Page 68 of Draven

"Since he risked his life to save mine," Doyle said with a shrug. "It'll be fine."

"No, it will not. Draven, tell me everything that happened," Zane demanded.

I couldn’t refuse an order from my pack leader, so I recounted yesterday’s events. Was it only yesterday? It seemed so long ago.

As I spoke, I observed Tobias rubbing the mark on his neck. Was he worried about me?

Zane's expression grew increasingly grim as I detailed the encounter, especially when I mentioned Belladonna casting some kind of curse on me that prevented me from shifting.

Even though I had already told Tobias everything last night, he still went pale when I brought it up.

Zane stood up and started pacing. "This is exactly why you need to come home, Doyle. You’re in no condition to fight,” Zane pointed out.

"Zane, I know this is risky, but we’ve got a better chance if we stay and confront Belladonna now. We need to stop her before she gets stronger," I pointed out.

"I understand your point, but it's better if we all retreat to Sky Stead. Plan there. Draven and Tobias, you both should also return with us," Zane said.

"Us?" Tobias asked, confused.

Zane nodded. "I congratulate you two for taking the next step in your relationship, and I would love nothing better than to welcome you officially into our pack, but these are dangerous times. Your life force is connected to Draven's now. If Belladonna or one of her allies targets you..." Zane trailed off.

"Then Draven will go down with me," Tobias said in a shaky voice. He looked at me with fear.

"Zane has made some valid points," Doyle conceded. "I'll return with you to Sky Stead. You didn't mention earlier, but who's holding the fort right now?"

"Ivan. He flew right home when I told him I needed to get you," Zane answered.

Doyle nodded, then looked at me. "You and Tobias should come with us."

"Wait a dang moment. You simply can't just expect Tobias to pack up and leave,” I argued.

While I understood Zane and Doyle only cared about our well-being, I was also a little mad about them pressuring Tobias and me to make a decision now.

I knew they wouldn't let it go without a valid argument, so I decided to buy more time.

"Doyle, go with Zane. Tobias and I need more time to prepare," I said. "He can't just pack up and leave. He has a job and life here."

"Alright," Zane finally said. "I can see logic won't go through your thick head right now. Three days. Then we'll be expecting you and Tobias in Sky Stead."

I nodded, relieved to have a little breathing room.

"Three days," I agreed. "We'll be there."

Zane and Doyle exchanged a look, then Zane gave a short nod.

"We'll hold you to that. Don't make us come back here to drag you both home,” Zane said.

Zane got into his truck, leaving the engine running. Through the windows, I could see him calling someone, probably his mate Otis, to find out how he and their kids were doing.

A chill went down my spine at the realization that I might be taking this too lightly when the threat of Belladonna was real.

Doyle entered the trailer and returned with his meager belongings. I stopped him in his tracks before he got into Zane's truck.

"Doyle, why did you take Zane's side all of a sudden?" I asked him.

"It's not about taking sides, Draven," Doyle answered.

He gripped my shoulder and glanced at Tobias, who was busying himself clearing the dishes.