From Rejected Luna To Lycan Queen (Eloise and Edward) novel Chapter 362

Chapter 362 The Fox

ZARA.

“What are you doing here baby?” I murmured sweetly, crouching lower. “Are you lost?”

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The fox tilted his head, ears twitching, like he was actually listening. Don’t ask me how I knew the fox was male.

I just did.

I reached out carefully, half expecting him to bolt, but he didn’t. He padded closer instead, nose twitching gaze never leaving my face. When my fingers brushed his fur, it was softer than I expected, and warm too. It awakened something in my chest I hadn’t realized was still raw. I sniffled before I could stop myself, swallowing past the sudden lump in my throat. I felt touch starved in a way that hurt a little. The kind of ache you learned to ignore until something reminds you that you’re human.

“You’re so cute. Where did you come from?”

I stroked his silky soft fur again. He leaned into my hand, pressing his head against my palm like he was asking for more. His eyes slid half–closed, and a soft sound vibrated in his throat as he nudged closer. nuzzling into my wrist.

Then he lifted his front paws off the concrete and braced them against my knee, stretching just enough to reach higher, nose brushing my sleeve. A quiet laugh slipped out of me before I could stop it. The sound surprised us both.

“You’re very friendly for a wild animal.”

He licked my fingers once, then shoved his nose into my hair when I leaned closer, whiskers brushing my cheek. I snorted, shaking my head, and for the first time all night the loneliness loosened its grip just a little. The thought of leaving him down here alone made my stomach twist.

“Yeah. I’m not leaving you here.”

I scooped him up before I could overthink it, tucking his small, warm body against my chest. He shifted once, then settled like he belonged there, head pressing beneath my chin, tail flicking lazily against my arm. I grabbed my knife off the floor and stood with him in my arms. I climbed the stairs toward the fourth floor.

He nuzzled into my neck in response, warm breath ghosting across my skin. And despite everything, I ! smiled. For the first time, I didn’t feel lonely.

My apartment was quiet and just as cold as outside. I nudged the door shut with my foot and leaned back against it for a second, letting out a slow breath.

“Stupid landlord still hasn’t fixed the heater. Shock of the century.” I crouched and set the fox down, rubbing my hands together. “Sorry it’s so cold.” I blinked. “Why am I apologizing to you? You don’t know what I’m saying.

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Chapter 362 The Fox

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He wandered off like he owned the place, nose to the floor, sniffing along the baseboards, my shoes by the door, the crooked strip of peeling wallpaper I’d been meaning to fix since I moved in.

He paused at the window and stood on his back legs, peering out at the fog pressed thick against the glass.

“You probably feel stuck up here, huh?” I padded across the room to stand beside him. “I’ll take you back. down in the morning. I promise.”

I regretted the promise almost fimmediately.

“Though if I’m being honest… you’re welcome to stay. Just don’t chew the exposed wires. can’t afford o fix it and technically my landlord would be pissed since there’s no pet policy.”

He chuffed a noise. I reached down and stroked behind his ears.

“Living alone is lonely as hell”

The words landed heavier than I expected once they were out in the open. I stared around the tiny

apartment.

“But this place… it’s mine. I worked for it. Even if it’s small and the heater sucks.”

I chuckled.

He leaned into my hand again, quiet and steady.

“This is the only place I feel safe since Logan died. Which feels stupid to admit, because it’s barely bigger than a shoebox and the front door to my building is never locked.”

The fox turned to face me fully, eyes on mine like he was listening to every word.

“Sometimes I wish I had someone to share it with though. So yeah..I guess I’m glad you showed up.”

He pressed his head against my palm, and my chest loosened just a little more.

I huffed out a tired laugh. “God. Listen to me. Trauma dumping on a fox.”

He didn’t move away. And for some reason, that mattered. I sniffled, wiping under my eyes with the heel of my hands, then blew out a slow breath.

“Alright.” I pushed to my feet. “That’s enough emotional sharing for one night. Let’s see if I can find you something to eat. I’m not exactly stocked up on essentials like a responsible adult.”

I crossed to the fridge and pulled it open, the weak little bulb inside flickering like it was just as tired as I

was.

“Let’s see…” I mumbled, shifting things around.

“Leftover Chinese takeout, eggs, milk that might be a biohazard, and… ketchup. Living the dream.”

I grabbed the takeout container and shut the door with my hip.

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