Al Norris

I did. He was one of the characters that Michael had on his target list. What I don't get, and I hope someone explains it to me, is how and why was Ethan Tucker was targeted? If Micheal used names, it would have been Ethan Scott. They grabbed a lycan. Scott was human. It was a human that Michael wanted. All the intel they had, did not resolve the above. They had no way of knowing that Aiden and Ethan mated. Was the house far enough out in the boonies that it was one of the 'easy' targets? Still, as a kidnapped subject for sale as a slave, he was too old. Lucy? You have some 'splaining to do! Yes. The attack was inevitable.

I'm surprised! Michael identifies Ethan as human. I can't remember if he ever explicitly named him. Regardless, if they went after Ethan, they would be looking for a human. As for Paul? There is only one sentence for a spy.

Raven, I don't think it is so much as 'avoided' as it is Paul is just not in the same place(s) that the others are... Yeah, I'm posting this as if you haven't read the whole thing.

Yup, all four elements plus the spirit world! Now all that needs to be done is to learn to use them... Before the rogues attack!

"Sling? You have a sling?" Casey rearranges himself. "Yup. And you can be the first to try it on for size!" Ethan winks at Aiden.

My feelings were that the more you use a 'muscle,' the stronger it gets. There's also 'muscle memory' to consider. My thoughts are that the ferals will not be able to remember much. Hope I'm wrong.

Unlike several, Michael's depths of insanity did not surprise me. @WolfM hinted at this several times. Although I have to admit that actually writing it, had to be brutal. As for Ethan's reaction to the mating bite... Let's just say that you had to know there wasn't gonna be some kind of 'normal' reaction to the virus. After all, Ethan is something other than human. Not what I like to read, yet still integral to the story. Edited to say: I forgot to add that it was a nice touch to have Aiden turn into a Lunis with the mating bite. That cemented the other hints that Aiden was an Alpha.

I have to admit that the way these last few chapters have went, I really expected Michael to make a last paragraph appearance... Kinda the cliffie I'm used to! I suppose chapter 22 could start that way... Yes! I kinda love mayhem.

As all writers know, 'You Can Never Screw Up The Plot!'

Hmm, don't fireworks and true-love go hand-in-hand?

I would have stuck with Elemental... Until that Celtic DNA came out.

Up until that moment, Chris never once considered what the consequences of his actions might be. Power hungry people never do. John and Jackie know exactly what would happen to them if one were murdered. It would destroy the other. To be murdered in the fashion that Michael had in store for Ethan may have sent Aiden into berserker mode. I'm betting Michael never considered that!

I'm literally guessing here. Ethan is a Water Elemental. He always was but that aspect was 'sleeping' until certain conditions were met. Like, say, finding your mate?! The clues are all there. His (super)nature awakened when he first met Aiden. The longer he was with Aiden and the more he accepted what he would ultimately become, the more awake that nature became. The more awake, the more powerful it becomes. It also explains the mate bond without the actual mating. Just imagine how powerful he will become when they do mate! I'm also thinking that Aiden will become more powerful, also. Unless I'm misreading things, the clues are there. I don't know if there are death challenges in the world @WolfM is building. I think you are correct. Exiling Michael will not stop him. I think it all has to do with Ethan's dormant abilities not awakening until he met his mate.

The Egyptians get such a bad rap... Still, and all, nice fugue into the mythology of shifters. No doubt, @WolfM. Michael's friends had best wise up. At the rate we see Ethan gaining powers, Michael is already no match for him.

Your first? Man! You simply nailed it. Second best was Ethan floating on the water when the rest of us sink! LOL!!!

Outside of the obvious mystery, that is possibly the most romantic scene I've read in quite some time. In my early fifties, we camped at Lost Creek for a week. Truly a wonderful spot.

This was my conclusion. Aiden's eyes did not glow steadily until after Ethan's eyes glowed. Like most everyone else, I'm asking, What is Ethan?

This chapter did nothing more than make me even more curious...

While I can't comment on whatever may be between Michael and Aiden, there is one thing that stands out. Michael's method of breaking up Ethan and Aiden is to kill Ethan.

At this point in my reading, I'm willing to place money on Michael's interference. When Trevor and Casey were first introduced, my mental picture was of an Alpha with his beta and enforcer. That hasn't changed. Makes me wonder if we are gonna see the development of a new or sub-pack.

Not only male, but Human!!! I'm actually glad that my last comment turned out to be false. This way Aiden can turn Ethan when the time is right.

Just an observation (reading this for the first time), regardless if it is correct or not. I would think that the dreams Ethan is now having is a portent that Ethan is changing. Too bad the Doctor didn't keep the boy a couple of more days.

From the Politician's Standard Dictionary: Facts n. See Truth Truth adj. Lie like hell Um, soaps were better! NOW we're getting there! Um, maybe?

Oh, it is! This was just to show that @astone2292 and @kbois aren't the only cooks around here!

From a story I've written... Gorgonzola Linguine with Braised Chicken Ingredients: Four medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 2 Tbsp of olive oil. 2 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar. 1 pkg (9 oz) linguine 2 cups white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc - I prefer Chardonnay) 1/2 cup of butter 2 cups of heavy cream 1 clove garlic smashed into a paste 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 6 oz Gorgonzola cheese Sauce: Slowly bring 1 cup of wine to a boil and reduce to about half. Add the butter, heating until clarified. Slowly add the heavy cream, bringing it to a slow boil. Again, reducing to about half. During this reduction, add the garlic, salt and nutmeg. When reduced, add the Parmesan, then add the Gorgonzola, crumbling it as you add. Whisk this mixture constantly until the cheeses are melted and combined. Keep sauce in a warmer (140 F). Makes about 2 1/2 cups of sauce. Chicken: Brown your chicken breasts in the olive oil. Remove chicken temporarily. Add 1 cup wine and balsamic vinegar and deglaze the pan. Add the breasts back and cover. Place in oven at 325 F for about an hour. Check temperature. Should read as close to 190 F without going over. Remember, oven temps vary. Therefore time will vary. Pasta: Most Gorgonzola recipes will call for penne as the pasta. My recipe uses linguine for a different approach. The secret to this is to take the linguine and snap it into thirds, when you add it to the boiling water. This keeps the pasta short, as penne is, but adds a subtle difference. Cook the linguine until al dente. Drain in a colander and cool pasta with cold water to cease the cooking. Drain well and sprinkle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil on the pasta and toss (adds a bit of flavor and keeps pasta from sticking). Serve: Place a portion of the pasta on a plate, ladle some of the sauce over the pasta and top it all with the braised chicken. Serves 4. Note: Steamed asparagus spears go well as a side. Drizzle a small amount of the sauce onto the spears.