Page 55 of Doyle

We spent the evening talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company.

The food was delicious, but it was Doyle's presence that made the night truly magical.

He listened to me, really listened, and I felt understood and cherished in a way I never had before.

After dinner, we took a walk along the nearby beach, the sound of the waves soothing and calming.

Doyle wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close as we walked.

The moonlight cast a soft glow over the water, creating a perfect backdrop for our evening.

"Thank you for tonight," I said, looking up at him. "It was exactly what I needed."

"Anything for you," Doyle replied, leaning down to kiss me gently.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DOYLE

I dreamt of William.

We were walking along the lake in the middle of the Sky Stead woods, a familiar path that we had strolled countless times.

William walked a few steps ahead of me, tilting his head slightly to enjoy the sun on his face.

I was content to remain a few paces behind, admiring his gorgeous profile, the way the sunlight played off his features.

"What are you doing all the way back there?" William asked, glancing over his shoulder with a playful smile.

I took that as an invitation to come forward, but when I reached for his hand, my fingers passed through air.

I sucked in a breath, and my heart felt like lead.

The William I was seeing was merely a ghost, a figment of my imagination.

Strangely, the thought didn't sadden me as much as I expected.

"Look out for him, Doyle. Things are about to become worse before they become better," William said, turning to look at me fully.

He smiled, slipping his hand past the collar of my shirt to touch the handprint there.

This time, I could feel the warmth of his touch.

"Do you mean Michael?" I asked, trying to make sense of everything.

"Protect him, Doyle, and when the time comes, never turn away from him,” he said.

"I promise," I whispered.

Those were the last words I said to my former mate before waking up in the present.

My heart pounded as I sat up in bed, the remnants of the dream lingering in my mind.

William's words echoed in my head.Protect Michael. Things are about to become worse before they become better.

What did William mean by that? I looked over at Michael, still asleep beside me, his face peaceful in the early morning light.

The sight of him brought a rush of emotions—love, determination, and a fierce protectiveness. I couldn't let anything happen to him.

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