astone2292

I've had a couple soft-coming out scenarios, but coming out to my parents were such heart-wrenching moments. As an only child raised in a country-bumpkin tiny town in southern Indiana where there was a different church on every fifth block, I was beyond terrified of revealing my true self. I hid behind khaki cargo shorts, tube socks, buzz-cuts and t-shirts that were always one size too big, as to disguise my gay self. I've seen a classmate in high school get the crap beat out of him just for being flamboyant. It wasn't until after my first year of college that I discovered that being gay was, surprisingly, okay in life! I finally came out to my Mom at the beginning of 2020, the year I was getting married to the man of my dreams. She took it a little better than expected. Raised by fire and brimstone Catholics, she's always had her hand held by the church. But, I have to say, she took it like a champ. I mean, sure I broke her heart because she instantly went to the conclusion that she would never have grandkids (she has now come to the understanding that there are several options out there). I can tell she still has some problems when the husband is around for family functions and holidays, but I think she's finally accepted she just got another son to call her own. Dad...has always been a mystery to me. He never had revealed to me his political alignment or personal opinions on homosexuality as a topic. Hell...he never even gave me, "The Talk." I haven't even heard the man use the word, 'condom.' Nevertheless, he is my hero! A work ethic that would put Noah and his ark to shame, taught me everything I know from Scouts, and gave me my 'Everything will always be alright' mindset. I told him very bluntly several days after I told Mom, and he was just...okay. Nothing bad to say, nothing good to say. His Catholic upbringing has given him troubles as well, but the second the husband asked Dad to help deep-fry the turkey this year at Thanksgiving...jeez, I can't the two separated! But to bring a lighter, happier mood to end this. My college coming out moment where I said, with my mouth, for the very first time, that I was gay...is the funniest moment of my life. I joined a fraternity (already hilarious for a kid wearing tube socks and secretly gay), and the first act of the President and Vice-President involving me...was to get my even shyer roomie and myself laid. With a lady. With a vagina. They send in a sorority chick who, at the time, was a fantastic friend, to figure out our preferred type of lady. Roomie, who I have never seen, to this day, without his patented tube sock and Yoshi t-shirt outfit, was very blunt with the fact that he was asexual, and had no intention of continuing the conversation. I...straight up had enough. Between all of the teasing when I was a child of, "You getchurr self a girlyfriend yet?" from all of my parents' redneck friends, to now in college being confronted with it once more, I laid into this poor 19 year old chick in my first official queen-sized rant that I was gay. Her jaw dropped, expertly handled the situation by telling me "Cool beans," and ran to the President, who needed a briefing STAT! Needless to say, jaws were dropped, I instantly became the cool gay dude in the fraternity, and that next week...I went clothes shopping.

That truck ride was so funny! I loved writing it, and I could just see Vincent's wolf having the time of his life! Stefan is thinking, and thinking...is a dangerous thing, as it could lead to plotting. I have the final battle detailed out in my head...and y'all ain't ready. Buckle up buckaroo! Thank you for the support! It's bedtime for this vampire, and I'll be posting the first entry to DGS (Dear, Grocery Shoppers) when I wake up. I'll be dreaming for loads of comments to swarm in as I snore! A delight! Sounds like Cyrus is rubbing off on you! Just showed the husband your comment, and here's his response, "AYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

The shifters ran, led by the alpha couple. Dodging trees, Vincent and Mason kicked up leaves and twigs with every step. The buffeting winds felt like a drug-induced adrenaline rush. Every time Mason passed Vincent, the mage sped up to become the leader. Vincent heard the sounds of paws behind him. Knowing the others were following him fueled his effort. After some sprinting, Mason barked, signaling the group to slow down. Vincent analyzed his mate's posture. Look alert. Mason sniffed

I'm dead. Just dead! I'm dyin'! I can't forkin' breathe! But yeah, I'm diggin' it, bud! I live for a shifter story, so seeing a slob of an Alpha get put in his place with a rolled up newspaper and sprayed with water back in CH. 1...pure comedy gold, sir. I applaud you. I was serious, though. High expectations. I'm sure you wouldn't want to...disappoint me... But you got this bud!

A delightful blend of all sorts of paranormal categories! Eight chapters in, and it is a blast! No filters, no dancing around words. Just a man's outtake on his bonkers life, told just how it is thought in his mind. A comedic thrill-ride, and will have sides bursting in laughter with every chapter. Brilliant concept, an amazing cast of characters so far, and a sense of priority to keep the reader in suspense, whether creating the need for more laughs or an answer to a genuine cliffhanger! This is a fantastic story, and I will be demanding a published copy once it has been edited a bit.

I have been a fan of this series since I laid eyes on it. This. Is. Bonkers! It's bananas! Straight up ridiculousness! And I need more! We have two badasses and a Felix, Hunter's in drag, vehicular pandemonium, flying phones with some demented Mary Poppins witch with interesting powers, and now our powerful hero is on the run! Combined with the interesting point of view for the storytelling, the action and world building is beyond addictive. Was honestly expecting just a pure chapter of Hunter being dragged on a day of dresses and pure humility on behalf of Felix and Agatha. But nope, you give us a new enemy, Agatha's...expert(?) driving, and Felix...surprisingly a little too okay with the poop hitting the fan. Personally, I'm a fan of hypothetical conspiracies. Felix is hiding something, and for it to be hidden from Hunter for so long, it's gotta be juicy! When Hunter took out the restaurant wall, no real questions was raised by Felix, which was my first strike. If I was in an SUV and a phone floated in front of my face with Morgana singing while semi trucks and cars were flying all over the road, I'd be squealing bloody murder. Nope, not Felix! #striketwo There's gotta be a strike three coming up, leading to a big reveal! I'm glued to this story, and my expectations are high! Is Hunter going to get dragged back into the Borisov family? Is Felix gonna flip out and say, "Aw hell nah," to Hunter's real self? And (I'm forking calling this, by the way!) when is Hunter gonna end up with the Devil in a bedroom?!? Guess I need to be patient and wait for the next chapter...Excellent storytelling, by the way! I'm hearing Hunter's thoughts as I read it, which is hard to have me do. Keep it up!

As a reference, I just updated this chapter to fix the Venice-sewage snafu, as well as some grammatical errors. 👍

@Patch1 Another awesome comment from you! Christmas was great, even if it was a door drop off styled one! Made me feel like one of Santa's elves! I want to tell everyone's story! Each character has one to tell. As much as I want to write a book for each one, I think I'll settle for just a trilogy, plus some short stories and flashbacks along the way. I love leaving little notes at the end! I'm trying to do it while I can before I even think about publishing this monstrosity! Christmas has come and gone, but now New Year's is on the horizon...which means handling my party-lifed husband since his birthday is January 1st!!!

Ooof, a big strong Alpha can carry me anywhere...Hmm? Oh, sorry, forgot where I was for a minute. Imagine a wolf darting around in the shadows. Vincent...could take out a whole herd of deer for a wolven banquet for his friends if he so wished...well, that is if he can figure out how to hunt. Oh his poor human mind...finally being forced to eat deer ;D Great power isn't achieved by being born into it. It comes at some sort of sacrifice. Cyrus didn't become this pack fixer extraordinaire overnight. I felt like my favorite character needed a sprinkle of backstory. And what a sprinkle... Thanks @Philippe, always appreciate your comments and insight. Did a fair bit of traveling today, and with the husband driving around the insanity of Louisville, I got some progress on Ch29. I figured this chapter deserved that warning, and I think I need to go back to a few chapters to place more (dirty scenes, Vincent coughing blood in Ch15, etc.). With all of your praise, sir, a part of me can't wait to get this book done and see your official review posted!

So happy you could see the transformation! I debated a long time ago on whether I wanted to put this much detail in his turning. A lot of stories give some detail, but going back to a previous chapter's comment, I want it told as it should actually happen. And of course we're gonna learn more about Cyrus! He's in the pipeline for a potential flashback, although it might not happen for quite some time. Perhaps Book 2 when we shift the focus on a different main character.

Vincent closed his eyes and felt the throbbing inside his head ease. His wolf took command. Looking around, he flashed a toothy grin. "Hello!" Cyrus giggled. "Hello there, young wolf. It's a delight to meet you." Sizing the big bear, Vincent nodded. "Good meet. You Cyrus? You lead big pack soon." "Soon, yes. The Executive Council cast their final ballot. I'll be sworn in when I'm comfortable to take the title." "No challenge? Why?" Tierney chuckled. "Because it's a large

Of course, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

So glad I can provide a little getaway experience for you and the readers! Can't beleive you werent expecting the NY group to show up! And of course Cyrus was gonna be there! He's been wanting to meet the three-affinitied mage he was told of. I know how you feel about rereading chapters. Anytime I want to feel good about my day, I always go back to chapters 14 and 15. Next chapter's got about 2.3k words so far, so it miiiiiiight be done by Christmas. Just might...

Always happy to see your comments @Patch1! I'm trying my darndest to write faster in an effort to get another chapter in before Christmas, but with all the distractions happening in my life, I'm hoping for a miracle. Can't wait to see your comment for the next chapter, bud!

Ah, Christmas time. Both my favorite and least favorite time of the year. I love the time for spreading love, joy, and all around good cheer. But while these great emotions are among the crowds, this time of year also brings out the worst in humanity. Whether it be pure ignorance of others around, or if it is deemed okay to drag out the worst of attitudes in order to relieve deep-seeded pains and frustrations. I've always believed that positive emotions will outweigh the negative. And this is the year where humanity should come together in a common effort to bring happiness to one another. This website's community has been nothing but supportive since I joined, and I only wish the best for each and every one of you all this holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone on GA!

@Philippe Just clocked out and I get this lovely comment! Our heroes are faced with their toughest challenge yet: a toddler! How will they ever make it out alive? Find out in several chapters! Lovin' the Vinsy usage, by the way. It's very funny. Just think: Vincent is going to meet all of his friend's shifted sides and their personalities! Oof, I got so many personalities to deal with as the author, it isn't funny...

@Buz Another lovely comment! Here we go: A) I think Vincent is getting bombarded by change so much, that he's just adopted a 'Fork it' attitude. I wouldn't blame him... B: (oof, that's gonna bother me, needed a colon instead of an end-parentheses or it would be an emoji!!!) Gotta have the adorbs in there. C) Mason is trying his darnedest to get Lowe to say Alpha correctly! I imagine his wolf wants to instill some fear into the child...but c'mon...it's Lowe... Will (my husband) and I have been thinking about kids, so I'm not looking forward to cold food! Uh-uh. Daddy's gotta eat. D) I did some serious research on lipards and leopons (actual animals, highly recommend a Google). A lipard has the body frame of a lion, with no mane and the fur patterns of a leopard. A leopon has the smaller body frame of a leopard, possesses a lion's mane and the fur of a lion. Honestly, the leopon looks a tad bit ridiculous to me (personal opinion, go away haters!) I am so happy you have adopted Lowe's names for Mason and Vincent! I dug deep into my childlike wonder for the name Vinsy. Almost went for Vin-Vin, or VeeVee...but I'm lazy and didn't want to take the extra step to type in the hyphen on my phone.

Thank you so much! I'm already working on the next chapter, which is bad since I'm working a shift at the moment! @centexhairysub I freaking love your comments, sir! Just love 'em! Can't get over the praise for the inner thoughts and dialogue between the animal and human thoughts of the characters! Thank you so much for commenting on every chapter so far!!!

I am so stinkin' excited to bring out Vincent's wolf!!! He's all visualized in my head, and I can't wait to put him into words! Me too!!! We are so far away from that fight, even if I want it to happen...like, yesterday! There are no metal guardrails on this winding road, bud! Buckle up, buckaroo!!! Thank you, everyone! Love these comments!

Oh… Oh, gods, my head! What the hell happened? Vincent’s eyelids flickered and barely opened. He realized he was in bed, but he couldn’t remember how he got there. I can’t remember a damn thing! Last thing I remember’s falling out of the truck and being carried in the house. His stomach rumbled. Did I even eat anything last night? Slipping on shorts and socks, he noticed his waist was slimmer. Looks like I need to go clothes shopping again. Great! Touching his defined abs, he shrugged. Gues

HA! I'm so glad you highlighted Bol's intentions for Vincent and the crew! And yeah, that's a big loophole. The Gods know of their boundaries...so of course they know the loopholes and how to play with them! That's what celestial beings do in...like, every book and TV show. At least now the crew knows that this isn't a sure win thing. Vincent has to get stronger, that is now required!

@Buz Gurl, you know how hard I cried when I wrote that?! Ooof, I was a hot mess... Bol kept asking because no one was answering his question. And I guarantee, if those three weren't going to protect Vincent, Bol would walk right outta that house and find someone who would. Dave's gonna get a girlyfriend, don't you worry your little head... You mean the shadow mage from the parking lot? *shrugs* who knows with that bald weirdo... And Buz...it has to end at some point. Sorry to break that to ya, but that's how books work lol. Well, thank ya! Tierney's problem with moving to Kentucky? *shrugs* Ehh, I wouldn't worry about it...Thanks for the comments, y'all! I was debating on keeping this chapter on hold until Christmas Eve, then posting another one on Christmas...but I was too excited about the chapter being done!

Mason and Caleb were silent. The alpha stood, unsure how to proceed. Bol, god of order. The question is whether he’s telling the truth. Sniffing, he gritted his teeth. Not lying. But that just sounds— “Yes, lycan,” Bol said, staring at Mason. “I am speaking the truth. I have no reason to lie.” “You can read minds?” “Yes. Now, answer my initial question. Do you two—” The front door opened, and Dave entered. He had his phone up to his ear. “Alpha, what are Vincent’s… symptoms?”

I think Stefan either has run out of things to do, or just is tired of toying with Vincent. And I dont think Bol is the kind of God to be "grinning" in the shadows. During the whole conversation with Mason and Caleb, he's been a stick in the mud. Glad you love the cliff hanger! And I got one more night of work, then IM OFF FOR TWO NIGHTS!!! So much work is gonna get done! Oh, Gods...a list. Let's see if I can tackle this in true author fashion. First: agreed. Second: agreed. Third: agreed. Fourth: yup! Fifth & finally: YUP! I agreed, I'm flying pretty close to the sun...and I hate heat. I would live in Alaska if I could choose. Gonna try to stay up there without getting burned. Thanks for reading @Patch1 and @Buz!!!

Boy it ain't Christmas, yet...