Puppilull

More clues to what is going on. Fran is powerful beyond her years. Hope she doesn't find the trance scary, because that will give them the upper hand.

Claws in leg... Happy memories of my own cats. They always knew how to hit the absolute worst part. Good to see the kits playing, even after what they've been through.

I can only agree with the rest. Very surprising.

Captain has a plan! Better to keep moving than feel bad for letting Kohen get drugged like that. Captain must be kicking himself mentally.

I really enjoy seeing Prism grow before our eyes. I hope he gets to see Grim soon...

I feel for all three of Luca, Eamon and Adrian. Seems like Adrian isn't into sharing, and neither is Eamon. So a choice must be made. But what a choice! I'm curious if Ysabel will get the demon under control at all from now on? Or is she lost to the world as semi-sane?

For me, if you leave playful and head into heavy, then it's too much. At least in a restaurant. In a park or similar, I'd be ok with more. And I think I would say the same regardless of couple composition.

Happy to report I received the newsletter today. So perhaps a one time bug? At least for me.

I had an instant idea (slightly borrowed from the movie Sliding doors ;) ), so getting them together wasn't very difficult. I did notice, however, that I was having trouble keeping the stories aligned. While I was writing the second one, the characters morfed and I suddenly realized I had to tweak the first one in certain ways. So the characters continued to evolve, even in such short chapters. I wasn't expecting that to happen even if I do have a tendency to change names and such while writing... It would be fun if the challenge came back again, since I think too many other challenges happened at the same time. A repeat this fall perhaps?

“Sorry about last night, babe. See you at home tonight.” Ethan stared at his phone and sighed. Last night had been one of their worst yet. So many harsh and hurtful words spoken, their aim to hit the sore spots they both knew so well after three years together. Looking back, Ethan could hardly remember what set them off. Probably the usual, his out of control jealousy that had flared in the last six months. He knew it wasn’t fair to Darren, but he hadn’t been able to shake the feeling someth

“Sorry about last night, babe. See you at home tonight.” Ethan stared at his phone and sighed. Last night had been one of their worst yet. So many harsh and hurtful words spoken, their aim to hit the sore spots they both knew so well after three years together. Looking back, Ethan could hardly remember what set them off. Probably the usual, his out of control jealousy that had flared in the last six months. He knew it wasn’t fair to Darren, but he hadn’t been able to shake the feeling someth

It can be hard to shake the feeling that something isn't right in your relationship and jealousy can make your head spin all sorts of tales. But what is actually the truth?

His bond with Everett is protecting them both. That is sweet. And good to hear. Though I doubt Kohen will take it to heart just yet.

I saw this too today and thought of posting it. You beat me to it!

Living your lives like strangers with one party keeping a very big part of his true self from the other is bound for disaster. I can't understand why he would even marry? What a thing to do to another person, catholic or not. Now they've wasted so many years making each other miserable. Ryan would have benefitted from having parents who aren't at constant war...

I can just add I didn't get any newsletter either. Checked the various tips in here, but nothing. I'll keep a look out for next week!

This story is turning into something very complex. I need to make charts to keep track of everything...

I wish you all the best on this fantastic adventure you're embarking on! It is hard work sometimes (the first 8 weeks are a complete haze with no planning possible whatsoever, so just float along...) but one thing I always tell new parents to be: I've never had more fun in my entire life. I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't laughed out loud at something my kids did.

I can see how Mick wants all his guys to meet the family, but it could take some getting used to for the rest of them. Nice to see him connect with his sister and mother. They must've been so worried.

As scary as it sounds, Kohen could be right. What a terrible fate to be ordered to kill the captain... When he's so close to finding a glimpse of happiness.

That's more like it! Having something real to think about and perhaps live for. Breaking the monotony and gloom. Eric sees possibilities now instead if only obstacles. Good for him!

What a terrible surprise... I can understand preferring it to be drugs. As difficult as those can be, it's more of a controllable thing. Or so it seems.

Hmm... Caring for a loved one and feeling like you're failing. That could totally be like juggling an elephant.

Scary! Spur of the moment, going too far. Darren has left traces, online, on the phone and in real life. He won't get far...

I am relieved you all saw this story for what it was. My dear editor, @Timothy M. warned me I would be roasted. Instead, you have realized just how difficult it can be in a situation like this. Stuart on the outside, not knowing what to do or being able to break through the defensive walls. Cyril, who has no concept of what love is anymore. Or does he? I set out to write the frustrating reality in too many cases, where all you want to do is shout at the person to get out and get help. You all tagged along for the journey without feeling the need to chew me up. Thank you for that! I can confess to thinking about a follow up for the Fall Anthology. We'll see what hatches in that brain of mine. Being a bystander must be hell, not able to do anything but wait and offer support. Life is complicated and sometimes we make choices that are hard to understand for others. Cyril has his reasons. It is distressing, but much too common. Difficult to not feel guilty, even if your mind tells you it's not your fault. The emotional side of you takes over... Always tricky for a DA to bring a case to court unless the plaintiff is on board. But maybe being believed by someone from the police can break the vicious cycle. I hope so too. Stuart is sort of thrust in the middle of this and has no experience. It must be very frustrating for him. When your mind has been twisted for too long, you start to believe it's the truth. I imagine it's a tough cycle to break. They are stuck in this together. I can't decide whether or not I agree with the notion of Fred loving Cyril or if I'm more inclined to see it as possession, but I see your point. Love isn't always upliting and right. In his own mind, I'm sure Fred considers his feeling towards Cyril as love. I wanted to highlight the observer's pain in this one. Stuart is on the outside trying to make sense of this ugly lovestory and he has no clue what to do. Well, if things come together I think I'll revisit for the Fall Antho. I think I would be in the same position as Stuart if I ever found myself in a similar situation. It's very difficult to break through the walls and change someone who's been brainwashed for a long time. Also, those moments of peace in an abusive relationship can create hope that things will change. Hope that makes you linger and cling to a dangerous situation. One of my favourite songs, despite or perhaps due to the subkect matter. Very fitting. Some songs just shouldn't be chosen as a tribute or celebration. One of my favourite song fails was a woman dedicating "Because of you" to her family when she sang in a talent show. I guess she meant they supported her singing and helped her get to where she was, but it could just as easily have been a F U to them. They lyrics of that song is not very sweet... Statistics are disheartening and there's a risk Cyril will end up being one. Stuart has a lot to think about, but he doesn't know what to do.