Page 11 of The Stalking King

I have friends… technically. But after saying no dozens of times to their plans, it feels like they’re asking me out of obligation now. I can’t blame them. I’m at the hospital more than I’m at home.

“Try to get some sleep,” Joel says as I leave the hospital the next day, a big smile on his face. It seems forced, his eyes filled with a plea. Let’s just pretend everything is normal…

“I’ll do my best,” I say, with a weak smile of my own.

Instead of walking to my car, I decide to head across the street and walk through the park. The sun has already set. It’s peaceful. I wonder what it would be like to have a dog. Evan was talking about getting one toward the end.

I walk to the pond, looking down at the stars and moonlight reflected in it. They’re beautiful. I imagine an arm wrapped around me, pulling me close, as we take in this scene together.

I know what I’m doing. Romanticizing a stranger because it’s easier than dealing with the cold reality of what dating would feel like. I cringe at the thought of sitting opposite a man, trying to make myself sound interesting. Work, work, work—and do you have any hobbies? Sometimes, I buy my mom some groceries… then the light would fade from their eyes.

This is all moot. I don’t want to date. I just want… something, a connection, a chance to feel normal.

My phone vibrates in my pocket.

Unknown: Don’t move.

I freeze, biting down. My chest goes tight as my heart hammers. I’ve got an idea who this is, obviously. It could be the pale man who threatened Joel’s family.

Lia: Why?

I glance over my shoulder. I don’t see anybody.

Unknown: You’re in danger. Someone’s following you.

Lia: How do you know that?

Unknown: Because I’m following you too.

I grip the railing that surrounds the pond, holding it tightly, the metal biting into my hands.

Turning, I think about running back to my car. Then my phone vibrates again.

Unknown: If you run now, they’ll know you’re suspicious. Walk calmly through the park and toward the parking lot. I swear, Lia, I won’t let anyone hurt you.

Lia: Maksim?

I'm hoping it’s him. But he asked for my number. Did he get it somehow anyway? He obviously has power and connections.

Lia: Is this you?

Unknown: Just do as I say.

If it is him, maybe he can’t admit it over the phone.

Unknown: I’ve given you my word.

Fear grips me. Life has been stressful enough without adding shadowy attackers to the mix. I start to walk, my legs shaky. But I don’t want to let it show. I try to look relaxed, like this is just any other evening.

Lia: I need to know who you are. You could be tricking me.

Unknown: I’m someone who admires your fire, Lia.

He, I realize… that’s an assumption.

Unknown: I admire your ability to stare down scary men and show no fear. Do that now.

If this is Maksim, those words mean a lot to me. A shiver runs down my body.