Page 13 of Draven
Since I’d acknowledged Zane as my lead alpha, I was connected to him through the pack bonds. Distance, it seemed, weakened that connection.
“Some town up north. Can’t remember the name,” I lied, because
Zane didn’t need to know the details, about Tobias. At least not yet. Silence on the other end.
Why did I have a feeling Zane knew I was keeping something from him? Maybe it was a lead alpha thing.
"Did something or someone trigger you?" Zane finally asked.
I hesitated before responding to Zane's question.
"Not exactly," I finally admitted, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
"It's... complicated," I confessed, my gaze returning to Tobias, who still slept soundly on the bed.
The sight of him stirred conflicting emotions within me—warmth and guilt warring within my chest.
I knew I shouldn't have allowed myself to get close to Tobias, to let our connection deepen.
But despite my better judgment, I found myself drawn to his innocence and kindness.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't deserve someone like Tobias, that I was only bringing trouble into his life.
Yet, the hope for something real and good persisted. After everything I had been through, didn’t I deserve some measure of happiness?
Not if you'll end up hurting him, a voice inside me answered.
"Are the woods nearby?" Zane asked.
"I need to check my phone, but I think it's just a short drive away," I said.
"Good. Head there, make sure you're not being followed, and let out your inner beast. Fly low and make sure no one sees you," Zane advised. “Once you’re better, head back here. You’ll feel better surrounded by others of your kind.”
His advice was sound, but nonetheless, a growl slipped out from my lips. The thought of sneaking around like some rat made my dragon silently seethe.
"I'll call you again," I told Zane before he could ask me any more questions.
I ended the call, looked at Tobias again, then grabbed the keys to my motorcycle and headed out.
I followed the directions on my phone until I reached the entrance to the woods.
After ensuring I was alone, I carefully concealed my motorcycle among the bushes and ventured deeper into the forest.
Once I was certain of my privacy, I shed my clothes and bundled them into a tight ball.
Taking a deep breath, I began the transformation, feeling the familiar sensation of bones shifting and muscles rearranging within me.
As my body contorted and reshaped, scales erupted across my skin, and my limbs elongated into powerful, claws.
With a mighty roar, I completed the shift, my wings spreading wide with a satisfying rustle.
The pressure in my chest eased slightly, now reduced to a dull throb, but I knew it wouldn't vanish entirely.
Zane had mentioned that the witch's mark would diminish over time, but he never specified a timeline.
I suspected it might take months, if not years, for it to completely fade away... unless I hunted down the witch responsible for cursing me.
As I soared low over the forest, my wingtips grazing the treetops, I allowed myself to imagine confronting the witch.