obsessively mine

HIM(2)

I stormed down the hallway, each step dragging me deeper into a mire of guilt and regret. Stacey's words cut deeper than any blow, searing through me like acid. How had it come to this—her lying there, broken, all because I'd failed to protect her from the world... or from myself?

Behind me, Marco scrambled to keep up, his breath ragged, his face flushed from where I'd slammed him against the wall. "Sir, please..." His voice was unsteady, rough. "I—I never meant for any of this to happen."

I stopped cold, fists clenching at my sides. "Then tell me," I demanded, my voice low and edged with ice. "Who gave you the order to pull that trigger? Because I sure as hell didn't."

He swallowed, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It was... it was my mistake. I thought she was going to hurt you, sir." His eyes lifted, desperate, searching mine, but all I felt was anger churning beneath the surface. "I thought if I stopped her—"

"You thought?" I cut him off, my tone sharp. "Your job isn't to think, Marco. It's to follow orders."

The tension between us was suffocating, the silence thick and oppressive. I could see the regret gnawing at him, but it did little to cool the fury boiling within me. Marco had always been loyal, reckless at times, yes, but never disloyal. Yet this time, his actions had cost far too much.

"Go home," I muttered, voice rough with exhaustion. "This is your last warning. Disobey me again, and you won't get another chance."

"Yes, sir." His words barely registered, a faint whisper as he nodded and slinked away, disappearing around the corner without another word. At least he knew when to back off.

Alone in the empty hallway, I was haunted by the memory of Stacey lying fragile and still in that hospital bed. I'd fought so hard to keep her close, yet here she was, shattered because of me.

She knows. Alfred's words echoed through my mind, reminding me of the secrets I'd kept from her, secrets I had sworn never to reveal. And she was right; if she knew the full truth, she'd never trust me again—not after this.

I took a deep breath, pushed off the wall, and made my way to the exit. She needed space, and until she was ready, I'd stay out of sight. If she ever wanted to see me again, that was.

Outside, the cool night air did little to quell the storm raging within. Marco pulled up, and I climbed into the car, silence filling the drive back to the mansion. Once inside, I barely acknowledged anyone as I shut myself in my room. Changing into something more comfortable, I lay on the bed, exhausted but unable to rest, my mind replaying the past month like a haunting, broken record.

The Next Morning

I sat at the dining table, lost in thought, barely registering the untouched breakfast in front of me. A voice cut through the silence.

"Long time no see... my mate."

Startled, I looked up to see Jared leaning against the doorway, a smirk on his face. My best friend, back after what felt like a lifetime. Relief surged through me as I stood, crossing the room to pull him into a fierce hug.

"Hey, man... I missed you," I said, my voice rougher than I intended. "Where've you been?"

He clapped me on the back, grinning. "I'm here now—and I missed you too. Thought I'd drop in, see how my old friend's holding up."

We broke the hug, and for the first time in weeks, I felt the weight on my chest lighten.