Page 30 of Dark Obsession

"Alright, alright. Message received."

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms with a playful smirk.

“May I be excused now, my dear brothers?” I ask, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Luk raises an eyebrow but says, “Sure.”

Lev chimes in, “You know this is all because we love you, Elena. We just want to keep you out of harm’s way.”

“I know,” I say, softening a bit. As much as their overprotectiveness drives me crazy, I get it. They care. "I understand."

I stand up, then ask, “When are Maura and Michael getting back from New York?”

“This weekend,” Luk replies, watching me closely. “Michael’s been asking about you.”

“Can’t wait to see the little guy. Later, boys.”

I make my way upstairs, my thoughts already drifting back to Grigori. As soon as I reach my room, I pull out the new phone, my fingers moving fast as I scroll through my contacts until I find his number. I hit call.

No answer.

A flicker of disappointment settles in my chest. I send him a text.

Where are you?

No response.

I bite my lip, pacing around the room. I hate this, feeling restless, not knowing where he is or what he’s doing. He better not be ghosting me again, not after everything that’s happened. I can't shake the feeling that something’s off.

Needing to clear my head, I decide I need to get some fresh air. I shoot a quick text to Luk.

I’m going for a walk.

He responds almost instantly.

You know the drill.

I roll my eyes at the mention of drill—he means bodyguards. Of course.

Luk sends another message.

And no running off this time unless you want Alexei to drag you back by the scruff of your neck again.

I roll my eyes yet again as I type.

Ha, ha. Fine.

I glance out the window at another gray, dreary fall day. Chicago's skies are always overcast like this in autumn, like it’s always about to rain. I throw on a sweater and boots, then head downstairs, feeling the familiar weight of frustration on my chest.

I need this walk more than I realized.

Two of my bodyguards are already waiting by the door, stone-faced and stoic as ever. I raise an eyebrow. “Morning, gentlemen. Ready to get in our steps?”

Neither of them cracks a smile.

“Tough crowd,” I mutter.

We head out, the cool autumn air hitting me as we cross the massive driveway toward the gate. The leaves are already turning; a few scatter across the sidewalk. Once we’re outside the compound, the tension eases a little. It’s not like I can go anywhere without them breathing down my neck, but at least it’s better than being cooped up inside.

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