Page 41 of Grave Intentions

He’s on his feet now, his face twisting into an ugly sneer. “You don’t get to make decisions like that, Lena. I’m the one in charge here.”

I release a harsh laugh. “In charge? Of what, exactly? My life? My choices? I don’t think so.”

He takes a step towards me, his fists clenching at his sides. “Don’t test me, Lena. You know what happens when you disobey me.”

For a moment, I feel a flicker of fear at his tone. But then I think of Rachel and her friends, the freedom and laughter awaiting me outside these walls.

I straighten my spine, meeting his gaze head-on. “I’m going out, David. And there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

With that, I turn on my heel and march out the door, slamming it behind me. I half-expect him to come storming after me, to drag me back inside and make me pay for my defiance. But there’s no sign of him as I hurry down the stairs and into the cool night air.

I let out a shaky breath, my heart pounding in my chest. I can’t believe I just did that, that I finally stood up to him after all this time. It feels exhilarating, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

As I make my way towards the campus, I feel uneasy. It still feels like there are eyes on me, watching my every move. I glance over my shoulder, but there’s no one there, just the empty street and the distant sound of traffic.

I shake off the feeling, telling myself it’s just my imagination. I’m just paranoid.

A nagging sense of unease persists as I turn the corner and approach the bus stop.

I quicken my pace, my heart hammering in my chest. I can see the bus stop up ahead, the bright lights of the campus beyond. In just a few more steps, I’ll be safe, surrounded by people, noise, and life.

I hurry onto the bus, my heart racing from the confrontation with David. As I sink into a seat near the back, I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm my frayed nerves.

But even as the bus pulls away from the curb, I can’t shake the feeling of unease that’s been following me since I left the apartment.

I glance out the window, my gaze scanning the street outside. At first, I don’t see anything unusual—just the usual mix of pedestrians and traffic, the city’s bright lights blurring together as we speed by.

But then I see him. A dark figure standing to one side of the bus stop, his face obscured by the hood of his jacket. He’s not moving, not even seeming to breathe, just standing there like a statue, his eyes fixed on the bus.

A chill runs down my spine, and I feel a sudden rush of fear, like a cold hand wrapping around my heart. Who is he? What does he want with me?

I try to get a better look at his face, but the bus is moving too fast, and the figure is soon lost in the darkness behind us. I sink back into my seat, my mind racing with possibilities.

Could it be David following me, trying to keep tabs on me even when I’m not with him? Or is it someone else, someone I don’t know, someone with even darker intentions?

I push the thoughts away. I’m being paranoid, I tell myself. It’s just some random guy, probably waiting for the next bus, nothing to worry about.

But even as I try to convince myself, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. Someone is watching me, waiting for the right moment to strike.

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling cold despite the warmth of the bus. I try to focus on the journey ahead, on the night of fun and freedom that awaits me with Rachel and her friends.

But even as I close my eyes and try to relax, I can’t escape the feeling of dread settling in my stomach. Like a storm is coming, and I’m caught in the middle with no way out.

26

TALON

Iwatch Lena intently from the shadows of the dimly lit club, my eyes narrowing beneath the mask obscuring my face. She’s laughing, head thrown back in carefree abandon as her friends surround her, the flashing lights casting her delicate features in a kaleidoscope of colors.

My jaw clenches at the sight of her so unguarded, so vulnerable amidst the throngs of people. Any one of them could be a threat, their wandering gazes lingering too long on the swell of her hips, the curve of her neck. I stay still, resisting the urge to stride across the room and wrap her in my embrace, sheltering her from their prying eyes.

A possessive growl rumbles in my chest as a man approaches her, his hand brushing her arm in a blatant attempt at flirtation. Lena flinches, clearly uncomfortable, but her friend laughs it off, oblivious to the potential danger. I tense, every muscle in my body coiled and ready to strike if he takes one step too far.

But then Lena extracts herself gracefully, politely declining his advances with a shake of her head. Relief washes over me as she moves away, her discomfort evident in the furrow of her brow. She’s stronger than they give her credit for, my fierce little warrior.

Still, I can’t tear my eyes from her, drinking in every subtle movement, every fleeting expression that crosses her lovely face. I’ll keep her safe, no matter what it takes.

The mask concealing my identity is stifling but a necessary precaution. It wouldn’t do for her to recognize me, not yet. Not until I’m ready to reveal the depths of my obsession, to show her how far I’m willing to go to claim her more than just that week we had together. To claim her forever.

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