Laura S. Fox

Chapter Twenty-Five – Ancient History Lyn observed Luke, who was sitting across from him, but not directly. This meant a bit of gymnastics were needed to stare without seeming like he was doing so on purpose. For starters, Bella’s kid brother wore a dress shirt, which was a strange sight indeed. Not only was he dressed properly for dinner in designer clothes that looked great on him, he had also combed his hair to perfection. Barely anything remained to remind anyone of the surfer dude look

So the 'hate you' part would be so strong...

Ha-ha, so true! Grownup Lyn realizes he looked after Brad like a, well, mother hen!

So well-said! Yes! I like writing scenes in which more than one thing happens, and I'm happy for this acknowledgment!

Indeed Lyn was in the present, and for many people with anxieties, I know that's one advice often given - to be and live in the present, while letting go of the rest. That's how Alexander gets to him, and I'm sure everyone's now pleased that he insisted until Lyn did as told for a change. Alexander is well within his rights to issue demands. Lyn understands that, even if he doesn't focus on the why. He did understand his friend in the past - not regarding his feelings toward him - but in regards to other aspects, and he has that sort of affection friends have toward Alexander. I don't think I've written a 'friends to lovers' before... oh, wait, how could I forget? Carter and Aron were like that, too. (That's Box Shaped Heart - if you haven't read it, I think I'm safe to recommend it to you). The fact that the two characters aren't strangers changes things, and I love exploring that. I'm grateful that you keep an open mind regarding Brad. But damn, I know I will be testing you - and the other readers - hard regarding him...

Yes, this! Although he might still want Lyn to realize it without asking... That's where he draws the line! But I can picture him nonchalantly replying with the truth to anyone else asking!

Oh, Maestro, this is so on point... and you said it right! There are two jealousies at play at the end of the chapter. Lyn still acknowledges his weakness when it comes to Brad, and nothing gets passed His Majesty. That's a wound Alexander still nurses inside; his feelings didn't fade over the years, and even if Lyn opens up to him now, there's still Brad around. And Luke, with his lil' warning... Lol, I liked writing the 'lie detector' scene a lot! Alexander needed satisfaction, and in more than one way. And you read the lines about Lyn being a prize so well. Alexander knows how much he has worked to conquer the impregnable citadel that is Lyn. And it is is, indeed, as you say, the acknowledging of all those years...

Yep, Lyn left Brad to fend off for himself and didn't even think twice about it. His head is too full of Alexander right now Their relationship will evolve - it will appear slowly, but it's all happening in days in the time of the storyline. I won't add something spoiler-y, but I will say that the full surrender will occur at an important moment.

I like to believe it is The balance starts leaning. Lyn finds truths - more than one - in Alexander's arms, and he won't deny them ad nauseum for sure.

Oh, yes! It's these little slipups that count! Or not exactly slipups in Alexander's case... this is him at his most tender.

'Any other' sounds good

He-he, that's good to know!

Thank you, Chris!

I see that you are competing with Maestro Yeah... I love writing 'unravelings'... I see that the auto-proofreader pretends that's not a real word, but it is in my book. Alexander's work is paying off. He's a grownup man now, and he doesn't stop when obstacles get in his path. And Lyn, well, maybe there's a reason he 'falls' now. And Alexander is all bare, as well. His questions are means to secure the truth that will give him happiness instead of more angst and suffering. He needs assurance, the poor baby! Opposing forces meet again in the dinner scene... And Lyn, even if still caught in the middle, starts leaning more to one side. I guess Brad's getting married might offer him closure, after all. I love leaving you with questions! I know, I'm bad...

Chapter Twenty-Four – [Memory, March, Sophomore Year] – You Are My Friend Lyn felt like a fish out of the water in the library hall where the spring honors mixer was being held. Although he had met posher and more pretentious fuckers in his life, the mix of envy and forced politeness between the sophomores and the seniors that behaved like they owned the place made him feel like he’d just been dropped into a den of lions. He and Alexander weren’t the only students with a competitive sp

An alpha without a pack is like a house without a roof. Theodore Pembroke has lived for years with only vengeance in his heart. As the last of his kind, he knows the dark forces that destroyed his pack will come for him one day—and when they do, he’ll be ready. But even the best-laid plans will often go awry. The enemy he’s been preparing for turns out to be an unexpected ally, and a sudden and fragile spark of hope makes a mess of everything. (Full summary inside)

Summary: An alpha without a pack is like a house without a roof. Theodore Pembroke has lived for years with only vengeance in his heart. As the last of his kind, he knows the dark forces that destroyed his pack will come for him one day—and when they do, he’ll be ready. But even the best-laid plans will often go awry. The enemy he’s been preparing for turns out to be an unexpected ally, and a sudden and fragile spark of hope makes a mess of everything. While fighting Ryder As

We all know there was enough room on that door, Rose!

Of course, and Lyn's POV is meant to hurt... we are in his head, after all.

Oh, he might just do that... (I mean the messing up...)

I think you've summed it up well, especially the part about Alexander having more sycophants or envious people around him than someone who truly sees him. Lyn goes head to head with him, not cutting him any slack. Lyn is neither admiring him, nor is he envious of him. That's a winner in Alexander's book.

Oh, I think there will be more mirroring moments! That's how I feel now, at least... Lyn never forgets kindness, especially from Alexander. That's why they slip in the familiarity they've always shared almost from the beginning of this vacation. So yes, it's recognition. Alexander is a true miser when it comes to the precious moments when Lyn is his alone... of course he'd ask that And the kiss parallel, yes! Lyn might lie to himself all he wants... the heart just doesn't work that way.

I know @LeeSA expresses the same thing you mentioned when we were only severed chapters in. Brad's mask is strong... or Lyn - since it's his point of view - has limited view of him, hence modeling the readers' perception of him. Yet... @Cane23 you do see the duality in him. The 'out' and glimpses of the 'in'. Well, it's my purpose to have your mind blown with the end of the story, so I'll shut up now. A bad habit he can't quit... in a way, I think that's true. That last line... oh

Alexander uses the word 'smart' as in intellectual smart. The meaning is there, and Lyn perceives it as such. So Alexander is challenging Lyn to take a moment to 'think' of what is going on. Emotional hang-ups prevent Lyn from doing that, of course.