Page 58 of Doyle

Michael started exploring the woods, his movements tentative at first, then growing more confident.

I remained where I was, watching him re-experience the joy of being in his second form.

His fox darted through the trees, pausing occasionally to look back at me as if to make sure I was still there.

Seeing him like this, free and happy, filled me with a sense of contentment.

The night was quiet, the only sounds those of the forest around us. After a while, Michael returned, his fox form panting slightly but looking more relaxed.

He shifted back, and so did I. I finished first and after dressing, I handed him back his clothes.

He dressed quickly, then walked over to me, a sheepish look on his face.

“You good?” I asked.

"Yeah," he said, his voice soft. “Thank you, Doyle.”

"We're not heading back to Zane's house?" Michael asked, sounding surprised.

I turned the truck left onto a familiar dirt road that led deeper into the woods.

"I want to show you something," I replied, glancing at him with a smile.

The cabin soon appeared in my line of sight. Michael curiously peered out the window, trying to make out what was ahead of us.

Finally, I killed the engine and got out. Michael did the same, looking around with undisguised interest.

"Is this yours?" Michael asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"Yeah, when I need some time away from the pack and need to be alone, I come here. Plus, see that little section there?" I nodded toward the small workshop attached to the cabin. "That's my workshop."

"Your workshop?" Michael repeated, his eyes lighting up. "I remember you mentioning you make wood carvings in your free time."

"Yeah, it's kind of my livelihood. Well, we've lived so long that money isn't really an issue, but if my hobby can be profitable, why not, right?" I asked.

"Why not," Michael agreed, a smile spreading across his face. "Say, can I see it?"

"Of course," I said, reaching for his hand.

Michael seemed pleased by the gesture.

I led him to the workshop, turning on the lights so he could see better.

I grimaced, recalling how frustrated I'd been with a current piece, so the place was a mess.

Now I wished I’d cleaned up a little before bringing him here.

"Wow, Doyle, these are amazing," Michael said, gazing at the wood carvings on display.

What caught his interest was a large piece the size of a dining table, depicting Draven in his dragon form, wings spread wide.

"Actually," I said, walking behind Michael as he looked at every single wood carving in the workshop, "I could use some help."

"Help?" he asked, turning to look at me.

"I usually sell my pieces through word of mouth or through the local furniture store, but I'm trying to go online," I explained.

"I could help you with that," Michael said eagerly.

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