Anton_Cloche

And that's the FATE that most readers hate, or so it would seem. Especially among those hoping for a condom failure. However, if lycanthropy lore is accurate and to be believed, (oh wait this IS fiction, despite how well @Laura S. Fox weaves her stories), the exchange of Ryder's bodily fluid's with(in) Daniel, whether by accident or design, wll not affect a change: "It is said that humans can be turned into werewolves by having been bitten by another werewolf. Getting 'scratched' (or exchanging 'other' fluids. - Ed) ... these only worked if the werewolf in question (Ryder) is in wolf form." (https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf#:~:text=It is said that humans,question is in wolf form.) @Summerabbacat provided other options to consider in his recent comments, including: "This story just keeps getting hotter and hotter, more bewitching and more suspenseful with each passing chapter @Laura S. Fox. ". Thank you @Laura S. Fox for a superbly written chapter.

Somebody didn't pay attention in church or religion classes, or perhaps not a follower of "church" doctrine (all earning a 'D' grade); or worse, from a writing POV, failed research ? Ooh does that get less than an 'D-' Grade? At Confession, one starts with a prayer before stating their sins: "I confess to you Almighty God, I am heartifully sorry for having offended you, in my thoughts, words and deeds; in what I have done and what I have failed to do and I detest all my sins because of your just punishments. But most of all because I have offended you, My God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your forgiveness, to sin no more and to avoid further sin. Amen". (or similar worded prayer depending on Church). The good (?) Father doesn't get to choose which sins. It's not a multiple choice quiz, or a buffet menu. 'Father Warren was a homosexual. The good Father’s cock was at full attention. He couldn’t wait to get home and whack off, but he also wanted details to help him achieve the maximum masturbation fantasy. He certainly knew that his church frowned upon any sexual activity outside of marriage, including masturbation, but he also knew that if he was to maintain his vow of celibacy, masturbation was necessary. HE CHOSE WHAT HE CONSIDERED TO BE LESSER OF TWO SINS (?). He consoled himself with the knowledge that everyone did it, and God could not punish everyone'. Father Warren is using a version of Occam's Razor theory (named for 13th Century Franciscan Friar Occam, as choosing "The lessor of two evils") to excuse himself from sinning. And sliding while sitting on a razor's edge? He won't need to worry about the his sexual sins for long. And the church considers Occam's Razor as an act of Parsimony, also a sin. Class Dismissed

Thank you Calvin @CLJobe for this story about young David C. McLavic, who chose a different path (or road) from that of his archaeologist father to become an architect. David's travels down life's road to wind up at Crystal Lake, introduced him (and us) to many people who affected his life, including 'Uncle Joe', his early soulmate (?) Clay and finally to Bobby (David's protege now living with David's father while Bobby pursues his own architect's degree at university, before rejoining David, at work). I think there's definitely enough groundwork laid for a sequel. Finally, this 47th (+ ?) story of yours reminds me of The Beatles 'Long and Winding Road' that says in part: "The long and winding road, That leads to your door. Will never disappear, I've seen that road before. It always leads me here, Leads me to your door". Finally (perhaps not?), after 1,895,438 words across 47 stories, you still have a few stories listed with either "temporary hold" or "long-term hold". Stories where perhaps your 'muse' took a break, but like Hansel and Gretel, left a trail of crumbs to follow. Or the annoying buzzing in your ear (not me, more a friendly 🐝 and not an annoying mosquito 😉, egging you on. 😂 ). Take Care. Be well. 🫂

Coming SOON Lee ? We're kind of hanging by our fingertips here, waiting for: 'Stephen started shaking uncontrollably. “Stephen, what’s wrong?” Thomas cried out, “We need a medic out here! Stat!” I'm guessing Stephen's going into shock just 'crashing' down from the Adrenaline High he experienced. 🫰 🙏

Checked out 'Trash Compactors' in Want Ads (don't make me explain what those are too people who'll never experience paper cuts 😬) or Online Ads? Up to 200% more garbage in one compressed block.

'Civic's' and History weren't favorite classes, or worse, school board had them as "electives' (choosable / optional classes)? BTW, anyone want to hazzard a guess which Elected Officials chose NOT to take harder 'Elective' or AP classes. You will be shocked.

So at 15, Jeff was days away from being put into Military Prep school to straighten him out, and get rid of his problem behaviour. Now added to that is whatever he gets for 3 misdemeanors? Including "Theft Under", "Eluding / Evading Police" " Underage Drinking"; but hey, let's send him to Military Prep were he learns shooting to kill, combat training and other societal finer skills. "This is my weapon, This is my gun. One is for fighting, the other for fun." As for @Lee Wilson Ollie North comment, he did 'serve' vs C-I-C and DoD heads who did not.

@Jeff Burton, this chapter is riveting. And the depths to which Jamie's sperm donor has sunk? Rob deserves ALL the pain, suffering and hurt he has caused Jamie to come back onto him a thousand fold. That the police arrest and charge him. And while we're in the topic of just punishment for Rob (from a couple of lonely 6'5" 280# inmates); since Rob is probably wishing he'd never spawned Jamie; can we gift him a retroactive vasectomy with no anesthesia, performed by a "Dr" recovering from a 3-day bender, and using a rusty chainsaw?

@drsawzall is correct. It is indeed critical that he gets legal help. File an assault report with police IMMEDIATELY, and speak with victim counsellor at the university as his father can be charged with a hate crime. "Get his ducks in a row", and be prepared to fight. (Not just for himself, but for every person who has faced the continued bullying, emotional and psychological, by his sperm donor). Oops, sorry for middle of the night rant. @Jeff Burton, another extremely well written chapter, one that has obviously reverberated with so many. Thank you.

@Jeff Burton take all the time you need in writing the chapters. As an editor I understand all the variables that can affect writing, and as a result, their ETA. To the impatient, the eager and those seeking instant gratification (You know the kind. The ones who stream all episodes of any online show and turn into frustrated Karen's demanding the next season be given to them "NOW" 😳). To them I offer the oft repeated phrase: "Good things come to those who wait" (and I'd add "PATIENTLY") Boo wah ha ha 😂.

Yea @Laura S. Fox Ryder was certain he had understood Cassandra's message to him even though she was frequently difficult to understand in her "rambling"? But was he certain the message he heard was the message intended? "The clairvoyant had been clear: this tower belonged to his fated mate, and he lived on the top of it, like a king among humans, superior in every way. The old woman had warned him not to do what he was about to do next, but it was important that he got to his mate before his next heat began. Just any partner wouldn’t do this time, Cassandra the clairvoyant had warned him; he needed his mate more than ever". Let's examine that. "... this tower belonged to his fated mate, and he lived on the top of it, like a king among humans, superior in every way." Okay, so Cassandra was clear about the location of Theodore Pembroke, "...his fated mate..." but as we learned in 'Luna's Sentinels' , the Sentinels questioned what Cassandra was saying to find the true meaning. 😳 And there's the difference between "his intended mate" and "his fated mate." Ryder was fated to meet Pembroke, in his tower, and declare him as his mate. There is nothing (from previous stories) that says a fated mate must accept. Or they fight to determine. And in doing so discover that intentions are not always good, and that "fate" can intervene. Hmm?

Douche for The RUMP. Rinse Repeat. Get rid of musky odors. 🍑 💨

Thank you @Laura S. Fox for this wonderful story. From an editor's point of view it is well written without a lot of 'oopses' that catch my eye and bring out the dreaded blue pencil (thank you Beta readers?). In your chapter closing remarks you speak about hearing from readers: "There are a few awesome other people commenting on my stories in other places, and I love them, but they are so considerable less numerous than here. This matters because writing can be a very lonely business, and just hitting publish to hear crickets after is like singing or playing an instrument in an empty room". Your reference to "crickets" also invokes other similar words or phrases, like "the sound of one hand clapping". Writing, and being an author, are by their very nature a solitary endeavour (for the most part). And online publishing without the "normal" renumeration from book sales means the author has little feedback or thanks. Electronic 'clicks' that tally up the numbers of readers are just statistics. Selectable emojis are better (although GA could stand a few more 😉 ), but comments? They are the feedback writers not only crave, but indeed need. Not just as "thanks for writing this", but as inspiration to continue writing. And I urge readers often to leave a comment. Or it least that's my "two cents worth". Thank you.

It's never easy to find a true seer, sage or clairvoyant. And Ryder is accurate when he says to Jack, “You’re a fortuneteller and you couldn’t tell someone was going to come through your door today?” It's like when a psychic convention comes to town but has to advertise so "others" know where to find them. Once dated Claire Voyant, but alas she didn't see what was going to happen. 🙄 Will Jack be a helping hand to Ryder, or a roadblock?

Indeed @Paladin it seems there are still questions asked but pending answers (some in Courts proceedings) as well as yet to be discovered other related events and individuals, as raised by @empath: "now where are those other secret rooms…Daniel?" With new evidence provided by Daniel to "trusted" police and lawyers in AFP and NSW, more paedphiles and other criminals will be arrested, (and convicted), PLUS CyberCrimes are investigating the online and overseas criminals, means the net to capture those is expanding, as is finding the stolen insurance and other monies from Josh and Daniel's deceased parents that loving Uncle Phil and Aunt Beth have hidden offshore, and returning it. But more important are finding and helping the exploited children! So, what I'm laying out is the natural progression for the next 9-chapter book in this series -What Brings Us Together - Part 3 - before we reach a conclusion and an Epilogue (written 5 years on)? But there's an opening for even more offshoots / stories of key individuals as their lives go forward. One only need follow the fine examples of "continuing stories" provided by @Mark Ponyboy Peters.

Uh, it doesn't take being an Editor to read between the lines and parse something like this: "Cameron looked around at the inside of the house. “This is a very nice house with a wonderful view. It couldn’t be cheap to rent. I hope you didn’t blow our budget on renting this place for the week.” “I’ve got it covered. We’re not here during a holiday period and it’s a lot cheaper than you think.” I think Jordan's own financial portfolio, in addition to his "...grandfather's 1930's Californian bungalow" includes a summer 'bolthole' by the water. It was likely rented out for income since Jordan couldn't face staying there after Adam's horrible death by shark attack. (Or I could be completely wrong, and since I'm late in reading this @Paladin I trust you've already addressed it). Josh will no doubt be a part of Jords and Cam's lives going forward, 💕or at the very least they'll look out for him. 🤞

What is the story with Stingray Head? I'm thinking that a previous relationship ended badly there, perhaps tragically, but was it a just a break up, or a death? If it was the latter, the owner of the coffee shop would have recognized Jordan and known what happened. And how it mirrors the death of Steve Irwin from a strike in the heart by a String

Thank you @Bill W for another great chapter. Hmm, so Louella De Vile is not just a "busy body", she's now, according to Mac and Dev, a busy "... old biddy from next door was standing on the sidewalk in front of her place. When she saw us walking down the sidewalk and before reaching there, her face contorted into a sour, nasty expression before she turned her back on us and walked away". As the boys enter their 3rd year at college they are arranging many things in an effort to avoid potential problems, like Bear leaving Bailey 'pining' for him once they graduate. It's not like there"ll be any Bear pups littering the park (sorry for that bad pun). One thing keeps nagging the back of my mind: "As we were leaving the hunting camp, we saw a group of boys, that appear to be between 13 and 16, riding their bikes down the road. I eyed each of them as we passed by, then swiveled in my seat so I could look out the back window to see if they might have turned onto the trail leading to the cabin. However, by the time I asked Devin to slow down, we were too far away to tell if they had passed that area already or hadn’t come to it yet. Hopefully, they’ll just keep going to wherever they were headed when we first saw them". Did they turn down the trail leading to the cabin, or did they keep going? Since neither Devin or Mac saw the boys with backpacks, they're probably just local boys, and not some who are homeless and looking for a place to stay now that Fall had arrived with Winter in Colorado not far behind. Perhaps putting up a few solar powered trail cameras, linked to Mac & Dev's cellphone, tablets or computers would Beavertails a good idea?

Law school be damned. These four young men have discovered the definition of CPA ... Collective Penises Agree 😲

Will WS-IV awake from his comma 'intact', and be able to deal with his recovery? If he does, will he be able to help in what will be a long and painful recovery for Harry ("like his namesake" - DoS?) from frostbite, including likely lose of limbs or parts of, nerve damage for life, disfigurement and multiple corrective surgeries? Now that "Harry's" nurse knows about the connection to Liberty Academy (thanks to E & E) she will make a monumental and immediate decision that will alert Angelica and gain access to WS-III's wealth to get Henry the best medical care: "The woman ("lady in blue" aka Nurse) decided she was done waiting for the police to come looking for the poor boy. Several officers as well as people somehow associated an organization dedicated to helping abused boys were down the hall with the federal agent the mysterious twins knew by name. Medical aid would only address the physical issues young Harry was facing, and she vowed to do everything she could to expand his care team with people who could help him with the other problems clearly threatening to derail the boy’s future". Hang on Henry, help is on the way, and "Mom" is coming back ... STAT. 💕

Thank you for this chapter @irivera. It is well written, (like everything else so far). The characters are especially believeable, especially if you've ever spent time in NC. The Sweet Tea (done the right way, usually sun-brewed), that is just the right amount of sweetness. Speaking of sweetness, Karen Fulton is the best kind of Karen, and the right Foster 'Mother' for Jonah, immediately after the accident, and once again, as he tries to work things out. Even once he relocates back to NYC, he will make trips back to home with Karen, possibly bringing Will.

If all the rosaries and other 'prayer' beads in the hands of people like Rev. Matthew and Yale burst into 🔥 the conflagration would give Hell stiff competition. (most puns intended?) Whether CoE, RC, Orthodox, Mosque, Temple or other, ALL religions have within them people like Matthew, and temptation is always around. As for Matthew's nifty 🙄 nom de plume Nob Rainer could have been Ch. Alace, P. Ew or other. My prayers best attended to by St. Émilion 🍷

Question is how does Angelica "Rip him (w3) a new one" when he's already an asshole?

Texas 2-step song " Poop, Scoop and Boogie"? 💩 😳

"Bye, Nanny! Bye, Grandad!” Troy waved from the doorway as his grandparents drove off". "Bye" indeed to not a 'Lady' Penelope. More like prissy Penelope (how did that 'r' sneak in there?). She's much more a "Whinging Matilda" or 'mawking Magpie'. Alan and Lisa's solicitor has her work load increasing. Since Lisa clearly can't sign any authority documents now, her solicitor will need to see her at hospital, with a notary to legally record her wishes, and extending Guardianship to include Peter. This will protect her, Troy and Bradley, and additionally give Alan legal authority to change all the house locks including garage, AND get a "No Contact" order without Alan &/or Peter's permission and being present, including the school and / or Day Care. Better safe than sorry.