84Mags

Yes, I understand that completely. I think the sanctuary land itself is important to someone in the tribe / on the tribal council for whatever profitable reason. Perhaps to further the illegal drug trade that is happening. While profits (and land) are shared amongst the tribe, it doesn’t mean that individuals haven’t figured out ways to personally profit. It was a bonus to not lose out on Charlotte Kincaid’s bequest once Sam was killed. I admit (as always) that I tend to guess wrong with mysteries. That’s half the fun!

Along with others, I never trusted Rory or Frank. They and Daniel appear to have been Sam's minions. Rory and Frank might not have been directly involved in the murder, but perhaps Daniel was also working with someone else. Rory and Frank's prices to help Sam put an end to the sanctuary are paltry amounts in relation to what Sam would inherit. He could afford to seem generous in order to get the money he desperately needed. It is extremely doubtful Sam was in charge of the whole scheme. Perhaps the person behind Sam, the one encouraging him to let the animals loose thereby ending the sanctuary, convinced Daniel to kill Sam. If Daniel had a price to work with Sam to let the animals out, he might have been bought at a much higher price to kill Sam. Daniel also has a link to the drugs that appear tied up in all of this. Sam wanted the inheritance money but someone else wanted the land and its potential. It would be a comparatively small price to pay off Sam through the inheritance to gain the land. Micco explained to Calhoun just how much the land would be worth. As @CincyKrisdeduced, given what we now know, it is very doubtful Martina killed Sam or was involved in his death. Her ties to the tribe were through her husband; she has no pull or standing with the tribal council. It wouldn't help her in any way to have Sam killed. Which leads me to Burke. I have been wondering about him for a while now, but cannot yet put together how he might fit in. I believe someone within the tribe wanted the land and figured out a way to get out of Charlotte Kincaid’s bequest. They initially used Sam by dangling the inheritance money. When Sam balked and changed his mind, they had him killed in order to go ahead with the plan. I want to know who is behind all of this because we cannot forget how horribly Micco has suffered. Someone (Burke?) with direct ties to the tribe, and perhaps a link to illegal drugs, also wants harm to come to Micco.

That’s very nice of you to say. I enjoy your comments, as well. It’s such a wonderful online community for sharing thoughts, insights, personal experiences or jokes. I am still giggling over your autocorrect mix up of goat vs gout and the hilarious comments that followed!

For someone who didn’t cause or create his own suffering, Elijah experienced more than his share yet bore it with compassion and dignity. His determination to help others and be instrumental in defeating evil defined him. Elijah, Tyler, Austin and Ashton all deserve the wonderful life they helped to create. The world is a better place because of them, and now they get to fully experience it together. It is always a bit bittersweet to think about Kage, but the piece of him that lives on in the four allows Kage to be a source of light and good. We are leaving these men in a perfect place and time.

Lucas sharing his past and his heart, as well as explaining his history with Reid, was the needed encouragement for Jubal to talk about his experiences. Once Jubal began to express himself, it was clear he had a lot of truly awful, terrifying encounters that left Jubal fearful of being open with others. The whole situation with the preachers son, being dragged, nearly killed, and severely injured was gut wrenching. Add to that the other times when Jubal was pistol whipped, raped, and gang attacked. It is astounding how absolutely horrible humans can be to each other yet also amazing how incredibly resilient most of us are. Thank God for Vincent and for Jubal’s will to live. Reid is a good man. Lucas and Jubal are a love match. Reid not only stepped aside, he helped Lucas and Jubal get to the point they could have this much needed conversation. And just as it lightens one’s mind to finally share secrets, worries and fears, it also helps to have someone to walk beside you in life. Lucas and Jubal’s kiss is a wonderful next step.

Here is the Corbin I knew he could be. He’s starting to think through his feelings about the men in his life in the same methodical way he thinks about the frat and his power plays on campus. And that’s a good head space to be in as he looks more deeply into his relationship with Pete. It’s finally occurring to Corbin that while he loves Pete, he was never fully with Pete. Both Corbin and Pete had exit strategies and complicated their relationship with others. It was always messy and never straightforward. Corbin has a tendency to further muddy things when he tosses sex into the mix. Nick was the perfect guy to find Corbin because he didn’t allow that to happen. Sometime love is part infatuation. I suspect that’s been true for Corbin with Pete. Mike seems to understand that and has remained steady. Perhaps Corbin is ready to ask himself some tough questions about committing to one person, and if that person is Mike. And while he is contemplating relationships, Corbin has a long standing friendship with Hutch that might not withstand Corbin supporting someone else for president.

Everyone has their own way to let others know they care about them. Jubal’s love language is through actions and deeds. The stronger his feelings, the bolder his actions. Prescott learned that as a final lesson. A couple of wolves did, too. Any good friend might take care of the farm while Lucas was recovering but the extensive work, especially on the cabin, showcases Jubal’s feelings for Lucas. It’s doubtful Jubal realizes Lucas figured that out about him, but this passage shows Lucas understands: “Lucas stepped in and looked up.”You done this for me,” he said so soft Jubal barely heard him.” Lucas is more verbally expressive. Lucas even openly commented on the fit of Jubal’s jeans, clearly checking him out! This chapter allowed the men to reunite and get back to solid footing with each other while clearing up misunderstandings. Jubal admitting he ‘loved everything about the place’ and Lucas recognizing the extent of Jubal’s efforts (to include Jubal depositing the gold) feels like a big step forward. Wishing all who celebrate a very Merry Christmas 🎄

As others have commented, I am anxious to hear what has Rory so upset. I believe that she and Frank are directly connected to what’s been happening at the refuse; they supposedly told Martina about Micco’s alleged behaviors. And now no one has been in recent contact with Martina. This isn’t the first time Rory has appeared in disarray. Whatever the involvement, it seems to have finally gotten to her. The chapter reminded me just how many senseless deaths surround Micco. Confirmation Kane’s killing was unnecessary is just gutting. Someone set up a wolf! Why? And, just as important, where is the animal that made those marks on Sam? Micco is finally talking and Calhoun is working to put the pieces together. Interesting that Burke would angrily insist the interview cease. I’m not quite sure what to think about Burke. The use of weather and pending hurricane remains an incredibly effective way to set the mood and amp up the tension. The pull between Micco and Chase is palpable. There is so much swirling in the air!

I am not in the least bit sad that Caleb’s story is over because it was such a realistic, thrilling, satisfying, heartwarming, and ultimately emotionally fulfilling tale. I imagine Caleb and those he loves living extremely happy lives. I can finally say, “Oh, Caleb!” through happy tears and with a smile. Best ending imaginable. ❤️❤️❤️

Yes. Yes he will. And they will all live happily ever after. ❤️❤️❤️

You’ve commented several times about how I always believed and had faith in Caleb. Truthfully, my belief and faith has always been with you. I felt certain of your vision, your planning, your writing, your rewriting, your team, as well as your love for all of these characters. For a long time now Caleb felt like he was ‘mine’ but I’m happy to share him. I couldn’t imagine a better ending and way ahead for this beloved group. I look forward to the mini epilogues and hope for a glimpse into their futures, which now feels very very bright. Merry Christmas! Enjoy your holidays and family trip to the Midwest. We are a little chilly here right now but you should have sunny skies and easy travel weather.

I really liked this chapter! It felt like a case study of the inner workings of Jubal’s mind. The crush and gossip of the townsfolk, along with the self doubts about how he handled the last conversation with Lucas, lead to Jubal taking action in the best way possible for him to think and find peace. The chase scene was particularly well done. I agree with @drsawzall; this chapter was cathartic.

I’m emotionally exhausted and amazingly satisfied all at once. Each part built on the next. I stopped breathing when Caleb was injured, about passed out for Reilly’s near death healing, only to sob (yes, ugly cry) over Kage. Then I found myself fist pump/shouting along with Huntington’s annihilation. As we all suspected his arrogance ultimately lead to his demise, yet the intricacies of how those he harmed were avenged was particularly masterfully done. There was nothing easy about this battle and each line brought the reader along for the tense but rewarding experience where several threads to previous stories were perfectly intertwined. I look forward to Caleb and Asa returning to Texas. While there are a few difficult conversations still to be had, I have a very good feeling about Vann, the pups and their futures.

And if it’s a noble cause. I bet Miracle Max would agree this is the most noblest of causes.

Well, here we go! Our teams are ready and everyone who needed safety is as safe as possible. There is a great plan in place and solid back up plans. Sebastian is being realistic and everyone understands what’s at stake. That’s why some are acting anxious, some immature, some goofing around and others are over training. Everyone handles the stress of impending battle differently. There will be a lot going on all at once. It’s overwhelming and I am nervous.

Yes! Excellent observation. It’s as if someone wants to completely, mentally destroy Micco. I’ve called it psychological warfare for a reason. I wonder if the fire and Micco’s resulting mental anguish was the actual, purposeful intent of the attack on his mother and sister. Now the next step is to convince Micco that he’s forgetting important events, volatile, and a murderer. Luckily we’ve all apparently underestimated Calhoun.

Poor Jubal! He had himself anxiously wound up before even making it to Lucas. The crush of people at the mercantile would be hard on most anyone. But to feel eyes on you and not understand those eyes were showing respect for how you helped a beloved townsman and also took care of the Prescott gang, really shows Jubal’s lack of self awareness. By the time he was loading the wagon and the church folks were stopping to pay their respects, Jubal seemed unable to contain his anxious thoughts. Jubal expects to be seen through for who he really is. He expects to be disliked and not accepted. He expects to be mistreated as if he deserves the scars on his neck. His skittishness is born of past experiences and cemented in secrecy. By the time Jubal arrived to Lucas, all those negative feelings had churned into the inability to express himself. It was painful to read. And, Lucas did misunderstand. His hurt was of a man who is still reeling from near death and believes the person who he thought cared for him might not. Reid obviously is in favor of Lucas and Jubal’s friendship/ relationship because he spent visiting time talking about Jubal. The townsfolk respect Jubal. Maybe during the ride back to the farm Jubal will think on all that. He hasn’t yet allowed himself to imagine what it would be like to be honest with Lucas about his feelings and have it go well. Going from skittish to a leap of faith is a really big jump.

Even though, and I quote, “There. Will. be. NO. Flame. Thrower!!!!!!” Enya did everyone a favor by finding a weakness in the hybrid monster and killing it. I’m relieved the hybrids aren’t curable. That eliminates the need to rescue / save and allows Sebastian to focus on destroying Huntington and his forces. Enya’s discovery is a literal crack in Huntington’s armor. That means there are more. Frankly, just being able to nab one of the monsters shows a weakness in Huntington’s defenses. The hybrids are part vampire. Perhaps that holds a key. Like other commenters, I wonder if lasers (the US Army has a new system dubbed Valkyrie) would work during the upcoming battle. Whatever is ultimately used, it will be a fight to the death.

While absolutely thrilled that Asa was able to maintain his mental sanity, escape and reunite with Caleb, I am most worried about this passage: “Huntington gloated. “I’ve set so many traps for them; they’ll never know what hit them—especially your mate and your shapeshifter buddy. Capturing you was child’s play.”” We don’t know exactly how Huntington captured Asa, nor do we know why he didn’t realize Caleb had been with Asa. Just because Asa wasn’t cruelly tortured doesn’t mean the same for others if they are caught. Huntington has some diabolical plans and is quite angry over the ones already thwarted. Very careful planning needs to take place. I’m not certain there will be any real benefits gained in capturing one of the hybrid monsters unless they have solid intel about Huntington’s overall plan.

Huntington is the weakness. He’s his own worse enemy and that will hopefully cause his demise. Who tells their secret weapon to the enemy prisoner?! What a narcissist to believe he is infallible when he has FAILED in the past. Crossing my fingers Asa is able to nab one of the monster hybrids. I actually feel very sorry for the adults trapped in the killing machine bodies.

Yes! Where is Vann?! And if you have a really BIG problem to think about and solve do you go full on naked? Just curious if it works. 😎

Which I found really odd because he had satellite surveillance. He should have seen the pups enter in one form and exit in another. Who is monitoring the surveillance and are the telling Huntington everything?

Yes, I agree the narratives are expertly written. As for our comments, what sweet thing to say! And while I can only speak for myself, I always get a lot form your comments and tend to look for them in each story I read.

It’s funny because for me the branch was a really big moment. I’m curious what it means to you. I thought of the branch as like Jubal’s past and secrets, something he had to duck or go around and be mindful of so he didn’t accidentally get hurt. It is a barrier that he always had to be aware of. Finally sawing it off AFTER completing the work on the cabin and his contemplations meant he could freely move forward.

That’s beautifully said. I have often thought you can hear the poet in @Headstall’s stories. The imagery his words evoke and how the stories are structured often highlight his poetic artistry.