Page 19 of Doyle

CHAPTER SIX

MICHAEL

If you ever need me,I’ll be here for you.Doyle had no idea how much those words meant to me.

Walking beside him to the kitchen, I couldn't help but cling to that promise, even though the reality of my dad’s impending arrival loomed over me.

As we approached the kitchen, I could hear voices carrying through the doorway.

"He reminds me of William. That surprised me at first," came Zane's voice.

"Really? Then I want to get a good look at this lost fox Doyle brought home," another voice said, one I didn't recognize.

My cheeks flushed as I realized they were talking about me.

"Ivan, don't scare off the fox," came a third voice, this one tinged with amusement.

Doyle finally cleared his throat as we entered the kitchen. Three men were seated around the kitchen counter.

I recognized Zane, but not the other two. Doyle gave all three a pointed look.

"Ivan, Draven, this is Michael. Michael, this is Draven and Ivan, the other two members of my pack," Doyle said.

"Other two? Your pack is comprised of only four members?" I asked, unthinkingly.

Ivan let out a low growl, making me jump.

"Dragon shifter groups don't get bigger than that," Doyle told me gently.

I closed my mouth, recalling how Liliana had told me about the war between her kin and the dragon shifters and how it had shifted the scales.

Dragon shifters were practically non-existent now or in hiding.

"It's nice to meet you officially, Michael," Draven said, flashing me a friendly smile.

"Officially?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light despite my nerves.

"I was there yesterday at Yellow Ridge. Well, so was Ivan," Draven explained.

"Yes, and I got very curious why Doyle withdrew from the fight. So you're that reason," Ivan said, giving me a scrutinizing look.

I swallowed, doing my best to hold his gaze but failing miserably.

"That's enough," Doyle snapped at Ivan.

"Ivan, take a walk," Zane suggested.

"I need to run an errand anyway," Ivan said, before leaving the kitchen via the back door.

"I gotta go as well, I promised my mate I'd drive him to his workplace," Draven said rather sheepishly, nodding to Zane, before excusing himself.

Now it was just Doyle, Zane, and me in the kitchen.

I wondered where Zane's mate and kids were. Maybe they had already left for the day.

"Sorry about that," Doyle said softly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "They can be a bit... intense."

"It's okay," I mumbled, feeling a bit out of place but grateful Doyle was there.

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