Page 27 of Shadows of Obsession

I stood there beside Choco, completely bewildered by Jaxon's sudden, volatile outburst. What on earth could have possibly set him off into such visible rage this time? I racked my brain, trying to think of anything I might have done or said to provoke such an extreme reaction, but came up empty.

As I resumed the final brushing strokes along Choco's sleek mane, my mind spun, replaying our recent string of heated interactions in an attempt to pinpoint the reason behind his stormy departure. But I found myself drawing a blank, left just as confused and frustrated as ever by Jaxon's perpetually mercurial moods.

CHAPTER 9

Anna

Istepped out of the truck, a familiar unease twisting my stomach into knots. Despite immersing myself in the comforting routines of ranch life, the prospect of going out in public stirred an anxiety I couldn't shake, like a dark cloud hanging over me, persistent and suffocating.

The summer heat beat down relentlessly, yet the mountain valley still looked postcard-perfect. The quaint town of Warren, nestled between the peaks, seemed sheltered from the worst of the sun's intensity. I tried to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us, but it did little to ease the fluttering anxiety in my chest.

Main Street stretched ahead, lined with charming mom-and-pop storefronts. The sidewalks buzzed with activity—laughter, idle chatter, the sounds of small-town life in motion. It was all a stark, almost painful reminder of how far I'd drifted from this kind of casual normalcy after months of isolation.

Connor's decision to have Jaxon join us had caught me off guard. Considering the tension simmering between Jaxon and me, the sharp words, the long silences, it seemed an odd choice. But Connor had been adamant. Jaxon would drive into town with us, tag along on my errands, and ride back with us afterward. I hadn't exactly had the luxury of saying no.

As it turned out, the trip served more than one purpose. Connor had a lunch date with Morgan, and while he was preoccupied, Jaxonhad been tasked with shadowing me. What might've felt like a minor inconvenience to someone else hit me like a slow-building storm. As we stepped onto the sidewalk, my nerves tightened further. I glanced at Connor, dressed sharply in a crisp white button-down tucked into dark jeans, clearly ready for his date. Then my gaze shifted toward Jaxon's impassive expression as we started toward the town hall offices.

Two days ago, Jaxon had stormed out of the barn after Connor mentioned the plan. At the time, I hadn't understood his reaction, but now it made sense. He hadn't volunteered. He'd been forced into this role. And today, his reluctance showed in every step, every glance.

He hung back by the truck, arms crossed over his chest, posture casual but watchful. He wore a plain gray T-shirt stretched over broad shoulders, dark jeans, and his usual scuffed boots. A black baseball cap sat low on his brow, casting shadows over his eyes. Everything about him was familiar and distant at once.

I swallowed hard, trying to concentrate on what Connor was saying, but my gaze kept flicking to Jaxon. His eyes missed nothing. He looked more like a silent bodyguard than someone here to keep me company.

Connor's voice cut through the ambient sounds of Main Street, grounding me again.

"Alright, so you've got a solid plan? You know where you're headed?"

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yeah. I'm going to get some new clothes, pick up a phone, then we'll meet you back here when I'm done."

"Good. Stick close to Jaxon, and text me the minute you get the phone so I've got your new number," he said with a firm nod. His eyes flicked to Jaxon briefly, then down to his watch, before he turned and disappeared into the town hall, where Morgan was no doubt already waiting.

I let out a quiet sigh as I turned to face Jaxon. He looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here, hands shoved into his pockets, gaze downcast as he scuffed the toe of his boot against the sidewalk. Connor had said it was to keep me from getting lost. Absurd, since Main Street was basically a straight line, but Jaxon had clearly been roped into it against his will.

"I'm sorry you got stuck babysitting me," I said, letting the sarcasm slip out before I could stop it. Jaxon glanced up at me, our eyes meeting for a second before he looked away again. "I know you don't want to be here," I added, more quietly this time.

He held my gaze for a heartbeat, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a curt shrug. "It's fine. Let's just get this over with."

He started walking without waiting for me, his long strides already carrying him ahead. I exhaled slowly, then hurried to keep up, his indifferent silence dragging my anxiety along like a weight.

Our first stop was a clothing boutique tucked between a hardware store and a small café. The storefront, painted a cheerful yellow, had elegant lettering across the front: Harper's Boutique. The window display showed off breezy dresses and artfully arranged accessories, the kind of soft beauty that belonged to a different world than mine.

As we walked further down the street, other storefronts caught my attention. A bookstore under a green-striped awning displayed stacks of glossy new releases. The inviting scent of freshly baked pastries floated out from the café, cinnamon and butter, warm and familiar. My stomach growled in response. A record shop a few doors down was painted with a colorful mural, its bold patterns and bright swirls adding life to the street.

I paused for a moment, just to take it all in. The rhythm of a small town going about its day. The gentle buzz of voices, the clink of dishes from the café, the creak of a door swinging open. It was all so ordinary, so real, and so far removed from what I'd known for the last few months. I tried to let it comfort me.

But something felt...off.

It started as a subtle prickling at the back of my neck. A low hum of discomfort I couldn't place. I glanced over my shoulder, scanning the street, but everything looked the same—normal, harmless.

Still, the feeling didn't fade.

I told myself it was just nerves, that being back in town after everything was bound to mess with my head. But the pressure only built, like invisible eyes were tracking my every step.

Jaxon seemed completely unfazed. He walked with the same easy stride, relaxed but aware. The fabric of his gray shirt moved with him,sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing tanned forearms. Nothing about his posture hinted at alarm.

But I couldn't shake the weight in my chest. The sense of being observed, targeted somehow. My hand clutched my purse a little tighter as I tried to focus on the present.

I took a slow, steady breath.I can do this. I had come this far.A quick shopping trip, a new phone, and then I could go back to the ranch. I wouldn't let my nerves win. Not here. Not now.