Page 40 of Finding His Fox

He hadn’t exactly answered my question, but he hadn’t avoided it completely either. A compromise, I thought.

If Nate was willing to compromise, then that put me in a good place. I had a chance with him. An opportunity to spend more time with Nate. Get to know him better.

I wasn’t arrogant enough to believe I could convince Nate to fall in love with Fox Haven. With me. The least I could do was try my best.

Make sure we created enough wonderful memories to replace Nate’s bad ones and hoped that would be enough.

Chapter 12

Cal

“Yell, if you need anything. I’m just right down the hall,” I told Nate.

I lingered by the doorway, waiting to see if he wanted anything else. Was I acting like an overprotective boyfriend?

The last thing I wanted was for Nate to think I was being too pushy. Retreat was the best course of action for now.

Max let out a soft purr. The inquisitive cat left his carrier, which Nate had placed at the foot of his bed.

Max then jumped up the bed and curled right next to Nate. Not for the first time, I was envious of Max and the privileged position he was in.

“I will,” Nate promised.

He pulled the comforter up his body. Nate looked perfect in my bed. I debated asking him if he wanted some company, but that would sound too forward.

“Sweet dreams, Nate,” I said instead.

“Good night, Cal,” Nate answered in a sleepy voice.

I gently closed the bedroom door.

“Wait, leave it open,” Nate added.

I did as he asked, then retreated down the hall and settled into my sofa. My eyes felt heavy, but my mind was abuzz with restless thoughts.

My senses became hyperaware. I could hear the soft hum of the air conditioner in my room, the occasional flicker of flames from the fireplace.

The weight of exhaustion pressed down my body, but sleep remained elusive.

After tossing and turning for over half an hour, I concluded I wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight.

My restless fox wanted to get some fresh air, and so did my human half. I stretched, then headed outside.

The first thing I did was strip out of my clothes. Once I was naked, I shifted forms and proceeded into the nearest line of trees near my cabin.

The bloated moon and the silver stars cast the forest in a soft glow. It was a beautiful night, but something menacing tugged at the back of my mind.

A feeling of dread I couldn’t quite shake off.

I retraced the same steps I took years ago, when Shawn and I had made the horrible decision to leave the safety of our pack territory.

I prowled through the undergrowth, passing old elm and oak trees. As I ventured deeper into the woods, my senses sharpened.

My keen nose detected familiar scents carried by the breeze. The smell of freshly turned earth, fresh pine and fallen leaves.

Soon enough, I neared the clearing with the enormous gnarled tree. It was there, standing tall and stark in all its eerie magnificence. Its branches were still devoid of leaves.

Heavy silence permeated the air. Nothing grew in this cursed area back then, and no life would ever occupy this place even now.