The Stalker Next Door: 28. Proof of Loyalty

The storm had rolled on, but the world outside the cabin was still raw from it — rain-slick earth churned into mud, broken branches strewn across the clearing, blood diluted into streaks of rust down the grass.

Mara stood at the window, fists pressed against the sill, watching the two men who had just torn each other apart for her. They were shadows against a dim sky, both upright now, both breathing hard.

The second Watcher leaned on a tree trunk, wiping blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, smiling a feral, toothless smile. The first stood closer to the cabin, shoulders heaving, knife back in his hand. His face was an unreadable mask of bruises and rage.

And then he turned toward her.

“Inside.” His voice was low, dangerous. “Now.”

Mara’s stomach clenched. Her pulse hammered in her ears. For a moment she considered staying at the window, considered refusing him outright.

But she saw the way his fingers flexed around the knife. The fight had le