Page 23 of Doyle

When he finally released Doyle, I could see the glistening of tears in his eyes.

"Thank you for saving my son," my dad said, his voice thick with emotion.

Doyle, still a bit stunned, nodded. "It was the right thing to do," he replied softly.

My dad gave a nod of approval, his earlier scrutiny replaced with genuine gratitude.

“After so many years, I thought I had lost him," he said, his voice cracking slightly.

Feeling the emotional weight of the moment, I stepped closer to Doyle, wanting to reassure him as much as myself.

"Dad, Doyle's done more for me than just rescue me," I said, my voice firm. "He's been there for me, helping me…adjust.”

My father looked at me for a long time. He was a smart man and probably figured there was something between Doyle and me.

"Then you have my deepest thanks, Doyle. If there's anything I can do for you, anything at all, you just let me know,” my dad said.

"Thank you, sir. Knowing Michael is in good hands…that means a lot,” Doyle said.

CHAPTER SEVEN

DOYLE

I watchedMichael and his father drive away, my heart heavy.

"Don't let him take Michael," my dragon urged, but I shook my head.

Michael belonged with his father, with his family. It was the right thing to do, no matter how much it pained me.

I stood there for a while, watching the dust settle on the gravel road long after their car disappeared from sight.

Every fiber of my being wanted to run after them, to claim Michael as mine and never let him go.

But I knew I had to let him find his own way, even if it meant losing him.

With a deep sigh, I finally turned away and got into my truck. The drive back to Zane's house felt longer than usual.

My chest tightened with each passing mile, and all I could picture was Michael's face—lost and uncertain, so scared to return to his old life.

He should be with me. I'll help him heal, I thought, but I knew I was being selfish.

He needed his family, a piece of his old life to ground him.

I pulled into Zane's driveway and parked my ride, but I couldn't bring myself to go inside.

My dragon was straining under my skin, restless and unhappy with my decision.

The beast wanted to take flight, to search for Michael and bring him back where he belonged.

With me. Unable to stay still any longer, I decided to drive out to the woods instead.

Maybe spreading my wings would help keep my emotions in check and give me a new perspective.

The drive to our usual spot was a blur, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Michael.

When I finally arrived, I parked the truck and stepped out, the familiar scent of pine and earth filling my senses.

I undressed quickly, folding my clothes and placing them on a rock before letting the change come over me.

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