Page 6 of Vow Of A Fox

3

SIENNA

As I lay in bed, my mind instantly filled with thoughts of Ben and the unexpected texts we’d shared last night. It had been fun. Normal. Refreshing. The kind of banter that was easy and light without any strings attached.

I hadn’t wanted it to end.

As I picked up my cell from the nightstand and read through them all once more, a smile tugged at my lips. When my fox stirred, I tried to pinpoint what had her so excited about him but couldn’t.

Sliding out of bed, I started getting ready for another shift at The Caffeinated Fox. My cell chimed with a new text while I brushed my teeth, and my heart jumped. I glanced at the screen, hoping to see Ben’s name. It wasn’t him.

It was Dean.

My heart sank, and the cold dread of reality swept in as I read his message.

Any ideas yet on how to get that feather from Xander’s raven?

I rinsed my toothbrush in the sink while I thought about how to reply. Guilt washed over me. I’d let myself get too caughtup in silly texts with a guy I didn’t even know when my focus should’ve been on something far more important—like getting that feather.

Shit. I really needed a plan.

Preferably one that kept everyone safe and got what we needed to banish Lucius’s spirit.

Cringing internally, I tapped out a reply.

Still working on it, but don’t worry. I’ve got it under control.

My thumbs hovered over the keys. I wanted to say something more reassuring, but honestly, there was nothing more to say. It was the best I could offer while I tried to think up a plan that didn’t involve ambushing a possessed raven shifter with mind-control abilities who could easily turn the tables on me.

My fox paced.

She felt as anxious as I did. We both knew that the releasing phase of the moon was approaching soon and everyone counted on us to get that feather beforehand.

Another text from Dean came through.

I’m sure you do. Worst case, we can always ambush him.

I snorted as I replied.

Not opposed to that idea, honestly.

He was quick to respond.

We’ll keep it on the back burner for now.

I tucked my phone into my back pocket and pulled in a deep breath while running my fingers through my hair. My fox instincts flared to life. Her cleverness drove me to think of every possible way to get the upper hand on Xander so we could get what we needed. While foxes might not be built for brute strength, they were quick, sneaky, and always alert.

If my fox could lure him out, then she could snag a feather. I knew she was quick enough.

The only problem was Xander’s mind control ability.

He could slip into a shifter’s head—like Lucius had been able to—and take control. If we weren’t careful, he’d have my fox and I under his control in seconds.

A rush of air passed through my lips as doubt set in.

What if I couldn’t pull this off? What if I couldn’t get a feather in time?

My fox nipped at me, not liking the way I was thinking. I agreed with her. That train of thought wasn’t helpful.

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