BrianM

Perhaps it was their mindset, but the statement is totally false! The law, at least in Australia, protects sex workers as well as anybody else, from rape. Well, it doesn't protect them but it does provide penalties. Should they ever ask again, you might consider telling them as the guy's action was a serious abuse of their hospitality. I am dead certain that Dan and Andrew at no stage introduced you to their friends as being in any way a part of the entertainment! They deserve to know that one of their friends is not who they think he is. I have no issue with those who employ the "services" of those who offer themselves due to bad circumstances, but to assume anything about them when they are "off their turf" is just ill-bred. A polite nod and utmost discretion is the correct way to deal with an unexpected meeting.

I was reading this on my laptop and when I got to the rape, I slammed it shut and darn near threw it across the room! Frankly, that "friend" needs a solid whack upside the head, as you folks would say. I hope that Andrew and Dan do find out about his despicable actions and personality and not only disown him, but make known amongst their real friends that he is persona non grata anywhere they go. My heart aches for Matt.

Wow! Nice quick start on Book 3. Thank you.

Thanks for this great interlude in the story and allowing Chris to redeem himself. I'm really looking forward to book 3. No pressure!

Wonderful! Great to see that the guys have got the UK operation started so promisingly, with government links in place. What is most exciting to me is the revealing of the different types of vampire, and the thought that the "more civilised" vampires are most likely the furthest removed, in terms of "generations" from these "original" vampires. At least, I think that's what was implied. I really wonder what might be revealed as the VUN visits more vampire cities. On a tongue-in-cheek note, I recall that one wag coined the phrase "Add-A-Kid-Disease" while reading stories about benevolent adults adopting and fostering ever more needy kids. I suspect we may be getting into the territory of "Add-A-Vampire-Disease" quite soon! However I'm glad that Wayne has decided to become a member of the roving band of vampire hunters.

It would be great if the removal of the shrapnel allowed Willy to function more normally. He might even be able to do something to assist with the work that the guys have taken on, which would give him a big self-confidence boost.

Such a wonderful chapter! Colin reveals the true depth of his caring nature. I really hope that Willy can make a go of it, living at VUN. He is such a fragile soul but a real survivor none the less. Bravo!

I am thoroughly enjoying this heartwarming and delightful story. Many thanks.

And about time, too! At last Stan and Mark can move ahead with their relationship, and it only took something almost fatal to get them to admit it, plus the small fact that everyone else knew about it. I'm so glad the Stan was able to come into the real world a little more. We computer geeks have to rejoice in each others little triumphs. :-p

Powerful story! Sometimes even the smallest acts of simple human interaction can help a desperate person regain perspective. Miguel's actions in the story were just right.

How wonderful that this tale about those who are no longer human is so full of humanity and caring!

Wow! What a ride this was. Heads up: VERY graphic scenes of violence done to the young, female victims of kidnapping by a sadistic scumbag. I loved the spooky, psychic way that our cyber-sleuth found his way into the lives of both victims and perpetrator in order to garner information to pass on to the rescue and apprehension teams. Caz writes great action scenes which really rivet the attention and her character development is excellent. I really felt like I developed a rapport with the main character, and, of course, it is irrelevant that that character and I share a first name. As with all good stories, we are left with both a feeling of closure and the wish for more. This short story could readily be expanded into a novel-sized narrative (hint, hint). I realise that I am probably atypical in this, but I could have done with less detail in the two sex scenes indulged in by the principal character and his husband. They were perfectly positioned within the story arc and provided the relief of a different sort of tension, but were just too long for me. Sometimes less is more. Overall a very well written and enjoyable story which could be classified as spanning the mystery, fantasy and horror genres effortlessly. Exceedingly well done, Caz!

Oh! I so enjoyed this!

Cripes! 'Heretic warrior', vivisection and 'magic'. What next? Waiting on tenterhooks here.

Thank you so much for this utterly awesome story. I have enjoyed every word of it. I really hope that there might be more to come, once your muse has recharged, but if it is not to be, then what you have crafted stands head and shoulders above most of the shifter literature. We are in your debt.

There are obvious difficulties in dealing with the formerly-human! The 5yo shocked me too. Fantastic and well thought-out writing.

Having been a programmer for 25 years, the form was fascinating and the story resonated with me. Perhaps for those who have no idea of Linux/Unix it might have been offputting. Most computer users these days are not remotely comfortable in the power users domain of the command line. A very worthwhile exercise, all told!

Stay strong. Your Daniel is still with you, in your heart and mind and stories. He always will be.

Thank you for this wonderful and heart warming story. I have known a couple of folks with Down Syndrome and Peter really reminded me of one of them in particular, so warm and caring and with a smile which lit up the room. Loved it.

What a beautiful chapter!

Headstall, this story just keeps getting better and better. Thank you and keep 'em coming, please.

We have seen here that Jian's "command" seems to work with not only Pitane, but other dogs at the puppy school as well as with Emmett. One wonders whether this talent could be of assistance in both finding and carrying out a job, not necessarily animal related, but coaching something for example. I am still really loving this story and the wonderment of Jian getting stripes is great indeed.

The last three lines nearly made me cry from laughing so much. Thanks for that! While I'm here, Cia, great story, cool characters and keep it coming, please. Cheers, B.

I haven't kicked in my 2c worth before, please excuse the major oversight! This tale just keeps getting better and better. Your tale spinning talents, too, seem to know no bounds. Bravo, and please keep 'em coming.

Thank you, Wolf, for a wonderful tale. I am so happy to hear that it may only be the first part of the guys' tale.