Page 69 of Draven

“I was only thinking about myself and getting even when I initially told Zane I'd stay here and make plans with you to deal with Belladonna," Doyle admitted.

He continued, “But Zane, he's constantly thinking of the bigger picture. When I lost my mate, it nearly broke me. Zane helped put me back together again. I don't want the same thing to happen to you."

I had an entire argument ready for him, but my mouth went dry at those words.

Picturing Tobias dying in my arms... I didn't think I would be able to survive his death.

Most shifter pairs perished if one of them died. It was a miracle Doyle was still alive. Doyle's eyes softened with understanding.

"I know you want to fight, Draven. But sometimes, retreating to regroup isn't weakness. It's strategy. You need to protect what you have,” Doyle said.

I swallowed hard, the image of a lifeless Tobias flashing in my mind.

"I get it, Doyle. I do. But give us time,” I said.

“Understood. Just remember. Sky Stead is safer, and with Zane and Ivan, we have a better chance of coming up with a plan that will actually work,” Doyle reminded me.

As Doyle and Zane prepared to leave, I turned to Tobias, who was still looking pale and shaken.

"Are you okay with this?" I asked gently.

He took a deep breath and nodded.

"I am. It's just... a lot to take in,” Tobias said.

"I know," I said, pulling him into a hug. "But we'll figure out our next step together.”

Tobias took a deep breath and turned to me

"We're going to Sky Stead. We'll regroup and plan from there. That’s the best choice,” he said.

I was relieved but still wary. "Are you sure?" I had to ask.

Tobias nodded. "Yes. It's the best move right now. I’ll need to tell Lucinda I won’t be coming to work for a while, and I’ll need to sit Tom down for this. He won’t be easy to convince,” Tobias admitted.

“It’s not permanent,” I reminded him. “Once Belladonna is dealt with, we can return here. We don’t have to remain in Sky Stead forever.”

Tobias nodded again. “Yeah, but I’ve been thinking, it’s not too bad, moving out of Red Vine and starting fresh either,” he said.

I held him close, but the sound of a truck engine interrupted our tender moment. An irritated growl slipped from my lips.

I thought Zane and Doyle had returned, but it wasn’t them. Bruce and Tim emerged from the vehicle, halting when I let out an impatient snarl.

"Now isn't a good time, guys," Tobias said, nervously glancing at me.

"We can see that, but this is important," Tim said.

"It won't take long," Bruce added, glancing at the chairs and table with interest.

Then he sniffed the air and his smile dropped.

"You had visitors, Tobias," Bruce observed. "This place smells of brimstone and ash."

"Just friends visiting," I said with a bite.

If I burned the grass at Bruce's feet, would he finally take the hint to leave us alone?

"Okay, why are you two here?" Tobias asked.