27 Comments
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Qibra's avatar

Oh this is lovely Jean! Beautiful writing. 💙 The setting is vivid. I can feel myself there and the magical elements feel so natural.

“Because I’ll always come here. I belong to the pack.”

Rising, she leans in, drops a swift kiss on his lips. “And to you.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle Silver,” he says. “I love her too.”

Perfect!

Jean McKinney's avatar

Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked this little story. I really love these characters, so I’m happy to see that other people like them too! Of course love between humans and “others” isn’t always smooth but I’m always interested in seeing what happens.

Qibra's avatar

You know you can absolutely tell when a writer loves their characters and we can feel it here. Like the way you let them be damaged AND loved. The gentleness in the way you write Adam's trauma and Velocity's wildness. It shows in every detail. I look forward to reading more of your work. 😊

E. A. Morales's avatar

Fascinating dynamic! I loved the imagery. Very well done.

Jean McKinney's avatar

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

Rosie B's avatar

Beautiful! Loved this story. So sweet.

Jean McKinney's avatar

Thank you so much! I loved writing it — Velocity and Adam deserve some happiness, I think.

Rosie B's avatar

Agreed! I would absolutely read more about them!

Jean McKinney's avatar

Velocity has a bit part in another Soledad City story, but I would like to do more with them, especially Adam as I figure out just what happened to him in the war!

I am so glad you like them.

Rosie B's avatar

Oh cool, I’ll have to add that to my binge list! 🩷

Moll Moonlight's avatar

I absolutely revelled in this. I wiggled my toes in its sand. Beautiful! Cannot WAIT to get it on the menu! Another reason for me to tackle the stupid layout problem!

Jean McKinney's avatar

Thanks so much! So glad you liked it. I was a little concerned since it isn't a very conventional love story. I'm always looking at what happens when humans love the "others!"

Moll Moonlight's avatar

This is absolutely one of my favourite flavours too! And who cares if it’s a bit out of the norm? Isn’t that what we’re on Substack for? If we were all cookie-cutter romance we’d be ghostwriting for Mills & Boon! 🥱

Jean McKinney's avatar

Well, that's true. Love does come in many different guises and there are so many stories to tell!

Moll Moonlight's avatar

That’s the joy of it! And why we’re writers - the only way we can fall in love so many times!

Jean McKinney's avatar

Yes -- and how we can help so many of our characters find love too!

Moll Moonlight's avatar

Isn’t it fun being a virtual (and in your case magical) matchmaker? ;)

Edward Owen - This Old Grouch's avatar

The imagery in the story is absolutely fantastic. The back-and-forth pull of emotions and the way you slowly reveal Velocity's true nature is storytelling at its best. Great job and the perfect “otherworldly” romantic tale.

Jean McKinney's avatar

Thank you so much! I'm so happy people are liking this little story. I have to say I really love these two characters!