Page 16

REN

T he earth is soft beneath my paws as we make our way through the forest. I lift my head and scent the air. It will probably rain tonight and I need to find shelter before it comes.

“Are you sure I’m not a burden?” Rapunzel asks from her perch on my back. “I can walk if you need to rest.”

My Fox chuffs at the idea that my mate believes me so weak as to be unable to carry her. If a female Fox questioned this, it would be an indication that she is having reservations about our courtship. No female will accept a mate who is not strong.

It is one of the reasons why my scar marks me as undesirable. In my culture, they are considered evidence that a male cannot adequately defend himself, much less a mate and any kits they may have.

“I am fine. Your weight is very slight. It is no hardship to carry you. Besides, we can travel much faster this way.”

Scanning the forest, my nostrils flare as I detect the scent of a deer somewhere nearby. The instinct to hunt for my mate, to show her I’m worthy, strong and able to provide, is a primal urge that is difficult to ignore. “ Are you hungry?”

“A bit, but I can wait until we stop for the evening.”

My ears prick at the distant rustling of leaves, and as when we reach a clearing, I notice a magnificent stag grazing idly, oblivious to our presence.

I go perfectly still, my muscles bunching in anticipation. My Fox believes now is the perfect opportunity to prove my worth. “ Slide off quietly,” I instruct, excitement building in my chest at the thought of showing her how capable I am.

“It’s magnificent.”

My Fox agrees. It will make an excellent meal.

Rapunzel carefully slips off my back.

“ Stay right here, and try to be very quiet.”

“What are you doing?” she whispers, suddenly wary.

Tilting my head up, I puff my chest out with pride. “ I'm going to get your dinner.”

“What?” she blurts. “Ren, no!”

I freeze mid-step, bewildered. “ Why not?”

“You can’t kill that poor deer,” she says incredulously. “Why would you even do such a thing?”

Well, this is certainly not going as planned. I arch a brow. “ Rapunzel, just where exactly do you think that dried meat in your satchel comes from?”

She grimaces. “I… prefer not to think about it.”

My mate has a tender heart. I shift back into my human form. “All right. No fresh meat then.” I give her an indulgent smile. “Let’s just rest for a bit and eat some of our travel rations. We need to find shelter before nightfall.”

Rapunzel tilts her head curiously. “Why before dark?”

“Because ogres roam these woods, and they’re more active at night.”

Fierce protectiveness surges through me as she visibly shudders, and I move closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “It’s all right. We’re not very far from an empty cottage I stayed in when I passed through here before. We’ll make it before the sun sets.”

Movement catches my eye as the stag races away into the woods. When I turn to where he was standing, I freeze. Another stag steps into the clearing—huge, majestic, and much larger than any ordinary deer.

“Ren,” Rapunzel whispers, eyes wide, “why is that one so big?”

My ears twitch forward, my muscles tense and coiled tight in silent readiness as more emerge from the trees, their massive bodies dwarfing even the largest horses and their pointed antlers razor-sharp.

“Those aren't regular deer,” I say in hushed whisper. They are far more dangerous. “They're Stag Shifters.”

Grasping her elbow, I pull her back toward the hidden shelter of the trees. But Rapunzel suddenly stops, urgently tapping my shoulder. I glance where she points and dread twists deep in my gut.

Finik is busily stuffing his cheeks with berries, entirely oblivious to the Stags looming around him.

Worry ripples down my spine. They may appear like large deer, but Stag Shifters are anything but prey.

“Seven hells,” I mutter under my breath before I call out to him as quietly as I can, hoping and praying the shifters don’t hear me. “Finik, come back here!”

The little traitor pauses and looks directly at us, before he deliberately continues eating, defiantly ignoring my urgent pleas.

Gods above, I’m going to strangle him.

My breath freezes in my chest as one of the Stags steps forward, lowering his head curiously toward the squirrel. Stag Shifters are predators—they hunt and catch prey like any Fox or Wolf Shifter.

Oblivious to the danger he’s in, Finik immediately goes on the defense, chittering loudly and flicking his tail as he defends his berry bush.

The Stag emits a deep growl, baring two rows of gleaming white fangs.

Finik lets out a terrified squeak and bolts back to us.

Rapunzel gasps, and five large heads whip in our direction. I step in front of her as the terrified squirrel scrambles back to her pocket, blocking her from their view.

There are five Stag Shifters and only one of me. I’m not sure I like those odds. So, I decide to use my charm.

“Hello, gentlemen.” I flash what I hope is a friendly grin. “Lovely weather today, is it not?”

The closest one pointedly glances up at the dark clouds blanketing the sky and then looks at me as if I’ve gone soft in the head before narrowing his eyes.

Not one to be deterred, I force a smile to my face and continue.

“Perfect for a casual stroll in these beautiful woods that are obviously”—I swallow hard—“home to a herd of Deer Shifters. And everyone knows that Deer Shifters and Fox Shifters have nothing but respect for one another. Don’t you agree? ”

They snort and stomp their hooves.

Tough crowd. I clear my throat. “Well, it seems as though you gentlemen are not ones for small talk. So, I suppose it may be best for us to simply part ways as friends. What do you say?”

They freeze abruptly, heads lifting as they scent the air. My gut clenches as they look around me to Rapunzel, eyes widening.

Oh, no.

In a whirl of magic dust and wind, all five of them shift into their two-legged form.

A low growl rumbles in my chest as they stand unabashedly before us, not even bothering to conjure the illusion of clothing to hide their nudity, proudly showing off their antlers, and their lean, muscular physiques.

The closest one runs a hand through his shoulder-length, tousled, chestnut brown hair, making sure to flex his biceps as his bright green eyes travel over Rapunzel with a look of intense fascination.

She gasps, and I shift my stance to block her again from their view. “Have you never heard of pants?” I snarl.

Stag Shifters covet human females. Their kind are known to use their illusory magic to travel through villages and cities, hiding their antlers and pointed ears, searching for a bride.

Humans are so prized in their culture that I’ve heard it is not unusual for several Stags to sometimes share a female as their mate to form a family Clan.

The largest Stag Shifter smiles, revealing a dazzling flash of white fangs. “Clothing is unnecessary.”

I cross my arms over my chest, flicking my tail in irritation. “I vehemently disagree.”

“What’s wrong, Fox?” He chuckles. “Are you worried the human female will like what she sees?”

I bare my fangs at him.

His eyes sparkle with amusement as he peers past me to my mate. “What is your name, beautiful human and why are you traveling with this Fox?”

Rapunzel presses closer to my back as he continues.

“I am Aelric, leader of our herd. You must know it's dangerous here.

Ogres prowl these woods at night. A lone Fox can't possibly offer you the protection of an entire herd.” His gaze flicks briefly back to his companions.

“Return with us, and we shall make you our queen. We will worship you as you deserve.”

I bristle, jealousy flaring hot and sharp through my veins.

“My name is Rapunzel.” She moves to my side and takes my hand. “And this is Ren. Thank you for the offer, but I’d prefer to stay with him.”

My chest puffs out with pride as my Fox preens at her words.

Aelric tilts his head, nostrils flaring again. He frowns thoughtfully. “You do not carry his scent or his mark. Are you sure you do not want to stay with us, fair maiden?” He glances at his companions and they each nod. “You would be revered and—”

“Make no mistake.” I growl. “She. Is. Mine.”

Aelric narrows his eyes. “We ran into a Wolf Shifter not far from here. He was looking for a Fox Shifter traveling with a human female.” He arches a brow.

“Said she’d been abducted from her home and that there was a reward for her safe return.

You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that now, would you, Fox? ”

I snarl at him, my muscles rippling beneath my skin, readying to shift back into my Fox form as my fangs descend and my claws lengthen in anticipation of an attack.

Aelric and his companions stalk forward, growling and baring their fangs as they begin to close in on us.

“Wait!” Rapunzel steps out from behind me. “You don’t understand.”

They turn their attention to her. “Is he holding you against your will?” One of them asks.

“No. Ren saved me from a Goblin witch that held me captive. If someone is searching for us, they had to have been sent by her.”

I wince inwardly. My mate is far too trusting. For all we know, this could be an elaborate trap; the Stag Shifters may be working for Drusilla.

“She may be telling the truth.” One of the other Stags turns to Aelric. “The Wolf Shifter smelled faintly of licorice—a Goblin’s scent.”

Relief floods my veins. It seems they aren’t in league with Drusilla after all.

I step forward. “Then, the Wolf must have been sent by the Goblin witch to recapture her. How long ago did you see him?”

“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.”