Alexmugs

Maybe the weather wasn't conducive to allowing them to bring Asa outside. Just because there was one nice day of sunshine, doesn't mean the rest of the days were the same.

I'm with @kbois on this one. Caleb's wolf won't let him push the mating off. He's been neglected for far too long. Plus, I'm thinking that their mating bond will somehow strengthen Asa’s healing ability. Maybe like some sort of supernatural booster shot? I really can't wait to see how our genius author spins this one.

First of all, what an incredible chapter! I'm going to have to read it a few more times. There's so much going on. I'm awestruck at the change in Caleb. He's so attentive and caring toward Asa. Allowing his wolf to have first dibs at seeing him was something I don't think he was capable of before being healed. He still carries guilt but he's processing it completely different. I still feel responsible. If I weren’t so fucked up, he would be awake by now.” “You don’t know that. I don’t think he knew it, either. As soon as the connection broke, he looked stunned for a split second. Then he started spewing satanic slime. I was a little preoccupied to notice anything else.” Caleb shook his head. “But still…” Giles cut him off, his deep voice bordering on Alpha command. “Stop blaming yourself. Asa is an adult who made a consenting choice. He knew the risk. He chose you, Caleb. He chose YOU!” Immediately, tears sprang to his eyes. His attention shifted to the man lying still on the bed, inexplicably drawn to him. Gently, he raised Asa’s hand and kissed the back of it. This man had put his life and sanity on the line for him. How could he ever repay him? My heart nearly broke for Caleb here. Even Asa has changed. Allowing himself to be taken by Caleb is a huge step for someone like him who has been independent for so long. I'm not sure if either of them even realized it, but their relationship has progressed too: My love, healing a mind is vastly different than healing a physical ailment. I don't think Asa or Caleb even realized he let that little term of endearment slip. Awesome chapter!

This chapter had me on the edge of my seat for a bit. The way you described how Asa went about healing Caleb (we know it's going to work dammit!) was incredible. You certainly know how to paint a picture for us readers: He felt something akin to wispy tendrils of energy break off and enter Caleb, stretching and searching for damage like a heat-seeking missile. The arduous journey began. Images of damaged cells, misshapen from the poison, beckoned as if they were a blinding strobe from a lighthouse. As a ship following the beacon, he honed in on the damage. His energy became a fishing trawler casting its nets. He gathered the poison, drawing it in, storing it the same way a boat held its catch. Well done! I hope you feel better soon! ❤

@kbois has done it again! A fantastic story about how one little decision can bring about life-altering changes. Two likeable guys, a mom who doesn't take any crap and a cat with a cute name. What more can you want?

First of all, what an spectacular way to pay homage to a friend. It always hurts when the lights dim when someone so bright is gone. Second, what a great story! You definitely struck the right notes with this one. I enjoyed every word! This made me laugh: ! That’s the best pet name story I’ve heard!” “Eh. Maybe. I did learn that Maine coon kittens who fall asleep in empty martini glasses end up with sticky fur. I also learned kittens have sharp claws and don’t like being bathed at two o’clock in the morning.” One of my friends in fifth grade came into school all scratched to hell. She tried giving her cat a bath. Never did that again. Lol! Thanks for sharing this with us. Your friend would be proud.

I forgot to mention earlier, did everyone see who was featured on this week's Featured Story on Monday?

I'm going out on a limb here and am going on record as saying I don't think whoever poisoned Caleb is an issue anymore. Hear me out. Alberts and Belland are dead. Huntington is out of the country focused on rallying whatever troops he can muster. Whoever it is/was wouldn't have any more motivation. Huntingtons beef was with Caleb for being Vann's father when he thought he was. (Shadow Effect chpt 39) With Alberts and Belland dead the money motivator is gone too if that's what it was. My guess is that it was a pack member, maybe someone who worked in the diner but slid under the radar. The poison had to be mixed with his food and it didn't have to be done all at once. If his body wasn't able to rid itself, then it might have been given gradually. Like a slow build up of arsenic (thanks Flowers in the Attic)

Whoa! I don't think I've read a chapter with so much information in it. I had to read it twice before commenting. My biggest take away from this is how vulnerable Caleb is: “Can you try now?” Asa shook his head. “No. It’s too dangerous.” Caleb slumped again. Great, it's just his luck. Life was dangling a cure for his dark thoughts in front of him and then yanking it away. “I get it. I wouldn’t risk myself for a complete stranger, either.” His depression is a shield that is preventing him from seeing anything positive or optimistic. Everything about this chapter just goes to show Caleb's insecurity in neon colors. I really hope Asa is the answer we all are searching for. Brilliant chapter.

Such an amazing piece by an amazing author. Gritty, real, and punches you in the gut, but is a story well worth the read.

Oh my! Where to even start? This us what I get for having to be on the road since 6am. Now that I'm settled... where do I end up? Page 7. What a fall from grace! @kbois wrote this: Even though he did not have senses in the traditional form as light, he could still process and understand what occurred around him. Specific nuances could only be ascertained once he was back in his solid embodiment and could process information his light form stored, but other than that, Asa could discern what was going on. I think Asa's perception goes deeper than anyone realizes and maybe it's connected to his light shifting abilities. Whatever the case may be Caleb has met his perfect match and I can't wait for their relationship to deepen. I also reeaaalllllyyyyyy want to see what they look like and I've already recommended Spirit Wolves. 4 more somebodys need to step up!!!!!!!

OMFG!!!!

So what do Caleb and Asa look like I checked and you haven't posted any pictures on the cover page. What gives?

And we all know @kbois is going to make it a sharp, hairpin turn and make us go careening around it at 100mph with only 2 of 4 wheels on the ground.

Double ew. Same reason.

Ew. Does anyone really know where his head has been?

I can't wait. You are diabolical when it comes to twists and turns in your stories. It wouldn't surprise me if it turns out Caleb has alien implants controlling his thoughts and actions. Although maybe that's more @astone2292s wheelhouse. 🤔

I only lucked out because I had the morning off. It's probably the closest I'll ever get to commenting first. Lol.

Wow. There's a lot going on between the lines in this chapter. I got the impression that Caleb’s depression runs deeper than anyone realizes, yet at the same time he still shows that he's capable of caring. It shows in his concern over Eclipse. It also shows in his misguided belief that keeping others from his depression is what's best for them. Most of all it shows when he thinks: How could he love and care for a mate when he couldn’t stand himself? Despite the dark thoughts his Alpha protectiveness comes out. He thinks he needs to protect others from himself. I hope Asa goes after him and gives him a good "come to Jesus" moment. Or maybe it should be a "come to kbois" moment.

I made page 1! Now I have to go back and read. Lol

@raven1 and @84Mags you guys inspired me to do a little digging of my own. Kbois is truly genius(probably evil). She hid clues in Storyverse. I found this regarding Guardians: Charon chuckled. “You may continue as Elijah’s Guardian. Cassiel was surprised when he realized the connection. By then, it was too late, and you were already dead. The Fae Prince underestimated his father’s cunning in creating the Guardians. Even though the originals are long gone, their energy still exists. Occasionally, it manifests itself again within a living being. You hit the Guardian lottery.” “What exactly is a Guardian, and why Elijah?” “You don’t know?” Charon asked in a high-pitched voice, truly surprised. “Guardians were created long ago to protect the Fae king and those he held dear. Their purpose evolved over time, and now they are mostly obsolete, with the exception of offering protection to those still important to the realm. As far as it being Elijah? I don’t have an answer. If I had to guess, I would think the shapeshifter has an important role to play in what is happening in your world. He is part of a group that must protect the Veil. It is now your job to help him.” “How?” “Guide him. Use the energy you left behind to help him and his friends find the right path. Lead the way, Kage.” The set started to fade. Charon and Ceresa shimmered. “Wait!” Kage cried. “What about the light? What does it mean?” Charon turned. “Just remember, Kage. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”

Omg.. I got bit by a poodle that looked just like that thing when I was a kid. I can't believe I'm so late to the party! Work has been kicking my ass. That's healthcare for you. Page 11???? What the ever-loving hell? I still have 8 pages of comments to get through!! Geesh.

OMFG! I'm so excited for this story. What a chapter! Poor Caleb. He's been through the wringer. Imagine being in such a dark place mentally and then getting shot on top of it. I wonder if he's going to see the light at the end of the tunnel like the title suggests. BTW, I had to go back and look, but was the last puzzle in Storyverse a hidden clue to this story's title? It drove me crazy for a few minutes trying to remember where I saw you reference the phrase. Please don't leave us hanging too long!

There's a lot going on between the lined in this chapter. I can see tidbits of turmoil in Max's life indicating he has his own struggles in the romance department. It's good that he's understanding about Kyan and Perry. Kyan is justified in his feelings. At this point, he's had more time with Perry than he had with Dayna even though most of it was in a platonic brother-in-law relationship. Something tells me that if Dayna had lived, Kyan would have eventually seen the side of her the rest of her family did. Nice job!

“Should we be expecting a formal announcement soon?” Trudy asked as she sipped her pineapple martini. @kbois is probably jumping with joy that it didn't have coconut! I think the crux of the chapter is seen here: A not-so small part of him wanted to coach the kids. Coach Perry He's got it bad. Coaching kids is the ultimate commitment. He wasn’t sure what sport she’d be interested in, but he would bet every dollar he had in the bank it would be something solo. He pictured her decimating her opponents in tennis, or maybe even stock car racing. Or, heaven help them, debate club. Perry might have to sit that one But regardless of what Gracie does, he'll be there. “What did you wish for?” Trudy asked. Perry only smiled and took a sip of his beer. We know. We all know.