Danners

I tried to balance NyQuil and coffee so forgive me if anything doesn’t make sense. “This ain’t the musical episode.” Does mean there will be a musical episode? No take backs! The faction leaders are ones to watch to be sure but they don’t hold a candle to Marie. As much respect as she’s given for her neutrality, something tells me she’s the real supernatural powerhouse in New Orleans. I keep thinking of Marie Laveau. I was thrilled that each of the faction leaders harkened to mainstream mysticism. The totalitarian church. The seductive vampire. The lycanthrope anarch. The wraithlike watcher in shadow. I can’t wait for your take on these creatures and how they match with and differ from the stereotypes. As for the leaders as individuals, I’m most worried about Cecile. As first impressions go, she’s spiteful and clearly violent, and the fact that she doesn’t respect or … legitimize ..? anyone she deems less powerful is troubling. She’s a predator through and through, and if she can’t use the boys (her first priority), she’ll destroy them before they can be used against her. They, like everyone else, are pawns. I think she needled Alex magically like she did Jacques verbally. It’s all about getting under his/their skin and learning which buttons to push. Julia is also a predator but she likes her prey on equal footing, so to speak. I’d probably trust her the most out of the four leaders because she’s only in this out of necessity: she plays the game so she and hers can choose their own path. I get the impression she’d like to see how the boys turn out before she makes up her mind. Even then, unless they try to leash her (again so to speak), they aren’t her problem. I also get the impression Julia was the only leader not actively testing Alex and that tells me she respects him as a person first. The Cardinal is second on both lists — who to trust and distrust — because men of faith are often guilty of feelings of righteousness. They justify their own actions; God (or other higher power) is on their side. So, while he believes what he says and says what he believes, he still wants the same thing Cecile does: dominance and control. When Alex blew, I suspect the Cardinal was most at fault. Of the four, he’s the most likely to want Jacques and/or Alex to lose control because it gives him a reason to lock them down or eliminate them outright. Whereas Cecile saw them as tools, they represent pure — uncontrollable! — chaos to him. Yared is the wild card. If he lives up to his name, he knows a lot more than he’s letting on. Alex’s graveyard buffet, for example. In fact, I’d be surprised if he hasn’t had eyes on Alex since the Noir Foundation took an interest in him. Possibly the same with Jacques. He’s a behind the scenes kind of guy — my personal preference in groups, by the way — and that means, without a doubt, he’s already thinking two, maybe three steps ahead. Makes him probably the most dangerous of the leaders. I really hope Solomon was conscious of the fact he commanded Jacques in front of the faction leaders or, if not, that Marie will speak up. He’s no longer just a butler. Bravo on making the boys a package deal. I love that (for now) they’re two sides of the same coin. In that, Marie was uncharacteristically premature in her assessment: Lucien’s legacy is still in triplicate. Jacques (1), Alex (2), and the boys together (3). When the pair finally bond mind, body, and soul, I think that will become clear. I could ramble on for the foreseeable future but, alas, the NyQuil is winning. So excited for Marie’s tutelage and the factions’ inevitable interference.

Field trip! As much as Alex and Jacques could use a moment alone, somehow I think this assessment by the other factions will bring them closer together. It’ll certainly give them more to talk about when they turn in for the night. And then there’s Marcus over there, taking it all in stride. If there was ever a question about him perceiving magic, the way he reacted to Maison Noir’s interior answered it. Good on him. The pot stirrer in me hopes his family has ties to one of these other factions.

Yay! They finally got their happy ending. Ethan is one lucky Omega. When you described Wesley the lumberjack out there chopping wood, all tattooed and shirtless — lawd have mercy … So … when’s the sequel coming out? 😁

Just as I thought, Seth is ageless. An immortal house spirit bound to oversee the place and fed power by drinking the slaves’ tears.

Here’s where we find out that Ted’s deceased mate founded, owned, and operated ButterBiz and now, thanks to grandpa Talmey, Ethan is Aaron’s boss. In reality, I hope Dr Talmey had patented a brand of suppressants or something and either left Ethan a substantial fortune. Maybe with instructions to use it to help recessives such as themselves and Wesley.

Such a wholesome beginning! Is it wrong to hope Jessy — at least — polluted Brit Brit’s bed with cookie crumbs and edible glitter? That stuff gets everywhere. Flynn continues to be … Flynn. As much as I dislike him, I don’t envy his position. I’d rather the children punish Britney. At least Dante tried to diffuse Jessy’s bitterness in a way that defended the man without him overhearing and getting the wrong idea. Frank’s two cents made me snicker. I’m glad Dante reminds Frank of his brother. That explains so much about their interactions, bringing the chapter full circle to a wholesome ending. I mean, after the “tits to tater tots” conversation, that is. Just … don’t let Tom find out. I still don’t trust his intentions and I don’t want Dante lulled into a false sense of security, only for a newly jealous Tom to strike. Fingers crossed that, if he does learn precisely how Frank feels about Dante, it’ll finally sink in that hurting Dante also hurts Frank. (Oooh, I just had a thought. It’s no secret Alice is on the way out with Valentine and will likely bring Dante with her. What if Tom is buddying up to him now so that Dante will want to request he also come with?) Anyway, what a fun little chapter!

I want Lanus to suffer but the deck is stacked in his favor. The audacity of that man. Maybe Ethan’s story will stop other recessive Omegas from signing with Skeeters. (Lord knows the unmated Alphas have no incentive to walk.) I hope Harry is okay. He was abused in his own right. Think he’d want to be Ethan’s friend now that the Omega is safe to be around? They’re both bound to be embarrassed by what happened but bonding (not that way) might help them heal. I truly, truly hate that Aaron and Dr Bourke got what they wanted in the end and without any consequences. Sure, the therapist may have lost her job at Skeeters and that’s something but, like, where’s the malpractice suit? She orchestrated attempted rape on a number of occasions for crying out loud. At least Wesley and Ethan have their chance at a happily ever after. Ethan could try his hand at mainstream acting or join the ranks of professional YTers. Personally, though, I hope he spends his Skeeters money on college tuition for himself and Wesley. Earn a degree and go into social work or therapy and help other recessive Omegas and Alphas. Offer the resources and care they weren’t afforded. Oh, and a sandpaper butt plug for Cody.

You know, I’m surprised sympathetic Betas haven’t already devised systems to protect Omegas, bonded or otherwise, from Alphas’’ coercive pheromones. Lanus shouldn’t be allowed to impose Ethan’s submission over dinner in order to get his way. It’d be like forcing someone photosensitive to negotiate under a spotlight. It’s disgusting. A part of me suspects Lanus pumped out pheromones, knowing Ethan would return to Wesley with his pheromone stick idea, and hoping to induce the recessive Alpha’s instincts. Get Wesley to do just what he did in the hopes it would drive Ethan away. Lanus is becoming something of a megalomaniac lately. I hope Ethan records a video (on his phone) explaining everything that’s happened since Lanus approached him about becoming Star Boy. Showing his sound mind, free of hormonal manipulation. If a Beta could record it and testify to Ethan’s state of mind, even better. I hate that our lovers are being forced into doing this. It’s what each of them has fought against since awakening. I know it’s probably their only option but it feels like the ultimate betrayal. The Omegaverse is a truly cruel place to live — unless you’re a dominant Alpha, of course.

That sneaky bitch. I wonder if Lanus knew. If he assumed Ethan would keep seeing Wesley and subsequently taking suppressants, I wouldn’t put it past him to have that pill given to Ethan. Something tells me that wasn’t the case though. All signs point to Dr Bourke being the traitor. Being in charge of Ethan’s schedule is one thing but pairing him with Harry is completely out of the question. Plus, if she’s so knowledgeable and helped design this supposedly herbal supplement, she damn well should know its effects. I’ll bet she blames Ethan and Harry being on suppressants and their false heat/rut being an unexpected side effect. It isn’t like she can claim she gave them the wrong pill: she helped design the damn thing! Oh boy, I’m all kinds of worried about next chapter.

Through the journey of a small group of men, this story explores the lasting effects of love and loss, longing and regret, serenity and grief. We learn the importance of one’s place in an unforgiving world and experience the seriousness of both treated and untreated mental health issues. From Andrew and Omar’s first meeting to the growing and ultimately deadly rift between Bishop and King, their magnetism is undeniable. River and Tanner’s lifelong affection, Knight and Rook’s bond straining as it deepened. The unrequited love of a son for his father; the painful crush of a boy on a man chasing a ghost. @CasualWanderer82 tells one of the most moving and compelling stories I’ve read in a long, long time. The depth of these characters’ emotions and their seemingly inescapable flaws left me in tears and yet this isn’t a tale of tragedy so much as it is a demonstration of the power we have over one another. And it isn’t all bleak either. These men and their loins left mine throbbing with a need nearly as strong as theirs. Smoldering lust balances out moments of somber reflection and emotional upheaval. Like the author’s other works, this one is … wow. Yeah, that about sums it up. Wow.

The person staring back at him was more vivid, sharper in detail than the Alex he used to know. This line really stuck with me, moved me almost to tears. It made me realize the weight Alex carries on his shoulders because of his illness and the lingering damage being weak and fragile all his life inflicted on him. How this new body, beyond the physical changes, must feel psychologically foreign. He never saw himself as a fully realized person, did he? His self-image was hazy, clouded by doubt and the acceptance he’d always be severely limited. Dwelling on that too much brings tears to my eyes, let alone what it must’ve been like for Alex. In the same vein, I’d like to think the magic helped fill in all the blanks physically. For his psyche as well, though more subtly. If he were a jigsaw puzzle, the magic aligned the disparate pieces, allowing him to see his full potential, but he’ll still need to put everything together to be complete. (And maybe Jacques can finger a piece or two …) I’m also in love with the … not irony but maybe the juxtaposition of formerly weak Alex now being the physically strong Jacques’ protector. So, I hope all that eldritch might isn’t tied to Lucien’s hand and will remain within Alex even after it’s reunited with Jacques’ wrist. Did Alex activate Maison Noir’s protective wards when he stood on the front threshold? Or was the magical beacon/floodlight from Alex himself? Anyway, it would be a shame not to explore the setting’s magic now that the main characters have awakened to it, don’t you think? I know I’d want to learn everything I could about the runes and the strange blue glow if I could suddenly perceive them. Then again, I tend to fixate on new info. I think learning more about magic could pave the way for needing more information about the other factions. Like, once we know about the power itself, we’ll naturally want to then know who wants that power, why they want that power, or how they’ll go about obtaining it. An organic progression. Does that make sense? And, of course, more main story goodness. Jacques and Alex aren’t gonna bond by themselves, and Solomon needs time to … welcome … his new playma — er, guest, Jacques’ friend. 😉

Maybe, in his current emotional state, Wesley will expose what’s gone on at Skeeters, not that there’s anything to expose. How their recessive Omegas are treated seems to be an open secret between all of the studios. That, and I don’t think he would knowingly do anything to hurt Ethan. Dr Bourke is the angle I’d work. There’s more than meets the eye with her. I got the impression from her previous “I have more pull than you may think” comment that she’s either related to Lanus or his bonded mate. Whatever the case, she knows things — and probably knew about Wesley already. I’d laugh my ass off if Lanus and Aaron were jilted lovers. It’s the soap opera treatment. Hehe. It’s ironically naive to expect a freshly awakened Omega to have a full grasp of a porn industry he would’ve had little to no desire to explore as a Beta. To take advantage of that naivety, though — that alone is enough reason for me to want Lanus bent over in a prison cell, forced to reenact Skeeters scenes with the other jailhouse Alphas.

Damn it, you made me cry.

Finally they’re on more equal footing. It took a cat fight and their first lovers’ quarrel, not to mention fatigue, but at last they had the conversation they needed to have all along. Their instincts won’t always align and will indeed clash sometimes, and they need to remember this. Of course, there are more important topics for them to broach regarding the sources of their natures, just … maybe not yet. At least Emmett heard it from the dragon’s mouth: Finley wants to protect him and is there for him whenever he needs it. It may temper the uncomfortable truth that Finley will also fight for him — figuratively and literally. I think, once he has time to reflect on the various feelings he sensed from his boyfriend (they’re schoolyard official in my book — plus who doesn’t love a running joke?), Emmett will understand how deeply Finley cares for him. There won’t be any question that he yearns to be more than friends. I take back what I said about Steven. I don’t think he had any idea of Emmett’s importance to Finley, which explains his embarrassment after being told to take his hands off the man’s hoard. Now, I don’t speak dragon, so I’m not absolutely positive, but I get the sense the hissing involved a succinct explanation and the threat of bodily harm. If a half-dragon could piss his pants, I think Steven may have left with wet jeans. Speaking of wetting one’s pants: did Finley orgasm from contact with Emmett’s magic? Because that’s something to remember for the honeymoon. I kind of wish the empath had glanced down and gotten an eyeful of Finley’s other hoard. (Also, I just realized the perfection of Finley’s peach obsession and Emmett admiring his friend’s peach.) I’m guessing the ruined tattoo was one of the ones responsible for increasing Finley’s magic resistance or dampening his physical sensitivity. Otherwise, Emmett’s status as the cornerstone of Finley’s hoard allows him to bypass the dragon’s innate resistance. Nice to know, if it’s true, but it paints an even larger target on his back. So many thoughts on this chapter! I’m probably forgetting half of what I want to bring up. (Lucky you. Hehe.) You did such a superb job conveying Emmett’s feelings and his state of mind tonight. From his unease to his confusion and anger, his hurt feelings and injured pride, but also the quiet, underlying magnetism drawing him to Finley. The mental snapshot of the two of them hugging, Emmett drawing warmth and comfort from his protector without even realizing how badly Finley also needed that embrace — it was romantic, innocent and pure. I’m still smiling.

Aw, Nico’s a sweet boy. Something tells me that won’t serve him well as a slave but, as a person, kindness in this environment means a lot. It’s too bad Dante didn’t appreciate it. Will we be seeing any of these guys in the future? I seem to remember Florian’s name being mentioned but I’d much rather Dante be reunited with a certain stuttering angel.

See, this is the true power of recessives and why they should be revered rather than reviled. They can bond on an emotional level, not one manufactured by a biological imperative. Is it naive to hope their plans aren’t best laid and thus subject to inevitable problems? Still waiting on Cody’s snuff film. Kidding! (Or am I?)

Maybe I’m in the minority here but I’d say what society deems their weaknesses are actually their strengths. As we witnessed with Wesley and Ethan, they can fall in love without being slaves to their hormones. They can, with a little drugstore help, choose who they want to bond with. Damn it, they aren’t deficient! Fingers crossed Wesley finds his way back to Ethan. Noble as his sacrifice is, it’s also incredibly selfish. Also, and more importantly, someone help Cody knot with a chainsaw.

Hey, Kurt. Psst. C’mere, I’ve got something for you …

Are we sure Cody is a Beta? ‘Cause the entitlement is giving Alpha but the neediness screams Omega. Either way, what a douche. Something tells me Ethan will retain the friend group in this breakup. Is it wrong that I’m looking forward to Cody quickly learning that? Who knows, maybe he met Aaron. If not, he should. Seems like they’d get along. Samson truly lucked out — more so with Harrison’s mothers than with the Alpha himself. They seem leagues beyond his own parents. Ethan’s too, apparently. That must be a relief for our favorite Omega, both for himself and his best friend. I’m gonna be said when this series ends.

Slave-on-slave prejudice is alive and real. That scene in the kitchen with the men cutting vegetables around the kitchen table was as entertaining as it was enlightening. I know there are a lot of hurt feelings over Ethan’s replacement and Flynn isn’t helping things with his … uh, ignorance ..? Seth has his work cut out for him. I’m a little disappointed in Dante’s reception of Flynn in the morning. After his own rocky start and feelings of not belonging here, I guess I expected more empathy from him. Or any empathy. On the other hand, we’re learning more about Dante’s past through these interactions. Any history he has with other pleasure slaves surely colors what he thinks about Flynn and, of course, it looks like Flynn’s training and personal beliefs diametrically oppose Dante’s. Yay, another enemy! Alice’s parting words, I hope, aren’t prophetic because, seriously, Dante is at his most vulnerable without her in the house. If Tom or Britney or anyone else has something planned, now is the time to strike. For instance, getting Dante’s cum anywhere near Flynn’s hole would be disastrous for our boy. Speaking of which, I still don’t know what Tom’s game is. I suspect he wants to be the man to tame Dante and this is his version of a long con. Was his possessive moment in front of Flynn alpha male posturing or him genuinely sussing out Flynn’s receptiveness? Lastly, my theory on Tom’s slavery: he caused Frank’s accident. He was the other driver. He cost Carolyn and Blaise a son and a half, therefore his life belongs to them. Just ignore the gay man quietly plotting behind the curtain …

Oh Ethan … you’re breaking my heart. This job is really doing a number on you and the rollercoaster it’s putting your self-esteem on doesn’t seem worth it. And, once again, f*ck off, Cody. Selfish prick.

Finally, someone addressing Cody’s behavior. You’d think it was his money he’s spending instead of Ethan’s. I’m glad his friends were discussing it, even if he isn’t, and I can only hope they confronted Cody on Ethan’s behalf. It occurred to me that his PA might not be Wesley Lamont. I’m not sure how outdated his Insta is but, with his FB locked, do we have proof this isn’t someone using his identity? It’s a stretch, I know. I’m also starting to question if Wesley is really a Beta. He could be on heavy duty blockers, especially if he awakened in jail or as a minor. Why he’d sabotage Ethan, though, I still can’t say. Unless his past is somehow connected to another Omega porn star who died or ended up in an abusive bond, or if he himself was a recessive Omega porn star and his repeated offenses were due to trying to steal or destroy his video hard copies, what his motive would be is elusive. So much for this being a porn story — it’s turning into quite the mystery! Love it! Oh yeah. Hank’s cancellation speaks highly of him if it’s true. Him catching feelings for his costar isn’t great but still, it means there’s at least one guy possibly envisioning a future with Ethan. I love how you’re subtly showing the Alphas’ own developing closeness with Ethan. Nick’s kiss, while dominant, was a kiss instead of a peck. Okay, that’s enough out of me.

Maybe a little. In his defense, Emmett is an empath and, I gather, must keep a tight lid on his emotions at all times. To go from an uncomfortable environment to an unwanted advance — complete with a bruising grip on his arm — and then be thrust into a physical confrontation that goes completely against his very nature, where he can sense the Shifter’s rage, Finley’s complicated feelings, and what must be an onslaught of bystanders’ emotions … I’d probably snap too. It was kind of nice to see Emmett come so close to losing control. He’s needed this since Dex attacked him. It isn’t in his nature to lash out but sometimes it’s the only way, y’know? Emmett’s outburst is understandable, I guess, is what I’m really saying but it doesn’t concern me nearly as much as what comes next. Calling Finley disgusting is hard to take back.

Steven having a powerful half-brother and looking so similar to Finley’s kin definitely hinted at him being at least half-dragon. Not to mention the smoking and his behavior. Quite a trail of breadcrumbs you left us before the big reveal. I wonder if Steven could discern what and how much Emmett means to Finley. At first I thought the new guy doth protest too much — kinda like Mo about his pure heterosexuality — but, after the reveal, it makes more sense that he was subtly relaying to Fin that he isn’t a threat, nor is he a rival. He may actually be helping his fellow dragon defend his hoard — as one might expect from a tried and true support soldier. I was ready to hate Steven. Now I’m not so sure. Emmett’s outrage is probably my favorite part of this chapter. It’s so incredibly layered. His nature vs being protected. Finley fighting but only doing so to defend him. Finley’s demands vs Emmett’s pride vs Emmett’s longing. What wasn’t mentioned (because this is Fin’s point of view) is how well Emmett knows his boyfriend’s motivation and the feelings behind his actions. Fin’s fear, his dedication, the dragon’s own longing, and his hoard instincts — Emmett an empath whose senses are amped up by touch, and Finley was in physical contact for much of this argument. Poor Emmett must be so confused right now. He wants to be furious with his friend, he needs to be angry in order to drown out what his empathy is telling him. His own feelings being at war with his nature and his ego pushing in defiance of his heart’s desire. @Celian, I’m just … please hurry with the next chapter! As for our lovable dragon, I can’t fault him (much) for his actions. Did he take it too far literally throwing Tony the Tiger out of the bar? Maybe. It’s possible the Shifter’s already short fuse was going off inside and Finley knew enough, was familiar enough, to extricate him from the crowd before he lost control. Fin wasn’t so much fighting as wearing Tony down. He could’ve pinned him down or something but, as anyone who’s ever tried to hold an angry cat will tell you, that would’ve been more painful and less likely to succeed. I expect his inner dragon becomes harder to control the more damage he takes. While I wouldn’t mind him snacking on the tiger’s skull like a bowl of Frosted Flakes, we all know how well that’d turn out. For their sake, I hope Emmett calms down enough, once they’re somewhere more private, that he can separate his wounded pride and hurt feelings from the nobility of Finley’s actions. Finley will do anything for Emmett except endanger him, or allow him to endanger himself, and the sooner he figures that out, the safer he’ll feel around him.

I can’t blame Ethan for being suspicious of Wesley. There are too many unknowns in his past, though you’d think HR would’ve caught it and not hired him if he had conflicts of interest. It wouldn’t surprise me if Dr. Bourke was behind this, either as part of some sort of research or because she’s against the exploitation of recessive Omegas. Cody’s also getting on my nerves. Ethan isn’t his sugar daddy; he’s taking advantage of his friend’s generosity. He’s also luring Ethan into clubs and other potentially dangerous places. I hope Lanus doesn’t can Harry or forbid he and Ethan from filming together. There could be benefits to a regular pairing like that that outweighs the risks. I dunno. There are worse Alphas to mix it up with — at least Harry showed a modicum of restraint and seemed to consider more about Ethan than just his hole. Oh! Maybe lock Aaron and Kurt in a supply closet and let nature take its course!