Where Foxes Hunt with Wolves - K.A. Merikan Page 0,47

eyeing him and his exotic pet.

Yev seemed happy when people struck up conversations about his fox, so Radek played along, let children pet him and did tricks that made him look smart but not freakishly so. He pointed out the dog snacks he liked to Yev and wasn’t even feeling silly about it anymore. His taste and smell were different in this form, and some things that would have been disgusting were now delicious, so why not embrace it?

Prompted by Yev, a little girl placed an infant cap on Radek’s head, and Yev liked it so much he decided to buy it, thanking the child for her immaculate sense of style. It did not escape Radek’s attention though how Yev always made sure to point out the fox was disabled and couldn’t return to the wild, actively discouraging people from trying to get one for themselves.

At times like these, memories of the fox farm came back to Radek like a bad dream, but he couldn’t do anything about the place until he became human again, so he tried not to think about it too much. Still, guilt gnawed at him every time he thought about that little black fox, trapped and injured, because if he really tried, he could have communicated with Yev and asked him to rescue that poor thing. But then, his secret would have been out, and he couldn’t risk the safety of his own sanctuary.

He looked down at his own healed stump. The witch had fulfilled her side of the bargain. Two days after she’d applied her ointment, the horrible wound didn't hurt anymore, so maybe his mind would be on the mend soon too?

“It’s been a month, and he hasn’t contacted me once.”

Radek’s skin itched under bristled fur as he searched for the source of the familiar voice, and his heart beat faster when he spotted his mother at the end of the aisle Yev had entered in search of spices. She was leaning against the cart, but the fact that she’d left the house in the first place meant her flare-up was over. Even on an ordinary shopping trip, she wore clothes that would have been suitable for an office setting, and her signature discreet makeup.

Mrs. Irena, distinctly less elegant in a black puffy coat and jeans, exhaled. “Young people can be stubborn. Wouldn’t you like to call him?”

“No. He needs to apologize. He should call me. You’d think at Christmas even animals speak with human voices, but no, Radek always does his own thing with no consideration for anyone.”

Yev leaned down and whispered to Radek. “See that lady? She owns a fox farm, and she’s talking of consideration. And her son? Good riddance, I tell you that.”

Radek deflated, but at least his ears were already flat under the new hat, so Yev wouldn’t notice the change in his mood. He’d be dropped like a hot potato as soon as Yev found out who he was dealing with.

“What is that thing? Did you get it at the farm in the valley?” Mom asked, her eyes settling on Radek with no idea that she was in fact talking of her own son.

Yev exhaled but turned toward the spice rack, ignoring her on purpose. It was quite surprising to see him act that way after learning the soft, compassionate side of him. “No. I’ve found him in the forest, caught in snares.”

Mrs. Irena exhaled, rubbing her cheek. “Oh, poor thing.”

“Still better off than the foxes at the farm,” Yev said casually, dropping a small black pepper mill into the cart.

Mom glared at Radek, her eyes sharp as blades. She’d never inspected the fox farm either. Maybe she was as ignorant as Radek?

“Hope you made yourself a charm with the paw. For good luck,” she said and walked off, flanked by Mrs. Irena who looked back at them one more time and gave an apologetic nod.

“What a bitch,” Yev whispered and pushed the cart in the other direction, his fingers rubbing Radek’s neck. “Don’t listen to her. If I didn’t have to keep a low profile, I would fight that fox farm.”

Radek huffed and poked Yev’s stomach with his nose. At times like this he wished to just stay as Yev’s fox and never have to deal with the fallout that was surely coming once he became human again.

But Yev didn’t mention the farm again, considerate of Radek's fox feelings, and they returned home in time for dinner.

Radek got organic canned food for dogs, Yev made himself