#sasha dropping the stick like he knew it was a losing battle sighs

[finnesse]

a member of the leadership core pleading for their captain's/alternate's case aka their malewives FLA @ NJD (January 14, 2025)

[deepdisireslonging]

Family Found Part 41: Fall Short

On Sunday, almost all the championships are up for grabs. Will any of them change hands? Then on Monday, the Reader has to deal with Baron in the ring, who does not appreciate how he’s been treated for the past several weeks. Dean can’t save her from several bruises.

Warnings/Promises: wrestling violence, Reader v. kendo stick, ANGST

Word Count: 4470

Note: The PPV matches are a little bit longer because there’s layers. But I had fun writing them. Tag lists open. Reblogs and comments super appreciated. Enjoy!

Part 1: Welcome to the Team

Part 40: Sorta Forgiven

Elimination Chamber – February 17, 2019 - Kansas City, Missouri

To start the pay-per-view, Heavy Machinery waited anxiously for their champion opponents. They slapped each other on the shoulder and across the chests. Their raucous laughter died out as the Authors of Pain’s music took over the stage. Walking together, Rezar and Akam walked down the ramp. They each stepped to one side, revealing Dr. M walking behind them. He stayed ringside as they circled the ring before entering and taking the top corner. Above the ring, the elimination chamber hovered. Dozovic and Knight silently thanked the heavens they weren’t stuck in that with AOP.

Dr. M picked at the sleeve of his doctor’s coat as Rezar started the match with Knight. He paced back and forth, shouting strange phrases of encouragement to his wards. They must have understood what he meant because, between them, they kept Knight from tagging in his frantic partner. A lucky drop ensured the tag, making Dr. M spin and almost froth at the mouth. “Not to worry,” he then chuckled. Again, the strange orders laced their way across the canvas. AOP broke Dozovic down a little at a time, despite his effective offense when given the chance. He even made Dr. M laugh with his worming-drop.

Then the champions moved fast as lightning. Their tags were snappy and their attacks well-practiced. Heavy Machinery was surrounded with punches, headlocks, and kicks that kept them in a spin. Dozovic fell to the outside. He stumbled back from Dr. M’s leering sneer into an Akam powerbomb. Akam then leapt into the ring and helped Rezar finish off Knight. The Tag champions had retained.

Now, it was time for Elimination Chamber to officially begin.

***

The first match of the show was not in the chamber. The two teams didn’t need the terrifying construction of glass, steel, and chains to take each other to the limit. Liv Morgan and Sasha Banks had the crowd on their feet. Pink versus purple. Often the referee had to force them apart before they could rip each other’s bright locks from their heads. When the full rotation came to Sarah Logan and Bayley, it was a battle of strength. Quick and ring-rattling. The teams were evenly matched.

But things started to crumble.

Sasha went for a tag. Her feet were tugged out from under her and she twisted to kick at Sarah. When she started crawling for the corner again, Bayley was gone. Desperately she searched ring-side. Bayley was engaged with Liv at the other corner, oblivious to her partner’s situation. Before she could call for help, Sarah had Sasha in a headlock, cutting off her air supply. Sasha was able to flip it into a weak Bank Statement, but the damage was done. She was dragged back to the opposing corner where Liv tagged in and Sarah took over fighting Bayley outside the ring. She was pinned a few minutes later.

On the stage, Liv and Sarah held their retained titles high. Ruby came out to share a cackling hug with them. Then they walked backstage together to help Ruby get ready for her own match later. In the ring, Sasha and Bayley stayed far away from one another.

***

In the Universal elimination chamber, Braun bided his time. He watched as Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal started off, then were joined by Bobby Roode. He hit his fists on the glass as Seth was almost pinned, then calmed himself as Seth flipped it around into another near-pin of Jinder. As the lights bounced back and forth, Braun chuckled to watch Finn Balor and EC3 readying themselves to enter. With a crow of triumph, EC3 entered the match. He quickly joined forces with Roode and they were able to co-pin Jinder. Then they turned their attention to Seth, who fought to hold them off until Finn could enter.

As he did, it played out like a tag match. Seth focused on EC3, while Finn kept Roode on the steel floor surrounding the ring. Braun grinned to watch them jump as one onto their opponents. Only Finn was able to pin his. EC3 was still too fresh a wrestler and was able to continue. As the clock ticked down for Braun entrance, Finn tried to convince EC3 that they would need to work together to eliminate the monster. But he wasn’t listening. The NXT call-up tossed Seth across the ring into Braun’s chamber, then caught Finn in a roll-up. Finn was pinned just as the lights flickered for Strowman’s entry.

Braun entered as the cage wall was opened for Finn’s exit. He gave him a ‘helpful’ shove, toppling Finn down the steps. Then he turned his attention to EC3. “You should have listened to them,” he rumbled. Seth hopped on his back and started shouting at EC3 to attack. But the top one percent decided he was going to align with the obvious power in the chamber, and tugged Seth off before hitting him about the shoulders and head. When Seth was unmoving on the outside of the ring, Braun picked his unwanted teammate up and slammed him down. He continued around the ring, crashing EC3 into various hard surfaces until he could pin him. Then he looked for Seth. But couldn’t find him.

Sweat poured off his face. EC3 wasn’t a small man, and powerslamming him over and over had taken a toll. He turned to look one last place and found Seth. The champion jumped off the top of a chamber and toppled the monster. It wasn’t enough, but the distraction EC3 had accidentally provided was enough for a second wind. He was exhausted as he laid his arm over Braun’s chest, flat on the mat from his last effort. Seth could barely celebrate when the referee returned his title.

***

Ruby Riott and Natalya Hart barely waited for the bell to start the match. They both wanted to eliminate as many people as they could before Nia Jax would enter the match last. Including each other. Natalya was almost pinned when the chamber flickered and Nikki Cross entered. She broke up the pin, much to everyone’s confusion.

“Play with Nikki?” she asked Natalya, pointing at Ruby. The Riott backed away from them. She was caught on the defense until Mickie James entered, evening the field. Nikki continued to fight Ruby, but Natalya was distracted. She was further disadvantaged as Alicia Fox entered and participated in the destruction. Together, they were able to pin her. Nikki spun around in the ring, newly outnumbered. She bounced, chanting, “play, play, play.” In the scuffle, she eliminated Mickie James. Ruby was able to prevent another attack by pointing at Alicia and asking, “play?” Together, they broke Alicia down and Nikki eliminated her. The Scots woman was attacked from behind just as Nia’s chamber opened. Nikki had nothing to do with Ruby and gleefully laughed, sitting on top of a chamber, as Ruby fought to stay in the match.

Down to Ruby, exhausted, and Nia, fresh, the match lagged. More of the structure was used as a tool when their own force wasn’t enough. Ruby dodged at the last second and Nia crashed through a chamber wall, shattering the glass. Still, Nia was able to stumble out. Right into another attack and elimination. Nikki took the moment to cut Ruby’s celebration in half. Over and over she nearly had her last opponent pinned. Over and over, Ruby kicked out. Desperately, Ruby reversed a pin into a roll-up. She sat stunned center-ring after Nikki was announced as eliminated. Ruby Riott was the number one contender for the Raw women’s championship.

***

Dean started the Intercontinental elimination chamber match with Drew McIntyre. He dug into his hardcore roots, scraping Drew’s face across the chain link and bruising his back on the ringside grate. When Dolph entered, he had to focus on himself. Dolph lashed out at Drew any time Dean looked out of the match, but they quickly reunified to keep up with your cousin. Drew didn’t like it at all, and breathed a sigh of relief when Zack Ryder, then Apollo Crews entered the chamber. Baron bided his time. Watching for who was exhausted, and who to avoid. Dean eliminated Apollo with a mirrored good-hearted smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Apollo said on his way out.  Drew eliminated Ryder with considerable effort, taking multiple tries while Dean and Dolph recovered on the outside.

Then Baron entered. He bee-lined for Dean. The other two men were more than willing to sit out while Baron used his opportunity to eliminate Dean. He sat back on his heels, confused, when Dean rolled to his stomach with a laugh. “You’re still going to lose,” Dean spat. “It’s going to slip through your fingers like it always does. No matter what you do to me.” He continued to laugh, even as Baron tossed him through the opening door.

“Or what I do to Y/N?” Baron sneered as Dean’s smile snapped away.

Dolph took the moment to throw Baron out just before the door closed.

“Baron Corbin has been… eliminated,” Jojo announced, surprised but unbothered. Baron rattled the cage and argued with the exterior referees.

Dolph and Drew continued to fight. A series of super kicks could not ensure a pin. The Glasgow Kiss was not enough retaliation. A Zig Zag failed to topple the champion. A Claymore Kick finished the match. Drew McIntyre had retained. But just barely. And Dolph knew it.

***

***

Monday Night Raw – February 18, 2019

“Nananana, no, no, no.” Seth waved at the crowd to stop their chanting. “I love you guys, but we’ve got some business to get to. After all… this is the era of the fighting champion, right?” He showed off the Universal, then dropped it to his shoulder. “Now, I don’t think anyone will disagree too much, but I went through a hell of a match last night. Is there anyone back there who would like… to be number one contender for this golden prize right here?”

He got his answer as Zack Ryder entered the arena. They fought, both still recovering from their separate chamber matches, but still having enough energy to show off. Ryder succeeded in downing Seth. He climbed a ringpost, ready to jump and possibly win his next chance when a large hand pushed him onto the floor. Baron hurried over and made sure he wouldn’t interfere. The referee called the disqualification, and Baron rushed in to do the same to Seth, rolling him to the floor when he was finished.

Baron smirked. “Yeah, yeah. You can boo all you like, I’m out here anyways and you are going to listen.” He lowered his mic as he was droned out. “You’re… you’re going to listen to me because I’m here to call out one of your favorites.” He grinned as the crowd died down. “So, the Elimination Chamber was fun and all, Dean, but-“

Your music sounded, confusing Baron for a minute as he mistook you for Dean. “What are you doing Baron? Writing yourself into the show is not how we do things around here.” You stepped into the ring.

“I’m here to say my piece about your cousin.”

“Are you? Okay.” You walked to the other side of the ring and leaned against the ropes. Baron stood facing the front camera again, but side-eyed you.

“You’re just going to stand there? Not going to defend Dean?”

“Nope.”

Baron shook his head and raised the mic to his lips. He growled when you cut him off.

“I’m not going to defend him. But I am going to see through what you’re doing. Baron, I know you’re a whiney child, but this isn’t why you’re out here.”

“Really? And how do you figure that?”

“Because we have all seen the altercations between you and Dean. And you tend to lose most of those. So this isn’t about Dean. What aren’t you saying that you should but can’t because you’re scared to?” You rolled the mic in your hands. Both of you knew what he really wanted to say. But the last time he’d tried, his job ended up on the line.

He fought to keep his cool. “I’m not scared to say it. I’ll tell you.” Baron hesitated between options. “The plan had been to get in Dean’s head with ripping apart your failures as manager.”

You nodded. “That’s a good plan. But maybe you haven’t noticed? Dean doesn’t fully care what I do. He gets his matches and his opportunities same as anyone-“

“Yeah, right.”

“-and I haven’t talked to him outside of the arena in weeks. Don’t need to. You, on the other hand, get antsy when the focus isn’t on you.”

“Says the woman who walked out here uninvited. Maybe I should call Sheamus and warn him about the trouble he’s walking into.”

Under your skin, you could feel sparks of unease. They were impossible to get rid of completely, but your nerves settled for irritated shivering. “Do you really want to go there? That would be… unwise.”

“Why? What are you going to do, Y/N? You’re the manager of Raw. Aren’t you supposed to remain above all this? Fighting in the ring isn’t really your place.”

“My place? Dude, there’s a McMahon whose specialty is jumping off the highest surface he can get his feet on. But you’re right, managers aren’t supposed to step in when their wrestlers get unruly. But if you’re looking for a fight with an Ambrose, I’m right here. No,” you shushed him before he could object, “Dean is busy with other people tonight. He wasn’t going to come out anyways. And if your goal was to rattle him by getting to me, that’s not going to work either. Though you can try.”

Baron stepped to tower over you. “Then let’s do this. But I bet you’re not going to last five minutes before I pin you, or before Dean comes out to save you.”

“Who says I needs saving?” You matched his glare for as long as he could hold it. When he looked away, you shot him another sweep. “I’m a busy woman. Think you can be patient enough for later tonight?”

“Oh, look at that. Miss Y/N Ambrose using her position to take the main event. The irony-“

“Do you want the match or not?”

Baron smirked but nodded. “Yeah.” He cocked his head. “See you in the main event.”

As he left, Seth crawled off the floor into the ring. “If I’m not intruding, would you like someone in your corner?” You nodded, then shook his hand. It was going to be a long night.

***

Since Heavy Machinery had been unable to defeat the champions, another team needed to earn their chance. Up first was Lucha House Party versus the team of Dana Brooke and Tyler Breeze. Kalisto bounced along ringside, spinning the rattles each time Lince Dorado or Gran Metalik landed a hit. Both teams had successful strengths. But it was the mixture of Breeze’s speed and agility, and Dana’s strength and quick thinking that won. They were the first to claim their spot in the number one contender’s match that would happen at Fastlane.

***

Drew took a mic and paced to the center of the ring. He chuckled. “Were any of you really worried? This championship isn’t goin’ anywhere. Well, except to switch between my waist and my shoulder. As for my opponents from Sunday, did any of ya really t’ink that you would beat me? Ha! You were too busy squabblin’ between yourselves to focus on the champion. I beat you all. Played you like fiddles. And Dolph,” he paused. He swallowed a lungful of air. “My old friend. You did surprisingly well. I’ll give ya that. But that was the closest you will ever get to even thinkin’ about holdin’ this title. All your scheming and planning, your irritatin’ getting in the way, it will always fall short. I’ll always promise ya tha-“

He stopped and ducked just in time as Braun tried to attack him from behind.

The champion backed up to the ropes far away from him. “And what do ya think you’re doin’ out here? I t’ought you were busy with the Universal.”

Braun rolled back his shoulders. “I was. But… that title is cursed. Or haven’t you noticed?” He shook his head. “No. If I want to win a championship, I would prefer to take one that isn’t weighed down with secrets and a history of forgettable reigns.” He stepped forward, grinning as Drew retreated to the apron. “I’ll be seeing you soon, Drew. If you’re the champion you claim to be, there will probably be an open challenge next week. And I might just answer.”

The men came to stare each other down on the apron. With a proud huff, Braun left first.

***

“Why did you strand me in the ring?” Sasha shadowboxed an invisible opponent. “If you had been there for the tag, we would be tag champions right now.”

Bayley slumped in her seat. “I was trying to watch your back. That’s what teammates do.”

“Teammates are there for each other. Not distracted and halfway around the ring.”

“You tell her, Sasha.” Tamina laughed and walked up between them with Nia. “Though, I don’t really believe it would have made a difference.”

Nia chimed in. “Agreed. You guys have been a mess since… forever. Tonight was another classic Banks n’ Bayley.”

“But don’t worry,” Tamina teased, “I’m sure another chance will come around eventually. If you two don’t break each other first.” She and Nia left, laughing.

Sasha dug her fingernails into her arm and faced Bayley. “Something has got to give, Bayley. Either we need to make this work, or we need to cut our losses.”

“Is that what you want?” Bayley’s small voice stilled Sasha’s nervous shifting. The woman walked away without giving an answer.

***

Apollo had challenged Dean to a match after what happened Sunday night. They had unfinished business. It turned into a great match, both sides appreciating the skill in the other.

But Dean was distracted. Between what Baron had told him, and your match later that night, his mind was all over the place. Often, Apollo snapped his fingers in front of Dean’s face. Eventually, it irritated Dean, and he lost control in his anger. Apollo caught him and pinned him. They still shook hands at the end and left the ring together.

“She’s going to be alright,” Apollo said. “She’s a tough woman.”

“I know.” Dean stepped away from him and took the stairs to the garage instead of going to gorilla. “It’s probably going to get her hurt.”

***

He found Baron backstage sitting on a crate. Baron jumped to his feet, but Dean waved him down. “How… couple weeks ago… how did you know Y/N had been giving Elias better opportunities?”

Grinning with all teeth, the lone wolf chuckled. “A little birdy told me. Well… a monstrous birdy.”

Not liking the vague answer, Dean stomped off down the hall, only to bump into you. He almost turned around but traded the idea to catch your arm. “I don’t want you fighting Baron tonight. He’s… shifty. And I need to take care of him myself.

You smiled shallowly. “This isn’t really about you. Trust me.” You raised your hands in surrender to keep him from speaking. “I’ve made my path, and I’ve got to see it out. Okay? But… whatever happens, do not get involved. Promise me.”

Hesitating, he nodded.

“No.”

Dean sighed. “I promise.”

“Thank you.” You left him, not really trusting him to not get involved. In the distance, you could hear guitar strumming. Maybe it was time for another chat.

***

Ruby had won the right to challenge Ember Moon for the Raw women’s title, but she had some unfinished business first. After making Liv and Sarah stay backstage, she met Nikki Cross in the ring. Nikki had almost cost her the chance of a lifetime. She couldn’t let it go unpunished.

Perhaps she should have. Nikki’s energy hadn’t depleted on Sunday; there was plenty for tonight. And having fought a focused Ruby before, she knew where to hit and what to avoid. Her manic attention to detail won the match, much to the delight of the crowd. She giggled and chortled, sitting on the apron, as Ruby retreated up the ramp.

***

Seth entered first. Baron was already in the ring, leaning forward on the stage-side ropes. You walked out next, then started to run as Baron slid out of the ring. He went straight for Seth, shoving you to the floor. They fought around the ring. Seth’s body whipped around a ring-post and didn’t move. Baron went back for you, mockingly motioning for the referee to start the match. You nodded, using the ropes to keep you upright. The bell rang, and Baron started kicking you. The referee tried to pull him away but had to disqualify the match. You let yourself be dragged to the center of the ring, accepting that Baron was never going to play fair. You laid against the canvas as he went for a mic, gasping as he pulled you to your feet.

“Come on out, Dean!” Baron tightened his grip on the back of your neck. Gritting your teeth did not go unnoticed. “Think he’s going to swallow his pride for you, Y/N? Come out and save his baby cousin? Or is he going to let me take you apart, piece by piece?”

You elbowed him in the ribs and bolted. It was only a few steps though. There was rattling series of clicks and cold metal locked around your wrists. Baron yanked you to your feet and shoved you through the ropes to stand precariously on the apron. He pulled your hands over your head by the long chain between the cuffs.

“Last chance Dean.”

The arena was silent.

“Fine.” The mic fell to the ring with a thud.

Baron pulled the chain back over the top corner post and kicked your feet out from under you. You fell with a screech, your toes barely scrapping the floor. He hopped down and dug under the ring, coming up with a kendo stick. Your eyes went wide, and you struggled to gain any leverage.

***

In the back, Dean ran through the hallways. Elias caught him around the waist. “No, you can’t go out there. She’s got this.”

Dean pulled Elias back a few steps to a backstage screen. “She does not ‘got’ this. She’s dissociating.” Dean pointed to you on the screen. You had closed your eyes even as Baron was swinging. You did not cry out but flexed and let your shoulders go limp for a second. “Back off! This is your fault in the first place. I’ve got to get out there!” He tried to run, but Elias caught him again. Apollo ran up to help hold him.

***

With each swing, you closed yourself further and further off from the pain raging up and down your torso. Baron dropped the stick and smugly swaggered closer to you.

“Guess he’s not coming then. Maybe I should get a little more hands on.” He tightened his hands into fists and stanced himself like you were a punching bag.

Your eyes snapped open and you pulled on the chain. It was enough for you to effectively kick off Baron’s bent knee and up his body until you could jump to the apron and hurry through the ropes. He followed you, but you caught his swinging arm with the cuffs’ chain and unbalanced him. You kicked, punched, threw everything you had at him until he slumped to the canvas. You sensed movement behind you and turned sharply, ready for another attack.

Seth took a weary step back.

Standing up straight you used one of your bobby pins to work out of the cuffs. You attached one to Baron’s wrist, and the other to the bottom rope. His head raised up just in time to see you roll to the floor. After a second of an intense gaze, you turned and made your way up the ramp without looking back. Not even to Seth.

There was a ruckus from backstage as you made it to the stage. Dean came skidding out, Apollo and Elias close on his heels. They froze when they saw you. Seeing Dean broke through the walls you had built. Eyes to the floor and anywhere but at him, you walked backstage. Soon you heard him running after you.

“Y/N. I’m sorry. I was coming-“

“You should have stayed back here. Like you promised.” With a growl you let Dean turn you around to face him. He gingerly thumbed over your sore wrists until you pulled away.

“Where… where did you learn-“

“I don’t know. Could have been a Hardy, someone outside the WWE… a YouTube. I did what I had to. You’ve still got your honor-“

“And you your secrets-“

“And I’m okay. That’s what the training was for.”

“Y/N-“

“No. You don’t get to look at me like that. I’m not a child. I don’t need you to watch my back. Protect me. Wipe my nose or tell me to clean up my messes. I can defend myself because I needed to know how. People started offering because they felt sorry for me I swore that I would never be helpless again. I never wanted to see those faces of pity again. That’s why you got into all this, wasn’t it?” You scoffed. “Life was going down the tubes and you were doing your best to leave everything behind and defend yourself in the only way you knew how. But now that I’m doing the same thing, it’s wrong and reckless and you constantly try to talk me out of it. You know what I think you’re afraid of? When I started you were afraid I was going to turn out like you. Heads up: I’m not you. Never will be. I’ve made my own choices and got my own regrets. No. What you’re scared of now is the inevitable Last Ambrose Standing.” You leaned back with a smile. “Don’t worry; it’s not going to happen for a good long while, if at all. If we play our cards right.”

You stopped, panting. The adrenaline that had fueled tonight began to slack off. What you said hit you in the gut. You took a breath and rubbed the space between your eyes.

“Dean, I… I’m fine. Really. I’ll… I’ll catch you later.” Looking behind him you could see Apollo and Elias approaching with Seth leaning on their shoulders. You left before they could get to you.

Part 42: Business as Usual

Series Masterlist  

Masterlist 

Forever Tags: @blondekel77 @hallemichelles @laochbaineann @ramblingsofabourbondrinker @savmontreal @southsidebucky @tinyelfperson  @zuni21798

WWE/Series Tags: @a-home-for-stray-stories @kingslayers-queen @top-1-percent @mother-forker @neversatisfiedgirl @racheo91 @roman-reigns-princess @secretagentfangirl @thetherianthropydaily @scuzmunkie @cait-kae @ramsaypants @sony-undead18 @brianaraydean @st4yingstrong @dopeybubbles @crystallizeme @jessica91073 @denise8691 @stalelight @kenyadakblalock @1dluver13xx @lauren-novak @lunatic-desert-child @littledeadrottinghood @livelifewondering 

[readingontheedge]

Tavish

Dunskey Castle Book 1

by Jane Stain

Genre: Scottish Time Travel Romance

 Tavish was the best boyfriend Kelsey ever had, but seven years ago he disappeared from her life. She coped with her heartbreak by finishing her doctorate in Celtic Artifacts, and now her career is taking off. But Tavish is back, acting like a stranger who knows more about Celtic artifacts than she does. He's been on staff at every one of her job sites in Scotland, wearing that stupid sexy kilt.

 Goodreads * Amazon 

Video Trailer:

https://youtu.be/VKXfPM6rYWE 

“You know me,” she reminded him. “Which way would I find more interesting?”

He pointedly looked at her Celtic University ring.

“I’m not really sure I do know you well anymore, but the Kelsey I remember, the adventurous one, she would have insisted on checking out the passage down to the secret doors.”

“I’ll make you a deal,” she said to him.

Wow. He gave her a soft look that she never thought she’d see again. It made her want to hug him…

“I’m listening,” he said.

Right. They were just talking. What was she saying, again? Oh yeah. The deal.

“I’ll be the Kelsey you remember, if you’ll be the Tavish I remember.”

Oops. What had made her say that?

The soft look left his eyes, replaced by wariness.

“You know what—” he started.

But she cut him off.

“Not for always, Tavish, just for this tour of the passageways, okay?”

He sighed heavily, and sadness filled his face while his posture relaxed as if he’d been ready for a big something and then just given up.

“Okay, but Kelsey, when this tour is done, promise me you’ll go into Mr. Blair’s trailer and stay in there until the sun comes up. Please, promise me.”

Taken aback by just how desperately worried for her he seemed, she agreed to his terms without any negotiation.

“I promise.”

He visibly relaxed.

“Thanks, Kelsey.”

And then his eyes were looking far away, and he started to reach out to her, and then let his hands drop.

She stomped her foot to get his attention, to make him look her in the eye. Okay, and maybe she was trying to get him to laugh a little, too. She’d always found foot stomping ridiculous.

“What’s wrong, Tavish?”

But it didn’t work. He looked away.

“I can’t tell you.” 

Seumas

Dunskey Castle Book 2

 Sasha just got her dream job in the highlands of Scotland. Where her friends ply her with celebratory champagne, throw a plaid cloak over her business suit, and take her to the 14th century to do original research on the dig site. She meets gorgeous highlander Seumas ("Shaymus") there, and — wait, is this a good idea?

 Goodreads * Amazon 

Tomas

Dunskey Castle Book 3

 Tomas was on top of the world. He had a hot girlfriend. She knew about time travel, so he didn't have to keep secrets around her. So why did the sight of his old friends Amber and Kelsey make him uncomfortable? His girlfriend kept telling him to forget about them. But he couldn't. He wished he knew why.

 Goodreads * Amazon 

Time of the Celts

Dunskey Castle Book 4

 Jaelle dons a Roman helmet left among her ex's things and is transferred to the Pictish Celt side of Hadrian's wall -- flat on the ground and tripped over by Breth. The naked woad-painted warrior is being chased by Romans who caught him scouting their fort. She earns his trust by grabbing an injured Roman's sword, fighting beside Breth, and saving his life. He takes her to his clan, where she sees druids in their sacred grove imparting magical protection by painting the warriors' nudity with muscle-activated woad pictures.

 Goodreads * Amazon 

Emboldened by the fact that everyone else had stripped and she wouldn't be alone in it, she did so, even putting the leather sack with the Roman helmet down on top of her pile of clothes. With her eyes on it in a bit of worry, she walked over to where the line of druids was decorating the line of laymen with woad grease they had brought along with them in earthenware jars.

Jaelle fell into the line between Breth and his mother. The grease was cold. The experience was anything but.

“But I know the woad decorations are needed according to your traditions, and of course I will go along with that—”

She broke off what she was going to say, because Breth’s eyes were mocking her playfully. He spoke in a teasing way, not as if he meant it.

“You’ll go along with that? Look, if you don’t want to be part of our traditions, then why don’t you just go home, future woman?”

In fact his eyes were laughing so much that she forgot everyone else was there for a moment and just stared at Breth’s glimmering blue eyes.

Deoord cleared his throat.

“Look, if you have… unfinished business to attend to, then I can come back later…”

Breth squeezed her around the waist. But then he looked toward the noon sky and sighed, then gently nudged her waist toward the druid.

“Tempting, but no. We really do need to get started.”

Jaelle tried again.

“Why don’t we just do the woad decorations tomorrow? There must be other things we could do today.”

Breth and Deoord shared a look that said she really was a future woman and they had their hands full trying to make her understand their way of life. But the future druids demanded it of them.

Deoord decorated Breth’s naked body just as complexly as it had been when she met Breth, but with different animals and creatures this time who were just as animated and fascinating and artful. Jaelle particularly liked the owl montage that now covered Breth’s back. When he flexed, the owls took flight.

And as the druid made all these wonderful woad markings on that beautiful man’s bare skin, he patiently explained.

“These markings are protective, not really decorative — although they are that as well. The drawings are infused with my magic, and my magic is the most strong when enacted here by these waters which feed our sacred grove…” 

Time of the Picts

Dunskey Castle Book 5

 Ignoring phone calls from Kelsey, Jaelle thinks her first time travel adventure was a dream, but a new museum display shows a stick figure she remembers drawing with her fingernail file on the top stone of Hadrian's Wall. Whoa, that means her time travel and meeting of the dazzling warrior Breth and their fight with the barbarians at the Roman fort really took place! She needs to get back to Breth!

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Time of the Druids

Dunskey Castle Book 6

  Deirdre's first time travel assignment was challenging. Sure, she had her magic dagger, but he wasn't cooperating.

Talorac felt anxious about this meeting. A summons to the sacred grove had always meant the druids would perform their woad magic to prepare him for battle. So he was in no way prepared to make the acquaintance of the woman he found there with them. Deirdre was beautiful, and a warrior, and from the way she was flitting around the grove, she was the most powerful druid he had ever heard of in his life. 

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Leif

Dunskey Castle Book 7

 Jessica's friend tricks her into time traveling to 15th century Scotland. A gorgeous highlander Jessica is sure is out of her league invites them to stay at his manor house. Leif knows he should keep his mind on training the militia for the battle that is sure to come soon. And after all, Jessica is just passing through his town. But she is so compassionate he feels his heart melting. 

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Taran

Dunskey Castle Book 8

 Lauren has a magic dagger that gives her orders and sometimes stifles her speech. It wants her to find some artifact here in 1400s Scotland and give it to some druid friends.  She wants to get to know Taran. But the dagger whispers that Taran is in the way. Taran's life in a small town in Scotland was disrupted six months ago with the arrival of Lauren and the other two lasses. Lauren knew the way mechanical things worked in a way most astonishing. He never tired of hearing her explain. But to find out she has a magick dagger that she is in danger of losing her self control to? That shocks him. 

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Luag

Dunskey Castle Book 9

 Luag and Katherine are two bullheaded people trying to "out stubborn" each other. They've been verbally sparring in Medieval Scotland for the past year. He's never met a headstrong woman before, and he is such a stubborn male! When chance throws them forward to Katherine’s time, he is the fish out of water. Understanding blooms, as does love.

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Meehall

Dunskey Castle Book 10

  Sarah’s boss at Celtic University plonks an iron bracer on her desk. It brings up one of Kelsey's magic druid dreams. In it, Sarah's ex, Michael (Meehall in Gaelic), used this bracer as a time travel object. And was a kilted highlander in 1700s Scotland. At lunch, Sarah's friends say they’re calling in sick tomorrow to attend a local fair. They want her to call in sick too. Sarah isn’t keen on giving the bracer back. She wants revenge on Meehall for breaking up with her and decides to use the bracer to have a bit of fun. She tells her friends they don’t have to call in sick. She’s taking them back in time. “Good one!” they tell her, laughing. 

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Ciaran

Dunskey Castle Book 11

 Ciaran arrives in the 21st Century with Eoin (John) in the darkness of the Celtic University night. Ciaran is delighted to run into Nadia and wants to stay and visit, but Eoin drags him away from her. Eoin is extra grumpy, saying the Murrays need an edge because the Cameron Clan is planning something big. Eoin sneaks the two of them into a storage basement and seems inordinately glad to find a particular halberd there. Nadia remembers the kilted warrior Ciaran from her experience in 1706 Scotland and secretly has a crush on him. Wherever he and Eoin are going, she bets it will inspire her story for Celtic University's historical society paper, especially if they are time traveling. She sneaks into the back of the cart Ciaran and Eoin are driving and hides under a blanket.

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Baltair

Dunskey Castle Book 12

 Ellie was captured during her last time travel adventure. But her friend's husband's life hangs in the balance. And this ring she found is giving her courage. Probably too much courage for a modern woman in 1706 to have.

Baltair is glad to see Ellie again. Her friend married his cousin and stayed, when Ellie went back to their time. But he keeps his distance. Many will die in the upcoming battle, maybe including him 

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Time of the Fae

Dunskey Castle Book 13

Suellen and her friends ride a whirlwind onto a seacliff and panic. What happened?

The area is crawling with Highlanders who say they’re fighting the Romans. That guy. The one they met at the Renaissance faire. They need to find him.

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Druids or Faeries

Dunskey Castle Book 14

 Marybeth frowned. "Dinna ye think it wrong, tae grab the faerie axe by force?” Ashley batted the air as if what Marybeth had said was dismissible. "The faeries gave it tae Ciaran, who gave it tae John. Kelsey stole it from John. 'Tis na wrong for John tae steal it back from her." Connell stuck his chest out and his chin up in a show of bravado. "Kelsey's gotten full o’ herself, syne she went off tae Celtic University. That, or she has been brainwashed by all those Druids. We used tae be friends, but now she's gone tae far. We wull be taking that axe back from her sae we can save Donnan. End o’ discussion."

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Time for the Clan

Dunskey Castle Book 15

Ashley worries the faeries are about to kill her. She has to escape and warn Connell. His Highland clan could be separated by time forever. Can they make the druid curse help them?

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Jane worked at the Renaissance Pleasure Faires at Paramount Ranch Agoura, Devore, and Black Point Forest from 1987 to 1993. She started as a peasant, then auditioned and made it into the Washerwomen, and then was a sea dog. She also hawked for Belle Star's perfume wagon and The Dye Spot clothing booth. Jane Stain is a pen name. She is in her fifties and has been influenced by the writing of Diana Gabaldon, Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey, Harry Harrison, Jane Auel, Ray Bradbury, Ursula K LeGuin, Robert Jordan, Stephenie Meyer, Terry Goodkind, and many more great authors. 

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Giveaway

5 of these Celtic Knot rings that look like Celtic University graduation rings https://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Silver-Celtic-Knot-Eternity/dp/B00GU81TLU

 Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway! 

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/the-dunskey-castle-series-book-tour-and-giveaway