His To Obessed

Chapter 3: The Hunter and the Prey

Raven couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was always near. Every street corner, every store, every passerby—the world seemed to shift around her, and yet she couldn’t pinpoint the danger.

That evening, she walked home from the bookstore, clutching her bag tightly. The city felt alive with shadows, whispers she couldn’t hear. Her steps echoed too loudly in the empty alleyways. And then she saw him—Mattheo.

Not hidden this time. Not distant. Standing under the streetlight, his presence impossible to ignore. His dark eyes scanned her as if he could read her thoughts.

Raven froze. Her heart raced, part fear, part something she didn’t understand.

“Raven,” he said softly, stepping toward her. “You’re tense. You need to relax.”

“I… I don’t know what you want,” she stammered. “Why are you following me?”

Mattheo’s gaze softened just enough to disarm her. “Following you? No. Watching over you. Protecting you.”

“Protecting me?” Her voice shook, disbelief and fear mixing in her chest. “From what?”

Mattheo didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he scanned the street, then crouched slightly, his tone dropping. “From them.”

Before she could ask, a group of rough-looking men appeared at the end of the street. Their eyes locked on Raven, leering. Panic surged through her.

Mattheo’s hand found hers, firm and commanding. “Follow me. Now.”

Without a word, she obeyed, heart hammering, every step guided by the man she didn’t fully trust—but could not ignore. They ducked into a narrow side street. Mattheo’s presence was a shield, a wall of protection against the unknown threat closing in behind them.

“You… how do you always know?” she asked breathlessly as they turned a corner.

Mattheo smiled, just slightly, darkly. “Because I told you—I’m always near. And because I can’t let anything happen to you.”

Her pulse raced—not just from fear, but from the intensity in his gaze, the dangerous energy surrounding him. This man… he’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. And yet… I can’t look away.

The men gave up at the street’s end, muttering curses as they disappeared. Raven’s legs trembled, and she sank against the wall.

“You’re safe,” Mattheo whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. His touch lingered just long enough to ignite something in her chest, and she pulled back slightly, flustered.

“I… I don’t know why you’re doing this,” she said quietly. “It’s… it’s scary.”

Mattheo tilted his head, the faintest smirk playing on his lips. “Scary? Maybe. But I want you to understand something, Raven. You are mine. And I will do everything to keep you safe—from them… from anyone. And maybe, in time… from yourself.”

Raven swallowed hard, her body tense, her mind a whirlwind of fear, confusion, and an inexplicable pull toward him. She wanted to run, but she didn’t. Somehow, she couldn’t.

Mattheo stepped back slightly, giving her just enough space to breathe, but his eyes never left her. “Go home. Lock your doors. Stay inside tonight. Tomorrow… we talk.”

She nodded, unable to speak. As she walked to her apartment, glancing over her shoulder, he disappeared into the shadows, the memory of his presence etched into every nerve in her body.

Alone in her apartment, Raven sank into a chair, trembling. Who was this man? Why did he care so much? And why… did a part of her feel safe in his presence?

Across the city, Mattheo returned to his Mustang, a dark smile playing on his lips. She’s mine. Every step, every thought, every heartbeat—she won’t escape me. And soon… she’ll understand that.