I'd almost forgotten how much I enjoy this chapter. Ritch handled himself well, even if he did end up getting sucker punched. And you've gotta love Brett dressing in navy drag so everyone would know which team he's cheering. Gotta watch out for those Marines who play dumb.
He is short, so that might make him a quarter of what he should be. Yes, I'm going to hell for that one. It sucked his first shift was like that, but the foster dad did end up getting what he had coming.
If you think he has a split personality, think of how I feel with all these characters running around my head. From Running with the Pack, there are lycan shrinks. They worked with some of the ferals.
Lucas might be able to help Brandon understand a few things about himself. Bringing up the reaction the human on the crew had compared to Brandon's foster families. Brandon might realize it isn't the people didn't like him, but simply a predator/pray instinct.
I hope the good part is only beginning, otherwise I have a bunch of chapters waiting to post I need to revise. lol. Lucas really is the big brother he never had.
I think he was going for total victory before this. His wolf was simply a POW. Fortunately he fell in with the right pack or he wouldn't be there to fight the fires.
Noah strained to read the caption on the screen. “The US Embassy in Baghdad is under attack.” He turned towards Brandon. “Isn’t your mate over there?”
******
“I know he’s okay. I know he’s okay.” Brandon frantically paced a short distance from the crew. His exhaustion was overtaken by a rush of adrenalin after seeing the news. He once again picked up his phone and once again found no reception. “Damn it.”
Lucas cautiously approached him, reaching out to grasp his shoulder.
Wi
Another great chapter. The dig sounded fun. You capture the intent of basic quite well. Tear the recruit down so you can rebuild them into what's needed. Ritch continues to impress with how he's growing up.
Part of the life of being married to the military or being a firefighter. While the worry is always there during a deployment, unexpected acts of violence can easily break the focus someone like Brandon needs to keep to fight his own battles. I think eleven or so is the most koalas recovered from one burn area in a single day. That was spread across many crews working the area. Thankfully like EMS teams assisting the front line crews, animal rescue teams were almost always nearby to assist.
For a slow moving animal that can only eat certain leaves from the tree, typically new growth, the fires were disastrous. I have a lot of respect for the shelters and animal hospitals that have and are caring for as many furry friends as possible.
I'm nice? Why the hell didn't I get the memo on that? You're right though about the effect a cliffhanger has on the story. If there wasn't occasionally suspense at the end of a chapter, there wouldn't be much excitement for the next one. The only time I dislike their use is when a writer doesn't continue the story. Now in your case, such as a book on Mexico, you've dropped a few hints about something happening and have masterfully built interest in a future book that many of us look forward to reading when it's finished.
I have a feeling Austin would be more than happy to bend over for a group spanking.
On the bright side, I post a new chapter at least every Monday. While I don't intentionally set out to end a chapter with a cliffhanger, if I can or it happens that way, I'm pleased with it. As Carlos said, it's an important component to a story.
Thank you for supporting the koala hospital, IBEX. ❤️ With an estimated billion animals dead and vast areas unable to provide food, they need a helping hand as the land tries to recover. I've met several people who work the fires during the summer and travel or relax the rest of the year.
It was already hot when Brandon opened his eyes. He looked at his watch and growled. It was only a little after five o’clock in the morning. Grabbing his toiletry bag, he made his way to the latrine and shower trailers. He stopped and gazed across the vineyard. It was a pleasant setting with row after row of grape vines, running until they faded away into the stillness of the brown haze. Movement in the distance caught his attention. As he focused on it, he was surprised to see kangaroos gather
Dughlas summed it up similar to what I had in mind. The production can't happen without the stage crew. No matter what the main actors do, they need the support team or there isn't a show.