travlbug

Merely a promising author? Kbois, in my book, you're already a "signature" author, if not a "classic." The ceremony to induct the pack's newest members is beautifully done. I love the surprise of finding that the entire pack has transformed into Wolves, and their howling reminded me of my induction into the cub scouts. (Kbois, you don't by chance have a cub scout or two in your family? 🤔) I love Elena's take on going to Montana: "The thought of quitting and losing her newfound independence was more upsetting than discovering the existence of the supernatural world. She’d taken that in stride." Ah, trust a teen to know what's important. The shapeshifter's out of the bag! Yes, Elijah withheld a vital part of himself from Mama and Papi, but he did so at his parents behest; and they even told Tyler not to say anything. (Mama will have to be content with a cuff to the back of their heads! Actually, Mama and Papi should be proud that their son has held Elijah's trust perfectly. ) "Tyler’s heart hammered as Austin closed the distance, and their lips met for the first time. It was sheer heaven." Apparently, Tyler is coming round to the "wolfie" side! I have a feeling that the whistle won't get used if they decide to go a little farther…. Why would Huntington stage his own death? He's not fooling anyone, and as @drpaladin points out, he loses monetary control of his estate. Further he can't appear in public, and he loses the safety net of his public reputation. That said, the withdrawal of Brioc's protection may be enough to warrant his decision to hide. 😠 Cassiel has proven instrumental in removing Huntington's fae protection, but he could have told this to Elijah by phone. I believe his true objective in appearing at Sebastian's meeting is to introduce Enya and make her a part of the future solution. So how is it that Enya never caught Trevor in a lie? Simple: he always told her the truth…. (Think smarmy lawyers and politicians.) I can see how Enya's input will be critical if our heroes ever have the chance to question Huntington.

Sorry, @weinerdog, we just can't win.

"Elijah pulled up a picture of Kasar Huntington on his phone. “Was this him?” Kaya nodded." I rest my case.

At first, I thought that Kaya's kidnapping was meant to lure T & E back to California, but obviously, Huntington had something else in mind. The goal of the kidnapping is still unclear, but the note may have just been window dressing. One thing the kidnapping proves is that Sebastian takes care of his own, with no expenses spared. (I also wondered if Huntington predicted that Sebastian would head to California, or if he were trying to get Sebastian away from Montana, but nothing happens as a result of these movements.) Of course Kaya is nonchalant about the shifter world: she's a kid and takes it in stride. (I seriously doubt that Huntington kidnaps her merely to reveal the existence of shifters). I'm proud of the rest of Tyler's family for adapting so rapidly–to the point of abandoning their home at a moment's notice to cross the country to live with Wolves. After that, did we really think they'd reject the twins? (Mama's greatest regret in life will be meeting Austin and Ashton without a plate of cookies….) OK, Huntington, you want back what was stolen, we'll give them to you; but the dicks, balls, and tongues made such a pretty necklace!

Why hasn't Kaya been scanned for a subdermal tracker? The only reason I can think of for Huntington to release Kaya so quickly–just a few hours– is that her kidnapping had already accomplished its goal. Since Kaya had been rendered unconscious, she wouldn't recall if a procedure had been performed. Also, why would Huntington perform the kidnapping personally, considering all his minions available to do it? First, if you want the job done right, you do it yourself. Second, he doesn't want anyone else to know what actually transpired during Kaya's ordeal. Just thinking aloud....

"Those damn kids are gonna make a fortune this trip." OK, Ritch, that'll be a dollar! I've never understood sunbathing: a tan is evidence for damaged DNA–a protective mechanism–and is nothing to be proud of. Hmmm. A cell phone with three numbers. And this is a good thing? 😱 I don't care if a reporter has an ax to grind, as long as the facts are present and the article is headed as an opinion piece. Otherwise, the reporter in question is due for remedial journalism classes. (Actually, how many reporters these days even hold a Journalism degree?) Interesting conversation between CJ and his family (lots of fingers in lots of pies). At least, CJ et al tend to do the right things for the right reasons. Yay for dolphins–proof that everyone loves you if you smile (no matter what you're really thinking…). "Of course, once the twins start school, I foresee language issues." That's why a foreign language is so helpful!

Kbois, did you ever think that one of your stories would depend on molecular biology? "You damn well know I'm not going all science-y technical with a solution to the hybrids, right?" So there is a solution!

One step forward, two steps back.... Note that, technically, none of the hybrids belong to Huntington, as he had already sold them to others. Note that the kidnapping letter, purported to be from Huntington, does not have a date by which Kaya would be killed. (Why fail to pressure our heroes? Someone is trying to manipulate them but apparently without real intent to kill the sister.) Note the timing of Kaya's kidnapping: The hybrids aren't being watched. Rather T &E have been watched. Further, with the kidnapping occurring after the twins are liberated, one has to ask who could have informed on them who wasn't around for the operations involving Neall and Cameron. (I did not mention Caleb, even though he already has a history as a turncoat....) Note the difference in approach between the scientists and Austin regarding the hybrid state! For the scientists to be right, the hybrid state is the only state available--i.e., the full human and full wolf forms have actually been destroyed/deleted from the DNA of the hybrids. However, for Austin to be right, the genes to allow for the full shift have been forced into dormancy and merely need to be reactivated--or replaced by gene therapy if fully destroyed. (No one said it would be easy.... )

While not meaning to defend Nina, I can see where a man barging into her kitchen and insulting her food (at least, as she interprets events) would not be taken kindly and could evoke a snide response. The question is whether CJ could have passed on his concerns--perhaps through Kim or Wyatt--without seeking a direct confrontation (or perhaps reserving a confrontation for a failure to get his point across). At least, this way, the spit in his food will be gourmet. What a wonderful, crazy family! If day one is any indication, the cruise should be a ball!

"Ashton and Austin responded best to Tyler’s music no matter what they tried." Rock stars always get the glory! (Sorry, Elijah, you should have learned an instrument! ) "Members of Giles’ pack showed up periodically, nonchalantly strolling in and shifting without warning." One wolf's normal is another man's nightmare! (Actually, while I understand the need to re-acclimatize the twins to "werewolf normal," showing other Wolves shifting–what they cannot do for themselves–could also be construed as inadvertently cruel. "Sebastian thought it best [that the parents] didn’t see their boys in a cage." This is why he's paid the big bucks…. For the first time, the twins reach out to touch their mates. Neither Elijah nor Tyler balk at the touch, and what could have been disaster becomes a tender moment. (Sigh. ) “Zev, back off,” Ben reprimanded. “Caleb has every right to take care of himself however he sees fit, even if we disagree." I take exception to this statement: Caleb is clearly depressed, and depressed people do not necessarily address their issues–can even commit suicide–so when is it acceptable for our heroes to intervene, short of a suicide attempt? Basically, Caleb is allowing his depression to impact on his health, his functioning, and his interpersonal relationships; so as far as I'm concerned, his friends have every right to intervene immediately. The twins' reunion with Mom and Dad is poignant–Ashton mistakes it for a dream early on–but their Q and A (with tablets) emphasizes the milestones they've missed. As Ashton drifts off to sleep for the night (with Elijah by his side), he encapsulates his position in a nutshell: "He had to face so much, but it could wait until tomorrow. Tonight he was where he belonged." Superb chapter! Kbois, you've raised the bar!

In the classifieds: "Wanted. Hero to fight evil against impossible odds. (Elemental shape shifting a plus...)." Actually, Kage was raised from childhood for his position; and I'm sure that, at any given time, Cassiel is raising other potential agents in different locations. (That said, he may also recruit specific individuals who have already proven themselves. [He's sending Elijah a brochure.... ])

I love that this chapter's POV has switched to Tyler. While Tyler may be afraid of the mate bond, I don't see him running away. In fact, he's willingly played guitar for hours to sooth the twins (he's doing what he can to help them). He may not realize it, but he's already made the decision to stick around and see what happens. I don't think Elijah should enter the cage transformed as a wolf: If either twin touches him, he'll lose the transformation. Thus, the true werewolves will have to enter the cage instead. That said, at some point, I wonder if T or E will wander too close to the cage and be grabbed through the bars by the appropriate twin: while I personally think that the twin would be gentle, a lot may ride on our boys' reaction, as fear and escape behavior could be interpreted by a hybridized twin as rejection. Huntington has to be aware by now that his empire is being attacked, and I wonder when and how he might strike back. While Sebastian has been strangely silent on this issue, I'll bet he has other teams engaged in neutralizing the Huntington threat. I wonder if Kage gives Trevor brain cancer to induce, not just pain, but psychological manifestations: e.g., I can imagine Trevor thinking himself in hell. ("Why this is hell, nor am I out of it.") @weinerdog raises an excellent question: "...Does Eli being a shape shifter complicate any mating process? Is there a precedence for that?" I would think that the werewolf DNA would simply add to Elijah's diversity/abilities, but he might lose his general shapeshifting abilities if the wolf is more powerful and overwhelms his more general gift. (Would E be prepared to accept this loss?) As to the mating ritual itself--since it does not necessarily turn one into a werewolf, and as touch forces Elijah to remain human, I'm certain that the bond itself would be accepted by Elijah's body without issue (his own shifter DNA would be suppressed/prevented from responding). I'm sure I read about this problem once in the werewolf's handbook.

Caleb is clearly depressed, and depressed people lack motivation. On that basis, expecting Caleb to provide a "grand gesture" in his present state is unreasonable. So what would it take to "cure" him–to make him a participant in life again? My guess is a new mate! (We need to know his cookie preferences…. )

See, "cookie compatibility" is a real thing, correctly predicting the right mate for both Elijah and Tyler! "I felt drawn to one of them," Tyler replied. "I wanted to do anything I could to protect him." Sadly, however, we never find out if Austin smells like a snickerdoodle. (Kbois does reveal that Elijah perceives Ashton as smelling of vanilla and "something woodsy.") Serenading the new mates is a lovely idea and allows E and T to spend time with them while still separated by iron bars. "He has teeth, Elijah. Two, big, sharp, wolf teeth! Do you want your dick in a mouth with fangs like that?" Yes, Tyler sounds ridiculous, but I think his statement is meant to embody his fears/ concerns at having acquired a mate (and not just any mate, but a crippled shifter) rather than representing a literal fear. If Kage were a Guardian, and if Elijah has been gifted with at least one of his talents, then what does that make him? (It wouldn't surprise me if Cassiel attempts to recruit Elijah–whether in this story or the next.)

Liebe is a fascinating character: Her interests are broad for a seven year old, and I love how she'll dive into a subject--like Chinese language--if it strikes her fancy. I also love that Liebe specifically asks for squid in ink sauce: woe betide the "chef" who serves her burgers and fries! However, I think that giving Liebe credit for teaching the twins to share is going overboard, as many twins act as if their possessions are owned jointly. (My mother and aunt--identical twins--would even share dates! ) School board stupidity is an excellent reason (amongst others) for parents to stay involved in their kids' education. That said, the Florida Department of O̶b̶f̶u̶s̶c̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ Education has clearly gone too far.

Tyler and Elijah should have brought cookies! "Hello, police? I'm a construction worker, and this guy Corbin just had us construct an apartment out of iron bars hidden in a barn. I'm concerned about his motives…. What do you mean, 'ignore it.' Yes, I know it's Texas…." I agree with @weinerdog: feral werewolves don't watch TV…. They probably don't keep themselves clean either. Also, if they're usually docile, why think them feral after a single episode of acting out? The chapter fails to give us any meaningful description of the twins, other than as "two dark heads." All we really know is that their transformation is complete enough that they are incapable of speech. That said, Kbois then goes on, to explain in the comments, about how minimal their transformation turns out to be. However, if that's the case, why can't they speak? At the very least, they should be able to write, so why haven't they communicated better with Corbin over the last two years? Of course the twins are T and E's mates. The big question is what to do as the next step, especially as the tranquilizers were probably premature. (I wouldn't be surprised if the boys decide to enter the cage to be with their mates as they wake up, though perhaps with backup from the pack.) Now, if the twin's transformation is truly that minimal, perhaps Reilly's patented mating cure will also work for them....

Alternatively, the physical changes may be worse, as the hybridization technique may not have been perfected that early in its creation (the twins may literally have been experimental subjects, and the technique used on them may be different than that used on later pups). Regardless, I wonder if the early attempts at hybridization may be less stable than the final version of the technique and--as such--more easily reversed.... 🤞

Cookie love! (A future mate can clearly be predicted by Cookie Compatibility.) Obviously, Tyler and Austin are snickerdoodle sweethearts, whereas Elijah and Ashton are bonded by peanut butter! "I’m happy that you’ve chosen my boys to focus on, but at the same time, I’m terrified." Becca's observation strikes me as so realistic that its utterance gave me goosebumps. Hahaha!--a "Kage warmer." Kage can tell Elijah literally when the trail is warmer or colder. Uh oh! If someone killed Marvin (Martin?) to acquire the twins (or if they were acquired as a side effect of his death), then the twins are now in the hands of a murderer. Or perhaps, Taylor found the twins by accident while investigating his neighbor's death and has become a benign caretaker for them (not knowing what else to do for them). The possibilities are endless, but the query on how to treat an injured wolf is a good sign. (In fact, when the boys come calling at Corbin's ranch, they should bring cookies…. )

Nothing like travel to broaden the mind (first-hand experience is almost always better than a written/pictorial account)! The kids will remember the trip forever, and you never know what future inspiration may arise from it. (I need to revisit Spain: the last time I was there, Franco was still in power, and my strongest recollections are the soldiers--and guns--on various street corners. Time to make better memories....)

Devlin says that he intends to leave the ship (but then doesn't--grrr); and while Marc may be annoyed at his actions, he doesn't try to force Devlin to stay. (In fact, what has Marc done over all these weeks to forward a relationship with Devlin? That said, it's not at all clear that Devlin even likes him: when Devlin says, "I'm not sure, I like Marc very much," the comma is likely standing in for the word that. Otherwise, the phrase "I'm not sure" doesn't even make sense in this context.) I agree with @weinerdog and @drsawzall that the Captain should have refused to risk the yacht and its passengers by entering a dangerous channel (the job isn't worth it). He doesn't even try to change his employer's mind, and it takes Devlin to point out their jeopardy. (However, I have to admit that the scene is exciting!)

From what I've read, the scent of a fated mate seems to be a reflection of what the lover finds enticing: no one else can smell a thing! Thus, even if Tyler and Elijah are destined for the twins (or vice versa), and even if Tyler smells snickerdoodles, Elijah might smell something completely different--whatever smells most enticing to him. From this standpoint, inherited genetics are irrelevant.

A likely story....

Almost forgot to mention: A birthday party is the perfect event to impart a sense of normalcy. Beginning the chapter with a rescued Pup's birthday also provides a sense of success and hope for the future. Great opening!

At the Laramees, Tyler smells vanilla and cinnamon, which is a little unusual, considering that Buffalo Chicken Pasta is actually what's cooking. Hmmm. (Of course, Tyler's fated mate would smell like a snickerdoodle. That said, eight years is a long time for a smell to linger.) Love the Pride flag wolfies, and I agree that mirror-image twins evoke the flavor of Spirit Wolves. (My mother and her sister are mirror-image twins, and my aunt and I are the only lefties in the family! [She's always mistaken for my actual mom! ])

Security is a tough, thankless job. Kudos to those who keep us safe. Devlin, you have my head whirling: At first, you don't want anything to do with Marc and the Blue Seas; but now, you can see the yacht as home? What's changed?