Page 34 of Draven

Draven's growl reverberated through the space, sending Bruce scurrying out of his office to investigate.

Sensing Draven's rising anger, I leaned in close, whispering urgently in his ear, hoping to calm the storm brewing within him.

"Draven, don't let your anger get the best of you. You were doing so well," I whispered in his ear.

Draven's gaze finally shifted to meet mine, and I could see the struggle in his eyes as he fought to rein in his emotions.

Meanwhile, Tim was assuring Bruce that everything was under control.

With each deep breath Draven took, the wild glint in his eyes began to fade, replaced by a haunted look that saddened me.

He backed away from Justin, who was nursing his bruised throat, his anger still evident in his defiant glare.

"You're okay," I said.

As I reached out to comfort him, Draven's clenched jaw softened slightly, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

"My father is going to sue you, you insolent beast," Justin yelled.

"Shut up, boy," Tim warned Justin.

I was halfway out of the shop, still holding Draven's arm.

He pulled away from me, and I took a step back, seeing his face twisted in rage. I swallowed hard.

Sensing the volatile aura coming off Draven, I took a step back. Draven’s face contorted with fury, and I barely recognized him.

"No, you're not going to do anything, not to Tobias," Draven said, his words accompanied by a growl.

For once in his life, Justin learned to shut up. Draven opened his mouth, and terrifying elongated fangs peeked out.

I stood there frozen in shock, watching fire flicker from Draven's mouth.

For a brief second, I was certain Draven would unleash his fury on Justin.

But instead, the fireball soared through the shop windows, shattering them, and crashed into Justin's Lamborghini with a deafening explosion.

I jumped back, startled, but Draven immediately stepped forward, using his body as a shield.

I stared up at him, noticing the black scales that appeared on his neck and arms.

"Holy shit," Tim whispered behind me.

Draven's gaze remained fixed on Justin. "Threaten Tobias again, and you and your father will end up just like your ugly car,” Draven said.

I struggled to make sense of what just happened. What exactly was Draven? A mage-shifter hybrid?

Despite the confusion, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement as Justin visibly wet himself.

He took a few hesitant steps toward the door, then bolted outside.

"I thought your kind died out," Bruce said in a shaky voice.

I gazed up at Draven, who met Bruce's stare evenly.

"No," Draven finally said.

"Your kind?" I whispered. "You're not an alligator shifter, are you?"