#Wolfegang Wilde

[mosneakers]

Brick: Ginger… right? Your costume? The Wolf Next Door?

Janie: [Shocked] I… yeah! I mean... wow, I’m surprised you recognized it!

Brick: Why you so surprised, ma? You got every detail of that character just right. —Oh... I see how it is. I don’t seem like a guy who’d read Mulder to you, do I? [straightens waistcoat] I was actually going for some packs and prejudice type shit. You couldn't tell?

Janie: [further shock] No, yeah… the costume adds up now. Looks good...

Brick: You look good…

Janie: [blushes and smiles] Thanks. I tried. [brief silence] You know, I thought I knew the Darling lore, I guess it’s just news to me that you read… books. Like in general.

Brick: [Hearty laugh] Well... what can I say? Ya boi is an enema. Janie: ...You mean an enigma?

Brick: Yo, I don't use that word. I used to not read books that much, but when I moved here to Moonwood Mill, a buddy of mine got me into ‘em. Hey, your last name is Books, right? Janie Books?

Janie: [A single coy laugh] Yes, that’s my name.

Brick swiftly pulls out his phone to send his brother, Charm, a thriving comedian and romantic, a text. Unsure of what he's doing, Janie's eyes awkwardly wander around in confusion. The string of texts read:

Bro I need your help rizzing up this girl

Give me a good line

Smth about books lol

Charm responds almost instantly:

No

Noticing the lull in conversation and Janie's idle posture, Wolfegang seizes the opportunity to put himself out there and speak to Janie.

Brick: Oh shit! It's my guy! Hey big man. Janie, this is the homie I told you about, who got me into reading, Wolfegang.

Hoping to make the most of his first impression, Wolfegang extends a sincere handshake and maintains direct eye contact, savoring the moment as their hands connect.

Wolfegang: It's a pleasure to meet you, miss. I apologize for the interruption, I just wanted to take a moment to mention to you that your costume caught my eye earlier. I have a strong feeling that you embody exactly what the author envisioned when creating Ginger, if not surpassing his expectations.

Janie: [Blushing and smiling] Oh gosh, I don't know what to say... that's so flattering! Brick: Sorry, sometimes he talks like that. Janie: [Blushing and smiling] Thank you, Wolfgang! Vulfgang Mulder is one of my favorite authors. I'm guessing you're pretty familiar with his work, then?

As Wolfegang and Janie continue chatting away, Brick watches intently, slowly coming to the realization that there's no need to test things further with Janie; fate is unfolding before him. Brick wonders to himself, why didn't Wolfie just say so in the first place?

He's down bad.

[catescher]

Review: A Wild and Unremarkable Thing

Quick Disclaimer: I was not in any form or shape paid for this review/compensated for it. I bought the book on my own initiative and out of my own pocket. No strings attached whatsoever. Also Spoiler Warning!

The Data Bits

Name of the book: A Wild and Unremarkable Thing Author: Jen Castleberry Publishing House: The Parliament House Pages: 180 (according to Amazon) Formats available: EBook (amazon) ISBN: 9781386117117 Price: 1.99 €/0.99£/1.21$ Release Date: 23-1-2018

About the author: Jen Castleberry lives and writes in Virginia Beach. Her background is in Animal Welfare. All of her pets are named after superheroes.

http://www.jencastleberry.com/copy-of-home

Description  (Amazon) Cayda has spent her entire life training to slay a Fire Scale. Now the time has come to leave her dragon-ravaged village behind, march into the Summer Alps, and reap the rewards of a Champion.  But the road between poverty and prosperity is rife with beasts, betrayals, and baser temptations. Sensible Cayda soon discovers she’s not the only Champion with her eye on the prize, or the only one wearing a disguise.  

A Wild and Unremarkable Thing pits girl against dragon in a stunning blend of Greek mythology and medieval lore. Don’t miss the thrilling novella that readers are calling poetic, enchanting, and a must-read for fans of fantasy!

Overall Impression: 3.6 If there is a sequel I would maybe read it, but only if Jen Castleberry ups her game.

Again, major spoiler warning. Do not read on, if you don’t want to spoiler yourself.

Own summary (Anything follows are SPOILERS!)

This novella follows mainly Cadya, or Cody as she is forced by her father to call herself. Ever since the last Emerging of the Fire Scales fifteen years prior who devastated her hometown of Ithil, she dresses as a boy and is forced to train in order to slay a Fire Scale herself at the coming Emerging. Her younger sisters are prostitutes, her mother drowns her sorrow while her Father doesn’t shy away from beating her if she fails to live up to his expectations. Shortly before the Emerging, her father is injured by A Night Beast, a creature of the Death God and she begins her journey to the Alps and Yurka, where she will encounter the other Champions seeking glory and riches. On the way there she meets the enigmatic Penn who also journeys to Yurka, for the same spectacle but for different reasons. He finds out that Cody is a woman after observing her naked and the two are attracted to each other from the get-go.

The other duo is Prince Fares and his friend/companion Wolfegang Hande. After a night of drinking, Wolfegang decides to become a champion as well, seeking the glory he otherwise wouldn’t have in his opinion. He is ridiculed for this wish by Fares and Zoe, another friend of theirs but he and Fares make their way to Yurka, while Fares tries to dissuade his friend from joining the hunt. On their way their carriage horses are spooked and run away, only to be found by Penn and Cody who manages to calm them.

Together they make for Yurka. Penn pays for everything Cody needs, a room, her entrance fee and a bath. She endears herself to other Champions by engaging them in games like shooting arrows while Wolfe mopes around, generally being an insufferable prick. Fares meets a guy Tomas, with whom he grows infatuated and they leave Yurka for Sandhorne and the capital. Their carriage is attacked by a Night Beast which later attacks the same inn Cody lives at. Cody kills it (pretty much her only badass moment in the book) and Penn helps her as she suffers from poisoning, revealing that he knew she was a woman. He gives her tips on how to kill a Fire Scale since he reveals himself to be a champion who made a deal to become the Death God in exchange for his survival.

On the day of the Emerging, Cody and Wolfe wander up into the mountains, Wolfe is hindered by his shiny new armour which is why he falls back. Cody meets with Penn and they have sex in a stream, before watching the Emerging together. Wolfe watches them, making plans to use Cody’s sex against her. Fares and Tomas, both gravely injured, are taken in by one of Cody’s sisters and watch the Emerging from her window.

The next day, Cody kills another Night Beast that was about to kill Wolfe and he continues to follow her. Cody poisons an old Fire Scale with the meat taken from the Beast, like Penn told her to. She, however, can’t bring herself to strike the killing blow and Wolfe gloats that he knows her secret and attacks the Fire Scale.

Penn, as due with his contract, seeks a newly dead Champion so he can exchange his place with him. He fails to do so and is attracted by Cody’s shout. He runs up and Wolfe has slain the Fire Scale, leaving him as a champion. Wolfe accepts the contract, becoming the Death God in Penn’s stead and Penn sells the Fire Scale. With the money, he returns to the Temple of the Death God to get his own money, before buying a house in which Cody moves. Cody’s father died in the interim, and her sisters and her mother were dressed by Fares and cared for. In the end, Cody and Penn live together in a house in the woods - while Penn enjoys his new life, Cody becomes a shut-in.

The Rating:

I decided to stick with a conventional 0-5 Rating. Might change later on. Also, 5 means awesome, 0 means shitty as fuck.

Here goes:

Cover Art (Yes, I do judge a book by its cover): 4 It looks great actually, with the burning arrows on the blue background. But it lacks the connection to the story and I am unsure on who those two people are supposed to be. Cody? Wolfe? Penn? Who knows?

Readability (How did I find the writing?): 3.5 This sadly hit a major pet peeve of mine: Present Tense. The whole book was mostly in the present tense. On the bright side, every character who had a POV had a unique voice. The other point is that there were too many POV characters (5 in total). The book was too short to give everyone the turn they deserved and to help us connect with the characters which ties into my next point. What I also need to add as a positive is that the worldbuilding did not overwhelm the story at any point. It felt very natural and there were no info dumps of any sort - the closest thing was the dream Cody had in the beginning, but otherwise, it was pretty damn good and interesting. Especially the gods had some interesting lore behind them or hinted at.

Characters (How were the characters? Did I like them?): 2.5 I really didn’t like any of the characters. Saying that, I acknowledge that they did have some agency or a plan - Cody wanted to save her sisters by slaying a Fire Scale, Fares wanted to protect his friend and later his lover, Penn wanted another one to take his place and Wolfe wanted to not be forgotten. Still, I didn’t like them for their various other reasons and characteristics - Penn is just plain creepy how he perves on Cody, not to mention that he is at least 120 years older than her. Wolfe is an insufferable prick with how he acts and Fares hits on everything that is not gone by the count of three.

Predictability (Did I saw major plot points coming a mile away? Any surprising turns of events? What were my predictions?): 5 With the exception of Cadya/Cody ending up in a love relationship of some sort, I failed to make any predictions (and that one only because I studied the Amazon Page…). I was actually surprised that Fares of all people ended up in a loving relationship by the end of the book with a man. Honestly, the second time read it I realized the first sign of him being bisexual early one which I didn’t notice before and it wasn’t subtle. Total facepalm moment for me. It was pretty damn obvious that Penn and Cadya had the hots for each other and I was willing to bet that Cadya would take Penn’s place in a sort of star-crossed lovers thing.

Overall Impression: 3.6 If there is a sequel I would maybe read it, but only if Jen Castleberry ups her game.

Favourite quotes:

“The Fire Scale On mighty wings Does every fifteenth year depart. And who, but fools And princes and kings Should want to eat its fearsome heart?”

“So quick it came, it left. A breath. A fast-ascend, and it is gone. And Ithil… Ithil is on fire.”

“A wild and unremarkable thing.

The Fire Scale will never see her coming.“

[infinitehouseofbooksya]

BLITZ - Give Me Chaos

Give Me Chaos (The Wolfgang Series #5) by Jillian Ashe Genre: YA/NA Science Fiction Adventure Release Date: March 16th 2017 Summary: The fifth book in the Wolfegang series follows Katerina back to the top secret military base, Enzo, where she is Lt. Donnelly’s prisoner. The lieutenant puts her through tests and experiments to find out what makes her so special, and why the genetic enhancements aren’t degrading her brain. He wants answers for his own cure. Katerina might not survive his search for answers until General Ryojin shows up and changes the game completely.

Pre-Order Link: Amazon

Other Books in the Series

Book One:

My Delicate Destruction (The Wolfegang Series #1)

Summary from Goodreads:

They Promised her Hope...My name is Katerina Anderson. In 2016, a drug called Hope was created. Administered during suspended animation, the drug was supposed to cure the cancer my twin brother and I had. When an earthquake leveled Los Angeles, we were presumed dead. Forgotten, we slept. The day I woke up, I realized everything had changed. My brother was missing, and everyone else I knew was dead. I booked passage on a ship to find Kris. The government thinks I'm a criminal and the cure did more than just cure my cancer. My brother is the only one who might have the answers I need, but that drug and all its false hope set me on a path I'm not sure I can follow.Will I find my twin and learn exactly what they did to me before it's too late?

Book Two:

Riding on Whispers (The Wolfegang Series #2)

Summary from Goodreads:

I used to be a normal college girl.Now I’m a fugitive from the Galactic Federation. I'm frantically searching for my twin brother, I have to find him before the Federation catches up to me, but he is only spoken about in whispers by the ones who know him. Finally, I have a location – Enzo – but it’s a top secret, military base that performs genetic enhancements and alterations on soldiers. It’s the last place I should go, but I don’t have a choice – not if I want to find Kris.I’m afraid of what I’ll learn. Will I find the answers I’ve been looking for, or will I be walking into a trap?

Book Three:

When Elements Collide (The Wolfegang Series #3)

Summary from Goodreads:

Some things that are lost aren't meant to be found… We hope to find the coordinates to Asgard where I will find my brother, on a planet at the edge of space that has ties to the ancient Norse culture. Celeste, Ricky, Wolfe, and I have to overcome the native’s dislike for outsiders; their distrust and suspicion well-founded as they are one of the last societies free from the Federation. To get these coordinates my crew and I have to brave the harsh environment of the Northern Continent which is covered in ice and snow year-round. The location of Asgard isn’t the only thing waiting for us in this icy wilderness. The locals speak of monsters that hide in the dark recesses of their land, guarding something no one is brave enough to find. Will we survive long enough to acquire what we came for?

Book Four:

Far From Safe (The Wolfegang Series #4)

Summary:

Katerina Anderson’s adventure continues as she and the crew of the Wolfegang are on their way to the planet Asgard...I never really thought we would make it this far. Not only are we so close to completing our mission for the Norse king, but my brother is almost within my grasp. Kris and I will no longer be alone in the vast reaches of space.The only problem is the Federation is catching up to me and the crew and we might not have the time we need to complete our mission. I just hope we make it to Asgard before the Federation

Amazon Buy Links for the Series:

My Delicate Destruction | Riding on Whispers | When Elements Collide | Far From Safe

Excerpt:

General Ryojin wasn’t particularly fond of the genetic program on the Enzo base, but on occasion it produced some excellent results. Lieutenant Donnelly was one of the few great accomplishments of the Heishi Project and at present he ran the program.

The general had been ordered by his superior to check on Lt. Donnelly’s new pet project. It was a project he’d been promised by the lieutenant would cure some of the less than pleasant side effects of their patented serum. If Lt. Donnelly was correct in his assumptions he would be up for promotion.

The general slid his hands in his pockets and walked through every check point without stopping to present identification. Soldiers saluted as he passed by. Every general was given a certain level of security clearance provided by a chip inserted in their arm. Checkpoints automatically registered the serial number and allowed them to pass.

He flicked his longer than regulation hair out of his face. There weren’t many people above him in rank and no one brave enough to enforce the policy on hair length. He’d lost count how many checkpoints he’d passed as he made his way deeper into the base, through levels of security, a tiny fraction of the population on the base even knew existed.

The Heishi Project was one of the best kept secrets of the Federation.  Some of the details leaked to the masses. The enhanced soldiers who came from the project became a type of bogeyman. No one knew the exact extent of the project and so wild tales arose to fill the holes.

Ryojin stopped outside the last checkpoint. The soldier stared and fumbled with his ‘sir’ as he tried to salute at the same time. Ryojin knew the effect he had on his soldiers. He was the youngest general in history at thirty-three but it wasn’t always the reason they stared. Ryojin was almost pure Japanese, and one of the few remaining noble families able to keep their bloodlines pure.

He was a rarity among the mutts of humanity.

Ryojin heard screeching and a crash from the genetic labs. His eyebrow rose at the young soldier. Those were not sounds he wanted to hear. The young man stuttered again and opened the door for him, trying to explain but his words were jumbled. Ryojin sighed. He walked through the door and around the corner.

The general stopped in his tracks as he witnessed something he did not usually see in the labs. A young woman with the whitest skin he’d ever seen screamed at three of his soldiers. All of the soldiers were men and all of them were at least three times her weight. She flipped one over her shoulder and hit the second with enough force to drop him like a rock.

The general frowned. He got a look at her eyes. No, she wasn’t Japanese. Something was not right. He intended to find out what exactly was going on.

Donnelly had some explaining to do.

The general walked forward with purpose as she whipped around to face the third soldier. The soldier gritted his teeth but didn’t back down. It amused Ryojin to see him try to take her on though it was clear how outmatched he was. She feinted a punch and then kicked him in the genitals; a low blow.

When she turned on the general, neither of them hesitated. Her fist flew at him with impressive speed. He caught it easily enough without breaking stride and spun her around. He held her close, incapacitating both her arms without too much effort. The girl was strong, but not stronger than him.

General Ryojin was the shining achievement of the Heishi Project.

She growled low and animalistic, bucking against him but he held her tight as he quickly inspected her. The girl was malnourished which angered him. There were marks and bruises all over her body, some were from the mandatory tests, but there were other marks that shouldn’t have been there.

He sighed as the realization came to him. Donnelly had been slipping again without reporting it. They couldn’t manage the sickness if it wasn’t reported. The lieutenant would need to be dealt with.

A doctor came out casually from her lab with a syringe in hand. He arched an eyebrow at her nonchalance. “Care to explain, Lyn?”

Lyn Tallis was a woman he knew from childhood, but they had taken separate paths to reach the point in their lives they were at now and it was mere coincidence she worked for him.

The girl in his arms laughed in a manner which concerned him. He frowned down at her and wondered again where she’d come from. Pure Europeans were nearly extinct. At most a few thousand remained in the icy north of Earth and his guess was generous.

“Only a test, cousin,” Lyn said. She stepped over one of the fallen soldiers and approached the girl. “She did amazingly well.”

Suddenly the weight in his arms doubled as the girl collapsed. He almost stumbled forward before he caught himself against the sudden change in balance.

“It’s all right, Lyn,” the girl whispered. “You don’t need to sedate me.”

He watched the exchange closely with narrowed eyes. Clearly there was more going on than had been on the report. This girl was a captive subject and not a willing one. That information changed everything.

“Where is the lieutenant?” Ryojin demanded. He needed to be debriefed. Immediately.

He didn’t let go of the girl. He didn’t trust her.

“I didn’t know you had cousins,” the girl said.

Lyn grimaced, her version of a smile. “Of course, Katerina. Now you can go back to your cell or finish the test.”

“The cell.”

Ryojin propped her up and let her go. When he finally looked into her eyes they were dead and lifeless. None of the fire in them he had seen moments before. He needed answers.

Her eyes snapped to his and the grey flashed like lightning. The sudden light allowed him to witness the raging storm inside before shuttering once more as she followed Lyn.

He was going to like her.

About the AuthorI currently live and work in Southern California, writing about characters in a variety of different genres. I started writing when I was only seven and was first published in the La Jolla Light Newspaper when I was twelve. Currently I attend University in the hopes of becoming a Professor of English.Author Links:

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[lovelyparanormalbooks]

Book Blitz: Give Me Chaos by Jillian Ashe (Excerpt)

This is my stop during the book blitz for Give Me Chaos by Jillian Ashe. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 28 February till 6 March, you can view the blitz schedule here. Give Me Chaos (Wolfegang #5) By Jillian Ashe Genre: Science Fiction Adventure Age category: New Adult Release Date: 16 March 2017 Blurb: The fifth book in the Wolfegang series follows Katerina back to the top secret military base, Enzo, where she is Lt. Donnelly’s prisoner. The lieutenant puts her through tests and experiments to find out what makes her so special, and why the genetic enhancements aren’t degrading her brain. He’s looking for his own cure. Katerina might not survive his search for answers until General Ryojin shows up and changes the game completely. You can find Give Me Chaos on Goodreads You can pre-order Give Me Chaos on Amazon

Excerpt:

General Ryojin wasn’t particularly fond of the genetic program on the Enzo base, but on occasion it produced some excellent results. Lieutenant Donnelly was one of the few great accomplishments of the Heishi Project and at present he ran the program. 

The general had been ordered by his superior to check on Lt. Donnelly’s new pet project. It was a project he’d been promised by the lieutenant would cure some of the less than pleasant side effects of their patented serum. If Lt. Donnelly was correct in his assumptions he would be up for promotion. The general slid his hands in his pockets and walked through every check point without stopping to present identification. Soldiers saluted as he passed by. Every general was given a certain level of security clearance provided by a chip inserted in their arm. Checkpoints automatically registered the serial number and allowed them to pass. He flicked his longer than regulation hair out of his face. There weren’t many people above him in rank and no one brave enough to enforce the policy on hair length. He’d lost count how many checkpoints he’d passed as he made his way deeper into the base, through levels of security, a tiny fraction of the population on the base even knew existed. The Heishi Project was one of the best kept secrets of the Federation. Some of the details leaked to the masses. The enhanced soldiers who came from the project became a type of bogeyman. No one knew the exact extent of the project and so wild tales arose to fill the holes. Ryojin stopped outside the last checkpoint. The soldier stared and fumbled with his ‘sir’ as he tried to salute at the same time. Ryojin knew the effect he had on his soldiers. He was the youngest general in history at thirty-three but it wasn’t always the reason they stared. Ryojin was almost pure Japanese, and one of the few remaining noble families able to keep their bloodlines pure. He was a rarity among the mutts of humanity. Ryojin heard screeching and a crash from the genetic labs. His eyebrow rose at the young soldier. Those were not sounds he wanted to hear. The young man stuttered again and opened the door for him, trying to explain but his words were jumbled. Ryojin sighed. He walked through the door and around the corner. The general stopped in his tracks as he witnessed something he did not usually see in the labs. A young woman with the whitest skin he’d ever seen screamed at three of his soldiers. All of the soldiers were men and all of them were at least three times her weight. She flipped one over her shoulder and hit the second with enough force to drop him like a rock. The general frowned. He got a look at her eyes. No, she wasn’t Japanese. Something was not right. He intended to find out what exactly was going on. Donnelly had some explaining to do. The general walked forward with purpose as she whipped around to face the third soldier. The soldier gritted his teeth but didn’t back down. It amused Ryojin to see him try to take her on though it was clear how outmatched he was. She feinted a punch and then kicked him in the genitals; a low blow. When she turned on the general, neither of them hesitated. Her fist flew at him with impressive speed. He caught it easily enough without breaking stride and spun her around. He held her close, incapacitating both her arms without too much effort. The girl was strong, but not stronger than him. General Ryojin was the shining achievement of the Heishi Project. She growled low and animalistic, bucking against him but he held her tight as he quickly inspected her. The girl was malnourished which angered him. There were marks and bruises all over her body, some were from the mandatory tests, but there were other marks that shouldn’t have been there. He sighed as the realization came to him. Donnelly had been slipping again without reporting it. They couldn’t manage the sickness if it wasn’t reported. The lieutenant would need to be dealt with. A doctor came out casually from her lab with a syringe in hand. He arched an eyebrow at her nonchalance. “Care to explain, Lyn?” Lyn Tallis was a woman he knew from childhood, but they had taken separate paths to reach the point in their lives they were at now and it was mere coincidence she worked for him. The girl in his arms laughed in a manner which concerned him. He frowned down at her and wondered again where she’d come from. Pure Europeans were nearly extinct. At most a few thousand remained in the icy north of Earth and his guess was generous. “Only a test, cousin,” Lyn said. She stepped over one of the fallen soldiers and approached the girl. “She did amazingly well.” Suddenly the weight in his arms doubled as the girl collapsed. He almost stumbled forward before he caught himself against the sudden change in balance. “It’s all right, Lyn,” the girl whispered. “You don’t need to sedate me.” He watched the exchange closely with narrowed eyes. Clearly there was more going on than had been on the report. This girl was a captive subject and not a willing one. That information changed everything. “Where is the lieutenant?” Ryojin demanded. He needed to be debriefed. Immediately. He didn’t let go of the girl. He didn’t trust her. “I didn’t know you had cousins,” the girl said. Lyn grimaced, her version of a smile. “Of course, Katerina. Now you can go back to your cell or finish the test.” “The cell.” Ryojin propped her up and let her go. When he finally looked into her eyes they were dead and lifeless. None of the fire in them he had seen moments before. He needed answers. Her eyes snapped to his and the grey flashed like lightning. The sudden light allowed him to witness the raging storm inside before shuttering once more as she followed Lyn. He was going to like her.

Earlier books in the series My Delicate Destruction (Wolfegang #1) by Jillian Ashe Blurb: Firefly meets Dark Angel in the YA/NA Sci Fi Adventure series available in Kindle Unlimited. -- Katerina used to be a normal college girl until she wakes up 500 years in the future and finds out her twin Kris, is still alive. Will she be able to survive in the new dark future to find him? You can buy all the books in the Wolfegang series on amazon - My Delicate Destruction (Wolfegang #1) - Riding on Whispers (Wolfegang #2) - When Elements Collide (Wolfegang #3) - Far From Safe (Wolfegang #4) All four books are available in Kindle Unlimited About the Author: Jillian Ashe lives and works in San Diego, California with her husband and son. While writing the Wolfegang series she attended University in pursuit of a Master’s degree in English and Creative Writing. She has been writing since age twelve and has written for The La Jolla Light Newspaper. She is part of almost every fandom out there and loves makeup, Steampunk, and geeks out on a regular basis. Jillian is working on finishing the Wolfegang series. You can find and contact Jillian here: - Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Amazon - Pinterest - Instagram - Google+ - Newsletter

[mosneakers]

The moonlight guides Selene and Lou through their tumultuous history, delicately weaving through the painful thorns of their past. Selene's eyes glisten, and Lou's apologies foam from his mouth as he confesses his constant thoughts of her since that fateful ordeal. The hope in his voice is palpable, he pleads to her forgive him. The moon provides Selene a gust of wind to throw caution to, and before Lou can even finish his sentiment, Selene wonders to herself, "what if I just kissed him right now?"

Selene: [Breaks from kiss, breathless]

Lou: Selene...... I never stopped thinking about you. Selene: I thought I lost you forever...

Lou: No! I'm here now. [Picks her up off her feet] Forever. My Fated Mate...

Further along the same woodland path where Lou and Selene rediscover their connection, Wolfegang and Janie meander the trail for hours, their conversation weaving effortlessly between conversation and flirtatious laughter. As the influence of the moon intensifies, the two of them lose pieces of their armor: a helmet, a wig, and finally, their inhibitions.

Janie finds herself charmed by Wolfegang's quick wit and extensive vocabulary; Ironically, enthralled by her intellect and radiant smile, Wolfegang must restrain the urge to reveal the overwhelming notion of "FATED MATE," the only thought loudly ringing through his mind.

And the sunrise creeps in, threatening to steal away their precious time together, Wolfegang seizes the moment to invite Janie to his library, cementing her realization that she's found the man of her dreams.

About a half an hour later ~

Hazy and disoriented, Brick awakens near a pile of passed out wildfang members, surrounded by trash and empty bottles scattered about.

Brick: [Begins transforming back to "normal" form] ...The FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK happened last night?

Rebel: You got a taste of your full potential, bro... Brick: Oh, it's you. Rebel: My Beta was off getting all cozy and fate-forging with his fated mate, so we had room for one more last night. The pack agreed to let you party with us. Must not remember any of it. You had a lot to drink!

With unintentionally synchronized movements, Rebel and Brick plopped onto the ground simultaneously, sending a flurry of crisp autumn leaves swirling into the air. Brick: Yeah well... It ain't happenin' again. Everyone had someone to leave the party with but me. This don't usually happen. This fated mates shit is screwin' with my head. Rebel: ...Who said you didn't leave with someone? Brick: Bro, what?! Rebel: [Laughter] Chill, I'm fucking with you. Who cares about all that right now? You're still new to this wolf thing. Focus on honing your skills, serving your pack, having your fun! You helped Lou and Wolfegang find their fated mates last night; that's what earns respect around here.

Brick: Psh. Old ass Montgomery don't care about that. He doesn't see when I do nothing good, just when I mess up. Rebel: Try growing up with him. Brick: Nah dude, I would have laid his ass out by now. He's gonna get so pissy when he finds out about last night. [Frustrated grumbles] UGH FUCK DUDE I'm so done with his ass and his stupid lectures.

Rebel: Come join the wildfangs. Lou—that's my baby boy, but honestly, with him being all starry eyed and in love, it's only a matter of time before he loses his rank as beta now that he found his fated mate. It's cutthroat, but true. I need someone tougher. Brick: Ha, I don't wanna be no damn beta. 'Specially yours. Rebel: I bet you rank lower over there with the old man. Brick: [Long, contemplative sigh]... You know what? Fuck it, fine. Let's go.

[Heavy rock music plays from seemingly nowhere]

Rebel: Welcome to the Wildfangs, Bro...

[mosneakers]

Brick's Spooky Day party is in full swing. The atmosphere is alive with laughter and merriment and dancing under the full moon light. Occasional howls emanating from the thick woods of Moonwood Mill, and the deep pulsating beat of the eerie spooky-themed music, send waves of anxiety-induced nausea through Skye Darling's tummy. She considers leaving early.

Selene dances entrancingly around the grassy field as if no one's watching, yet every movement is calculated to capture Lou's feral attention. Their eyes occasionally meet, and with each glance a magnetic pull intensifies. Lou, torn between the painful rumors of her involvement with Brick Darling, and the irresistible force pulling him closer, as if the moon itself is guiding him, decides to push aside his uncertainties and finally say something to her.

Lou: Love the costume...

Selene: [Chuckles] Thanks. You make a pretty convincing pizza boy, yourself! I thought mine was a little on the nose, actually. Lou: Nah, it's perfect—it's very fitting, hah. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for inviting us, by the way. Selene: Hey, thank Brick. It was all his idea. I just helped him set it all up. He's really trying to build bridges between the communities.

Lou: [Nods gently] Right, I'll be sure to do that. Well whoever's idea it was, I'm glad I made it out, this is a nice party. Looks good. Selene: [Smiles] It's good to see you, Lou— Lou: —Good to see you too. Real good. You look happy. I'm glad you found someone to make you happy, Lenie.

Selene: What? You mean Brick? [Laughs] No, I'm not -with- Brick. We just help each other out from time to time. But we're just friends. In fact, Brick's on a mission to find his fated mate, and I'm supposed to be his wing-wolf tonight, haha.

Lou's eyes widen impulsively. A stifled, shaky exhale of relief slips passed his lips and and a broad grin appears as he tries to play it cool.

Lou: Oh! Cool, cool. Very cool. And how's that going?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the empty grassy lot, Wolfegang approaches Brick with a curious grin. Wolfegang: Hey big guy. [Hearty pat on shoulder] Nice party. Brick: Ayy, thanks man! Glad you could make it. Your costume is siiick. You make a way better pizza guy than Lou's version. Wolfegang: [Blinks slowly] Thanks, brother. Hey, quick question. That young lady hanging out with your cousin... I don't believe I've had the honor of meeting her... Happen to know her name? Brick: Oh her? That's Janie. [Cocks eyebrow] Pretty, huh?

Wolfegang: Pretty? Brick, please, my brother in Wolfhood... [clears throat] From the moment I caught but a glimpse of her eyes in pale moonlight, as she twirled with a carefree and insouciant charm, I found myself ensnared in an irresistible magnetic pull, a force from which I am yet to break free. Her scent alone has my head spinning. I simply cannot be any more clear, I have never encountered a woman like her in all of my years. Brick, my lupine comrade, forgive my directness, but I must inquire: Is she a romantic interest of yours? Your fated mate, perhaps?

Brick: ... I don't know yet, dude. I haven't tested things out with her to get that "special feeling" everyone keeps talking about. Wolfegang: I would hate to step on your toes, friend, but I would be forever grateful to you, if you could introduce me to this enigmatic soul. Brick: [Laughter] Bro what? Why you so worried about stepping on my toes? I wore my work boots. But yeah dude, I can introduce you. You always this weird when you make a new friend?

[mosneakers]

After completing all the tasks to complete the Lone Wolf Aspiration, including defeating Greg, Montgomery lectures Brick, explaining to him that "The pack has noticed that Brick hasn't been adequately demonstrating Diplomacy. If this behavior continues, or he receives additional warnings for other pack values, Brick will be put on Pack Probation."

Brick: You should be thanking me, my guy, I put Greg in his place. Made it safer for the pack and for everyone else.

A beastly grumble escapes from Montgomery's throat. Montgomery: [In a low, assertive tone] Picking fights and running around being a menace doesn't earn commendation. What you did goes against our values, Brick. That's why I'm demoting your pack rank.

Brick: DEMOTED? BRO what? Are you fucking shitting my tits right now?

Montgomery: N— No.

Brick: Hey, you're the one who lied to me, okay? Trying to LARP as a dad and didn't even bother to tell me I had another sibling out there? What were you trying to do, replace your bad kid with one who listens better? What did I even do to be demoted? Embrace my fury like we're supposed to?

Montgomery: You are expected to earn my trust before I disclose my private matters with you. The Moonwood Collective has always strived to establish diplomacy, and it seems that so far, [raises voice] you've only managed to do the opposite. Brick: Oh yeah? Well I'm glad you said that dude, I was gonna let you know I'm leaving this stupid pack.

Montgomery: [Calmly] Leaving, are you? After all this pack has done for you, my only question, is why? Brick: The other pack members are fire, don't get me wrong. But this pack sucks right now with the way the rules are. And you stank.

Fury began to grow between Montgomery and his estranged son, a volatile energy crackling in the air. It was only a matter of time before another werewolf brawl broke out.

Wolfegang: [Beastly approaching]

Wolfegang: Brick, Alpha [Polite wave and nod] I heard something over here about diplomacy, and I see it best to do my due diligence to display some diplomacy of my own, by moderating this discourse, if you'll allow me.

Montgomery: That won't be necessary, Wolfegang. Thank you. Brick was merely here to declare his departure from the pack..

Brick: See, lyin' again! I'm actually leaving the pack. I'm tired of his ass. Montgomery: [Sighs]

Wolfegang: Brick, Alpha, forgive me if I may be speaking out of turn here but, consider this - Although Brick tends to be a little... combustible at times, his passion for the pack and for werewolves cannot be mistaken. He helps keep the pack safe and in line, and with a little experience and discipline, he could quickly learn his place and become a strong asset.

Montgomery's eyes shift to Brick, contemplating Wolfegang's case. Guided by Wolfegang's careful moderation, the three engage in a candid conversation, finally working towards a compromise. Montgomery: Okay, Brick. You can stay in the Collective. Under one condition... Brick: What? Montgomery: I'd like to have a word with your parents.

[mosneakers]

Brick: Whataya think, Wolfie? You think ole' Monty boy is gonna kick me out of the pack?

Wolfegang: Certainly not. Montgomery just wants to discuss the importance of pack diplomacy with you. We're better as a team, and let's face it, you've been a huge asset to our team, Brick. Montgomery knows this, and providing you report to him soon, as requested, you'll have nothing to worry about.

Brick: Bro, I will soon okay? I've just been real busy and shit. I've been talking to the baby mama and she still hates my guts but I think she's going to let me see my kids soon. I need to focus on that. And... [voice trailing off] whoopin' Greg's furry ass... Wolfegang: What was that? Brick: Nothing... Wolfegang: [Smells nearby vampire, sighs] Well, it is what it is. Anyway Jak, it's getting late. I better be getting you home to your mama, she'll be wondering where you are.

Jak: AW!! But I wanna stay for another round of tug-of-war with Brick! [Tail wagging]

Brick: Look, little man... tomorrow okay? I guess I have a visitor tonight. Wolfie's right, you need to get home.

______________________________________________

Brick: I know you're there. Still stalking me, I see.

Sandra: And you're still stalking the feral wolf who lives alone in the woods... Brick: You know, you're annoying as hell but it's still always good to see you.

Sandra tries to resist a smile, but fails.

Sandra: How many times are you going to lose a fight to him before you realize you're being dangerous and stupid? You're not focusing on your family.

Brick: Actually, you're the one who's stupid. Sawyer said she might let me see the kids this weekend, so...

Sandra: You're not ready. You clearly can't control your temper yet and you're extremely impulsive.

Brick: Bro how am I impulsive? Sandra: Is that a serious question? You've spent all summer living in a tent on a mountain, you fought a feral werewolf and lost multiple times, and even though you should be focusing on your family and your pack you've been acting as the bartender's personal therapy dog.

Brick: OH... You're jealous, ain't you? Sandra: [Scoffs] Brick... sometimes you are just so.... intolerable. Brick: YUSSS. I KNEW IT. Look, I can control my fury, okay? I'm gonna fight Greg, right after I get back from meeting up with my baby mama and my kids. I wanna try to make things right with her.

Sandra: [Sarcastically] Great. I'll clear my schedule to step in when you inevitably lose your cool. Brick: [Shouting as Sandra walks away] You don't have to do that!

And if you're a My Darling reader, you already know... things in fact, did not go well. As told by Sawyer.

[mosneakers]

Socialize with Werewolf Friends ✔

[mosneakers]

Brick:[Sniffing] Who are you? ???: [Hikes up pants] Good evening, brother. I'm Wolfegang Wilde. And you must be our new pack mate, welcome.

Brick: That's me... Brick Darling, apparently the Alpha's long lost son that he never knew existed until I happened to screw my life up and turn into a wolf-dude. Wolfegang: Oh, Montgomery knew you existed. Brick: Did he? [Laughs] Well shit. Wish I could say the same. All this time I thought he was dead, but I was wrong. Obviously I don't know nothin' about him.

Wolfegang: [Chuckles] Well, get used to it. He's a mysterious fella. Aside from Roxanne, no one really knows much about him. Trust me I've tried. I'm an author who wrote a novel based on the little snippets he has shared. I relied on the ol' imagination to fill in the blanks. I'd go grab you a copy from the library, but I'm stuck here guarding the pack resources. Brick: Guarding?

Wolfegang: Yes. The pack has picked up on the faint scent of vampire, so we're just erring on the side of caution. It's protocol.

[mosneakers]

Sandra: You mentioned this wolf pack... they're letting you stay with them? Where is this cabin, exactly?

Brick: Why do you ask? [Cocks eyebrow questioningly and grins] You change your mind or somethin'?

Sandra: No. I need to get going. I'm going to fill your family in on where you've been, and let them know it's not going to be safe to see you face to face for a while. I'll also grab you some fresh clothes, and toiletries, and get you a phone so you can call the Darlings when you're ready. Brick: Wait for real? Why are you doing all of this for me? Sandra: I don't know. Maybe I think we make a good team and I don't want to watch you completely flush your life down the drain. Or maybe-

Wolfegang: [Frantically] Woah woah woah, hold on, man. You can't go this way!

Brick: Yo, Wolfegang? Bro, I almost didn't recognize you in your wolf-form. Sick! Sandy, this is Wolfegang, he's in my pack. Wolfegang, this is Sandra. Sandra: Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Wolfegang: Likewise. Listen, Brick... This area of Moonwood Mill. You can go to the communal areas like the bar or the library, but that area over there? That belongs to the Wildfangs. They're a rival pack, and they're pretty territorial. If they see you wandering over there they'll be quick to put you in your place.

Brick: Pft. I'd like to see them try. The Wildfangs? They sound cringe, bro. Wolfegang: Well it's not worth the pack conflict. Speaking of conflict, Montgomery would not be happy knowing you brought a vampire around that he hasn't met. It's a risk to the resources, no offence Miss Sandra.

Sandra: [Walking away] Oh it's fine, I've been through your resources already, didn't find anything worth taking. Pleasure meeting you Wolfegang. Brick, I'll be back soon.

[mosneakers]

Brick: Pft. Vampire? Bro, I went hunting for the first time this morning and took down an entire buck on my own. We s'posed to be scared of vampires? Wolfegang: Not scared. Weary. We don't like to generalize in the Moonwood Collective, it's just that vampires have been known in the past to take what doesn't belong to them. When we smell vampires, we protect the resources. Just protocol.

Brick: How often they got you doing this?

Wolfegang: Oh, seldom. I'm usually working at this time. I'm the only librarian at the Moonwood Mill Library and those books won't alphabetize themselves.

Brick: Alphabetize? Even your books have alphas? Yo wolf people are crazy, bro, let's go.

Wolfegang: I... anyway, I'd rather be at work, but I can sacrifice my personal time every once in a while for the greater good of the collective.

Brick: Tell you what my dude... why don't you go vibe with your books and I'll take over? I'm really trying to prove myself here, ya know? Wolfegang: Wow really? That would be quite lovely. Are you sure? Brick: [Shrugs] Ehh sure. I don't got shit else to do. Plus I've been makin' lots of changes and stuff. Plus I'd like to take you up on that book. Maybe yours can be my first chapter book.

[mosneakers]

Wolfegang: Welcome to the Moonwood Mill Library. Anyone is welcome, but it’s considered a communal safe haven for all wolves, even the Wildfangs. Here you'll find a tremendous selection of books that will get you started with your werewolf journey.

Brick: Ok, bet. Well I've never seen this many books at once before dude, and it's like... a lot, so can you tell me where to start? Wolfegang: I thought you'd never ask, right this way.

[mosneakers]

Brick: Bro, what's this word? Wolfegang: ...Lycanthropy. Brick: And this one? Wolfegang: Lunar...

Eventually, Brick achieved one of the goals in his aspiration: Read 3 Werewolf Books ✓