Scene Spotlight for A Witch's Journey by Tena Stetler

Today I have Tena Stetler, The Wild Rose Press author, as my guest. She is telling us about her newest release A Witch’s Journey. Check out those muscles on that cover! ;) 

Welcome, Tena!

Title: A Witch's Journey

Author: Tena Stetler

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Release Date: June 15, 2016

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon US / Amazon UK

Amazon AU / Amazon CA

The Wild Rose Press / Kobo

NOOK / All Romance Books / iTunes

SCENE SPOTLIGHT:

Leaning over, Lathen’s arms enveloped Pepper calming her angry energy. “You okay?”

She nodded. A faint orange glow emanated from her palms slowly spreading to her fingers. A tiny spark snapped at the tip of her pinky.  His large hands eased over hers to stop the progression of sparks. A vibration of feet pounding the ground had them both glancing up as a uniformed police officer sprinted toward them.

Lathen listened while Pepper gave her statement. He added what he saw and they were released. On the drive to the cabin, Pepper rested her head on his shoulder, his arm wrapped around her. Nostrils flared as he inhaled her citrus and wildflower scent mixed with the adrenaline that fueled her flight or fight response, now diminishing as she relaxed against him.

For the first time since that terrible day his SEAL team’s mission had gone horribly wrong, the sensation of phasing had thrummed through his body as he shoved his way through the crowd to get to Pepper. He actually had to restrain the response. Could I have phased? Was the overwhelming desire to protect Pepper so ingrained, his wolf’s physical ability to shift kicked in? He didn’t have the answers tonight, but… Restless in the seat, he flexed his torso and leg muscles. A coiled ready-to-spring sensation felt familiar. A slight smile crossed his lips.

Pepper tilted her head up to peer at him. “Uncomfortable?” She tried to slide over giving him more room, but his arm tightened around her pulling her closer.

“Never felt better in my life,” he said confidently. The predator awareness was back, and he reveled in it.

Her eyebrow arched in question as he felt her eyes linger on him and shot her a quick glance.

“So has trouble always followed you around?” he wanted to know.

“…Nooo, well, not exactly. At least not to this level. You’re aware of the final incident in Salem, but the ten years prior was calm, except for deadbeat boyfriends.”

“Which, I am guessing, is why you learned to defend yourself so well. Magic didn’t do it for you?”

“Magic is hard to use in the presence of mortals. Besides, it’s forbidden. You know that.”

Lathen raised an eyebrow. “Someone forgot to tell Mr. Green or Mr. Bonchard. And what about those flying feathers the night Tom showed up at your place?”

She shook her head. “I still have no idea what happened that night. Must have been the cabin or land, some kind of protection enchantment that triggered it. Glad no one else saw. Need to talk to Ashling. Seemed the feathers took on a life of their own.”

“Oh—Green saw, all right. He was babbling about all kinds of things as they took him away.”

She shrugged. “Strange, if he’s any type of magical creature, he’d know better than to say such things.” Pepper looked up at him, her forehead creased. “Things just don’t add up.”

The truck slowed to a stop in front of the cabin. “We’ll remember this Fourth of July for years to come,” Lathen commented with a frown.

QUESTIONS:

1.    Where does this scene take place?

     The attack took place when they were watching the town fireworks, now she is answering questions; a picture of Lathen’s Truck; and the McKay Cabin he pulls up in front of. 

1.    Which actors/actresses would play the characters present in this scene?

Lathen played by Chris Helmsworth, Pepper played by Molly C. Quinn.

2.    What inspired this scene?

The desire to show the character’s strong side while being there for each other. After an attack on Pepper, I wanted to show Lathen and Pepper handling the stress of the situation in a supportive manner. I thought up the scene while day dreaming about the story in the sunroom watching my parrot, then bounced the ideas off my husband.  

3.    What do you love the most about this scene?

     Lathen’s ability to calm Pepper and be there for her, at the same time discovering that his life is changing again. His abilities and emotional state are healing. And the magic. I love scenes with magic, guess that why I write paranormal romance.

4.    Was this scene difficult or easy to write?

     It was easy, the scene before it was difficult. Pepper is a strong woman and she can take care of herself, but you have to balance that with her caring nature. Lathen has so many things going on mentally and physically that he is trying to overcome, yet he feels he has to be strong for Pepper.

BLURB:

Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?

AUTHOR BIO:

Tena Stetler is a paranormal romance and cozy mystery author with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, Tena sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures telling her their tales. Colorado is her home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-year-old box turtle.  Any winter evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a mug of hot chocolate and a big bowl of popcorn.  During the summer you can find her cozied up around a campfire with a good book. 

AUTHOR LINKS: 

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Goodreads / The Wild Rose Press / Amazon

Newsletter SIgn-Up / Pinterest

Thank you for telling us about this witch’s journey, Tena. ;)

Please leave a comment for Tena!