Page 53 of Doyle

"I know," Doyle said, turning to face me more fully. "But you're doing great."

His words were a balm to my frazzled nerves. I gave him a small smile, feeling a bit more grounded.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Doyle,” I told him.

"You don't have to worry about that," he said, reaching back to squeeze my hand. "I'm not going anywhere."

The rest of the drive passed in relative quiet, the hum of the engine and the occasional comment from Ivan or Doyle filling the space.

We were nearing Sky Stead when I felt a twinge of anxiety again. Would this place truly be safe?

By being here, wouldn’t I just be a danger to Doyle and his pack mates?

As if sensing my thoughts, Doyle turned to me once more.

"It's going to be okay, Michael. You'll see,” Doyle assured me.

I nodded, holding onto his words like a lifeline.

When we finally arrived, the sight of the familiar surroundings brought a mix of relief and apprehension.

"Welcome back," Ivan said, pulling into the driveway. "Let's get you settled."

Doyle opened the door for me, helping me out of the truck.

As I stepped onto the driveway, I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs.

Otis and Zane made me feel immediately welcomed. Otis led me to the room I had stayed in before, the one next to Doyle's.

I flushed, remembering how I had eventually ended up staying the night in Doyle's room.

"Is there something wrong?" Otis asked, noticing my hesitation.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and glanced at Doyle.

Summoning my courage once more, I said, "There's no need for separate rooms."

Doyle raised an eyebrow at that, but I could tell he was pleased by my decision.

I wondered if he had wanted the same thing but only agreed to separate rooms because he thought I needed my own space.

"Oh? I see things have been progressing faster than I thought," Otis said, smiling coyly.

I could feel my cheeks heating up.

Doyle slid an arm over my shoulders, possessively pulling me close, and that sent a thrill down my spine.

He kissed me quickly on the mouth.

"Then, I think we'll head inside," Doyle said.

"Alright, I'll let you two settle in. Dinner will be ready soon," Otis said.

"Otis, I think we'll be eating out tonight," Doyle said.

"We are?" I asked.

I wondered if it was rude to refuse having dinner with Zane, Otis, and his family, especially since I was once again a guest in their home.

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