centexhairysub

Hmmm, well a very strange way to end a story; even if there is going to be more than one book. I am not going to like it at all if Luca dies. Eamon was not doing his job very well at all; the situation seems to have gotten lax without Alexandre or Talia there to make sure everyone stays on their toes. Carlisle and Alexandre may be destined to be together but I don't think there is going to be anything easy or happily ever after about it. Hope Book II starts soon... Keep up the good work.

Adored this latest update of HMS Valiant so much, although I can see where this might mean the end of the story is closer than I wanted it to be... I do hope that we get to see the interview with the King, Prince of Wales, and the Duke of Clarence as well; especially the Prince of Wales, can't wait to see how he reacts to receiving the portion that Granger and Daventry have decided to give to him. Plus, have to sort of wonder how the rest will be split up as well? I am glad that Granger and Cavendish have largely resolved their issues. I do feel they are so well suited to each other in so many ways. I agree with Granger, if he can't trust Cavendish, there is probably no one else he can trust. I am glad that George seems to be remembering some of the many reasons that he and Caroline have worked so well together in the past. Caroline does need to ask for George's forgiveness and it bothers me some that she hasn't seen fit to do so; I have to wonder why? I hope that George and Caroline get back to having a tight relationship, even if not a deep abiding love, they need each other and could and should be each others best allies against anyone that attacks the other. Granger handled the situation with Lord Spencer just perfectly. Even the gift of the jewels, which could have been very tricky, was handled delicately and oh so well. Spencer appreciates all that Granger brings to the table, and that is one of the chief reasons that he is going to move him to this new posting. Spencer realizes that Granger is in a unique position and hopefully will understand how to use him to everyone's benefit, especially Granger's. Even with all the backstabbing and infighting that will go on with a change of command, especially since the current number two is being passed over; Granger will be able to navigate the turmoil and smooth the waters better than anyone else I would imagine. Thank you, Mark, for this wonderful chapter and this truly remarkable addition to the Bridgemont saga...

Words cannot simply express how much I loved this chapter... I agree with Daddydavek that Zach just doesn't fully understand what is going on but I don't think he ever really will fully. If you are not born into that world or enter it very early in life; you will never understand it fully. There are all of these subtle signs that are never really noticed by someone outside of that world. It has it's own special language and behavioral mores that those outside of that group just don't ever get the translation for them. That is one think that I admire so much about your writing Mark, is that you do and your write in a way that gives at least a bare understanding of what is happening and why... I think that Will truly does love and care for Zach and I think that Zach loves Will more than even he is willing to admit but I am not sure they will make it long term. Maybe with a little more growth, on both of their sides; they may find a middle ground that keeps both happy but I can't see it yet... I do like that Will did not blow up when he wanted to, at least not much... He took the time to make sure that Zach understood how serious this was and that there was really nothing at this point for him to do but keep his head down and out of the line of fire. JJ understands more than I think any of them besides Will really gives him credit for. I don't think he wants to worry about the minutiae of everything, but then he has never really had to has he? I agree with Stef that he will find a balance with Bellona and while they may have some issues, they will find a middle ground and work it out. Brad is probably right as well that JJ would not like to think he has a full time minder, but I can't see him going crazy about it like Will would. They are both right that JJ seems to have moved beyond skating; I think it is the restrictions and idea that the association controls so much that bothers him more than the physical aspects or even the other divas in the sport. A few years with Bellona might just turn JJ into a powerhouse on the same level. He already has the money to back up his taste and style; but he will have to decide if he wants to be that ruthless and cut-throat. I personally think he can, he is very competitive in his own way... I am glad that Stef and Brad seems to have repaired their relationship. They need each other in some ways more than they need anyone else. I do understand how scary those first few moments in the elevator would have had to been considering the events on 9/11 but they both handled that quite well... On a side note, I do hope that Wade is able to get Trevor out from under Elizabeth; I don't think he ever has a chance for a happy life if Wade can't. Keep up the outstanding work, Mark, this just maybe one of the best stories in this saga...

Well, I just knew that Michael was going to cause a problem. I don't think Chris is hiding him but I could see Michael hiding his tracker on him or in his stuff. The problem is those trackers have to be charged so have to wonder how it is being charged. I don't think that Michael is there at all; I think he is staying somewhere closer to home to cause problems. Glad to see that Aiden passed his exams, but did anyone doubt he would??? Better news was how well his father accepted Ethan and Marsha appears to be trying as well. It isn't easy for some to accept their child being in a same sex relationship, especially when you thought they were straight. Some people can be much more accepting of others than their own family. Great chapter, keep up all the good work, can't wait for the next one...

Another great chapter, this felt very transitional to me. I have to admit that I am surprised how well everyone took these supposed revelations but then again with this family, who knows... I still am not sure that a war between these families would benefit anyone; but I am starting to wonder if Elizabeth isn't losing her grip on reality. I just don't see how bringing out Wade's molestation by his father can benefit anyone... What kind of person does that to a stranger much less a mother to a son; and sorely disappointed in Nana on how she is handling any of this. I realize we are not getting her point of view much but this family has done so much for her and for her to even consider siding with Elizabeth and Mary Ellen is just beyond the pale. I still can't get a good read on Buzz so not sure how I would feel about him getting involved in something like this even on a peripheral basis. Luke would be a great choice though... Keep up the great work and can't wait to see where you take us next...

This was just brilliant... I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed each and every line. The ending was just perfect... I just can't get over my dislike of Calvert so while Granger is happy about their reunion it leaves me cold; but I am happy that he seems to be out of his funk because of it. I do hope that even if they can't get back to where they were; that Caroline and George can at least get into a more comfortable relationship then the one being portrayed here. I am troubled by Granger's double standard, yes, I know it was prevalent then but it still rankles me. Plus, I agree that Caroline needs to explain herself and ask for forgiveness; can't quite understand why she hasn't.... Granger handled things with the Prime Minister and Dundas perfectly. But I have to wonder how well Spencer is going to take this??? Keep up the great work and can't wait for the next update... Hope your holidays are recuperative and fun filled...

This was a good transitional chapter. Glad that Aiden and Chase was with Ethan when he realized that the wolf he killed might have been trying to just get help. They are right, you can't go back and second guess what might have been; although always easier to say that than really do it... Have to wonder what Ethan did the second time to each of the feral wolves to bring them fully back. What is going to happen once others find out about the ability that Ethan has? You know there are going to be packs that want to have someone that has gone feral brought back if possible. Glad to see both wolves are with a pack that is more open and caring than the ones they left. The Alpha handled all of that just perfect. I wonder if he is bound by tradition or rules to notify the packs they left? Can't wait to see what direction you are going to take the story in now...

Thanks for the update, glad to see Alexandre, Talia, Carlin, and the group are almost to Tomacia. How that plays out, on their arrival, may be very interesting... Have to admit sort of over the part with Jezebel; she appears to be such a stock type villainess.. Keep up the good work, and hope for another update soon...

Another great chapter, but I have to wonder if this isn't leading Ethan into even more danger... What is the Lycan council going to make of this once they get the information. Have to wonder if they are someone isn't going to make a grab for Ethan. Sad to see that Chris had to be banished before realizing the real error of his way, hope he gets back on the right track and maybe can come home some day. Michael still doesn't seem to get it, have to believe he will never survive without a major attitude adjustment... Wonder how Ethan is going to feel if he realizes that the wolf he killed may have only been seeking what he just did to this one... Hopefully Aiden will help him understand and recover...

I am betting that Helen was the only one on the council with the sense to vote for execution. I believe with all my heart that the Alpha and the council will come to regret this. I doubt that Michael will ever reach the other pack; not sure about Chris, maybe he will be smart enough to head to Oregon and start over but Michael may kill him if he tries to stand up to him... It is obvious that Michael would never have moved up to the Alpha position no matter what; even without Aiden in his way, someone so obviously deranged would have eventually seen a revolt and been put down... He can't see any of his own mistakes and only blames others for his problems... The scene with Aiden and Ethan was really hot... I was almost hoping that Ethan would have asked Aiden to bite him for real during the sex but I think he wants to be on a more even keel before he makes that decision... Great job and keep up the great work...

Another great chapter, the pacing and writing just keeps getting better and better. I have really enjoyed the flow of this story. Michael's own words and behavior has doomed him in the eyes of the council. Not sure what the Alpha will ultimately decide but only Michael's death will really end his attempts to become the next Alpha and I think it is obvious to all that no one things that is a good idea. Exile will only allow the anger and resentment in Michael to grow and fester. I wonder if the James, the elder that the Alpha asked to help research, will be able to find out what Ethan is for sure and if there are any more like him. I also wonder what the other packs are going to think when it comes out about his abilities. Can't wait to see where you take us next...

Well, so much going on in this chapter; I don't hardly no where to start... Great job on the writing and flow, not only this chapter but the whole story. Another feral well into pack territory; have to wonder what is up about that, I thought Michael might have been behind the first two but something tells me it isn't him after all. Love how Aiden and Casey did everything to protect Ethan, even when they were obviously not sure they could take the feral lunis wolf. Are the lunis wolves that much stronger? Would the Alpha be able to take one? My impression from the story was that Aiden was probably the strongest wolf at least physically from his generation, should he have not been able to stand up to the feral attacker? Well, we finally got the Alpha's take on what Ethan is and I think he is on the right track. I still think Ethan's powers more closely resemble druidic ability more than anything else. Ethan will have to be willing to accept what he is in order to fully come into his powers however. Until he does, his defensive abilities may continue to develop but his offensive ones will not manifest themselves much. I wonder who they will find to really train him; will someone on the level above the local Alpha know who to get help from? Worried that Ethan is getting a little to dependent on Aiden and what he thinks, he will have to stand on his own at some point and make a few decisions for himself. I hope he can find the inner strength that you know is just below the surface. Can't wait for the next chapter, keep up the great work...

Another great chapter, Mark is a genius... I really do enjoy this story, It just keeps getting better and better. Loved how JJ, Will, and Darius interact with each other. It is so funny how they have this shorthand that just really works well. Too funny that Ella thinks that calling Darius would just put JJ in his place; don't think that is going to be enough because I don't think that Darius really cares enough about her anymore... So glad that Claire is there; she has this quite strength that some of the others just really seem to lack at times. While Brad can sometimes and JP can always get things done behind the scene; sometimes it is nice to have someone like Claire or Stef that can deliver the knife thrust out in the open but do it in a way that no one realized until it is too late what has happened... We all know what Elizabeth knows that could hurt Brad but I just about promise it could never be proven in a court of law; this means it would have to play out in public and there are just as many or more skeletons in Elizabeth and Mary Ellen's closet as in any of Crampton/Schulter camp and that is really saying something...

Well, another really well done chapter, the story just keeps pulling you into it deeper and deeper. It is so easy to really care about what happens to the characters as you have written them. Another few clues about Ethan but still rather confused; I know several others have suggested that he may be a water elemental but that causes issues if you fall back on the Classic mythology of the subject. Classically speaking water elementals or undines or ondines were almost exclusively woman or female in nature. Some of his powers would resemble those abilities held by a water elemental and even having the horse acting like he did would bolster the claim as horses are an animal often associated with the sea or water in Classical mythology. Additionally, the moon is very tied to the power or water; this would be something else that would seemingly tie Ethan to his mate and to make that connections stronger. Ethan does appear to be rather submissive to his mate so maybe that would lend itself to the feminine side of the argument but in other ways he is very much a male and that undercuts the traditional view of a water elemental. Another creature that someone mentioned was a Dragon; although some associate dragons with fire, the earliest translations were from the Greek word meaning sea serpent or water snake. While Dragons can definitely be associated with water; it is extremely rare to find any connections between Dragons and shape-shifting in Classical mythology. I have to wonder if a Druid might not be a better fit? Being out in the woods and then finding himself in connection with a wolf shifter might have triggered a druidic ability... Druids are in general tied to nature and water would clearly be an element they could control. Druids often only can control one or two elements; those that can control all the elements are exceedingly rare. Well, as I already stated great job on the latest chapter and can't wait to see where you are taking us; keep up the great work...

I have trouble believing that Michael being raised in a pack like this thought that his actions would not have severe consequences. To kill a mate just to would a challenger would be considered an act of extreme cowardice. I hate the decision that the Alpha and council is going to be forced to make, I am afraid. Just as they start to get to the bottom of the current issue, they have a feral wolf attack? Does that seem a little to suspiciously timed to anyone else? Could Michael have recruited anyone from the outside to cause problems? Great job, can't wait to see where the next chapter takes us...

Loved the newest chapter, the writing was just superb in this one... I have never liked Calvert and am not going to start now... I think he is a going to be a good Captain of Valiant while Granger is having to go to London and stay ashore but would just as soon that he never be near Granger again... I know, I know, you give us a great chapter and I have to bitch about it... LOL... Have to wonder who the escort will be; will it be someone new or someone from Granger's past? Granger isn't going to be happy having to try and make a splash of his arrival in London; but he is going to need to play along with Daventry on this, I am afraid. Hope he can deal with Jardine's lawyer and get all of that resolved. Hopefully, that will not take long and will go smoothly. Sort of surprised that Caroline did not send a missive of some sort; I know that they were on the outs when Granger left but still.

I really don't see how there can be any other choice but to exile Michael. Either that or let him and Aiden fight it out, which could result in his death. Still a little unsure what Ethan is going to turn out to be; control of water leads one way but the ice is really throwing me.... Great job...

I have an idea or two what Ethan maybe but can't decide which way you are going... I have to wonder if exposure to Aiden has awoken something that was always in Ethan that might never have come out if Aiden hadn't drawn him into this world... Michael may literally be insane, and if so; he will have to be put down for the protection of all...

A lot of animal cultures do mark their territory by pissing on something or even on each other. It was sort of hot how this just flowed from where they were and fit so well. We keep getting a lot of hints that Ethan is more than meets the eye but can't decide exactly where this is going... Great job...

I would think in some cultures, like the wolf culture, being kind and generous like Ethan was would not be a way to survive long. In some instances you have to be able to be harsh if you want to survive.

Well, I have to wonder if the issue is that Michael is especially weak for a wolf or is there more to Ethan than initially meets the eye?

You can just tell that Michael is going to cause enough problems that either Aiden or even Ethan will kill him or the Alpha will have to banish him. Either way, this isn't going to endear Ethan to those that have a problem with it...

Glad to see Casey's family taking to Ethan so quickly. I can see where some drama might be coming up but Aiden seems to have such a level head on his shoulders...

Glad to see that Trevor and Casey are willing to help Ethan just because he is a good guy and not because Aiden is attracted to him. You can really feel the attraction between the two just leaping off the page. They don't seem to even understand how deep it is already yet...

Ethan seems to be taking this better than one would expect, while Aiden seems to be a little confused by how he feels about Ethan. From a comment in an earlier chapter, I am going to assume that Aiden has never been attracted to a male before?!?!?