#Alexandria Nicole Grey

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

💖 Sapphic Books Coming Out April 2024

🩷 There's something especially sweet about a sapphic romance. Here are only a few of the amazing sapphic books hitting shelves in April 2024. Which ones are you adding to your ever-growing TBR?

💖 What's your favorite sapphic book?

[ List below. ]

Contemporary 💖 A Happy Good Girl - Marissa Higgins 💖 A Case for Discretion - Ashley Moore 💖 Thawing the CEO - Emily Hayes 💖 Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married - Georgia Beers 💖 The Broken Lines of Us - Shia Woods 💖 Rainbow Overalls - Maggie Fortuna 💖 Here Come the Brides - Micheala Lynn 💖 Houseswap 101 - Jaime Clevenger 💖 Sweet on You - Shannon O'Connor 💖 Sing, I - Ethel Rohan 💖 Light Betrays Us - Greta Rose West 💖 Moving Hearts - Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue 💖 The Last Love Song - Kalie Holford 💖 Playing For Keeps - Jennifer Dugan 💖 Truly, Madly, Deeply - Alexandria Bellefleur 💖 Finally Fitz - Marisa Kanter 💖 Every Time You Hear That Song - Jenna Voris 💖 Women! In! Peril! - Jessie Ren Marshall 💖 Revisiting Summer Nights - Ashley Bartlett 💖 Leather, Lace, and Locs - Anne Shade 💖 So Long Sad Love - Mirion Malle 💖 Girls Night - I.S. Belle 💖 Here We Go Again - Alison Cochrun 💖 Pillow Talk - Stephanie Cooke, Mel Valentine 💖 Good Bones - Aurora Ray 💖 Crash Landing - Li Charmaine Anne 💖 Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine - Nicole Melleby

Paranormal/Horror 💖 Bloodline - Jenn Alexander 💖 Grey Dog - Elliott Gish 💖 Cranberry Cove - Hailey Piper 💖 Court of Wanderers - Rin Chupeco 💖 Something Kindred - Ciera Burch 💖 Blood City Rollers - V.P. Anderson, Tatiana Hill

Fantasy 💖 Call Forth a Fox - Markelle Grabo 💖 Someone You Can Build a Nest In - John Wiswell 💖 Off With Their Heads - Zoe Hana Mikuta 💖 Calling of Light - Lori M. Lee 💖 To a Darker Shore - Leanne Schwartz 💖 The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray - Christine Calella 💖 Saint-Seducing Gold - Brittany N. Williams 💖 A Sweet Sting of Salt - Rose Sutherland 💖 Darker by Four - June C.L. Tan 💖 The Map That Led to You - Ella McLeod 💖 The Merciless King of Moore High - Lily Sparks

Historical 💖 Lighthouse Keeper - Eliza Lentzski

Mystery/Thriller 💖 Rough Trade - Katrina Carrasco 💖 Molten Death - Leslie Karst 💖 Eye of the Ouroboros - Megan Bontrager 💖 Text Me When You Get This - Frances Lucas 💖 Paige Not Found - Jen Wilde

Sci-Fi 💖 Moon Dust in My Hairnet - J.R. Creaden 💖 Hearts Still Beating - Brooke Archer 💖 Harley Quinn: Redemption - Rachael Allen 💖 In Universes - Emet North

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

Top 24 of 2022!

I've read a whopping 130 books in 2022 and it was incredibly difficult to narrow that down to any sort of "Top #" list... So of course I went with the biggest number my photo collage website would let me make 🤣

I've listed them below with pride flags for LGBT+ books and access symbols for disability, neurodivergence and mental illness rep 😊 and as always, feel free to ask me about any of the books on the list or search for my review of it on my blog!

Neverland by Margot McGovern ♿️

For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten

Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff 🏳️‍🌈

The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore 🏳️‍🌈

The Killing Code by Ellie Marney 🏳️‍🌈

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green ♿️

Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby ♿️ 🏳️‍🌈

Kiss and Tell by Adib Khorram 🏳️‍🌈

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal ♿️

Ellen Outside the Lines by AJ Sass ♿️ 🏳️‍🌈

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White ♿️ 🏳️‍🌈

Fraternity by Andy Mientus 🏳️‍🌈

What They Don't Know by Nicole Maggi

Gallant by VE Schwab ♿️

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur 🏳️‍🌈

Make You Mine This Christmas by Lizzie Huxley-Jones ♿️ 🏳️‍🌈

The Scratch Daughters by HA Clarke 🏳️‍🌈

Clown in a Cornfield 2: Frendo Lives by Adam Cesare 🏳️‍🌈 ♿️

Arden Grey by Ray Stoeve 🏳️‍🌈

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa 🏳️‍🌈 ♿️

The Heartbreak Bakery by AR Capetta 🏳️‍🌈

At the End of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp ♿️

Meat Market by Juno Dawson ♿️ 🏳️‍🌈

Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian

[smowkie]

List your 10 favorite female characters from 10 different fandoms then tag 10 people to do the same.

I was tagged by @novemberhush like a year and a half ago. Better late than never? xD Thanks for the tag, Dee! ❤

In no particular order:

1. Alexandria, The Fall (2006)

She's just the best. She will always be on these lists. (I actually decided to only use characters I haven't used before (of the two of these I found, at least), but Alexandria is the exception. She will always be on these lists.)

2. Wanda Maximoff, MCU

I die, she breaks my heart, I love her so much, pls protect her

3. Rita Lasku, Law & Order: Organized Crime

She was a minor character and only there for a short while, but I loved her so much, she was great ❤

4. Nia Nal, DCTV/Arrowverse

I usually pick Alex Danvers for Arrowverse, but since I'm doing it with only characters I haven't used before, I had to pick another of my dozen favorite women on Arrowverse. So today, because I will take pretty much any excuse to have Nicole Maines on my dash, I picked Nia Nal.

5. Leslie Shay, Chicago Fire

This disaster gay, I love her and I miss her ❤

6. Scarlett Harker, Van Helsing (the syfy series)

This gif is not of Scarlett, but it is a gif of Missy Peregrym, because it seems pretty impossible to find gifs of Scarlett, so I figured another of Missy Peregrym's characters was close enough. I adored Scarlett, she was awesome, amazing, perfect, and overall the best. And she looked like Missy Peregrym. Not that looks is everything, but like. Missy Peregrym. (She is, by the way, the reason that the FBI show this gif is from is on my to watch list.)

7. Seven of Nine & Raffi Musiker, Star Trek: Picard

They're totally just one character *clears throat* Okay, I couldn't choose, but you get kissing ladies on your dash, so xD

8. Max Mayfield, Stranger Things

If she doesn't come back properly next season I will riot.

9. Ella Lopez, Lucifer

I miss her so very much.

10. Charlotte King, Private Practice

I adore Addison Montgomery and Amelia Shepherd, but tbh, I love Charlotte King more, and I keep hoping she'll show up on Grey's Anatomy 🤞

I tag: @rieraclaelin @lena221bee @outtoshatter and since it's been 1½ years, I tag @novemberhush too xD And as usual, please claim a tag from me if you want to do this and I didn't tag you, and also as usual, no pressure to anyone tagged =)

[alexandrianicolegrey-oc]

Series/Mini Series

The Story of Us: Eddie and Alex

Buddie Playlist

Enemies to Lovers

Daddy Diaz Playlist

Heads Carolina, Tails California

[lightgreyartgallery]

In TWO DAYS Senior Show 2020 will be LIVE!! See what emerging artists are making when the show goes live at 12 pm CST. Meet some of our artist sponsors who are giving a variety of awards in support of upcoming artists!

Meet Chan Chau chanchauart.com Chan Chau is a cartoonist currently based in Washington with a BFA in Comic Art from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

They are currently working on the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel series. Previously, they worked at PUNY Entertainment as a Background Designer and Storyboard revisionist. They have been a part of an Eisner and Ignatz winning anthology ELEMENTS: FIRE edited by Taneka Stotts.

Meet Nicole Lim rinianart.com Nicole Lim is a children's book illustrator and visual development artist from the Philippines who is now based in LA.

Nicole started out as a children's book illustrator in 2008, and despite originally not having an art degree, she managed to launch a career in illustration and has done 11 published picture books since then. In 2014 Nicole made a huge decision to study and get an art degree, so she moved to the US to challenge herself and expand her horizons. Since graduating, Nicole has worked in various art-related industries. She has done design work for a toy company and is currently working as a background painter in animation.

Meet Prem Sai G S shootingstartpictures.blogspot.com Prem is a character designer and storyboard artist from India working in animation in Los Angeles CA. He has worked for studios like DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros. Animation, Duncan Studio, and other independent studios. He recently worked as a story artist on Season 2 of Netflix’s animated series Green Eggs and Ham.

Meet Simon Baek skbaek93.com Simon Baek is a visual development artist and an illustrator, living in California. He graduated from Art Center College of Design. His most recent working experiences were working at Disney Pixar Animation Studio, Disney Publishing, and Titmouse Inc.

Meet Sitji Chou instagram.com/sitjichou Sitji is an Animation and Art Director at Giant Ant in Vancouver, Canada. He has been animating professionally for nine years, spending the first few years freelancing, doing residencies, and short films.

Meet Alex Dos Diaz alexdosdiaz.com Alex Dos Diaz is an artist and freelance Illustrator based out of Philadelphia, PA. His passion for illustration stems from his love for Japanese animation, video games and design. As Alex immersed himself further into the art world, movements such as Art Nouveau and Baroque became crucial influences in his work. Although he is currently focusing more on personal work, Alex has worked with a variety of clients such as: Wizards of the Coast,  Penguin Random House, Arcane Wonders, Hasbro, Lion Forge Comics, DC Comics, The New York Times and more.

Meet Andy Sturdevant of Springboard for the Arts springboardforthearts.org Andy Sturdevant is Artist Resources Director at Springboard for the Arts, an economic and community development organization for artists and by artists. He is also a writer, publisher, artist and very occasional performer. He has written about art, history and culture for a variety of publications, and is the author of three books of nonfiction. He is also the creator of a number of small-run art and design books, distributed in the United States and Europe. His artwork has been exhibited at venues in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Seattle, and he has presented public programs with many organizations locally and regionally. Andy holds a B.F.A. in painting from the University of Louisville and a graphic design certificate from Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Meet Alexandria Neonakis alexneonakis.com Alexandria is a character concept artist in video games, currently working at Naughty Dog. She’s been in games for 13 years. She is also a freelance children’s book illustrator, with clients such as Simon & Schuster, Random House, Macmillan, Inhabit Media and more. In her free time she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, painting, gaming and spending time outdoors. She lives with 3 cats and her husband in Southern California.

[lepusrufus]

To bargain for immortality pt.2

Finally, she felt well enough to leave the infirmary room for good. Her internal organs were at peace for the most part and she could keep some food down without the risk of seeing it for a second time. Her sinuses still seemed to refuse to recover though. Occasional nosebleeds would have her head spinning and the scent of blood so often present within the castle was somehow too offensive to her senses. Nicole couldn't help but wonder how exactly she got it this screwed up, but then again the first few days of the infection were a painful blur that she'd rather not remember.

For now she was content to sit in front of the fireplace with the rest of her family. They decided to have a movie night to break her out of the mopey state she had been in and, for the most part, it was quite the success. She wasn't paying much attention to the projector screen, some sappy scene from a movie chosen by Daniela playing at the moment. Instead, she was simply enjoying the close proximity to Cassandra that she so dearly missed in the last few weeks. Nicole was in the brunette's lap, with hands loosely around her waist and leaning against her shoulder. She was vaguely aware of Laura complaining about the poor life choices of one of the characters only to be unceremoniously shushed by the youngest sister. It made her chuckle.

Bela was passing the popcorn to her mothers when a knock on the main entrance reached their ears faintly. Lady Dimitrescu narrowed her eyes in the general direction of the sound, and listened. Soon enough the rapid steps of Alexandria, their Steward, reached them.

"My Ladies, Mother Miranda's assistant is here."

The whole family got up hesitantly and tried to look as presentable as possible, given their "lazy day outfits". For some like Bela that was a baggy shirt and shorts, while for the Lady it was one of her trademark white dresses. They made their way to the main entrance of the castle, where the assistant, a woman in her late thirties and the air of an annoyed teacher, was waiting. It was Alcina the one to ask why she was there.

"Mother Miranda wants to see um… Nicole was it? Yes, to take a look at the regenerative abilities."

"Why not do it here like last time?"

"Mother Miranda's laboratory is far better equipped for whatever she may want to test. Unless you have something to say against her wishes." She finished that with a raised eyebrow that would've gained her a talon through the skull were she not there as per Miranda's wishes.

Who's talons exactly was debatable.

"I'll come too," Cassandra spoke up from just behind Nicole.

That only got her a dismissive wave. "No, I was told specifically to only bring her. Come now, we don't want to make Mother Miranda wait."

With that, the woman turned around and started walking towards a carriage that would take them away. Nicole looked briefly at her family. They all had either confusion or mild concern in their eyes. All but Alcina who looked as if she'd like to protest and snap at the woman but was holding her tongue.

She reassured Cassandra that she'd be fine and started jogging after the assistant.

---

Needless to say, that was Nicole's first time stepping foot inside the underground network of tunnels. Not that she complained. Few people went there willingly and probably fewer left the same way they came in.

The ancient looking hallways were in such stark contrast with the occasional medical equipment and the pristine looking labs with doors left slightly ajar that Nicole had to wonder if the woman had no taste for a consistent aesthetic. At least Lady Dimitrescu kept all wiring and modern devices carefully hidden or blended in with the castle's decor. Here, the harsh neon lights illuminated worn out stone so dark it was almost black. Not to mention the smell of… old that seemed to ooze off the very walls she was walking by.

She was led inside a spacious lab, the bluish lights above being too bothersome for someone who got used to the warm or natural light in the castle. The room was rather long, numerous hospital beds lined up against a wall, some separated by white curtains and some left visible. An almost imperceptible whiff of an all too familiar foul odor reached her nose, but it was mild enough to be easily ignored. Nicole had a suspicion that the unmoving person laying in one of the cots further away could be the source, but she sighed and hoped not to join them by the end of the day.

Mother Miranda was sat at a desk, microscope in front of her together with a small stack of documents and a laptop. She was typing in what could probably be notes on whatever she was looking at, when icy grey eyes finally shifted to Nicole.

"Get changed and lay down," she ordered, not even moving from her spot.

The assistant that had brought her here, pushed a hospital gown that had been pulled out from a cupboard in her arms. At least she was allowed the decency of changing into a bathroom as opposed to stripping then and there in the middle of the room. The gown was surprisingly comfortable, fabric folding around her body and being held closed by a loose ribbon that she tried at the side.

Once she was back in the lab, she was ushered to one of the beds where she laid down, nervously waiting for whatever Miranda had in mind.

It was quite odd to see her without her usual attire, especially without the gold talons that Nicole was now far more familiar with than she'd ever hoped. The white lab coat looked far too normal on her and, were it not for the unmistakable cold eyes and regal posture, the woman would’ve been unrecognizable.

She finally got up, a few documents in hand, and approached her. The papers were handed over to the assistant, along with a few other objects and finally, Nicole had her full attention.

Mother Miranda bent down, scalpel in hand, and grabbed one of Nicole's wrists. Just like she did back during the first examination, the blade was dragged across the length of her forearm. Despite fully expecting it, Nicole couldn't help flinching at the pain, but she kept her eyes fixated on her arm, at the blood slowly starting to flow from the wound.

Soon the same tingling as before took over the pain and before their eyes, the skin started to stitch itself back together.

"Time," Miranda asked while wiping the blood to allow for a closer inspection of the now good as new skin.

"Five seconds."

"Alcina's?"

"Three seconds."

Miranda hummed, seemingly pleased with the results. Or at least as pleased as the woman was physically capable of being.

"Hook her up to the cardiac monitor," she further instructed while moving to retrieve something from another cabinet.

The assistant, Emma, if the tag pinned to her lab coat was to be believed, stuck a series of electrodes to her chest and abdomen. Nicole bit her lip to stifle a yelp when one came uncomfortably close to the still sensitive skin of the scar.

In no time, the machine came to life, familiar beeping sounding through the otherwise silent room.

"I hope you're not afraid of needles," Miranda said while grabbing the same arm she had before, lips pulled into a faint smirk.

Nicole only shook her head as she saw the needle of a syringe attached to a transparent slim tube slide into her arm. How ironic would that be. The sting was close to imperceptible, taken over by the now familiar faint tingle. Unlike with the cut, it didn't fade away, most likely due to not being able to fully heal the small wound with the needle embedded in the skin and vein.

She looked away, in the direction of the other occupied bed in the room. It was far away enough that she couldn't make out any detail, only messy brown hair sprawled on a pillow. The face was turned towards the wall and body covered up to the neck. She grimaced and decided instead to focus on the beeping machine, mildly annoyed by Miranda's lack of properly separating her dead lab rats from the living ones. At least she hoped she'd stay living.

The numbers on the machine started out normal. With the slight uncomfortable feeling of blood being drained however, her heart rate started to slowly increase.

Alright. Normal enough. Especially when someone is clearly in a fucking blood draining mood.

Nicole decided not to look at exactly how much blood Miranda was drawing, keeping her eyes glued to the various color coded numbers. The heart rate kept increasing until Nicole could swear she could feel her heartbeat ringing in her ears. She gulped. Still relatively within the norm.

Two things were at odds however. First, the blood pressure remained constant, almost as if her body simply refused to acknowledge the fact that it was currently being drained. Secondly, the temperature rose from the normal 36 degrees to a staggering 41 in less time than it should have.

"What the fuck…" She couldn't keep her tongue at the weirdness of her situation, her brain thankfully choosing confusion and curiosity over the dread that it probably should've felt instead.

Mother Miranda didn't seem to care though as she turned to type something on the laptop that she brought over from the desk. She tapped her finger on the device for a few seconds and finally spoke up.

"The accelerated healing means the blood is being regenerated constantly, thus not decreasing in volume. Which explains the constant pressure." She narrowed her eyes at the monitor once again. "It doesn't, however, explain the heart rate and temperature. Any bright guesses?"

It took Nicole a second to realize the question was actually addressed to her. Miranda seemed in an oddly good mood. Not any less hell bent on causing her pain, mind you, but she also seemed genuinely curious. Being a biology nerd will do that to you, she couldn't help but think.

Nicole hummed and thought for a second. She tried to recall any information about the topic at hand that she had studied prior to running away.

"Heart rate could just be the normal body response that stayed even with the mutation. Like… like a reflex. It remains even though it's not needed." Then she tapped a finger on her chin trying to find a less random explanation. "Or maybe it's the body's way of making sure that even while healing all body parts remain at least decently functional. No idea about the temperature though," she shrugged.

Miranda once again typed something up and then, without warning, pulled the needle out of Nicole's arm. She flinched, barely holding in an angry protest as she turned towards the woman. Which was a mistake. She couldn't help the gag that raised in the back of her throat at the sight of the metal container full of blood.

No, no, blood did not bother her. That would've cut her career as a medical examiner short before she even stepped foot in med school. It was the knowledge that that was her blood that made her stomach churn. The container could easily fit three liters of liquid in it, and it was full to the brim. Not to mention the smell that assaulted her still messed up sinuses mixing oh so perfectly with mr. corpse over in the corner.

Miranda just chuckled at her sour expression. "Do you think your darling wife would like to have this?"

With a sneer, masked by Nicole turning once again towards the monitor, she couldn't help slipping an edge of snark in her reply. "No need, she likes it fresh."

The numbers were back to normal, all but for the temperature that was taking slightly longer to go down.

---

By this point her vocal cords were raw from screaming and each shuddering sob felt like clumps of spines in her throat. Nicole was curled in on herself, small frame trembling pathetically on top of the uncomfortable bed. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably, the tingling sensation feeling like needles constantly pricking at her skin around and under the wired leather cuffs wrapped around her wrists. The frantic beeping of the machine was grating to her ears.

An electric shock test.

Of course.

Mother Miranda decided to test out how the increased heart rate worked. Results? Her body vehemently refused to allow her to pass out. Even when the shocks traveled through every part of her body, causing the nervous system to short circuit. Even when damage to internal organs and muscles ripped painful sobs from her throat, that turned into gags as soon as the tingling turned to nausea. Even when she could feel her heart hammering against her ribcage so fast that she was sure the small organ would burst any second. But it didn’t.

Every muscle in her body flared up in a sensation of painful pins and needles when Miranda pushed the button to release another shock. The cardiac monitor started screaming again and Nicole brought shaky hands over her ears in an attempt to block out the sound. Her whole body was on fire while all the damaged tissue repaired itself, making her stomach turn painfully. She felt like throwing up. Not that she had eaten anything today, but bile and thick blood still coated her esophagus. It was all swallowed back with a disgusting gulp.

The nausea was oh so kindly accompanied by searing pain from her still damaged sinuses, who’s condition only worsened exponentially with the electricity. The blood that seemed to coat all the way up to the inside of her mouth felt horrible mixed with the putrid smell of death.

She swallowed again, but that proved itself a bad decision as now that same smell permeated the very inside of her nose and mouth and throat and the feeling of blood sloshing on her tongue behind clenched teeth made her head spin.

She lurched forward, a small river of dark blood flowing from her mouth and nose, into her palms that she instinctively brought to her mouth. Wet coughs made it splatter into crimson splotches on the white sheets, herself and anything else within proximity. It took surprisingly long to realize that, after the initial wave that rose up her esophagus, the rest of the blood was from her sinuses. It was cruelly invading her nose and sliding back into her throat only to come out of her mouth. Fuck fuck fuck-

“What’s wrong?” Miranda’s tone lacked any trace of sympathy.

Nicole simply coughed out the remaining fluid from her mouth and unceremoniously grabbed a piece of cloth from Emma’s hands. She pressed it to her nose, only to feel it soaked against her skin far too soon.

“Damaged sinuses, as you said,” she croaked, her voice sounding so unlike her own.

That made Miranda frown. She kept that same expression while noting down the previous results. “It should be healed by now.”

“Well they aren't,” Nicole spat. The blood and the horrid smell were clouding her mind and, as many knew, pain and holding her tongue did not mix well in her. “And did we really have to do this in the same room as a dead fucking body?!”

Nicole’s angry outburst gave the woman pause. Annoyance mixed with a hint of confusion on her face. She looked at her assistant, an eyebrow raised in a silent question.

“No. Just- just anestesia.” Emma answered promptly.

“What the fuck do you mean anesthesia? Anesthesia doesn’t make you smell like a goddamn decomposing corpse, do you have cotton stuck up your noses?!” Thankfully the bleeding was starting to subside, which meant there was nothing to stifle her steadily raising angry tone.

Miranda, now sporting a scowl, got up and grabbed Nicole’s chin between two fingers. It made her flinch back, but there was no escaping the iron grip.

“I can assure you that the man is not dead, simply under anesthesia and recovering from a bad infection.” She moved Nicole’s head from left to right, eyes scrutinizing as ever.

Afterwards, she turned back and wrote something down on a piece of paper and simply instructed Emma to wrap up and lead Nicole out. The sudden shift not only in demeanor, but also in her position from the bed to standing upright was mildly dizzying. She swapped the gown for her normal clothes as quickly as she physically could, not wanting to spend another unnecessary second in this underground grave.

While she was ushered out the door, Mother Miranda’s sickly sweet voice rang after her.

“I’ll see you in a couple days.”

Her stomach turned.

---

The trek home was short and silent, Nicole simply wanting to get home as soon as possible and get a damn hot shower and sleep.

She bid the young man that was accompanying her goodbye the moment the Castle’s entrance was within jogging distance, and hurried steps took her to the imposing doors. It was Alexandria to answer her knock, Nicole having left her own keys in her bedroom.

“Welcome back my la-” the polite smile was all but wiped off the woman’s face, replaced by wide eyes. “Are you injured?”

Nicole looked at her confused, then down at herself. A muttered curse escaped past her lips when she remembered the bloody mess on her skin. “I’m okay. Just-... just don’t tell anyone I’m here yet. I'll change first.”

Her plan went out the window when a set of hasty steps came booming toward them.

“Nico-”

Cassandra’s voice died in her throat when her golden eyes landed on Nicole’s small frame, dried dark blood on her face and arms and her clothes stained. An angry growl slipped from between bared teeth.

“What the fuck did she do to you?”

Nicole was quick to answer, too tired to deal with anything other than a few hours of sleep. “I’m okay. I’m just-...” she shook her head, then turned to the Steward. “Alexandria kindly ask a maid to draw me a bath.”

“At once.” And with that the woman turned and scurried away, most likely also not wanting to be in the vicinity of an angry Cassandra.

---

The hot water felt like pure bliss on her skin. It seemed to make every muscle relax and get rid of the awful tension. She leaned back, eyes closed and hands idly moving through the water.

It was just mildly difficult to fully relax with Cassandra muttering and pacing back and forth in the same room though.

"I'm-... I'm not letting you do this again."

Nicole simply sighed and started to scrub away at dried blood. The miniature red waterfall from earlier had gotten blood all over her arms and chest, some splatters even getting on her legs. Her face was also a mess, trails of blood going from her nose and mouth to the chin with smudges and splatters.

"What did she even do to you?"

Before she had a chance to reply, a knock came from the door and a maid entered with a few clean towels and a change of clothes from Nicole's own bedroom. The girl didn't linger, simply giving them both a courteous bow and exiting the room.

Looking for something to change the subject, Nicole focused on the pleasant honey smell. Honey with a slight citrus-y undertone, maybe lemon or orange.

"Did you get a new soap?"

Cassandra stopped pacing, brows furrowed. "No? It's the same one."

Confused, Nicole brought a hand that had just been scrubbed with that very soap right under her nose and took a deep inhale. It was indeed the same one. Chamomile and mint. She sighed in annoyance and leaned back against the cool porcelain while Cassandra came and bent down on one knee to be somewhat on eye level.

"Nose still not working properly or…?" She said while gingerly tilting Nicole's chin up with two fingers. She grimaced at one yet to be washed trail of dried blood that made its way to her wife's thin upper lip.

Nicole simply shook her head and grabbed Cassandra's hand. "Can you… go get ready. I'm beyond tired and just want to lay down with you."

Cassandra pursed her lips but nodded none the less. With a kiss on top of red hair, she turned and left the spacious bathroom, door shutting with a heavy thud.

Left alone, she scrubbed every inch of skin again and took a few extra minutes to enjoy the warmth of the water. It felt so incredibly odd to not feel any actual pain after the day's events. Any trace of what her body went through had been erased by her newfound ability, not leaving behind even the faintest mark of a scar, nor blackened skin caused by electric shocks.

She pushed herself out of the tub, grimacing at the slight pink tone the water had taken. Body and hair quickly dried with the towels, she put on the clothes, a comfortable pair of shorts and a tank top, and finally stepped out of the bathroom too.

Cassandra was waiting for her in bed, velvety dark robes hanging loosely on her shoulders and eyes fixated on the window while her fingers were tapping furiously on the cover of a book forgotten in her lap. Book that was quickly placed on the nightstand when Nicole climbed in beside her and pushed her way into the brunette's arms. She was tired and absolutely not above demanding cuddles.

Her wife wasted no time in wrapping an arm around her and pulling the soft blanket up to cover them both. Nicole interlocked their fingers, absentmentally turning the ring on Cassandra's finger. The same ring she had, albeit in a smaller size. A golden band with intricate floral patterns engraved on it. It had no protruding gem, something they both opted for so that the rings wouldn't need to be taken off while working and wearing gloves. Instead, eight small ocre gems were lined among the minuscule curled leaves.

It took Cassandra about two minutes to take a deep inhale and open her mouth. New record.

"Are you… are you hurt?"

Nicole didn't look up at her, the concern dripping from her words alone were enough to squeeze her heart painfully.

"No. I'm all healed up, just tired." She could almost feel Cassandra's question of clarification, but not wanting to go over what had happened down in the laboratory so soon, she opted for something the brunette would hopefully be just as interested in. "We did get some odd results though."

At the lack of any interruption she went on. "Accelerated heart rate whenever I get hurt. Can't pass out." Which was both a blessing and a curse, depending on the point of view and situation. "Also for some reason my temperature gets really high."

"You get one hell of a fever?"

"Yeah."

Cassandra tapped a finger on Nicole's hand, mentally going over possibilities. "Aren't fevers used against infections? Maybe that has something to do with it."

A small hum passed her lips. Could that have something to do with it? It was possible that her healing abilities caused a fever in order to fight off any possible infection before it even became one. Maybe it was her body's way of lessening damage as much as possible since, as the day's events showed, the old replaced tissue had a tendency to get purged. She grimaced at the memory of slowly choking on blood and went for something at least slightly more pleasant.

"Oh and… I can't bleed out. Blood volume stays constant."

She looked up at Cassandra with what could only be described as a shit eating grin. Her wife blinked, realization seeming to dawn on her together with the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks. She coughed.

"Yeah well. I'll keep that in mind. For when you don't need to sleep."

"And deny me some fun now?" Nicole's pout was purely for dramatic effect and it gained her an eye roll.

Two slender fingers gripped her chin to keep it in place while narrowed golden eyes bored into her green ones. The pout slowly morphed into a smirk. Cassandra was not the kind of person who did not indulge in her own pleasures and that, although to a more careful extent, included drinking her lover's blood. A fact that Nicole was not only not complaining about, but also learned to use in order to push all the right buttons.

When Nicole turned her head in the uncharacteristically gentle grip to plant a small kiss on the soft palm, Cassandra finally gave in. Concern was momentarily put on hold in the name of the normalcy they both have been denied in the last few weeks. She bent down, their lips meeting into a kiss that soon turned needy with tongue slipping past sharp teeth and a hand scratching lightly at her nape. Soon Cassandra broke their kiss, but only to slowly trail her way across her jawline with kisses and small nips. She bit at the soft skin right under the jaw bone, eliciting a quiet groan right by her sensitive ear. Black painted lips took her down the neck and across collarbones, planting a kiss right in between them, at the base of Nicole's throat.

When she slowly made her way to an exposed shoulder, Nicole's hand at the back of her head guided her further up, right above where her pulse was. After an inquisitive hum against her skin, she spoke quietly.

"Since blood loss isn't exactly a problem… no need to avoid the neck really."

Cassandra hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to trust her wife. She placed a gentle kiss on the spot right above where blood was flowing in rhythm with her heartbeat. The same gentle kiss that was placed on the skin countless times before and that only Nicole had the privilege of experiencing.

Sharp fangs sunk into tender flesh, the warm blood invading Cassandra's mouth making her moan low in her throat. Being used to the feeling of the bite by now, Nicole simply closed her eyes with a sigh and let her body melt into Cassandra's arms. The familiar blissful ache was welcomed, even though, she noticed, it did not bring with it the lightheadedness she had grown accustomed to.

Although she wasn't aware of it, Cassandra was, in a way, a creature of habit. Every time she would drink her blood, her hand would come up to cup Nicole's cheek, thumb slowly tracing the jawline, right before she would pull her mouth away. Every time, without fail.

This time however, when that happened, Nicole kept her in place with the hand tangled in brunette hair, her voice coming out breathy when she spoke. "Go on."

Cassandra would never admit it, but her self control would always waver while feeding. Therefore, she didn't need much convincing, continuing to take mouthfuls of blood in between a satisfied groan. When she finally had her fill, she pulled back with a bashful look in her eyes. Concern quickly flashed on her face at the sight of the crimson mess on her wife's neck.

Nicole however, not wanting their moment to get ruined, took one of Cassandra's hands in her own and slowly placed a soft kiss on each knuckle. After that was done, and the downright ticklish sensation of skin patching itself subsided, she guided the fingers over the bloody skin.

"See? Healed," she whispered.

Cassandra gingerly traced her fingers over the spot, looking for no longer existing puncture marks. She smiled upon not finding them and turned to pull out a handkerchief from a small drawer of her nightstand. A ritual of sorts, one practiced more times than they cared to count over the years. Cassandra passed the white cloth over the skin, wiping away the crimson stains while her wife relaxed into the touch.

"Feeling good?" It was a remark meant to poke fun at how much Nicole seemed to enjoy herself, but the double meaning did not go unnoticed.

A smile tugged at Nicole's lips and she nodded.

In turn, Cassandra hummed. "You taste different." And, at her lover's furrowed brows and the slightest hint of alarm flashing in her eyes, she clarified. "Not bad. Just different. Slightly sweeter actually."

"Is that so," Nicole purred, the smile returning to her lips.

Cassandra discarded the cloth on the floor to be retrieved later and shifted both of them back down on the myriad of pillows.

"Yes. Now how about you get some sleep."

Nicole wasted no time in snaking an arm around her waist and nuzzling into her side. It would never cease to amaze her how Cassandra's presence could make her feel so at ease, as if nothing beyond the castle's walls existed. At that moment, she couldn't help but be grateful for her newfound ability, useful in far more ways than one.

She stretched slightly upwards, auburn hair like a small waterfall behind her.

"I love you," she whispered against cool ashy lips.

"I love you too," Cassandra replied, closing the almost nonexistent space between their mouths in a soft kiss.

It left behind a slight coppery taste on Nicole's lips, but she couldn't bring herself to care, instead readjusting her legs to tangle comfortably around her wife's thigh.

[tsgalexandriavirginia]

Support Your Local Businesses in Alexandria - They Need You Now More Than Ever

At The Scout Guide, it’s our mission to support small, locally owned business. We dedicate ourselves daily to discovering, sharing and supporting the talented individuals who make up our community. Now more than ever, we need to ban together to support these business owners, even if we are doing it from home. 

Small businesses are the heart of this community and even though we may not be able to visit them physically, there are many ways that we can do our part to help while safely social distancing. If you love your community and would like to help, here are some ideas listed below. Any support you can give is much appreciated and will not go unnoticed. 

Ways You Can Help:

-Buy A Giftcard From A Local Shop For A Gift Or For Future Use

-Purchase Something On Instagram or by Calling Their Stores

-Order Takeout From Your Favorite Restaurants 

-Take A Virtual Fitness Class

-Share Your Favorite Small Business On Social Media

-Reach Out And Tell Them You Are Thinking About Them 

Restaurants - You can still enjoy most of your favorite restaurants by ordering takeout! Find some great options below. 

Cedar Knoll: Call For Takeout 703-780-3665 Menu 

Stomping Ground: Order Carry Out Online 

Grateful Kitchen: Buy a Giftcard  

Eco Caters: Order Meals For Delivery Take 10% off with code: "SOCIAL10"  and will donate a meal (#mealmatch) for those in need Aslin Brewery: Order beer or a family style dinner online

Lost Boy Cider:  Order Cider Online and Pick Up

Toastique: Order Carry Out Online 

Chop Shop:  Order Online or Purchase a Gift Card

Urbano 116: Order Carry Out Online

People's Drug: Order Carry Out Online 

Hummingbird: Order Carry Out Online or Buy A Gift Card

St. Elmo's Cafe: Buy A Gift Card

Dairy God Mother: Open for Carry Out-noon to 8pm; order at front door

Holy Cow: Order Online - Curbside Pickup Available 

Los Tios: Call for Carry Out 703-299-9290, 10% off pick up and free delivery and a free dessert

Del Ray Cafe: Purchase over the phone 703-717-9151

Lena's Pizza: Buy A Gift Card

Cafe Pizziolo: Buy A Gift Card  

Chadwicks: Order A Gift Card or Dinner To Go 

Bagel Uprising: Order Online Pickup In Store 

Evening Star: Buy A Gift Card or Order On Doordash

The Rub Chicken & Beer: Order Online Pickup in Store - Free TP with Order!

Junction: Order Delivery Via UberEats Purchase over the phone (703) 436-0025

Del Ray Beer Garden: Buy A Gift Card 

Hops N Shine: Buy A Gift Card

Cheestique: Purchase an $100 Gift Card, receive $10 bonus Gift Card

Taquiera Poblano: Online Order for Curbside pickup 11am-8pm or call 703-548-8226 to order - margaritas to-go! 

Live Oak Restaurant: Buy A Gift Card

Del Ray Pizza: Order Online or Call (703) 549-2999  for Carry Out from 4:30-9:00pm  Landini Brothers: Buy Gift Cards 

Mia's: Buy Gift Card

Virtue: Buy Gift Card  

Momo Sushi: Call For Carry Out 703. 299. 9092

Firehook Bakery: Order and Have Bread Delivered 

Sweet Fire Donna’s: Email For GC order  canderson.homegrown@gmail.com 

Tequila & Tacos: Email For GC order  canderson.homegrown@gmail.com 

Pork Barrel: Email For GC order  canderson.homegrown@gmail.com 

Sushi Bar Del Ray: Email For GC order  canderson.homegrown@gmail.com 

Retail - Update your spring wardrobe from the comfort of your couch. Most of these stores are offering curbside pick-up and delivery! You can also purchase a gift card for future shopping use! 

Bishop Boutique: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside, Buy A Gift Card  

Kiskadee:  Purchase on the Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside

Tsalt: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside

The Hive/Shoe Hive:  Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside

Boxwood: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside, Gift Card 

AR Workshop: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside, Gift Card  

Patina Polished Living: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Pick Up Curbside  

Periwinkle: Buy Online, over Phone or on IG and Pick Up Curbside, Gift Card    

Tulusa: Shop Online 

Seyyah: Shop Online 

Mystique: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, 

LH Calligraphy: Shop Online 

ALX & Co: Shop Online and support COVID 19 response fund

Nourish & Refine: Shop Online or Buy A  Gift Card 

Shes Unique:  Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside, Gift Card   

Tsalt: Buy Online, Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside

Mint Condition: Call To Order or Shop on IG

529 Kids Consign: Call To Order or Shop on IG

Monday's Child:  Buy Online, over Phone or on IG, Delivery or Pick Up Curbside, Gift Card    

Twist Boutique: Buy A Gift Card  

Comfort One Shoes: Shop Online 

BellaCara: Call To Order And Pick Up Curbside 703.299.9652

Penny Post: Call To Make An Appointment To Shop 703 888 1515

Red Barn: Call To Make An Appointment To Shop 703 888 1515

The Hour Shop: Buy A Gift Card  

Home On Cameron: Email Todd@homeoncameron to order GC

Goldfinch: Buy A Gift Card 

Secretly Gifting: Buy A  Gift Card 

Alma Moda: Shop Online

Wylie Grey: Shop Online 

Fitness - Take a virtual class led by one of your favorite local instructors. You can also sign up for virtual memberships to keep sweating with them during quarantine.

Mind the Mat: Buy A Weekly Membership To Stream Live Classes 

Xtend Barre: Buy a Class Pack and Stream Live Workouts  

Zweet Sport: Buy A  Giftcard

Ascend Cycle: Buy A Class Pack and Stream Live Workouts

Scupld: Buy a Class Pack and Stream Virtual Workouts  

Orange Theory: Buy A Class Pack and Stream Workouts 

Barre 3: Buy A Class Pack and Stream Live Videos  

Row House: Buy A Gift Card 

Beauty/Wellness - Stay connected with your healthcare professionals because staying healthy is more important than ever. 

Sarah Akram Skincare: Book A Virtual Facial or Buy A Gift Card 

Salon Dezen: Buy A Gift Card or Order Products

Back To Health: Book An Appointment 

Meraki: Book A Future Appointment 

Izalias Laser Spa: Book A Future Appointment 

Skin DC: Book An Appointment 

Dental Bar: Book A Future Appointment 

Hazel O Salon:  Book An Appointment 

Wink Lashes:  Book An Appointment 

Eleven 11 Studios: Book A Lash Appointment

Cynthia Santana Hair Studio: Book An Appointment 

Goodbrows: Book A Service 

Sugar House Day Spa: Book A Future Service 

Mindful Junkie: Tune In For Virtual Meditation 

Cera Wax Studio: Book A Future Appointment Or Shop Retail 

Brighten Someone’s Day - We all need a pick me up at this point. Why not send a friend, family member or work colleague a bouquet of flowers. It’s sure to brighten their day. 

Helen Olivia: Order Fresh Flowers For Yourself or A Friend

Enchanted Florist: Order Fresh Flowers For Yourself or A Friend

Fabulous Flourish: Order Fresh Flowers 

Blueprint Chocolate: Send A Loved One A Gift Box 

The Birchmere: Buy tickets in advance for shows in the future

Kilwin's: Order A Gift Card  For A Friend Or Send A Giftbox 

Meg Biram Art: Buy A Painting For Yourself Or Your Friend

Nicole Seifert Art: Buy A Painting For Yourself Or Your Friend

Home - Don’t Neglect Your Home During This Time. Plan Your Next Remodel, Get Your Landscaping Done or Start Your New Home Search!

Green Blades: Book An Appointment For Landscaping

St. Clair Kitchens: Book An Consultation For A Future Date

Braemar Kitchen & Bath: Book An Consultation For A Future Date

Mark Woods Construction: Book A VIRTUAL Consultation For A Future Date

Patterson Group Real Estate: Start A Conversation Over Email 

McEnearney Associates: Start A Conversation Over Email 

Kristen Jones - McEnearney: Start A Conversation Over Email 

Babs Beckwith:  Start A Conversation Over Email 

Bernuy Contracting: Fix Things Up Around The House 

Cline Rose Interiors: Redesign a Room

Casey Sanford Interior Design: Redesign a Room

Ivy Lane Living: Redesign a Room

Pets - Can’t Forget Our Four Legged Friends! 

Head To Tail Dog Spa: Book An Appointment For Grooming 

Wholistic Hound Dog Academy: Sign Your Dog Up For Training

Old Town School For Dogs: Call to Order or Sign Your Dog Up For Training 

Paw Inclusive: Book A Dog Walking Service 

Other Ways To Fill Your Time And Support Local

Passport Auto: Book a Test Drive - They Will Come To You

Franklin Capital Strategy: Get Your Finances In Order

Narratio Vitae: Trace Your Family History

Holden Insurance: Get Your Insurance In Order 

Hosted Events: Start Planning A Future Party 

Sarah Marcella Creative: Book A Photoshoot 

Confetti Teepees: Book a future slumber party or buy a gift card! Now offering bachelorette parties too! 

If you have a business you would like to add to the list, please email sphillips@thescoutguide.com . Stay healthy and safe, friends!

-Your TSG Alexandria Team 

[tragicalbeauties]

Please check to see if our ship is safe! The ones with ‘??’ are most likely to be dropped because of inactivity, and if you wish to keep them, please tell me. Or if I forgot any on here, let me know

Aaron McFly

·         Alicia (dcngerous )

·         Sofie (dcngerous)

Adam Lynn

·         Adriana (dcngerous)

Addalynn Russell

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

·         Ryan (somanymxses)

·         Elliot (mcsterpieces)

Aiden Riley

·         Abigail (dcngerous)

Alexandria Elliot

·         Ace (somanymxses)

·         Phoenix (mcsterpieces)

Alexei Stewart

·         Mandi (dcngerous)

Alex Stanley

·         Alex (xstillsane)??

·         Carrie (somanymxses)

Alison Swift

·         Jemma (jxtpackblucs)

Allie Dawson

·         Brady (dcngerous)

·         Dawson (ofscnsations)??

Ambrose Killis

·         Jagger (dcngerous)

Analeigh Butler

·         Asher (dcngerous)

Anastasia Grey

·         Christian (somanymxses)

Anastasia Romanov

·         Demetri (somanymxses)

Andie Alves

·         Aaron (mcsterpieces)

Aqua Pennington

·         Harry (dcngerous)

Aria Riley

·         Abigail (dcngerous)

Ariella Stevania

·         Jasmine (mcsterpieces)

Arista Lenard

·         Xander (dcngerous)

Ashley Frangipane

·         Lauren (mcsterpieces)

Ashton Adams

·         Phoenix (mcsterpieces)

·         Scarlett (mcsterpieces)

Aubrie McDowell

·         Brady (dcngerous)

Audrina James

·         Kaiden (stvrstruck)

Aurora Woods

·         Felix (mcsterpieces)

Austin Harrington

·         Eli (dcngerous)

·         Kayla (dcngerous)

Autumn Evans

Axel Pence

·         Blair (jxtpackblucs)

Ayden Cayhill

·         Violet (jxtpackblucs)

·         Blake (besidesycu)

Bailey O’Donnell

·         Harper (dcngerous)

Bay Lewis

·         Atticus (sxturxtedsunrise)

Beckham Tomlinson

·         Makayla (mcsterpieces)

·         Jason (somanymxses)

·         Rachel (somanymxses)

·         Rosalie (mcsterpieces)

Bella Hadid

·         Luke (dcngerous)

Bella Jonas

·         Edward (whiledreaming)

Belle

·         Adam (mcsterpieces)

Bennett Moriarity

·         Ariana (dcngerous)

·         Eloise (sxturxtedsunrise)

Bentley Peters

·         Scarlett (mcsterpieces)

·         Rachel (somanymxses)

Beth Puckerman

·         Puck (somanymxses)

Bianca Ackles

·         Jason (abunchofcrazyweirdos)??

Blair Hadley

·         Felix (mcsterpieces)

Blaze Madison

·         Violet (jxtpackblucs)

Bolton Harding

·         Adam (dcngerous)

·         Evanna (lespcir)

·         River (jxtpackblucs)

Brayson Hadley

·         Sammi (mcsterpieces)

·         Bryson (besidesycu)

·         Kendall (mcsterpieces)

·         Autumn (mcsterpieces)

·         Taylor (mcsterpieces)

·         Louis (dcngerous)

·         Dana (dcngerous)

·         Jade (awakcnmylcve)

Brett Lowe

·         Hilary (somanymxses)

Briar Tomlinson

·         Jason (somanymxses)

Bridget McKinley

·         Michelle (somanymxses)

Bridgette Hansen

·         Andrew (dcngerous)

Bristol Park

·         Natasha (ofscnsations)??

Brooke Twist

·         Harry (dcngerous)

Cameron Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Camryn Woods

·         Kendall (somanymxses)

Candy Swift

·         Scarlett (mcsterpieces)

·         Taylor (dcngerous)

Carl Grimes

·         Esmeralda (keleidoscopes)

Carson Edwards

·         Roxy (mcsterpieces)

·         Blake (jxtpackblucs)

·         Rebecca (somanymxses)

Carter Monet

·         Xander (dcngerous)

·         Hanna (dcngerous)

Carter Whyte

·         Ryder (mcsterpieces)

Cassidy Lucas

·         Carmen (somanymxses)

·         Derek (somanymxses)

Casper Flynn

·         Nicole (mcsterpieces)

Chandley Tomlinson

·         Andrew (somanymxses)

·         Elijah (mcsterpieces)

·         Andrea (somanymxses)

Charlie Dawson

·         Louis (mcsterpieces)

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Charlie Timmons

·         Sierra (dcngerous)

Chase Daniels

·         Elouise (sxturxtedsunrise)

·         Lexie (mcsterpieces)

Chris Halliwell

·         Juliet (jxtpackblucs)

Colton Tomlinson

·         Alexa (mcsterpieces)

Cyrus

·         Paris (souvexirs)??

Daisee March

·         Dawson (ofscnsations)??

Dakota Austin

·         Christian (dcngerous)

Dallas Morrison

·         Bailee (dcngerous)

Danielle Campbell

·         Zayn (dcngerous)

·         Louis (dcngerous)

Danny Simon

·         Blake (jxtpackblucs)

Darren Tomlinson

·         Austin (dcngerous)

·         Willow (dcngerous)

·         Ryan (jxtpackblucs)

·         River (amorvxcat)

Dayton Lewis

·         Grace (jxtpackblucs)

Demetrius Ermanno

·         Derek (somanymxses)

·         Carmen (somanymxses)

Derek Burke

·         Rosalie (mcsterpieces)

·         Odette (jxtpackblucs)

Diana Prince

·         Micah (ittybittylittlebit-hot)

Dianna Agron

·         Louis (dcngerous)

Dillon Austin

·         Greg (somanymxses)

Drew Roberts

·         Brynn (besidesycu)

Dylan Hadley

·         Brookyln (mcsterpieces)

Edeline Lancaster

·         Blaze (intothedrk)??

Eilonwy McNamara

·         Aaron (mcsterpieces)

Eleanor Calder

·         Louis (mcsterpieces)

·         Taylor (jxtpackblucs)

·         Sophia (mcsterpieces)

·         Ryan (jxtpackblucs)

Eleanor Larson

·         Louis (dcngerous)

·         Charles (somanymxses)

ElizaBella Truscott

·         Dax (mcsterpieces)

Ella Styles

·         Taylor (jxtpackblucs)

Ella Tremaine

·         Kit (somanymxses)

Ellie Connors

·         Louis (dcngerous)

Elphaba St. James

·         Finn (somanymxses)

·         Jesse (somanymxses)

Emery Johnson

·         Perrie (mcsterpieces)

Evangeline Thorne

·         Dax (mcsterpieces)

Faith Woods

·         Logan (somanymxses)

Finn Lincoln

·         Margot (jxtpackblucs)

Gabriella Styles

·         Aaron (mcsterpieces)

Gabrielle Williams

·         Dan (whiledreaming)

Garrett Tomlinson

·         Adrian (mcsterpieces)

·         Kayley (jxtpackblucs)

Genevieve O’Daire

·         Lucy (dcngerous)

Genova Winston

·         Brady (dcngerous)

Gigi Hadid

·         Kendall (mcsterpieces)

Grace Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Grant Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Gwen Tomlinson

·         Lillian (jxtpckblucs)

Harley Quinn

·         Pamela (dcngerous)

Harley Vincent

·         Daniel (dcngerous)

Harry Styles

·         Selena (dcngerous)

·         Taylor (dcngerous)

·         Louis (mcsterpieces)

·         Louis (dcngerous)

·         Kendall (mcsterpieces)

·         Lillith (somanymxses)

·         Priscilla (somanymxses)

·         Tyson (somanymxses)

·         Daisy (mcsterpieces)

·         Eleanor (jxtpackblucs)

·         Eleanor (mcsterpieces)

·         Ariana (dcngerous)

·         Taylor (jxtpackblucs)

·         Louis (somanymxses)

·         Thea (somanymxses)

·         Danielle (dncgerous)

·         Ella (hazxrdtomyself)??

·         Jade (cxleebsxx)

Haven O’Reilly

·         Aaron (mscterpieces)

·         Lilia (lespcir)

·         Sawyer (jxtpackblucs)

Hayleigh Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Hester Doyle

·         Boone (somanymxses)

Hunter Austin

·         Fiona (somanymxses)

Isla Tylee

·         Leo (mcsterpieces)

Italia Richards

·         Connor (dcngerous)

·         Nikki (dcngerous)

Ivanna Maximoff

·         Wanda (jxtpackblucs)

·         Wanda (lcstinthewoods)

Izzy Owens

·         Oliver (somxnymuses)

·         Hilary (somanymxses)

Jace Carter

·         Bella (mcsterpieces)

·         Skye (mcsterpieces)

·         Andrew (dcngerous)

Jameson Gerard

·         Felix (mcsterpieces)

Jasmine Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Jayden Tomlinson

·         Reagan (jxtpackblucs)

·         Harry (dcngerous)

·         Hanna (dcngerous)

Jayson Thorne

·         Oakley (souvexirs)

·         Maxine (jxtpackblucs)

·         Sawyer (jxtpackblucs)

Jenna Larson

·         Micah (ittybittylittlebit-hot)

Jessica Olson

·         Louis (somanymxses)

Jessie Tomlinson

·         Louis (abunchofcrazyweirdos)??

·         Aaron (mcsterpieces)

Jillian Lawrence

·         Blake (whiledreaming)

Joel Allistair

·         Louis (mcsterpieces)

·         Simon (somanymxses)

Jordan Mayson

·         Mercy (jxtpackblucs)

·         Zoe (jxtpackblucs)

JT Moore

·         Massie (keleidoscopes)

·         Amelia (hazxrdtomyself)

·         Dana (dcngerous)

Jude Larson

·         Kiley (mcsterpieces)

Judith Grimes

·         Dallas (keleidoscopes)

Julian Larson

·         Demi (dcngerous)

·         Talia (mcsterpieces)

Juliette Oliver

·         Dan (whiledreaming)

·         Gavin (besidesycu)

Kaiden Hadley

·         Wendy (amorvxcat)

Kai Fox

·         Abigail (dcngerous)

·         Harry (dcngerous)

·         Charles (somanymxses)

Katy Hadley

·         Jackson (mcsterpieces)

·         Phillip (somanymxses)

Kaya

Kayley Fitz

·         Luke (dcngerous)

Kendall Jenner

·         Gigi (dcngerous)

Kendall Thornton

·         Rhiannon (reneqade)??

·         Isabella (amorvxcat)

Kingsley Ermanno

·         Carmen (somanymxses)

·         Derek (somanymxses)

Kingston Carter

·         Talia (mcsterpieces)

Kinley Adams

·         Bree (dcngerous)

Kristofer Styles

·         Alaina (mcsterpieces)

·         Taylor (jxtpackblucs)

Kurt Hummel

·         Blaine (somanymxses)

·         Hepburn (somanymxses)

Kyleigh Donalds

·         Rita (mcsterpieces)

Kyle Winston

·         Connor (dcngerous)

Kyler Donnolly

·         Charlotte (mcsterpieces)

·         Carmen (somanymxses)

·         Derek (somanymxses)

Kylie Smith

·         Brynn (besidesycu)

Lacey Hadley

·         Bree (dcngerous)

Landon Wesley

·         Alicia (dcngerous)

Lea Tomlinson

·         Harry (dcngerous)

·         Autumn (mcsterpieces)

·         Eleanor (mcsterpieces)

·         Luke (dcngerous)

Lexis Kensington

·         Ava (somanymxses)

·         Adaline (sxturxtedsunrise)

·         Jasmine (mcsterpieces)

Liam Payne

·         Sophia (mcsterpieces)

·         Zayn (dcngerous)

·         Danielle (jxtpackblucs)

Liberty Kennedy

·         Aaron (mcsterpieces)

Logan Austin

·         Louis (dcngerous)

Logan Kendrick

·         Caleb (dcngerous)

·         Maxine (jxtpackblucs)

Louis Tomlinson

·         Eleanor (mcsterpieces)

·         Eleanor (jxtpackblucs)

·         Reagan (jxtpackblucs)

·         Makayla (mcsterpieces)

·         Harry (dcngerous)

·         Taylor (jxtpackblucs)

·         Perrie (mcsterpieces)

·         Lara (jxtpackblucs)

·         Jason (somanymxses)

·         Joyce (somanymxses)

·         Devon (jxtpackblucs)

·         Amelia (hazxrdtomyself)??

·         River (jxtpackblucs)

·         Zora (vulgcr)??

Lucy Adams

·         Ethan (mcsterpieces)

Luna Hudson

·         Aaron (mcsterpieces)

Lyle Tylee

·         Gabrielle (lifexisxrhythm)??

·         Leila (intothedrk)??

Madison Arnold

·         Kacie (dcngerous)

Madison Tomlinson

·         Mason (mcsterpieces)

Maisy Clarke

·         Isobel (somanymxses)

Marcus Russell

·         Ryan (somanymxses)

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Marius Harrison

·         Kaylee (mcsterpieces)

·         Bianca (somanymxses)

Matt Harmon

·         Louis (cvriouslove)??

Melinda Halliwell

·         Alexander (mcsterpieces)

Meredith Hadley

·         Luke (dcngerous)

Meredith Underwood

·         Chris (whiledreaming)

Michaela Tucker-Tomlinson

·         Jason (somanymxses)

Milo Thatch

·         Kida (somanymxses)

·         Belle (namemeansbeauty)??

Mollie Thorne

·         Maddox (dcngerous)

Monroe Lancaster

·         Ashley (ofscnsations)??

·         Ashtyn (besidesycu)

Nicholas Hadley

·         Carter (besidesycu)

·         Addison (mcsterpieces)

·         Blake (jxtpackblcus)

·         Sierra (dcngerous)

·         Kylan (lxveleeinsxnity)

·         Ainsley (segrxti)

·         Taylor (mcsterpieces)

·         Avah (hazxrdtomyself)??

·         Mandi (dcngerous)

·         Felicity (awakcnmylcve)

Nikki Marano

·         Harry (mcsterpieces)

Olive Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Paris Leoni

·         London (mcsterpieces)

Parker Thomas

·         Andrew (dcngerous)

Payson Donlinson

·         Madison (dcngerous)

Penelope Reynolds

·         Jasper (mcsterpieces)

Penelope Styles

·         Louis (somanymxses)

·         Thea (somanymxses)

Perrie Edwards

·         Harry (dcngerous)

Peter Pan

·         Wendy (jxtpackblucs)

Peyton Styles

·         Louis (somanymxses)

·         Thea (somanymxses)

Pippa Leoni

·         Harry (cheshirexheart)

Piper Whitmore

·         Louis (segrxti)

Ponyboy Curtis

·         Peyton (mcsterpieces)

·         Ashley (ofscnsations)??

Poppy Smith

·         Robbie (sxturxtedsunrise)

Prince Phillip

·         Aurora (jxtpackblucs)

Princess Mason

·         Dax (mcsterpieces)

Quinn Fabray

·         Puck (somanymxses)

Quinn Layton

·         Bryson (besidesycu)

·         Nate (somanymxses)

Rachel Berry

·         Jesse (somanymxses)

·         Finn (somanymxses)

Rachelle Wilde

·         Tyler (sxturxtedsunrise)

Randi Perez

·         Michelle (somanymxses)

Ranger Thompson

·         Demi (mcsterpieces)

·         Nicole (mcsterpieces)

Raquelle Shaw

·         Louis (dcngerous)

Ray Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

·         Ainslee (lxveleeinsxnity)

Rayleigh Williams

·         Ainsley (somxnymuses)

·         Benedict (cometshq)

Raylynn Layton

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

·         Ryan (somanymxses)

·         Louis (cxleebsxx)

Rosalie Tomlinson

·         Alexander (mcsterpieces)

Rose Tomlinson

·         Kendall (mcsterpieces)

Rosella Jones

·         Noah (souvexirs)

Rosie Tanner

·         Holden (whiledreaming)

Rowan Gallagher

·         Ryder (mcsterpieces)

Ryker Tomlinson

·         Starr (mcsterpieces)

Rylie Aarons

·         Adam (dcngerous)

Samantha Peters

·         Lincoln (besidesycu)

Sam Pennington

·         Taylor (dcngerous)

·         Eleanor (mcsterpieces)

Santana Lopez

·         Brittany (jxtpackblucs)

Scarlett Wilde

·         Jason (somanymxses)

Selena Gomez

·         Demi (mcsterpieces)

·         Louis (dcngerous)

·         Caleb (dcngerous)

Selena Perez

·         Noah (somanymxses)

Shayne Carson

·         Adrienne (dcngerous)

Skyler Elliot

·         Felix (mcsterpieces)

·         Nate (somanymxses)

Snow Tomlinson

·         Jason (somanymxses)

Sophia Danko

·         Luke (somanymxses)

Sophia Smith

·         Eleanor (jxtpackblucs)

Spencer Mackintosh

·         Lucy (dcngerous)

Steve Rogers

·         Bucky (dcngerous)

·         Nikita (jxtpackblucs)

Stevie Lynn

·         Rose (jxtpackblucs)

Stevie Peters

·         Maverick (sxturxtedsunrise)

Sutton Drake

·         Phillip (somanymxses)

Tally Portland

·         Mia (mcsterpieces)

Tatum Davis

·         Madisyn (besidesycu)

Taylor Elliot

·         London (mcsterpieces)

·         Violet (mcsterpieces)

Taylor Swift

·         Eleanor (mcsterpieces)

·         Starr (mcsterpieces)

·         Selena (dcngerous)

·         Bradley (somanymxses)

·         Hayley (somanymxses)

·         Louis (mcsterpieces)

·         Joe (cxleebsxx)

Teagan Hatfield

·         Gavin (besidesycu)

Terrence

·         Tinkerbell (jxtpackblucs)

Terri Barnson

·         Adrian (mcsterpieces)

Tesley Lynn

·         Rose (jxtpackblucs)

Theodore Grey

·         Christian (somanymxses)

Tinkerbell

·         Periwinkle (jxtpackblucs)

Toni Hollis

·         Jacob (somanymxses)

Tracy Hummel

·         Blaine (somanymxses)

·         Hepburn (somanymxses)

Travis Benedict

·         Joseph (somanymxses)

Trent Reynolds

·         Eleanor (jxtpackblucs)

·         Aimee (mcsterpieces)

·         Annalise (segrxti)

Trevor Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

·         Elora (lespcir)

Treyson Richards

·         Avah (hazxrdtomyself)

·         Victoria (souvexirs)??

Tristan Matthews

·         Starr (mcsterpieces)

·         Violet (mcsterpieces)

Troy Mills

·         Oliver (somanymxses)

Turner Callum

·         Aimee (mcsterpieces)

·         Daisy (dcngerous)

·         Reagan (jxtpackblucs)

·         Chris (xstillsane)??

Tyrus Monsen

·         Skye (mcsterpieces)

·         Ali (dcngerous)

·         Reagan (hazxrdtomyself)

Val Warren

·         Mary (lifexisxrhythm)??

·         Emily (lcstinthewoods)

Walker Parrish

·         Beverly (reneqade)

Wendy Tomlinson

·         Harry (dcngerous)

·         Taylor (mcsterpieces)

William Tomlinson

·         Carter (besidesycu)

·         Eli (dcngerous)

Winnie Tuck

·         Elyse (hazxrdtomyself)??

Wyatt Halliwell

·         Nikita (jxtpackblucs)

Wyatt Michaels

·         Kendall (mcsterpieces)

·         Autumn (mcsterpieces

Zander Hadley

·         Veronica (jxtpackblucs)

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

💖 Sapphic Books Coming Out April 2024

🩷 There's something especially sweet about a sapphic romance. Here are only a few of the amazing sapphic books hitting shelves in April 2024. Which ones are you adding to your ever-growing TBR?

💖 What's your favorite sapphic book?

[ List below. ]

Contemporary 💖 A Happy Good Girl - Marissa Higgins 💖 A Case for Discretion - Ashley Moore 💖 Thawing the CEO - Emily Hayes 💖 Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married - Georgia Beers 💖 The Broken Lines of Us - Shia Woods 💖 Rainbow Overalls - Maggie Fortuna 💖 Here Come the Brides - Micheala Lynn 💖 Houseswap 101 - Jaime Clevenger 💖 Sweet on You - Shannon O'Connor 💖 Sing, I - Ethel Rohan 💖 Light Betrays Us - Greta Rose West 💖 Moving Hearts - Nicole Higginbotham-Hogue 💖 The Last Love Song - Kalie Holford 💖 Playing For Keeps - Jennifer Dugan 💖 Truly, Madly, Deeply - Alexandria Bellefleur 💖 Finally Fitz - Marisa Kanter 💖 Every Time You Hear That Song - Jenna Voris 💖 Women! In! Peril! - Jessie Ren Marshall 💖 Revisiting Summer Nights - Ashley Bartlett 💖 Leather, Lace, and Locs - Anne Shade 💖 So Long Sad Love - Mirion Malle 💖 Girls Night - I.S. Belle 💖 Here We Go Again - Alison Cochrun 💖 Pillow Talk - Stephanie Cooke, Mel Valentine 💖 Good Bones - Aurora Ray 💖 Crash Landing - Li Charmaine Anne 💖 Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine - Nicole Melleby

Paranormal/Horror 💖 Bloodline - Jenn Alexander 💖 Grey Dog - Elliott Gish 💖 Cranberry Cove - Hailey Piper 💖 Court of Wanderers - Rin Chupeco 💖 Something Kindred - Ciera Burch 💖 Blood City Rollers - V.P. Anderson, Tatiana Hill

Fantasy 💖 Call Forth a Fox - Markelle Grabo 💖 Someone You Can Build a Nest In - John Wiswell 💖 Off With Their Heads - Zoe Hana Mikuta 💖 Calling of Light - Lori M. Lee 💖 To a Darker Shore - Leanne Schwartz 💖 The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray - Christine Calella 💖 Saint-Seducing Gold - Brittany N. Williams 💖 A Sweet Sting of Salt - Rose Sutherland 💖 Darker by Four - June C.L. Tan 💖 The Map That Led to You - Ella McLeod 💖 The Merciless King of Moore High - Lily Sparks

Historical 💖 Lighthouse Keeper - Eliza Lentzski

Mystery/Thriller 💖 Rough Trade - Katrina Carrasco 💖 Molten Death - Leslie Karst 💖 Eye of the Ouroboros - Megan Bontrager 💖 Text Me When You Get This - Frances Lucas 💖 Paige Not Found - Jen Wilde

Sci-Fi 💖 Moon Dust in My Hairnet - J.R. Creaden 💖 Hearts Still Beating - Brooke Archer 💖 Harley Quinn: Redemption - Rachael Allen 💖 In Universes - Emet North

[alexandrianicolegrey-oc]

My OC and her 5 month old adopted son.

Full name: Evan Jaxon Grey

Age: 5 months old

Adopted by: Alexandria Nicole Grey

Gender: Boy

Place of Birth: New York City, NY

[alexandrianicolegrey-oc]

Alexandria Nicole Grey Edit

[alexandrianicolegrey-oc]

Alexandria Nicole Grey

PERSONAL BIO

Full name: Alexandria Nicole Grey  Date of Birth: 12/18/1994 Age: 26 Relationship Status: Single Mother Pronouns: she/her/they/them Hometown: New York City, New York Currently resides: Los Angeles, California Height: 5′9   Species: Human Body Type: Athletic/Slim/Fit Occupation:  Firefighter/Paramedic for LAFD Station 118 Children: An adopted son; Evan Jaxon Grey (5 months old) Sexual Orientation: Bisexual Nationality: American Gender: Female Race:  Caucasian

TRAITS/PERSONALITY

Tattoos/Piercings: a few tattoos, no piercings Hair Color: Blonde  Eye color: Blue/Gray Type of Music: Country/Pop Movie Types: Horror/Romance/Comedy/Crime/Drama/Action  Choice of Outfits(When not at work): tomboy/laid back/comfy(sweatpants, tee shirts, hoodies, sneakers, skinny jeans, beanies(hats), sports bra) Book Type: Romance, Mystery/Crime, Thrillers, Fantasy   Personality: kind, caring, loving, playful, sarcastic at times, loves to pull pranks, puts everyone before herself, doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks of her, loves her adopted son, loves spending time with her firefighter family and her 5 month old son, loves her job, can be overprotective of those she cares about and loves, will defend her friends and family, always has everyone’s backs, knows how to have a good time and let loose when she needs it Skin Tone: Medium Tan Scars: yes, quiet a few actually

[alexandrianicolegrey-oc]

Chapter 2

~Flashback~

December 18, 1995, Alexandria Nicole Grey was born in New York City.

Alex was a happy, loving, sweet little girl who had everything she could ever want. She was her daddy's little girl in her momma's world. She was happy, bubbly, full of light, and joy. She was always full of energy.

She spent her childhood years wanting to be a firefighter like her father. But, unfortunately, for Alex, her father lost is life when he attempted to save her mother from their burning home. After witnessing firefighters first hand bringing her parents bodies out after the fire was out, this is what Alex had her heart set on.

So, after the death of her parents, she moved to Florida before her high school years rolled around. Then, she met Tyler, who she would soon have a son with. Tyler was her high school sweetheart, her best friend, and her whole world. They did everything together.

At the age 17, Alex and Tyler's senior year, Alex found out she was pregnant with Jaxon, just before graduation. Of course, being a good boyfriend that Tyler was, he was just as happy and very supporting. After they graduated that June, they moved to Miami, where they gave birth to a little boy 9 months later, Evan Jaxon Grey, on January 23. But, their world came crashing down when they were told he was paralyzed and would never walk. And when his 2nd birthday rolled around, found out he was autistic. Tyler and Alex became official FFD firefighters for Station 12 on February 5, two years later after Jaxon's 4th birthday. They were happy to be a family. Valentine's Day of that year, Tyler asked Alexandria to marry him, she said yes. Little did she know, 10 months from getting engaged, she would be having to plan a funeral. So, for the 10 months that Tyler was still alive, Tyler, Alex, and Jaxon made engagement videos and photos. And were a family. Happy as can be. They spent their off days at the beach, at Disney World, and other places.

December 25, Christmas Morning, Alex was working a 12 hour shift, Jaxon was at his aunt's house, and Tyler was on his way to see her after he got off the phone with her. It was 9 am when Station 12 was dispatched to a pile up on the freeway. When they arrived on scene, Alex's heart was shattered, her whole world came crumbling down. She saw her fiancé's upside down truck, and rushed to his side. She saw a lot of blood, then his mangled up face, and tried so hard to find a pulse, but with no success.

3 days after Tyler died, they attended Tyler's funeral. People Tyler saved, people he helped, several other stations, and police officers attended the funeral. They did a last call for Tyler, and then his gear and locker was retired.

Her captain then suggested she transfer out of state, and try to move on with her life and Jaxon's. It was hard for Alex to move on when a drunk had killed the love of her life, the father of their son. Stolen everything from them.

Her and Tyler had talked about giving Jaxon a little brother or sister before he was killed. Her captain had connections in Los Angeles. He knew a captain with the LAFD, Station 118. He and Bobby Nash went way back. So, she took the offer. She packed her life up in Florida, transferred fire departments, and bought a place in Los Angeles. Where she became their family and they became hers and Jaxon's.

~End of Flashback~

Taglist: @nurse-buckley @mrspeacem1nusone @angel-malaki-morningstar @caitsymichelle13 @us-buddie