18. Draven

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

DRAVEN

Tobias appeared on the verge of a panic attack, and I couldn't blame him.

Zane's unexpected visit had thrown a wrench into our plans for a peaceful morning.

I could see the anxiety etched on his face, the tension in his shoulders.

Without a second thought, I knew Tobias could use a hug. I stepped closer to him, wrapping my arms around him in a comforting embrace.

I could feel the tension slowly melting away as he leaned into me, seeking solace in the warmth of our embrace.

I held him close, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head, silently reassuring him that everything would be alright.

“So chairs and table?” I asked him.

“They’re in the closet,” he said, parting from me.

Tobias and I quickly retrieved the folding chairs and table from the closet, maneuvering them out onto the small patch of grass outside his trailer.

Despite the cramped space, we managed to arrange everything in a cozy setup, the table adorned with a simple checkered tablecloth.

As we worked together, I couldn't help but steal glances at Tobias and the way he focused on the task at hand.

There was something endearing about the sight of him, his sleeves rolled up and a faint sheen of sweat glistening on his brow.

"Now there's only the food left," Tobias announced, wiping his hands on his jeans with a satisfied smile.

"I can help you bring it out," Doyle offered, his voice still a bit raspy from his injuries, but stronger than yesterday.

As they headed inside, Zane stepped closer to me, his dark-green eyes appraising Tobias and then shifting to meet mine.

"He's certainly something," Zane said quietly.

"He's my treasure," I agreed, not hiding the pride in my voice.

Zane nodded. "You've come a long way," he remarked. “Your dragon seems more stable now.”

“I can’t take all the credit. Without Tobias, I’d probably be the same,” I admitted.

Tobias and Doyle emerged from the trailer, holding trays with pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs.

Breakfast smelled great, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth at the sight of Tobias so effortlessly taking care of everyone.

We settled around the table, the morning sun casting a soft glow over our makeshift dining area. Despite Zane’s unexpected visit, Tobias served everyone with a smile.

I couldn’t help but watch him. He was really great at this, at hosting.

Zane took a bite of the pancakes and let out an appreciative hum.

"These are good, Tobias. Really good,” Zane said.

Tobias blushed slightly, ducking his head. "Thanks. I'm glad you like them,” Tobias said.

To his credit, Zane waited until breakfast was over to tell us why he left Sky Stead.

"I'm bringing you back home with me, Doyle," Zane said.

Doyle flashed him a look of irritation, and I didn't blame him. Our kind lived longer than most shifters.

While Doyle looked like he was in his mid-thirties, he was more than a century old, in contrast to me, who was really in my early thirties.

Doyle probably didn't like being treated like he was in need of Zane’s protection.

"No. I was thinking of staying here a little while longer. Draven and I can come up with a plan to deal with Belladonna once and for all," Doyle said.

That surprised Zane and me both. Tobias let out a surprised gasp, and I unthinkingly reached for his hand across the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Tobias recovered quickly enough.

"Actually, that's a good idea. Two heads are better than one, and you guys would have each other's backs," Tobias said.

Zane wasn’t easily swayed. He leaned forward, his brow furrowed in frustration.

"You can't be serious. Doyle, it would take at least two weeks to completely regenerate your arm. And since when are you and Draven suddenly buddies?" Zane asked, his voice edged with frustration.

"Since he risked his life to save mine," Doyle said with a shrug. "It'll be fine."

"No, it will not. Draven, tell me everything that happened," Zane demanded.

I couldn’t refuse an order from my pack leader, so I recounted yesterday’s events. Was it only yesterday? It seemed so long ago.

As I spoke, I observed Tobias rubbing the mark on his neck. Was he worried about me?

Zane's expression grew increasingly grim as I detailed the encounter, especially when I mentioned Belladonna casting some kind of curse on me that prevented me from shifting.

Even though I had already told Tobias everything last night, he still went pale when I brought it up.

Zane stood up and started pacing. "This is exactly why you need to come home, Doyle. You’re in no condition to fight,” Zane pointed out.

"Zane, I know this is risky, but we’ve got a better chance if we stay and confront Belladonna now. We need to stop her before she gets stronger," I pointed out.

"I understand your point, but it's better if we all retreat to Sky Stead. Plan there. Draven and Tobias, you both should also return with us," Zane said.

"Us?" Tobias asked, confused.

Zane nodded. "I congratulate you two for taking the next step in your relationship, and I would love nothing better than to welcome you officially into our pack, but these are dangerous times. Your life force is connected to Draven's now. If Belladonna or one of her allies targets you..." Zane trailed off.

"Then Draven will go down with me," Tobias said in a shaky voice. He looked at me with fear.

"Zane has made some valid points," Doyle conceded. "I'll return with you to Sky Stead. You didn't mention earlier, but who's holding the fort right now?"

"Ivan. He flew right home when I told him I needed to get you," Zane answered.

Doyle nodded, then looked at me. "You and Tobias should come with us."

"Wait a dang moment. You simply can't just expect Tobias to pack up and leave,” I argued.

While I understood Zane and Doyle only cared about our well-being, I was also a little mad about them pressuring Tobias and me to make a decision now.

I knew they wouldn't let it go without a valid argument, so I decided to buy more time.

"Doyle, go with Zane. Tobias and I need more time to prepare," I said. "He can't just pack up and leave. He has a job and life here."

"Alright," Zane finally said. "I can see logic won't go through your thick head right now. Three days. Then we'll be expecting you and Tobias in Sky Stead."

I nodded, relieved to have a little breathing room.

"Three days," I agreed. "We'll be there."

Zane and Doyle exchanged a look, then Zane gave a short nod.

"We'll hold you to that. Don't make us come back here to drag you both home,” Zane said.

Zane got into his truck, leaving the engine running. Through the windows, I could see him calling someone, probably his mate Otis, to find out how he and their kids were doing.

A chill went down my spine at the realization that I might be taking this too lightly when the threat of Belladonna was real.

Doyle entered the trailer and returned with his meager belongings. I stopped him in his tracks before he got into Zane's truck.

"Doyle, why did you take Zane's side all of a sudden?" I asked him.

"It's not about taking sides, Draven," Doyle answered.

He gripped my shoulder and glanced at Tobias, who was busying himself clearing the dishes.

“I was only thinking about myself and getting even when I initially told Zane I'd stay here and make plans with you to deal with Belladonna," Doyle admitted.

He continued, “But Zane, he's constantly thinking of the bigger picture. When I lost my mate, it nearly broke me. Zane helped put me back together again. I don't want the same thing to happen to you."

I had an entire argument ready for him, but my mouth went dry at those words.

Picturing Tobias dying in my arms... I didn't think I would be able to survive his death.

Most shifter pairs perished if one of them died. It was a miracle Doyle was still alive. Doyle's eyes softened with understanding.

"I know you want to fight, Draven. But sometimes, retreating to regroup isn't weakness. It's strategy. You need to protect what you have,” Doyle said.

I swallowed hard, the image of a lifeless Tobias flashing in my mind.

"I get it, Doyle. I do. But give us time,” I said.

“Understood. Just remember. Sky Stead is safer, and with Zane and Ivan, we have a better chance of coming up with a plan that will actually work,” Doyle reminded me.

As Doyle and Zane prepared to leave, I turned to Tobias, who was still looking pale and shaken.

"Are you okay with this?" I asked gently.

He took a deep breath and nodded.

"I am. It's just... a lot to take in,” Tobias said.

"I know," I said, pulling him into a hug. "But we'll figure out our next step together.”

Tobias took a deep breath and turned to me

"We're going to Sky Stead. We'll regroup and plan from there. That’s the best choice,” he said.

I was relieved but still wary. "Are you sure?" I had to ask.

Tobias nodded. "Yes. It's the best move right now. I’ll need to tell Lucinda I won’t be coming to work for a while, and I’ll need to sit Tom down for this. He won’t be easy to convince,” Tobias admitted.

“It’s not permanent,” I reminded him. “Once Belladonna is dealt with, we can return here. We don’t have to remain in Sky Stead forever.”

Tobias nodded again. “Yeah, but I’ve been thinking, it’s not too bad, moving out of Red Vine and starting fresh either,” he said.

I held him close, but the sound of a truck engine interrupted our tender moment. An irritated growl slipped from my lips.

I thought Zane and Doyle had returned, but it wasn’t them. Bruce and Tim emerged from the vehicle, halting when I let out an impatient snarl.

"Now isn't a good time, guys," Tobias said, nervously glancing at me.

"We can see that, but this is important," Tim said.

"It won't take long," Bruce added, glancing at the chairs and table with interest.

Then he sniffed the air and his smile dropped.

"You had visitors, Tobias," Bruce observed. "This place smells of brimstone and ash."

"Just friends visiting," I said with a bite.

If I burned the grass at Bruce's feet, would he finally take the hint to leave us alone?

"Okay, why are you two here?" Tobias asked.

Bruce cleared his throat. Tim gave me another nervous look.

"Draven, we usually hold a town council once a month for all the paranormals living in Red Vine. The next one is next week. It would be nice if Tobias and you could come…” Bruce began.

"That won't be necessary," Tobias interrupted.

"No?" Bruce asked. He sighed. "Tobias, Draven's presence here has... unnerved not just the paranormal residents but also the human ones."

"You've wanted me gone from the day you discovered what I was," I said, trying to keep my anger in check for Tobias' sake.

Normally, I would've done something reckless by now, but my dragon was suspiciously going along with me.

Then I realized it was because of the mate mark. Being tethered to Tobias was stabilizing my short-tempered beast.

"That's not entirely true," Bruce replied, his tone defensive.

“Draven hasn't caused any harm since the incident with Justin and that was his fault. We've done nothing but try to live peacefully,” Tobias pointed out.

Tim shifted uncomfortably.

"Look, we get that. But the council needs to address the concerns. Maybe if you both came and spoke, it would help ease some of the tension,” Tim pointed out.

I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to lash out.

"We have more pressing matters right now. We don't have time for town politics,” I said.

Bruce looked like he was about to argue, but Tobias raised a hand.

“We’re leaving town to take care of some personal stuff. After that, we'll see about attending your council meeting,” Tobias said.

Tim nodded, sensing the tension.

“That’s great. Bruce?” Tim asked, looking at his lead alpha.

Bruce reluctantly agreed, and they finally left, leaving Tobias and me in peace. I pulled Tobias close, feeling the weight of the situation.

"I'm sorry," Tobias whispered.

"Don't be," I assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We just need to stay focused, and I’m grateful you handled that situation because I wouldn’t have been able to keep my cool."

Besides, if Tobias did decide to return here after dealing with Belladonna, we still needed to maintain good relations with the town.

I didn’t like it, but it was necessary.