Page 62 of Draven

Was that... wistful longing in his voice?

"That's the first time you've talked about Sky Stead," I pointed out.

"I left on a road trip because I wasn't certain about settling down in a new town, but right now, being close to my pack in a place like Sky Stead... I'm starting to think it won't be so bad," Draven admitted.

I froze at those words. "Then... what about me?" I asked, hating how uncertain and clingy I felt.

"You? You're coming with me," Draven said with such arrogant confidence it made me laugh.

My heart raced, and my breathing quickened as Draven cupped my cheek and held my gaze.

His touch sent shivers down my spine, and in that moment, I knew that wherever Draven went, I wanted to be by his side.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," I whispered, leaning into his touch, our lips drawing closer with each passing second, until finally, they met in a tender, passionate kiss.

After the kiss, Draven rested his forehead against mine. His eyes glowed like twin miniature suns, and I swallowed, thinking how beautiful he was.

For some reason, fate had paired me with a man, a dragon, way out of my league, but somehow, Draven was crazy about me.

"You mean that?" Draven asked, searching my eyes. "Of course, if you have doubts, I'd understand. I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't like, and it's such a huge decision.”

Leaving Red Vine meant leaving behind everything familiar. It was the town where I was born and raised.

Tom, my brother, was here, as was Lucinda, who had become an unexpected ally and friend. And then there was my job, which I loved dearly.

But there were cons too. Living in a town where Justin and his clique of friends were meant constantly feeling like an outsider, like I didn't quite belong.

Starting fresh in a new place, where no one knew my past or judged me based on it, was both terrifying and wonderfully liberating.

The thought of being able to reinvent myself, to carve out a new identity without the weight of old expectations and prejudices, was undeniably appealing.

Yet, the idea of leaving behind everything I had ever known was daunting.

It meant saying goodbye to the familiar comforts of home, to the people who had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember.

It meant stepping into the unknown, with all its uncertainties and challenges.

But as I looked at Draven, I knew that whatever decision we made, we would face it together.

And perhaps, just perhaps, the prospect of starting fresh wasn't as terrifying as it seemed, especially when I had him by my side.

"It's certainly something to think on," I admitted, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. "But I'm not against the idea. Will you give me more time?"

"Of course," Draven said, his voice filled with warmth and understanding. “Take all the time you need.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

TOBIAS

“Kiss me again?”Iasked.

Draven's eyes softened at my request, a small smile playing on his lips despite the weariness etched into his features.

He leaned in, his lips meeting mine in a tender, lingering kiss. It was a silent reassurance, a promise that despite the chaos of the day, we were here together.

I pulled away abruptly, I couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt creeping in.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked," I murmured, feeling selfish for seeking solace in his embrace when he needed rest.