Where Foxes Hunt with Wolves (Folk Lore 2)

Fortunately, Jessika didn’t appreciate the fox smell soaking into her clothes, so the whole ordeal was over within an hour. She didn’t even care to wait for Radek, as her only interest had been in the photos. Radek could not express his relief when he saw her and Bartek’s car disappear in the forest.

As soon as their guests were far away, he jumped into Yev’s lap and shifted, not even bothered to dress, because the lamps from the photoshoot had warmed the room more than necessary. “Hope you had fun watching that shitshow.”

Coal whined from the floor, so Radek picked him up, and as soon as the fox was pressed to his naked chest, everyone was happier. Yev’s arms, warm and solid around Radek, offered a sense of security much greater than money could buy, and he exhaled when his man kissed him on the forehead.

“You know me. Nothing I love more than glamorous photoshoots with sexy women.”

“Wish I was a coat so I could always envelop the body of a star—” Radek followed that with a gagging sound.

Yev hummed and rested his forehead against Radek’s. “This isn’t even funny. I wanted to take you away when they talked about you as if you were a strip of fur.”

Radek played with Coal who was nipping on his fingers. “I know, it was tough to go through. She talked about selling their half of the farm when you weren’t there, and it’s made me realize that I’ve been lying to myself and putting off some big decisions. We’ve made great progress with how things are at the farm, but the truth is I can’t allow keeping the foxes for furs no matter how much space they have to run around, or if they eat only organic vegetables. It has to end.” He took a deep breath, but Yev remained quiet and just watched him. “If I sold the Cracow apartment and used up the rest of my inheritance, I’d be able to buy her half. Do you think it’s a good idea?”

Yev exhaled and rubbed Radek’s thigh. “Many people would have called that risky, but I know you. You wouldn’t be able to live with yourself if you let this horror continue,” he said, watching Radek with his clear gaze.

Radek swallowed, overwhelmed by tenderness as he stroked Coal’s fluffy head, prompting the fox to close his eyes. “Because you’re responsible for what you tame. I can’t just leave them.” Even if that made the weight on his shoulders heavier. He’d just have to become stronger and bear it.

Yev twisted a strand of Radek’s hair around his finger. “No. We can’t leave them.”

“I’m terrified,” Radek confessed in a small voice. Sure, he’d never had a real job because he’d cruised on his family’s money, but this was about so much more than dealing with potential poverty. He’d have the wellbeing of others in his hands. Not only of the foxes, but of the people who worked on the farm as well. He’d fired the men who mistreated the animals or disputed his right to change things, but those who were left, had worked tirelessly on the new buildings, on ensuring the health of the animals, or managing the day-to-day work. Some had even expressed relief, joking that they liked being zookeepers much more than their previous responsibilities. Most of them had taken those jobs because well-paid work was hard to come by for people without formal qualifications. They deserved to be paid and to keep their jobs in some capacity.

“I’ll be there for you. Maybe there’s someone who could help us? You know, get a grant or something?” Yev suggested, pulling his fingers through Coal’s thinning coat.

Radek dared to smile. “I’ve been thinking about it during the photoshoot. Even a shit like Jess thought foxes were cute, and people would pay for the experience with them. And since they understand me, I could make it all work.

"Karolina, the vet, was saying that the fox sanctuary she knew of was over-capacity. I could transform the farm into one. You remember Iga from the club, right? She told me she hates her job in finance. That it was a disappointment, but she’s actually a really good marketer. Maybe if I was able to pay her, she’d take the leap of faith and come to Dybukowo, since she loves nature and all that.” Even talking about it was making him excited, and that could mean one thing: this was a good plan. For once he didn’t worry what would happen to the foxes next furring season, or how he could bear the uncertainty of their fate.

Yev’s smile widened. “You could be the fox whisperer. I love it, it’s a great idea.”

Radek grinned. "I can already see the Netflix special. Radek: The Fox King." He deflated when Yev didn't laugh and just watched him in expectation of a punchline. He continued, but could already see Yev was a lost cause. "Like the Tiger King? The gay zoo owner with two husbands? Yeeev! We'll watch it together."