Definitely a more lighthearted chapter to enjoy and balance out the overwhelming angst. I enjoyed the comments even more. If the comment about Sawyer's missing father being Fergus, it might be a way for the author to easily explain how Sawyer could be turned without danger to his life. He would already have enough wolf DNA to easily survive. Fergus leaving Sawyer's mom after his birth could be due to the fact that Sawyer didn't turn on his first moon after the birth. The only thing I would ask is that there is no father and son reunion in any way, shape or form. The thought of this ranges from totally disgusting to revoltingly sickening.
I suspect the only way for Jimmy to be part of the pack in time before he goes feral is to challenge Fergus and win. I do suspect that the rogue is one of Fergus' Betas, but not which one. Each has reasons for becoming rogue.
Fergus is still being very stupid. His only chance to get the situation under control is Jimmy being able to identify the rogue from the rogue's scent. Make Jimmy a member of the pack. He identifies the rogue, and Fergus can have the rogue eliminated. Problem solved.
The irony of the situation is that the rogue is probably a victim of Fergus' own homophobia and sexual dominance of his pack and/or betas. He may be the root source of his own problem. He definitely is not a good Alpha because of his faults and incompetent handling of the pack.
Sorry, but I believe this is a nice deflection. I already pointed to some indications that Sawyer may have some wolf DNA, and you added two more pieces. The first is the eyesight. The second is that Sawyer doesn't believe he is being tracked on his night runs because no one can outrun him.
I am glad that Jimmy followed his mom's advice to talk to Sawyer. Now he has an indication that Sawyer likes him and is like him.
I don't know if it is a line or a point Jimmy is balancing on. He needs to care for his needy wolf, guilty conscience (for deaths of innocents and family), personal desires, Mom's teachings and Fergus. I think Mom knows best, and he should remember what she said, then do it.
Fergus is further in the closet than Sawyer ever was. I wonder how long till Fergus gets knocked down a peg or more. The thought of Jimmy getting his prize for beating Fergus is nauseating.
This chapter has added some interesting information to the mix. Here are some things I noticed.
1. Humans can be born into a pack if their genetic heritage of wolf genes are low enough. The example being the town deputy working for Fergus who Fergus despises because of his heritage.
2. Jimmy's reaction to Sawyer's 'animal' scent is similar to finding a true life mate.
3. Jimmy's wolf has calmed and the human is more in control.
4. We don't know much about Sawyer's mother or father's (absent at this point) backgrounds.
These facts lead to some questions I want answered.
Does either of Sawyer's parents have a background that is lycan? Can Sawyer turn successfully? Who will turn him?
PS After mentioning the lack of humor in the story, it was refreshing to hear the hilarious, unfiltered reaction by Jimmy when he met Sawyer.
Glad that Sawyer has accepted himself. He does understand his mom and has now stood up to here. Both of these are big changes for him. This story is very good, but wish there was some happiness to balance all the anxiety, guilt and death. Humor would also be appreciated. None of the characters seem to have a light side or sense of humor.
The witching hour is near, so I'm off to bed. That way I can avoid being scolded by Drew, my personal witch nanny. Have a great day everyone, including Drew.
The dialogue was expertly written and convincing. I was a bit sad for Jada and Sawyer, but at the same time happy that they now know their love for each other simply does not fit in a marriage, but fits a friendship very well. Awesome story and I am completely hooked on it now.
I also don't like or trust Fergus. He is a homophobe and a user. He needs Jimmy in his pack for many reasons, yet continues to exclude Jimmy. I wonder if the new victim is Sawyer. That would be tragic considering all Sawyer has been through.
I think I already knew your cat's name from a post you made on CotT2. He does sound a lot like my Butch. Butch like to perch on the dining table and swat my hand as I walked past if I forgot to stop and admire him. You should stop by CotT2 more often. I know that folks there miss you and Val.
This is an interesting deviation from other shifter universes. I don't like Fergus very much. He sounds like a controlling misogynist. Also, very arrogant to call his twins Regis and Royal. He probably is homophobic to boot. A strong Alpha is good, but this one doesn't trust his own pack.
Sawyer is an interesting new character, or is he. We don't know who Jimmy buried. Sawyer is very pragmatic, but seem stuck in a boring and loveless marriage. Why is that? Looking forward to knowing more and how these character connect. Another well written chapter.
I like the intense and intriguing start to this story. I am also anxious to know more about the two characters and what relationship they have. There are so many ways this could go. You have definitely written a very moody atmosphere where anything can happen.
This is a slowly building story that develops Oli's character and relationships clearly. I am hoping to see more actions in future chapters. Two things bother me. The first is Oli's father who seems cold to Oli and doesn't seem very social for a wolf. The lack of a pack in the story is also odd for any story about wolves and shifters. A shifter with out the social connections and protection from humans seems unnatural.
The flashback in this chapter was indeed very sad as I remember all my beloved companions in my long life. The part that was surprising was how Oli's parents announced that he was a werewolf. I am interested how Buddy will react to Oli's change.