Into Expermia: Silver Foxes, #4

By M.R. Anglin

Xena thought that the worst thing that could ever happen is for her daddy to be taken from her and locked up for the rest of his life.  She was wrong.  Within the space of two days her entire world comes crashing down around her.  Finding herself alone and friendless, Xena strikes out on her own, knowing its only a matter of time before Maximilian, the new king of Drymairad, locates her and returns to conducting horrible experiments on her.

 

Her only option is Expermia, her mother's homeland and the only country in the world where Max's influence cannot reach.  But in a land of strange customs and attitudes, can one Silver Fox find a place to call home?  Or will Max bring about a second Great Annihilation and force the extinction of all Silver Foxes forever?

 

Author rating: T+

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.R. Anglin
• Release date: Mar 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781393984269

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE DOOR OPENED WITH a creak, and feet padded with socks crept into Xena’s bedroom.

Xena cracked her eyes open . . . enough to see fuzzy shadows, but not enough so that the little sneak would be able to tell she was awake. Her sister, Kathra, paused as she crossed the carpet from the door leading to the Jack and Jill bathroom they shared. She studied Xena a few moments before continuing her tip-toed journey toward Xena’s bed.

Xena stifled a smile and willed herself not to snicker. Kathra was a white fox with hair as yellow as cornmeal. She was wearing a long-sleeved, purple shirt with flowers embroidered on the front and a blue skirt that flitted when she moved. Her hair was caught up in a clip with plastic jewels on it. The resulting ponytail flipped up at the ends. Strange. Kathra usually wore her hair back in a single braid.

She was carrying a box wrapped in ivory paper printed with blue flowers. A pink bow adorned the top. Xena rolled her eyes. Pink was Kathra’s favorite color and Xena’s least favorite.

Her sister crept to the foot of Xena’s bed, placed the present by Xena’s feet, and tip-toed to Xena’s head. Xena waited until Kathra gathered herself to pounce.

Gotcha, Kat! Xena sprang out of bed.

Kathra screeched, falling back onto her tail. Xena!

Xena collapsed on her bed, holding her stomach in laughter.

No fair, Xena. Were you awake the whole time? Kathra thrust her fists on her hips. I thought I was finally going to get you.

Please, Kat. Xena pulled herself to a sitting position on her bed. You’ll never get up earlier than me.

I was up at eight o’clock. Kathra climbed to her feet.

I’ve been up since seven. Xena sat cross-legged on her bed. I was wondering when you’d come in.

I had to wrap your birthday present. Kathra snatched up the box. But I don’t think you deserve it anymore. She swung around, thrusting her nose in the air.

Xena leaned back against the wall. Great. Now Kathra was sulking. It would take forever for her to finally hand over the gift. Xena had to find a quick way to convince her, but how? She gazed around her room for inspiration.

Her bed was located in front of the French doors leading out onto the second floor balcony. Whenever she stepped onto it she would see the trees that surrounded the house, and a little bit of the road that ran through the forest heading to the small town of Justin’s Ridge. That forest would be a flush of green now that spring was coming to a close. To her left—the right coming into the bedroom—was the bathroom where Kathra had snuck in from. Across from her bed was the door to the hallway, and to her right was her full length mirror, dresser, and closet. Not that Xena used the closet much. Most of her clothes were faded and comfortable and . . . hmmm . . .

It’s okay, Kat. You can keep it. Xena waved her hand in dismissal. It’s probably just clothes, anyway.

Kathra pouted. You never appreciate anything I get you.

You’re right. Xena scooted out of bed. I guess I’ll have to wear my old, faded jeans. She pulled the mentioned jeans out of the dresser drawer. I think they have a hole worn in them, but maybe everyone will think that’s the style. She glanced over her shoulder at her sister. Kathra was glaring. I’ll need a shirt, too. How about this one? She lifted a top so faded she couldn’t tell if it used to be green or off-white. Even Xena wouldn’t dare wear it out of the house. She only wore it during spring cleaning. It’s faded, but I think it will work.

Okay, stop! Fine! Here. Kathra thrust the box in Xena’s hands. Happy Birthday, Xena.

Thanks, Kat. Xena took the box. And for the record, I do appreciate you getting me an outfit for my birthday every year.

No, you don’t. Kathra crossed her arms. You don’t like anything to do with clothes.

That’s not true. I just . . . Xena shrugged. I don’t know. It’s not important to me, I guess. She laid her ears down. It would have mattered more if she had a figure like Annie or any of the other girls in town. Even Kathra, though she had just turned eleven, had more curves than Xena did.

Xena was on the tall side with dull black hair and brown eyes. She was flat-chested—her breasts little lumps on her front—and had barely any hips. Any new clothes she got hung on her like putting clothes on a box. She sighed. Was it any wonder she hated clothes and shopping and all that?

Xena, open it. Kathra tugged at the edge of Xena’s pajamas.

Right. Xena set the box on the bed and shredded the wrapper. She tore open the box. Wow, Kat. She lifted out a mint green top. It had lace overlaid all over it. This is pretty. Too pretty for her but it was best not to let Kathra know she thought that.

Do you like it, really?

It’s . . . a little outside my usual style, but it’s nice. Xena held it up over her torso.

Everything’s outside your usual style, Xena.

Xena examined herself in the mirror. Do you think it will look good on me, though?

Of course. You have the most perfect figure ever.

What figure? Xena held the shirt out to examine it. I’m built like a guy.

Ugh! Kathra flopped back on the bed. You take what Annie says way too seriously.

But she knows what she’s talking about. Now, she’s a girl with a perfect figure.

Depends on who you ask, I guess. Kathra folded her hands across her stomach.

Xena clutched the shirt to her chest. I’d ask Hunter.

Hunter? Kathra lifted her head a bit. "Why do you care what he thinks?"

Because he’s hot. Xena flopped on the bed beside Kathra. Oh, he is so cute.

He’s not that great.

You think that because you can’t charm him with that little Kathra smile of yours. Xena flicked the edge of Kathra’s cheek fur.

I don’t know what you mean by ‘little Kathra smile,’ Xena. Kathra slapped her hand away. If he wasn’t your Trainer, I wouldn’t have anything to do with him.

At least he’s nice to me unlike everyone else in town. Xena raised her hands so she could see the fur on them. It was shining silver, a result of a genetic disorder that caused her fur to store metals. Her fur contained so much metal that it attracted   electricity . . . electricity that would arch to everything if she didn’t keep it controlled. That’s where Hunter’s Training came in. He was the only certified Silver Fox Trainer in the world. He taught her how to keep the electricity circuiting along her fur so that she wouldn’t short circuit things by walking past them. Even now she could feel her electricity moving counter-clockwise along her body.

I guess that’s one plus for Hunter. Kathra sniffed. But I think I like Mike better for you.

Xena sat up to look at her sister. Why do you always bring up Mike?

Katheraine. Karalaina, their mother, called up from down stairs.

Kathra hopped out of bed and opened the door. Yes?

Did you wake up Xenatha yet?

Kathra glanced at Xena. She’s awake.

Then both of you come downstairs, please. We’re about to start breakfast.

’Kay.

Xena narrowed her eyes. Xena. My name is Xena. It’s two syllables. Can’t she handle that?

"Xenatha is your real name."

But nobody calls me that. Xena threw up her hands. Why can’t she get it?

Kathra caught her tail in her hands. Xena, um . . . I know this is a dumb question since she’s been with us for five weeks already, but what are we supposed to call her?

Xena pricked her ears.

She’s our mother, right? So calling her ‘Miss Karalaina’    seems . . . awkward. Kathra played with the fur on the tip of her tail. "But she wants me to call her ‘Mamai,’ and that seems weird to me."

You only have two options, Kat. Choose one.

What are you going to call her?

I don’t know. Xena’s ears tilted back. "It took me seven years to call Daddy, ‘Daddy.’ I’m not ready to make a decision about her all at once."

Kathra was silent a moment. Do you think it will be alright if I call her ‘Mom’?

Doesn’t bother me.

Good. Kathra wiped her brow. That’s what Daddy said too.

Xena clenched her teeth. Couldn’t Kathra tell that he was just being nice?

Xenatha, Katheraine, come downstairs, Karalaina called. Breakfast is nearly ready.

Ugh! Xena placed her arm over her eyes. She rubs me the wrong way. She swooped in and took everything over. She cooks for us; she cleans for us. I used to do all that.

She’s just trying to fit in. Kathra lay across Xena’s feet.

That’s what makes it worse. I want to like her, but . . . Xena closed her eyes. I’m still mad that she abandoned us in Jelu when we were little.

But she only did that to protect us. Kathra flicked the wrapper on Xena’s bed. Even Daddy said so.

But I’m still angry, and I can’t seem to stop. I mean, if Daddy hadn’t picked us up when she and . . . and our . . .

Biological father?

Yeah, him. If he hadn’t gotten us when they left us, where would we be now? Xena rubbed her eyes. And it’s worse because nobody will tell us who it was they were trying to protect us from.

Maybe they don’t want you to worry. Kathra pulled her scanner from her pocket. You already have King Max to worry about.

Don’t remind me. I still have nightmares about the experiments he did on me.  Xena watched Kathra play with her scanner. It was a gray box with a screen on one side. Ever since she was little, Kathra loved to figure out how things worked. She always reading or observing things or playing with the scanner she had gotten for her birthday one year.

Sorry. Kathra looked at Xena over her shoulder. I didn’t mean to bring that up.

Forget it. Xena flipped the ends of Kathra’s hair. What’s with your hair? It’s different than usual.

Mom did it for me this morning. Kathra shook it. Do you like it?

Karalaina did it, huh? Xena crossed her arms. It’s nice.

I think she wants to do your hair too. Kathra reached up to flick Xena’s hair. It rested on the back of her neck. It’s always such a mess.

Is that so? Xena ran her hands through her hair. It’s true that her hair was always messy, but that was because she couldn’t do anything with it. Her hair was normally straight, but whenever she let it out, the ends curled and flipped. It had a mind of its own.

She wants to do a lot of stuff with you, but . . . Kathra caught Xena’s eyes. I think you intimidate her.

Big surprise. Xena raised her hand to look at her fur. Yet another plus for this stupid fur of mine. She dropped her hands.

That’s not what I meant. Kathra put her scanner away.

Silence fell. Kathra scrambled off of Xena and went to the dresser. When she returned she dangled Xena’s favorite hair tie over her face.

Xena smiled. She used it to pull her hair back in its usual ponytail. That hair tie hid an image-generator, a flat, flexible piece of circuitry that projected an image over a person. She held up one hand and activated it with the other. Her silver fur morphed into dull gray. She sighed. It was such a relief to have it on and look somewhat normal.

You should get dressed now. Kathra stretched. Mom was sounding miffed.

What am I supposed to wear this with? Xena held up the shirt Kathra had given her.

There’s more in the box.

Xena went back to the box and pulled out a black, pleated skirt. Oh, my . . . this is the shortest skirt I have ever seen in my life!

Kathra blew her hair out of her face. It’s not that short.

Kat, I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing this in the shower. Xena held to her waist. I don’t even want to think about what Daddy will say.

They’re leggings in there too. You’re supposed to wear them underneath the skirt.

Xena pulled out a pair of black tights. That’s better.

Xenatha, Katheraine, please come down—

Kid! Kat! A booming voice interrupted Karalaina. Both Xena and Kathra’s ears stood on end. That was J.R. Dunsworth’s voice. To most, he was known as the most notorious criminal in the world, but to Xena and Kathra, he was Daddy. Get your tails down here double time. I’m starving!

I’m going down. Kathra scrambled to the door.

I have to take a shower. Xena gathered her outfit.

You haven’t showered yet?

I was waiting for you. Xena pulled her towel off its place hanging on the headboard. If you heard the shower running, you’d have known I was up and I wouldn’t have been able to surprise you.

You better hurry up. Kathra darted out. Daddy sounds mad.

Xena shook her head as Kathra left. What was J.R. going to do to them? He was nothing but a big teddy bear. Still, he did get grumpy when he was hungry. And it was her birthday . . . which meant presents! Kathra, J.R., and his friends, Melody and Mr. Withers, had been whispering and sneaking around all month long. To Xena, it all amounted to a big, speeder shaped surprise.

Xena squealed. This birthday was going to be great. She couldn’t wait to get it started. She dashed into the bathroom with a smile.

CHAPTER 2

XENA PAUSED AT THE bottom of the stairs to pull her skirt down. Not that it was riding up, but it felt weird to have fabric constantly slapping under her butt when she walked. The tights made it bearable, but still . . .

She took a deep breath. When she had looked in the mirror with these clothes on, she hadn’t thought she looked all that great. Not that she looked ugly in them . . . it just seemed like they belonged on someone else who would suit them better. It looked like she was pretending. She didn’t want to think about what Hunter would say when he saw her in them.

Maybe I should change . . . But then Kathra went through all that trouble to pick them out. And it was a tradition for Xena to wear her birthday clothes all day. Besides, Hunter wouldn’t be coming until later, and J.R. would tell her if she looked stupid.

Nothing to worry about. Xena walked toward the kitchen.

Can we eat, yet? Hunter’s voice drifted out from the kitchen. I was told to be here at 10:00. It’s 10:30 already. I’m starving.

Xena froze. He was here already? She must have spent more time messing around with Kathra than she thought.

Would you please stop? Karalaina knocked a spoon on a pot. Xenatha will be down here soon. Xenatha, she called. Please come down. We’re waiting.

I don’t mind going up to get her, Hunter said, and Xena heard a chair scrape against the floor.

Sit, J.R. said.

Ow, Hunter said. No need to punch me.

Yes, there is. You are so immature, Kathra said.

Keep it up, brat, Hunter said.

Xena bit her bottom lip. Maybe it would be better if she went to change. Kathra would understand, right?

There was a gurgling trill, followed by claws landing on the floor and scrabbling across the hardwood floor.

Hey, Charuse! Xena heard Hunter scramble out of his chair.

That thing belongs on a leash, Kathra said.

Around the corner came a mammal that looked like an iguana. It had olive colored fur scribbled with black stripes and two black, sideways comma shaped patches around its eyes. On his head and back were spines that changed colors with his mood and the electricity in the air. Right now they were orange. Normal.

Charuse darted straight for Xena and climbed up onto her shoulder where he nuzzled her neck with his head. He loved Xena because of her electricity. He, like all traiungai, had the ability to absorb excess electricity. Thus, he had been instrumental in helping Xena learn how to control hers.

Hi, Charuse. Xena stroked his fur. She noted his spines shifting color toward blue . . . a sign that there was electricity in the air. Her electricity reacted to her emotions—like when she was nervous or embarrassed. She took a deep breath and pulled it back in. Charuse’s spines returned to normal.

Charuse. Hunter dashed out of the kitchen next. There you are, Z. No wonder Charuse ran off.

Hunter was a red fox . . . actually, an Expermian fox. One characteristic of an Expermian fox were their large, wide ears. Hunter’s were about five times as large as her own. All that real estate made more than enough space for his six piercings—two hoops and two studs in his right ear, and one hoop and one cuff in his left. He also had the other main characteristic of an Expermian fox . . . once they hit puberty, the ends of their hair would turn a different color. Hunter’s hair was sandy brown and faded to a shade of fuchsia at the tips.

Huh. Hunter’s eyes traced Xena up and down. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything but jeans before, Zizzie.

A laugh burst out of her before she could stop it. I . . . it’s that my sister got me these for my birthday so I thought I should wear them. She tugged at the back of her skirt. It’s a little outside my usual style.

What style? Kathra said from the kitchen.

Xena flinched. She wished Kathra would shut up.

But if Hunter heard, he didn’t show it. He smiled and said, It suits you. Come on, Charuse. He snapped his fingers.

Charuse hissed at him.

Not this today, Charuse. Hunter snapped his fingers again. Come on. He held out his arm.

Charuse growled at him. His tail was hanging down the front of Xena’s shoulders, and she saw his spines tint red.

I get tired of always fighting with you, you little rodent. Hunter rolled up his sleeve. Hold still, Z.

You won’t hurt him, right? Xena leaned her head away from Charuse.

It’s just a dominance lesson. Hunter held his hand above Charuse. If I didn’t do this, the little monster would run wild, attacking everyone—including me when I sleep. He kept his eyes glued on Charuse. Charuse hissed, his eyes never leaving Hunter’s hand.

After a moment of silence, the two watching each other, Hunter snatched Charuse around the neck. Charuse whipped around like a snake, growling and biting and hissing and scratching Hunter’s arms. Blood seeped from the scratches.

Charuse, you bugger. That hurts! Hunter held him firm against the wall until Charuse calmed down. He stopped struggling, but his teeth were bared.

Xena examined the scratches on Hunter’s arms. Do you need a first aid kit?

I’m fine. Hunter put his face in Charuse’s. Charuse, no! Bad traiungo. He slapped Charuse’s nose lightly.

Charuse shook his head and sniffed. He went limp in Hunter’s arm.

What is all that racket out here? Karalaina peeked out of the kitchen. She, like Hunter, was an Expermian fox. She had wavy, springy blonde hair a shade redder than Kathra’s. It faded to auburn at the ends. Her blue eyes glittered like the sun on the lake close to the house, and her wide ears were in perfect proportion to her body. And she had a figure that put everyone else to shame. Even her salmon-colored fur lay like silk on her skin. All that was enhanced by the flowing, purple dress she wore. It reached down to her ankles, but had two high splits up either side. Underneath she wore a pair of skin tight pants. Flowing pieces of fabric were connected to her dress by silver pins with an engraving of leaves on it.

If Xena felt inadequate about her looks when Kathra was around, she felt like a hideous freak in Karalaina’s presence. Maybe that was another reason Xena avoided her. She didn’t want to be reminded of what could have been if her genes had been a little bit different.

It’s just a dominance lesson. Hunter released his grip, and Charuse climbed up his arm and rested on his shoulder.

I don’t think that thing should be in the house, Hunter. Karalaina turned her eyes to Xena. Xenatha, finally.  Stop loitering in the hallway and come on. Breakfast is ready. She went back into the kitchen.

Shall we, birthday girl? Hunter extended his hand for her to go first.

Xena hurried into the kitchen so he wouldn’t see her silly grin.

A waft of cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, coffee, hot chocolate, and bacon welcomed her in. It made her mouth water. No wonder everyone was clamoring to eat.

J.R. Karalaina marched over to the stove where a brown wolf was standing. What do you think you are doing?

I’m eating. J.R.’s cheeks bulged with food.

Karalaina smacked his hand with a wooden spoon. Wait until I put it out.

The fur on J.R.’s skin rose. Woman!

Xena decided to intervene. Daddy, you know the rules. No eating out of the pots. She shoved him toward the table. Sit and wait like everyone else.

Happy birthday, Kid. J.R. patted her head after shooting Karalaina a glare. You took your time coming downstairs.

Sorry about that. Xena glanced at the table. Everything was laid out and ready. Floor cleaned, dishes washed . . . Karalaina did everything Xena normally did to take care of her family. The only thing was that all the glasses were empty.

At least that was one thing left to her. Xena picked up the glass that was set out for her and poured herself a glass of orange juice. Then she filled Kathra’s glass three-fourths of the way full and topped it off with lemon juice and a bit of sugar. After dipping her finger in it to taste, she slipped it in front of her sister.

Next she took J.R.’s mug, filled it with coffee from the coffee-maker, blushed it with a splash of milk, and sweetened it with sugar. After a quick taste, she splashed in a shot of vodka and set it before him. In Hunter’s mug, she poured some hot chocolate and seasoned it with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Karalaina watched Xena work. Can’t you all get your drinks yourself? I’ve laid everything on the table for you.

Hunter and Kathra glanced at each other and sipped their drinks in silence.

The Kid knows how I like it. J.R. sipped his coffee. I don’t even know how I like it.

I don’t mind. I like doing things for them. Xena picked up Karalaina’s glass. Can I get something for you . . . um . . . uh . . . Miss Karalaina. Her face heated. Kathra was right. It was awkward.

I can get it myself, sweetie. Karalaina set a dish of food on the table. "You know, you can call me Mamai like you used to."

I know, but . . . Xena rubbed the fur on her arm. She sat down without another word.

Xenatha, I . . . Karalaina trailed off in a sigh before turning back to the stove.

They sat in silence a moment before Kathra peeked into the dish Karalaina had set down.

What’s this? Kathra stuck her finger in the side of the white mound. She tasted it.

Kathra! Xena smacked her hand.

"It’s adine, a type of rice pudding you eat with eggs. Karalaina returned with a dish of scrambled eggs. It’s an Expermian delicacy."

An Expermian delicacy I can’t stand. Hunter pushed the dish away from him.

Then how can you call yourself an Expermian? Karalaina smiled at him as she turned back to the stove.

Hunter smirked and stuck his tongue out at her.

I’m willing to try anything once. J.R. dished out a serving for himself.

Xena slid low in her chair. Everyone, even J.R., got along with Karalaina. Why couldn’t she?

I hope no one minds. Karalaina wiped her hand on a dish towel. But I’ve been waiting to give Xenatha her gift all morning long.

Whatever. J.R. shoved a forkful of food in his mouth.

Xenatha. Karalaina stooped next to Xena’s chair. I have been looking forward to this birthday ever since I found you again. First, I want to thank you and Katheraine for accepting me back into your lives. It can’t be easy for you.

J.R. shifted in his seat. Stop the melodramatics, Karie.

This is my moment with my daughter, J.R.! Stay out of it! Karalaina snorted. "Where was I? Oh, right. In Expermia girls at the age