travlbug

Daniel feels such sadness and pain that he loses complete control over his emotions. Summoning Michael to comfort Daniel is a start, but the teacher/administrators are caught between a rock and a hard place: They have already determined that they can't leave Daniel in either his mother or stepfather's care. Legally, they have no choice but to call Child Protection Services, and I can't see them certifying Liz as an emergency foster parent. The chapter ends with Daniel's whole future up in the air (I really hate cliffhangers!). Maybe Mr. Griffiths will consider accepting the role of foster parent, as he clearly cares for Daniel; and as much as Daniel loves Michael, he still needs love and support from a caring adult.

Rory is hoping to find out what happens when a werewolf and human mate for life, but he certainly did not expect Topher and Matt to stumble upon a whole settlement full of both werewolves and humans! Are they all descendants of the McReives, or has the settlement acted like a beacon to attract other mixed couples from surrounding packs? Regardless, werewolf-human matings are no longer a footnote in pack history: They are real--undeniable--and too numerous for the Council to ignore. Johan says, "The Morgan Lore [is] coming to life": So what does he know that we don't, and how will it help Rory and Milan?

I'm painfully curious about the boys' tormentor. What could the boys have done in their relatively short lives to goad someone into terrorizing them preparatory to killing them? Is the unknown perpetrator trying to exact revenge? Acting out an insane obsession? Creating a smokescreen so that, if someone else in the household is killed, it will seem accidental? While the boys will be at the party, so will Mommy Dearest, and considering her scintillating personality, I presume that she has enemies of her own who would be happy about a little accident befalling her. Or considering that the terrorism is an inside job, could Mommy Dearest be the perp? (She seems to be crazy enough, and I can easily see her thinking that, if she can't have/control the twins, then no one will.) Oh, what a tangled web.... Can't wait to see what happens at the party!

Ew. I really don't want to know!

Being a Pete sounds like great fun. (Santa's helpers are confined to the Noth Pole, and the reindeer get out more than they do!) Maarten may not be the most beautiful boy in the world, but Vincent sees that he has a caring heart. For Vincent, that may be more than enough. 😊

Seth, Asher, Freck, and Kyle: I love these guys! More, please. (I'm making puppy eyes to cajole you into writing!)

Lovely chapter: It demonstrates that the survivors are evolving into a community. It also serves as a low-key introduction to Trenton, who is clearly a responsible person (as his mother trusts him as a caregiver for his sister). I love the segue from Trenton to Ryan's musings regarding making early judgments, as we are likely to see more of the characters under duress and learn what they're truly made of as the story unfolds. As for me, the chapter comes across, not as filler, but as a "pacer" chapter, lulling us with calm before the storm. And I can feel that the storm is approaching....

I can imagine the synthgar jumping from one to the other like an acrobat (or a flea ) to keep from being squished by the strenuous sex! (Just follow the bouncing ball.... 😂) Or maybe it sits on Kohen or Everett's head for a front-seat view. Or--as it houses both their essences--maybe it's an active participant (no, not as a gerbil. Jeesh). There may even be a synthgar Kama Sutra (a best seller, to be sure) on Everett's home world! (In the background, I can hear the Captain and Tennille singing 🎵 "Synthgar Love" 🎶....)

Chris may not show his emotions so much in words, but he uproots his entire life to be with Josh. What more needs to be said? I'm glad that the family finally understands that Josh is not a built-in caretaker and has his own life. I have seen similar situations that haven't worked out as well.

The Dark Child...one final detail.... While Lord Maynor's interference has resulted in Rhys' "exile" and the memory modification of numerous people, Woowara, a full-blooded First Australian, seems immune, with full memory of what has really occurred. (This chapter feels like an episode from the Twilight Zone! I don't like the Elves very much right now.) Woowara realizes that something is very, very wrong, and I am relieved that he has contacted his uncle, presumably to discuss the situation and find a remedy. As an aside, why would the Elvin king refer to Woowara--a First Australian--as a "dark child?" Woowara had better act fast, as he is clearly the "final detail," and may face serious consequences if the Elves act first.

Wonderful to see the mayor assist Rogelio with his rights issues instead of ignoring them: While I was glad to see Rogelio stand up for his beliefs, he may never have received his measure of justice excepting for the intervention of a man from an older generation, and this (his example) is how the baton gets passed.

Sort of like lancing a boil....

In a way, I'm surprised that savvy Jenn hasn't figured out Noah and Jordan's relationship already, but I think that she's somewhat blinded by her hurt. In any event, the sooner the guys come clean with her, the better. (The present situation is unhealthy, and if she finds out about their relationship by accident....)

Yes! Jordan handled the situation well. He broke up with Jenn as the first step (but I think he should have told her why, as she would have had a better understanding of the situation and could see that she was not to blame. As Jordan told Noah that he would publish his gayness to the world, it was certainly not meant to remain a secret). The second step--baring his soul to Noah and agreeing to go public--is just what Noah needed to hear. As to how Jenn will react to Jordan and Noah as a couple: I think that she will come around fairly quickly, as she really wants what's best for Noah, and seeing them work well as a couple would seal the deal for her. Great chapter!

Actually, it's a good thing that Jordan heard about his girlfriend's infidelity directly from her. If John had broached the subject first, Jordan may not have believed him or may have tried to rationalize what he saw; but this way, John confirms Kate's two-timing behavior and makes Jordan realize that Kate confessed only because she was caught red handed. (Maybe he'll be ready for a different kind of relationship in the near future! 😊)

Also, Josh has now been photographed by the paparazzi, and a woman actually asked him, "who are you?" Someone, somewhere, is likely to identify him, so what will this mean for him personally? Further, while Jane won't tell, word is likely to reach Gavin, and how will he react? (Clint had Josh meet Gavin under false pretences: Even though Josh is not technically responsible for the deception, how will it affect their newfound friendship when Gavin learns the truth? How might Gavin's career be affected if he's linked to a gay sex performer? [What was Clint thinking when he created this mess?]) More, please!

"There was still something about him...." Kohen's subconscious is trying to tell him something about Danie, and I have a feeling that his insight, if he figures it out, will prove to be important.

I love the interactions between Josh and Jane, as well as those between Josh and Gavin. Despite her scowls, growls, and huffs, Jane turns out to be efficient and likeable; and Gavin exhibits some vulnerability. He seems to be lonely and in need of a friend (Clint's perception appears spot on), and even after Josh's accident, the door seems open to a possible romance. And what's going on with Xander? Can't wait for the next chapter!

Joshua hit his head on concrete and lost consciousness. While he might have fainted at the sight of his own blood, a concussion--or even an intracranial bleed--cannot be excluded. Clint and Gavin (not to mention the bodyguards, who should have been schooled in basic emergency medical scenarios) should have insisted that Josh accompany them to the hospital for an ER visit and brain CT. (In fact, he should have been screened before being allowed to fly.) At least, he's going to Taylor's, where he can be observed: If he develops dizziness, severe headache, sleepiness, or any specific neurological signs, I'm certain that Taylor will make sure he winds up in the ER, no matter how much he protests! (Taylor takes better care of Josh than Josh!)

Cell phones should have cruise mode as well as airplane mode. (No upsetting phone calls while on vacation!) Funny how an ugly refrigerator magnet can become a treasured gift if given by the right person. 😊 And the clock keeps ticking towards the end of the cruise with no solution (for staying together) in sight.

I loved it when Josh commissioned cruise staff to hide Chris' cell phone! Excellent strategy. Kudos to the author for his ability to create a sense of urgency regarding Chris and Josh's relationship. It may have just begun, but the clock is ticking: If they can't find a solution to their geographic dilemma in the next few days, then their chance at happiness together may be lost!

I love Chris' purposeful obtuseness and deflection--very British--and it makes his ultimate surrender to his emotions so much sweeter. In fact, after his surrender, he leads the charge! That said, Chris and Josh are still from separate worlds. They've finally come together, but can they make a relationship work?

Ok, Carter, so Alex may have had a crappy childhood. You're right, it doesn't excuse his being an oinker, but you're also right that Aron is the best thing in his life. That you're conflicted about taking Aron away from him shows that you're a good person. That said, be bad for once and turn him into bacon! (He’ll be much more loveable as bacon. Trust me.) 🐽🐽🐽 Simon, you're sweet, albeit a little kinky. You're also an airhead, but hopefully, the Socratic method has helped clarify that you may no longer be in love with Alex. (Socrates would be proud, but he's not dating anymore.) Find a nice master who'll propose with a rhinestone collar, and you'll be much happier. Carter, I love your thoughts about questioning Simon: “The end justifies the means. Tell that to your immortal soul while it ends up deep frying in Satan’s wok.” And the devil does Chinese…. Alex, aren't you sneaky! You're already dressed to impress with a Speedo, and you force Carter to remove his shirt. As a supermodel, you probably think that Aron will compare Carter’s bod to yours and find it wanting. Surprise! Aron likes what he sees. Now, what are you going to do? Kiss Carter on the lips? But isn't that what the Godfather does before he…. Uh oh, Carter, I have a bad feeling about this….

Tyson has finally turned the corner! A part of his mind already wants to live for Vlady's sake. Further, he’s becoming bored, and irritated, with the psych ward, giving him motivation to leave it. He has learned a degree of control over his anger, as evident when Alice riles him: “Fuck you, Alice, Tyson wanted to shout at her, but he chose not to.” While he continues to have suicidal thoughts, he has identified his boredom (giving him time to think), as part of the problem; and Cynthia has anticipated this issue by bringing him novels to read. With Cynthia giving him praise, and with the example of Vlady’s loving family, he's beginning to see what life could be like away from his parents’ toxic environment. Moreover, Cynthia has a roadmap to give him such a life: “How would you feel if you and your parents came to see me for an hour a week? I can mediate, bridge gaps and help you come up with strategies for both repairing the family dynamic and, of course, keeping you safe and comfortable." The stumbling block is Tyson's perception that his parents are unchangeable, but his wish to have Cynthia help Vlady is more powerful, such that he agrees to put his best efforts into his own recovery in exchange for Cynthia's help in Vlady's recovery. The bargain gives Tyson some measure of peace: “...He felt weak and exhausted. But not angry. There was no anger in him at all right now." His recovery has truly begun. 😊

So, if Nisin isn't a wolf, where did the poisonous wolf blood come from? Dolon is missing, so it may have come from him, but an alternative source could be the black wolf who disappeared by the school grounds. That said, how did Kiyo get access to the blood, since he doesn't have the wolves in his lab? There could be another secret lab (in the main Biosense complex or possibly close to the school itself, considering the site of the black wolf's disappearance). However, another explanation could be that the blood is Milan's own and that the corrupted blood is the cause of his CVID. (Of course, this interpretation brings up more questions than it answers!) I love the possibilities!!! Thanks, Sui. Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was fabulous!