Page 65 of Finding His Fox

I tried to kick it off of me, but exhaustion took over. I thought of Cal and Max and how they could be next.

In a desperate attempt to free myself, I summoned my remaining strength and swung my arm at the wendigo. But with a bone-chilling crack, it deflected my attack and seized my forearm.

Agony shot through me as the wendigo’s vice-like grip crushed my arm, shattering my bones.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I fought against the searing pain, my arm lying limp and useless at my side.

The wendigo’s eerie, bloodthirsty gaze pierced through me, as if it was taking pleasure in my helplessness.

The wendigo finally hoisted me up, draping me over its shoulder like a trophy.

I wanted to pound my fist against its back and fight back, but my body continued to fail me.

My leg started to grow numb and cold, a clear sign that I was losing blood rapidly. My vision was starting to get hazy.

I had to think of something fast before I lose consciousness. I needed to find a way to let Cal know where the wendigo was taking me.

Chapter 19

Cal

I was just locking up the workshop for the day when I caught a flash of orange fur running towards me.

Max stopped a few feet from me. The tabby stared at me intently for a few seconds. Puzzled, I held out a hand toward him, but Max stayed put.

What was Nate’s cat doing so far from home? I pulled my cellphone out, about to dial Nate’s number. Then I hesitated. Things between Nate and me had been weird lately.

I wasn’t sure what exactly I did wrong, but Nate had been distancing himself from me ever since I saved Mitchell from the wendigo. Nate needed time to figure things out.

At least that was what I initially thought, but I finally decided talking things out would be better.

In fact, I had debated bringing over a pizza and ice cream to Nate’s place tonight. I would stand in front of his door until he let me in. Then we’d sit down and finally get to the root of the problem.

Max meowed, and I looked down to find him scratching at my left leg. I’d been taking the pills Nate had given me regularly and simply out of habit, so being this close to Max didn’t trigger my allergies.

“Ouch,” I mumbled as his claws punctured my skin. “What’s gotten into you, Max?”

Max darted away from me. He ran towards the entrance of the forest. Then he turned and gave me an expectant look. Curiosity piqued, I followed him.

My mind whirled with possibilities. Instinct took over. This wasn’t some sort of game, and Max wasn’t playing with me. Max was more intelligent than most domestic cats. He wouldn’t approach me without a valid reason.

Dread clawed at my insides as the realization dawned on me. Nate loved Max to pieces. He wouldn’t allow Max to wander around freely. That could only mean—Nate might be in trouble.

“Max? What happened? Is it Nate? Is he alright?” I asked, worried now as Max led me past wild foliage and brambles.

With newfound determination to locate Nate, I dove headfirst into the pursuit. My heart pounded with worry as Max and I went deeper into the forest.

It was nearing sunset now and the last rays of sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting sinister shadows on the forest floor. I fixed my gaze on Max, who seemed to know where he was going.

I took a few seconds to study my surroundings. This path was eerily familiar. A shiver passed down my spine. Max was leading me to the wendigo’s old den. Fear for Nate’s life consumed me.

When I looked for Max again, I realized I had lost sight of him. He had suddenly disappeared behind a cluster of ancient oak trees. I slowed my pace. My breathing turned uneven as I scanned the area for Max.

A soft mewl reached my ears, the sound carrying through the silent forest. I searched for the source and found Max, perched precariously on a thick tree branch, his yellow eyes wide with apprehension.

Something metallic glinted on the forest ground.

Lying there on a patch of grass was the protection charm I had given Nate. I swallowed. That wasn’t a good sign.