Page 5 of Draven

"They're not worth it," I murmured. "Let's get out of here?"

CHAPTER TWO

DRAVEN

I was seething with anger,unable to think clearly. Bullies were despicable, and I had always been taught by my father to protect the weak, not prey on them.

In the past, I would have shrugged off the incident and walked away, but the current me, broken and irreparable, stood frozen in place, consumed by rage like a volcano on the brink of eruption.

“Draven?” Tobias’ voice broke through the haze of my anger, bringing me back to reality.

I realized then that the air around us had grown warmer, reflecting my simmering mood.

Looking down at Tobias, my brave little wolf, I felt a mix of emotions.

Despite the fear emanating from everyone else in the roadhouse, Tobias held my gaze without wavering.

There was something different in his eyes—curiosity, perhaps even interest.

I knew I shouldn't encourage it, shouldn't allow anyone to get close to me, especially someone as innocent and vulnerable as Tobias.

But despite my better judgment, I found myself drawn his innocence and kindness.

You shouldn't be looking at me that way, little wolf, I thought.

I sized up the group of humans, their leader shooting daggers at me while his cronies held wisely held him back.

Part of me even wished the fool would make a move, longing for the satisfaction of seeing him reduced to a charred piece of meat.

Screams echoed in my mind, followed by the sickening smell of burning flesh. I dragged my mind from the past and tried to remain in the present.

Sweat glistened on the human’s forehead as he muttered something to his friends, their forced laughter ringing hollow in the air.

Finally, they moved to another corner of the roadhouse. A pity.

Turning my attention to Tobias, I noticed his hand was still on my arm. Noticing my stare, a blush creeping up his cheeks as he withdrew his fingers.

It was endearing, I thought, how easily flustered my little wolf could become.

He’s not mine, I immediately thought. He’ll never be mine. My inner dragon growled in disagreement.

"I could use some fresh air," I announced, breaking the tension that hung heavy in the air.

Tobias' face lit up at my words, his smile like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

In that moment, his genuine happiness chased away the dark shadows gathering in my mind.

"Stay close, or we might lose sight of each other," Tobias muttered, his voice barely audible over the din of the crowd as he made for the entrance.

I didn't know what possessed me to reach out for his hand, but before I could second-guess myself, I reached for his fingers.

Tobias glanced over his shoulder, his expression lighting up with one of those brilliant smiles of his.

Despite the turmoil churning inside me, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth at the sight.

I let him lead the way, stealing glances at our entwined fingers and feeling a pang of absurdity wash over me.

Tobias shouldn't be letting his guard down around me, let alone offering to hold hands.