raven1

Cyrus' tale was so emotionally difficult to read. The lion tribe cruelly set him up for a happy turning, then turned it into torture that has scared not just his body but his life so far. It was so heartbreaking to learn that it alienated his loving parents, and he has not seen them since that time. The Montreal alpha was a real butt, but Remis did a great job of putting him in his place. Kaplan has been hard at work to make this inauguration a perfect event. I hope the apology from Alex helps him feel better and not bring him down. The letter did sound sincere. Beautifully written chapter, especially Cyrus' tale.

This comment really gave me a belly laugh. Ty's gift from the EC's Deep Shadows Delivery Service had me worried at first. I think both Ty and I worried about a certain psycho shadow mage. I also got a chuckle at the thought of a phone conversation from the shadows. Sounds like a 1950's thriller title. Good thing that Cyrus was able to help. The letter and conversation went well, even if it seemed that the EC restricted Ty a bit. I don't see Ty going for the possible new career if he succeeds in the investigation, but that's for future consideration. Cyrus' next step in his relationship with Kaplan was very big, and the planned bonding for next week? Wow that panda is at warp speed...for a panda. I am glad the Kentucky Team are all invited to Cyrus' inauguration. That should be a hoot. Stacy seems to be very excited. I sure would like to know if she is thinking about being turned. Now that Vincent is using calm and not anger to power his magic, his next step will probably be to expand the scale of his magic. I am envious that he will be able to take a world tour, but Tour de France? I can picture him watching each day's start then visiting museums, cathedral and ruins for the day and shadowing to the end of the race to see the day's finishes.

Aloha Bucket! How are things down under today?

Aloha Albert! Sawasdee Khrup 🙏

In his excitement, Vincent seals the family bond by calling Elaine "Mom". It is a very sweet endearing moment. Later, when Vincent prays to Lady Terik I was both pleased by her response and the intended prank. She adds so much vivacity to the story. Remis' little demonstration sure caught the eyes of Stacy and Shaw. They are adapting very well to the group. Cyrus' plot is still a mystery, but Ty's volunteering to take on Stuerm has given him some space to maneuverer and set up his new position in the pack. I am still unsure about Alex and how his character will play out eventually, but consider that his decision to apologise a good start. He may be a good actor and mole for Cyrus' plan, but is he good enough to pull it off successfully without getting killed.

Not surprised that there's a new pack in town. A certain manipulative author efficiently herded his readers in this direction the last few chapters. (Have you been studying with Cyrus or Elaine?} Now to celebrate the new pack with a round for the house. Followed by a private celebration between Vincent and Mace. Hot! Maybe Mace has a fire affinity. Of course Bartlett and Ashford had their own celebration. Following Remis' suggestion Ingles shows Shaw the very thing Terry needs to see. I loved the humour in this serious scene. The meeting between Remis and Mason's folks went very well and demonstrates that Remis will fit perfectly into the group. Another great use of humour in your dialogue. Yakob's invisible appearance to witness Vincent's training and quick success at learning manipulation. Mason tells more about the god's visit to Yakob, and Yakob explains how important Mason is to Vincent's survival.

I had a great laugh at the first encounter between a naked Vincent trying to look imposing on the roof and called out Alpha McCabe. Then McCabe's brief introduction before dashing to "use the jacks." His meeting with Bartlett and Ashford was very friendly considering they are competitors. Dinner with McCabe was interesting. He seems to have all the right ideas, and accepts Bartlett and Ashford's relationship, as well as feeling them as equals. Vincent's reflection on the eccentric Irishman feels very true. I love VinnW's comment on the three of them making a good team. He's one smart pup! Running into Shaw and Ingle provided some interesting discussion. Dave is definitely stuck on Stacy by this point. I also like that Remis got right to the core of Shaw's discomfort and suggested he see a wolf shift. It will probably do the man good. You got my interest piqued wanting to know what advice Cyrus' panda gave to Cyrus.

Starting with the conversation with Yakob was a smooth transfer between chapters. Now Yakob has a better idea of how important it is to kill Stefan. The meeting with Stuerm went peacefully only because Stuerm was smart enough to act friendly and fake a lot of information. I'm glad Vincent was able to not only see thru the deception, but find the second secret delta. Calling on Cyrus was wise, and giving him the information directly to turn over to the EC also intelligent on Cyrus' part.

Lowe's visit was a success and sparked a conversation on having kids. Nice touch, sort of like getting scratched behind the ears. I love Bartlett and Ashford. They would make great neighbours and friends. The sparring match match led to new knowledge of Vincent's shadow power and was confirmed by Yakob's visit. Also interesting was Yakob's request to learn what Vincent knows about the 7 gods. Looking forward to that conversation.

SE Asia, every one of them beats this guy. At least their costumes reflect their cultures. What does this guy represent? A coin or Marvel comics?

Aloha Albert!

Interesting start to the conversation at Ty's apartment after the meeting. The discussion of what kind of kids Morrine and Ty might have was so cute and embarrassing for Ty, but it did get him thinking. I bet he gets roped into sitting for Lowe when Ty lives in Owensville. What a treat that will be to read. Then comes the main event and Wagner is caught in a lie. I can't believe that Ty made this idiot an Enforcer. Dirk and Caleb have Wagner so intellectually outclassed is pitiful. The idiot didn't think it a danger to the pack to leak financial information? Stupid jerk! I don't blame Ty for wanting to take his head off. It sure wouldn't be a waste of brainpower. A headless Wagner couldn't be anymore stupid than he is now. Cyrus was right, and his experiences with the EC will help him weed out corrupt influences in the pack. I can't wait to see how he will deal with Snyder after Snyder slandered both Kaplan and Ty. I could almost hear the growl in his voice when he demanded that Ty protect Kaplan. Back to the fun again as Vincent and Mason take on Lowe the Liger. That kid is kickass funny. I especially liked his "steak things". Vin’s Shady Delivery Service! is great to have when there are children arround. Vincent and Mace will make great dads one day.

I did mean Dirk. That's what I get by trying to stay up late. In case you haven't figured it out, I am half a world away from the states living in Thailand.

Restless night, quick run and a snack, then OMG! Mason and wolf decide it's time to complete the bond. Glad Mason had a great time and wants a repeat performance. Meanwhile, Ty starts the meeting and Cyrus gets an earful. Don't know who the guy on the stage is yet, but Wagner and Snyder are in on it. Should be an interesting discussion between Cyrus and Ty. I wonder what they will find out about the conspirators? Intrigue in New York? Always a way to see a movie or book. Great job Aaron!

Panda really has it bad if he is pushing the relationship this fast. I don't think it has been much more than a month, and they are having sex. I am looking forward to seeing the house that Ty builds. I wonder if it will reflect his city dwelling or be much more laid back to reflect his retirement to the country setting. I had a good laugh at Vincent and Mason confronting Ty about his feelings for Morrine. I can just picture Ty in an apron making sandwiches in the kitchen. I am anxious to witness the interviews with the other Alphas interested in Vincent's land. I think Vincent is being politically correct in inviting Stuerm, but really don't like him after Cyrus revealed Stuerm's secret agents to take care of people he doesn't like. I would be on guard 24/7 if he was a neighbour. McCabe sounds good and is highly recommended by Cyrus, but why the switch in continents? Bartlett and Ashford would make good neighbours and friends. I guess we will see what everyone says when they vote on who Vincent should sell the land to. Stacy and Dave are still making progress, and Stacy seems to be even more adjusted to her new knowledge of the shifter and mage world. I was not surprised by Henry hiring Dave, except by the fact Dave will be partnered with Shaw in the near future.

Boss Nanny strikes again.

Ty is out, Cyrus will make sure Strum is out (hopefully permanently and with a decent replacement) and Vincent doesn't have the time or desire to take on the new pack. I think the town hall meeting might provide some more options at least. There might even be some great Alpha in waiting among that many shifters. Cyrus' panda is racing ahead, way ahead of schedule with Kaplan. I really enjoy how you write the internal dialogue between the human and animal shifters. My favourite is Vincent and Vinnsy. They are a hoot. Next are Cyrus and his panda as they race ahead in conquest of Kaplan, or figure out how to best manage the pack. Next is Mason and Mace who worry, take charge, but are usually stable and integrated in their response. The others also have some very interesting conversations. Great use of dialogue to see the complexity of these characters. ❤️ this story.

Sorry to tell you Clo, but these guys are the McKenzie brothers. They're Canadian.

Know the feeling. Som is at my elbow now and trying to get in my face. She's going on 10, but still acts like a hyperactive kitten.

The EC has their tail in a twirl. Day or two? The total time between the fight and the ambassador arriving was probably less that 3 hours. I was hoping that the outcome would result in Vincent winning and being awarded the unclaimed territory. I see two good options here. First the two packs merge with the addition of another beta and delta. Second, they don't merge and Vincent gets his own beta and delta, while remaining in Owensville. With cell phones and shadow power it will be and easy job. The only difficulty will be the time taken from Vincent to do his job as an Alpha. It would affect his job and training. However, I am sure it will not cause major problems with the support and love of friends and family. EC needs to look once again at revising the laws as a result of this situation, and maybe more situations to come.

This was a real fight to the finish, and I am glad VinnW didn't listen to his human. As much as it hurt to hear them fight, I am relieved that VinnW ended the existence of the rouge Alpha. Things will be much safer. Stacy is a winner. She has the presence of mind to react calmly and think things thru. It does help that Dave and Vincent are friends she has come to trust. She is a strong woman and will be an excellent mate for Dave. Now the idea of turning has been placed in her head, she will contemplate it and logically decide to be turned when she mates with Dave. I hope. I don't know how Mom Elaine knew to go to Mace's house, but certainly glad she is there. I am sure she will help Vincent understand and accept what he has done. Another great fight scene written with great descriptions. I felt I was standing by the truck watching it all.

Sleep well Drew and dream of your mom's enchiladas.

Well once again @Philippe and @drpaladin have left me speechless with nothing left to say....almost. Aaron, this is a great chapter. I like how it shows the interconnected teamwork of Vincent's extended family. Philippe and drpaladin's great analyses and humour were fun to read. I do want it recorded that VinnW gets his way and this Alpha become Alpo. He deserves to die for past crimes, and it will prevent further pain and deaths. Also, it gives Vincent the experience he needs to kill Stefan (Yakob's advice on fighting thru pain applied to death.) and rids the pack of a serious threat to their safety and welfare. After the fight, maybe the EC should award the unclaimed territory to Vincent (and Mace).

Ty and Cyrus do have different management styles, but still make a good team. Wagner had a tough task to complete if he is to regain Vincent's allegiance and re-establish his honour in the pack. Cyrus has an interesting idea about pack political organisation and I hope it works well. It sounds a bit like a Secretary of State type of position. Cyrus is not going to let anyone affect his relationship with Kaplan, and that feels so right. Stacy and Dave certainly had a great day together, before the human hating Alpha wannabe arrived on the scene. I think Dave can easily handle the three thugs, but worry about the more powerful wolf. Is he a real Alpha? Can he go hybrid? Does he have any mage affinities? How will Stacy react to finding out Dave is a powerful shifter? Off to see in the next chapter. I do like this part of catching up to the pack. 😉

Hey Gary! Sawasdee Khrup 🙏