As I stare into the backyard, it looks as though the shadows move. They creep closer to the house, tree branches snaking toward me, sliding under the door. I blink a few times, aware that I’m having another episode, trying to steady my breathing.

But when I think I see a pair of eyes on the other side of the window, I can’t take it anymore and reach for my cell phone, calling the one person who makes me feel safe.

19 | Plunge

Darkness has completely fallen by the time a car pulls up outside of the house.

I stick close to the wall, peering through the sheer curtain into the outside world and squinting at the brightness of the headlights. The car door clicks open before slamming shut again, and Scout trots over to the window, placing her paws on the sill and standing at attention. There’s a knock on the door, and my heart kicks into gear.

I scramble to unlock it, clumsily twisting the doorknob and pulling it open.

Mason stands in the entryway, his hair tousled, cheeks slightly flushed. Scout simply watches him, proving to be useless as a guard dog. I allow him into the house, catching a hint of cologne as he moves past me.

“Thanks for coming,” I say, feeling entirely embarrassed.

He steps inside, scanning the room and peering into the kitchen. I close the front door, making sure to lock it once more before trailing after him.

“Where did you say you saw something?”

I look at the French doors leading to the backyard. “There,” I say, gesturing to them with my chin, cheeks warming as I fidget. “It was probably nothing, though.”

Mason takes my words seriously, glancing over his shoulder. “Wait here. I’ll check it out.”

He pulls the door open and disappears into the backyard. My pulse races the whole time he’s away, and I have to resist the temptation to go outside with him. Even if it means stepping into the potential line of fire, I’d rather not be alone.

When he returns, I let out a subtle exhale of relief. He shakes his head.

“I didn’t see anything,” he remarks. “But we should keep the doors locked.”

I move past him to lock the French doors, testing them to make sure they’re fastened shut, before slowly turning around to face him again with a grimace.

“This is so stupid,” I say. “I feel like an idiot for making you come here. It’s just that Sofia and Audrey both left—”

“Alina, I don’t mind. Seriously. You shouldn’t have to be alone.”

My heart thrums rapidly in my chest, though I’m starting to feel like it has less to do with whatever might be outside my house and more to do with who’s currently inside of it.

“Can I get you anything?” I ask, trying to break through the awkwardness.