astone2292

Fixed it! Thank you for calling me out on this! Anytime I have any typos, anyone please feel free to comment or message me. I'm a neat freak who wants my work done perfectly! I am still working on proofing and fixing previous chapters, but it's been slow since I keep getting caught up in the new and upcoming chapters!!! @Buz...young man...where have you BEEN?! I missed your comments so much! I told my husband you went missing, and he put his hand on my shoulder then told me, "What are you talking about?" I was so glad to see them, I just blew through all your new comments and got to this one! So...let's dig in. ...I...am...one of these few millenials...who can't stand Tik Tock. There...I've said it. I'm fully prepared to lose all my followers, but *sigh* I had to say it. #vinewasbetter For the mating, I wanted something different. I contemplated on this for sooooo long! And I settled on going for a realistic concept: Vincent is human, and he's gonna get bitten by a giant wolfman. I couldn't accept the concept of just doing the deed, getting bit, then dusting off your hands and saying, "Well, that's done! Time to continue the adventure!" Nah...don't work like that... For the nudity...that's just part of their animalistic thoughts. Animals of the same species see themselves naked all the time and aren't phased by it in the least...well...until...nevermind. Mason at least recognized that it would be sensitive to Vincent's human ears and mind when mentioning it. I'm with Vincent on taking time to be turned. I know my answer will end up causing me to grow a tail, but I've been one to think about every possible option and then making an accurate decision (think Chidi from The Good Place, but without the indecisiveness). Ooooh, dreamboat Alpha Voices? I need Dennis Haysbert...in every one of his All-State insurance commercials. Oh, my Gods... Buz, it's so good to see your comments again! It's your comments that are making me want to start a forum for this story, even though we're pretty much halfway (or more, I don't know anymore) through this thing. I love talking deep intricacies of the story, and I wanted to make this comment even longer...but...sadly...it's the comment section, not the speech section. Thank you so much for returning and making me scream with glee as I woke up!

@centexhairysubI'm just gonna start taking these two word comments as the highest form of praise. Thank you, sir!

Whew! You are right about mating scenes being difficult to write! This was on the level of Vincent's Dance for me wanting this ABSOLUTLEY PERFECT! I keep rereading the comments and see the words 'gifted' and 'masterful' as descriptive words for this story...and part of me just doesn't believe it. Thank you so much for your kind words, and I'm glad you are enjoying each chapter! Beyond happy I could leave everyone so speechless!!!

Just set my alarm so I can go to bed...and I see this masterful comment! I am honored to be named the king by you! I was a little nervous about my first time-jump (I know it was a week, but these past 20 chapters took up 1.5 weeks in-story time!), but I needed some additional time to pass. So glad you are loving this story, and I've already got a start on Chapter 22. Just not sure where it will go...

The week passed slower than molasses. Mason kept his personal council on high alert, but after Vincent complained enough, the attentiveness diminished. It’s no use. This is just Stefan toying with us. He probably talked to Terry out of boredom. It’s all a game to him. The New York crowd had left a few days before. Vincent was sad to see them go, but Tierney reminded him of his September trip. Before they entered the airport terminal, Mason shook their hands, inviting them to return anytime.

@Dr. John NYCHow many levels of reverse psychology are we going for here? Stefan and IF...IF it is Shaw...would you keep meeting the most wanted person in the pack in the same place after meeting with the pack Alpha who has connections all over the city? Thanksgiving dinner was great! I made Vincent's macaroni recipe (recipe is located in the Recipes topic in the Lounge forum btw...). I then get a call from Dad at 2am. Mom had a stroke (diabetic, so all that food didn't do well with her). She had made a complete recovery, but she's using a walker to get around at the moment.

So...y'all think you know who the mole is? I love when my readers craft their conspiracies...

Man, @Patch1, you must have had some serious anger! My power just flickered, I had to wait for my WiFi to kick back on, and the second it comes on, I get a comment from you. I am so happy that you are waiting impatiently...'cuz I'm already 4k words into the next chapter! I freakin' love a night off from work! I can get so much work done!!! You won't be waiting long, I can promise you that, buddy!

<shrugs> beats me, bud.

Thanks @LilDaddy98! Love the term Shadowkind, haven't really thought of grouping the supernatural beings into a name before! I'm sure Elaine wants another crack at the Italian, but she may have to get in line behind Vincent. And I have...always...wanted a Kia Soul. And at the moment, I can't find one/can't afford a new vehicle, so I wanted to give our little hero something since I can't give it to myself! Glad you're liking the story so far!

I just zoomed through this entire forum topic, and now my recipes folder just got fatter. I thought I would share my go-to recipe with y'all, although it isn't as healthy as some of the dishes I saved from this topic. But...I'm from Kentucky, so what did you expect? A sah-laad? Pfft. https://tasty.co/recipe/mac-cheese-by-terry-crews-mack-and-jeezy This is my go-to! I'm smacking my laptop like I would if it was my kitchen countertop! Thanksgiving, Christmas, pot-luck dinners. You name it, I'm bringing the mac! And it's versatile. I throw broccoli, cauliflower, shredded chicken, pulled pork, or whatever else I have in my kitchen. I do use a little...itsy-bitsy...teenie-weenie...OK, I USE A LOT MORE CHEESE THAN THE RECIPE CALLS FOR!! Gotta cover up the noodles so they don't get hard and crusty! But this dish is perfectly cheesy, and it's a welcome alternative to the runny and buttery macaroni & cheese I see way too much of. I actually mentioned this recipe in one of my newest chapters just because I love it so much. I'll easily down half the dish if I'm left unsupervised, and I'm sure y'all will too. And...I mean, c'mon...there's a video of Terry Crews. Ooof...I need to go to the grocery store...

He knows. Oh gods, he knows! He knows I’m a mage! Vincent blinked and watched Shaw get into a car and drive away. Breathing rapidly, he was in a panic. He needed Dave. He needed Mason. Fuck, I need anybody! Forcing his legs to work, he walked towards the store. Dave spotted him when he exited the building. “Vin, where were—” The lycan stopped mid-sentence. His face grew serious. “What’s going on? You smell like you’re freaking out.” He blurted, “I thought Stefan was here.” “What?

Stefan has chosen his pawn. For him, it is a pretty wise choice. The detective has been OBSESSED over the past few days in finding more information on Vincent! And I agree with you that normal humans should NEVER get brought into these type of scenarios, especially as a potential plot for revenge or to use as a form of leverage! But...I'm the author, and I made it happen! Thank you so much for your continued comments, centex! I'm happy that I have kept your attention for this long! I love when a reader's predictions come into effect! Me thinks that everyone is looking forward to the final battle...but that is SOOOOO far away....at least in my mind, but hey, who knows what will happen. Well thank ya kindly! I'm working on the next chapter...but I've thought about making a short Christmas story on the side, but I think I'll hold that off until next year. Well...he may be an idiot...but he's the idiot we are now stuck with! Shaw may also be a crap detective, but we can only imagine that he was prepared to take any help to find the truth. I believe that this was a much needed wake-up call to the main cast of protagonists. Vincent has gone toe-to-toe with a couple mercenaries sent by Stefan, so he can handle himself when need be. I believe that our little mage understands now that he is unprepared to deal with Stefan alone. I could go on and on and on...and on with this comment, but I think I will halt here. This comment just might be the reason I start a stories forum for LitS. So I can release the conspiracy theorists to rant and rave as they see fit. @Philippe thank you so much for this comment! I love your in-depth take on Shaw, then Vincent's need to have back-up or further his training and abilities. Always a pleasure!

Just as I laid my head down to go to bed...I get a comment from one of my favorite readers! Stefan's plot is starting to unfurl, and who knows what that could entail. I...love how your opinions are unanimous! Thank you for being one of the OG commentators for this story!!

Vincent was stunned. His emotions ran wild after hearing Lei’s request. Sadness. Happiness. Anxiety. A sense of love. S-son? It’s only been a few weeks since I met Mace and his family. They’re already willing to consider me a part of it? His mind flew to memories of his parents. He initially flinched at the thought, but he envisioned his mother smiling. Never getting to know them as adults, Vincent always assumed what his parents would do or think. Mom… Yeah, she’d want this for me. I’m not

My husband sends his thanks! Hope you had a great Turkey Day! Always appreciate your comments centex! This chapter became so emotional for me, from Tierney admitting to his retirement plans to Lei's request for Vincent. I had a fun, but somber time writing this one. I'm so happy I finally got to this point where Vincent can finally accept that he is in a place where he can be happy! Always happy to see your comments!

Anxiously waiting, Vincent watched as Mason’s jaw repeatedly slackened and tightened. Did I say it too early? The alpha’s eyes turned golden. “Vinnie. I-I love you, too. Oh gods, I love you!” Mason unbuckled his seat belt and leaned in. Their lips met, and Vincent melted. The lycan’s tongue demanded entrance, and after some passionate tonsil hockey, Vincent palmed Mason’s pec. He wanted to be closer to the man. Breaking the kiss, he caught his breath, and searched Mason’s glowing eyes.

A decent portion of the town is pack, and Quinn is Dave's manager at the Greenthumb. Dave spoke about Mason being his "other boss" to Quinn. But I agree that it is starting to seem that a lot of people know about the shifters. I'll try to keep the lycans more of a secret for the future. thanks for the comment! Hope you're enjoying it so far!

Always love your comments, Patch! I'm glad I can make grocery shopping so interesting for you. Waves are about to start coming in as Vincent's and Mason's feelings are about to come to a point... As a prawper Kantuckeean...I getcha. But ya gotstah gets whurr Imma comin' frum. I went to thatthar college, and I gots a hagher edsyacation. I laike havin' thangs right round hurr. Now, listen...even Beta wolves can be caught off guard. Speaking as a professional ninja raised by Boy Scouts from Southern Indiana (let that sink in how scary that sounds)...there are just some people that are naturally silent when they walk. I scare my coworkers on an hourly basis, and I can't even help it! I...am loving the suspicion on Quinn!!! I love a good reader conspiracy! My gods, @Philippe! You are have some serious suss on the manager! I gotta say...this came from left field, but I'll let it simmer

He wasn't kidding about pampering me! Vincent was carried from the truck to the bedroom. He watched as Mason's irises burned bright gold the entire time. "You okay, big guy? Your eyes haven't gone back to brown in a while." Mason’s face was still as stone until he grinned. "I’m beyond okay. I’m simply amazed by what you can do. Now get undressed, Pup.” He set Vincent on the edge of the bed. “I want to see you before you fog up the shower again.” Obeying, Vincent unbuttoned his shirt. H

Oh, Stefan has no cares other than his own, at least during this time period. He knows this made him a wanted man, but...he doesn't care. Thank you so much for your comment! I'm still rereading your comment from last chapter since it still gives me goosebumps!! I'm also super against mistimed flashback chapters, but I couldn't have placed it better within this story. Several more flashbacks are soon to come, but I'm going to wait until more opportune pivoting moments. And debating if a certain one deserves to be a potential sequel...

Glad you liked the side chapter! I thought about throwing one of these in every now and again, and I keep getting ideas for potentials. I have at least two of them lined up to be side chapters, but I have a couple ideas to make this an extended book series by making them sequels. Even as a fresh graduate from Yale, Elaine is still that boss! I felt that Stefan needed a slightly larger spotlight that I gave him several chapters ago, as he will be the new target for our cast of heroes.

“Have a great day at work, Ellie.” Her mate’s kiss was brief, but sensual as always. Breaking away, Elaine was drawn to the alpha’s brown eyes. “You do the same. Did you want to have lunch together?” “Of course. Just name the time and place.” “JD’s at one?” “Perfect. I’ll swing by and pick you up. And I won’t forget to drop Mason off at the daycare before I head to work.” She fished her keys from her purse, put on a light jacket, and braved the February cold. Starting th

Two days later, and the man is still speechless! Two words, just these two simple words have been on my mind. I can only imagine just what is going through your mind.

Over the past couple of hours, the words of praise have officially settled in my mind. Truly, thank you all for them. I've getting faster and faster at writing, so I've been plowing through this next chapter. I hope you all continue to enjoy this story, even if I make it waaaaay too long. I just realized that LitS is already over half the length of the 7th Harry Potter book, and it's gonna be so much longer than that!