Chereads / The Crimson Throne / Chapter 5 - Eyes on me

Chapter 5 - Eyes on me

***THIS NOVEL IS SOLELY PUBLISHED ON WEBNOVEL. LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF THIS IS RECREATED OR REPUBLISHED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR***

EVANORA

I shook my head trying to clear out the thoughts of Thomas. Between the kiss in the dream of Ryan and memories of Thomas, my head was a mess. I needed to focus. I looked up at the last three boxes then at my clock. '4am again? At least I'm consistent.', I said to myself sarcastically. I rolled my eyes flopping backwards on my bed. I looked at the painting and began to blush. 'Ugh!' I kicked my feet and punched the air letting out some frustration. 'Get moving' I said to myself. I got up and crossed the floor to the small stack of boxes "You're going down." I said aloud. I took my time unpacking. As I unpacked, I thought about what I would be okay with leaving behind if I had to leave at a moments notice. I made a mental note to create a "go" bag. However, I wanted to enjoy my new life. I liked my new place. The neighborhood is the perfect mix of city and suburbs. I wanted to settle down. Especially since I found the man in my dreams. I wanted to get closer to him. Get to know who he really was. So running isn't really a likeable option. I wanted to stay. I needed to stay.

By the time my alarm went off I was getting rid of the last box. I raised my hands in the air like I was being timed. I was officially moved in. I did a victory dance twerking to the beat of my alarm on the way to shutting it off. I looked around feeling accomplished. I patted myself on the back and started my morning routine.

Today's outfit is a sleeveless A line dress that has a blue and green floral pattern and a square neckline. My matching green cardigan and ballet flats make it complete. I straightened my hair and did a natural makeup look (spent too much time on my hair). I also decided not to wear my necklace and ring today. They are all I have of my birth mother. I would be devastated if they were lost. So I grabbed my adopted mother's pearls and the watch they bought me to complete the outfit. I picked up my work cell and left my personal one on the table . Erica is the only one left from my past that I'm still in contact with and through her the twins. She calls me twice a month to check in. But we never stay on the phone long and she only uses burners to call me. I still have one week until her next call. Another byproduct of my relationship with Thomas. Ugh! I grunted through my teeth and stomped my foot. 'Fucking Thomas!' I said to myself feeling a little frustrated. I hate that I had to keep my distance from those I loved because of him. I took a deep breath to calm down and focus. It's my second day of work and I needed my wits about me. I dropped my work cell in my purse and grabbed my keys. I headed out locking the doors behind me.

I skipped down the steps, turned left and headed to my car. I felt eyes on me. I stopped and looked around. Nothing. I continued to my car but the feeling didn't stop. Honestly, I felt like Thomas was on my heels. I quickened my pace. I hit the unlock button on my key fob a few feet away from my car so I didn't have to break stride. I hopped into the driver's seat of my sky blue mini sedan and immediately locked the doors. Panicked, I checked the back seat then looked around through my windows and at my mirrors. Nothing. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself again but still my eyes darted back and forth. Still nothing. I took another deep breath and shook my head. 'Fucking Thomas!' I said to myself. Taking one last breath to calm myself, I buckled my seat belt and started my car. I cursed at myself for letting the memory of him get to me. I put the car in drive and headed to work. 'My day will get better.'

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The elevator door opened and I saw Maggie sitting at her desk. "Good morning, Maggie.", I said as I approached the desk. "Good morning Evanora!", Maggs beamed. "Please, call me Eva. How was your dinner last night?" I asked. "Absolutely wonderful! I have plenty of pictures of the triplets but I have to wait to brag until lunch time. We have a client coming in unexpectedly.", she frowned. "I need you to go to the bakery and pick up our order. I already placed it. Also," she said stacking three files together, "These files are for the Italy trip. This one is the contract and all related paperwork. Ryan has to go over them and approve it by the end of the day. This one is a copy of the blueprints for the current building and specs for the renovations. This one" she smiled, "is a list and some brochures of places you should see. I included a list of my favorite restaurants and dishes I think you should try. Make sure Ryan gives you free time. He can definitely be a workhorse if you allow it.", she said, handing me the last folder. "Thank you, Maggie. I'll go over these right away.", I said. "Maggs" she called out, turning to her computer screen. I started to head for my desk when I said, "Oh one more thing. What time will the client be here?, I asked halfway through the glass door. "She should be here by 10:30.", Maggs said. I looked at my watch. 7:30. "Thanks again Maggs." She gave me a thumbs up and I continued to my desk.

'I have a couple of hours to study but first coffee.' I placed the files on my desk and glanced at Ryan's office. He wasn't there. My shoulders dropped a little. I smirked in disappointment then I went to the nook to make my latte. I was nearly done when the scent of mint and fresh cut grass got stronger. It was all over the office but not this heavy. "Is that for me?", his smooth voice said from behind me. I turned to find him only three steps behind me. He wore a dark grey suit with a light blue shirt and gold tie. He had on light brown shoes with a matching belt. 'Goddess this man is delicious'. "Y-Ye.." He cocked an eyebrow at me letting me know that he knew I was about to lie to him. "No.", I corrected myself, "but you can have this one." He smiled satisfied, "Thank you. Please keep that for yourself. The one you made yesterday morning was perfect. Could you make another one for me?", he asked, sitting on my desk. "A-actually, we have the same tastes.", I said, turning to the counter. I dusted the top with cinnamon to complete it. "This one is made the same way as the one from yesterday.", I said, turning to hand him the mug. "Also there's a file next to you that contains the contract for the Italy trip. It needs your approval by the end of the day.", I started smiling softly. He got up and took the mug out of my hands. He came closer. I froze. He leaned in and grabbed some napkins from the organizer on the counter behind me. His scent filled my nose and I slowly inhaled savoring it. As he was pulling back, he said in a low voice close to my ear "Thank you." He smiled mischievously at me, took the file from my desk then turned to go back to his office. I know my face was a bright red. The heat under my skin was a dead giveaway. I turned to make myself another latte trying to stop inferno that danced around my face.

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I was on my way back to work from the bakery when I had an uneasy feeling. I decided to ignore it and kept walking. Soon, I was overwhelmed by the feeling of being watched. I stopped and looked around. I looked at windows, passing cars, and people who were walking past me. Everyone was going about their business. I continued on my way but the feeling didn't stop. I was almost to the entrance of the building when I glanced over my shoulder. Nothing.

'Fucking Thomas.', I said to myself. When I moved into the apartment Jake recommended, I went to the precinct for my jurisdiction and made them aware of my situation in case Thomas found me again. Even with all that I still don't feel safe. It seems whenever I get comfortable or think I can finally allow myself to be happy, he comes to mind and shatters my happiness.

I hate feeling this way. I was approaching the entrance when I stopped and looked around one last time. I looked again at people passing by. Nothing. I'm going crazy. I shook my head and reached for the entrance door and was startled by a woman exiting the lobby. I loss balance and was about to drop the box of pastries. She quickly reached out to steady the box with one hand and me with the other. "Gotcha!" she said. I looked up at her with surprise. "Oh my Goddess! Thank you! That would have been a disaster for me!", I said gratefully "Crisis averted", she smiled warmly. She was slightly taller than me and had chocolate brown hair cut into a pixie cut with bright green eyes. Her facial features were soft and dainty with a few beauty marks by her eyes and full lips. She had a fit but feminine physique. She wore a brown pencil skirt, a pink blouse, with pink and brown plaid flats. "I'm Sophia", she said, extending her hand. "Eva. Thanks again for helping.", I said shaking her hand. Her hand was super warm. Just like Ryan's. I didn't freak out this time. "Goddess? Are you a feminist?" she asked. "Yes but I was raised a Pagan. We pray to the Moon Goddesses. So instead of 'oh my God' we said 'oh my Goddess'.", I explained. She smiled and nodded. "Cool. So Kinda like a witch?", she asked. "Yeah but no spells. Just meditation and prayer.", I said smiling grateful that she didn't get weird about it. "Do you work here?", I asked. "Oh. No. I was just dropping off papers to a friend.", she said. I could have sworn guilt flashed across her face for a second. "New to town?", she asked. "Is it that obvious?", I asked slightly blushing. "Your accent gave you away.", she said smiling. "Hey, I don't really know anyone around here aside from my boss and co-worker. Do you think it'd be okay if we exchanged numbers? Maybe you could show me around?", I asked. She smiled and nodded. "Sure.", she said pulling out her phone. After we exchanged numbers, she held the door open "Thanks. I'll call you soon. Maybe we can go for a coffee.", I said. She smiled brightly and said "No problem Eva. Look forward to it." I gave her a grateful smile and headed towards the elevator.

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When I got back, Ryan helped me to set up for the meeting. I copied the proposal the client sent him and he helped me put them into leather presentation binders. He was close to me the whole time, smiling and being polite. Big change from yesterday and I definitely did not mind the proximity. 'Was he serious about wanting to date me?', I wondered. We went into an easy flow of things. When he smiled at me, the butterflies in my stomach would go nuts. 'Does he know how he affects me?', I wondered. Goosebumps popped up on my arm when he stood close to me.

Maggs came in and letting us know the client was here. When she left to bring them up, I rushed to get the serving platter to plate the pastries. I just finished putting the platter in the middle of the conference table when the elevator dinged. Maggs stepped out with two large men dressed in all black (who were obviously bodyguards), one much smaller man in a black suit, pale blue shirt with a royal blue tie, and a tall thin blonde woman who seemed to be in her thirties (and walked like she had curves to flaunt) in a very tight royal blue skirt suit with a plunging neckline. You could see her rib cage under her pale skin. Her makeup was caked on and over the top making her look older which I'm sure wasn't her goal. One body guard stood at the elevator with his hands clasped in front him. Maggs escorted the rest to the conference room.

Ryan was standing by the monitor against the wall. I was on his right. "Nice to see you Cynthia. How are you?" He said with a forced smile stepping forward. "Absolutely fabulous and it's always wonderful to see YOU, Ryan darling.", she said, giving him her hand palm down as if she intended for him to kiss it. He took her hand and shook it. I resisted the smirk that tried to form on my face. Slightly embarrassed, she turned to me and looked me over "Who's this charming young lady?" she asked. She said charming but I'm sure she meant it as an insult. "This is Evanora. She's training to replace Maggs.", he said with a genuine smile. "Nice to meet you", I said, extending a hand. She took it and held it for a moment, "And you as well.", she said, eyeing me curiously. 'Everyone's hands are so warm. Maybe I'm becoming anemic.', I thought to myself. "Would you like an espresso?", I offered. She made a smug face. "Yes. Give me a double shot, soy latte, with one shot of vanilla, one spoon of brown sugar, with lots of low fat foam and just a dash of nutmeg.", she said as she took the seat that the man in the blue tie pulled out for her. "Sure thing, Cynthia." I replied. She stared at me with a fierce look in her eyes. "You may address me as Ms. Perch or Madam. We are barely acquainted. Only those I have a repore with may call me by my first name." She stated. "I apologize. Ms. Perch.", I said feeling embarrassed. I then turned to the man by her side. "And you sir?" The man in the blue tie looked up from his notepad. "Oh. Hi," he stood extending his hand, "Jonathan Davenport. You can call me John." He gave me a genuine warm smile. I shook his hand and smiled in return. "I'll have a regular latte." He said reclaiming his seat. I nodded and exited the conference room.

After bringing Ms. Perch and John their drinks, I offered water to the body guards. I returned to my desk and glanced at the conference room. Ryan was sitting at the head of the table with his back to the monitor. Maggs was on his right with Ms. Perch and John to his left. I turned to finish looking over the specs for the new European office building when I felt eyes on me. I looked up meeting Ryan's gaze and he waved me over. As I approached, he met me at the door. "Grab a notebook and join the meeting. This is a great opportunity for you to learn what it is we do as a company.", said Ryan. I went to get a notebook and pen from my desk and when I returned Ms. Perch was staring daggers at me. "You know, green is one of my favorite colors and that particular shade really brings out your eyes.", she said coolly. I smiled thinking she was giving me a compliment. Then she opened her mouth again correcting my thought. "However, this is a business meeting. Aren't you dressed a little too casual for the office?", Ms. Perch stated. 'Really? I can see what you ate for lunch yesterday but you think my attire is inappropriate?', I said to myself. "Cynthia," Ryan said in a firm tone, "You requested this meeting at the last minute knowing I'm preparing to leave for Italy in two days. I only agreed because of our family's mutual respect and long standing friendship. However, I will not tolerate you trying to belittle my employees to inflate your fragile ego."

Ms. Perch appeared flustered. 'I guess she's not used to being called out.', I thought to myself. Ryan turned to me with a soft smile, "You look beautiful and you're dressed completely appropriately." I blushed at the attention as I absentmindedly tucked my hair behind my ear. Cynthia sat up and smoothed her clothes trying not to show her jealousy.

"Now," Ryan said standing. "As you know, Ryan Enterprises started out as a real estate company. We have branched out in several areas since our establishment 8 years ago. We have made some excellent business moves and quickly became a household name due to our success in various fields. However, we are one of the largest media companies in the world, so a good portion of our income stems from online media, such as managing ootube influencers and internet media sources like JTF (Just The Facts) and TWIA (This week in America). We deal in everything from newspapers, to social media from commercials to movies. We even sell media products such as various cameras, lighting and sound equipment, editing software ware etc. We also assist in improving profits of every company we deal with in different ways which bolsters not only our profit margins but our reputation as well." Cynthia rolled her eyes knowing that the speech was for my benefit. "Cynthia is here to sell a movie studio whose profits have slightly dropped in the last three quarters", he said, handing out copies of the proposal. He took a remote and turned on the monitor. "Cynthia, would you like to take it from here?" he asked changing his seat to the opposite side of the table waving to me and Maggs to join him. We got up and switched chairs, Maggs offering me the seat closest to Ryan. I blushed a bit while taking the chair. Cynthia couldn't hide her displeasure. She turned and started her presentation. She spoke about potential profits and the possibility of expansion due the the amount of space on the property. I looked over the numbers and something didn't seem right. After crunching them and comparing them to what was in the presentation, I leaned over and whispered to Maggs, " I know I'm new and I don't want to overstep but have you double checked her numbers?" I asked. Maggs shook her head. "These are the numbers I came up with.", I whispered. Maggs took the paper from my hand and gave it a quick once over. "I'll double check them," Maggs whispered back. After a few minutes Maggs slipped the paper back to me and whispered," Good catch. Show Ryan." My heart raced at the thought of being so close to him. I nodded and swallowed hard. I leaned towards Ryan and whispered, "Her numbers are off. According to this she has lost a lot more than she claims and the numbers for potential profits seem a bit inflated." Ryan took the paper from me and looked it over. He leaned in to whisper and his lips lightly grazed my ear, "I know." He leaned back slightly to look at my face. I was as red as an apple. Smiling he leaned in again whispering "Beautiful and smart. I'm impressed." "Uhmmm.", Ms. Perch cleared her throat both visibly peeved and jealous, " I'd appreciate your attention, Ryan darling. After all, you know what this studio means to me." Ryan stood, "Actually, I'd like to speak to you in private if you don't mind." Salivating at the thought, Cynthia quickly agreed. "Ladies, Gentlemen, please give us the room." Cynthia nodded for her body guard to leave as well. We all exited the conference room and sat in the lounge area. Ryan picked up the remote and darkened the glass walls and door.

A half hour passed. Cynthia leaves the room and she was obviously crying. "Come along Jonathan", she said without turning her head, making a beeline for the door. Maggs jumped up and escorted them to the garage. Ryan comes out and heads straight to his office. 'I guess the meeting's over. Ryan seems agitated. I'll check on him in a few minutes.' I said getting up to clean up the conference room. The pastries were untouched. 'What a waste, ' I said to myself packing them up, 'Maybe I can have these sent to the precinct in my neighborhood.' As I was collecting the presentation folders, Ryan came back to the conference room and sat on the table. "Thank you for pointing out the adjustments. I'm surprised you caught it.", he said smiling. "It was just a simple matter of doing the math.", I stated as I emptied the presentation folders. "Did everything work out the way you wanted?" I asked. "Yes actually. I think we're both satisfied with the outcome." Maggs stepped off the elevator and headed for us. "Good work Eva! That was a great catch! I told you she's a keeper!", Maggs exclaimed pulling me into a hug, "You did so well." Ryan smiled, " Indeed. When you're finished here, I'm taking you ladies to lunch.", he stood and went to his office. Maggs had a surprised look on her face. She turned and whispered "He definitely likes you. He's paid for me to go to lunch before but never accompanied me.", she tilted her head deep in thought, "or any other woman now that I think about it." I blushed. "Then I'm flattered.", I smiled and we continued clearing the conference room in silence.

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***THIS NOVEL IS SOLELY PUBLISHED ON WEBNOVEL. LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF THIS IS RECREATED OR REPUBLISHED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR***

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THOMAS

After losing track of Eva in Colorado, I was pissed. I couldn't find her anywhere. I paid the owner of that last moving company a visit the next night before closing. I asked about Eva and he got suspicious pretty quick. One of his workers walked in before he could give me any answers. I ended up having to leave but he gave away that he knew her. He went straight to the police station after my visit.

After a month of no opening to get to him, I finally did just that. I caught him leaving work alone. The Patrols ended four days ago so there was nothing keeping me from him now. He opened his car door and I knocked him out. I dragged him back inside his store front and locked the door. He was a tough old bastard, I'll say that. It took him losing an eye to tell me where she went. All he said was Michigan. He wouldn't say more than that. I didn't feel bad about killing him. He shouldn't have stood between me and what's mine. I tossed his body in the dumpster behind his store and took his car. 'She's in Michigan with HIM! This can't happen!', I exclaimed to myself. I drove all night fueled by pure rage. I didn't know what city she was in but I swore to the moon Goddess that I would find her no matter what.

I checked in on Alpha Ryan soon as I got there. I watched his building from an adjacent alley for two days and there she was. Walking out the front door. 'That Bitch! Doesn't she know she can never get away from me? Does she think he'll protect her? She's MINE! NOT HIS!', I yelled internally pounding my fist on the wall next to me.

I carefully followed her home. I watched her for few days. She was still unpacking and exploring her new neighborhood. Saturday night, she was walking home from the movies alone. I wanted to snatch her but there were too many people outside. I tried to find a way in but she locked all the windows. I didn't want to break one alerting her to my presence so I waited. Sunday was unusually warm, so she left the bedroom window open all day and forgot to lock it that night. I took the opportunity to slip into her apartment and watched her sleep. I wanted to take her right then and there. But that would have been too easy. Not terrifying enough. I wanted her frightened. I wanted her to see me coming for her and know that there's nothing she can do about it.

My stomach began to growl. I needed to eat and let my wolf out for a run. Since I left my pack to hunt down Eva, I've felt off. Weaker. It wasn't until I was on my way to Michigan that I realized my father must have disowned me and exiled me from the pack. When I shifted into my wolf he too was weaker and smaller. His fur lost its luster and sore patches started to appear. I'm a rogue now. Alone wolf. But it'll all be worth it when I claim her as my mate.

The next morning, I went back to her apartment and I watched her get dressed for work. I broke in after she left and walked around her apartment. I showered, fixed myself some food and laid in what should be our bed. 'She's supposed to be MINE!', I said to myself frustrated. I got up and went through her laundry. I found the panties she just took off. I held them to my nose and smelled the sweet scent of her rose. I instantly became aroused. I reached for my member and imagined burying my face between her legs. Eva moaning with pleasure as I lick her petals and suck her little bud. I came to a climax sooner than i expected. I stroked my shaft vigorously and released my juices all over her panties. I folded it up and put it in my pocket. 'It's time to let her know her King is home.', I said to myself heading to her bedroom window. I went out the window and decided to perch myself across the street and wait for her to return.

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Hours later, I watched her come back home in his car! I was enraged. I couldn't get to her while he was around. I needed to kill something. My wolf surfaced and we went on a hunt. We killed dogs, rabbits and raccoons all night. When we finally calmed down the sun was up. I got back just in time to see her leave for work again. She always looked so beautiful in her blue and green dress. She wore it when they revealed her painting at school. Now, she wearing it for him! She must have felt my eyes on her because she stopped and looked around. I ducked out of sight. When I looked again she was rushing to her car.

I followed her to work. I got there a little while after her. I sat in the alley and waited. She came out a couple of hours later and walked a few blocks to a bakery. I walked along the roofs of the buildings watching her. She came out carrying a box of pastries. She kept looking around. She could sense me. That put a devious grin on my face. When she arrived at the building, she looked over her shoulder one last time and nearly bumped into a slender girl with short brown hair. They chatted and exchanged some numbers then Eva went inside. My wolf growled at the thought of her being around Alpha Ryan. 'That's it! She dies tonight! If I can't have her, no one can!', I said to myself.

I bought a Teddy bear wearing a small gold crown. I took a black piece of cloth and made a cape for it. I also purchased some black and green confetti. I waited for 4 o'clock then I put the teddy bear on the porch and sprinkled the confetti down the steps and along the sidewalk in front of her house. I let myself into her apartment through the bedroom window. I hid in her closet across from her bathroom and waited for her to get home.

EVANORA

After lunch, the day flew by. I called for a messenger to come pick up the pastries and deliver them to the precinct in my neighborhood. I wrote a note letting them know who I was and saying thank you for their service. I signed my name and attached Ryan's business card. I spent the rest of the afternoon confirming reservations with the hotel, car rental , and restaurants in Italy. I started going over the blueprints and specs afterwards. I took the liberty of going over numbers and doing a bit of research making sure that it was a good deal. The asking price was on the high end so I looked up other commercial properties in other cities that were priced around the same amount and printed them out. Maggs came over to say goodnight and congratulated me again on a job well done. She waved to Ryan and was out the door. I checked my watch. 'I can't believe it's six already.' I opened up Ryan's schedule to see what's on the agenda for tomorrow. I felt his eyes on me but I didn't turn around. I took note of the things I could help with and things he needed to wrap up before we left. He cracked the door to his office and called out, "Eva, could you bring me the specs and blueprints?" He asked and went back behind his desk.

I walked in and handed him the folder. "Did you go over the specs?", he asked, taking the folder. "Yes, I did.", I nodded once. "Did you understand it all?" He asked, flipping through the papers. "Yes", I replied. "And what do you think?", he asked. I bit my lip and moved to the front of his desk opposite of him "Well..." I hesitated twisting my fingers, "I think the asking price is too high especially for the amount of renovations that would need to be done." He nodded, looked me in the eye "What would you suggest?" I twisted my fingers and said, "Italy Is known for fashion, food, wine and its scenic beauty. Depending on the amount of employees you have or the amount of space that you would need, there are several other options that I believe would be great for your European headquarters. They would cost less to purchase and renovate. Also, a few of the properties have extra space on the land. You could build villas or a helipad and it would still come out cheaper than buying the first property. A couple of the properties have beautiful scenery as well." He looked at me thoughtfully and asked, "Any pros for the original property?" I took a breath and said "Well, the location is good for foot traffic being that it's close to the center of Milan. You could downsize the lobby and renovate to create boutique store fronts to rent out. Being that it's in a metropolitan area it would be easy to entertain visiting clients." He smiled, "Those are all very good points. You definitely do have more to learn but I can tell you pick up on things quickly." I smiled back.

"May I ask you a personal question?" he asked, rising from his desk. I nodded as he came closer. "Your Birthday falls during the trip. Do you want to stay behind so you can celebrate with your friends and family?", he asked. I hung my head. I didn't want to see a look of pity when I answered. "My adoptive parents died when I was 18. I don't have any siblings and things between me and my friends are... complicated.", I said softly. He stepped closer, gently pinched my chin between his thumb and index finger and lifted my head to meet his gaze. "Are you okay?", he asked. I looked in his eyes and didn't see pity but a type of longing. "Yes", I said. He dropped his hand and put it in his pocket. "One more personal question. Why did you move so far from your hometown?", he asked. I paused trying to think of a roundabout answer. A truthful answer without mentioning Thomas. "The truth", he said, seeing the wheels turning in my mind. I took a deep breath and said, "Two reasons. The sweet memories I have from growing up there turned bitter the last few years and I have a stalker ex." He became visibly tense. "What's his name?", he asked with a low growl. It was incredibly scary and incredibly hot at the same time. "Honestly, I don't want to tell you only because I haven't spoken his name in months. I don't want to bring that energy into my new life.", I said. I could tell he didn't like my response because he folded his arms across his chest. 'Is he pouting?' I asked myself. "I promise to tell you if something happens but I'd rather not speak him into existence." He nodded in understanding. He stepped closer and took my hands off my arms (I didn't even notice that I was holding myself) and wrapped his hands over mine. There goes that tingling sensation again. "I hope that in time you'll feel comfortable talking about it with me. You're a long way from home and I can't imagine what happened to make you leave. But I want you to know that you're safe here and if there's anything that I can do to help, Evanora, please let me know." He wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled me into a hug. I inhaled deeply. The scent of mint and fresh cut grass filled my nose and I relaxed. After a few moments I pulled back. I was getting dizzy breathing him in.

We sat down and talked about his schedule for tomorrow and what I needed to take care of. Once we made our respective to do lists, we packed our things and headed down to the garage. Paul was standing next to the SUV with his hands behind his back. "Good evening, sis.", he chuckled. I smiled and asked "Sup bro? How was your day?" He smiled widely and said, "Good. About to head home and watch some anime." I replied, "I love anime. My favorite one right now is about a bunch of teens going to a prestigious cooking school in Japan." He nodded and said "I saw that one. It's good. Right now, I'm watching one where this kid and his sister become a hunter team and they chase down demons." I nodded, "Cool. Text me the title I'll check it out.", I said. Ryan stood back not saying a word just watching us interact. "Will do. You want a ride? Your house is on our way home.", said Paul. "Thanks bro, but my car is right there. I can drive.", I said. He looked a little disappointed. "Ok. Get home safe. Let us know when you get in.", said Paul. I smiled warmly. He really does feel like a big brother. "Ok. I will. Goodnight.", I said waving to both of them. "Goodnight.", they both said in unison. I hopped in my car and drove off.

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I found a parking spot that was closer to my house than where I was parked this morning. I gathered my things, got out and locked the car. I was looking for the front door key when I noticed green and black confetti on the ground. I froze. My eyes followed the trail of confetti to my front door. Sitting on the top step was a brown teddy bear wearing a black cape and a gold crown. Terror took over my whole body. I looked around and didn't see anyone. I dashed to the front door. I unlocked it quickly and locked it behind me. I repeated the steps with my apartment door. I turned and pressed my back on the door while taking out my phone. My fingers fumbled over the screen of my phone in an attempt to call Ryan. As the line rang, I turned on the lights, ran to the kitchen and pulled out my meat cleaver. I held it in front of me looking around. The kitchen, dining area and living room are one big room (open floor plan) so there's nowhere to hide. Ryan answered " Hey Eva. What's up?" In panicked hushed tones I said "He found me! He was here!" Ryan said in a calm tone. "I'm on my way. Is there a room with a lock?" He asked. " The bathroom.", I responded. "Go in there and lock the door. If there's a window in there, lock it. Take a weapon and sit with your back against a solid wall. Stay on the phone but don't talk." I heard him tell Paul to take him to my house. It's an emergency. I heard Paul mumble something. "We'll be there in five minutes. Stay on the phone Eva." I ran to the bathroom and locked the door and window. I got in the tub and stayed quiet listening. Aside from my heavy breathing, it was quiet. "Two minutes. Stay where you are. I'll break down the doors when I get there. Don't move." My breathing slowed. Suddenly, I heard my closet door outside the bathroom creek open. "He's in my apartment.", I whispered. "Hurry!" he yelled at Paul. Nails dragged along the bathroom door making a haunting sound. My whole body shook. The doorknob popped out of place and fell to the floor then the door banged open. Slow steps sounded in the bathroom. I gripped the clever tightly. The steps stopped in front of me. I held my breath. The shower curtain was thrown back. "There you are!", said Thomas. His features were changed. He had claws and a snout. "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH", I screamed in terror. I swung the clever hitting his thigh. Blood sprayed on the walls, toilet and shower curtain. He roared and slapped me. I was instantly dazed and seeing bright spots of light. He yanked the deeply embedded clever out of his thigh and tossed it aside. He bent over the tub wrapping his gnarly hand around my neck and lifted me out of the tub. I whimpered and pleaded in a small voice., "No, Thomas. Stop, please... just leave me alone." He tossed me into the closet door in the halway and I felt my shoulder pop on impact. I fell to the floor and screamed from the rush of pain. Thomas grabbed me by the hair and dragged me to my bedroom. He stopped in the middle of my room and hovered above me. He smelled of rotting meat and damp woods. I gagged at the stench. Thomas leaned in closer. Staring me in my eyes, he said in a monstrous way, " If I can't have you, no one can." He raised a clawed hand ready to end my life when there was a loud boom. Thomas turned to see my apartment door bang open. He got on all fours, and leapt through the closed window shattering the glass.

Ryan came in and dropped to his knees next to me. Paul raced to the window looking for any sign of Thomas. Ryan checked me for injuries. He picked me up gently and laid me on the bed. "I'll go after him", Paul said. "No! Stay close" Ryan sounds so worried. "Eva? Eva? Can you hear me?", he asked. "Open your eyes lovely." My eyes fluttered open but I was still dazed. "Help me", I muttered. "I'm here. I got you.", he said in a soft voice. Paul went to the kitchen and came back with an ice pack. Ryan placed the ice pack on my cheek. "Talk to me, lovely. You gotta stay focused. Can you hear me?" Ryan asked. I nodded. "Have you started packing?" He asked. I tried to shake my head. "No, no, lovely. Don't move. I need you to use your words." He said. "No. I was going to start packing tonight." I said weakly. My whole body was in agony. I thought I saw his eyes change to white. Now I know I'm not in my right mind. I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. The darkness crept in and everything faded.