Laura S. Fox

Lyn's mom brought up his son a certain way, and that includes being careful about being indebted to others. That's why he does all the chores he can handle. He is always acutely aware of his position and never wants to be a charity case. And calling Brad his 'brother' is him settling into a frame he can handle, but I think this is also him being more honest about his feelings than usual. Brad... well, he does let on just what you said... Willfully unserious describes him to a T. And Lyn overhearing about Alexander having troubles... he worries because he cares. That you're right that the last line is not a promise for action. Lyn can try - and of course he will - but not all is up to him. There are other actors involved.

A battle... yes, a good word choice

I left 'laugh' as reaction because I jolted when the guy started from his chair like that...

I know I live the door wide open for speculations... And I still hope I will surprise you with the twists and turns. Alexander ghosting Lyn... well, that's complicated, let me just say that.

Good to know

Oh he did. It's so easy to keep one last impression of a person (or not even the last) and carry it, when the truth is much more complex.

Alexander's absence has serious reasons and not just jealousy or a whim. It will give Lyn plenty of anxiety, for sure.

Chapter Forty-Seven – So What If We Get Hurt? Alexander didn’t raise his eyes from the article he was perusing on his phone when Lyn returned. It was hard to tell whether he had moved an inch from where Lyn had left him about an hour ago. “How did it go?” Alexander asked, without looking at him, seemingly still absorbed by what he was reading, yet capable of sparing a thimble of attention to something outside of that. “Bad,” Lyn said curtly. “He’s an asshole.” “Oh, well,” Al

Oh, lol, so true!

Vince knows how to handle men... even if it's an alpha he needs to deal with!

That's the job of a guardian!

That's Vince in a nut(shell)! He knows what's good for his body, lol! Jack will be in for some experiences...

Vince - and Jack - will definitely be working on it!

I have a hunch he wouldn't mind that role too much!

Chapter Thirteen – Are You Dying For A Kiss? Theodore had to agree that the clothes provided by the Luna’s Sentinels didn’t feel half-bad on his skin. Momentarily, he had frowned at the sight of the attire chosen for him, as well as at the earth-toned colors – so unlike his own pack, always dressed in white and blue to match their hair and eyes – but once he had donned the outfit, he couldn’t help marveling at the pinpoint accuracy with which the Asherman’s pack member assigned to this duty

Hmm, Dark Brad... he does exhibit some really unpleasant parts of his character. Lyn might have chosen not to see them in the past, but now he's facing them in full blown picture. So true about having high expectations... I didn't make that subtle reference to Great Expectations in the chapter when Brad comes to take Lyn home. As I learned from a literary critic talking about Dickens's title, there are limits to self-improvement, no matter what we like to think

The crescendo is in full swing... but all your questions will be answered (I like to think).

Team 'telling Bella' + 1

Shame, shame, shame, what a shame - it's what I feel like commenting after reading your analysis, Maestro. Because yes, Brad does feel a lot of shame and guilt - there's a lot he doesn't want - or cannot - come with terms with. At the same time, what a shame that he's like this... for everyone involved, but most of all, for himself. We have parts of the two stories - and yeah, they are true. Lyn thought Brad forgot him long ago. Yet, after eight years, it's Brad reaching out. That's because of feelings that never died. I'll let you guys speculate if these feelings are in any way romantic, but I do know that when friends get estranged, regardless of the reasons why they grew apart, if they happen to meet again, there's always a bitter-sweetness to their new encounter that's nothing like what happens to people who were involved romantically. What Brad wants... matters. It matters greatly. And that's where the crux of the story lies. I like to believe that Brad's motives will carry enough weight to make readers remember the story because of them (and not only because Lyn and Alexander are hot together *author here being shameless about writing long erotic scenes). Oh... the emotional pressure... no truer words have ever been spoken, Maestro! Terrified is a very good word in the bigger context.

Absolute perfection! Chef's kiss!

That's such an amazing plot, lol!

Oh, so cute. And so true.

And here I am, sitting on the development I made for Bella's character, and eating popcorn while reading your comments... She, too, will surprise you, I can bet.

You're really touching some serious points here... There's a lot of deflection here on Brad's part - and while he does, indeed, show more of his true self in this chapter, he also continues to hides some important parts. So right about Brad putting Lyn on a pedestal, too. Lyn, in his continuous struggle to be perfect, might have just fooled Brad in the past. Alexander wasn't fooled. He may be in love with Lyn, but he never saw Lyn the way Brad did - keep all these thoughts, they will become mighty relevant later on. Lyn is left to struggle more. He doesn't give up on the idea of doing what he considers right, but there's no easy path ahead of him. Ha-ha - they're not brothers! Or relatives of any kind. You guys make me want to write a story that's so much like a telenovela/soap opera that'll flip all the tropes on their head (i.e. - I am your long forgotten brother)

I like to see that there are people on both teams - telling/not telling. Moral dilemmas - not easy to write, but so interesting to see what readers think. I believe both Brad and Alexander will justify themselves once they reveal their secrets.