Forever Watching

Chapter 5: Unseen Threats

Will Moore sat beside Elena on the couch, her trembling hands still clutching the note. The words—You're being watched—echoed in his mind. He forced himself to stay calm, even as his pulse quickened.

"Did you tell anyone else about this?" he asked.

Elena shook her head. "No. I didn't want to involve anyone… I just thought maybe it was a prank, but…" Her voice faltered, and Will could see the fear in her eyes.

"It's not a prank," Will said firmly. "You were right to come to me."

She looked at him then, her expression softening. "Thank you, Will. I feel safer with you here."

The words sent a thrill through him. She needed him. She trusted him. But someone else was in the picture now—someone who had dared to scare her.

He wouldn't allow it.

---

The next morning, Will lingered outside Elena's building, watching as she left for work. She glanced over her shoulder more than once, her movements quick and uneasy. She was scared, and Will hated seeing her like that.

He had to find out who had left the note.

As soon as Elena was out of sight, Will slipped inside the building. The lock on the main door had been easy to pick last night, and now he moved through the hallways like a shadow.

He started with her door. No signs of forced entry. He examined the lock, testing it gently. It was secure. Whoever had left the note had access, but how?

Will's thoughts spiraled. Could it be someone she knew? A coworker? A neighbor?

He needed answers.

---

Later that day, Will returned to the bookstore. Elena was behind the counter, her smile forced but present. She was trying to act normal, but Will could see through it.

"Hey," he said softly, stepping up to her.

"Hi." Her voice wavered slightly.

"Any more notes?"

She shook her head. "No, but I still feel like someone's watching me."

Will leaned closer. "Then let's make sure you're not alone."

Elena blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I can stay with you for a few nights—just until we figure this out. You'll be safer if someone's there."

She hesitated, but then nodded. "I… I think I'd like that."

Relief washed over Will. This was his chance. If he could stay close to her, he could protect her—and make sure no one else got in the way.

---

That night, Will brought a small bag to Elena's apartment. She seemed nervous at first but quickly relaxed as they settled in. They ate takeout on the couch, talking about books and movies, and for a while, it felt normal.

But Will couldn't let himself get distracted.

He waited until Elena fell asleep before moving through her apartment, checking every window and door. He tested the locks, adjusted the curtains, and even checked the vents.

No one was getting in. Not while he was there.

But something nagged at him. The note. It didn't make sense. How had someone gotten so close without him noticing?

He returned to the living room, his eyes scanning the space. Then he saw it—just barely peeking out from under the couch.

A corner of paper.

Will's heart pounded as he knelt to pick it up. Another note.

You can't protect her.

His breath caught, and for the first time, fear crept into his thoughts.

Someone was watching. Someone knew.

But who?

He shoved the note into his pocket, his mind racing. No one would take her from him. No one.

He would find them.

And when he did, he wouldn't stop until they were gone.