Page 88 of Unsealing Her Fate

This level of fear is deeper than anything I’ve felt before. It’s terrifying, and he seems to enjoy the chase. He calls out taunts like, “It’s going to be so much sweeter when I finally catch you, love!”

I duck behind a tree and try to catch my breath. It feels like I’ve been running for miles, but I have to keep going.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” he singsongs in a sickeningly sweet voice that’s quickly followed by a maniacal laugh.

How in the ever-living fuck did I once love this man?

I take off again, running faster and harder as I duck between trees, trying to stay as quiet as I can. A clearing lies just ahead of me, and I see a house as well.Only a little longer. If I can just get there in time.

Suddenly, the breath is knocked from my lungs by a powerful punch to my back. My arms flail in the air as I try to find something to save me. Failing, I hit the ground with a deafening crack, and pain explodes in my head when it connects with a large rock.

My vision spins, and I can’t focus enough to even try to get up before heavy weight presses me hard against the ground. I can’t breathe! Oh, God. I can’t breathe!

I feel hot, sticky breath at my ear just before he whispers, “Gotcha.”

My stomach churns as both the pain and the disgust I feel for him being on top of me combines to attempt overpowering what little control I have to hold back from purging.

I look over and find a pair of beautiful, piercing blue eyes staring back at me. A smile curves his lips as his hand reaches out for me. Peace engulfs me at the sight of him. I reach out to him, calling his name. “Jack!” It’s the last thing that passes my lips before it all goes dark.

I jolt awake, my heart bursting from my chest. Where am I? My eyes dart around the room. I frantically feel around my face and head, pulling my hands back to check for blood. There’s nothing. Relief swallows me as I collapse back against the bed.

It was just a nightmare. You’re safe.

After a few moments, I sit up and take deep, slow breaths to calm my racing heart. It takes several minutes to finally come back to the present, to realize I’m safe in my apartment.

It looks to be mid-afternoon from the angle the sun shines through the window. I’m covered in sweat, and the sheets on the bed came loose at some point and are hazardously thrown about.

I untangle my legs and throw them over the side. I put my head between my legs, pulling in deep, cleansing breaths. My body is starting to understand what my brain is trying to tell it. That it was a nightmare. That there is no real danger. But it certainlyfeltreal.

I swipe at my neck where I can still feel his breath as he whispers in my ear. I can still taste the terror in the air.

That was too much. I shudder at the thought of Christopher finding me. A chill against my cheeks causes me to lift my hand to wipe at them. I quickly discover the wetness from real tears I must have cried while asleep. I wipe them away, the chill disappearing from my skin. I stand on surprisingly shaky, aching legs and stretch them before heading to the bathroom. I need a long, hot shower to clear the fog and fear from my mind.

The shower helps some, but I still can’t shake the dream. I walk out with a towel around my body and one wrapped around my hair. A knock at the door catches me off guard, and I scramble over to the closet to get something on in case it’s Jack.

My heart jumps at the thought of him. His eyes were the last thing I saw in my dream. I felt a tangible pain at the thought of never seeing him again. My eyes go wide with that realization. When the hell did that happen? I barely know him.

A more impatient knock comes, followed by a familiar voice. “What the hell are you doing in there, bestie? I can see you from here, and I don’t care that you’re only in a towel! Come open the door! It’s freezing out here!” Charlie calls rather loudly.

A deep sigh escapes me. I’m so relieved it’s just her.

I go open the door before I finish getting clothes on. I still have a towel around my body, but I managed to throw on some joggers.

“Hey, girl. Surprising me again, I see. Come in.” I gesture with my hand to show off the room. “Tada!”

Charlie laughs as she looks around. “I like it!”

She has a pizza box in one hand and a paper bag in the other, so I quickly take the box and put it on the table while she sets the bag next to it.

“Let me throw on a shirt really quick. I just got out of the shower.”

I walk over to the closet and grab a pull-over sweater before ducking into the bathroom to put it on. After I sling my wet hair up into a bun, I get some cozy socks.There. That’s better.

I’ve picked up a few more items of clothing here and there. I chose comfort over style, which was a first for me. The oversized sweater is a blue that reminded me of a certain someone’s eyes. A girl can still fantasize even if it can’t happen.

“I’ve spent all my free time with Levi and realized I’m neglecting my bestie. So, I come bearing food and wine!” She grabs a piece of pizza and digs in.

My stomach grumbles as soon as I see the pizza. It’s afternoon now, and I haven’t eaten all day. I grab glasses for the wine and pour us both one so we can properly dig in.

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