Philippe

It appears that Kim and Giada may have similar methods of getting their men and manipulating their kids. We don’t know exactly how Kim manipulated her David and/or Audrey, but whether Jayden is or is not the biological child of David and Audrey remains muddled. The fact that David had left Audrey and their(her) son was with Kim’s knowledge and probably as a result of her manipulating David into her clutches. Hmmm 🤔, the full story of Giada, Laurel and Brice seems to have a big common thread; both from evil witch women that have turned on one another. 🤦 Now Eric has been T-boned from possibly a truck; oh the list of suspects responsible; Travis, Jayden, Giada, etc. Unlikely that it was purely coincidental, or that this is a planned ruse, but maybe he was careless and drove into the path of an ambulance or a fire truck full of EMTs and a direct radio to the police dispatcher! lol 😝 Eric deserves a break after half his lifetime has been a total cluster fuk. At least Adriana knows of the poison attack and the hospital treatment. Perhaps this opportunity for Kim to come totally clean with all the family and the police may still give her a chance to prove her on humanity and save her soul from the acid eating her from within. I can’t help but feel sorry for Brice; imperfect as he was, he did care for the kids, but unfortunately he also fell under Giada spells and manipulation, but he was trying to rescue the one from that environment and in the final act he was trying the save the life of the other. So sad that then the very son he thought he may could still rescue from the poisonous environment, had so little respect and value for his father that it was a spit on his still warm body before being removed and discarded. 😡 Brice’s absence and the fate of his company, along with the fate of the Alvarado holdings and Sergio’s interest, may soon need rescue aided by legal the vast holdings at Eric’s disposal; as well as the guidance from Eric’s business savvy (so he has to live)!

When my daughter first started her driving practices with her permit, she demanded to know why I had taken her to practice about the cemetery driveways; my reply was that you won’t be able to kill the dead. 😝 it was actually a very good place, with little traffic and lots of space to practice backing up. Excellent chapter with loads of excitement @Littlelovestories. For his age, Tyler is very smart and I still say he is a bad ass young man!

Likewise, @BerryRedBearand @Wayne Gray, my two cents says...the lack of a program to diagnose Lee leaves a lot open to cause and affect, addiction or abuser; did the drug use come as a symptom of dulling the devaluation of self and prostitution or was the prostitution supporting the drugs? We know that Lee’s story has even more history that would be part of his evolution, but his informal diagnosis for downfall was believed to have been his environment; hence Joseph putting him in an out of town and removed environment. Given Lee’s quick and non-medicated withdraw and recovery from mild dependency, and then his subsequent rapid improvements in self worth, pride, and budding ethics, it would support that the “informal program” of the refuge was successful. However, this is not a controlled environment, though Lee might have argued that. It is non-institutional, and only lightly monitored by informal observations, of a promise he could stay if clean and non-threatening to the other resident campers. Ironically, many of the formal programs being in high demand, and with little resources to waste, would be every bit as unforgiving as witnessed here, as the breakdown in “will or commitment” would mean less likely to succeed; therefore, next applicant, as the previous applicant violated the rules or pledge. Also, the converse argument of giving Avery the benefit of any doubts is somewhat supported here, in that his history is longer, more known, doesn’t involve drug abuse and his present disposition would support that he is in a better, more happy place than one would expect of someone in a spiraling rebellion or of resignation. In his naivety, and youthful excitement to show and gain affections, Avery gave Lee the encouragement to break his informal agreement; Lee’s sheltered and underdeveloped social skills left him unbridled...both are guilty, both will suffer their guilt, but when cooler heads prevail I believe the team (including the fosters) will huddle and support these boys. Hopefully, the paths will correct before any setbacks or harm comes to either.

The elaborate process had never been tried on a human, but with the donor cells, the stimuli, and the biomechanic process unleashed, I would soon know whether I would become whole again. Soon I writhed with pain, it felt as if my entire body was ripped and stretched and sown together again, to only have another wave of the same agonizing pain tear at me again. Garjah was so gracious to be a donor as I believe he felt totally responsible for my unfortunate interaction with the invasive species. His species is compatible with human geno and has excellent regeneration capabilities. As I regained consciousness I wondered why I felt so terribly exhausted and whether I would survive this process. I was lead to believe this would be a slow process and I would be uncomfortable, but not lost from my thoughts. Timok was approaching my side as Garjah was demanding to know how this had happened, how it could be. Timok appeared excited, as much as the alien had ever expressed joy? Confused by this mix of Garjah’s concern and Timok’s excitement, I tried raising my arm to see the progress but found myself unable. Garjah cautioned me to take it easy as you’ve been unconscious for days as the process had been too painful for a conscious human. He demanded Timok unstrap me. Once again I tried to raise my arms as I wanted to see the progress and to compare the hands...wait, four of them! Four was my hallucination before rejoining my unconscious dreams again. Never underestimate what @cia may discover of alien life!

Doris has the power to resist Fergus, which is beyond understanding according to Fergus; as to why or how she is blessed is yet to be seen. Yet understanding her blessing may not be as important as the fact that she remains a wealth of wolf history, tradition, and understanding of the powers granted by mother moon; she may have the power to enable beyond anything Fergus could possibly imagine. Beyond enabling, her alliance with Jimmy may be even more significant as she may be the only one truly capable of healing Jimmy from the terrible guilt he carries from his small and less formal family pack; where mom was seen as the pack leader. Jimmy may still need the kindly guidance and support of a pack matriarch to complete his journey into his full wolf powers; remembering his admission that his mom had not completed his training as he was too young, now Doris seems to be exactly that type of matriarch figure he needs to find himself and his blessing.

Mangy mutts or not, the Alpha has sometime terribly wrong going on; Doris is a champion to call him out for his misguided and abusive Alpha behavior. His coverup of Irwin’s death, the rogue problem, then admitting he had Jimmy put Irwin down weeks earlier. This is the same Jimmy that Fergus had just blamed for the rogues, for trying to create a pack within their territory; the highly dangerous wolf that Fergus would not hunt, but would send his Betas to bring in. Fergus didn’t police his own behaviors and that of his staff. He didn’t try to end the rogue problem as an Alpha, or to lead the pack to solve a pack problem. Instead he sourced his problem to an outsider and hid the problems within the pack territory. After denying the shocked and grieving widow some understanding after weeks long loss and coverup, he had to further his lies and dominance with the brutal gutting of a grieving Beta’s widow in the mist of having his remaining Betas returned as one fatality and one critically wounded; in a unknown war declared by a stay behind, irrational, undisciplined, true-blood Alpha. Doris may indeed be the key to the solution of the packs’ problem. Ironic that by delaying Jimmy’s petition he left Jimmy outside of the Alpha’s Domination Howl, as Jimmy has no sworn allegiance to Fergus or pack. Doris can likewise resist Fergus and may disregard the archaic rules against turning a human even when the desire of the human is there.

Goodness, think I’m probably flushed after that workout; the training was intense too! 😊 So Tyren can see the mark that Kalian now carries, so Talon must know that others can; what is the purpose, to ward against Verseckt? Or to Mark as protected by Verseckt? Or is it just a personal mark and protection? This has gotten complicated as carrying the mark of Talon within the Royal Palace and school of magic is not a discrete item, especially as a betrothed lord. Not only has the gift of magic given Kalian more value to others, but as the spine gets stronger, and the nads grow larger, Kalian is coming into his courage and sense of self worth. His determination and independence are now becoming a source of focus for his strength, passion, and magic. While the evil forces are at play, the growing list of allies seem to indicate Kalian is finding acceptance even if some remain skeptical. Maybe with the growing allies and indications of concern, Talon may join or contribute in training. It’s refreshing to see Talon becoming more open with the brothers; especially Kalian of course. Talon’s trust in Kalian and his more honest brotherly bond growing with Eon, has great value as a team as they see mounting concerns of Malicious Mallex and his intent. What a great and exciting chapter of suspense, action and romance @Demiurge, I’m so captivated with the story and characters you’ve created here; please keep it going and thanks again for sharing your passion.

Yup, but once he found his stones one must remember he can cut boulders like a laser beam; so cutting jewels would be so simple, especially the family type! 😃 Ole Lex could be dropping more than an arm while raising the octaves...from across the courtyard too! Zap, oh, ouch

Kim was a fool to invite Giada and Trevor to the reception; but seeing as she has chosen them as friends, her sanity is in question already. There is no question as to Giada and Trevor’s sanity as they have proven beyond a doubt that they are totally insane. Brice was foolish to announce his presence, but to then announce his plans to expose a person already discussing murder is inviting one’s own murder; unfortunately the invite was rapidly accepted by the evil witch. The irony is that Kim is now in the very hands of the same evil witch she has been helping and enabling with her scheming. Sergio is being naive and continues to be manipulated by Kim, who is being manipulated by Giada, who nearly had her son killed and personally kills her husband, all while she is being played by... hmmm 🤔. Eric’s life has perhaps gotten even more complicated now as Brice had already concluded that Laurel and Eric had been terribly mistreated. I doubt with the huge ramifications of Giada’s greed and the state of her affairs left Brice feeling anything less than urgency in taken care of his own affairs. Brice’s status in being shot and laying in blood could be staged, but the location of the event and her urgency to clean up would require a few inside sources within the house. But that could definitely draw the last straws of opportunity for Travis to see more clearly. Too many possibilities and not enough info to assume any clear victors yet. It’s most suspenseful here @vanalas but the snares seem to be set for the hungry prey.

So, Yakob is the main monk, the man. No wonder that he would be so critical of his trust in Stefan; his student gone awry. Yet the aged Yakob is still learning, even as a teacher, he has learned we are always learning; only through humbleness do we truly rise to our highest awareness and achievements. Now, the urge to bring Vinnie to the ancient temple...a temple that has attracted several Shadow Mages already, where the high monk has previously taught a promising young mage, does this hold some mysterious significance to Vinsy and his teacher? It could be more than mere desire, but rather a pull of historical significance to the shadow world. But what’s with all this anger Vinsy has? And just what heights will this booster pack bracelet propel Vinsy? But should there be a binding spell, perhaps lost in transition and history, that keeps the pairing true until released to the newly gifted? The acceptance by the bracelet to allow other than the Mage that stored the energy to use it is a bit concerning; Vinsy, make it yours, and only yours, until properly gifted or claimed by other than force or persuasion. Vinsy continues to reach more people and have everlasting impacts. Dirks a believer, and probably forever a disciple of respect to others until measured as undeserving. Ironic that grumpy bear has marshmallow filling buried within the tough outer facade. The next month will surely bring some exciting new dynamics to the rural Wolf Pack. Hmmm, what will Vinsy learn from the emails, as the big ole Alpa realizes it is not his knowledge that will reveal the secrets of the shadow world villain. The wise but giggling Panda is giddy with love for the reserved Wolf. Hold on as this Panda seems to have a need for speed; or at least his Kaplan. Kaplan doesn’t need to sleep on it, but he prefers to. 😝 @astone2292, dig deep within your magical soul...and give us another update soon! 😆

The solitude of the isolation is depressing enough for humans, but the lack of normal lighting and air exchange can add to the changes in health and depression too. Though the captors have been more considerate with his diet than most history would support, it is still far from the variety and nutrition needed for long periods. The factors working against Simba’s mental and physical health are adding up to spell trouble. Nathan needs a break quickly to avoid significant long term mental trauma for our adventurer.

Hmmm 🤔, Eric has been in a long term game plan of revenge against the ones that have taken so much from him. It’s no secret the most important person in his life has been forever his mother. Giada manipulated Brice, Eric, and even Laurel to extract maximum pain and destruction of Laurel. But even Brice has made it clear he is beyond the manipulations that Giada continues at the expense of all reason. Giada has made plenty of enemies so it is no wonder that as her ship appears to be talking on water, few are willing to help her bail. The insistence of the contract, and that it must be Giada’s choice whether to sign, speaks to the fact that this is indeed a plan with an inside knowledge of Giada’s situation, the reports Eric had of Giada’s company, the effort to ensure it is proceeding via Giada’s own greed, and the terminating phone call where Eric was asking if an unidentified “he” was ready to proceed, all seem to point towards Eric implementing his plan. The absence of Brice except to return for a last ditch effort to connect and rescue Travis, and now for Laurel to return more organized than an a mere excited mom but with the entire family; including a step dad with the voice of a deep volcano and a love for his step son and his mother, both hurt immensely at the hands of Giada. This plan to make the family safe seems to be elaborate family and friends coordinated effort that may go back to the very beginning of Giada’s appearance in Brice’s life.

Oh the words of Anna, and Bill, as interrupted by a naive teen, "Avery, it sounds like Lee likes you. When people feel that way, they want the other person to like and be impressed by them." So Avery naturally wants to impress Lee just as much. The innocence and invincibility of youth would see little harm in following the march of the youthful herd that can attest that everyone does it; much as the generations before have too gained experience from those same errors in judgement. Hopefully these two will survive the experience and the mutual benefits of their relationship may be recognized before more damage is inflicted in the wake of the poor choices leading to this event. I suspect when calmer heads retrace the events then the team will give a good tug on the rudder to correct the course of this impending shipwreck. @Wayne Gray, another great chapter of real life challenges to life, community, and society; no day is perfect, nor first reactions remain final. Thanks for the reminders in stories where we reflect.

@Demiurge, your story telling gives us much substance; even though the postings may be short they are very rewarding and have much to reflect upon. I like the scene lengths as the cadence of your story telling matches the logical flow of character interactions, contributions and significant daily events. So the short answer made long, I love the updates as you presently post them. The lengths match your style for theme and settings. The story lacks for nothing in each exciting chapter whether action, romance, suspense or mystery, you always bring it in a quick but powerful punch; then we visit the story again before the wait breaks the excitement found in continuity. Please continue as you have, as you have masterfully found your niche.

This chapter needs several emojis, so sad is Talon’s family history, anger for the parties that so callously strip people and families of their loved ones for greed of power and control. Happy that the boys are bonding on a more personal level, and loving that they are building a more intimate familiarity; beyond the linked intimacy that is. It’s most curious that Talon’s protector was of the light and a keen alchemist...hmmm.

Oh my, the coven of witches Giada and Kim will convene their war council; Sergio and Eric may both be at risk as the line has been crossed. This may lead to a new line of designer body armor! 😝

Dang, Tyler’s a bad ass! Yup, I think @weinerdognailed it with the crazy move into the gangster gauntlet but then again he’s too upset to fear it and yet he’s pissed enough to still do damage; and he’s a smaller target too! 😝 As @chris191070called it, unexpectedly Tyler runs towards the heat; apparently reverse psychology doesn’t work so predictably on heart broken teens, in high pressure, critical thinking, survival situations! Not the smartest move there Zeker! But as Zeke and Tyler have gotten closer, this situation also makes me wonder if after the initial barrage of Zeke’s hateful words continued, that Tyler then realized how Zeke really did want to protect him as more than just a duty obligation, he cares; he had armed him, hugged him tight, and had given him a kiss as an affectionate familiar. Zeke’s actions along with Tyler having his family murdered recently, and him hunted, could drive Tyler into a protective and vengeful rage against these people who dare to steal is remaining family from him. This is a very suspenseful, action packed thriller of a chapter @Littlelovestories, but really...using a emotional teenager running into a gunslinging gangster gauntlet as the perfect time to pause for a cliffhanger??? Argh 😡 please post again soon...pretty please?

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Oh my, the angry emoji is with some frustration that Taran doesn’t see what he’s doing to himself, and to Ronnie. But even more so that the challenges to the syndicate seem to be as ever evasive as before; and now Taran’s mother is missing at a especially vulnerable time for Taran. This targeting of the syndicate has become most personal for Taran. This is when Taran, and Ronnie too, needed the understanding and support that mom was indicating would be forthcoming when she returned. Now, the family strains will either detract Taran from addressing his rift with his dad or things could become emotionally explosive and possibly jeopardize the mission. So....an angry emoji explained, within respect to characters and actions, not the author! 😝

Oh Taran, too many questions without answers; then you shy away from the opportunity to solve a major question that desperately needs an answer. Taran isn’t safe to be operationally assigned until more is understood about his episode. Ronnie grows more concerned while mounting frustration argues for him to force the issue with Taran. Otherwise, Ronnie is going to be trapped between too many lies. The disappearing relics and the disappearances of the syndicate members seems to be more than likely connected, all the while, more burden to solve this issue is falling to the junior members; will Taran fine the courage to solve his problems so the true challenge to the syndicate will get his full focus? Another great chapter, with mounting suspense and mystery here with @BKWildenberg! Thanks for sharing your passion and tale!

Hmmm 🤔, ironic that Jimmy has not been brought into the pack as his original commission was to rid the pack of rogue wolves; the twist of this event is that now the commission becomes an obligation to protect the knowledge of the wolves as a society, let alone a pack. So in that since, Fergus is larger than the pack..as a wanted rogue.

It’s no wonder that the emotional haze adds to Kalian’s lack of focus; a simple match or a high powered laser guillotine? Talon is still veiled but is becoming more trusting and open with Kalian despite guarding his thoughts. Perhaps he really feels that Kalian is needing to gain emotion independence, and only space (link solitude) will help him find his own thoughts and determination to that independence. Likewise, imagine the linked-in; confused, insecure, and innocent, but sometimes lustful, thoughts ricocheting about his peaceful solitude like a pinball machine in the middle of a church. Talon needs time to adjust to this also noisy link, but as guarded as he is, I imagine he still monitors the emotional grenades Kalian lobs about. Talon also seems to be accepting Eon’s pleas for forgiveness and may even be opening the door to the old friendship; either way those two recognize the vulnerable position they are all in within the capital and royal court, especially with the whereabouts of Malicious Mallex unknown. While I believe Talon is as curious of Tyren as Tyren is of Talon, I believe Talon foresees the need to work with Kalian as a bonded team; perhaps it is a pull to bring balance and harmony to the powers...or maybe Talon foresees this bonded power as a guarantee to school acceptance and presence requested contrary to Lex’s wishes. Many suspenseful possibilities @Demiurge, those of the relationships; romance, friendship, power, and magic.

Wow, a very aggressive and invasive predator. Lucky for Essell that Garjah is strong and fast, and that he cares, as the aggressiveness of the sindranth was surely a threat to life quickly following that of the loss of limb had the rescue been delayed. Even Bouncer could sense the danger to his...adopted parent. This is a short read but definitely not short of action and suspense in this unforgiving alien environment. Now, the host speak of talented scientists and superior technologies, will the already two-handed and handicapped human get help to replace the minimalistic opposing hand? A new and improved exosuit? I’m loving the intergalactic and extraterrestrial drama you’ve got going here @Cia!

Hate you for this chapter? Absolutely not, @Demiurge! We now have these emotional dances occurring in the same room on the same day; earlier they took months and couldn’t even attest to bing in the same city! Hahaha 😝 We’re working closer together and much quicker now! One perhaps too afraid of being hidden away in the shadows, ironically seeking daylight, and the other reluctant to step entirely into the light, preferring to remain in the shadows; yet both, seeking each other. Eon, is handling things well, knowing the pain both Kalian and Talon have endured. He seems to recognize that they are growing even though the path has a few briar patches. More importantly is that he now fully understands the purity of Kalian that he would save Eon when he believed Eon hated him. The school is building Kalian a foundation of knowledge and strength but also embedded within this training is a developing, stronger will, with a building determination to focus his energy when the moment arrives; it does appear to be a very well structured program, especially for our very late royal bloomer.