There is a boutique hiding out between the fractured, narrow storefronts lining New Gotham’s foggy docks. The shingles are ribbed and black. Washed, peeling paint and displays offering views into wicked leather and lace studded glam. The mannequins are ghoulish beauties stitched together from whatever was left from the last fool to cross one of the sinister witches.
Welcome to Sinister Stitches
“…apparel for a wicked fairy tale.”

 

A spicy trinity of black magic sisters breathe star-dusted dreams to life with their gothic apparel boutique. They are schooled in the old ways of “fabric-bending” by the Needlewitches of old. With this knowledge, they’ve created an entire line of clothing that all share the same basic design element: one-size fits all. Each garment will magically tailor itself to its wearer once worn. Last time the Witches-Who-Stitch, hosted a literary catwalk, heroines were called from all walks of life and genres to challenge their seamstress skills. This time, their men have joined the fun—apparently, they’ve been sent to the boutique. (Whether they like it, or not.)

 

The witches were NOT expecting men. Their expertise is usually limited to DEMANDING their husbands NOT wear that in public, and, of course, the fashioning of fantastic clothing for all of literature’s heroines. (New Gotham’s men usually get their goods from Rumpel’s Twisted Threads, BUT that’s beyond the point, the girls put a quill to their interview, changed some bits, and rose to the occasion.)

 

To enjoy the hilarity, please check out some of the questionnaire Julia Austen’s Trey O’Connor from Enticed by the Enemy lifted from Brenda’s hand with a smile after he swaggered into Sinister Stitches. 

THE WITCHES WHO STITCH QUESTIONNAIRE

 

Please provide the witches with your name: Trey O’Connor

 

Please provide the witches with the following:

Hair Color: Brown

Hair Length: [ ] Short and Sharp, [X] Shaggy and Sexy, [ ] Lush and Long

Eye Color:  Green

Skin Tone: [ ] Ghoulish, [ ] Snow White, [ ] Cina-baby, [ ] Mochalicious, [ ] Dark Chocolate [X] Other: TAN-alicious (Since apparently you’re required to speak as if you had no upbringing. This form is going to take a minute. Who the hell can get me a scotch?)

 

Please provide the witches with your measurements and body-type.

 

a.) Height: 6’2”

 

b.) Body Type: [ ] Skeletal, [ ] Lean and Tender, [ ] Lean and Tough, [X] Ripe and Edible               

 

(Ripe and Edible? I’m a fucking MAN. One who doesn’t sparkle in the sun. But since I’m not a toothpick, I guess this is my only option.)

 

Do you have any extra extremities? Place an “X” to all that apply.

[ ] Horns or [ ] Halo

[ ] 20 ft. of Hair or More

[ ] Gills and Fins or [ ] Hooves

[ ] Wings (Span:   )

[ ] Tail (How many:  )

How many heads do you have? (Your boy bit doesn’t count!)

 

If I can’t count Ally’s Sizzling Stick of Fury, then just one.

 

(And I would like to keep it, so let’s make sure she doesn’t see this particular question.)

 

Do you have arms and legs? If so, how many?

 

2 of each

 

How dead are you? [X] Living, [ ] Undead, [ ] Astral Form

 

What are you? (Species/Breed)

 

I’m human (Although from the waist down I’m hung like Hulk)

 

What is the occasion? (Ideas include: Wedding, Funeral, Sabbath, etc. Oh, and seduction is a valid occasion. The more details, the better.)

 

There will be a wedding if I have any say. She’s going to need something white. Without spikes or fishnet. Can you do that?

 

…what do you mean this isn’t David’s Bridal?

 

What’s the occasion setting? (Beach, haunted castle, grand ball, etc.)

 

We’re still ironing those details out. And by ‘ironing them out’ I mean she’s stubborn and I’m having ahard time ‘wooing’ her (Do people even use that word anymore?) Can’t you make a potion for that or something? Y’know, since you’re a witch.

 

Will you be fighting for your life at some point in the evening? 

 

My father is nuts— you never know what he has up his sleeve. So it’s probably a good idea to be prepared.

 

Will you be set on fire? Better yet, will you be setting other people on fire?

 

Whenever Ally and I are in the same room, sparks FLY. That’s all I’m going to say.

 

Will you be grave-robbing? (Dirt is a tailor’s tedium.)

 

Not robbing, no. Might be grave digging though if Ally doesn’t come around soon. God, that woman is killing me.

What are you wearing right now? Who picked that outfit out? (Basically, who let you leave the crypt in those?)

I came here right after leaving work so I’m still in Armani. Black suit (custom tailored, of course), white shirt, green tie. And for the second part of the question- I chose my clothes. Except for this tie. Ally picked it out.…stop laughing.

 

Do you hope to be naked at some point in the evening? (All right, dirty birds. Such questions are actually intended toward the weres and shifters in regards to their transformations.)

 

God, a man could hope. Ally and I have a date tonight. So maybe….

 

Describe your last brush with Death in two sentences. (Helps us plan for the unexpected.)

 

There was a fire a few weeks ago… It was a close call. I can’t say anymore though… Things are still under investigation. But like I said, Pops is crazy…

 

Do you need a secret compartment for gigantic swords? Guns and condoms? Eyeliner, maybe?

 

Eyeliner?? I thought this questionnaire was for a man. Oh… Right… Emo’s and shit hang out here a lot, huh? No. No secret compartment.

 

What are your three favorite colors?

 

Black, crisp and formal. Red, sexy and seductive. And blue, the color of Ally’s eyes.

 

What two colors ninja your brain, sweetie?

 

I don’t even know what that means.

 

[Nobody knows what it means but it’s provocative. Gets the people going]

 

Sorry, big Will Ferrell fan.

 

But for real. I don’t know what that means.

 

Please pick a style that you feel embodies you the best. If none apply, feel free to surprise us by providing your own brilliant description in the “other” slot.

 

[ ] Dark Angel: This is for the spoonfuls of charming. The good-natured and naughty boys next door types. Thoughtful and sensual. Loyal and intelligent. More often than not, his head is in the clouds, but those dreams and that smile holds hope for all of us. Our philosophers.

 

[X] Beast King: This is for the warlords and alphas. The type of men who walk into a room and their presence hushes out the sun. They live in their bodies, but their minds are searching for the next challenge. Hands for fighting and these boots for ass-kickings. Our protectors.

[X] Smooth Criminal: This is for the bad boys. You know, the types—mother’s worse nightmares. The kind of man that makes your skin itch every time he devours you with that hundred yard stare. Chances are his senses of humor is as wicked as his tongue. To hold him, isn’t to catch him. Our scheming rogues.

[X] Black Knight: This for the mysteries. The ones no one can quite make heads or tails out off. He’s a mixture, a melting pot of strong, sinister, and sweet. He might be Dark Angel one day, and a Smooth Criminal other days. Our brothers.

 

[X] Other: What? You think women are the only ones who can be ‘complicated’?

 

Who is your favorite comic/storybook villain?

 

Maleficent. Dragons are the shit.

 

What? I’ve got a kid sister who loved Sleeping Beauty.

 

If you could be any comic/storybook book hero, who would it be?

 

What are you talking about? Storybook heroes want to be me.

 

Now, tell us who you love the most.

 

Allison Davison- She’s the sun that shines and the air I breathe.

Anything else you’d like to add…

But for real though, you can’t do the dress without the spikes? I’m sure I could convince her to come around to the fishnets… Hell, now that I’m thinking of it, fishnet is a must. But let’s talk about the spikes. I really think those could be a danger to someone’s safety (i.e. mine if I’m the one removing the dress)….

 

 

After many barrels of chocolate, a dash of magic, and furious sewing…
Sinister Stitches’ Leather Queen
Brenda Dweyer presents Trey O’Connor’s
 Completed Threads
“Temptation”

 

 

Next to a gleaming, gold antique resister, Brenda the She-Wolf is posted on the counter in a snake-skin cat-suit and a pair of vicious fuck-me red pumps. Eyes shielded behind a pair of Black Pearl Aviator shades, and waves of curls pulled up and tight on top of her head in a slick and shiny ponytail. Shiny, wet and skin-tight. To look at her hurts. To touch her hurts even more. When the gentleman standing in the middle of her mother’s gothic boutique brushes his eyes up and down, she answers with a sharp crescent of teeth bowing in sultry smile:

What the fuck does this look like? Ah, ah—before you answer that, I’m going to go ahead and enlighten your shit. I’m Brenda Dweyer, the reigning Leather Queen. Bow down and pay homage, pupil—and no, we don’t sell potions, jackass. That’s why it says “gothic boutique” on the goddamn door.
This is Sinister Stitches. It isn’t David’s Bridal, so if your girl wants a dress—tell her to march her candy ass in here, and we’ll talk about spikes and fishnets. And by the way, Rumpel’s Twisted Threads—you know, where they specialize in making clothes for the Hulk—is that way. If you’re interested Momma leaves business cards for the lost and the heavenly hung right there on the mantle.
Ah, ah—be quiet. I’d rather be naked right now, and the only reason I’m not is because I’m here to present your threads. Gillian is busy and really can’t be trusted around the likes of sexy and charming, and Astrid won’t put up with it. Bury that fine ass in a casket. Real quick.
What do you mean my mom? Why isn’t she presenting your threads? *she sags forward and rubs her temple* We only let that hag out to rape and pillage with her fucking glitter and cookies when there’s absolutely no other way. So, you’re stuck with me. Let’s get to the business, kid. And stop talking—you talk a lot.
Oh my god, he’s still talking.
This isn’t happening to me. I used to be scary. What the hell is going on here?
Oh my fucking stars—is it STILL talking?
Someone get me a shot of scotch, because I don’t have the patience for this bullshit… *Brenda vaults off the counter, grabs Trey’s handsome chin, and forces his confused and gaping expression to the mirror.* Shut up and pay attention. I had nothing to do with this suit beyond the cut. You’re built a lot like my husband, so I did for you what Rumpel does for him—I cut you a British classic. Well, sorta. First of all, let’s talk about the colors and fabric. We went a completely different direction than I thought we’d go. You can thank your charming personality for that. The white hamadryad paper textile is soft and light, and does not require any ironing or pressing. You seem like you’re on the go a lot (or on crack), so we experimented with textiles blended from linen and Avalon moth wings. It will retain its sharp shape and slight wrinkle effortlessly. We agreed on white, because you’re the type that needs to stand out, and we want you to draw all eyes in the room. Every stiff at the party wears black—it takes a real prince to pull off white.
And we’ve added just the right note of “bad-ass” in there with a splash of black.   
The classic two-button style jacket will fall over your shoulders nicely, and it’s just form fitting enough down the torso to give you a little bit of a thinning affect. And by the way, fucker, this is a WOMAN’S store. Yes, everything that comes in here with curves is considered “ripe and edible.” We slapped that interview together in a mad dash, after your father showed up. Apparently, he’s the idiot leading the way—I don’t know what the hell is going on, but men need to search the stars and find a fucking clue because you’re all going the wrong fucking direction. Twisted Threads is THAT way.  
Ah, ah—shut up. What did I say about talking? We’re not done here. As I was saying about your jacket, the strong tapered curve will make you look taller, and thinner. Very flattering. And yes, I’ve heard that you’re hung. Your legs are only for show, kickstands for the magic, and all that nonsense—well, boy bits and pants don’t matter as much when it comes to suits. If you’re wearing a suit properly, they really shouldn’t matter. However, we did go ahead and fashion a wider pant leg for you. Give Alley’s Sizzling Stick of Fury some room to swing free.
Oh yeah, and, now that you’ve noticed—we did cut your hair. Wasn’t me. I like my boys a little wild and Gillian is out ripping wings off a naughty pixies for sewing material.
It was the vampire. The bat did it.
Astrid couldn’t take it. She just couldn’t let it go.
While I’ve been talking to you, the vampire was busy giving you a trim. What? You looked shocked….Huh? Of course, you weren’t gonna see her, idiot. She’s a vampire. You’re a human. Basic math—get some. *grins and plucks random lock of hair off his shoulder* There, you’re all clean and cut for your date tonight. Now, here’s your gift box from Gillian. And no, I don’t know what’s in it. Could be chocolate, or it could be a pipe bomb. She’s fun like that. Oh, wait, take these business cards, too, and send your girl here after you’ve conquered that Maleficent and her Bed and Breakfast.
Otherwise…*she pats his ass out the door* get to steppin’, juvenile.  

A Gift Box From Gillian the Candy Witch

 

The box is black and twined with sweet, looping gold string—inside there is a swatch of glittering pink Post-It paper:
Greetings, Ally:

I’m Gillian the Candy Witch, of Sinister Stitches, and I make dresses for lovely girls like you. Now, your darling Trey stopped by the store today and while Brenda was busy cutting a suit for him, I was busy making you a dress. It’ll match his outfit, so don’t worry. My sister is very good at making sure boys keep things elegant and simple. Now, your snow-white stain bodice has a special zipper on the side of the garment, one tug and it will “zip” and “unzip” by itself. It and the rest of the garment have been ironed with full-metal frost pixie dust.
The skirt was spun from Neverland clouds, and tulle. And I made a special trip to the gardens, and plucked fresh pixie wings for the rainbow bow. You’ll be a butterfly princess swathed in white frosting skits.
Oh, and before I forget…pixie dust is inflammable. Not sayin’ I know anything, but a witch likes to make sure her girls can take the heat. ~Gillybean, the Candy Witch
 
IMPORTANT BULLETINS from THE PIXIES:

For more information about Julia Austen and Trey ‘O Connor’s adventures in Enticed by the Enemy: please check out her author website. If you’re interested in signing up for Julia Austen’s mailing list to receive a release notification when Enticed by the Enemy is available for purchase, please use the form here.

Care to check out the last round of Sinister Stitches interviews? Check out Sophie Avett and Jennifer Blackstream’s paranormal den, the Brimstone Pub. All SS interviews are retired there after their tour until the release of the SS e-book.
Fancy a tour of New Gotham? Check out New Gotham’s Survival Guide! It might save your life!

For more information about Sophie Avett’s New Gotham Fairy Tales, the Sinister Stitches series, and recent releases, please check out her website.
Image Credit(s): Anatoly Repin / noname13

Image Editing Credit(s): Elaina, For the Muse Design

Cry Wolf
A New Gotham Fairy Tale
Sophie Avett
 
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance (MM/New Adult)
 
Publisher: Skeleton Key Publishing
Date of Publication:  May 1, 2014
 
Number of pages: est. 22 pages
Word Count:  est. 10, 000
 
Cover Artist: Elaina, For the Muse Design
 
Amazon   BN   ARe    Kobo    Smashwords
 
Book Description:
 
There’s a wild animal on the loose in the black forests surrounding New Gotham…
 
Not that anyone cares.
 
Well, Peter doesn’t care.
 
Peter Ume is more interested in finding a way to alleviate the skull-numbing boredom of a city wide shut down. So far his ideas for excitement hover between stealing an unwary idiot’s underwear (soul works, too), setting someone’s eyebrows on fire, or stabbing the next person he meets in the eye with a hot French fry.
 
It turns out, he’ll be able to save assault and theft for a rainy day. As luck would have it, this naughty kitsune is about to meet the big bad wolf.
 
And man, is the wolf in for a surprise…
 
Warning: This story can be read as a standalone, but you will want to smack Sophie for it. (Or so the ravens have said.) So, do keep in mind that there is a part two. (And it will be a freebie. Sophie’s Pixies will carrier pigeon everyone more information soon.)
 
 
About the Author:
 
Sophie Avett is kind of a nerd. Like not even one of the cute, hip ones everyone brags about nowadays. More like the socially awkward hippie who eats way too much bread and dreams about being a dragon from behind towers of mythology books. Um…yeah. Picture old, tattered paperbacks and comic books–mostly Batman and Wonder Woman–dwarfing a tiny desk, with just barely enough room for the troll who writes there and the 70 pound hell-hound that insists on laying it’s wet nose on top of her bare foot.
 
Granted not the most exciting existence, but she tries to make up for it by writing romances populated with her own peculiar ilk of paranormal beasties.  Trolls, wyverns, the obscure Nordic brownie–she likes to keep things interesting. And bloody. (And mostly naked–but, we’ll keep that bit between us.)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophieAvett
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7779293.Sophie_Avett
Sinister Stitches Boutique Blog: http://thebrimstonepub.com/
Newsletter Post-Its, the Blog: http://sophieavett.weebly.com/post-its-the-blog.html
Brimstone Pub, the Blog: http://thebrimstonepub.com/