84Mags

Every single part of this chapter was all I had hoped for and believed could be possible. I found myself smiling, tearing up, laughing, sighing and, ultimately, feeling a sense of calm rightness. It isn’t that I don’t understand there will be a few more twists and turns to come, but the forces of good are prevailing. Caleb rejoining with his wolf, Asa confirming that he can cure the pups, the two of them taking conscious, firm strides towards mating all lead us forward. I am not sure how by page two of the comments that concerns were expressed about Asa’s possible demise. There is absolutely nothing but positive energy put forth in this brilliant chapter. The road ahead seems certain. Let’s get to Montana!

Interesting that Jubal recognized how the cowboys he groomed remained detached from the intimacy of the act yet noted that Lucas commented on Jubal's hands and called the experience "soothing." Soothing is another word like calming; it is filled with depth and potential. I am intrigued by Reid and the secret he shares with Lucas. Perhaps naively, I don't find him a threat. I perceive Reid much like Mitch. I have to wonder if Lucas didn't find comfort with Reid after he returned from that trip to Larkspur. At this time in our nation's history, Reid would have to make a choice between his personal life (for it to remain completely unknown if all our guesses are correct and he is attracted to the same sex) and the law. I am betting he picked the law, but still has feelings for Lucas. My guess is that after witnessing what he did in Larkspur, Lucas wasn't interested in only a partial relationship. Reid seems jealous, but not unkind or mean spirited about it. More so as if he is looking out for Lucas and perhaps a bit sad he cannot have what he sees forming between Lucas and Jubal. As for Jubal, he still seems a bit tied to whatever happened in his past. Jubal seems to worry about Reid figuring out his interest in men but hasn't really worked out what is going on between Reid and Lucas. I am with others; I wish I was a fly on the wall inside that cabin right now!

I agree. The whispered “Please” and then the tears. 😭

Well said! Asa and Caleb are ideal for each other. Their slower approach allows for trust to build, and for each to fully believe in himself and to trust their bond. It is so uplifting and sweetly satisfying!

I found myself getting emotional as I read the chapter and realized it was this passage: “Never before had he encountered such chaos. He felt like he was caught in a maelstrom, tossed relentlessly on waves of darkness that threatened to crash over him. He needed a better game plan. Asa pulled back to the fringes of Caleb’s mind and tried to look at the broader picture. It was like staring at a tornado bearing down on you. Scary as fuck. He didn’t know where to start. Frustration ate at him, nearly overtaking him. At that moment, a soft whisper drifted over him. “Please.” On another level, he registered tears streaming down his face, his inert body unable to control them. He could do this. He had to. Remembering the analogy he’d given Caleb about his mind being like a megahotel and needing to make sure every room was cleaned, he set about doing just that. When he focused on the swirling darkness this time, he could compartmentalize the various issues going haywire with his mate. Anger was first and foremost. Pulling out his metaphorical cleaning supplies, he set about cleaning the rooms, ridding them of excess anger, shame, and depression. He would worry about reworking the connections later.” As a clinical counselor, I would love to be able to mind sweep excesses away so that people have the mental fortitude to continue on in therapy or find ways to best help themselves. What a remarkable gift Asa has. He is the cure for the pups. He is. I fully believe that he is. I never doubted for a moment that Asa couldn’t fix Caleb. Now I know he can fix the pups too.

“It’s not enough to sit in silence. One must become silent.” ⬅️Truth. Love this thought. As for Micco, this whole chapter feels as if he is seeking answers yet fighting with his instincts. Hopefully when he is found by the authorities he is able to clear up why he broke into Sam’s home and have evidence he wasn’t the only one there. Well, evidence other than the fact someone obviously knocked him out.

This is masterfully written with a truly stomach dropping, complete twist of an ending. I found myself reaching back to relook at every single interaction with Al.

Your writing always pulls me somewhere unexpected and I am happy to follow along. This short story encapsulates as well as showcases your quick-witted imagination. Who would have thought Peliel and Vaathu would make an ideal couple, and yet they are perfect for each other. Brilliantly done!

What a lovely tribute for a dear friend. I cannot think of a more special way to be remembered. At its simplest, this tale is about the courage to believe enough in yourself to take a chance. But the heart and soul of this story is the underlying humor and connection to others you shared with your friend and now gift to all of us through Nick, Brock, and Martini.

😂 If you only knew how much of my real life has been taken over figuring that one out! It’s embarrassing! Love the name Asa, but with Caleb… ugh. I was kind of heading towards #Calas but now you’ve got me thinking #Calsa. I’m a little scared to ask the Krew to vote!

Yes, you are right about Vann. I was heading back to correct my comment but you and @kbois beat me to it! I think one of the reasons I fell for Caleb is that he is a multidimensional character. If you read my comment to kbois, I touch on it there. Caleb has kept a lot of his life hidden, to obvious detriment. As the layers are being peeled back, we are learning why. Hang in there. I have faith you’ll be team Caleb soon.

I realized that and was heading back to correct my comment but you beat me to it! Guess I’m tired. It’s been a busy day. I don’t find fault in Caleb having others raise Vann, partially for the reasons you gave. Caleb seems like someone used to hiding or keeping back parts of himself. As the pack’s Alpha and in his role in law enforcement he would have a presence that gives off an air of authority which would keep folks from prying too far into his personal life. Caleb’s easy smiles or surface level answers could keep problems and internal turmoil from being noticed by others. I bet the thought of raising Vann and forming a deep bond felt overwhelming and daunting. He demonstrated his love not by keeping Vann but through giving him a good home and parents.

The way I’m reading it, Caleb was poisoned before Vann was kidnapped. He recalled the metallic taste, which means Caleb was under the influence of the poison when he allowed others to raise Vann. That’s not to say I am trying to sway you all the way over to the Caleb light side. Ok, maybe I am.

Second read through and I am with @centexhairysub and @Cane23. Figuring out who administered the poison and if they pose a danger to others is of paramount importance. They should not assume Caleb was the only one in the shifter world who has been poisoned and manipulated. The metallic taste Caleb experienced is a good clue that could be asked to other individuals in leadership positions. Caleb wasn’t only the Alpha of a strong pack, he also held a position of authority in law enforcement. The implications are vast and scary.

It is a big relief to hear exactly what type of poisoning Caleb has and that it is (dangerously) curable. I have to admit I giggled over ‘heavy metal’ poisoning, though. But only because I envisioned Alice Cooper teaming up with Black Sabbath and AC/DC to hurt my Caleb. Obviously Alberts and Belland make an even more nefarious team. Figuring out the poisoning and learning the details of Asa’s abilities also gives hope to the cure for the pups we are all waiting for. Asa has a difficult past. While we all assumed that to be true, it was still hard to read. Caleb is a good match for him; they can help heal each other. Now I’m going back to read the chapter again. There is a lot of information woven throughout that will impact the future of many lives.

The chapter’s name is perfect and sets the tone for the hopeful feelings stirred between Lucas and Jubal as they move steadily closer together. And just as they worked to jointly figure out the best way for the corral, both also opened up more about themselves. Jubal confirming he will stay and partner with Lucas to run the newly planned venture felt like a true commitment. It was bit crushing to know what Lucas must have been feeling seeing Coy and Boone together (yep, that’s my guess and I’m sticking to it) but that trip obviously brought much needed closure and a new sense of purpose for Lucas. It lead him to this land and to this man. Hallelujah and Amen!

Caleb is ❤️❤️❤️Perfect. Absolutely, flawlessly, ideal! Asa is gorgeous and exactly right for Caleb. I’m not one to concern myself about whether my vision of characters match that of an author, but these men could have stepped out of my imagination.

❤️❤️❤️ PERFECT ❤️❤️❤️

Poison! Caleb has been poisoned!!!! Let that sink in for a moment. Had someone infiltrated his former pack or was a member actively working with the villains? And if so, who? Alberts? Huntinton? Belland? Or, is the poisoning more current suggesting someone in Giles’ pack? Was there poison in the bullet Caleb was shot with? Of equal concern is what, exactly, does the poison do to Caleb? Definitely a mike drop moment as this situation could go several ways. And while we are on the subject, exactly HOW did Asa know, from a kiss, that Caleb was poisoned? What about touching/tasting clued him in? On a brighter note (pun intended) it was illuminating (yep, another pun) to learn how Asa’s shift works. 😎 It was also sexy as hell the way Asa took charge. There is a slight Dom/sub vibe going on between Asa and Caleb that felt alluringly seductive and flirtatious. They are going to be a fun couple.

Definitely! All my thoughts are just that, my thoughts and pure speculation. As for the murder? I am clueless. Completely clueless! I thought I had a few suspects, but today’s chapter threw those out the window. I don’t know what to think about Danny and his statements.

I agree; that sensing of emotions seems like the bond. I believe Chase fell in love with Micco, but was also in turmoil about it all, perhaps not comfortable with his own sexuality. His actions spoke of love. When Micco said he could never feel more than brotherly love maybe Chase was filled with self doubt and questioned his own feelings getting in the way of what he thought/hoped Micco felt. I think Micco’s statement turned Chase upside down; he questioned whether he correctly understood the feelings Micco projected to him. It would be easy to rethink romantic love emotions for strong friendship emotions. Chase could have decided to leave before he accidentally declared his own feelings and to give himself a chance to move on from Micco. Currently, there isn’t anything to suggest Chase is disappointed in or disgusted by or even uncomfortable with Michael being gay.

My thought is that when Micco admitted that he is gay, he went on to immediately lie about his true feelings for Chase. I believe Chase was in love with Micco and left because he couldn’t handle being around Micco believing Micco didn’t feel the same. Chase still loves Micco now. Their bond is a testament to the strong, unbreakable connection. “The words almost stuck. I pushed them out. “I’m gay.” Something flared in Chase’s eyes. Unidentifiable, unreadable and very unfamiliar. I panicked. “Don’t—I need to—” I fell back on my prepared speech, practiced and perfected for hours in front of my bathroom mirror. “Chase, I’ll never think of you… that way. I couldn’t. You’re my best friend. My brother. You’ll always be my brother. Nothing more. Nothing else.””

Hey, I absolutely love coconut!!

Absolutely not, Caleb still reigns. I dunno what it is about him; I am hooked. But… Max may have also found a cowboy. And, he’s very Ron Stoppable. So, yeah, I like him. I really like him. Now get back to writing. Caleb has run away, apparently smelling like coconuts.

OMG, I just publicly snorted so loud people looked at me. Jeez! That’s not where my talents lie either. So, no 😂😂😂. Plus, I think she declined the invite to the Korner Krew. If there is a street brawl throw down, I’m gonna hafta bring all my Krew as back up. #ReMax #Svencanwait #firstonpagefour