We ended the call and I slumped onto the sofa. It wasn’t as comfortable as the one in the private living area. I squeezed my eyes shut, then opened them again, reluctant to leave myself vulnerable for even a few seconds. That creeping sensation of eyes on me hadn’t gone anywhere. It would be great to call Gray and talk it over. He’d understand in a way others didn’t, having been stalked himself. But he’d be enjoying his first Christmas with Mikayla, and I didn’t want to ruin yet another person’s holiday festivities. It could wait until later.

I rubbed my temples, wishing the throbbing behind them would fade. I knew I probably only had a few more minutes before either Grace or Desdemona came to check on me, but I was stuck in this strange mental space of wanting quiet and solitude yet needing to not be alone.

In my hand, my phone rang.

Jeff calling back? Or Nate, perhaps?

But no, it was Blair. Had he grown a sixth sense for when I was in trouble? Considering our bond, it didn’t seem out of the realm of possibility.

“Happy Christmas Eve,” I said when I answered.

“Merry Christmas,” he responded automatically. “Is everything okay?”

I hesitated, wondering whether to be truthful with him. I didn’t want to lie, but I’d hate for him to spend the night worrying about me. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Because I got a message from Liam on social media suggesting I get in touch with you.”

“Oh.” Hope fluttered in my belly. Liam cared about me enough to reach out to my brother and make sure I had the support I needed. That must mean something, right? “That’s surprising.”

He snorted. “Tell me about it. So, what’s up?”

I debated whether to be honest and decided he deserved the truth. “I received a gift from the stalker.”

“Shit. Does that mean they’re definitely in Destiny Falls?”

“I’m not sure. A courier could have delivered it.”

“Still.” He sounded tense. “That’s serious, Kenz. What did he send you?”

“I know it’s serious.” My heart was heavy. “Nothing dangerous or threatening, but it was still disturbing.”

“I’ll say. Why didn’t you call me?”

“The police were here, and I only just got off the phone with Jeff from the security company.”

“The police?” He was quiet for a moment. “I’m not gonna lie—what you’re saying doesn’t sound good. Are you sure you shouldn’t come home?”

There it was. I’d been expecting it.