Thirdly

Oh, I remember Caspin's parents were a whole lot pricklier...prickly...pricky? They were kinda pricks. LMAO. Edit: Thought back and I realized that, yeah, the two moms are similar-ish in terms of fretting over their only sons, but Cas's mom has major paranoia (Pip's doesn't) and Pip's dad is definitely more on the foreground and is further grounded than Cas's dad. It was the rest of Caspin's family that were kinda pricks. Translation chips: I can hardly wait, either. Magic semen:

Yes, big time crush. Totally handled it the wrong way. Tsk tsk. Deserves many a spanking.

I think Pip’s parents would disagree. 🤣 Their minds were blown.

Ah yes, Pip and Zane certainly survived. But, there is still one more meet-the-parents event left (Tilly and Jas). Also, that was one of my most favorite scenes of the entire story. When @Rambling Robin asked me to design/create/write Galieth, I was so excited (my very first Sepida!)...I didn't even care that he was a bratty punk of a bully.

Yes, they still rescued Sifta! And the two humans do eventually meet, but not in this first installment of Cuddlefish.

"Not any more, my lord. She is dead." - Whew, thank goodness. So many things went down, Di...it was craziness. “That conniving bitch!” Ronan suddenly kicked one of the chairs half through the room. - Ronan, how I adore you. "No! That is exactly what I want to avoid. I will not destroy Noël‘s life again." - *flips table over* Damn it, Di! Why do you insist on doing things the hard way? I oughta spank you. After Landyn dragged me out of class, he broke every speed limit on the way here. - I love Landyn so much. Too much, even. He's gotta be my favorite character in this series. I mean, to back up Noel when his own boss was being a dick? He has my vote for "best buddy ever." "Forever." - Forever, my ass. They all need a good spanking. Except Kris, we just need to find him someone else.

She's been doing well so far, recovery-wise. Thank you.

I was just talking with Robin the other day about Lexus and Avion’s dad’s first interactions. They were pretty awkward. The man is the total opposite of a social butterfly. Whenever he was home, he stuck to his study, and his idea of spending time with his son involved looking at old maps and reading to each other (it’s where Avi got some of his fascination with history from). Granted, Avi couldn’t really play outside in the daytime without a lot of precautions, regardless...anyway, the “meeting Avi’s dad” moment went something like this (since it’s not going to be shown in the actual story): Avi: Dad, this is Lex. He's my mate! Dominic: ...I see. Lex: I care greatly about your son and promise to protect him. *shakes hands with him* Dominic: Yes, it’s in your best interest to do that. (a silence that stretches forever follows) Jackie: Let's go have some tea and cookies, shall we? (Avi jumps up to help her, leaving Lex alone with Dominic) Lex: So, how long are you going to be in town? Dominic: Two months. (more unending silence follows) Dominic: Avi seems very happy. Lex: Uh, yeah. I intend to make sure he's happy all his life. Dominic: Yes, it’s in your best interest to do that. (Avi and his Jackie come back and they both sigh with relief) Avi: *after Lex left* So, what’d you think of Lex? *bites his lower lip in nervousness* Dominic: *smiles indulgently at his son* If you care this much about him, I have no objections. ::Meanwhile:: Lex: *talking on the phone* …so I haven’t the slightest clue as to what he thinks of me! Tell me honestly, Morgan…is Mr. Arter the type that would murder me when Avi’s not looking? Morgan: *on the other end of the line* Dude, did he actually come out and say that he doesn’t like you? Lex: No, but he didn’t say anything about liking me, either. Morgan: You’re pretty much taking over caring for his son from now on…trust me, the fact that he didn’t say ‘I don’t like you’ is as good as it’s gonna get for now. Lex: … Morgan: Relax, you’ll totally get on his good graces when you and Avion adopt kids of your own. Lex: *groans* It’s not right to use kids as bargaining tools. Morgan: Grandparents spoil grandkids, so it’s a win-win situation on both parties!

I wouldn’t go that far. January’s backstory is like a whole novel inside my head, making him one of my most complex characters ever. Many, many thanks, nonetheless.

I wish her a fast recovery too, thank you. And I’m sure he’s not getting away with what he did behind closed doors. At this stage of their relationship, she knows all of his weaknesses, after all.

She’s been doing well. In general pain, but well. Glad you’ve enjoyed the tale so far.

Agreed.

Yes! The one that has suffered the most is Brittney. However, being his mate for so long, she knows how to deal with him in her own way.

Though it is more than a bit disappointing to him, Lex is a rather collected young adult. He won’t let this be the end of it.

No family’s perfect. But, Lex will still keep an eye on them, even if from a distance,

"We're taking it to court," Morgan huffed. Instead of going home right away, he insisted that we stop by the hospital so that my injuries could be documented. "Ashur's what? 21, nearly 22? He's not getting away with this. I don't care how much money his family donates to MU." "You're right," I nodded. "If I don't press charges, he could do something similar or worse to someone else. Wait, how do you know his family donates to MU?" "Am I the only one that reads the student handbook?" Morg

Oh, then if you haven't read it yet, I highly suggest her story Prophylaxis.

Yes, the thought came to me because I couldn't figure out what world they should be in and just put them in an alternate universe instead. @Rambling Robin and I have another shifter world involving Omegas with 'soulmate' stones, but I didn't want these shifters to have 'soulmates'...come to think of it, considering the fact that they're domestic canines and not wolves, this is a darker little universe in the sense of Betas and Omegas not really having much of a choice when it comes to commands until they're mated to someone. But, I did create this story with Robin in mind to cheer her up during her crazy exams...so, it just turned out that way (she loves angst and smut and angsty smut?).

Felipe Neto and His Sage Advice In the midst of some stressful situations, I came across a stand up comedy by a Brazilian Youtuber, Felipe Neto (though it was thankfully subtitled in English). I sometimes watch stand up comedians because their anecdotes remind me that we all go through some crazy shit in life regardless of our backgrounds. Now, Neto is a goof. Some of jokes were more easily grasped culturally by his fellow Brazilians than others, but I chuckled at most of his deliveries. Then, he veered off into different subjects that he was passionate about and delivered his anecdotes in a TED-talk fashion. I wanted to share some of what he spoke about: There is only one real self-help advice that really changes your life... Uncover what your fears are. Face your damn fears. The fear I'm talking about is the following: Think about who you would like to be... Where you would like to get... Your goal, your dream. That dream that is so deep inside of you that you even avoid commenting about it with others because, only speaking of it, it seems like you are trying to accomplish it and you don't want to fail. THAT dream. Why are the vast majority of people not on the path that leads them to that dream? I guarantee that there was a fear in their path which the person decided not to face and, instead, chose an easier route. Find out what that fear is. Face it. Give your best attempt! Life gives us a way out. Inside each of us is a big red button that only we can press. That's the "Fuck it!" button. And the moment that you face that fear and are defeated by it...press the red "Fuck it" button and try again! If there's one thing I want you to leave with, and take with you for the rest of your lives, it's a question. A question I want you to ask yourself forever. When you lay your head on your pillow, remember me, and this question: "What am I doing to conquer my fears?" -Felipe Neto, from My Life Makes No Sense

Yep. Totally agree.

Yes, indeed. I'm unfortunately in a miserable state and with a busted back, in the process. Last night was a horrendous event I don't ever want to relive where I was pretty much chased out of my own house twice and ended up in my sister's house, where I have been trying to catch up on college assignments and have to also catch up on my day job tomorrow morning by clocking in at 5AM to finish everything that I couldn't finish last night due to a head-splitting migraine that persisted the rest of the evening. Today we had a bit of a family get-together for my parents' anniversary, so at least I had a full meal. If it weren't all so aggravating, I could write a whole novel on just my life alone. 😐 It would be awful read, though.

Avi just instinctively cried out for help and their bond did the rest. Yes, they both certainly will have quite the talk. The dean was of the mind of 'innocent until proven guilty,' especially with the families of the Alphas that provide so much funding to MU.

Oh, I feel that really depends on the person. Nestor stopped. But, then again, he invited help into his life.

We'll learn more about that in the next chapter, too. Lex's side of things.

Yes, such a twisted fellow.