Page 12 of Draven

“Why don't we go back to my room?" Draven asked with a smile.

Draven's suggestion caught me off guard, and I blinked, momentarily stunned by the idea.

His smile was warm and inviting, and I found myself nodding slowly in agreement.

"Yeah, that sounds good," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the sudden rush of excitement and nervousness coursing through me.

Together, we made our way back to the inn. As we reached the door, Draven turned to me, his eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and something deeper.

"Let's see where the night takes us," he said softly, before unlocking the door and ushering me inside.

CHAPTER FOUR

DRAVEN

"This is a funny episode,"Tobias pointed out.

We were both perched on the queen-sized bed. Tobias leaned against the headboard, his gaze on the TV, but occasionally, he'd steal glances at me.

It was as if he was making sure I was still there. I understood the feeling.

Part of me did wonder if Tobias, if tonight was real, or did my lonely mind conjure him up completely.

"It was a good episode," I said after the show was over.

I glanced over at Tobias, who had fallen asleep, his soft snores filling the room.

He looked vulnerable like this, precious, ripe for the taking.

That last thought left a sour taste in my mouth. It would be easy to make him ours, my dragon whispered.

I ignored the beast but he kept whispering the same words in my head. With some effort, I blocked him and I could feel him seething with rage inside me.

I knew this decision would come back to bite me in the behind eventually, but for now, this would do.

Not trusting myself, I got up from the bed and began to pace.

Sweat beaded on my back, and the spot on my chest where the black witch's mark lingered started to ache.

I rubbed at the spot, but it only got worse. The ache turned into a terrible burning sensation, as if someone had deposited hot coals against my flesh.

Shutting my eyes made everything worse. I could hear my victims’ screams again and smell that awful burning smell. All my fault.

The temperature in the room rose, and I felt confined by the four walls. It felt like a cage.

I needed air, needed to breathe. I snatched my cellphone from the bedside table and, in desperation, called Zane.

It must be 3 a.m. where he was, but I didn't care. I needed my lead alpha's advice. After three rings, Zane picked up, and unsurprisingly, he sounded grumpy.

I would be annoyed as well, if someone called me in the middle of the night.

"Draven, there better be a good reason you're calling," Zane grumbled.

I closed my eyes for a moment, then told him the truth.

"Zane, I can feel my control slipping," I whispered, ashamed of my confession.

"Where are you?" Zane demanded. "I can’t sense you."