Page 4 of Griffin

The messages had started to feel like a shadow—something constantly lurking just out of sight, knowing more about me than I’d ever willingly shared.

And then finally, there was that message I had gotten a few months ago.

“I can’t wait to finally meet you at GamesCon.”

Since stepping into the hall on day one, I hadn’t been able to shake the uneasy feeling.

I kept wondering if they had already approached me.

Had they been one of the dozens who’d asked for pictures? Or worse—were they just lurking, watching from a distance?

For a moment back there, I’d even wondered if it had been Shawn all along.

Honestly, that would’ve been a relief. With him, it would have just been a prank.

But deep down, I knew it wasn’t Shawn. I had absolutely no idea who they were or where they were now.

I scrubbed harder at the mustard stain, almost like I could scrub away the nerves too. But the mark only seemed to spread, as did the tight knot in my chest.

I let out a breath, trying to calm myself, before glancing over at Todd.

“Do I still have anything on for tonight?” I asked, my voice a little strained.

Todd scrolled through his phone. “Just a party with some other gamers. Some networking thing.”

I must’ve made a face because Todd quickly added, “But I’m sure I can get you out of it.”

I exhaled, grateful for Todd’s support. Honestly, I didn’t know what I’d do without him. “Thanks.”

Todd glanced at me, his eyes knowing. “Still worried they’re here?”

“Who?” I tried to sound casual.

“Your stalker,” he replied, not missing a beat.

I wasn’t surprised Todd knew exactly what I was thinking. We’d known each other for years, best friends since college.

He’d been there from the start, helping me when I first began streaming video games, and then became my official manager when my channel took off a little over a year ago.

It was like he’d hired himself, insisting, “You probably can’t handle this without me.” And honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

I shrugged, not wanting to worry him. “Maybe... but I could be overreacting. I don’t think they’re here.”

I didn’t mention how I’d been on edge for months, ever since that creepy message.

I tried to shake it off. “I’m just tired. I need a break, you know? Take a walk, eat something that isn’t filled with sugar. Breathe in air that a thousand other people haven’t already exhaled.”

Todd laughed. “Alright, alright. Where do you want to eat? I think I can still book us a place?—”

“No, that’s fine,” I interrupted, unsure how to ask for some space without sounding ungrateful. “Why don’t you take the night off too?”

He hesitated. “But what if the stalker?—”

“I can handle it. Don’t worry about me,” I said, forcing a smile. “Like I said, I don’t think they’re here. My spider senses aren’t tingling.”

He gave me a skeptical look. “Well, I am a shifter, you know. You need me around.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “Didn’t you always say you’re just, like, one percent shifter?”

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