Philippe

While this chapter does give us a better introduction to the Specials and their powers, the spotlight is primarily on Demetrius. The reveal that Vincent is Maratoni’s star pupil is very curious. It is appearing that Maratoni doesn’t have a good relationship with anyone. The building evidence has me thinking that Dani, Demetrius, and Vincent may all be puppets to Maratoni and Deadnus; giving them much more in common than heritage and expectations would allow. Demetrius may not have been any more significant than the other Specials, that seem to be viewed as non threatening, except for Maratoni possibly being trained as part of the undermining plan against Dani and the other Specials themselves. Ironic that Demetrius can not sleep, can not rest, when he has had true blood feedings which should reduce the need. Demetrius may have a heart or conscience that puts him at great conflict with himself and his Special nature. Perhaps “He who brings pain has a heart that’s pure” is why the nurse can’t help him and Maratoni just plans more true blood feedings. The boy just likes basketball 🏀 and doesn’t take compliments with arrogance, it’s humble embarrassment. Interestingly enough, Demetrius points out the Special Summit will require demonstrations; does Deadnus have guinea pigs designated for Demetrius to inflict pain upon? How was he trained vs what Deadnus wants to see? Vincent has lived the haunted life. He knows the costs of trust well enough to not disclose plans to Dani, yet he does bring the Book of Specials for Dani to gain understanding. He has guided Dani to what appears to be a safe lodge and a key snooping spot; these don’t seem to be sinister or part of the greater plan to keep Dani powerless.

“I don't know if many of you have read my other works, but look! A decent parent(or one that's trying)! Look at me go. Character development.” Yes, this is very curios, mysterious, and possibly delirious; wine 🍷 would have given us raging make up sex but yet we’re teased thoughts with romance and dealing with emotions….have they been able to get your fever under control yet? Hahaha 🤣 The storyline dealing with the abuse directly but as romance and family needs demand are working quite well. Even the redeeming mom qualities are added some suspense and maybe mystery…remorse, compassion, money and power are all at play; from mom, “dense as a rock” Brock, dad, and the girls. Yet the young bud attraction gets a well deserved bill. @demiurge, this story is much different than that of my favorite magic couple, but you have a magical storyline in play here too, with character development and a repentant parent,…so great job and thanks again for sharing your talents and passion.

Yes indeed; Home again. I had lost my tracking on this story and had to play catch-up. Wow, what a journey these 3…and 1/2 have been on; and poor Ms Reyla. Ms Reyla had been friendly and supportive of the Wolf folks prior to Jordan arriving at her porch. As to the targeting timeline; that may remain a question, but the motives are fairly clear. If indeed the magic was used to “seal” Ms Reyla’s fate then the timeline may be more clearly connected to Jordan. As a fan of Brothers, it is neat to see the backstory to Dylan and his fathers. Thanks for sharing this unique world of Damian’s Wolf @Yeoldebard.

Hahaha, I’m sure the human anatomy is far from accepting to Bouncers instinctive sniffing and licks of the naked flesh painted during that hot trip! At least Essel is freshly claimed for the Rebels to understand the truth of their venture and requested alliance.

Margaret is an absolute fruit cake; packed full of everything and yet perhaps best when gifted to others; a terrible waste of good fruits and nuts with her spoiling every appearance. Argh 😠 😡 😱

It got your hackles bristled up? 🐺 And the Wolf goes woof. Haha 😛 This made me realize that you don’t hear the ole expression to calm someone of “ don’t get your hackles up.”

For a youth to have his entire life portrayed in the tears and pain from physical torture and mental abuse is unbelievable; yet, we hear of the deranged imprisonments and starvation of children by those that spawned them all too frequently. Ironically, it is easier to identify the more public animal abuse than abuse to the children hidden away by such sick and evil people. My opinion is Seth’s mental blocking has been has defensive sanctuary. But with his growing maturity, increasing survival and human needs, and with the anchoring provided by Noah, Seth is embracing the strength and confidence to open up; to trust and depend like never before. And Noah is finding Seth’s problems to be a catalyst in finding his own strength and determination; increasing his self confidence and self-worth. As the turmoil of their lives spins out of control, their bond of interdependence emotionally, gives us an onion of interwoven ying/yang relationships; this is the most heavily themed mental health story that has successfully blended the classic suspense, action, and romance that keeps the storyline from becoming weighed down theme. @Demiurge, what a wonderful and warming tale of this growing relationship, while addressing real life personal struggles, you give us the rollercoaster of Seth’s emotions with; the 😡 for his abused childhood, the 😭 of his ongoing struggles, the 🤞 that his journey of improving continues, the 😮 for the many mini-cliffhangers yet to be answered, the 😊 that the boys have again anchored themselves in shackles of mutual support, the ❤️ for the relationship the readers wish, but the character can’t yet recognize. So,…though dark and troublesome, this story is a unique, reversed tragic romance! Bravo 👏

And he is chasing a flighty, skittish young fox; it should never get boring!

Uhm, guys, my compass pointer…it only points to…., ahem,….well Jonathan. (Now cue ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man!) 🤣

The boys are so bitten, aching for each other, loving time together, and hating times apart. We see them appreciating and sharing intimate fantasies or desires, but then Seth withdraws into his head and that puts Noah into his head; neither breaking that mind barrier keeping them apart. Though it’s a painful growth in their relationship they are now maybe seeing the flaws as they are; the more they learn the better equipped they’ll be to face the future. Not many would expose all their flaws and misgivings to a budding interest. They haven’t quite reached that point of total surrender to trust, but this latest step is a huge step for Seth; his admission leading to professional help and now confessing to Noah. That’s a very vulnerable position, especially for that very first time; the sister doesn’t even understand or get that level of exposure to the raw truths. @Demiurge, it was almost painful to read with all those tender innermost emotions, so you’ve succeeded again in bringing out those feelings our young couple have; with a tear, thanks for sharing this journey.

The biggest cliffhanger here is in the afterword note; that’s a significant impact multiplier. I suppose any further comments can be planned using the farmers almanac, as the next harvest season for ‘Into the Shadows’ is now 2022; that’s literally into the shadows of…Inactive Story. I guess it’s a subtle way of disclosing that Vinsy has a new affinity…invisibility.

The recovery is going well for Jake, both physically and emotionally; including his immediate support system and home environment,…not perfect but non threatening and promising growing acceptance. Cody’s is another story, as the stronger religious ties are evidenced in the parent’s conversation following Alan retrieving Cody from school. But more troubling is the summation found in Cody’s closing statement of great appreciation for Jake’s parents; which argues against history and expectations from Cody’s parents. The combined stresses propagating towards the boys’ futures promise rough waters at a time when they find themselves freshly seated in a canoe without skills. @James Matthewsthe angst here has me sharing in their fears.

Oh the frightful years of youth; where silence is the default, as speaking may make things worse and silence is safety. Poor Jake has had is long lived bond with Cody build to a level that now gets complicated with his sexual growth. To get the message that that bond will end die to an move beyond his control is bad enough, but to then learn that his emotions in the relationship are not only dismissed but then the relationship too seems to be lost as well…crushing, especially in young minds. Cody is no more experienced and doesn’t understand these emotions, the impact for the long and short of it, and how to be compassionate about it regardless where he stands. A series of unfortunate events…bring us these tears of shared agony.

I hate to say it, but yes I’ve been there. Not suffering the abuse Seth has but just being poor. I refused to accept my destiny of remaining in the lower caste and strived for goals I couldn’t really afford; but I worked my ass off trying make Tommy goals. I worked 33-50 hours a week as an engineering student. Without scholarships or help from home meant that at times we might be three weeks into the term before I could even afford my course subject textbook. The library or begging off on a fellow student until I could get my own textbook also meant some missing homework and the embarrassing “can I share your book” in class lectures where the professor would reference it for discussion. Even then, the desire to have some friends and satisfying social needs would still force the occasional outing for a party or class gathering. I couldn’t often take much or maybe not anything but yet the social pressures to participate where all too often unforgiving. The humiliation of others saying “hey no problem, I got this and you can pay me back later” now meant more pressure to bear and that too was like someone else spending money that I didn’t have; and it wouldn’t be paid back until I could make rent and utilities, and have basic pantry items. So gifting to friends or newly established partners of a different class has its own implications; a gift for one, may be a burden for the other. Now add in Seth’s drive to provide without fail, when he was a victim of such abuse and subject to suffer at the hands of a failed provider, it’s then added humiliation that he is failing and no better than his negligent abuser. Noah is a quick learner and will figure this out. He has already learned much of Seth’s social indicators and is getting their communications increased at each gathering. He’ll soon learn how not to let the little sister put him in the middle of Seth’s guardian decisions. @demiurge, powerful issues but very much a reflection of real life. Bravo

To heck with watching, this is a war of hormones vs humanity; stuff the tubes, launch the torpedoes! It’s not whether you win or lose but to enjoy the game…lol

I gave it the tear…of happiness for the heartwarming ending.

Margaret is a goner but then again she should not have been allowed back. Then there are the highly suspicious events and reasoning behind those events that just reek of more than just personal problems for her behavior and possibly the motivation for Jason’s adoption too. Hmmm 🤔 very curious…

Oh but cats love to play with that ball of yarn first, they may be more fun to sit back a watch!

Wow, the Electric Panda 🐼 is an energizer panda at that; he puts on this amazing but exhausting Mage Dance and even though given a friendly boost from McAlpha, he then goes Hybrid Alpha in a mating of patient passion, without any recovery mediation! 😯 And this is after a long and emotional social event in recognition of his inauguration…amazing, Kaplan had better be ready for some long nights. Kaplan is astonishing, to recognize the hidden desires and then deliver the parents of his Alpha is just a gift indeed; it was so nice that that moment was shared with their long estranged son. No doubts that Vinsy will be taking his observations to heart with a new goals and an even stronger drive to achieve them. @astone2292, I can hardly wait for next Wednesday…or sooner! It’s your own fault; you cook this crack now cook some more, quickly!

Kaplan would definitely agree that it was an emotional…ride; growling louder than his senses could comprehend! 😝 The Alpha gets rough and erratic? Oh, beyond the mating….gotcha! 😛 Well Stacy is taking this all very well but I believe if her desire goes for turning, then mating is given; if the dense lug can be lead to water!

What self centered, arrogant asses for parents that poor Hayden has. They are only seeking opportunity irregardless the damage to Hayden’s personal and emotional well being; they only seek custody of Hayden to better their selfish quest, then I’m sure it would be off to gay conversion training. Matt directly contributed to the essential life saving counseling and coaching of two resigned young men; maybe even single handedly connecting when all else was destined to fail. Matt has a Masters Degree from It’s a Cruel Life University. This is a perfect example of life skills that just can’t be learned from books written by those only vaguely familiar or from making theoretical applications with only hypothesis for a basis of logic. @Ronyx, such powerful words but nicely wrapped in this touching story full of raw emotions and fortitude for life.

I think most guys can understand “some push and pull because it’s hard” in most any context! Oops 😬

Perhaps Troy needs to design and gift Corbin a paint by numbers art kit; hmmm 🤔, would a heart ❤️ with only one number and color requirement be too hard to figure out? Argh 😠 human perception is so much easier as an observer.

I would say that Corbin’s dad is an Ass, but that is insulting as an ass actually has purpose; that guy is psycho beyond all reason, and he is a very dangerous person. I envision a loose gun on a swiveling turret; anyone and everyone is a possible victim in his presence. Corbin has a very strong willed new friend, as he invites himself into this dangerous relationship(s) surrounding Corbin; he definitely deserves respect and is worth getting to know and understand. Unfortunately, Corbin’s dad is a blight to the family and the community and is currently beyond self help; so either commitment by family or authorities is probably all that is left.

Buckle up boys, it’s gonna be a while before these two realize they’re scratching and sniffing the same patch, and that scent is hormonal surrender. Goodness @Laura S. Fox, this story is gonna require reclaimed water users to not only user fertilizers, and fungicides, but they may need it to add a strong spermicide. What a great buildup to discovery, hopefully by the time they finish polishing their own stones they will surely appreciate each other’s collection of family jewels.