Danners

Good for you, getting mad, Cyn! Being gentle and kind may be character traits but so too are bravery and loyalty. Stand up for your man and woe to the wolf who’s dumb enough to stand their ground. On that note, I can’t wait for the pack to officially recognize Sheamus as their Enforcer. Even more so for them to appreciate Cyn’s journey from victim to savior. Plus, if the couple complete their mate bond before the party, maybe we’ll see a vote on admitting the pack’s newest tracker … Also, Agent Kaminsky, if you keep rubbing Cyn the wrong way — and to reiterate what I wrote above:

But the burp of something that size …

I’m happy to hear the Bentons’ relationship has improved since their heart to heart. Not having secrets and worries weighing you down goes a long way toward creating smiles and laughter and love. Now that they’re happy, I hope they’re watching the sky for shoes … Bo and Noah, huh? Boa is a funny ship name and since the former is a Navy man, well — all aboard, I say! And, by that I mean, swabbing the poop deck … or some other nautical pun. Hard to port? Torpedoes away? I dunno, but I wanna see it happen! Of course, Bo needs to survive first. What an entrance — and what an opportunity for siblings to kick his ass. Good natured, obviously. Nothing disfiguring or disabling. As an only child I can only sibling vicariously. Now Kyle gets to see the real family dynamic. Something tells me their prodigal son doesn’t so much add to the (fun) chaos as he does multiply it. Excited doesn’t begin to describe what I’m feeling, but even still …

Well, that explains Neil’s initial dislike of West and his crew: they got him and his brother ousted from Malt Chimney on what was probably a special night for the brothers. I might hold a grudge too. West and Kaspar volunteering with the kids continues to show what selfless good guys they are. I admit I’m impressed but also suspicious — not of them but what they represent. They’re the positive to Neil and his boys’ negative; rich vs poor; east vs west. If the town is contrived, we’re seeing further proof. (Or I’m paranoid.) Theresa and Bran together seem like an odd couple, but a good one. Balanced?

Apparently I’m the only Nine Inch Nails fan. “Closer” would’ve been my personal choice but to each his own. The sexual chemistry is off the charts with these two, but it’s reassuring to know it isn’t everything. They get along famously and enjoy enough of the same things to truly appreciate one another’s company, as well as being different enough to keep things interesting. Not to mention the tacos. The tacos were supreme ... if you know what I mean. (And I quote Dorothy Zbornak: “It was so good WE NAMED IT!”) Here’s hoping Jett taking Kyle to the gun range helps him feel safe, but I also really, really hope he reminds him that there’s more to it than just owning and shooting the thing. Pretty sure he will; Jett’s that kind of man. And what’s with the debate? Sex vs tacos? Really?

Okay, I like Mereval already. The male voice is obviously the straight man and I can’t wait to see how they interact. Maybe the Kardoval aren’t as intimidating as expected ... Also, um, if anyone heard an “Awwww!” and couldn’t find the source, that was me. Bouncer giving a hug! I just ... you ... I mean ... what ..? Cia, why are you trying to turn me into a puddle with these unprovoked displays of cuteness? I have an image to uphold!

So. Effin’. Adorkable. And that goes for both of them, by the way. Kieran because it’s Kieran and Arric because he’s fumbling like a middle school boy talking to his first crush. (Which is sort of true.) They're turning out to be a balanced pairing! Arric can (figuratively) let his hair down but will still bring a strong, protective energy. Kieran finally gets to hang out with someone who seems to get him and who is mature enough not to pressure him to jump right into the sack. (Although, y’know, once the pants come off, they better toss a mattress directly on the floor ‘cause ain’t no bed frame gonna survive a pent up alpha.) I’ll just be over here tittering happily — dare I say gayly — in anticipation of a double date with Shea and Cyn.

Ah, the 80s. I was a kiddo during it all, so luckily I dodged all but the rat tail trend and a wardrobe comprised of neon colors vomited — er, geometrically patterned — onto polyester and velour. My heart goes out to all the ladies — and my mom — who had to choose between a frizzy perm or inhaling Aquanet on the daily. All that capitalism and greed did things to people, even good people like the Bentons, who were desperate for children of their own. I’m guessing the adoption agency had no clue what Dicktor Greene told them, and he probably didn’t “disclose” the origin of the children until after the fact so the Bentons had no choice but to comply. You can only buy silence before or during the adoption; it isn’t until the after the contract is signed that you can threaten the guilty. (How’s that for a twisted mind?) Stranger Danger wasn’t even a thing yet when the girls were kidnapped. Missing children didn’t appear on milk cartons until 1984. In a place like upstate Connecticut (or in uptown Minneapolis), where parents thought nothing of letting their kids play outside unattended, I’d be surprised if the case wasn’t mishandled by cops and news crews.

Kyle is too trained in the handling and treatment of snakes — y’know, the trouser variety. (Sorry not sorry.) He proved his point at the end of the chapter when he no doubt coerced Jett’s to stand up and beg. My first thought about what Jett could be missing is that he should focus on Greene’s attorney. Unless Dr. Baby Batter was appealing his conviction, there’s no reason for regular visits between the two of them. I’d wager instructions were passed regarding Greene’s contingency plan(s), which most likely led to the deal that got his life sentence reduced. Attorney client privilege could definitely be abused here, especially if the guy was as skeevy as his client. I’m glad that Jim and Lynn were duped in a way because it’s easier to understand what they went through and to forgive them like Kyle and Megan did. Still ... I worry about what happens when Kyle and/or Megan show up at Greene’s parole hearing, presumably claiming to be Heather’s and Kim’s unaccounted for first children. Legal threats against their adoptive parents could be used against the siblings. Last but not least, stop claiming Jett is anything short of perfect. Even 96% perfection can be rounded up! Haha.

Twisted minds see things from ... er, different angles. Thanks! Also, not a lawyer, just fluent enough to be dangerous. (Mean ole strike through code.)

They didn’t charge him initially, so new charges would need to be filed and new charges mean a new trial. A stand alone trial for Heather’s death and/or that of the stillborn girl. The problem is Heather and her baby are only presumed dead; they’re still technically missing persons. Greene may be playing the long game, banking on contingencies. Monster that he is.

Predictions galore in my head and even more theories. I’m excited to find out if any pan out but I’m sort of hoping none of them do and it’s clear sailing for this group. Holding my breath is probably a mistake. Jett keeps getting closer and closer to perfection. His advocacy for not only Kyle and Kim separately but also for Kim and Megan and Kyle and Megan is admirable. Inspirational. He doesn’t just act how a friend or partner should, he is that. Also, Greene — OB/GYdon’tyoustayinthepen — must be bartering the whereabouts of Heather’s remains or there are more bodies out there, alive or dead. Life in prison without parole is not a sentence readily nor easily reduced, especially after a guilty verdict. For all we know, non-disclosure of Kyle’s and Megan’s identities could’ve been put in writing. The Bentons’ adoption made legal. (After all, Heather is dead and gave up her parental rights under duress. Those adoptions would’ve been voided and the Bentons could’ve technically been charged with kidnapping or child trafficking.) There are enough breadcrumbs to choke a goose! But ... in a good way?

I’ll admit Essell’s journey was ill-conceived and he has some growing up to do, but at the moment it is all about him. As far as we know, he is the only one of his kind: a human (accidentally) spliced with Four Arm DNA, a human bonded with a Four Arms, a human bonded with a cerops. This is an ancient and advanced civilization that’s taken great pains to avoid detection by humanity, and with good reason. Essell’s worry over his safety is valid. At preset he is little more than a test subject. A curious anomaly. In his situation I’d like to think I’d handle myself with more thought but, then again, I’m not about to be paraded in front of a cadre of all-powerful Four Arms who will, I’m told, decide if I’ll be allowed to live. The poor guy is terrified and fear makes us irrational. Moreover he went from taking control of his destiny (unwise but ballsy) by exploring an uninhabited planet to having zero control over his circumstances. His petulance is ... if not entirely justified, it’s understandable, no?

Aw, the stress has them snapping at one another. Hope they realize that, apologize, and focus their aggression on a more worthy target — y’know, Timok. If that rent in the earth fries ships’ systems, I wonder what it’d do to a body. Again Timok comes to mind ...

On the bright side, if Megan and Kim can manage to (re)connect, it will be rejuvenating for both of them. Especially for Kim. So far she’s only known pain from what was done to her, but forming a positive relationship with the only daughter she held in her arms is just the opposite. In fact, since the best revenge is living your best life, I’d say nurturing at least an acquaintance with Megan would do wonders. One other benefit: Having his two victims alongside Heather and Kim’s first children as they speak against him at the parole hearing, in my estimation, will keep Dr Baby Factory locked away for the duration of his sentence. Or, at least, coax him into a plea deal in exchange for coughing up the whereabouts of Heather’s and Kyle’s sister’s remains.

It being a shitty circumstance to cement their relationship aside, I’m proud of the faith the boys put in one another. Jett knew what Kyle needed and didn’t hesitate to give it to him, and Kyle let him. That’s leaps beyond couples who’ve been together twice as long as they have. One day Jett will need to find his strength in Kyle and I’ve no doubt our vet will selflessly return this favor. Megan too for that matter. And Kim. Speaking of Kim ... I’m not surprised she refused to acknowledge Megan by name. She’s protecting herself still, decades after the trauma that birthed her first daughter. She can’t take ownership, it might destroy her. Woof, this and the previous chapter were doozies.

You’ve got this. Inspiration is everywhere and you’re nothing if not observant.

THERE IT IS, FOLKS! It’s in print and Gary can’t take it back.

From college student and barista to half brother-turned-father, poor Matt had his hands full with Aidopotato. Enter spud muffin Seamus. Add in a host of lovable characters, a nasty CFO, and the lasting damage done by a dead narcissist and you have the mash up of what Boss Nanny is all about. Observing the ups and downs of a budding relationship between and the personal development of the two main characters was a true privilege. Matt and Seamus both had issues, ghosts of former failed pairings, but they also had us and their friends and family rooting for them. (Big Daddy Brad continues to be my unsung hero.) Through it all, we had two lonely souls — three if you count Potato Fingers — hashing out their differences and expanding the definition of what it takes to be a family. And, bonded by blood or simply found, a family is what they created in the end, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. I can’t sing this story enough praises; it’s truly magnificent. You’ll laugh your pants wet and maybe dampen a tissue with your tears, but you’ll be compelled to continue because you need to know how it all comes together in the end. It’s the hallmark of a superb story and a gifted author, both demonstrated herein. As I said in my comment in the epilogue, this story, these characters — they’re gifts. If you’re anything like me, you’ll treasure them ... and beg for a sequel.

They even had their own hashtags #aidopotato and #littlecarsontot because he was their little tater tot. I ... I just ... I can’t. I don’t know why but this was just about the cutest thing I’ve ever read and I may have happily giggled like three year old. As semi-famous as the kiddos are, I’m more elated that the world get to see what amazing people — and parents — Matt and Seamus are by extension. Beyond that, I can’t mention everything I loved about this chapter or this story because my comment would be longer than the actual prose. This was a perfect ending to a near perfect story, and it’s only nearly perfect because Big Daddy Brad wasn’t there with his special someone. (I mean, sure, Matt, Seamus, Aidan, and Carson are the most important special someones in his life, but he’s such a wonderful a guy ...) As much as I’m lookin forward to your next story, I can’t help longing for a continuation of this one. These characters you’ve created really resonated. They’re gifts and I thank you for them. Thank you!

Baxter’s apology was very in line with a man in a position of power and privilege and I kinda wish they’d reported his ass. Granted, all that Cyn has accomplished so far is worthy of praise, but his circumstances are rare (thankfully). Shouldn’t all prey species be given equal treatment by dint of being capable of human intelligence? So what if they cry and whine for better treatment without putting themselves at risk? Their fight or flight response is genetically programmed to flee because they were hunted and killed long before history began to be recorded. Oop, who put that soapbox under there?! Shea’s leaning into his newfound authority as so naturally and I can’t help thinking having Cyn to protect — and as his mate — is a huge help in that evolution. An Enforcer with their mate by their side has got to be one of the fiercest of wolves, possibly on a Beta level. Being able to draw on the strength of wolf, mate, pack, and Enforcer, s’gotta be serious juju. Speaking of Cyn’s influence on the pack, is it me or does it seem like his spirit is already intermingling with the others? I mean, everyone he meets comes away with a new outlook, but Arric’s pack more than most. They’re better versions of themselves. It’s like he’s already a pack member in spirit, just not officially recognized. You mentioned ramifications of Cyn joining the pack in a comment a while back and they’re starting to show ... Arric and Kieran remain my beloved Odd Couple. I don’t know if it was intentional but you sort of explained why these feelings, this pull between Arric and Kieran, only started to blossom recently: Arric changed. He opened up, became more approachable. I suspect his wolf started noticing others in a new way, looking for potential mates where none were suitable or worthy before, and Kieran’s wolf ... well, who can resist a dopey little puppy? Since Kieran’s becoming more grounded too, their wavelengths are aligning. I haven’t been this excited since Cyn and Shea. Oh, and Hauser. At least Eike will be able to answer the age old question: Does a wolf shit in the woods?

Oh ho ho! Someone get me a bottle of champagne to break against the bow, ‘cause we need to christen this ship! And what a pleasure cruise it will be for Kieran with Arric at the helm ... Thank you in advance!

Let’s hope it works out better for our boys than it did for Ben Stiller. I like this sweet, sentimental side of Garjah. Wanting to mark Essell with a token of affection and honoring the memory of his mother in doing so is far removed from the base need to mingle their fluids. An unexpected and pleasant facet of his personality. Essell didn’t seem to fully appreciate the gift but he’s preoccupied. It’s understandable. I hope, given time, he’ll wear them with pride — not as a human turned hybrid but as Garjah’s mate.

Sounds like macho posturing to me but nothing is as it seems in this town. Since I can’t avoid shipping West and Neil, I’m hoping this was the latter’s idea of flirting with the former. Hahaha. It feels like the Wildwood students were more inserted than enrolled, y’know? It’s creepy.