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“Less than two hours ago,” Aelric replies. “He was heading this direction. I believe he is tracking you.”

Unease curls through me, and Rapunzel stiffens at my side.

I dip my chin in acknowledgment. “Thank you for the warning, friend.” I look at Rapunzel. “We need to leave if we’re to find a decent shelter before nightfall.”

“A storm is fast approaching,” Aelric says. “It would be safer if you both stayed with us tonight.” I start to protest, but he adds, “Even if the Wolf followed you to our village, I doubt he would risk challenging an entire herd.”

Thunder booms overhead as I glance at the darkening sky. He’s right, but I don’t like it. I’ve heard that Stag Shifters can use charm spells to bewitch human maidens—much like the Fae—luring them away from their villages and enticing them to become their mates.

These may just be rumors, but Aelric and his companions clearly covet Rapunzel. The thought of her surrounded by even more Stags makes my fur itch.

“Ren?” Rapunzel whispers in a voice so low I nearly miss it. “What do you think we should do?”

My chest tightens at the complete and utter trust she has in me to keep her safe. Sighing heavily, I push down my jealous pride and turn to Aelric. “Fine.”

“We’ll travel faster if we shift.” He looks at Rapunzel. “And if you ride on my back, it will help mask your scent.”

Rapunzel turns to me with a questioning look.

My Fox hates this idea as much as I do. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell them she’s riding with me, but I bite it back, because he’s right. It’s safer for her to travel with him. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Aelric gestures to the male beside him. “And you should ride with Rikan.”

My Fox makes an indignant chuff, but I clench my jaw, and nod. “All right.”

CHAPTER 17

REN

Igrit my fangs as I trail behind Rapunzel while she rides astride Aelric’s back, laughing at something he said.

Jealousy rears its head as he practically prances about, antlers gleaming.

I need to be rational. He’s a Stag. I’m a Fox. And Foxes are far more charming, witty, and handsome.

Despite telling myself this, when Rapunzel laughs again, a deep growl rumbles in my chest.

Rikan chuckles beneath me. “Try not to take it so badly, Fox,” he says. “Aelric is very charismatic—a natural flirt. You should see the way all the Does practically throw themselves at him.”

“Then, why hasn’t he settled with one yet?”

Rikan sighs. “He has it in his head that he’s destined to be mated to a human.”

“Well, he can’t have mine,” I snarl.

“Ah, but she’s not yet technically yours, now, is she?”

A low growl rises in my throat, and he laughs again. “Be calm, Fox. I’m only teasing you.”

I bite back another snarl, not sure I believe him.

It doesn’t take long to reach Aelric’s herd. Their village is surrounded by a high wood and stone walls. As we approach, the gates open, and we’re greeted by at least a dozen Stag warriors welcoming their leader, his brother warriors, and his guests home.

The village is not as small nor as primitive as I thought it might be. Beautiful wooden homes and businesses carved with intricate designs line a wide, bustling street. Deer Shifters move gracefully about in both human and animal forms, their curious eyes watching as we pass.

My hackles rise as several of the males begin blatantly showing off. One tosses his long golden hair, another stretches dramatically, flexing his bulging muscles.

Aelric walks beside us, his stride casual yet confident as he carries Rapunzel proudly on his back. “You'll stay in one of the guest rooms in my home.”