MacGreg

Spilling outta the bag is right, tim. There's no retreating now. Thanks for the comment, my friend. Cheers - Mac

Hi Jeff, thanks for your comment on this chapter. There are certainly more challenges approaching, but Ben and Travis have created a bond that might be able to weather the storm. That remains to be seen, of course. Thank you for following along! Cheers - Mac

Thanks, Val. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Yes, their bond is growing, and Ben has the ability to make Travis feel less agitated, which speaks volumes about their relationship, considering Travis has been an island unto himself for a long time. Hopefully, upcoming events won't break the bond. Thanks for always being such a huge supporter of this story. Your consistent encouragement is really appreciated. Cheers - Mac

Patience, dear Def. All will be revealed eventually. A bond has formed between these two that will not be easily broken, as you pointed out with Ben's calming touch and Travis' announcement that he has no desire to share Ben. Thanks as always for stopping by to read and comment. I really appreciate your support of this story. Cheers - Mac

Hey droughtquake, thanks so much for sharing all of your comments with me. Hollywood certainly has come a long way with being more accepting, however this story takes place over a decade ago, so, yes, there is still acceptance, but there might also be some backlash. Well, at least that's what Ben fears. His fears may or may not prove to be unfounded. He'll be finding that out sooner than later now. Cheers - Mac

Thanks for the vote of confidence on Ben's behalf, Tim. You're right, now that he's been outed to his parents, the rest should get easier, right? However, we know he's a celebrity at the top of his game right now, so the pressure to be perfect for Hollywood might bring about another set of challenges that he'll have to navigate through. I admit I enjoy the vision of him showing up on TV wearing Travis' clothes, too. Thanks for your comments, as always. Cheers - Mac

I agree with some of the other readers (maybe most of them!) that the tension lingering in the air is maddening, but that is all a part of what makes this story so great. You continue to lead us along on this wonderful journey of fantasy/realism, love/angst all rolled up together. Although I want Tobyn to FIGURE IT OUT sooner than later, I have faith that you will take us where we need to go in your timing and with your writer's finesse, and I will be patient for that. Personally, I just love that they can't sleep apart. Above all else to me, that speaks volumes to me. Onto the next! Cheers - Mac

Uhh, we're SO CLOSE to finding out what the conversation with Tilly was about... and then you end the chapter. You're very good at that, my friend, leaving us hanging - and I do appreciate it (even though it can be maddening ). “I think I’d rather be hurting with you, than without you," is what Tobyn said to Kellar. Once more, I thought it should have been punctuated with a long kiss on the mouth... but, hey, that's just my little fantasy. You're the writer here, Gary. The pack has gone 9 years without a living newborn?? Yikes! No wonder everyone's in a panic, and no wonder Tobyn feels such intense duty to try to make things right. It's commendable... I just hope he doesn't lose true love in the meantime.

The push and the pull, the push and the pull... Those are the steps of the dance they are repeatedly doing. Tobyn wants to keep a safe distance, but then he says stuff like, "You're a very special guy, Kellar Haylan." He might as well have kissed him, too. And Tobyn's skepticism about the positive aspects of being with an earth mate gives Kellar no comfort. They both feel that it's their duty to not be together, yet they're both miserable already at the thought of going without. Maybe it is best that they have some space for a while, Tobyn in particular. I know that he feels pressure to be the hero who will save the pack, but at what price? He doesn't even know yet if his efforts will work. In the end, he may find himself unhappy regardless. I'm a skeptic, too... but I'm still a hopeless romantic at heart. I'm hoping for the best here - not just for Tobyn and Kellar, but for all of the shifters who seem to be losing their history and their breed. Maybe silver is the key ingredient here!

Miss Sybil!! What a perfect character to introduce, especially at this point of the story, when Kellar is feeling so confused and deflated. Her appearance in the story arc gives not only Kellar, but us readers as well, insight into the shifter legacy. Already, I feel better informed (although more questions have arisen as a result!) Also, I feel ever more convinced that Kellar and Tobyn are mates meant to be together. I just hope Tobyn can reconcile that within himself soon. Kellar's already ready to enfold him into his arms and into his life - all Tobyn has to do is decide that he wants it, too. Until then, Kellar will linger in the shadows trying to heal his wounded heart (which, even being the great magical healer, he won't be able to accomplish). I'm hoping for a miracle with the mating and procreating dilemmas. Thanks for another great one, Gary. Cheers - Mac

I agree with Spikey that, in this chapter, Morningstar seemed to have a religious culty thing going on that instantly made me feel uncomfortable. However, I acknowledge that Morningstar is not a group of people living on a compound being brainwashed by a cult leader somewhere in the woods - this group contains shifters, therefore the premise is completely different. Maintaining privacy and being set apart from the rest of the human population is necessary for their survival. Not to mention the need to contain, diagnosis, and heal the malaise. When Kellar first informed Elinor that he knew of a shifter mechanic, I thought he might be volunteering himself, which would have been cute, although we know that he doesn't want to hang around too long. Let the adventures continue!

This longer chapter was deeply satisfying, Gary. I was completely captivated by the urgency of Adelin's plight and the length of time Kellar spent on healing her. Your writing allowed me to feel the cancer disintegrating from Adelin's body and Kellar's exhaustion and determination during the process as though I was Kellar myself. Then when he requested that Tobyn assist by offering his own healing touch to Kellar, I felt a lump of emotion in my throat. These two are the true mates, I don't care what anyone else says. If that experience didn't bring them considerable degrees closer, I don't know what will. But, then, you're the brilliant author who will take us where we need to go. Kellar has a lot of strength, and not just with his healer abilities. He's brave and calm and solid, even if he doubts himself. I'm really starting to love him. Thanks for this story.

I feel for Kellar's agitation and disappointment as he realizes that a love connection between him and Tobyn is not going to be instant - and probably never at all, at this point. Kellar is trying to sort out his feelings for Tobyn, but he must also come to terms with the reality of the situation: Tobyn has set a course for his life which involves saving the pack, and growing the pack, which means fathering some pups, and right now, he's very determined to see it through. But it's obvious that he has interest in Kellar, even if he can't (or won't) sort that part out yet. It will be interesting to see how the attraction between them unfolds, and who will cave in first to express interest in the other. And how the rest of the pack (most importantly, Tilly) will react to it. I foresee a bumpy road ahead, but I also foresee positive outcomes with Kellar's healing powers on the pack. Another great chapter, Gary. You have crafted this sooo well. Cheers - Mac

A very stark poem, full of pain and pleasure, disappointment and lust, anger and longing, and a myriad of other feelings that rise up in a scenario that is sensual but also grating. You've done an excellent job depicting a very lonely yet fulfilling moment. I like how you give various references to the human body throughout, illustrating that the "massage" is a focus on the body, yet it clearly also toys with the mind. Favorite line: Your hands can even make corpses happy, like Osiris.

A hand on the small of his back, a whiskered cheek against his skin, a pair of lips pressed to his temple, a voice crooning, "Wake up, handsome..." These were the comforting sensations that Ben awoke to as Travis stood over him, rousing him from his listless slumber with a gentle nudge. For once, the man hadn't dressed and exited the bunkhouse, leaving his counterpart to awaken at his own leisure. Rather, he'd dressed and lingered inside, prompting Ben to join him as though they were partner

Beautiful imagery. I love the first verse describing the snowflakes drifting in the wind, melting in a warm hand. Comparing human emotions to elements found in nature is a favorite of mine. I agree with Parker: the person you wrote it for is very lucky.

The root cause of the malaise will be interesting to find out. If it's not contagious, is it something in the water? Water is life. Maybe in this case, like the lead poisoning in Flint, there is something bad contaminating it. Or, it's something specific to the pack. We shall see! You weave, you weave, in the most brilliant way. I admire your writing style, Gary. And now we're going to meet Tilly! Should be interesting. But I'm sure Kellar is up for the task. Despite his nervousness, he seems to be a solid character, able to stand his ground. And, most importantly, I'm sure he'll be able to help the pack with his healing touch. I just hope that he and Tobyn don't have to face too many obstacles in their blossoming friendship (like a frowning Tilly in the windshield, to start with).

There is a slow intrigue forming between these two. I can see that it will continue to grow with each chapter, and I can't wait to continue following their friendship-with-potentially-more connection that you've woven together. The pace you've set for the story and for the relationship between Tobyn and Kellar is smooth and captivating. And, of course, the writing is superb. There are no lulls to this story, just a sweet, even pace that keeps my attention and prompts me to keep reading. I can't wait to meet the rest of Tobyn's pack and to learn more about Kellar's gifts as he attempts to heal the malaise. You've created a shifter story that is unlike any other. It feels authentic, even real. Another great chapter, my friend! Cheers - Mac

Vicious words Jarring my mind Piercing my gullet Wrapping a choke-hold of repression around me Like a scratchy wool scarf yanked around my neck Like a thick blanket wrenched around my head You stand there with your hands on your hips, your head cocked to one side, That familiar glint of cruelty in your intimidating blue eyes. You don’t know the influence you have over me. Or maybe you fucking do... I attempt to focus my attention elsewhere On the potted jade plant, On the tatte

I'm not sure that Katy will be forgetting about Eric any time soon, just as Travis won't, but you're right, it's good that the truth has come out. Now they can - hopefully - start to heal and move forward on a healthier path. As for the bathroom dream, I think we all wanted to rip Travis a new one while simultaneously feeling sorry for him. Thanks for your review, Lisa, it's always appreciated! Cheers - Mac

Your timing is fine, Lisa. Thanks for your comments on this chapter. I wanted to give the ranch-life some spotlight, especially with Ben just discovering it, so that we could see it through his eyes. Eric's reappearance is a little surprising, but it's forced truths to be exposed, which can be healing in the long-run. Thanks again. Cheers - Mac

As disappointing as it was, this ending made sense, and you presented it very well, as you always do. Ryan's little grins made me wonder if he was going to come out and tell Erik some encouraging news, but in the end, he didn't. And that's OK. My hope for them is that at some point, Ryan will invite Erik up to Canada, or he'll return to New York for a visit and seek him out. I'm not typically a writer of HEA's, so I don't need an HEA to appreciate a really good story, which you provided to us with this one. Thank you for that. Cheers - Mac

The sun is swirling and hot against my face. I long to swat it away like a bug, like a mosquito, but all I can do is situate my sunglasses tighter against my eyes and pull the brim of my cap down a notch further on my forehead. For being the first Saturday in April, the weather is hot and bright, not a single cloud puffing in the sky, and I’m clearly wearing too much clothing: dark blue jeans, long-sleeve madras shirt, oxblood leather Docs. I wasn’t anticipating summer when I left my apartment.

Hi Graeme, thanks for such an in-depth review. As always, your insights are valued. Your interpretation of the dream is definitely part of what was going on there: the "deadness" inside Travis that Ben might have a chance at reviving. As for Katy, Travis did not go into lurid detail about Boston, only a broad overview. But still, it won't be easy for her to digest, regardless. Thanks again - Mac

You may be right in your theories, Def. There were several underlying themes going on throughout this chapter that will be revisited. Thanks for the great review. Cheers - Mac