Unmasked (King Morine #4)

14. Mallory

CHAPTER 14

Mallory

T he warmth of the sunlight cannot penetrate the perpetual chill that permeates my body as I walk to class. It sunk its claws so deeply into my skin that I’m not sure it’ll ever leave.

My gaze darts around as I walk, feeling paranoid as I wonder if the masked man lurks around, watching me.

I make it to my first class without incident. My skin is clammy as I sink into the chair, my gaze darting to the window. No one is lurking, staring at me through the glass.

While I unload the class materials from my backpack, my phone beeps with a text. I freeze, the coldness in my limbs accelerating.

I grab my phone and look at it, relieved to see a text from Mandy asking how I’m feeling. With a smile tugging at the corners of my lips, I respond. I don’t tell her about the mark on my breast, embarrassed since I hardly know her.

While opening my laptop screen, my phone beeps again. I assume it’s Mandy responding, but my heart stutters when I realize it’s not.

UNKNOWN: Did you sleep well, little prey?

Irrational wrath swirls through my veins, temporarily masking my fear. My fingers pound against the screen, angrily responding.

ME: Who the fuck are you and why are you doing this to me?

UNKNOWN: Doing what? Conversing with the woman who belongs to me.

ME: I don’t belong to you or anyone, you presumptuous ass!

UNKNOWN: Oh, but you do, Mallory. You’re mine. Even if you don’t know it yet.

ME: Leave me alone! Find someone else to stalk.

UNKNOWN: I’m afraid I can’t do that, little prey. You’re carved into the crevices of my dark heart. Ingrained in the fabric of my soul.

ME: You’re a delusional psychopath who needs help. Seek it and leave me the hell alone.

UNKNOWN: Tsk, tsk. It’s not nice calling me names when you don’t know who I am. We’ll rectify that problem. Soon, you’ll be screaming it.

ME: Are you threatening me?

UNKNOWN: Oh, sweet little prey. That’s not a threat but a promise.

I shiver from his message. Looking up from my phone, I slowly scan everyone in the classroom. No one is paying me any attention, so it seems unlikely my stalker is in my class.

My gaze moves to the window and then to the open door, but there’s no one there.

ME: LEAVE ME ALONE!

My breath rasps from my lungs. Just block his number.

My fingers hover over the screen, but another message comes through before I do.

UNKNOWN: Don’t block me, Mallory. I can easily get around it. You can block every number I use, but it still won’t keep me away from you. Nothing will. We belong together.

My hands shake like a leaf, dropping my phone on the desk. I bite my lip, fighting for control. This stalking nonsense is bringing the control issues I experienced while living with my parents to the surface.

Clenching my hands into fists, I try and fail to prevent the anxiety from washing over me. It’s too much. I’m careening out of control, my body under siege.

My phone beeps again. I have no idea why I look at it, but I do.

UNKNOWN: Breathe in and out, slow and steady. I’m with you, little prey. Look outside the window at the lush green campus. The way the sun enhances its beauty .

My brows furrow, yet I follow his instructions.

After a few minutes, the shakiness subsides, and the feeling of being out of control is almost gone.

UNKNOWN: Good girl. I only want to take care of you. Make you happy, confident, and secure.

I stare at his message, biting my lip. What he did was creepy yet sweet.

ME: Thank you for helping me.

UNKNOWN: You’re welcome. Focus on class. We’ll talk later.

I blink at the message, unable to believe what I’m reading. I have whiplash from him shifting from possessive to caring.

He doesn’t know me. How can he care about me?

Taking a deep breath, I hold it for a count of five before slowly releasing it.

I won’t think about the fact that he’s watching me. How else would he see me spiraling?

And why can’t I see him?