Page 50 of Finding His Fox

“I see,” Oliver said, nodding amiably. “What exactly are you looking for?”

“A protection charm that could hide a human from a supernatural entity,” I said, eying a display full of necklaces with different colored crystals strung on each one.

Oliver followed my gaze, then took out one of the necklaces from its display. This particular one had an amethyst stone on it—at least, that was what I thought it was.

“This necklace is a good choice. May I ask, what exactly are you protecting this human from?” Oliver asked.

I took a deep breath and decided to trust Oliver. He came from Fox Haven’s oldest magical family, although for some personal reason or another, he cut ties with them a few years ago.

Another wizard in Oliver’s situation would have left town immediately, but Oliver stuck around and started his own business.

He seemed to be doing well, in my opinion.

Some paranormals might even consider Oliver attractive. He was also single and successful.

Before Nate came along, Owen suggested he could arrange a date between me and Oliver.

No offence to the wizard, but he wasn’t really my type. Besides, I was only interested in one individual, and that was Nate.

“A wendigo,” I answered.

Oliver widened his eyes at that unexpected revelation. Then he swallowed.

“You would need a charm with a stronger protection spell,” Oliver finally said.

In the end, he helped me picked out a tarnished silver bangle with runes embedded on it. I picked up the piece up and studied it critically.

The craftsmanship was undeniably simple, but fine. I was also betting it came with a hefty price tag.

“How do you activate it?” I asked. “Does the wearer need to say some kind of spell or something?”

Oliver shook his head. “You just have to put it on the wearer. The spell automatically activates, hiding the wearer from any supernatural entity. Including shifters,” Oliver said rather apologetically.

“Can I still track Nate by scent, or does the spell hide that, too?” I asked.

Oliver’s grim look told me my guess was right. “I could find a less effective charm for you,” he suggested.

“No, I’ll take this one. I want the best for Nate,” I said, fishing out my wallet.

In the end, the silver bangle turned out to be as expensive as I imagined.

Oliver and I negotiated and, in the end, I promised to build him a custom rocking chair.

“Pleasure doing business with you, Cal,” Oliver said after handing me a paper bag with my latest purchase.

“Thanks for everything, Oliver,” I said. “I’d feel more confident if Nate had this.”

“Nate’s a lucky guy,” Oliver said.

I thought I could detect a hint of longing in his voice. Since I wouldn’t exactly call us friends, I decided not to press.

Chapter 15

Nate

As I pulled into the familiar parking lot at Redtree Lake, I couldn’t help but notice there were a few more vehicles parked than usual. Odd.

Usually, when I came around here in the early mornings or late afternoons, I would find maybe one other vehicle parked here.