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The darkness under my eyelids tempted me to go back to sleep. I wanted nothing more than to give in to the impulse, but the grittiness in my mouth was disturbing. The grains tasted like sand floating in my mouth, almost as if they were alive. It was quite unnerving. Moving my tongue around, the sensation dissipated. Lifting myself to a sitting position, I felt groggy but perfectly rested. How was that possible? I blinked rapidly as my mind and body tried to process my surroundings. Where was I,

Pot Luck Theme: Lockdown Sucked through his laptop screen by a hooded wizard, Jake must work for him and the voice in the sky… or be erased from existence. How long can he survive when he’s not in control?

I attribute my college professors for teaching me everything I know about being a proper human, particularly my business professor. She taught two things in the first session of every class: how to shake a hand and how to read the news on a regular basis. I'm glad you approve of the "silver wolf," Patch. To answer the question on everyone's mind... I'm taking our little Cyn where no buck has gone before! Err, well, at least close enough. Can't launch Cyn into space; he's not a trained astronaut. Ehh, that's a good 'nuff hint for y'all. At least he talked about it. One of my professors claimed sex was the poorman's entertainment, then proceeded to pick on the football player who scoffed for a whole semester.

Thank you so much, Raven! It was a rough decision on how to kill off a much-hated character, but I'm satisfied with the choices made. Thanks, doc! Between castrators and a variety of things going into different orifices, the comment section gave me many ideas. Once I had the final solution, it was a major choice of who to perform the deed. It seemed more poetic for Arric to do it, as Eike was his bodyguard. Hmm. Time for Cyn to go hunting. House hunting! Or not... the author has other plans in store...

What can I say? I had a lot of encouragement from the comment section. Y'all gave me "go big or go home" vibes...

Waking up, Cyn sweltered. He inched away from Shea’s smoldering body and poked his feet out from the blanket. The cool air blasted the toes, providing instant relief. Cyn sighed and nuzzled his pillow, only to feel his mate’s shifting weight. A warm arm pulled on his chest as Shea mumbled, “Get back here.” The buck gave in, but lowered the blanket more. “You’re hot, Sheamus.” “Old news, pup.” Cyn withheld his giggle. “No, you’re sweaty. We fell asleep.” Shea rolled away and g

This just might be my favorite line in GA history.

I was wondering when Doctor Linguini and his Trampolining Sheep were going to visit the ceiling fan convention. It seems like it's time for the sheep to hit the fan (joke accreditation to Colin Mochrie). These soldiers need to take a chill pill. I'm going to make the assumption they haven't had first contact training. Let the scientists handle this before bullets start flying...

Instantly thought of a Skyrim quote. "Empire loves their damned lists." Now we're seeing more of the overworld politics come into play, and it's not pretty. I wonder if we'll see a wolf pride movement... I'm so delighted to see the bakery finished! The bookstore is one of my favorite settings in this story and I'm happy to see its return.

Yes, Eike is the evil one, and not the man who wrote him Thanks for commenting, Raven!

Key's performance was fun to write. It wasn't planned, but when Eike came up with "Keychain," I knew our favorite beta had to do something. I'm jealous too! I wonder if shifting works on a lingering cough... That device just oozes evil! I can't stand to look at it. I never gave my dad the opportunity to do something like that, but I imagine he'd have something in his arsenal. He's a meat department manager at a grocery store, so plenty of knives, food-packing machinery... and the meat grinder. I love it! Fried wolf butt. Kieran's growing in more ways than he anticipated. I wonder what Arric thinks about Eike's decimation? I, for one, am not a fan of prison escapes. It's too rare of an event, and unless a prison is just the pits, escape should be impossible. Let's hope Arric has something wonderful planned.

This led me to wonder if/when Arric becomes submissive for Kieran, will the beta be a more verbal top? I think Key might make an alpha's legs go wobbly...

Agreed. A controversial topic point, both for this story and in real life. I've always had a rough time articulating how I feel about the death sentence, but I won't air my opinions here. That'd be a topic to start in the Pit... ❤️

Now comes the big question: What will Eike's sentence be? There's been many ideas tossed around in the comment section along this journey, but has Arric read them all?

Stirring awake, Cyn heard a hushed beep. Where am I? Another beep. Inhaling, he recognized the clean scent. I’m… I’m back at the hospital? Opening his eyes, he examined the room. Unlike before, his bed wasn’t the only one around. Cyn squinted and saw Sam sleeping across from him. The door opened. Cyn skirted to the edge of the firm bed but stopped as Shea’s head poked in. “Hey, pup! You’re awake,” the lycan whispered. He carried in a large, black bowl with a lid. Setting it down on th

I love this! This made me smile. The prompts have been beckoning for me, but I've been a wee preoccupied as of late. Wonderful, Val!

Reinard (side tangent: if Galen doesn't call him "Rey-Rey" while the diaper is donned, I'm protesting.) did get a paint-job, so that might help. Getting a ball-gag would prohibit anyone from recognizing a voice. Explaining their mated relationship would also be crucial. My melatonin gummies are kicking in. Might need a refresher on terminology. Estian and Mateio? #teamreyrey

I am grinning from ear to forkin' ear! The first several lines were some of the darkest I've read in a very long time, and professional bravo to those, but I am swooning over Galen's behavior change! It's painfully obvious Reinard doesn't like being Galen's diapered cub, and it's so stinkin' cute. All adorbs aside, I sense some foreboding. Either this leads us to another therapy session, or a break-in of either the house or the workplace. Also, my "I'm Callin' It" cap just scratched my head. When are Galen and Reinard going to become "workplace partners?" Thinking as a businessman, the kink market for an Egaro and Faro coupling would be straight-up bananas, at least in my opinion. Them going at it on camera hits a niche market: contrasting size, interspecies, potential diaper play, potential BDSM. Was it mentioned in a previous chapter if Reinard/Galen were completely against this idea, or am I imagining things? In closing, another fantastic chapter, Ye! Bring on the cartoons and cuddles!!!

I'll add some comeuppance on your poetic justic and hope Alistar finds himself as a werewolf's mate. Once he finds his proverbial "one true love," his desires to become a wolf will bring about his wrongdoings in behavior and speech.

Don't ya just loved buried media? Jordan deserves so much more than dropped charges and Alistar's scat-laden words. Please tell me someone high-up in the league offices will make this right?

Contact! I'm interested to see if Essell will use his last name, and if that will jog the team of scientists' minds. I think Essell better break out the peace talks before Bouncer or Garjah get angry...

Eike's ego has been effectively popped like a balloon! I love it! That was my initial conclusion with the lines written, but I understand everyone's confusion from both details. We're not sure if Cyn has ever been punched, but from the perspective of being held like he was, it would have been difficult to see Eike's free arm going in for a punch. I'm satisfied with the changes though. I channeled some advice given to me by my husband. If you're in a fight, and it's not a planned one, you fight to win under any circumstances. A kick to the gonads is one of, if not the most effective way to drop a man. It speaks plenty for the fact Eike remained standing after Cyn's initial blow. I've had my personal opinion on the matter of recording events as such. Recording a video of criminal acts is vital to court cases, but not to endangered lives. The commonly viewed video of "What to do during an active shooting," that became rampant in my retail training comes to mind. Run, hide, or fight. Do any means necessary for survival. Cyn couldn't run, and once in Eike's clutches, he couldn't hide. One option remained, and while I doubt he had any training for an event, his instincts kicked in to satisfy the third option. The NYC subway incident you mentioned is appalling. I knew of it, and thought of it as I was writing this chapter, but I had no intention of taking an opinionated stab at the response from the onlookers. While one can never anticipate these events, as a human you must be prepared to act. A few months ago, the ATM of the bank next-door to my work was stolen. I heard the noise, saw the man through the store's drive-thru window, and called 911. I don't agree with her actions, but my coworker ran to get a better look at the getaway vehicle. There could have been a much more tragic outcome, but regardless and unashamedly, something had to be done. Emergency services must be notified. Getting back to the story, if Kara and Jaime were not in the vicinity, there is no telling where Eike would've taken Cyn.

Hmm. Might need to reword that line as well, but I envisioned Eike dramatically flicking his wrist from punching Sam too hard. The cuffs are a temporary restraint. More detail will be placed in the next chapter. I'm sure the thought will cross Arric's mind now that his former enforcer is captured. Nefarious. I am pleased to be called this.

It was mentioned in Chapter 43 that Sam and Pam are members of a surveillance unit, so he has to have some combat experience should the twins ever be caught in their human form. I'm sure he'll be rewarded for his efforts. He bought the Turbins some time, which led to Cyn's retrieval. I can imagine him telling the story to his kits in the future. "Did Papa Sam tell you I once kicked a wolf in the face?" I loved writing the play on words with the human officer. Alphas become police chiefs, Enforcers are the deputy, and mates become husbands and wives. I'll go reword that line to better visualize. I prefer the card system. Much more impactful. Sam was a little forgotten, but I'm sure one of the bystanders will put their phone away and actually help. I'm so happy you enjoyed this chapter!! My neighbors just heard me cackle, I'm sure! I don't believe there'll be anymore cliffies from here on out, so just take a deep breath and everything will be alright.

I've never been personified so perfectly! Send in those questions for Ask An Author! They can come from anyone and from any story; Complete or In Progress, Signature Author or New Author!