Artic Fox (Lashton)

2

Luke'sPOV

"You are going to be staying with me. I don't want to risk you getting caught by any of those Hybrid Hunters" Ashton said. I just nodded because I didn't know what else to say.

"Maybe he could pass as your pet. You could say that he was sent down here by your aunt. The entire town knows that your aunt owns a fox sanctuary" The boy, who I found out was named Calum, said.

I actually like that idea. I shifted into fox form and looked at all three of them. They smiled at me and nodded.

"Do you mind being on a leash?" Ashton asked.

I shook my head and he nodded.

"Well, I'll have to get you a collar and leash when our trip ends."

I just nodded my head again.

"Ok. So Luke, you are allowed to be in human form when it is just us three boys. If I have company, then you will have to stay in fox form. I don't want to risk you getting exposed" Ashton said.

I nodded my head for the third time and he scratched under my chin, making my eyes flutter close. He has no idea how good that feels.

"Do you mind staying with us while we continue our camping trip?" Michael asked.

I shook my head. I am used to being outside, so this is nothing new to me. Well, aside from being around people that seem to actually care about me.

"Alright. Well Michael is going to cook us something and Calum is going to go get the firewood I was suppose to be getting when I found you" Ashton said, giving me a warm smile.

Calum and Michael walked off mumbling something about how they always end up having to do everything. I turned back to human and looked around.

"Why are you three camping anyway?" I asked curiously.

"All three of us always go camping the first weekend of summer. We're going home tomorrow" Ashton explained.

"And it's a good thing too. It's dangerous for you out here with all these Hybrid hunters" Michael said, coming back into the tent.

"That's true Luke. With those hunters in the forest, your not safe" Calum stated, coming into the tent as well.

"I know, and I appreciate that you guys are doing this for me" I said, smiling at all three of them. Ashton and I left the tent and we all ate the smoked bass that was cooked by Calum. After we were done eating, we all went back into the tent.

"We have no problem helping you out" Ashton said. I gave them a big smile in appreciation.

"You three are the nicest people I met. Anyone else would've probably turned me over to the hunters, instead of inviting me to stay with them the way you did" I explained.

"We love helping people and animals, especially Ashton" Michael stated, and Calum nodded along in agreement.

"I just think that some people and some animals are treated unfairly. I am trying to give the ones that are mistreated some love and affection" Ashton explained, his cheeks rosie pink.

"Don't let that embarrass you. It is the right thing to help people and animals" I said, making him smile at me.

"Hey Ashton, how about we all go to sleep so we will be ready for the long drive back tomorrow" Calum suggested, throwing a pillow at Ashton.

They all said goodnight and pretty soon I found myself falling asleep too. My last feeling was me changing into my fox form.

I was awoken by the sound of a camera. I slowly open my eyes and saw Calum and Michael taking pictures. It was then that I realized there was an arm around me. Somehow, I had ended up with Ashton cuddling me while I was in my fox form. No wonder Calum and Ashton are taking pictures.

I slowly squirmed out of Ashton's grip and shifted back to human.

"Good morning Luke. Calum fried some eggs if you want any" Michael said. I just nodded my head and he handed me a plate. I watched them try to wake Ashton while I ate.

When I was finished eating, I walked over to them and screamed in Ashton's ear, causing him to jolt awake. He got up and glared at me. I smiled innocently and he rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Lets just pack everything in the car and drive home" Ashton said, rolling up his sleeping bag. I decided to help Michael and Calum since Ashton was probably mad at me.

When we were done packing up the camp, we all got in the car.

"Luke, can you turn into your fox? I don't want to risk you being seen by any hunters" Ashton asked. I nodded my head and changed into my fox. Everything was turning out for the best.

We soon arrived at what I assumed was Ashton's house. As soon as he got out of the car, he opened the back door. I jumped out and we both started walking to the door of the house. He unlocked the door and I quickly ran inside.

Man, his house is huge. I shifted back to human and gave him a big smile.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

"I love it. This place is way better than living in the woods" I said, giving him a hug.

"I have three rooms in this house. I will show you where they are and you can decide which room you want" Ashton stated as he started to walk up the stairs.

I followed him into each room and picked the bigger one.

I have a good feeling that this decision is going to be one of the best I ever made.