Where Foxes Hunt with Wolves (Folk Lore 2)

But it wasn’t like he could explain to Olek why they shouldn’t do business in front of a fox, so he’d just have to make sure Ember never said a word to anyone once they figured out how to change him back. His head was already aching from the effort of trying to come up with a sensible way to deal with all this.

“Yeah. Can’t say I’m complaining. Fewer people around,” Yev said and rose with Ember in his arms, since there was no point in hiding his existence. At least Olek wouldn’t be giving him as much shit for it as Burian would.

Olek cocked his head, and for once there was a reason for the permanent expression of surprise on his face. “What’s that?” he asked and put the backpack on Yev’s porch.

Yev didn’t understand why Olek was sent on these runs, which could’ve been dangerous, when his time would have been much better spent in the caves where they grew their plants. Despite having no degree in it, he knew more about biology than their dad, who was technically in charge of the whole operation. But education had never been high on the pack’s list of priorities, so maybe this was some sort of punishment for not caring about someone slighting him, or something like that.

Yev cleared his throat and led the way to the shed at the back of the lodge, with Ember’s warm body pressed to his chest. He tried to ignore just how sentient his new ‘pet’ was and focus on his guest, because he might say something he shouldn’t otherwise. “I’m fostering him. Got caught in snares.”

“How is he so tame, though?” Olek followed his lead through the snow, and his curious gaze on Ember was already making Yev want to snap his jaws on the hand reaching out for the furry head. “Can I pet him?”

Yev stilled, cuddling Ember more tightly. He’d have said yes only an hour ago, but couldn’t speak for Ember-the-man and grumbled, “See if it lets you. He must have been an abandoned pet, but even tamed foxes usually pick one person, so don’t get angry if he bites you.”

Olek laughed. "Okay, okay, fox daddy." But when he held his hand out to Ember, the fox let out a warning grumble and leaned closer to Yev while pushing Olek away with his paw.

Yev couldn’t deny that it made him feel that bit more special.

“Sorry. He’s been through a lot,” Yev said and walked over the virgin snow at the back. A single flick with his finger opened the latch, and they entered a space that had been used as a small stable before the time of cars. Nowadays, it was full of firewood and items Yev used for work, but the drugs would go down the hatch hidden under a small pile of hay.

He stalled, once again hyper aware that Ember wasn’t supposed to witness any of this, but what was he to do?

“Oh well. Maybe he can smell wolf on me.” Olek laughed and pulled a cardboard box that jingled as if it contained glass out of the bag.

Shut up, shut up, shut up.

It then occurred to him Ember had seen him feed wolves, and worry fogged his mind to a point where he couldn’t listen to what Olek was saying while he pushed the hay out of the way to reveal the hatch.

“What’s the code?” Olek asked, taking hold of the padlock, and Yev did his best not to look Ember in the eye.

“Mom’s birthday.”

“And speaking of Mom…” Olek smiled and pushed the box at Yev. Fortunately the fox was small enough to hold in one arm. “This is for you. She knows how much you miss her stew. It just needs to stay between us. Wouldn’t want anyone knowing we’re breaking the rules of banishment.” He rolled his eyes.

That simple act of kindness was enough to ease Yev’s heart, and he itched to give his brother a hug. But he wouldn’t do it. Seeking comfort in another male was a sign of weakness, and he already wasn’t the kind of son his father wanted. “Thank you. Tell her I miss her,” he said with a heavy heart, holding the jars of food with a sense of loss.

Yev missed his pack, even though its members often hadn’t treated him the way he deserved.

“I can’t wait for you to be back!” Olek yelled from the hidden cellar, where he’d gone to leave the small transport. “I’ve been suggesting a new enhanced fertilizer for the plants, and Burian keeps complaining that it’s not how ‘they’ve always done it’. I need some backup against him. Even Dad’s not that bull-headed.”

Yev snorted, rubbing his chin against the top of Ember’s head. The thing smelled way more pleasant than a real fox. He should have noticed something was way different about him, but looks could deceive even a werewolf.