Page 42 of Draven
My wolf, usually dormant but now restless, added to the growing tension, its senses heightened and on high alert.
I scanned the surroundings, my heart pounding in my chest, but there was no one in sight.
"Is someone there?" I called out.
Silence greeted me in response, amplifying the feeling of dread that twisted in my gut.
Shaking my head, I hurried back to my car, each step feeling like an eternity as I fumbled for my keys.
Every sound, every rustle of leaves, sent a wave of panic coursing through me.
As I finally got into my car and drove away, the feeling of being watched lingered.
What or who was watching me, or perhaps it was my imagination getting the best of me?
I woke up to the day, sunlight streaming through the windows of my trailer.
Groaning, I stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, trying to shake off the remnants of a vivid nightmare.
In it, I found myself back in the woods, running for my life, chased by some ominous shadow.
My car was tantalizingly close, yet continually slipped further away.
Even when I spotted Draven in the air, calling out to him yielded no response, leaving me to face the terror alone.
"Just a dream," I muttered to myself and tried to shake it off.
I heard arguing voices in my tiny kitchen.
My mind had been consumed by my nightmare; I hadn't even realized there were people in my trailer.
"I don't believe you!" That was definitely Tom's voice.
"You better believe it, Tom. Your brother's dating a monster," I heard Bruce's voice in response.
"Hold on a second there, boss," came a third voice. Tim.
What were the leopard shifters doing in my home? Talking to Tom, no less, about me?
What right did these people have, barging into my trailer and talking negatively about Draven?
I scrambled out of bed, heart pounding as I hurried towards the kitchen, my mind still foggy from sleep.
As I reached the doorway, I froze, taking in the scene before me.
There stood Tom, his expression contorted with anger, facing off against Bruce, the leader of the local leopard shifter pard.
And there was Tim, standing between them, looking uncomfortable.
"What's going on here?" I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.
Tom turned to face me, his eyes ablaze with fury.
"Tobias, Bruce and Tim came by earlier and told me what they knew about your boyfriend. If what they’re telling me is true, then you have to listen to reason,” Tom began, but I cut him off.
"Reason? The leopard shifters are in my trailer, talking about Draven and me behind my back!" I shot back, my own anger rising. "What gives you the right?"
Bruce stepped forward. "Tobias, we're just concerned for your safety. Draven... he's already lied to you about what he was. You were as shocked as we were when he revealed himself. He can’t be trusted,” Bruce said.