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There's a lot to this chapter. The most gruesome part is that Natham's father not only drugged Natham, but had him murder Velaku's father. Then when Natham's father is informed that Nathan and Velaku have kissed/bonded at school, he imprisons, tortures and starves his own son. This leaves a lot of questions that Mishtar spoke of clearly. I know that Natham is a true mate to Velaku, and this accounts for how Velaku can handle Natham's role in the murder of his father. I do worry how Natham will feel and react. He is very protective of Velaku and will probably have guilt to deal with. I hope they both can deal with this without damaging their bond.

Your reasoning is perfectly understandable. I wouldn't worry about catering to readers' wishes, especially if they go counter to the series. However, count me in when Susie and her She-Wolves get their own series. I am content with their frequent appearances as Best Supporting Characters.

I was surprised at the battle where Natham saved Velaku's life. Also at the power Velaku displayed over Natham to calm Nathan in the hospital. Clear signs that they are meant to be mates. Velaku has a great deal of rage to deal with. Nathan has a great deal of pain and torture to process. If they are mates as I expect, they will begin to rapidly mature. With that happening they will hopefully begin to help each other heal. BTW, I also like the dialogue that is natural and fits the emotions and situation in which the characters find themselves.

If allowed by Cia, I can see Velaku and Natham as mates. It is unfortunate that Natham or someone in his family have something to do with the murder of Velaku's father. That might explain Natham's quick disappearance after being discovered talking to Velaku. I wonder if Natham is the lynx that Mishtar is dragging into Velaku's home.

Hot and Sticky, also.

As you continue to build this world, there are some unique elements not seen in other shifter stories. The first I noticed was that the shifters in this universe seem more united as a group and not completely splintered into competing species. The second difference is the fact that at least in this area, humans are aware of those who can shift to different animals. I like both these unique aspects. I does, however, feel that this is going to be a source of trouble in the future. I find the building of this universe most interesting and intriguing.

I am quickly hooked on this story by your quickly evolving plot and interesting setting so easy to envision. Velaku is an interesting character, and I think as I learn more about him I will grow attached to him. Very good start to this story.

This will be a treat to read Benny and Yuril's story. I have a lot of sympathy for Benny and want things to go better for him and his mate.

I have been following your stories for several months now, but just found this series of stories after a mention by @astone2292 in the Writer's' World blog. I am looking forward to reading the entire series now.

Grumpy, You did a outstanding job of answering my questions with some brilliant insights to how you think about and create the characters and the universe in which they exist. Having read your stories recently, I am sure I know when that bump occurred and want you to know I had to fight the urge to use the angry face reaction on some of the comments. I didn't because I only use that reaction for a chapter's evil character doing something horrendous and not comments. (Think Bridget in Circumnavigation.) But I was sorely tempted, but didn't. The chapter involved must have been very difficult for you to write, but I appreciate the hurt and pain you experienced. Chapters like this are a necessary evil that make the story more relevant and real. Your description of how you are able to write cohesive chapters and books reminds me of how JKR organized her writing of the HP series. This strategy is quite a bit different than many of the authors I have read, but works so well for you in this series. Your answer about MC shows a great deal of respect and trust in your readers. Many of the authors I have read talk about how the characters determine what they want and who they become. I like your different approach and the characters you choose. I have a few in mind, no make that many of your characters, that I would like to know more about. Susie is on the top of that list. That lady and the She-Wolves are special to me. Finally, Arctic Roots is my favorite tale. It is like written jazz song with all the many rhythms, complex chords and free flowing melody. You did give me one surprise, and that was your explanation of Lenny and the homage you gave to "Of Mice and Men". I hadn't caught that when I read that part, but when you mentioned that in your explanation it hit me hard. It was a beautiful homage and helped me understand both Axel and Lenny on a new level. Again, Thanks for your stories and these answers to my questions. Terry

Thanks for answering my questions Aaron! I enjoyed reading your answers. I especially liked this part. I believe these authors would appreciate your comment. I have read Timber Pack Chronicles and Running with the Pack and believe you have achieved your goals. Cia is a great author, but I didn't know about Carthera Tales and will start to read them next! Thank you for your wonderful response to my questions. Terry

Thanks for taking the time to answer kbois. You and Mrsgnomie have the most engaged and interesting readers on GA. At times it feels like a Paris Salon from a century agon, but online. Terry

I said I am reading three authors in this genre, so now it is time to pick on @kbois. Your readers are sometimes so closely to your empathic characters that it borders on fanatic. How do you do that? The comments generated by your stories are abundant and range from playful to thoughtful and analytic. How do you handle these comments? How important is it for an author to respond to these comments?

Since I am currently reading three different authors writing shifter books, I also want to ask another question. This time it is for @Grumpy Bear. I love the Werebears in America stories. These stories are cohesive and flow easily from story to story. What advice do you have that would explain how you achieve this? The second question is about your characters. All the stories are set in the same universe and have many of the same characters. The MCs are different in each story. What's the criteria for selecting a new MC from all the characters already introduced before? Finally, Arctic Roots was amazing read featuring several sub-genres. How difficult was it to create with all those genres in play at the same time?

I like the new format for this blog. It is much easier to use. Thanks Aaron. My questions are for you, @astone2292. What influences led you to write you great shifter stories like Cernunnos and the In the Shadows series? How far along are you with the Cernunnos sequel? In the Shadows series, there is a long plot arc that I assume started as an outline. How much deviation from that outline occurs as your write the individual stories? If there is deviation, what are the sources of these changes?

Hey Albert!

The witching hour is here, and I'm off to bed. Have a lovely day all! Good night.

All things are now back to normal.

Gunnar has the right idea about how to treat the captured bears. Show them a better life and keep them safe until Colt can be stopped. Not surprised that even more bears that Colt thinks he controls are missing. They are probably some of the smarter ones of the group. Colt is going to be very surprised entering the tiger's home to find not only the tigers, but also a whole lot of battle experienced bears. Leaving us with a cliffhanger? Who has arrived first at Shivay's home, Colt or Gunnar's group? Will they even get introduced before the battle begins? Great build up to the main event!

True that @drpaladin! I made the same comment today on chapter 7. Between @kbois and @Mrsgnomie the comment count for GA will be astronomical this summer.

Hey Bucket. I'll package some heat up and ship it right away. Since Thailand is a bit smaller that Australia, it might not heat things up as much as you might wish. Hope it helps a degree or two. Maybe this will help you appreciate the cooler temps until the heat arrives.

I am going on silent running until I get to the new chapters I haven't read before. After this chapter, I know I definitely remember a lot of what happens next, so no comments to leave spoilers for future fans of the story. I hate it when that happens and will not risk doing that to others. Good reading all. I will leave reactions, however.

Hi Albert! Sorry, I just couldn't resist this gif. The others were beautiful, but this one was just too funny considering your problem neighbors. To apologize, here's a better sunrise wake up, just for you and Steve.

Sean and Seth are interesting characters, and not as unthinking soldiers as the Bishop might want them to be. It is Beck that is the real mystery. He reports to the Bishop, but considers the enhanced humans as his children. We need more insights to make any judgement on whose side the Janissaries are on. Tom and Danny seem to be working with some great professionals and are making progress.

A new player is added, Jeff. His old friend, Marion, has contacted him about his old connection to the New Kids. I am very suspicious, since the Bishop's Janissaries, Seth and Sean are the contacts. Does this mean there are rebels in the Janissaries or Seth and Sean are out to enlist Jeff into the Janissaries. It was the religious freaks that killed his parents. Were those freaks members of the Universal Church? It just doesn't smell right. It looks like a huge collection of enhanced humans are now part of the fleet. I am happy that Dr. May likes mysteries and wants to help them solve this mystery. Had to laugh when she told them she would keep quiet, because it would be rude to not keep the information to herself.