Page 70 of Draven

Bruce cleared his throat. Tim gave me another nervous look.

"Draven, we usually hold a town council once a month for all the paranormals living in Red Vine. The next one is next week. It would be nice if Tobias and you could come…” Bruce began.

"That won't be necessary," Tobias interrupted.

"No?" Bruce asked. He sighed. "Tobias, Draven's presence here has... unnerved not just the paranormal residents but also the human ones."

"You've wanted me gone from the day you discovered what I was," I said, trying to keep my anger in check for Tobias' sake.

Normally, I would've done something reckless by now, but my dragon was suspiciously going along with me.

Then I realized it was because of the mate mark. Being tethered to Tobias was stabilizing my short-tempered beast.

"That's not entirely true," Bruce replied, his tone defensive.

“Draven hasn't caused any harm since the incident with Justin and that was his fault. We've done nothing but try to live peacefully,” Tobias pointed out.

Tim shifted uncomfortably.

"Look, we get that. But the council needs to address the concerns. Maybe if you both came and spoke, it would help ease some of the tension,” Tim pointed out.

I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to lash out.

"We have more pressing matters right now. We don't have time for town politics,” I said.

Bruce looked like he was about to argue, but Tobias raised a hand.

“We’re leaving town to take care of some personal stuff. After that, we'll see about attending your council meeting,” Tobias said.

Tim nodded, sensing the tension.

“That’s great. Bruce?” Tim asked, looking at his lead alpha.

Bruce reluctantly agreed, and they finally left, leaving Tobias and me in peace. I pulled Tobias close, feeling the weight of the situation.

"I'm sorry," Tobias whispered.

"Don't be," I assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We just need to stay focused, and I’m grateful you handled that situation because I wouldn’t have been able to keep my cool."

Besides, if Tobias did decide to return here after dealing with Belladonna, we still needed to maintain good relations with the town.

I didn’t like it, but it was necessary.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

TOBIAS

I wokeup in the quiet of my trailer, with Draven draped next to me. I curled closer to my mate, savoring the warmth of his body against mine.

For a moment, everything felt perfect. But then, the harsh reality seeped back in.

Despite finally finding my mate and dreaming of a future together, a black witch could simply take it all away if she wanted.

A shiver ran through me involuntarily.

Draven tugged me closer, his embrace firm and reassuring. He opened his eyes, and the possessive want in them made me smile.

I reached out, tracing the curve of Draven's cheek, feeling the rough texture of his day-old beard, then moving my hand down to his chest.