Page 51 of Draven

"I don't want to hurt either of you," I warned.

Darcy chuckled softly at my statement, but Lucinda's worried gaze never wavered.

"Tobias, don't take this the wrong way, but if you rush into a fight with someone of Belladonna's caliber... you might just end up hurt, or worse, dead," Lucinda cautioned, her words hitting me like a cold gust of wind.

I knew deep down she was right. If Draven, with all his strength and power, struggled against Belladonna, what chance did I have?

Darcy's voice broke the silence, her tone somber. "There are stories... that the Paynes usually target a dragon's more vulnerable mate to get to them more easily."

Her words sent a chill down my spine, and I felt a surge of anger at the thought of such manipulation.

"That's low," I whispered, my fists clenched at my sides.

"The Paynes have no honor. They would use everything at their disposal, including deceit, to get what they want," Lucinda said with disdain.

I slumped my shoulders, the weight of the situation bearing down on me.

I recalled how Belladonna had deceived Draven, posing as a lost traveler to lower his guard.

"Then what can I do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

I was filled with frustration and fear. Being helpless wasn’t something that sat well with me.

"Waiting's the hard part," Lucinda agreed, her tone sympathetic. "But also try to believe in your mate. He's a survivor and a fighter."

Reluctantly, I nodded. A sense of resignation wash over me.

"Okay," I conceded, my resolve wavering.

Draven, please watch your back, I thought, the worry gnawing at my heart.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DRAVEN

I drovepast the ‘Welcome to Whispering Pines’ sign and entered the town.

The first thing that struck me was the quietness of the town. The silence made the hairs on the back of my neck prickle.

People ought to be going about their everyday business at this time of the day, but there were few people on the street, as if they were terrified of going out.

As I rode past the empty park, my inner beast reminded me to be careful. I was very well aware that this could be a trap.

In all likelihood, it probably was.

Despite the unsettling stillness, I pressed forward. I was determined to find Doyle no matter what.

I soon found the Laughing Lion. Zane mentioned Doyle spoke to his informant in this bar.

After parking, I headed inside, drawing the protective necklace from my shirt and rubbing it.

It was nn instinctual gesture. Would it really offer me protection when the time came? Only time would tell, I suppose.

The place was nearly deserted, with only a waitress and the owner present.

I approached the owner, a middle-aged man with a balding head, who glanced up from his laptop with a wary expression.

His eyes darted nervously as I drew near, and I wondered why he appeared nervous.