Page 81 of Doyle

"Of course," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. "I was terrified of seeing you in your dragon form, but you changed back to your human form to assure me you meant no harm."

"And you asked me if, since I had no intentions of eating you, I could let you go," Doyle said with a laugh.

We lay down, our bodies fitting together perfectly as we cuddled on the narrow bed.

"Doyle, back in the mine, when you said you weren't going to give up on me because I'm your mate, that really touched me," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

I continued, "Knowing how important I was to you... I think that helped me break Liliana's hold over me."

"Yeah?" Doyle asked, tilting my chin up so our eyes met.

His gaze was intense and seeing the possessive hunger there never failed to make me feel all warm and giddy.

"Well, be it black witches or anything else, I won't let anything or anyone ever harm you, Michael,” he said.

Emotion welled up inside me, and I couldn't hold back the tears.

"I love you, Doyle,” I whispered.

"I love you too," he replied, his lips brushing softly against mine.

The kiss deepened, a promise of love and protection. As we pulled away, Doyle's eyes darkened with a sense of purpose.

"Michael, there's something I've wanted to do for a while now,” he said.

He gently pushed aside the collar of my shirt, exposing the skin of my neck.

I shivered in anticipation, understanding what he was about to do.

Doyle's lips pressed against my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin.

The bite was both sharp and tender, a spark that ignited a bond deep within me. I felt a surge of energy.

A connection forming between his dragon and my fox that was more profound than anything I had ever experienced.

Doyle's warmth flooded my senses, and I knew he felt it too.

The mate bond solidified, a glowing thread that tied our souls together.

I could feel his emotions, his love and protectiveness wrapping around me like a shield.

Doyle pulled back, his eyes glowing with a fierce, possessive light.

"You're mine, Michael. Always,” he said.

"Always," I echoed.

CHAPTER TWENTY

DOYLE

I foundmyself walking out of a cluster of trees, and beyond them was a familiar lake and a familiar face.

“William,” I whispered, approaching my first mate.

“Doyle, you did well protecting Michael,” William said, turning to face me.

He rested his palm over my heart, where his handprint used to be.

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