Anton_Cloche

Exceptional authors have a way of weaving (and if necessary re-weaving) the threads of their story, often many times, to achieve their final unique creation. In an editor's humble opinion, @Laura S. Fox has proven to be an adept weaver, over and over again. At the very least, she has much more than concepts.

Or, have Mac and Dev learned how to increase their human/ animal 'lean' muscle strength without the need to 'bulk' up and be visually obvious? For example, a female Harpy Eagle is the strongest bird in the world, able to lift 18kg / 39.6 lb - twice its body weight, but not bulky. A mountain lion / cougar can lift up to 135kg / 300lb - twice it's body weight, but again all lean muscle. Even in human body builders, the "all natural" vs "enhanced" ones have shown that in pure "lifting" capability they can lift up to 2.5 times their body weight and mainrain a lean not bulky appearance. Ooh. Thank you @Bill W for another great chapter!

@Laura S. Fox, another wonderful and enticing chapter, that leads to where? In one moment, Theodore is in 'a' past, drawn in by a voice that tells (demands?) that he strike the flint to light the Embercast. When he looks down, he sees he has changed from his grown Alpha of Whiteflame wolf, to a young boy whose small hand holds his dead (?) Father's flint - a sign of His authority. In another, (simultaneous) moment, Jack and Vee, seemingly with their (wolf) paws stuck in mud, see 'a' past taking shape around them, with someone seeing and approaching them. A man who says: “Strangers,” he boomed, “I am Tharion, the alpha of Whiteflame. What brings you here?” Theodore's dead father, his pack and village, come back to life, filled with family and friends? Which past is correct? Can Jack and Vee, meeting a young Theodore at the family dinner table change the future? Restore the missing Whiteflame pack? Or will all three suddenly 'awake', before Theodore strikes the flint that destroys his pack (again?).

@Laura S. Fox, "Two Stupid Dogs" were initially a Hanna-Barbara throwback style of 1993-1995 cartoon (like Ren and Stimpy); "that was deliberately absurd, focused on a large, soft-spoken dog and a small, hyperactive dog". I'm guessing you see the larger (sheepdog?) dog as Vince, and the small hyperactive (dachshund) one as Jack. But in trying to be a 'bigger' wolf than a white pup, has Jack suddenly biting off more than he can chew, truly taking on more than he can handle? I'm rooting for Jack as the small white pup taking on the world. And I believe his grey 'wolf' coat indicates "Vee" as a 'Sentinel'?

"Atsa" some interesting hint you're dropping there Bill. (Bad pun intended 🙄). I do hope you're keeping well Bill, and that you have a Happy Easter (if you celebrate it 🐇). As for any delay, my Mom often reminded impatient children that "Patience is a virtue" and that "Good things come to those who wait." As you might expect, those sayings meant nothing to kids (myself included), and I'm not sure how virtuous I am 🙄. But I will wait, as I'm one of those who asked (bugged) you about Atsa, on occasion. Take care Bill. 🫂

From beneath a barren land, a sprout pushes up through the ground seeking the light, and a chance at rebirth. Seeing such a miracle beyond the veil, Jack, Vince and Theodore walk ... "... the path where stands the wisdom tree. There waits the pack, forgotten yet alive, In twilight’s glow, their unbroken souls revive". 💕💕💕

Pegged it 🤣

So instead of kissing like a cold fish, they would be carping about something else?

Another great chapter Bill. It seems Clint has done a lot of learning and maturing since he first met Mac and Dev. Now he's sharing that "growing up" with his new friend (boyfriend) Daniel. Also interesting was the chat Mac had with Daniel, discovering more about his relationship with Clint and where it might lead, especially with Daniel almost 1 year older than Clint and one grade ahead of him. We see that Mac and Dev have been a very good influence on Clint and now Daniel. Looking forward to the next chapter .

I have to re-read this chapter Tim, because there's a lot to sort through, and out. Does the saying "Good things come in three's" really happen? Does it apply here, for Lonnie, Leo and Ty? The interaction between Lonnie and Leo in the bathroom, is unsettling: 'He appeared dimmer somehow, like he was fading away. ... I sighed. "How long will this go on for, Leo? It feels like, like…" His mouth opened and then closed. "You think I like this? Being stuck here in this death-life? I can feel what you feel. I'm drawn to you because I love you." I closed my eyes and sighed softly. I knew he was in pain. "I'm sorry. I don't know how to help you. What can I do?" "I don't know. I am glad you're happy. I'm jealous, but glad. I know we can't be together… but I don't understand why I'm here." The song says, "Breaking up is hard to do", but it doesn't have to contend with a 'final' break up. This, is why I need to re-read. 🤞

It's a bit of a shame that @Kristacompletes this good story of Elias here, just when a potential new 'act' is hovering (like Elias 👻) right in front of us. An 'Elias, Book 2 - Into the Light'? Or Rhett saying to Asher: 'Frankly, I do give a damn', (Sorry, couldn't resist 😄 ). after hearing from Asher of how he learned the true story of and from Elias. 👻 😢 Ps: Writers often surprise editors (including this one) with a 'Book 2' years later, so you never know ...

Is Leo 'stuck' between being 'here' and moving on, and that's why he keeps showing up when Lonnie least expects it? With Lonnie selling Leo's truck, house and business thete's no place left for Leo to hide from moving on (to wherever). And indeed what about Keve?

Honestly @Mikiesboy I can t believe no one 🤔 has commented yet. This first chapter is more than "a tug at the heartstrings", it like someone reached in with both hands and yanked. (anyone who has endured such loss has felt that). That Lon still feels and has speaks with Leo is not a surprise, it's part of a process. Lonnie visiting the LL coffee stores, (Church 🦏 and dwtn, as an early ☕ is like a 🐓 ), is a good start back into life. Let's see where it leads.... Thanks Tim.

Holy cow, where did that ❤️‍🔥🔥 come from; that no mere 🧯, 👨‍🚒 or 🚒 brigade can hope to extinguish? Surprised Theo's "Alpha of Whiteflame" didn't spontaneously combust. @Laura S. Fox

As you've told us throughout this tale, Pops (Gramps and others), really have been around for ages. The 'Agricultural College' was founded in 1870, some 13 years before Fort Collins was officially founded in Feb. 1883. (although originally founded in 1864 as a 'military camp' called 'Camp Collins'). According to the College history, while they "outgrew" their A&M origins and changed name to CSU in 1957, they retain their "Aggies" nickname in honor of their proud history. @Bill W Your tale has encouraged "digging" ⛏️ to unearth hidden gems of knowledge.

Louella "...holds a fairly important position as City Clerk?” “More like the City Cluck after tonight.” Choke a chicken, or is the sky falling? Seems Pops and Gramps have a long term ownership plan of Dev & Mac's Ft. Collins house: " Now that we were all inside the house, Pops gave us one final piece of advice. “Just store everything in the pantry as you take it off and we’ll take care of those things later, the next time Jacob and I return to the house". Maybe not the last time the "boys" return? Bill for this wonderful .

The 'boys' getting married will be a little easier than a job search for both of their separate Eng. qualifications, however, they need not have to search far to find jobs in their fields. The Fort Collins, Longmont and Boulder CO area is a development hub in Aviation, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Defense and 'Advanced Technologies' ('Manned and 'Unmanned Vehicles' and Systems). Lockheed-Martin alone employs over 10,000, and over two dozen other related firms compete for graduates, with 'incoming' initial compensation packages ranging from the mid-$80's to $115+. 😲 That's assuming Mac and Dev want to stay in Fort Collins, but not necessarily next to Louella da Vile, 'Karen' and wanna be HOA. Maybe it's time for her to move into a 'home' or 'retirement community' down south (God help those seniors). The 'boys' could then anonymously low-ball buy her house as an investment (maybe for financially challenged but deserving students?). Just spitballing. 💡?

Another great chapter @Bill W as Mac👨‍🎓 & Dev👨‍🎓 reach the pinnacle of their education (thus far) with their respective Dual Major Master's degrees. Suprised their Alma Mater chose to not give additional "weight / consideration" for those in "Dual Major" programs, when selecting Salutatorian and Valedictorian. Some universities / colleges have begun to do so after lawsuits were raised (or threat thereof) to "balance the scales". Especially when one considers many companies take achievements (degrees and honours such as those stated) combined with GPA into consideration when hiring. Forbes, Fortune and other business-oriented publications say the combination of those factors alone count highly in determining compensation. Nonetheless, Mac and Dev will succeed in whatever new ventures they undertake; individually and together as husband & husband. 🤵🤵. Bill.

It's hard to chase down bad guys, with a 'on the house' coffee in one hand and d'oh nut in the other. At a recent PD bachelor party of an officer, his 'colleagues' got him a custom made coffee cup holder for his uniform belt (next to 'Tazer' and gun). Accident waiting to happen?

Maybe not dead, but perhaps in limbo (purgatory?) or in suspension? Theodore doesn't exactly recall how his 'pack' died, but he did recall, when Jack spoke, this: “Horned demon?” Theodore asked, a buried memory jolting to the surface, only to die like a spark in the night.

Another great chapter Bill. As for the potential value of those cards, I think the boys are "counting their chickens before they hatch": "...one percent of hundreds of thousands of dollars...". Value of cards as always based on the player in question and his stats, rarity of the card (how few were printed, Rookie vs regular season), and condition of the card (flawless, pristine, autographed etc). The years that Johnny Logan collected his baseball cards before his tragic death, may not have enough exceptional players that would value their cards that high. But 🤞 there will be at least one or two, that will generate enough money so Mac and Dev's plan for a proper (and fitting) headstone / monument to honor Johnny can be realised. (closest I could find)

Thank you @Andre Delport for another wonderfully written chapter and visit to the ancestral Cameron home of Achnacarry. It made me long to return again to my family roots in Fort William in the West Highlands. (It's been years since my laat visit, long before Covid, and with your vivid descriptions it was truly a trip back in time 🤗). For some reason, when the Lochiel arrived 'dressed' as he was, I wondered if there was an announcement pending (🤔). Perhaps just my imagination getting sidetracked, as (in this story) it's too soon for talk of succession. The family visit to the graveside of Beth and Nicky, the children's wildflower bouquets and wee Jamie's conversation with his Mums brought a tear to my eyes. "Out of the mouths of babes" 💕 All best wishes Andre for a safe, healthy and Happy New Year.

"No sooner had I collapsed than my phone dinged. A message: Home safe ❤️ A heart. Tonight had changed so much. The guy who sent that text wasn’t Ryan Fucking McConnell. Not the Jock-Boy Crush. And no longer the shell of someone weighed down by everyone else’s expectations. We didn’t have a name for it yet, but what I did have was Ryan. Free of Madison. Free of self-destruction. Just Ryan. With a heart emoji". 💓 ❤️ 🧡 💛 💙 💚 💜 Thank you @Jeff Burton for this story of highschool angst that is perhaps summed up by:

I'm betting @Jason Rimbaud's mom frequently told him: "Chew your food, don't just inhale it." Or he graduated from Evelyn Woods Speed Reading course. Speaking of uptight old bi...ddy, want to better where Francine parks her broom after flying in, or is her stiff spine and upright stance a give away? With any luck it's an equally old 'corn broom', with bristles so dry they'd burst into flames if she stands near bonfire (of the vanities?).

My mouth moved, but the words weren’t mine. “So,” I said, voice calm, curious, almost amused, “even if I turned out to be a test-tube baby from a lab experiment gone wrong — and maybe some kind of ... — that’d still be okay?” The pressure eased. My vision cleared. …Well, (said faintly inside my head), that went better than expected. Instructions: Read carefully and with purpose or you WILL miss all the key points in this spell-binding, riveting, thriller from @Jeff Burton. From the first sentence on the first page to last sentence, you will be caught up in this can't put down (if it was in print 🤞?) book.