Chapter 2

A knock on the front door woke me up. Easing out of bed I get my crutches and get the door. I was surprised to see Scott standing there. Then I realized he's probably here to take me to work since I can't take myself. Looking disgruntled I asked, "What are you doing here?"

 "I'm seeing if you're okay. Also, I know you need a ride to work. There's no way you can drive with a boot on let alone having crutches. Besides William will kill me if I let you drive."

"Why are you helping me aren't you in league with your brother? For your information I can drive myself just fine."

 "I'm nothing like him," he snapped. "Giving you a ride will be easier than driving yourself."

"Fine let me get changed and we'll go." It was hard to storm off since I had a boot on with crutches. Once I was inside the comforts of my room I relaxed. He just makes me so frustrated sometimes. The attraction I felt for him was getting out of control. I couldn't fall for his tricks, too much was at stake. Putting on my work clothes I go back to the living room. 

He was waiting for me by the door with a smirk on his face. Without uttering a word we get into the car and drive to the station. Scott tried to make conversation but I wouldn't budge. When he realized I wouldn't speak his hands tightened on the wheel and he frowned.

The station came into view as we parked the car. Carefully getting out with my crutches I began to walk but Scott stopped me. His eyes held an emotion I'm not used to seeing. "We're meant to be together you know that. Stop fighting the attraction we feel for each." Before I had time to argue his mouth touched mine. Making a fire ignite in my heart. I didn't want the kiss to end. His arms went around my waist pulling me closer causing me to drop the crutches. 

His arms tightened their hold our breathing rapid. When I noticed we were still in the parking lot I pulled away. Scott's  grin shining bright when I glanced at him. A heated blush spread to my cheeks. Grabbing my crutches from the ground he hands them to me. Taking the lead we walked inside the police station.

William immediately came to my side. He seemed worried when he saw my current situation. "That man will not get near you again. We're searching for him as we speak." I'm surprised he knew that Edgar was behind this. Maybe Scott told him while I was unconscious in the hospital.

"Thanks and I'll be fine. When I get this boot off I'll be good as new."

"Don't worry William I'll bring her to work and get her home. She'll be safe with me." I wanted to argue but he was right. With my crutches, I made my way to my office.

The business was slow, rarely anyone called today. Luckily none of the callers were Edgar. Ever since he broke into my home I've been on edge waiting for his next attack. Hours went by and soon my shift was over at the end of the day leaving me completely exhausted. I had to wait on Scott to finish. He was trying to locate Edgar and it wasn't going too well. 

Sighing loudly, he pushed away from his desk and came to me. I knew he wanted to catch his brother. His eyes looked sad and his thoughts full of frustration. "Are you ready to go," Scott mumbled.

"Yeah, and don't worry we'll get him."

"I hope so. With him still out there you're in danger." Scott's kindness proved to me that he was nothing like Edgar. Bidding fairwell to William, Scott led me to his car. Carefully inside he got in and began to drive. I kept staring into his eyes as we drove. Maybe I was right he isn't like Edgar but better than him.

My house appeared moments later. He let me out and walked me to my door. I tried going inside but his hand took mine. The sparkling blue eyes that captivated me earlier were sad. "What's wrong Scott I know you? You can tell me anything." He lifted my hand to his cheek and leaned into it.

Looking into my eyes he answers. "Give me a chance to prove myself. Give us being together chance. I can show you that I'm nothing like Edgar."

I knew then that fighting the attraction was pointless. "Yes." Wrapping my arm around his neck I kissed him with all my passion. Dropping my crutches to try and get closer.    He grabbed my waist tightening his hold. I forgot about my leg and Edgar. There was only Scott and me in this beautiful moment. When we pulled away I blushed a scarlet red.

"You won't regret choosing me I promise," he stated.

"I know." With that being said, he kissed me one more time and left. Picking up my crutches without falling I go inside and head to my room. Not feeling hungry I take a shower making sure to not get my boot wet. When I was finished I laid in bed pondering on my thoughts. 

Smiling so bright I cut off the light. Next month will fly by fast. Slowly falling asleep waiting for the month to come.

A week has gone by and I had to go see the doctor. Hoping he would let me get the boot off early or at least say I don't need the crutches. Scott was glad about me going to see the doctor. I, on the other hand, was not I hate them.

"When we arrived I growled. "Everything is fine, nothing's going to happen."

"Fine but still hate doctors." The doctor called me in after waiting for fifteen minutes. Silently telling Scott to come with me so my nerves could stay calm. Going in to one of the rooms the doctor takes off my boot and examines my injury. After a few minutes he puts it back on and leaves the room. Minutes later he comes back in and gives me the run down on my situation. 

The appointment wasn't bad but I had to wait another week before the boot was removed. That was the only downside to seeing the doctor. Luckily I don't need the crutches anymore. As we left the building Scott took my arm to keep me from going to the car. The excitement in his eyes surprised me. "Go out to dinner with me." I opened my mouth but didn't say a word. His smile faltered. "Was that too sudden? I knew I should have waited longer." I need to speak up before he completely loses his confidence.

"No," I shouted. "You just surprised me is all. Of course, I'll go out with you."

"Okay, I'll drop you off and give you some time to change." The entire way home I had a smile on my face. Once we got to my house he helped me out of the car and I went inside. 

Having thirty minutes to change I go to my closet to see what I had. Picking a white flowy dress that was semi formal. Since I can't wear heels I found my black flats so at least my right foot could match my dress. A knock on the door stopped my focus. Wow, he changed fast. 

Slipping on the flat I could wear I went to answer the door. Scott was there with a huge smile. Taking my breath away every time I looked at him. He was wearing a nice blue suit. It matched his wonderful eyes. Catching me staring he grinned, a deep blush came to my cheeks.

Scott glanced at my dress then met my eyes. "That's a lovely dress Grace. I also noticed you wear a black flat to match the boot."

"Thanks, good suit."

"Shall we go now?"'

"Yes, we shall." He puts his arm around my waist. We get inside the car and take off. I was really nervous I've never been on a date before.

My eyes stayed on the road as he drove. He refused to say where we're going that it would be more fun as a surprise. Which made me feel even more nervous. When we stopped at the restaurant my eyes widened. He took me to the most expensive restaurant in town. "This is too much," I stated shaking my head in shock

"No it's not and you deserve this. One night free of worrying about my brother and his next moves." He took my hand and led me inside. Since we had a reservation they led us to our seats almost immediately. A waiter came to take our orders. We pondered for a minute before knowing what we wanted.

Giving the waiter our order he left. Scott ordered a steak while I asked for the chicken parmesan. As our food was being made we had light conversations about anything. The only subjects we steered clear from was Edgar and our childhoods. Soon our food arrived and we ended all conversation then and there. While we were enjoying our meal my head started to ache with the voices trying to break through.

Shoving them to the back of my mind I smiled through the pain. Scott noticed and looked concern. "Grace what's wrong? I can tell something's on your mind."

"Nothing everything is fine I'm just nervous is all." He nodded his head and let the matter go. I didn't want the night ruined. Seconds later the voices stopped and I felt at peace glad to have my mind back. We started to have a conversation about work and William to distract ourselves from any real topic.

The rest of the night was nice, but soon it was time to leave. Tipping our waiter we exit the restaurant. I knew Scott would want answers based on his current thoughts. He drove me to my house in silence. One of the voices managed to slip through. The voice said, "his death will be on your hands." My face paled at the words spoken. Scott noticed and drove faster making it to my house much quicker. 

We got out and went to the door. I thanked him for the dinner and tried going inside. He gripped my wrist keeping me still. "Grace tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing that's bad Scott. I'll be fine like always."

"Tell me now Grace."

"Fine! The voice told me you're going to die and it will be my fault. I'm the reason you lose your life. Is that what you wanted to hear? That your blood will be on my hands no one elses." Shoving away from him I go inside.

My panic was rising in my throat. Going to my room I locked the door. I tried my best to control myself from losing complete control. Breathing in and out I regained control moments later. Scott was banging on the door, not so happy. Opening the door he rushed in. "What was that Grace," he demanded.

"I panicked after I told you about the voice. It's just I can't lose you, not when I finally get to know the real you. To top it off the reason you might die is because of me. This is all started with me and that's how it will end." By the end of my rant my face was stained with tears. Scott slowly wiped them away and smiled at me.

"You won't ever lose me not now not ever. Whenever you hear the voices tell me maybe I can help you get through it. Also you can't blame yourself." He pulled me into a hug. Immediately I relaxed in his arms and hugged him tighter. Scott felt like home and it was terrifying. Losing him would be like losing myself. We walked to the living room and sat down. I just laid in his arms silent. 

It might have been hours before he spoke. "Are you calm now?"

"Yeah, thanks for staying with me."

"No problem Grace everything will be okay." He held me closer to his chest. Leaning down his lips touched mine. They were so soft against mine like a feather. The kiss ended quickly but it still left me amazed. Standing up we took a minute to catch our breaths. I then led him to the door saying goodbye. 

He kissed my cheek and left. I watched as he got in his car and driving into the night. Closing the door I smiled to myself my heart racing with excitement. Going to my room I take a shower and changed into a set of pajamas. Sleep soon taking me.

The next few days were simple nothing really dramatic happened. I got my boot off two days after my date with Scott. My leg was still stiff but at least I could move it. The voices in my head finally went away hopefully that's how it stays. When I woke up the next morning after our date the voices wouldn't go away. I've tried everything to make them go away too but nothing resolved the issue.

Scott and I had three days until the month of October begins and I'm nervous. The month of our birthdays. Today I insisted on driving myself home since he let me drive to the station. Who knew he would wholeheartedly disagree? His overprotective nature is going to get on my nerves.

"I'm perfectly able to drive home without you. Besides you can't leave your car here all night you're going to need it. What was the point in letting me drive here if I can't drive home," I stated.

"He's still out there Grace. He won't stop until he has you and the last time you drove home by yourself you ended up in the hospital. I'm not going to be careless and let it happen again. As for my car I can ask someone to bring it to my house."

"There are still other ways he can get to me. One of them is you or did you forget that he's your brother."

"I know but you refuse to move in with me." The past couple of days he's tried to convince me to live with him. Let's get real here Edgar most likely knows where Scott lives. I mean they are brothers. Plus he's completely ignoring the fact that it would make him a target.

"I can't you know that. I'll call you when I get home." Not letting him speak I go to my car. Turning it on my I drive away. As I left Scott running after me.

He couldn't be hurt by this. Knowing that this way I'm keeping him safe. Something felt odd when I arrived home. Shrugging it off I walked inside since my door was locked no one could be in the house. My bedroom light was on and a shiver ripped through me. No way Edgar couldn't be here. Pulling out my phone I tried to call Scott. Right, when he picked up the phone was knocked out of my hands. 

It didn't take voices in my head to know it was Edgar. Backing away I charged toward the door, but he beat me to it. "Going somewhere Grace," he snarled. Getting a good grip on my wrist.

"Leave me be Edgar," I snapped. "Scott will be here any second."

"Then I guess I have to make this quick." A gun was pressed against my back. Taking a deep breath I stayed calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. We moved toward his car that was hidden behind my house.

The voices in my head came back full force. Saying this will be the start of something new. What could that possibly mean? If my path is already chosen how can something new interven? Panic surged through me like a wave. I kept hoping that Scott would find me. We drove for about an hour before the car slowed down. Putting a blindfold over my eyes when the car was at a complete stop. I knew we were inside a building. 

Tapping our feet against the wooden floor was loud. Taking off the blindfold I find myself in a room. A room with no windows so the light couldn't get in. He laughed, making me turn to him. Everything about him made me ache to kill him.

"Welcome to your new home. Better get used to it you'll be here awhile."

"Scott will find me, Edgar."

"We'll see about that Grace. See you in the morning." With one last laugh, he walked out the door locking it behind him. That's the only way to escape. I sat on the bed and groaned a tear falling down my cheek. Sleep took me minutes later.

A banging on the door sounded, making me jump out of bed and go to the door. I couldn't have been asleep for more than two hours. Edgar came in with a tray of food. If I'm his prisoner why would he bring me food? His hand went to my cheek. Jerking away from his touch I step back. 

He growls and thrust the tray of food at me. "You're going to need your strength for later. I would eat all of that if I were you."

"What happens later?"

"You'll see soon enough." He storms out of the room soon after. Slamming the door behind him. I walk back to the bed with my food. Only eating a portion since I might not get to eat again. Putting the rest on the side of the bed. Scott has to be searching for me by now.

He came back an hour later. Looking pleased of the situation that's occurring. I could see pass his shoulder and noticed the door open. It took so much willpower for me not to run towards the open door. I didn't move because it could be a trap.

"Are you ready for some training?"

"Training," I questioned. "Training for what so you can lose?"

He slapped me across the cheek. "I don't accept that tone." Getting in a fighting stance he waited for me to be in the same position. He was the first to charge. Quickly dodging the attack I shoved him. The next attack I wasn't so lucky.

Elbowing me in the face I was knocked to the floor. Pinning me down he grabbed my face. "Get off me Edgar," I shouted.

"Not until I try something." He put his lips against mine. I did my best not to gag.

Thankfully it was soon over. His eyes were cold and distant. This was the first time I've ever truly felt terrified of Edgar. 

Scott needed to hurry and find me. I don't know how much longer I can go without breaking down. Raising my knee I hit him in the stomach. He gasped, letting me go. This was my chance to escape. I ran toward the door but didn't get far. 

Edgar caught me dragging my body to the bed. There he pinned me with his body. Then he let his anger overtake him. He punched and slapped ignoring my cries of pain. After a couple more hits I was barely awake. "You don't feel that way for me now but you will. Just wait till the blue moon you'll feel differently."

"I will never feel anything for you but hate." Edgar got up and left the room. Tears began to pour down my cheeks. Curling into a ball I fall asleep.