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"Hey," I whispered.

Draven tugged me close without warning. I gasped, surprised and elated by how possessive he was.

Gazing up at him, I stood on tiptoe and initiated the kiss.

As our lips met, I became intently aware of Draven’s warmth. He always burned hot to me.

Electricity sparked between us as he clasped the back of my neck and deepened the kiss.

As someone snarled in the background, Draven and I chose to ignore it. However, when Lucinda cleared her throat rather loudly, we finally parted.

"This is a public library," Lucinda reminded us, casting a pointed glance at Tom, who seemed to be seething with barely restrained fury. "Continue whatever this is, outside. Tobias, help me close up.”

I hesitated, knowing it might not be wise to leave Tom and Draven alone.

"One moment," I told Lucinda, then turned to address both of them.

"Draven, this is Tom, my brother. Tom, this is Draven," I quickly introduced, hoping to diffuse any tension that might be brewing.

"So you're the guy dating my brother," I overheard Tom saying as I helped Lucinda close up.

She shot me an impatient look, so I reluctantly left Tom and Draven alone to assist her.

"It will be fine," Lucinda assured me as we checked all the sections and ensured nothing was left behind.

"You mean Draven and Tom? I'm not too sure," I mumbled, feeling uneasy about the situation.

"Some matters have a way of resolving themselves," she said cryptically, and I hoped she was right.

CHAPTER NINE

TOBIAS

By the timeI returned to where I left Draven and Tom, I was relieved to see that the two hadn't traded blows, only glaring at each other.

"Draven, let's go? Tom, I'll see you at the trailer?" I asked, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Fine," Tom said grudgingly. "Just so you know, I disapprove of you dating this guy."

"Noted, but I'm an adult, remember? I make my own choices," I reminded my brother firmly.

Tom eventually stomped off, and Draven and I left the library, heading towards where he parked his motorcycle.

"Your brother seems... interesting," Draven remarked, handing me my helmet.

Ever since I started riding with him, he bought an additional one for me. He was thoughtful that way.

"I don't know what's gotten into him lately. He usually never cared about who I was seeing...then again, it's not like I've been on a lot of dates," I said.

"Yeah, I get what you mean," Draven replied. "Family can be complicated sometimes."

"Thanks for driving me around, by the way. It's been a huge help,” I told him.

“Not a problem,” he said.

I got behind Draven, and he drove us to Feline Fix Automotive, the car repair shop owned by the local leopard pard.

Although Draven's offer to drive me everywhere was kind, I couldn’t rely on him forever. I was relieved to have my car back.