind of its own. It's really silly, and I just needed some silliness.

Chloe paced back and forth in the tiny New York apartment she alone now shared with Fat Amy. Fat Amy was sitting on her bed and had just told Chloe about Theo hitting on Beca and trying to force Beca to go out with him.

"How long has this been going on?" Chloe asked Fat Amy.

"Since she got to L.A.," Fat Amy answered. "So, like five or six weeks. I'm surprised she hasn't said anything to you about it."

"Things are a little weird between us," Chloe said. "I mean, we only text things like 'hi' and 'how are you?' We haven't really talked since she left Paris to fly to L.A."

"You know we all thought that you and Beca would-." She stopped and sighed. "She's not happy, Chloe. Theo has been hitting on her and has put her in an uncomfortable situation."

"Why doesn't she tell DJ Khaled?" Chloe asked. "What Theo is doing isn't right. She can sue him for sexual harassment."

"She doesn't want to make waves," Fat Amy said. "This is her chance to make it big. You should know how big a deal this is. You're the one who convinced her to take the offer."

"How did I convince her?" Chloe asked. "We never even talked about it."

"You didn't have to say anything," Fat Amy said. "Your actions told her everything she needed to know."

"What do you mean?" Chloe asked.

"Beca told me she went looking for you after Theo made the initial offer and she told them no," Fat Amy said.

Six weeks earlier, somewhere in the South of France.

"I can't," Beca said still a bit stunned. DJ Khaled had chosen her. Not her and the Bellas, just her, to sign to his label. She couldn't accept; it just didn't feel right. "I'm not a solo act; I'm part of a group."

"Beca," Theo said. "This is a big opportunity. You've gone as far as you can with the Bellas. Now it's your time to shine."

"I can't," Beca said adamantly. "They're my family. Chloe is my…they're my family." Beca looked at Theo and shook her head. "I can't."

"Look, Beca," Theo said getting her to look at him. "This is a big decision. Sleep on it, and we'll talk again in the morning."

Beca didn't know what to do so she just nodded and walked away.

"She went looking for you," Fat Amy said. "She was going to tell you about the offer and that she was-." Fat Amy stopped unsure whether she should tell Chloe.

"That she was what?" Chloe asked looking at Fat Amy; she wouldn't meet Chloe's stare. "Amy? What was she going to tell me?"

"That she had feelings for you," Fat Amy said. "Very un-best friend type feelings. But, then she saw you with Chicago, and you seemed to really be into him. She figured she missed her shot, so there was no reason to reject the offer. She went and found Theo and told him she changed her mind and she was accepting the offer. "

"Oh," Chloe said and looked down at the ground.

"After the show, she saw you kissing Chicago and knew she'd made the right decision," Fat Amy added. "Don't get me wrong; she was happy for you. She was just sorry that she missed her chance with you."

"I need to tell you something," Chloe said.

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

"That son of a bitch," Fat Amy exclaimed when Chloe finished. "We're going to L.A.! We're going to show that turtle man that you don't mess with the Bellas. And it's almost Valentine's Day so you can tell Beca that you love her and we can all celebrate together like we did at Barden."

"Amy," Chloe said. "I can't do that. She can't be in a relationship with me; it will hurt her career. I'm not going to do anything that will cause her career to be over before it even starts."

"Her career will be fine," Fat Amy said. She paused and looked at Chloe. "Let me ask you this. Do you love Beca? And I don't mean in a best friend way. I mean in like you want to be her girlfriend kind of way."

"I, uh," Chloe stammered and then let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, I do love her." Chloe looked at Fat Amy. "I left one part out about what happened. I need you to promise you that you won't say anything to the Bellas. I need to tell Beca before I tell everyone else."

"I won't say anything," Fat Amy said. "I promise."

"Chicago only kissed me because I asked him to," Chloe said. "I had to make sure Beca didn't ask me to go to L.A. with her. Even as her best friend. I knew if she asked I would have said yes and told her how I felt. It would have messed up everything for her."

"I won't say anything, but we need to assemble the Bellas and go to L.A.," Fat Amy said. "You can tell Beca you love her and we'll take care of turtle man, Bellas style. It was wrong of him to tell you to convince Beca to take the offer knowing how you felt about her."

Chloe thought about it for a minute and then said, "Put a group text together and let's do this!"

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

Chloe was nervous the next morning when she woke up. She had been so sure of everything last night. But now that it was almost time for the Skype date Amy had set up with all the girls, she was getting more and more anxious. She didn't know how they would react once they knew what really happened in France.

"It's almost eleven," Fat Amy said as she grabbed her laptop and opened up Skype. "You need to tell them what you told me. Then I'll help pay for everyone who wants to go to L.A."

"Okay," Chloe said. "Let's do this."

Fat Amy connected to Skype. Aubrey and Stacie were already on, and the rest of the Bellas started joining soon after.

"Looks like everybody is on," Fat Amy said. "Hey, everyone. Thanks for doing this."

"What's this all about, Amy?" Aubrey asked.

"We need to go to L.A.," Fat Amy said. "I'll pay for everything. It's important."

"What's going on?" CR asked. "Why do we need to go to L.A.?"

"It's for Beca," Fat Amy said. "Go ahead, Chloe. Tell them what you told me."

"Um, okay," Chloe said and recounted the story she told Amy minus the part about asking Chicago to kiss her.

"And, Beca told me that Theo has been really aggressive in trying to get her to go out with him," Fat Amy said. "She said he's making her miserable. We need to take care of this."

"I'm in," CR said immediately. "Nobody messes with a Bella like that. Especially Mr. Eye Contact. He's just creepy."

"I agree," Flo said. "Count me in, too."

"Count us in," Aubrey said as Stacie nodded her head in agreement.

"I'm in," Jessica said.

"Me, too," Ashley added.

"Emily? Lily?" Chloe asked. "What about you two?"

"I'm already in L.A. with DJ Dragon Nutz," Lily said. "I'm here for two more weeks. Do you want me to take care of the turtle man for you?"

"No, thank you, Lily," Chloe said quickly. "We'll handle him. Emily, how about you? I know you have classes so we'll understand if you can't."

"I can go if it's only going to be a couple of days," Emily said. "I not only have classes but Bellas practice. We have to get ready for Regionals."

"Okay," Fat Amy said. "We're going to plan to leave on Monday; that's in two days. Chloe and I will book flights and send you the itineraries. I want to get everyone into LAX as close to the same time as possible. Is that okay with everyone?"

Everyone agreed, and they said they would do another group Skype later that night to confirm everything.

"Hey, Chlo?" Aubrey called out.

"Yeah, Brey?" Chloe responded.

"Are you going to tell Beca?" Aubrey asked looking at her best friend through the monitor. "You know, about your feelings?"

"I, um, I'm not sure," Chloe said.

"Why wouldn't you tell her?" Flo asked.

"Is it because of Chicago?" Jessica asked.

"Half of us believed you were going to tell Beca during the tour, and the other half of believed Beca was going to tell you," Ashley added.

"I was going to tell Beca," Chloe said. "But, then Theo came along, and the kiss with Chicago happened. You all need to know, I didn't choose Chicago, and we're not together in any way."

"What?" Stacie asked. "I thought you choosing Chicago is why Beca took Khaled's offer."

"If that's true," CR said. "Why won't you tell her how you feel about her?"

"Let her be," Fat Amy interjected. "This is a discussion that needs to happen between Chloe and Beca. Everything will come out once we're in L.A. Until then, leave Chloe alone."

"Fine," Stacie said. "I'll back off. For now."

"We'll talk later, Chlo," Aubrey said.

"Chloe and I have some reservations to make," Fat Amy said. "We'll talk to you all later."

Everybody bid farewell and the Skype call was over. Chloe wiped at a tear that had fallen down her face. She pulled Fat Amy into a hug and whispered, "Thank you for that."

"You're welcome, Red," Fat Amy said. "Let's get to work on those reservations."

Chloe let Fat Amy go and wiped her face. They both grabbed their laptops and got to work on making airline reservations for the girls. They decided they would stay for three days not counting travel days.

Later that afternoon, Chloe and Fat Amy were double checking the flights and confirmed everything with the airlines. Fat Amy booked hotel rooms for their stay.

"That's all we can do for now," Chloe said. "Should you let Beca know the Bellas are all coming to L.A.?"

"No," Fat Amy said. "She'll probably say something about it to Theo, and we want to make a surprise attack on him. He won't know what hit him."

"I'm glad you're on my side," Chloe said with a laugh.

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

Two days later, Chloe was following Fat Amy through the airport and was surprised when she walked toward the VIP waiting area.

"Amy?" Chloe said causing the Aussie to turn around. "Where are you going?"

"We're flying First Class. Come on, Red. You're blocking the door."

"You got us First Class seats? Wow, I've never flown First Class before."

"Why not? I can afford it now. Consider this payback for those times I didn't have money for the rent or food or whatever. Oh, and don't tell the others. They're all flying Coach."

Chloe smiled and followed Amy as they found seats. Chloe dozed off waiting for their flight to be called. She was jostled awake when Fat Amy stood and shook her shoulder.

"Come on, Red," Fat Amy said. "They just called us for boarding."

Chloe looked around and saw a few people making their way to the gate. She grabbed her carry-on bag and followed behind Fat Amy. Amy gave their tickets to the agent, and they were waved through. When she reached the door of the plane, they turned left to the First Class section and found their seats. Chloe and Fat Amy stored their carry-on bags in the overhead bin.

"You take the window, Red," Fat Amy said moving aside to let Chloe take the window seat.

"Thanks, Amy," Chloe said as she sat down. "This is nice." She stretched out her legs and moved her arms. "Plenty of legroom and elbow room."

"I'm going to try and get some sleep," Fat Amy said. "Getting up at five a.m. is not my idea of starting the day off right."

"I think I'll wait until after we take off and then try and get some sleep, too," Chloe said.

"Suit yourself," Fat Amy said. She reached down into her bag and pulled out a neck pillow, a small blanket, a sleep mask, and some noise canceling headphones.

The plane was taxiing for takeoff by the time Amy got herself situated. Chloe couldn't hold back her smile at her blonde friend.

Chloe watched as the ground beneath them sped by, and suddenly they were airborne. She let out a sigh and thought about Beca.

Chloe felt bad at how things turned out on the USO Tour. She had made up her mind that no matter what she was going to tell Beca how she felt. If Beca didn't feel the same, then she would have figured out a way to deal with it. But, if she did, that would have been the start of something amazing, of that she was sure. And, they could have one hell of a Valentine's story to tell.

But, life doesn't happen the way we want. Chloe sighed. She just hoped that Beca would believe her and would still want to be friends with her when she tells her what really happened. Chloe settled back in her seat and closed her eyes.

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

After landing, Fat Amy and Chloe stopped to get coffee before they made their way to baggage claim. They decided baggage claim was the best place for everyone to meet when they arrived at LAX.

Aubrey, Stacie, Jessica, Ashley, Flo, and Emily arrived together from Atlanta. They hugged and greeted Chloe and Fat Amy when they saw them.

They chatted about nothing while they waited for the luggage to come out. Once they all had their bags, Stacie looked around.

"Where's the closest coffee spot?" Stacie asked.

"I'll show you," Fat Amy said and started walking in the direction of the closest coffee shop. Flo walked with her.

"I'll stay with the bags," Chloe said.

"I'll wait with Chloe," Aubrey said. "Stacie, would you bring me back a latte, please?"

"Got it, babe," Stacie said as she started to follow Fat Amy and Flo.

"Wait for us," Jessica, Ashley, and Emily said as they hurried to follow Stacie.

Emily stopped and called back, "Chloe, would you like another?"

"Um, no that's okay, Em," Chloe said. "Thanks."

Aubrey and Chloe sat on seats near their luggage. "So, when does CR arrive?"

"Should be anytime," Chloe said.

"Good," Aubrey said. She turned to look at Chloe. "Okay, since we have a few minutes alone, what's really going on here? I mean, I get why you decided not to tell Beca while we were in France, but it feels like there is so much more to this than you've told us."

Chloe wrapped her arms around her stomach and looked down at the ground.

"Chloe," Aubrey said quietly. "I'm supposed to be your best friend. You can tell me anything; you know that."

"I'm sorry, Brey," Chloe said. "I want to talk to Beca first. After that I'll tell you everything, I promise."

Aubrey has known Chloe long enough to know that she would keep that promise. "Okay," Aubrey said. "I'm here when you're ready."

"Thank you," Chloe said, and Aubrey pulled her into a side hug.

They sat quietly talking, and Aubrey was showing Chloe pictures of Bella on her phone.

"Damn, girls," they hear a familiar voice say. "I know you two never pack light, but this is a lot of luggage for just a few days."

"Hey, CR," Chloe said with a laugh. She and Aubrey jumped up to hug the woman.

"Where is everyone?" CR asked as Aubrey reached for a hug.

"Coffee run," Aubrey said.

"Do we have time for me to get one after I get my bag?"

"We'll make time," Chloe said with a smile.

"CR!" Flo squealed and ran in for a hug.

The other girls followed suit with Emily last in line. She pulled a coffee cup from the cup holder she was carrying and handed it to CR.

"I thought you might need this," Emily said with a smile.

"Bless you," CR said as she took the cup.

"I got one for you, too, Chloe," Emily said. "I figured you probably needed another one."

"You're so sweet," Chloe said and hugged the younger girl. "Thank you."

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

The girls checked in to their hotel and decided to meet in the hotel restaurant for a late lunch. After they finished eating, Amy invited them all up to her suite to discuss their next move.

"We need to get Chloe in to see Beca," Fat Amy said. "The rest of us will take care of Theo."

"Why don't we all talk to Beca and have her go to DJ Khaled?" Aubrey suggested. "What Theo is doing to Beca is wrong, and DJ Khaled should be made aware of it."

"I agree with Aubrey," CR said.

"I don't know, guys," Chloe said. "I'm still worried about how Beca might react to us interfering."

"No offense, Chloe," Emily said. "But you interfered and made a decision for Beca which kind of put us in this situation. You should have just told Beca what Theo said and let her decide for herself what she wanted to do about it."

"I had a choice to make," Chloe said. "And I wasn't going to sacrifice Beca's chance at a music career."

"Still not your call to make," Emily said standing firm.

"She's right, Chloe," Stacie said.

Chloe sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I thought I was doing what was best for Beca."

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

The girls had been going back and forth most of the afternoon and evening. They finally decided to call it a night and picked it back up the next morning.

They had a Valentine's Day breakfast and decided to do a little sightseeing before talking any more. It was late afternoon, and they had been going on an on for about two hours when Chloe slipped out of the room. Aubrey saw her leave and quietly followed her out. Chloe hadn't made it very far down the hall when Aubrey called out to her.

"Chloe?" Hearing her name, Chloe stopped and looked back to see Aubrey walking toward her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Chloe said as Aubrey reached her. "I just needed some air. I thought I'd walk around the block or something."

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, that's okay. Somebody needs to watch over the girls, so they don't do anything crazy. Don't worry. I'll be back in a little bit."

"Okay. You have your phone with you?"

"Yeah."

"Text me if you need me," Aubrey said. "And bring Beca back here when you're done."

"I wasn't-"

"Chloe," Aubrey interrupted. "I know you. Just be careful, okay?"

"Thanks, Brey," Chloe said and hurried down the hall to the elevator.

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

Chloe hurried out of the hotel and grabbed a taxi. She gave the driver the address of DJ Khaled's studio and sat back in her seat. She was nervous and played with her fingers as she chewed on her bottom lip.

The taxi pulled up to a rather bland looking building. Chloe paid the fare and exited the cab. She took a deep breath and made her way inside.

Once inside, Chloe was surprised at how busy it was. She walked over to the receptionist and waited for the woman to acknowledge her.

"May I help you?" the young woman asked.

"Yes, I don't have an appointment," Chloe said. "But, I'm a good friend of Beca Mitchell's, and I'd like to-"

"You're Chloe from the Barden Bellas," the woman interrupted with a big smile. "I loved what the Bellas did during the USO Tour. And, when all of you got on the stage with Beca at the end, I was floored. It was amazing."

"Um, thank you," Chloe said and smiled. "The Bellas and I are here in L.A., and we wanted to surprise Beca. I came first to kind of soften the blow."

"It's almost five-thirty and kind of the end of the day for everyone," the woman said. "Let me call her Assistant and see if she's here."

Chloe smiled and nodded as the woman picked up the desk phone. She made the call.

"Hey, Dani," the woman said. "I have Chloe from the Barden Bellas here to see Beca. Is she in?"

The woman listened for a moment and looked over toward the elevators. "Oh, okay. I'll watch for her. Thanks!"

The woman hung up and looked at Chloe. "Beca is on her way down to go home. She should be coming off one of those elevators over there."

"Thank you, so much," Chloe said and made her way over to the elevators.

"I said no, Theo," Chloe could hear Beca say loudly. "Take the hint and leave me alone!"

Theo looked around and said, "You're causing a scene. We need to discuss your song choices for your album. I suggest we do it over a nice romantic Valentine's Day dinner. I'll even spring for the expensive bottle of wine."

"And I said no, for the third time," Beca said stopping to look at the man. "Make an appointment during business hours to discuss business. I'm going home."

Chloe moved closer, and when she was about two feet away, she called Beca's name to get her attention. Beca and Theo both turned at the sound of Chloe's voice.

"Oh, my God!" they both said.

"Chloe!" Beca squealed and grabbed the redhead in a hug. "I can't believe you're here. Why are you here?" Beca pulled back from the hug with a concerned look on her face. "Is Amy okay? Are the Bellas okay? Oh, my God, are you okay?"

"We're all fine, Becs," Chloe said with a laugh. "I need to talk to you." Chloe glanced at Theo, which did not go unnoticed by Beca. "Alone. Is there somewhere we can go and talk?"

"Where are you staying?" Beca asked. "We can just go to your hotel. Maybe get dinner."

"The, um, the rest of the Bellas are here...in L.A. with me," Chloe said.

"Then let's go see them," Beca said excitedly as she took Chloe's arm and headed for the door. "We can all have dinner."

"Beca, wait!" Theo called out. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to go spend some time with my family," Beca said.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Theo said.

"And why is that?" Beca asked.

"Because he's afraid of what I'm going to tell you," Chloe said. "About the conversation he and I had before your solo performance."

"What the Hell did you do?" Beca said turning on Theo.

"I didn't do anything," Theo said. Beca raised her brow at him. "I was just looking out for you Beca. You were about to throw away the chance of a lifetime for her. For the Bellas."

"What did you say to her?" Beca asked her whole body shaking with anger. When he didn't answer, Beca took a step toward him and snapped out, "What the fuck did you say to her?"

"Whoa, whoa," DJ Khaled's voice is heard above the din. "What's going on here, Beca? Theo?"

"That's what I want to know," Beca said her anger lessening somewhat in front of DJ Khaled.

"We're just talking," Theo said. "You know how much of a hothead Beca is."

"She is not," Chloe said and took a step toward Theo.

"Easy there, tiger," Beca said grabbing Chloe's arm. "I'll handle this."

Chloe glared at Theo but stepped back.

"Khaled," Beca said. "Chloe flew all the way here to talk to me about something Theo said to her when we were in France. I'd like to know what he said."

Khaled looked at Chloe, then Beca, and then to Theo. When he saw how upset Beca and Chloe looked, and the look of fear on Theo's, he said, "I'd like to know what he said as well. Let's go up to my office. Where we won't have an audience."

"Chlo, is that okay with you?" Beca asked.

Chloe nodded, and Beca held out her hand to Chloe. Chloe smiled and took it.

"This is ridiculous," Theo huffed. "And certainly not worth your time. Or any more of mine. I'm leaving."

"Fine," Khaled said. "Chloe seems to be a very trustworthy person. I guess I'll just have to take her word that what happened, really did happen."

"That's not fair, Khaled," Theo said.

"I'll be the judge of what's fair," DJ Khaled said. "Now I'm going to listen to what the young lady has to say. Stay or go; I don't care."

Khaled led the way, and Theo meekly fell into step and followed him. Beca smiled at Chloe as they fell in behind Theo. They got on the elevator and Khaled hit the button for the eighth floor.

"I remember you," Khaled said taking a closer look at Chloe. "You're Beca's best friend, right?" At Chloe's nod, he continued. "You know she never stops talking about the Bellas, especially you."

Beca blushed and looked down at the floor. Theo scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest.

The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. Khaled again led the way to his office. He only stopped long enough to tell his Assistant that they weren't to be disturbed.

Theo, Beca, and Chloe entered Khaled's office, and he indicated for them to take a seat.

Beca and Chloe sat on a small sofa, with Theo sitting on an identical sofa across from them. There was a small, narrow coffee table between them. DJ Khaled sat in a chair at the end of the table.

Once everyone was settled, DJ Khaled looked at Theo. "Do you want to tell me what this is all about?"

"It's nothing but a misunderstanding," Theo said.

"Misunderstanding?" Chloe scoffed. "I did not misunderstand anything."

"What did he say?" Beca asked.

"After you turned down the offer," Chloe said. "He found me and asked to speak with me. I didn't know about the offer until he told me."

"That must have been when I was looking for you," Beca said. "I was going to tell you about the offer myself."

"I know," Chloe said with a small smile. "Fat Amy told me."

"What did he say to you?" DJ Khaled asked.

"He told me that Beca was turning down a once in a lifetime offer," Chloe continued. "That she wasn't going to sign as a solo artist because she was part of a group and that the Bellas should be signed, not just her."

"I did say that," Beca said.

"He then said that, um, he heard me talking to Chicago," Chloe said keeping her eyes down. "About Beca."

"Me?" Beca looked at Chloe. "Why? Why were you talking to Chicago about me?"

"She was telling him how she was in love with you," Theo said with a sarcastic laugh. "That she had been for a while and was finally going to tell you."

Chloe's eyes flew to Beca. Beca's eyes widened.

"Why, um, why was that a problem for you?" Beca asked looking at Theo.

"Don't you get it?" Theo asked leaning forward to reach for Beca's hands.

"Don't touch me!" Beca hissed as she jerked away from his touch.

"I'm so much better for you than she could ever be," Theo said. "I only said what I had to."

"What did he say to you?" Beca asked looking at Chloe. Chloe wouldn't look at her. Beca turned to Theo as she jumped up and yelled, "What the fuck did you say to her?"

"Nothing that wasn't true," Theo said.

"Beca, please sit down so we can get to the bottom of this," Dj Khaled said. He stood and took Beca's arm and sat her down next to Chloe.

Beca sat down and glared at Theo. After a moment she turned to look at Chloe.

"What else did he say?" Beca asked through gritted teeth.

"I told her-"

"You shut up!" Beca yelled as she looked over at Theo. "I want to hear this from Chloe."

Theo sat back like a petulant child and didn't say another word. Chloe swallowed and cleared her throat.

Beca turned back to Chloe and softly said, "Go ahead, Chlo."

"He said that you needed to focus on your music," Chloe said her voice barely above a whisper. "That I, um, that the Bellas would be a distraction. He also said he overheard me telling Chicago how much I, uh, I lo- care about you. He hinted that you being in a relationship, especially a same-sex one, would hurt your star potential. He said you being single was the best thing for you and that I needed to do something to make you take the offer."

Beca stood and made a move toward Theo. Theo stood, and DJ Khaled stood as well; he pushed Theo to sit down and then turned to grab Beca by the shoulders and turned her to face him.

"Beca, don't do anything rash," DJ Khaled said. "He isn't worth it."

Beca struggled to get away from DJ Khaled. Chloe stood and touched her arm.

"Beca, please don't," Chloe said softly, and Beca immediately stopped struggling.

Beca put her hands up to let Khaled know she was okay. He let her go but remained standing next to her. Beca looked over at Theo and glared at him.

"How dare you!" Beca said to Theo. "That's why you thought it was okay to pressure me to go out with you? Because you thought Chloe was out of the picture? You thought that we would be something? You're a joke. I wouldn't be with you if you were the last man on Earth."

"I am so much better for you than she is," Theo said as he stood again. Even with the small table between them, they were practically nose to nose yelling at each other. "I can help advance your career. I can make you a star. Together we can take the music world by storm."

"No!" Beca said. "I am not working with you. Ever! I'd rather go back to my crappy junior producer job than to work with you. I can't even stand to be around you! I quit!"

Chloe gasped, and DJ Khaled looked at Beca.

"Beca, calm down," DJ Khaled said. "I promise you won't have to worry about working with Theo. I want you to stay with the label because I have no doubt that you will make it big. Please tell me what I need to do to get you to stay?"

Chloe put her hand on the small of Beca's back. This move helped to calm Beca somewhat.

"What if I said I wanted Theo to be fired?" Beca asked looking at Khaled. "What he's doing is illegal in any workplace."

"It's done," DJ Khaled said.

"You can't do that!" Theo yelled as he grabbed DJ Khaled's arm to turn him so that he was facing Theo.

"I can do whatever I want," DJ Khaled said. "You are fired. You're lucky that's all that's going to happen to you. And I wouldn't try and get another job in the music industry if I were you."

DJ Khaled yelled out for his Assistant, and when she came in, he asked her to call and have Security come to his office. He turned back to face Theo.

"Security will escort you to your office," DJ Khaled said. "You will take your personal belongings and nothing else. You will turn over your keys and credentials, and then leave the building."

Security came through the door, and DJ Khaled told them what to do. "Make sure he does not touch his computer or take any of the client files. They belong to the label."

DJ Khaled looked at Theo once more. "If you so much as show your face around here, I won't hold Beca back again."

Security escorted a defeated-looking Theo out of the room. Once they were gone Beca turned to DJ Khaled and said, "I kind of hoped he'd do something stupid so they would have had to restrain him."

"I am sorry for all this, Beca," DJ Khaled said. "You should have come to me the minute he started harassing you. And, I'm sorry to you, too, Miss Beale. Theo had no right to tell you any of that stuff. I assure you he was not speaking for me or the label. We don't care who Beca dates and neither will any of our clients or her fans. Thank you for coming here and telling us what happened."

"Thank you for listening and believing me," Chloe said. "There is something else I need to talk to Beca about. Something more personal. Do you mind if we go now?"

"Tell her here," DJ Khaled said with a smile. "I'm going to make sure Theo doesn't take anything that doesn't belong to him. Take all the time that you need."

DJ Khaled went to the door and smiled back at Beca and Chloe before leaving his office.

"What do you need to talk to me about?" Beca asked.

"Sit," Chloe said, and they both sat down. "What I said about Theo is all true. He did say those things. But what you don't know is that Chicago and I weren't a thing. Theo did hear me tell Chicago how much I cared about you and that I was going to finally tell you. When you came looking for me, Theo had already confronted me. Chicago saw me just before you did and could tell I was upset, so he hugged me. Amy said you saw us and thought we were together together and decided to take the offer. I knew you could still change your mind, so I asked Chicago to kiss me and made sure you saw it."

Chloe wiped a tear from her cheek. "When you pulled us all up on stage, I wanted to hold onto you forever and tell you everything then. But, all I could think about was what Theo said. After the concert was over, Chicago tried to talk me into telling you the truth about Theo but I knew Theo meant what he said and he would have made sure you didn't work in the music industry. So, I was talking to Chicago, and he saw you behind us and whispered, Beca's here. I grabbed his tie and pulled him into a kiss. I could tell he was surprised, but he didn't pull back. I pulled him so he was dipping me and held on hoping you couldn't see the tears in my eyes. He saw you walking off with Theo and pulled me up into a hug while I cried." Chloe let out a sob. "I'm so sorry, Beca. I wasn't trying to hurt you. I was trying to make sure you got to live your dream."

"It's not much of a dream if you aren't in it," Beca said and reached up to wipe the tears from Chloe's cheek. "And for the record, I love you, too."

Chloe let out a small sob and grabbed Beca in a hug. Beca hugged her back and whispered, "I was going to tell you in Paris."

"I'm sorry, Beca," Chloe said as she pulled back from the hug. "Even though it killed me, I really did think I was doing the right thing for you."

"How about next time you just come and talk to me," Beca said. "No more secrets, okay?"

"I promise," Chloe said.

Beca leaned in and kissed Chloe. It took Chloe by surprise, but she kissed Beca back. After a minute or two, they both pulled out of the kiss.

"So, do you think you might want to be my Valentine?" Beca asked.

Chloe laughed and pulled Beca into another kiss, mumbling "Yes" against Beca's lips.

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

"So, Chicago was in on your plan to get Beca to sign with DJ Khaled?" Aubrey asked. "And you and Beca are a couple now?"

"He didn't want to do it, but yes, he was in on it," Chloe said. "And, yes we are a couple now. We're going to do the long distance thing until I can transfer to a Vet School out here."

"And Theo was fired?" Fat Amy asked.

"Yep," Beca said. "Khaled is going to make sure he doesn't work as a music producer or do anything else in the music industry ever again."

"I almost feel bad about what we did," Emily said.

"What did you do?" Beca asked looking around at the Bellas.

"Ummm, ahh, ehh," Fat Amy stammered.

"Aubrey?" Beca said looking at her former Captain.

"We may have let Amy order twenty pizzas and have them delivered to Theo's house," Aubrey said. "Every night for the next week."

"And we may have subscribed him to every magazine that we could find," Emily added.

"And we may have had Lily charge the pizzas, magazines, and some stuff to his credit cards," Ashley added.

"And we may have asked Lily to do something to scare him when he got home," Stacie said.

"Oh, my God," Chloe said not knowing whether to laugh or be frightened.

"That is all very...High Schoolish," Beca said and then laughed. Her laughter died down as she looked around the room. "Wait! Is Lily at Theo's now?"

~~2019 BeChloe Valentines - Day 09~~

Theo entered his home cursing the names Beca Mitchell and Chloe Beale. He still couldn't figure out why Beca couldn't see he was the better choice for her.

Theo closed the door and flipped the light switch; nothing happened. He flipped it again several times and still nothing.

"Dammit, just what I need," Theo mumbled as he made his way to the lamp on the side table.

He took a few steps and heard what sounded like a crunching noise. "What the Hell?" He made it to the lamp, and as he reached the switch, he felt something crawl on his hand. He jerked it back, and since it was still dark, he pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight app.

Theo's eyes went wide, and he saw there was something, more like several somethings, crawling on his pants leg. He started swatting at his legs with his free hand, and he moved the flashlight around the room. It looked like the walls were moving. He felt something fall on him and he screamed and ran to the front door just as someone knocked on it. He threw it open to find two pizza delivery guys holding about ten pizzas each.

Theo rushed past the pizza guys and stood in his yard swatting at anything that moved on him. Still standing on the porch, the two pizza guys stared at Theo as he swatted at himself and hopped from one foot to the next.

Suddenly, all the lights came on inside the house. The two guys turned back to the house when the lights came on. Their eyes grew wide, and they ran off the porch dropping the pizza boxes in front of Theo.

"Dude, you have a serious bug problem," one of the guys yelled as they jumped into their car and drove off.

Theo stood dumbfounded as he looked at his house. Through the open door and the windows, all he could see were bugs crawling all over everything. Hundreds, no, more like thousands of insects crawling everywhere.

"I fucking hate bugs," Theo screamed at the sky. He walked to his car, got in, and drove away.

Unseen by Theo, Lily stood in the shadows of a tree across the street from the house. She held a remote in her hand and had a smile on her face. As soon as Theo drove off, Lily walked toward the house.

"Okay, my pets, let's get you home."

A/N: For those of you on FFN: If this plot idea seems familiar, the general idea of it was used by another writer. RJRMovieFan sent me the prompt and literally the next day we both read a fic that had the same plotline he had sent me. I contacted RJR, and he said he noticed it as well. He also said: "I did reach out to the author and explain that I had basically given the exact plot twist as a prompt the day before. She responded that you could still use it, she just wanted to be told when it was posted to read your take. I offered to give a shout out in the notes, she said it wasn't necessary, but if you choose to do it, I would." I did put my own twist on the idea, so it's not exactly the same, but it will be familiar to some.

So, thank you Kendrick97 for allowing me to use the idea and put my own take on it. Also, for those interested, the story is Please Have Mercy.

[aion-rsa]

Top New Fantasy Books in March 2021

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New year, new books. After a tumultuous 2020, we’re hoping 2021 treats us a bit better. Either way, we have the following titles to help us take a break from reality when we need the respite. Here are some of the fantasy books we’re planning on checking out this year…

Top New Fantasy Books March 2021

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab

Type: Novel Publisher: Scholastic Press  Release date: March 2

Den of Geek says: The next entry in this well-received series mixes fantasy and horror in a twisty mystery about a ghost-hunter in an atmospheric New Orleans.

Publisher’s summary: Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows . . .

Unless it’s the other way around?

Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while traveling for her parents’ TV show.

But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colorful, grisly local legends. And the city’s biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.

Buy Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab.

A Broken Darkness by Premee Mohamed

Type: Novel Publisher: Solaris Release date: March 30

Den of Geek says: This is another one hard to categorize. It’s a little bit fantasy, a little bit science fiction, and a little bit eldritch. The first book in the series showed off Mohamed’s unique aesthetic and mix of serious stakes and wry humor.

Publisher’s summary: It’s been a year and a half since the Anomaly, when They tried to force their way into the world from the shapeless void.

Nick Prasad is piecing his life together, and has joined the secretive Ssarati Society to help monitor threats to humanity – including his former friend Johnny.

Right on cue, the unveiling of Johnny’s latest experiment sees more portals opened to Them, leaving her protesting her innocence even as the two of them are thrown together to fight the darkness once more…

Buy A Broken Darkness by Premee Mohamed.

The Councillor by E.J. Beaton

Type: Novel Publisher: DAW Release date: March 2 Den of Geek says: This political fantasy follows in the footsteps of The Traitor Baru Cormorant. We’re intrigued by the story of a character tangled in her own ambition, and fantasy where words are more important than swords.

Publisher’s summary: This Machiavellian fantasy follows a scholar’s quest to choose the next ruler of her nation amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination

When the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen’s closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publically, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne. Privately, she seeks to discover which ruler murdered the queen, suspecting the use of magic. Resourceful, analytical, and quiet, Lysande appears to embody the motto she was raised with: everything in its place. Yet while she hides her drug addiction from her new associates, she cannot hide her growing interest in power. She becomes locked in a game of strategy with the city-rulers – especially the erudite prince Luca Fontaine, who seems to shift between ally and rival. Further from home, an old enemy is stirring: the magic-wielding White Queen is on the move again, and her alliance with a traitor among the royal milieu poses a danger not just to the peace of the realm, but to the survival of everything that Lysande cares about.  In a world where the low-born keep their heads down, Lysande must learn to fight an enemy who wears many guises… even as she wages her own battle between ambition and restraint.

Buy The Councillor by E.J. Beaton.

Top New Fantasy Books February 2021

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard

Type: Novella Publisher: Tordotcom Release date: Feb. 9 Den of Geek says: De Bodard is a staple around here for lush settings and unique characters. Here she turns her hand to a romance (and maybe love that doesn’t work out after all) compared to Howl’s Moving Castle. Publisher’s Summary:

Fire burns bright and has a long memory….

Quiet, thoughtful princess Thanh was sent away as a hostage to the powerful faraway country of Ephteria as a child. Now she’s returned to her mother’s imperial court, haunted not only by memories of her first romance, but by worrying magical echoes of a fire that devastated Ephteria’s royal palace.

Thanh’s new role as a diplomat places her once again in the path of her first love, the powerful and magnetic Eldris of Ephteria, who knows exactly what she wants: romance from Thanh and much more from Thanh’s home. Eldris won’t take no for an answer, on either front. But the fire that burned down one palace is tempting Thanh with the possibility of making her own dangerous decisions.

Can Thanh find the freedom to shape her country’s fate―and her own?

Buy Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard.

City of the Uncommon Thief by Lynne Bertrand

Type: Novel Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers Release date: Feb. 9

Den of Geek says: This novel sits at the crossroads of fantasy, horror, and YA. A gothic city provides a pleasantly weird background to a dark adventure about teens who lurk on the rooftops of the city.

Publisher’s Summary:

“Guilders work. Foundlings scrub the bogs. Needles bind. Swords tear. And men leave. There is nothing uncommon in this city. I hope Errol Thebes is dead. We both know he is safer that way.”

In a walled city of a mile-high iron guild towers, many things are common knowledge: No book in any of the city’s libraries reveals its place on a calendar or a map. No living beasts can be found within the city’s walls. And no good comes to the guilder or foundling who trespasses too far from their labors. Even on the tower rooftops, where Errol Thebes and the rest of the city’s teenagers pass a few short years under an open sky, no one truly believes anything uncommon is possible within the city walls. But one guildmaster has broken tradition to protect her child, and now the whole city faces an uncommon threat: a pair of black iron spikes that has the power of both sword and needle on the rib cages of men has gone missing, but the mayhem they cause rises everywhere. If the spikes are not found, no wall will be high enough to protect the city—or the world beyond it.   And Errol Thebes? He’s not dead and he’s certainly not safe.

Buy City of the Uncommon Thief by Lynne Bertrand.

The Memory Theater by Karin Tidbeck

Type: Novel Publisher: Pantheon Release date: Feb. 16 Den of Geek says: Tidbeck is known for her strange and literary short stories, full of musing and teeth. Her take on portal fantasy is bound to bring something new to the subgenre. Publisher’s summary: From the award-winning author of Amatka and Jagannath—a fantastical tour de force about friendship, interdimensional theater, and a magical place where no one ages, except the young In a world just parallel to ours exists a mystical realm known only as the Gardens. It’s a place where feasts never end, games of croquet have devastating consequences, and teenagers are punished for growing up. For a select group of masters, it’s a decadent paradise where time stands still. But for those who serve them, it’s a slow torture where their lives can be ended in a blink. In a bid to escape before their youth betrays them, Dora and Thistle—best friends and confidants—set out on a remarkable journey through time and space. Traveling between their world and ours, they hunt for the one person who can grant them freedom. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious traveler who trades in favors and never forgets debts, a crossroads at the center of the universe, our own world on the brink of war, and a traveling troupe of actors with the ability to unlock the fabric of reality.   Endlessly inventive, The Memory Theater takes us to a wondrous place where destiny has yet to be written, life is a performance, and magic can erupt at any moment. It is Karin Tidbeck’s most engrossing and irresistible tale yet. Buy The Memory Theater by Karin Tidbeck.

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Top New Fantasy Books January 2021

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire

Type: Novel Publisher: Tordotcom Release date: Jan. 12, 2021

Den of Geek says: McGuire’s Wayward Children series is a loosely connected group of novels all playing with fantasy tropes. What does it really mean to be a chosen one in a magical world? In the latest installment she turns her careful wit to centaurs and unicorns.

Publisher’s summary: “Welcome to the Hooflands. We’re happy to have you, even if you being here means something’s coming.”

Regan loves, and is loved, though her school-friend situation has become complicated, of late.

When she suddenly finds herself thrust through a doorway that asks her to “Be Sure” before swallowing her whole, Regan must learn to live in a world filled with centaurs, kelpies, and other magical equines―a world that expects its human visitors to step up and be heroes.

But after embracing her time with the herd, Regan discovers that not all forms of heroism are equal, and not all quests are as they seem…

Buy Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire.

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner

Type: Novel Publisher: Ace Release date: Jan 12, 2021

Den of Geek says: Romance and magic come together in what looks like a fun tale with a wide variety of characters. The roguish setting reminds us of The Lies of Locke Lamora with more women. Publisher’s summary: Dellaria Wells, petty con artist, occasional thief, and partly educated fire witch, is behind on her rent in the city of Leiscourt—again. Then she sees the “wanted” sign, seeking Female Persons, of Martial or Magical ability, to guard a Lady of some Importance, prior to the celebration of her Marriage. Delly fast-talks her way into the job and joins a team of highly peculiar women tasked with protecting their wealthy charge from unknown assassins.   Delly quickly sets her sights on one of her companions, the confident and well-bred Winn Cynallum. The job looks like nothing but romance and easy money until things take a deadly (and undead) turn. With the help of a bird-loving necromancer, a shapeshifting schoolgirl, and an ill-tempered reanimated mouse named Buttons, Delly and Winn are determined to get the best of an adversary who wields a twisted magic and has friends in the highest of places.

Buy The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner.

The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson

Type: Novel Publisher: DAW Release date: Jan. 19 Den of Geek says: A gorgeous and mysterious fantasy world is ready to unfold. The world-building here looks delightfully weird, with sailing ships on fields of greenery.

Publisher’s Summary: On the never-ending, miles-high expanse of prairie grasses known as the Forever Sea, Kindred Greyreach, hearthfire keeper and sailor aboard harvesting vessel The Errant, is just beginning to fit in with the crew of her new ship when she receives devastating news. Her grandmother—The Marchess, legendary captain and hearthfire keeper—has stepped from her vessel and disappeared into the sea.

But the note she leaves Kindred suggests this was not an act of suicide. Something waits in the depths, and the Marchess has set out to find it.

To follow in her grandmother’s footsteps, Kindred must embroil herself in conflicts bigger than she could imagine: a water war simmering below the surface of two cultures; the politics of a mythic pirate city floating beyond the edges of safe seas; battles against beasts of the deep, driven to the brink of madness; and the elusive promise of a world below the waves. 

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Kindred finds that she will sacrifice almost everything—ship, crew, and a life sailing in the sun—to discover the truth of the darkness that waits below the Forever Sea. Buy The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson.

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