Danners

Surprise twist -- Thing One (Marc Greene) survived his gunshot wounds but his vitals were so low as to be unreadable. From black coroner's bag to morgue drawer, he remained just aware enough to understand his circumstances but too weak to do so much as twitch. And when he was moved from the drawer to the cold metal table in the morgue, ultimately it was the autopsy that did him in . . . cut by methodical cut, ribs cracked and separated, individual organs removed one by one until death became the only viable end to his pain.

Y'know, you could satisfy our thirst for blood with posthumous reports and autopsy results -- all the damage done to Thing 2 in prison and/or self-inflicted wounds by Thing 1 as distance, time, and good behavior chipped away at his cold façade and his perverse excitement/psycho-mania leaked out. You love medical dramas. Throw out some grody ME terms! Hahaha.

Bruce for president of the Pup Squad!

In this game of Clue, Mr. Body -- in this case, Mr. Greene -- was killed in the basement by Dr. Benton with the revolver. Meanwhile Paul Romano was shredded, bagged, and on his way to cold storage. All's well that ends well. Beyond any indictments following them to their graves, I wonder if the brothers Greene were surprised enough not to burn documents, overseas accounts, etc. because Kim and Kyle deserve some sort of punitive award for their kidnapping and confinement. Set up a foundation and shelter/halfway house for victims of sexual trauma. Use Romano's property for the operation just to piss off their spirits but more so to create something positive from this horrible episode. Offer canine therapy as a nod to Tater and Bruce and even Rosie. Remember now: no more cliffhangers. You promised!

D'oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lecture you or anything. You're an artist and it's your vision. Trent's voice has always been . . . harsh but, with Kaydan, he's usually come from a place of caring, even devotion. S'why him blaming Kaydan was so shocking to me. Your explanation makes sense though! He needed to vent as much as Kaydan sort of needed to be vented on. I didn't consider the amount of frustration he felt over their lack of intimacy as valid and that's my bad for letting some of the scene color my view of the whole thing. The situation with Diana didn't help any either. Trent isn't so good with words; he's a shower. He's been worried about Kaydan (and Diana) but how he'd normally show it and fight it -- with sex, with physical intimacy -- wasn't available, so it tangled with his other frustrations. When Kaydan opened the door, it all came out in a rush. He did give Kaydan what he needed, after all, and even gave him something to focus on so the sex was enjoyable. He broke down the barrier Jacob put up, most importantly. All the while getting the release he needed from Kaydan. He just said the wrong thing (for me) in the heat of the moment and I shouldn't crucify him (or you!) for it. Or, at least, that's how I see it after your reply and reflecting more. I really do love your work.

“Fuck you for getting raped, Kayden,” Trent hissed, smacking Kayden’s stinging asscheek with his open palm. “You just had to get taken advantage of and ruin a good thing.” “I-I’m sorry!” “You should be,” Trent said, spanking him again. “I knew something bad was going to happen to you. That’s why we’re taking defense lessons in the gym…you should have been more cautious.” I'm not going to lie: I almost gave up on this story after reading that. If those were truly Trent's feelings on the matter, he's more abusive than I originally thought. He's more like Chase than he realizes and a lot like Mark in how he emotionally dominated Kaydan. That being said, and Trent was allowing Kaydan to feel the shame and discomfort he refuses to voice or giving him the chance to back down and revoke his consent, it isn't as terrible. They're venturing into BDSM territory, choking notwithstanding. Trent is too angry to be Kaydan's dom, just like Kaydan is too needy and eager to please to be a good sub for Trent. They both need training . . . and probably counseling. I'm glad Trent gave his support for Kaydan's counseling. I'd call it the silver lining is one of the reasons I'll continue reading. That, and I'm curious where this is going. (Did I read another version of this story where Kaydan allowed Trent to sleep with Lucas instead of what happened this chapter and then regretted it because he felt jealous? Then Lucas let Kaydan top him while Trent watched?) Audrey continues to need a good, swift kick in the box with a pair of cleats. She enjoys driving a wedge between Trent and Kaydan, the same as she enjoys rubbing Kaydan's nose in the freedom Ian has now that Mark doesn't care. (To me, by the way, it isn't that Mark doesn't care, it's that he's depressed Kaydan left and feels responsible. He doesn't want to lose Ian and maybe, on top of that, he knows he handled things badly and wants to change.) I hope Trent does crash the party. She doesn't deserve a kiss. And Lucas . . . boy, oh boy, he remains am angel. If Trent is the body in this story and Kaydan is the heart, then Lucas is definitely the soul. Part of me hopes the three of them can work something out that benefits them all.

I'd settle for the button personification of this:

This chapter, especially the end, couldn't be more delightful! My heart is bursting with joy for Cyn and Sheamus. This is all he's ever wanted -- to belong and to be loved -- and his place in the pack was given without reservation. In fact, thanks to Greta's proverbial shotgun wedding, his membership is guaranteed. If I wasn't tranquilized with pills, surely I'd be sobbing. Oh, and did you hear the one about the werebobcat investigating bigfoot sightings? Turns out it was just a case of the missing lynx. (I wholeheartedly apologize.)

Hold the phone . . . twins? It's soap opera simplicity. I can't believe I didn't think of that!. Wowsa. At least I got the lawyer part correct and, if I wasn't clutching my pearls in a death grip, I'd pat myself on the back about that. Haha. The Greene family legacy is certainly a fucked up one. What Grandpapa Greene did was atrocious on multiple levels, with the incest and then robbing the Marcs of their individuality. It's like he wanted to raise two sociopaths. Him and his wife dying when they did was probably about the worst thing that could've happened because it gave the Marcs their freedom. I'm both excited and dreading to find out what their end game is. I mean, with all that money at their disposal, it would be relatively easy to disappear and settle someplace where human trafficking and teen disappearances are largely ignored, and continue their perversity in peace. Tying up loose ends though, that's got to be important for narcissists. Why would they want Jett though? They don't need hostages and holding a policeman would only complicate things. Is it because he's close to Kim and they want her to suffer? Speaking of Jett . . . they're underestimating him and the recourses at his disposal. He, Bo, and Noah won't stop until they find Kyle (and Kim) and make the Marcs pay -- and I hope they pay. Dearly.

What an intriguing development! It's like a combination of the bond between two Four Arms and the emotional mirroring between pack members and their alpha. Essell has somehow become the emotional crux of two distinct bond types. I'm reminded of what we were told earlier of the strangeness of 6888 Ardra. Essell's suit was compromised and he'd already bonded with Bouncer when Garjah hunted him down. Didn't someone lend importance to Essell having been touching the bare earth? Perhaps his human physiology allowed for a heretofore unknown reaction. Knowing Essell, I just hope this revelation doesn't lead him to question the purity of the love he shares with Garjah. I'll never forgive them if the Kardoval plant the seed of bitterness that irreparably damages their feelings for one another.

If the spray paint hadn't been recent, I'd suggest TSS stood for Tuct Side Steel but it's definitely a gang sign/tag. Certainly adds more weight to the theory that they're pushing drugs and mean to expand their territory into the west side of town. The gang, or whoever is backing the gang, must be deeply embedded in the town to have the kind of influence necessary to close Wildwood and I think Kaspar is right to question that. As for the AMBER alert, two of them in a week's time is CRAZY. Additionally, whoever picked up Neil in chapter four drove a black minivan. Although a specific model wasn't given in the description, I'm betting it's a Dodge Caravan. Let's hope Ophelia is safe and sound, asleep in her bed.

As long as they aren't wire cliffhangers. We all know how those go over.

The thought had crossed my mind. Personally, I'd almost rather he be Velma level blind without his glasses and accidentally tries to impregnate Kyle instead . . .

Well, the good news is someone like Greene doesn't do spur of the moment. He almost certainly has a plan -- with an end game in mind -- is working his way towards it. He's also probably injured from the van crashing because there's no he walked away unscathed while both the driver and the guard ended up in critical condition. Now, since Dr. Kidvorkian is a malignant narcissist, let's assume he kept track of the whereabouts and accomplishments of his spawn since a) they would make useful tools and b) any accolades are a reflection of his superior DNA. That information is readily available online or through court documents given to him by his attorney, after all. He was able to find Kim's (unlisted?) address, so let's assume he's aware of Kyle's education and training. While Kyle may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, he provides a convenient solution for his abductor's injuries: the clinic. Equipped with supplies (gauze, sutures, antiseptics, etc.), medication (antibiotics, narcotics, and tranquilizers), and even a surgical suite, it's the perfect place to fix himself up or force Kyle to. Also, why not inject Kim and/or Kyle with a little something and keep them compliant? Anyway, immediate goal: tend to his injuries -- check. What his long term goals are, who knows. Revenge on Kim and/or Nikki? The continuation of his twisted breeding program? Whatever they are, I sort of hope they now include Kyle so there's a reason to keep him around (read: alive). Oh, and Bo and Noah = spin-off?! When Opportunity Knocks Twice? Boah-nus Round? Eh? Eh?

But it was through Nikki that Kim learned about Greene's parole hearing and possible transfer in the first place. Well, through Nikki's lawyer anyway. A lawyer who was also missing from the parole hearing and who still should have been present as the legal representative of Nikki's interests. Nikki needn't attend but her attorney most definitely should've been there. It screams SUSPICIOUS to me. Kim sorta said it herself, didn't she -- that Nikki is still a huge, unstable mess? Sociopaths like Greene learn how to manipulate their victims, knowing which weaknesses to exploit because he created them. And, like I said, Kim most likely knew her attacker because there was no forced entry. Who else but Nikki, Jett, Kyle, or Megan would she invite inside her home? (Duck this one out of left field -- it's the storybook author! Mwahahaha!)

I was going to say that, if there was a time to slip his leash, it would be during Greene's transport. And he had help. Bad weather was convenient enough to slow down traffic, but he still would've had to waylay the vehicle, remove his restraints, subdue guards, and make his escape on foot . . . unless he had help. Having help is where my instincts are pointing -- namely, the accomplice(s) he had from before his incarceration. Nikki not being at the parole board hearing was a little shocking to me and given how badly she handled life after their ordeal, I'm beginning to wonder if she wasn't Stockholm Syndromed and working with him. Since Kim's door was unlocked and not forced open, it stands to reason she knew her attacker. Her lawyer and Nikki are the only two people who come to mind that she'd readily invite inside, and I don't think Marc could've gotten to her that soon. Whatever the case, I'm glad we have Jett and Bruce on our side. I almost feel bad for whoever attacked Kyle and Kim, especially if they go on the run with them, because Jett carries a gun, Bruce is trained to maul, and both will be very, very pissed off. Oh, and there's a joke in there somewhere about Dr. Greene making a home delivery. Nyuk nyuk nyuk. Somehow, after this assault business reaches its climax, I expect our boys will lose their hesitation and declare their love for one another. Y'know, verbally . . . before their tongues are otherwise occupied.

Anyone have a plumber on speed dial? This guy's basement is FLOODED. That was hotter than hot and very much worth the wait. I'm glad it was lovemaking and not "wham! bam(bi)! thank you, ma'am!" Seamus took care of Cyn like we knew he would, making sure his man enjoyed each and every second of the experience. Can't wait to see how the claim holds up at the pack meeting. Should be . . . enlightening. Next stop: Alpha Claude vs the mattress!

Drug dealers, yeesh. This is some Machiavellian level plotting, but I'm at a loss what the end game is. I mean, getting Wildwood closed in order to merge the two high schools and introduce Neil's drug dealing crew is a tad overkill. There are less suspicious ways to get the rich kids addicted to coke and/or meth, and putting it in the hands of teenagers seems irresponsible. Unless it's about their secrets, which Shaun and Neil's conversation makes me think it might be. Maybe getting the kids addicted is a gateway to something bigger. Addicts will lie, cheat and steal for a fix and these kids' parents have deep pockets as well as influence. Then there's simple extortion: catch rich kid A in a compromising situation in order to milk rich parent B for favors. Even then . . . Whoever he is, he's either a genius or too greedy for his own good. I can't decide which. I'm getting a "big fish in a small pond" feeling, like he sees this as his chance to make it to the big time. Some part of me hopes that Neil can still be redeemed. I'm dreading the start of basketball season because, with them sharing a locker room every day, West will stare longingly one time too many, Neil will find out about his attraction/crush and then be in a position to take advantage of it. Once he does that, well -- he's a villain, full stop.

That's been my impression of the fork fascination. Too bad Essell is a bundle of nerves -- he could be having a blast, pulling their legs. I'm all kinds of curious. Is "val" an honorific tacked on to the Kardovals' individual names once their identity is known? With the Four Arms' names being a sort of combination designation/name/job description, it makes a certain amount of sense that they relinquish part of their name/identity while retaining most of their individuality. So, maybe Sloval was born Sloppy and only became Sloval upon reaching maturity. Also, since this species unlocks racial memories, I wonder if Kardoval wasn't the name of the first ruler. Hence, the ruling council sharing that title and adopting the "val" suffix to their name. Maybe? (And, if that's the case, could we dissect Garjah as Gar/jah, where Gar is his given name and jah denotes his . . . station, for lack of a better term?) Oof, that was a tangent. This chapter was one of my favorites so far. This glimpse into how the Kardoval function as a body as well as individuals -- hell, this whole society -- fascinates the shit out of me. Not to mention the implied deference to Garjah where Essell and Bouncer are concerned. (Then again, if Garjah -- adult Four Arms and decorated security guy -- is responsible for this potentially dangerous human and its known-to-be lethal pet, I understand why he'd be seen as the authority figure there.)

“I love—It.” Entertaining chapter all around. Jett’s family is a riot in all senses of the word.

This story was a testament to the miracle of life, of the fortitude that’s unfortunately become a necessity in order to stay true to ourselves, of allies and families both born and found. Michael’s strength of spirit shone through and oh, that sense of humor! There’s kinship here — a real connection. Doesn’t matter what aspect of his story you mesh with, you’re guaranteed to relate to some part of Michael’s life. And his pride. I felt lighter after reading this, for all that it took me so long to do so. I’m proud of you, Gary.

It’s hard to gauge the council’s reaction since only Mereval showed an interest in human etiquette. At least one of the males seems understanding, if not empathetic. If they were all as verbally antagonistic as the curmudgeon, I’d be worried. Their challenges could be part of a test too — you know, see how Essell reacts to social stress. (Given Mereval’s own reaction though, it’s unlikely.) Diplomats they are not. At least we know some of them view Essell as a threat instead of or in addition to an oddity, but an inferior one. Garjah and Bouncer, on the other hand, performed admirably. Bond mate and pack mate indeed. This should be fun!

Every answer we get leads to more questions and I kinda dig it. The six year gap is monstrous — anything could’ve happened in that time. What you have me imagining is hopefully worse than the reality.