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“She’s right.” All of our heads snap toward where Hunter is standing against the wall by the door. This is the first time he’s said anything, or even really acknowledged us since they all arrived. He filed in behind Alec and Tanner, took the spot by the door, and remained silent.
“The smallest thing can set a stalker off. For all we know it’s someone she held the door open for at the grocery store and nothing more.”
That sentence alone is the most I’ve ever heard him speak, and the more I hear it, the sexier his voice gets. I internally shake my head, because now is not the time for me to be thinking about Hunter like that. I look back toward Alec and it’s as if his entire body deflates.
“You’re right.” I hold back the temptation to stick my tongue out at my brother, and instead just lean back against the couch in defeat while Alec keeps talking. “Of course, that doesn’t help us at all with how to handle this.”
“I’ll dust it for prints, see what we can find.” Tanner says. “Then we’ll go from there.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” Alec says. “Go pack a bag, Anya. We’ll wait.” I stare at my brother, not even bothering to hide my confusion.
“Why would I need to pack a bag?” He looks at me like I’m a complete moron and not someone who got into college and law school on multiple academic scholarships.
“Because you’re coming with us.” Something surges through me, and I stand hastily from the couch, trying to ignore the slight dizziness I feel from three too many margaritas.
“I am not staying with you, Alec. I’m a grown-ass adult.” My eyes narrow and I watch as my brother pulls in deep breath and tries to let it out slowly. If there’s one thing Alec and I have in common, it’s our short fuses.
We stare at each other, neither one of us willing to budge on the matter. I love my brother, but I swear sometimes he still views me as the little kid he has to protect from the bullies on the playground.
“Anya,” Willow says softly, stepping forward. “Just come for the night, please? We can work everything out tomorrow once we get some sleep and have a clearer head.”
I look at my best friend, really taking a moment to study her. I just now notice the way her eyes are slightly glassy, and her face has paled some. Seeing that note on the door, clearly intended for me, was terrifying. But I didn’t even stop to think about how it affected Willow. Sure, she’s not necessarily scared for herself, but after everything we went through, she still worries about me more than necessary.
I let out a low huff and slump shoulders. Of all the people in the world, Willow really is the only one that can get me to give in to something so easily.
“Fine.” I walk to my bedroom in order to grab a change of clothes and my essentials. I purposely make sure not to grab more than enough for one night because I absolutely will not be staying with Alec longer than necessary.
* * *
I slept like crap last night.Every time I would actually manage to fall asleep, the image of that creepy ass note stuck to my door with a knife would pop in my head and my eyes would fly open. I tried to play it off like it was fine, like I was fine. But in reality, I was so damn terrified. I kept having to remind myself that I’m okay, that I’m not even in my own apartment. I’m too stubborn to give in and admit that I probably should stay with Alec, but I think it was a good idea for me to at least get away from my place for the night. Not that it affected my sleep at all. I finally managed to get more than twenty minutes around four in the morning, but next thing I knew the sun was shining, much too brightly, into the room and woke me up around seven-thirty. I’m just thankful I don’t have any appointments today, so I can get some rest.
I slowly climb out of bed, going straight to the bathroom to clean up and get dressed. I try not to think too hard about everything that went down last night because if I do, I might start freaking out again.
Once I feel presentable, I grab the small bag I packed last night and head downstairs. Willow and Alec are standing in the kitchen, he’s leaning against the counter and she’s standing between his legs as they talk in hushed tones.
“Morning.” I grumble and set my bag on the floor in the corner as they both turn to look at me.
“Good morning!” Willow’s bright voice filters through the kitchen. “How’d you sleep?”
“Fine.” Without saying anything else, she grabs a mug down from the cupboard and pours me a cup of coffee, which I greedily take and practically swallow down in one gulp.
“So, who’s going to take me home?” Alec opens his mouth to say something, but we’re both distracted by the sound of heavy footsteps entering the kitchen and I turn to find Hunter standing in the entryway.
“Hey, did you sleep here last night?” Alec asks. I know that Hunter has his own house down the street, but all the guys have a room here for one reason or another.
“Yeah.” His voice is gruff and to the point as he walks further into the kitchen, giving me a wide berth, and grabs some coffee for himself.
Alec doesn’t question him any further, so I assume it’s not all that uncommon for him to crash here sometimes. As usual, once Hunter has his drink, he walks over and stands against the wall. He doesn’t say anything else, but it’s obvious that he’s attuned to what’s happening.
“I don’t think you should go home,” Alec says, and my attention snaps right back to him.
“I’m not staying here, Alec. I have work, and other things I have to do.” He opens his mouth to say something else, but I cut him off. “I know you’re worried, but I don’t want to stay here. I want to sleep in my own bed. Besides, for all we know, it was a one-time thing. It may never even happen again.” I’m grateful for the mug in my hands because it’s really the only thing stopping me from punching my brother in the face when he gives me a look like I’m a petulant child.
“What if instead of Anya staying with us, someone stayed with her?” Alec’s head turns so fast toward Willow, I’m surprised he doesn’t break his neck.
“You aren’t fucking staying with her alone!” His voice is menacing, but as usual, Willow’s completely unaffected by it. She just shakes her head gently and steps closer to her boyfriend.
“I didn’t mean me.” Now Alec and I are both confused. I study my best friend, trying to figure out where she’s going with this. It isn’t until her eyes subtly move over toward the entryway that it all clicks in place. This is where my alcohol induced, hungover brain is not my friend, because even though I know what’s about to happen, my mind is too slow to say something to stop it. Before I can even focus my train of thought, Willow speaks up again.
