Page 39 of Foxes of Legend

Enko wrapped his arms under me, lifting me and cradling me to his gigantic chest, following my gaze to the retreating Seven. His eyes flashed with anger, but as he gazed down at me, it faded. “You’re safe.”

I struggled against Enko’s grip. “I can walk.”

“I got it,” he growled, tightening his hold.

Kairos chuckled as he examined Enko’s hold on me and my squirming. “Just let him hold you. He needs to ensure that you’re safe. We couldn’t reach you until Seven exited the Shadow Vale.”

I gave up, slumping in submission in Enko’s arms. “I don’t need to see the nurse. He barely got a shot off on me. And I should go after him,” I told them, my eyes drifting back to Seven, gone within the treeline.

“Not now, little fox,” Enko’s chest rumbled. I think he called me little fox not because I was little, but because he was so big.

Kairos reached out to touch my arm. Their touches gave a little comfort to that gaping black shadowy hole.

“He’s my Fated,” I whispered quietly after a long moment, unable to drive him from my mind.

Both of them shifted awkwardly, eyes looking for anything but me.

Kairos cleared his throat, “We get it, Dove. You are drawn to him. But take it from us, who have known him for years. It’s going to take time for him to get used to this, and it’s not safe for you to go after him when he’s like this. He’s a loner. And that’s the way he likes it. Being Fated to him won’t change that.”

Enko adjusted his grip on me and gazed down at me, reassuring himself that I was safe in his arms.

I took a large gulp before asking, “Is he mad that I’m Fated to all three of you?” I paused. “That…you have to share?”

Kairos grinned, responding seriously, “Our duty is to keep you happy and safe, Dove, not to judge your foxfire for choosing multiple mates. We have had more time to come to terms with this than you have.”

Enko nodded in agreement at his words. “Seven wants you. He was seconds away from losing control.”

His eyes glassed over as he spoke, his eyes trailing over me, a feral urge lurking behind his eyes. His arms tightened around me, inhaling deeply.

“I’ll stop at the temple to worship before we go back,” I said so we could deviate course.

Enko hesitated, turning to Kairos, who shrugged and gestured for Enko to lead the way.

“My legs do work,” I reminded him when we began to draw the stares of the Holy Foxes. Enko finally set me downrightoutside the front door while both Holy Fox guards watched with unwavering scrutiny.

“I’ll be right out,” I told them as a fat raindrop hit my cheek.

Kairos reached forward, wiping away the water with a thumb. “We’ll be right here.”

Once inside, I steered toward the back door, through the labyrinth of hallways until the cool fall air hit me. The drizzle created a wall between me and the forest where Seven hid.

25

Dove

Raindrops fell, the sky opening drenching me as I searched. But Seven had too much of a lead and I had no idea where he’d gone.

A large pergola appeared off the side of the path. The columns were dark brown, and at the center was a gray statue of a nine-tailed fox atop a pedestal. I dashed into the open structure, panting for breath under the sanctuary.

With my hands on my knees, I heaved for precious air. A pair of black shoes appeared in front of me, and I followed them up to Seven’s face.

How long had he been following me? Watching me? His ebony hair blocked parts of his eyes. One of Seven’s eyes was blackening from the fight with Enko and Kairos, his cheek swelling.

“Did I not make myself clear?” he asked hatefully. The rain pounded harder with his words as though it sensed his rage. Both of us were drenched from the sudden rainfall, his hair dripping and my own sticking to my face. The chilly fall weather caused our breath to come out in puffs of steam between us.

He stepped forward and I stepped back until he had me locked against a thick wooden column, standing less than a footin front of me. His hair dripped onto my neck as I looked up at him, his eyes gleamed, glancing around us once more.

“What was that about?” I asked.

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