The Minx

I felt my legs give out as I sat back down in the chair. If what Kieran was saying was true, it didn't make any sense. Wolves and foxes were natural enemies. We were both predators. We would steer clear of each other. How could a fox/wolf hybrid exist?

"The poison from my body would reset the balance in yours. That's why I did most of the things I did back then. Then I would test the levels with the silver," Kieran explained.

"I shouldn't exist then," I muttered. Kieran nodded before standing to hand me the other cup of untouched water.

"Well, you're right about that. Let's just say some scientists got hold of things they shouldn't have. I took care of that facility a long time ago, but not before you were born. I was the one who placed you with that loving wolf family. They seemed decent enough, and you are half wolf, but if I had known things would go so wrong, I would've never placed you in the care of those mutts," he said as he went to sit back down.

"So you want me to believe that I'm half wolf, half fox, and you've known me my entire life. You gave me to a family of wolves to, what, hide me? Then came back for me when I was a child, only to leave and come back again now?" I asked, trying to sum it up. I still couldn't wrap my head around it.

"I've always been watching over you silently. After your family mistook me for a kidnapper and made such a fuss, I actually felt a little relieved that they cared so much for you. I returned balance to your body, so I thought it would do no harm leaving you to live your life until you were a little older. I planned on telling you the truth before you found your wolf mate, if you even had one, but I ran into a conundrum of my own. When I came back to check on you, everything changed. I couldn't find the couple I left you with anywhere, then you mistakenly took that Silver Bullet mutt as a chosen mate," he continued.

"My parents… they died a long time ago. I thought I found my mate, and he rejected me. Aspen took care of me when everyone else turned their back on me. I owe him a lot," I explained quietly. Kieran looked irritated as he drummed his fingers against the arm rest of the couch.

"That's where you're mistaken. I never turned my back on you, you just didn't realize I existed in this way," he said between clenched teeth.

"Why come now? Why make this huge fuss to get my attention now when everything finally started going my way? I was finally happy. What makes you so sure that we're even mates?" I asked, more frustrated than before I came.

"For foxes, we just know. It's nothing as grand as wolves, but I knew the second I laid eyes on the child I took out of that lab. I came now, making a huge fuss, for a reason. I wouldn't needlessly kill otherwise. It's not my style, but I didn't know how else to get your attention," he answered honestly. I sighed and took a sip of the water before placing it on the table and standing again.

"Why can't I have kids?" I asked, finally remembering why I really came here. Kieran scoffed before looking away from me.

"Are you really so desperate to give that mutt pups? You should be more worried about yourself. The reason I tried to get your attention with so much fanfare is because your time is running out. Foxes and wolves are natural enemies. Genetically toxic to each other on a molecular level, and your the product of both. I took you all those years ago to keep you from dying, but you've been trying so earnestly to live as a wolf. After finally shifting, you've upset the balance in your body I worked so hard to correct. So now I have to correct it again, only this time, you're old enough to know what's truly happening," he explained.

"Why are you trying so hard to save me when you know I could run back to Aspen at any time?" I asked openly. Kieran sighed before resting his arms on his legs as he looked at the floor. For once, I wasn't seeing a smug, know-it-all expression on his face. He looked slightly disappointed, but mostly he looked tired.

"I had hope that you would be able to objectively see things from my point of view, but you've yet to live as long as I have so I don't expect much. I'm still your mate, no matter what you do. I can't watch you die. But even after that mutt dies, I'll still be here, and so will you if I can help it. I'll just have to wait a little longer," he said a tad wistfully. I was actually starting to feel bad for Kieran. If what he said was true, he had been waiting for me all this time, and I was selfishly only worried about how to repay Aspen by being a proper mate to him. I shook my head slightly to knock some sense into myself. I couldn't feel bad for Kieran just yet. Who knew if he was actually telling the truth? He was a fox after all.

"So how do you plan on saving me?" I asked hesitantly. He glanced at me before standing abruptly.

"I think that's enough on that for one night. Are you hungry?" He said suddenly as he smiled. In proper lighting, he looked like a normal person, but I guess that just goes to show that looks can be deceiving. I stood as well as I nodded. Kieran went to the kitchen before pulling down ingredients. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect him to cook. I sat and watched dumbly from a stool at the bar. As he placed the plate in front of me, I could only stare at him.

"That's it then?" I asked. Kieran looked at the plate of food slightly confused.

"Did you want something else to eat, or-"

"Everything you've told me so far. That's it? You're just going to leave it at 'my life is in danger' and not give me anything else?" I clarified. Kieran sighed as he set a fork down next to the plate.

"I feel like what I've said so far is already a little overwhelming for someone who claims I touched her inappropriately the last time she was alone with me as a child. I'll explain everything slowly over time. It's already late and you're probably tired. We can continue this conversation tomorrow," he said before leaving. I was left completely alone in the kitchen to eat my food. Either Kieran had a lot of trust that I wouldn't run away, or he was ready to retrieve me if I did. I was left to sit there stupidly and eat the food a fox made me.