Page 1 of Finding His Fox

Chapter 1

Cal

The Past

"We've strayed too far from pack lands, and the sun is about to set. We should head back, Shawn," I said, my voice filled with concern.

The rustling of fallen leaves and twigs under our sneakers seemed to amplify the unease in my words.

I slowed my pace, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The forest here was wild and untamed, with vines hanging from the trees and a distant patch of colorful wildflowers.

The earthy scent filled my nostrils, accompanied by the symphony of wildlife sounds.

Shawn, seemingly undeterred, confidently strode past the picturesque area and entered a vast clearing.

A solitary, gnarled oak tree with barren branches stood in stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.

The grass in the clearing was withered and lifeless, sending a chill down my spine.

It felt like a foreboding warning, a sign to turn back, but Shawn paid it no mind.

We were both juvenile fox shifters, allowed to explore the nearby territories without adult supervision, but this was uncharted territory for us.

Shawn and I ignored rules and curfews as we embarked on our own adventures.

Shawn playfully punched my shoulder and flashed his infectious grin, the one that made it hard for me to say no. He was more than a friend; he was like a brother to me.

"Come on, Cal. The river is just ahead. After all that running, a refreshing dip sounds perfect," Shawn said, tugging at his sweat-soaked shirt.

His red hair shimmered in the afternoon sun, and his bright blue eyes lit up with excitement.

He grabbed my hand without waiting for my response, his way of ensuring we stayed on this impromptu adventure.

I couldn't resist his charm, so I reluctantly followed along, even though something felt off.

As we continued, I noticed large, uneven tracks on the ground. Shawn groaned in annoyance.

A cold sweat washed over me as I studied the monstrous footprints. Deep gashes accompanied the tracks, indicating a formidable predator.

They were too large to belong to a grizzly bear, the biggest threat in these parts.

My stomach churned, and a wave of unease washed over me.

The primal instinct to flee, to change forms and escape, began to rise within me.

However, Shawn appeared unfazed, complaining about the heat as if oblivious to the looming danger.

Something was wrong. The silence was unsettling. No birds chirped, and the absence of buzzing insects added to the eerie atmosphere.

"Cal, are you even listening?" Shawn asked impatiently, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I gestured to the ground, gripping his arm tightly.

"Look at those tracks," I whispered.

Shawn's expression shifted, worry lines creasing his forehead as he finally noticed the tracks.

The smell of blood tinged the air, not the scent of animal prey but something far more sinister.