Danners

D'oh! At least I didn't mistake him for Dr. Giggles. They should contact the duty nurse from that evening and have her keep tabs on him. If Eike is indeed hurt, he may need to pull the not-so-good doctor in for an outpatient consult. Eh? As for Arric and Key, I can be patient. They'll soon be locked in carnal bliss.

I mean, I'm all for Jason standing up for himself and seeking out other places to live, but it's pretty selfish of him to leave Devyn in the clutches of an abusive mother. Especially when Devyn is trapped in wolf form and couldn't call for help even if he needed to. What a way to thank him for his unending loyalty.

I knew there was something unsettling about Dr. Morgan! He was far too fascinated with Cyn as a specimen but not as a patient. Hope the rat bastard gets castrated with silver razor wire and then blinded by having those same testicles surgically grafted to his eye sockets. Cyn amazes me every chapter. The depth of his compassion for his fellow shifters. What a truly magnificent gift. I teared up a little bit when he gave Hauser his forgiveness. He is such a pure soul. And, as always, Arric and Kieran remain perfect for one another. Sail that ship off into the sunset.

You are indeed the best. I would kneel at the altar of Gary any day of the week. 😉🤠💦

Wes knew that Will left work early. He's been stalking the man on Instagram. 😜

Half the reason is to keep you sweet talkin' these boys and giving away teensy glimpses behind the curtain. Since you only post once a week, it's all a guy has to hang on to . . . unless you give us more to hang on to. Eh? Eh? I was just about to add to my pet theory that some of the previous violence or gun slinging or whatever that Mitch swore "they're going to pay" for involves people like them. Gay men were not treated with kindness if discovered in those days, but there were allies willing to step up and defend them. I think Mitch was, in a weirdly violent way, an activist. Whatever it was, it had to be personal because "the law" alone couldn't have been enough to keep him from setting aside his guns for Will. Could it? More speculation to add to the fire! Hahaha! You're the best, Gary.

We know Mitch left that town, wherever it was, before settling in Red Bluff. As far as regrets go, I can say with certainty he wishes he would've made an effort to change his ways before losing Will. My working theory puts that as the reason why he made a concerted effort to look after the other men "like him" and took such exception with a certain sidewinder. Call it penance. I can also say with certainty he witnessed the very tragic endings of those particular love stories and had no way of knowing if Boone and Coy's journey played out the same way his and Will's did. He watched those he cared most about in this world leave him in some form or fashion while holding on to bitterness, sorrow, and regret. On top of it all he was told he's going to die. When you think about what he found in Larkspur, Mitch has been given all the keys necessary to free himself from the chains of his past and move on. We'll see if the time he spent alone on the trail and the immediate inclusion and undeniable and unconditional, if somewhat annoying, friendships will allow him the clarity he needs to see this opportunity for what it is. I mean, if I were Boone and Coy, I'd be ready with a lasso and tie him to a chair. Or . . . well, at the very least, lock Will and Mitch in the barn.

Neil's mother is a one woman episode of Jerry Springer. Yeesh. If Neil opens up to West after this, knowing that the blonde saw and heard what he had, that means they've reached the first benchmark of actual friendship. I can understand why Neil is so suspicious of why West would want to get closer since Neil's opinion of himself is abysmally low and so far everyone he's met and/or known in his life as only found ways to use and abuse him. So he figures West has an ulterior motive too. That, and behind the bravado, he doesn't think he deserves to have a somebody like West in his corner. Or maybe it's the machine gun texts. You're comin' on a little strong/desperate there, Flower Boy.

Well, the cat's out of the bag and it's yowling a sad song. I can't blame Will for walking away from a mate who was so intent on dancing with death. Seeing the man you love wounded over and over -- critically a couple times, it sounds like -- has to be heartbreaking, it has to chip away at your soul. So, as I see it, Mitch had it backwards and Will didn't leave because he didn't care enough to stay, he left because Mitch cared more about his job than his lover. Ideally they could've moved to a less dangerous area but there's no changing the past. There is the present, however, and if Boone and Coy can help these two stubborn older men mend their fences, maybe there's a future as well. I say this because I don't see Will turning away when he finds out about Mitch's grim prognosis. His instinct was to support the man up until he couldn't anymore and this is both his second and last chances to prove himself. Mitch, on the other hand, might take the easy out and try to leave. I hope he doesn't. He's said time and again how at peace he's felt here in Larkspur and burying the hatchet with (and burying his hatchet in) Will could give him . . . well, what he's always wanted. Live in Larkspur, love in Larkspur, and make the absolute most out of whatever time he has left.

Oh dear. Trent did not think that one through, but that's sort of his specialty. I want to be disappointed in him and yet I'm more pleased his heart was in the right place. Sure, he could've sat at his table for two and had the server extend an invitation for Kayden to join him there, and maybe Kayden would've accepted. That's not "alpha male" Trent though and while I don't condone punching your boyfriend's father (even if he deserved it), I do applaud his audacity for standing his ground. If he wanted to kick him while he's down, he could probably have Mark arrested for assault. No, if anyone is to blame for that poor old man's heart attack, it's Mark. He's a narcissist. A Markissist. I understand there's pressure on parents in many Asian cultures to present a perfect family unit, but this has always been about Mark needing to shine. If he has any love for his children as people, it's buried beneath layer upon layer of pride in their accomplishments -- and not him being proud of them or their accomplishments, him being proud he's responsible for them, that he can take credit for them being the best. As for Kayden. Mark's had an agenda since his son came out of the closet and that was to either force him back inside it and lock the door or find an excuse to erase him from the family. I don't think this dinner would've changed anything, honestly. He would've continued stringing Kayden along until his will was broken or the opportunity to cut him loose presented itself. I wish Kayden had heard Mark say to Trent: “I’m sure his grades will be negatively affected by all the time he’s been spending with you and then I can disown him for good!” so he can finally realize he doesn't owe Mark anything, least of all his loyalty. It was so satisfying seeing Kayden open up about his rape and, on a lesser note, his mistreatment by Trent. I'm proud of him, just as I'm proud of Trent for fessing up to his mistake and his frustration and apologizing for both in front of Lucas. Not only that, Kayden was ready to take the lead and do the talking and planning and Trent let him . . . up to a point. That shows how deeply they care for one another. Having Sarah to counsel them and having Lucas on a more . . . uh, informal basis (that I'm very much looking forward to and may have imagined a time or three, heh) should help Kayden and Trent get back to normal or even better than they were. Well, if the fallout from dinner doesn't implode everything. Prayers for Grandpa Lee!

I think Shea would be proud of his man, both because Cyn would be taking an active role in the pack and him being part of the Tracking Trio gives him the purpose he needs. Right now Cyn is a pack member because he's Shea's mate, but I have a feeling both men know he needs more. He didn't have an active role under previous bucks, yet his instincts, his history as "prey" and his superior senses lend themselves to tracking, and never mind his desire to prove himself. As for Kieran's workload, his fulltime job is with the university. What he does with his spare time is entirely at his own discretion, including tutoring middle school kids when he isn't working. And, y'know, if he's sharing Arric's bed (and home), that implies being able to consult the alpha without it interfering with his other duties.

Unless Kieran is in danger, I think their relationship will only benefit Arric's leadership in the long run. By himself he is formidable -- he's an Alpha, after all -- but together with Kieran, who has already proven more than capable of thinking outside the box and two steps ahead, he's even stronger. I still think Kieran is the right candidate to fill Walter's Beta position once he steps down. He already has Arric's ear and his trust, and pretty soon I hope we can add heart to that. His dedication to his students at the university and beyond shows what kind of a person he is and how protective he is of the next generation. The pack's future. Also, not that it would matter much, but if Kieran is the pack Beta, he'd be on more equal footing with Arric. Can you imagine a more effective duo than an Alpha and Beta couple? With Shea as his Enforcer and Cyn, Kara, and Jaime as the new Tracking Trio, maybe? Eh? Eh?

What a fun chapter. Despite the setbacks, Arric continues moving forward. He'll ride the momentum of each encounter until another opportunity presents itself and that alone makes him the best kind of leader. Plans go wrong, but a good leader doesn't see a straight line from point A to point B. He sees branching paths, through success and failure, all moving toward the desired result. Heh, and for all his troubles, he's been rewarded with an amazing guy like Kieran. A potential mate who also adores wrapping his considerable brain around puzzles and whose solutions Arric normally might not reach himself. They fit together so well. I love it.

As advanced as the Four Arms' society is, I'm surprised they haven't discovered the holy [heshwa] hand grenade. It was brilliant of Mereval to discuss idioms with Essell. No matter the phrasing involved, the basic concepts are ones we all are familiar with. If two cultures can find common ground with such lessons like "Don't judge a book by its cover" or "Don't see the forest for the trees," it shows both lend value to those lessons learned. Mereval is a shrewd one, I'll give her that. She's the most gregarious of the Kardoval but that seems to be by design. Keep an eye on her and remind yourself of this: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. As for Bouncer . . . deadly apex predator or not, he is THE CUTEST THING EVER! Do they sell plushy heshwa pet costumes? 'Cause there is one particular cerops in need of one. With bells on. Looking forward to how they handle the breach. Will they find that human biology interacts with the planet's biome to create these cross-species bonds and/or hive hearts? An army of cerops would be frightening. Somehow, though, I wager the planet itself is a biological entity and formed the bond between Essell, Garjah, and Bouncer for a couple reasons. When Bouncer was discovered without his pack and starting, Essell shows him benevolence. Mercy like that on a savage planet stands out like the north star. Then, when Garjah and Essell were on the same soil, the planet knew Essell needed a guardian and Garjah was looking to fill a void in his lonely life. Connect need with love, bridge two species -- three if you count Bouncer -- and you have an instrument to negotiate peace. Essell is that instrument. He is tailor made as the go between. Of course, Captain Sonez might have other ideas. I dearly hope he doesn't impose criminal charges against Essell for abandoning ship (essentially) and embarking on an unsanctioned exploration. They could try to pull Essell in on criminal charges, to which Garjah and especially Bouncer will react poorly. I hope Mereval will be present. Her graciousness is endearing enough to be disarming.

Yeah, that was definitely Neil. The description of being big for his age -- a teenage boy in a man's body -- and the Spanish were clear signs. We knew he was performing on webcam but I didn't figure it involved others. I certainly didn't expect him to be having sex with older women. I'm trying to place the camera man's inflections. I feel like we've met the man before. At least it's safe to say it wasn't his brother because that would take this from unfortunate to fucked up. It's inferred that this footage is in the hands of either West and/or law enforcement and, I have to say, the thought of the camera man being in jail because of this brings a smile to my face. Lastly, I can't help but lose hope for a love connection with West after this and that bums me out. All signs point to Neil being completely and hopelessly straight. Sure, he could be concealing his bisexuality to avoid the camera man's eye and any possibility of being forced to bottom on screen or to protect his bad boy reputation, but that all seems unlikely. I guess all a guy can do is hope that ship hasn't sunk.

A fitting end to this epic tale and even better, the possibility of new stories to come. With Kalian and Talon in retirement (so to speak), my vote is for Wyn's saga. There are so many avenues to explore within his origin and history, not to mention his growing nature Magick. I'm sad Stoke is ending but also completely sated. Kalian and Talon are an unrivaled pairing and I loved how enduring their love is. The family they built is more vast than I think even they realize. They, the other dukes, the teachers, and Eon are the parents of a nation and knowing, in this last chapter, how successful they were is more gratifying than I can say. Well done!

Pretty sure Essell's learning aboard the ship was curated or he'd have a better understanding of what goes on planet side. Unfortunately, even after he and Garjah became a bonded pair, he was still considered an unknown entity and a potential security risk. What little information he had access to was given to him and strictly controlled (by Timok if memory serves). So, whatever he learns while they're there will be experience gained. Hopefully helping Mereval will open doors to, say, a library or archive. It's only fair.

I was thinking the Tuct Side Saints, but my vote is still for Tuct Side Sassypants.

I'm glad Mitch agreed to stick around for a little while. Being told he's welcome to stay and even offered help procuring the neighboring land lift some of the burden of uncertainty from the man's shoulders, I expect. Whether or not he seeks out a second opinion from Doc Jergens, just having a roof over his head, friends to spend his time with, and work to keep his hands busy will do wonders for him. After all, what's good for the soul is good for the body. Coy is such a meddler, I love it. If he didn't mean well, it'd be another story, but all of his doting and nosing his way into Mitch's business comes from a place of gratitude and kinship. I suspect he'll find a way around not being able to bring up Mitch's presence or his history with Will Merrick, perhaps by following the letter of the request to not mention the man by name. It isn't in his nature to let that bone drop. Speaking of which, I see what Boone did there when he included himself in taking the load of logs to the mill. Coy probably could've taken the shipment by himself, but he needs someone to watch his ass . . . and keep him in line. I love their dynamic in that respect -- well, in every respect, really. Now, if you don't mind, I need some alone time to bask in the image of Mitch washing up in the river (since you robbed us of that display, you big meany) . . .

I loved this. Not only did we get to see a soft, even tender, side of Neil, he and West found some common ground that wasn't centered around their rivalry. Dare I hope that this might lead to more alone time and bonding (and, in my dreams, a little nookie) when Neil drops Gia off at the Kuttner residence?

While Mitch's grim prognosis is a tragedy and it seems like he came to Larkspur to die, I think he just might find a reason or three to fight for every breath left in him and that's what scares him. He doesn't want to care about how much time he has left because it hurts and terrifies him and having hope when he's been told he's dying is almost cruel. Living out his days in peace is definitely in the cards if he stays with the boys, maybe as the first resident of that cabin they plan to build on Coy's land. However, something tells me being without regret and perhaps contentment center entirely on William Merrick. I think our favorite former sheriff was Boone in what he considers a former life with ole Will Merrick playing the role of Coy, someone who broke his heart or someone his feelings for became unbearable. So he left and found himself in Red Bluff. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Although, with you, Gary, there's a twist in there somewhere. Still . . . it'd explain the mixture of anger, fear . . . and longing? This chapter gave us a lot to think about. Some very painful news, a glimpse at innocent wonder, and the hint of a silver lining on the horizon. (Kevin from Endings even had a cameo as the afterbirth!) EDIT: I'm gonna throw this out there as an alternative to Mitch's cancer. Coccidioidomycosis, otherwise known as Valley Fever. In a dusty environment like Red Bluff, it's well within the realm of possibility and would present with many of the same symptoms, but may or may not prove fatal.

On a lighter note, do you think the cure they’re most interested in is the one for Talon’s blue balls?

For a minute there I was worried the last few chapters -- everything between the end of the rebellion and now -- had been implanted in Kalian's mind by Anders in order to torture him and weaken his resolve, and he'd wake up to find the sick fuck standing over him, in the middle of ripping his power away. Dallas gone dark. Thank goodness I was wrong. Leave it to Anders to have a contingency plan in place for when/if he failed and was put on trial and one where he could take brutal revenge on everyone who wronged him. I'm glad Kalian managed to ruin that. By the end, even if he'd lived, I'd still say he'd gone all to pieces. Heh.

Tuct Side Sa . . . ssypants. That's my vote!