Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

My Thoughts:

Jacque is very naïve and shy when it comes to physical intimacy, oddly enough, as we learn in later books, not as much as Sally is, but naïve and shy none the less.  Fane is inexperienced, but he isn’t uniformed, or prudish about it. I’m sure explaining the blood rites to Jacque was difficult for Fane, because he was already in a hard situation. In the span of a very short time he has had to explain to her that he isn’t just a foreign exchange student who is interested in dating her, but that he is a werewolf and she is his true mate. Not to mention that there is a pack interested in her and she needs to bond with him soon.

Think of how well Jacque handled all of this – yeah there were a few outbursts, but she is a 17 year-old girl who just had her world turned upside down and inside out.

However, I would like to point out that Jacque’s embarrassment of PDA and discussing sex goes a whole other direction by book 3 (we are still waiting on Sally LOL). I would also like to point out that we learn later that not only do mates bite each other now and then other reasons, including pleasure, but we learn that Jacque likes it. Which is what makes me smile when here Jacque says to Fane:

“You’re right, there is no way that mouth of yours is coming near my neck in front of anyone, not my mom and especially not your parents.”

Because throughout the books there are times they get very hot and heavy in front of several people, including his parents.

When a male bites his mate during the blood rites, he leaves a mark that indicates she is bonded. Unlike the marks that match her mate’s marks, this mark is meant to be seen. The bite also marks the female by giving her the scent of her mates. Leaving no question as to who she belongs to – it also marks the males with the females scent.

The connection between Fane and Jacque is getting stronger. Jacque knows that she wants no one else, but she is scared because this is all so new and unknown to her. It must have been unnerving to feel such intense sadness just at the thought of Fane leaving to go home for the night. To hear Fane tell her that he loves her after one date, shortly after he “demonstrated” where he would be biting her. Her heart must have been going nuts!

When Jacque sends Fane an image of him holding her, her neck tilted in submission to let him know she would submit to the blood rites ceremony – Jacque pins it on her subconscious, but I think it was her inner wolf.

Favorite Lines:

“I’m not even going to ask about the vampire comment. I’m just gonna let that one slide by without so much as a wave or glance…”

Things We Learned:

• Jacque gets the intimate details of the Blood Rites (private – they both bite each other on the neck)
• Fane is sad because of the changes he is bringing to Jacque’s life
• Touching is a very powerful thing for wolves, providing comfort and reassurance
• When a wolf’s mate needs something like comfort, it calls out to their mate
• Males bite females during BR to leave a visual symbol that the female is mated
• When the mates perform the BR they give each other their scent, so to other Canis Lupis she smells like him and he smells like her (the scents will intensify greatly after the pair have mated)
• Jacque is nervous about meeting Fane’s parents
• Jacque sucks at science
• Trent never reacted to Jacque – physically. At least not as well as Fane does
• Fane is jealous of the affection Jacque felt for Trent
• Wolves think in absolutes
• Fane respects Lilly, but will do what he has to in order to protect Jacque
• Fane loves Jacque

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 17

Chapter 17

My Thoughts:

After Fane and Jacque finish admitting to one another that they think the other is hot; things start to fall into place. Now Jacque is caught off guard by Sorin standing in the house and later on by her two best friends being there. I’m guessing that she was so caught up in her thoughts from all that was happening and the hotness of Fane that she didn’t notice 3 cars in front of her house. Granted, QL doesn’t tell us the cars are there, but in previous statements we know the girls drove there in their car, and we know that Sorin was renting a car when he got to the airport. So there were 2 possibly 3 cars…but I digress.

Now I read somewhere that someone didn’t like all the internal dialog that takes place, I’ve also read that some people do not like the amount of dialog period that take place in TGWS…I personally love it. My family is a chatty bunch, we tend to say what we are thinking, and I know that I have a lot of internal dialog, so to me this is normal. It is also, IMHO some of the funniest internal dialog, also reminding me of my family.

I must give Lilly props for being completely open and honest with her daughter over not wanting to tell her the truth about her heritage. She could have said she was waiting until she was 18 or a number of other things; instead she just says:

“Actually, no. I wasn’t planning on telling you as long as it never affected you. I figured there was no reason to add confusion to the pain of your father leaving.”

Considering what she has just been told, Jacque responds pretty well. She of course has to learn what the realities of being a werewolf actually is since what she knows is all fairytale.  Here is where she finds out that Jennifer and Sally are still there at the request of Lilly. Again, props to Lilly for thinking ahead and having her daughter’s support system there and ready to help Jacque process the information that just turned her world upside down.

Once Jacque gets the information processing, it dawns on her that Fane has referred to her as his mate. Now I’m not entirely sure why at this point Fane looks deflated, well I mean it is explained that the thought of her not wanting him is more than he can bear but I’m not sure why he went straight to that conclusion. Is it just the insecurity that comes with being 17 years old? Is it that he is concerned that this is just too much new information to process for her, that not being from his world she is automatically going to reject his way of life and do what she wants? I would think that a lot of thoughts went swirling through Jacque’s mind as she was processing everything and trying to suss out how she felt, I’m sure there were probably a few thoughts that scared Fane.

Unfortunately for Jacque the one thing she asks for is the one thing she cannot have. Isn’t that always the case? She wants some time to sort through things and really get a grasp on what she is feeling. Fane has to tell her the rest of what is going on and that is where QL decided to leave us…

Favorite Lines:

“I guess I’m as good as can be expected. Don’t be alarmed if I freak out or have a meltdown, it will pass,” she told him with only a small amount of teasing in her voice.

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Jacque closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. In and out, in and out. Whatever it is, whatever he tells you, you will not cower in a corner and shake like a frightened puppy, she told herself firmly. No, but I make no promises that I won’t pass out from shock. There is no shame in passing out, it’s simply the brain’s way of saying 'hold the stink up, I need to process this mess'. Jacque smiled at her monologue, wondering if other people talked to themselves like that. Probably not, but everyone’s got something, right?

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“Fane, you can’t possibly be embarrassed by thinking I’m hot. I practically drool all over you every time I see you. I should be the one embarrassed,” she confessed to him.

“Are you?” Fane asked.

“I guess maybe I should be, but throw me a bone, you are freaking hot. I can’t change that so I’m embracing it.”

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Okay, Jacque thought, I’m fixing to have a two-year-old moment.

“MOM!” Jacque yelled, “WHO IN KING ARTHUR’S NAME IS THIS MAN IN OUR HOUSE, WHAT THE CRAP DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU AREN’T TELLING ME, AND FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS THAT KEEP US SANE WHAT HELL IS GOING ON!”

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“Well, that’s a crappy deal. Here you have a dad who can turn into this cool wolf thingy and you can’t even get a sexy, bushy tail,” Jen said as she and Sally walked into the living room.

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“Every page-turning word. I wanted to pop some popcorn. I figured there might be some tense moments and you know I eat when I’m tense, but goody two shoes here wouldn’t let me,” Jen said irritably.

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“We know, sweetie. But see, since it was Jacque finding out it was her dad who gets hairy, not yours, I didn’t really care if you were tense.”

  

Things We Learned:

• Jacque was actually freaked out by the events that took place in the park
• The idea of Fane leaving causes Jacque actual pain
• Sorin has arrived
• Lilly never planned to tell Jacque the truth about her father
• Jacque realizes that her mom still loves her father
• Although Lilly was originally angry when Fane first arrived, she has come to terms with it
• Jacque gets sarcastic when she is freaked out (and under many other circumstances)
• Jennifer eats when she is tense
• Jacque finds out that her dad left because he found his true mate, and never found out about her
• The thought of life without Fane makes it hard for Jacque to breathe

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

My Thoughts:

This was one of those “fluff” chapters; necessary for the entertainment value; details of the girls helping Jacque get ready and all, but not a ton of information given.  There were, of course, great lines of dialog, part of which was Jennifer describing in great detail what she would do to Jacque if Jacque didn’t finally kiss Fane. She has quite the imagination and I must say she comes up with some very impressive ways to get back at someone; and these are for her friends – I would hate to be on the receiving end of one of her plots and not be her friend!

I’m amused at Fane and how he responds to the way Jacque looks and to her markings. I wonder if he is less concerned with protocol because he knows that Lilly is aware of the situation. Does he assume that her knowledge makes it ok for him to acknowledge his position in this relationship, even if Jacque doesn’t catch the full meaning?

I’m also curious as to why at this point Lilly just doesn’t come clean? She cannot help but react to things, even though she is able to recover quickly – she still reacts to them. Why not just have the discussion now instead of playing like the markings are fake tattoos? I realize that from the story stand point Fane and Jacque needed to leave, there were events that needed to take place – I’m just trying to understand the characters thought process here. So I’ve decided that Lilly was still in either a bit of denial or in shock – maybe a little of both. The realization that her daughter had a true mate at the tender age of 17 must have been difficult to deal with, especially since it happened so quickly. It isn’t like they had known each other for years and dated for a good while.

Favorite Lines:

“I was just talking to Fane and his voice got all sensual on me and it was like…”

Jacque didn’t know how to finish so Jen offered up, “Phone sex, virtual mind sex, I would say sex on a stick put that really only applies to Dove ice cream bars.”

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“Because they look as cool as Hades, that’s why,” Jen piped in.

“That statement doesn’t even make sense, Jen. Hell is not cool, geez…”

“Oh, my bad. They look as hot as Hades, that’s why,” Jen interrupted.

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“If you like that gorgeous piece of meat out there and you don’t kiss him, I will personally take every bra you own and hang them on all the antennas of the cars on your street. Oh, and I'll write your name on them in black magic marker and hang two on hottie's motorcycle! How you like them apples?” Jen told her.

“Where on earth do you come up with these ideas? Is there like a website called vindictive.com, or cruel-mean-ideas.org?” Sally asked her sarcastically.

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“Alright. We’re going, mom. Love you. Don’t wait up, I’ll wake you up when I get home. Yes, I will wear my helmet; no, I won’t be cold; no, I don’t need any money; yes, I have my house key, and yada yada yada,” Jacque answered before her mom could even ask.

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“You ready, Luna?” he asked her. It felt like he wasn’t just asking her about the motorcycle ride, more like he was giving her a choice, one that she had no plausible outcome for.

“Probably not, but what the hell. What’s life without a little excitement or craziness, ya know? Take your pick,” Jacque answered.

Things We Learned:

• Jacque feels she could fall hard for Fane
• Jacque feels like she belongs with Fane, like she has always belonged with him
• Lilly knows what the tattoo is (you can tell by her reaction)
• Jacque’s helmet is black and dark pink with different designs on it

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

My Thoughts:

Previously we found out that Fane’s  markings stung when the car drove by as he was entering Jacque’s house. Here we are told that there were two Canis Lupis in the car. Steve, the salesman, and another that we have not yet met.

Although we know that someone has claimed Jacque, at least at the beginning of this chapter, Fane doesn’t understand what they want with her. It may be that at this point he thinks that because she had no mating signs that someone just claimed the right to get to know her. At this point Fane doesn’t appear to suspect that he is going to be challenged for bonding rites. If he had of suspected it, I imagine that he would have already had Lilly and Jacque on a plane back to Romania.

Fane calls his father to seek advice. He knows that the Coldspring Alpha wants him out, and Fane wants to know what his father/Alpha thinks is the best course of action. Vasile has decided to send Sorin back to Texas in order to show the Coldspring pack that Fane is not alone. He has told Fane to protect Lilly and Jacque but to not do anything without a reason.  Then Vasile kind of drops a few bombs on Fane. Sorin will be staying with Lilly, which makes Fane slightly uncomfortable because Sorin is an unmated male, but he trusts Sorin and the protection is needed. Fane learns that Lilly knows what is going on but has not shared with Jacque. He is starting to truly understand that someone really means to bond with his true mate.

Vasile explains that what was once taught about true mates is no longer remembered by some, and that is why they think that bonding with any female will work. Now I’m not sure if this is an indication that the werewolf education just really where the subject of mates/bonding is concerned or if the darkness that takes over causes them to forget, or just be that stupid. It seems to me that fighting to the death for someone who cannot possibly live up to your expectations is a bit much, so there has to be something that clouds their judgment. So is it that they forget because of the darkness, or because they are not taught?

The conversation with his father over, Fane reaches out to Jacque. After discovering she’s not a morning person, he tells her when he will pick her up and that they will be playing putt-putt.

Favorite Lines:

“…What they don’t know, because they don’t remember what our ancestors have taught, is there is only one mate for each. Only one,” his father emphasized.

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“Oh, my bad. It’s moved up to still-too-freaking early,” Jacquelyn responded.

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“I was thinking that golf game Americans play that has all the different obstacles,” Fane answered.

Things We Learned:

• Fane runs (of course he does)
• Werewolves are stealthy
• Canis Lupis can run longer distances than humans, even in human form
• Canis Lupis do not have to work out (and yes I hate them just a little for that)
• Canis Lupis all have muscular physiques, some are leaner than others
• Jacque still dreams about Trent, but not in a way that shows she still is interested in him
• Fane and his wolf both are unhappy about the idea of Trent hurting Jacque
• Canis Lupis can run faster than humans, even in human form
• There were 2 Canis Lupis in the car that passed Jacque’s house the night before
• Vasile has not ordered Fane to leave yet
• Vasile is sending Sorin back
• Sorin will be staying at Jacque’s house
• Vasile has spoken with Lilly
• Jacque is half Grey
• Jacque’s father is a Grey
• Jacque’s parents were together a long time, never married
• Jacque’s father told Lilly about being Grey because she had a special gift and knew there was something different about him
• Jacque’s father came home one day, packed his stuff and left
• Jacque’s father has been located and he has a mate
• Lilly knows who Fane is
• Lilly never told Jacque about who/what her father was or what she is
• Fane is supposed to let Lilly be the one to explain things to Jacque
• Jacque is not a morning person
• Fane is going to take Jacque to play putt-putt for their date

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

My Thoughts:

This chapter is short, sweet, and funny. There really wasn’t a lot happening here other than the people getting together and having some fun. It really reminded me of game nights with my family. What’s Yours Like is the type of game we play – and we relish in watching each other turn pink (well actually that is a rarity in my group now LOL).

We now know that one of the Coldspring Greys have claimed Jacque, but at this point we do not know that it is actually Lucas himself. This is when I start wondering what the heck these guys were thinking. We know that true mates bond – nothing is ever said that bonding with someone who isn’t your true mate works. So why bother? If the darkness/madness isn’t going to be driven away by someone, why go to the trouble? It boggles my mind…and I can guarantee that this will be a rant in more than one future post.

I believe that Jacque is actually handling all of this stuff very well at this point. Yes, she has had her moments, but in just a few days’ time she has started being able to communicate mentally with a total stranger, and now she has a magnificent tattoo on her back that she had no say in. She knows that Fane has answers, but apparently on some level she trusts him. She has agreed to go out with him, and she isn’t driving him crazy demanding answers. Pretty impressive for a 17 year old female, if you ask me.

The description of the first time Fane “scents” Jacque is so sweet and so hot at the same time. It is such an amazing experience to have that type of connection with someone, where them being so close to you just makes you shiver.

Favorite Lines:

“So what I’m hearing you say is that you have information that I need to know, but you’re not going to tell me just yet. And with all this bizarre stuff…well bizarre to me, you want to go out on a date, like everything is just rosy?” she asked him, sounding astonished.

Things We Learned:

• Fane is now conscious of his appearance
• A male’s markings “sting” when other Canis Lupis are in the area (not sure this is mentioned at any other point, so it may be just when they are non-pack?)
• Coldspring pack called Fane’s father
• Jacque has been claimed by another wolf
• Coldspring pack Alpha has requested that Fane leaves immediately
• Fane is aware that Lilly knows something
• Jacque is still having jealousy issues with Jennifer flirting with Fane
• Fane asked Jacque out on a date
• Fane “scented” Jacque for the first time

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

My Thoughts:

Jacque is an Alpha, there is no doubt about it – but you really begin to understand this in her attitude beginning here. She’s no longer showing fear as much as she is pushing back against the idea of being commanded. Of course, she doesn’t understand what she is to Fane yet, nor does she know about her marks or what they mean.

I find it interesting that she takes the time to write down her thoughts, because I do not remember at any other time her needing to do this. So was this something she needed to do before having a connection with Fane, or was this just something that had to be done because it was one of those times where the events were just too overwhelming to grasp otherwise? I suspect the latter.

Favorite Lines:

“Free, crazy, completely deranged…take your pick.”

Things We Learned:

• Although a mate can hear the other’s thoughts, they cannot see through their mate’s eyes
• Mates can see images that their mates think
• Mates can feel each other through their bonds, especially when emotions are high
• Mates can block each other’s thoughts by imagining a wall
• Jacque feels empty without Fane in her mind, but does not understand why
• Jacque’s marks are shoulder to shoulder and up her neck
• Jacque’s marks are scrolled lines arching and curing, coming to a point at the nape of her neck
• Jacque’s marks have definite places that appear to fit into a puzzle
• Jacque’s marks are beautiful and feminine
• Jacque feels that she and Fane are somehow connected, as if they have known each other all their lives
• Jacque believes that her mom knows something
• Jacque has not felt Fane’s emotions as of yet

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

My Thoughts:

Fane may only be 17, but he handles the situations in this chapter pretty well. I’m not saying that he always reacts perfectly, far from it, but considering what he going through I am impressed:

When he is talking to his dad about the possibility of finding his mate made me laugh. I mean, truthfully he was pretty calm about it, considering he hadn’t been there for more than 24 hours and things were happening that he had never really been warned about. I’m thinking that would have freaked me out a lot more. Yes, his father told him to “settle”, but I think someone would have had to pull me off the ceiling.

Then you have the first time he sees Jacque’s marks.  He looks out the window and sees Jacque in barely anything, showing her marks to the world. Instead of reacting like a complete lunatic, as we see some of the males behave in the future, he calmly points out that she is practically naked. At least he does it by trying to be funny.

I really would like to know what Fane's mother said when she began "speaking quickly in their native tongue" after hearing that Fane may have found his mate at 17.

This is the first time we really get to hear anything from Vasile. You learn from the beginning that he is extremely caring, as an Alpha and a father; he is also extremely wise. He and Alina are people you want to have as mentors and/or friends. 

Favorite Lines:

“…Nothing happens by chance, there is purpose in everything.”

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“Lesser words have preceded many a war”

Things We Learned:

• There is an eight hour time difference between Coldspring and Romania
• Alpha’s view their Packs like their own children
• Unmated males are restless, aggressive and stupid (uh… I don’t think “unmated” has the monopoly on those characteristics)
• A mate has to be Canis Lupis, doesn’t matter if they are full blooded, but there has to be some in there somewhere.
• Male’s markings change when they find their mate
• Women get markings that match their mate’s, like a puzzle piece
• The female markings are private, and meant for her mate to see
• Finding a mate at a young age is rare
• Werewolves live a very long time
• When mates bond, their lives are bound together
• Once a male finds his mate, his wolf becomes an adult overnight, regardless of his age
• Mates cannot go long periods of time without sharing their thoughts or being close to one another
• Jacque’s markings have appeared 

Book 1 - Prince of Wolves - Chapter 7

Chapter 7

 My Thoughts:

Jacque is aware that Fane is speaking to her in her mind – but what she isn’t aware of is that her “inner wolf” is speaking to her as well. This is apparent when QL tells us:

Jacque didn’t really understand how she knew it, but she believed without a doubt that her future was with Fane.

The wolf insider her recognizes that Fane is her mate – enough so that she is able to get this through to Jacque.

Favorite Points:

Jacque knows that her future is with Fane

Favorite Lines:

Do yourself a favor – get a Kit Kat and give yourself a break.

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For the love of pigtails, could someone throw me a bone?

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“Slap me first, pat me on the back last,” Jacque told her.

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This is actually more than a line – but this dialog between Jennifer and Jacque makes me smile every time I read it.

“Okay, okay. Geez, who spit in your pizza?”

“I’ll give you the full details tonight, but suffice to say at least one piece has made its way into the puzzle.” Jacque thought about her words for a moment, then remembered a question Fane had asked her when he was “talking” to her. He had asked where she got her odd way of speaking. Did she speak oddly?

“Jen, do you think I speak oddly?” Jacque asked.

There was silence for a moment at the other end of the line. Jacque assumed either Jen was thinking or she had found something more interesting to pay attention to. Jacque was just about to ask again when Jen answered, “You do realize who you're asking, right? ‘Cause I just asked you who spit in your pizza and you knew exactly what I meant. So, I’m just saying I might not be the best judge of any oddities you may possess.”

“True dat,” Jacque responded.

  

Things We Learned:

• Jacque is 5’1”
• Jacque is slender and muscular
• Jacque plays tennis
• Jacque is a C cup – which I have to say is actually kind of large, so Jen must have been a D
• Jacque’s wild, curly, auburn hair is her favorite feature
• Jacque’s house does not have a fenced in backyard
• Jacque knows her future is with Fane