Never Ceese by Sue Dent
Chapter 16 by Angela
Edited by Krystal & Rose
Richard has worked with Ceese over the past few weeks to help her relearn the things that will assist her once they reach New York. Richard is leery to leave the castle, however Ceese fears that if they stay any longer there will be nothing left to save. Inconsolable, Richard has taken to ransacking a new room every night that bares traces to any memories of Mama.
One evening, Ceese walks into the dining room to find Marissa serving dinner. Marissa is cautious of Ceese despite the fact of her change in nature. During dinner Richard gives Ceese some good news; with her progress, Richard is comfortable enough with the idea of traveling to New York and proclaims they can leave as early as the next day. Ceese is encouraged by this news and chattily tries her hand at some small talk, but when it veers to the topic of werewolves Richard suggests its best not to discuss such things. So Ceese changes the subject, asking Richard if he will destroy the castle again tonight. Richard angrily walks away, but not without her trailing behind him to apologize.
Questions for consideration:
What do you think the significance of the object used by the moneychanger is?
What do you think about the lore that speaking or thinking something holy hurts?
What do you think the ‘experience’ Mama had that Richard referred to was?
Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
Never Ceese by Sue Dent
Chapter 17 by Angela, Krystal, Rose
Richard and Ceese decide to go hunting in the woods. They split up; he stays in the woods, while Ceese roams towards the pastures. Richard stalks his prey and just as he’s about to make his move, a gunshot rings and scares the buck. Angry, Richard heads toward the gunfire and finds Peter Drummond with a rifle. Peter claims to have shot the wolf, but it got away. Inspecting the weapon, he finds silver bullets and then breaks the rifle.
It turns out Ceese has been shot, the bullet lodged in her leg. Able to transform back to her human form, she crawls to a tree and leans against it. Richard finds her and Ceese tells him to use his fangs the bit the bullet out of her leg. He says it’s not that easy, he can’t partially transform. Ceese, weak, says that she can help him.
Questions for consideration:
Do you think Richard blames himself at all for helping Peter hurt Ceese?
How do you think Ceese is able to control Richard’s transformation?
Is there something you noticed in this chapter that you’d like to discuss with the book club?
What is your favorite quote from this chapter?
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