Whispers of Hollowbrooks

Chapter 5: Whispers in the Dark

Ethan

Having Adeline back in my life was nothing short of a miracle. Over the past month, she had brought the sunlight back into my world, and I wasn't about to let it fade again. We'd gone from texting and phone calls to seeing each other almost every night. When she worked late at the inn, I'd wait for her to lock up and make sure she got home safely. Something about knowing she was secure calmed the beast inside me, especially as the tension in town grew with the killer still on the loose.

Three murders and we were no closer to answers. No leads, no solid evidence—just whispers about a man in black riding a white horse with no head. The rumors were unsettling, especially with the Fall Festival a few weeks away. The legend of the Headless Horseman had resurfaced, and the town was buzzing with superstitions. As one of the founding families, my bloodline took the myth with a grain of salt, but for Adeline's family, it was different. People had whispered for years that her family was cursed, some even blaming them for her father's death.

Despite that, Addy faced it all with a smile, usually wearing some fall-themed outfit that made her stand out even more. She was stronger than she let on, and the more time I spent with her, the more my feelings grew. The shy, quirky girl from high school had become a confident, stubborn woman who gave her heart to everyone who needed it. And every day it got harder to keep my feelings in check.

As I packed up my things for the night, I sent Addy a quick text: "Be home soon." I wasn't sure when I'd started thinking of her place as "home," but her inn had become a refuge for me. It felt more like home than the house I grew up in. Even Beast loved it there, spoiled by the attention and affection she showered on him.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose, memories creeping in like they always did. The guilt I carried from the war was still there, though spending time with Addy made it more bearable. She brought peace to the chaos in my mind. I was supposed to be seeing a therapist, but I'd avoided it for months. I didn't want to talk about what happened, didn't want to admit that I had failed my troops. Everyone told me I was lucky to be alive, but I didn't feel lucky. The only thing I felt lucky about was having Addy back in my life.

The line between friendship and something more was getting blurrier every day. I was fighting to keep it clear, but every time I saw her smile or heard her laugh, I wanted to forget the line altogether. I couldn't risk hurting her again, though. I'd already messed up once, and I couldn't lose her. Not again.

But then again, the possessive side of me—the beast inside—wanted to claim her, make sure everyone in town knew she was mine. I'd been good about keeping that part of me locked away, but Addy made it harder and harder. Every time I heard someone mention her, I had to bite back the urge to tell them she was off the market.

My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Before I could answer, Katherine Van Bruse walked in, carrying a tray of something. She was dressed like she'd walked straight out of a Pinterest board—ripped black jeans, heels, and a trendy jacket. It didn't surprise me. Katherine had always been like that, ever since high school.

"Sheiff! Oh good, you're still here. Your front desk guy said you might've left," she said, smiling as she set down a plate of fall-themed cookies.

I tensed. Her voice, her presence—it all reminded me of the high school days I'd long forgotten. Katherine had been the head cheerleader, prom queen, and beloved by everyone. But underneath all that charm was a personality that didn't match.

"Ms. Van Bruse, what can I do for you this evening?" I asked, keeping my voice formal.

"Oh, Ethan," she purred, leaning across my desk. "You don't have to be so formal with me. I mean, it's been a while since high school, but I'm sure you still have good memories, right?"