Page 31 of Shadows of Obsession

Connor, still focused on the stallion, nodded without looking up. His eyes remained on the horse's smooth, graceful movements as he led it back toward the stable.

"Sounds good," he replied, his tone somewhat distant. "Have a good ride," he added, almost as an afterthought, his voice softening as he disappeared into the stable's cool shadow.

I smiled, shaking my head at his distracted response. Once Connor was immersed in training, nothing else mattered.

As I made my way toward the barn where Choco was stabled, my thoughts drifted back to that unsettling trip into town earlier that week. Jaxon's words about my past had opened old wounds, reminders of a trauma I'd tried so hard to forget. I hadn't been sleeping well since. My nights were plagued with nightmares: Daniel finding me, his shadow looming, and that same paralyzing sense of being trapped and helpless all over again.

I shook my head, forcing the memories away as I stepped into the barn's cool shade. The scent of hay and leather was grounding, mingling with the earthy smell of horses and aged wood. The dim light inside offered a strange sort of refuge. Choco nickered softly as I approached, his ears pricking forward in recognition. I couldn't help but smile as I reached out to stroke his velvety nose, feeling the warmth of his breath on my palm. His copper coat gleamed even in the low light, and those two white socks stood out like beacons. It was a simple connection, but it helped ease the tension tightening in my shoulders.

As I set about tacking up Choco, I felt the familiar excitement begin to grow. Riding had always been my escape, my way to leave the weight of fear behind. The methodical process of preparing him, the tightening of the girth, the adjusting of the saddle, the familiar weight of leather in my hands, gave me a sense of control and clarity. No matter what haunted my thoughts, the steady rhythm of riding always brought peace.

I had just mounted up when I heard footsteps behind me. The crunch of gravel beneath boots signaled someone's approach. I turnedto see Connor walking toward me, his hands stuffed into his jeans pockets and his expression more serious than usual. He wasn't one to intrude without a reason.

"Where do you think you'll go today?" he asked. His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp, scanning my face like he was trying to read between the lines.

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around the reins. Choco shifted beneath me, sensing my tension.

"I was thinking about taking the trail out toward Jaxon's," I said, keeping my voice carefully neutral. "I haven't been out that way since the first time, and it's a nice trail. I won't go all the way to his place, though, I know he doesn't like that."

Connor's brow furrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. He crossed his arms, the relaxed edge of his posture giving way to concern.

"I'm actually thinking maybe you should," he said, his voice low and serious. "I haven't heard from him since we got back the other day, and… I'm a little worried, to be honest."

Surprise flickered in me, my eyebrows lifting slightly. Jaxon might've been intense, even a little off-putting at times, but disappearing without a word? That wasn't like him, especially considering how close he was with Connor. Had I said something to upset him? Was he in some kind of trouble? The silence clearly unnerved Connor.

"Can I ask you something about him?" I ventured, my voice hesitant. "I know it's none of my business, but... why is he so intense? Especially around me? I've tried to be nothing but nice."

Connor sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He was quiet for a long moment, his eyes distant, like he was sorting through memories that hurt to revisit. The barn felt quieter than usual, the only sound the rustle of hay and a few distant nickers from the horses.

"To be honest," he said at last, his voice heavy with something unspoken, "I think it stems from his fiancée." There was sadness in his eyes, the kind that clung to someone who had watched a friend fall apart.

My eyes widened, my mouth falling open. "His what?" I asked, my voice rising in disbelief. "Jaxon was engaged?"The words hit me like a gut punch. It didn't make sense. And yet somehow, it explained everything at once.

Connor nodded grimly. "Yeah. A few years ago. It was a rough time for him, and he doesn't like to talk about it. That's why he can come off a little... intense sometimes. But he's a good guy, Anna. He's just been through a lot."

His gaze softened as he looked at me, almost like he was asking for understanding, maybe even forgiveness, for a friend who couldn't ask for it himself.

I felt a wave of empathy rush over me, followed quickly by a storm of questions.What had happened to her?Because whatever it was, it had changed him. And a simple breakup didn't make a man carry that kind of darkness.

"Thanks for telling me," I said quietly. "I guess I'll head out that way and see if he's okay. Maybe he's just taking some time to himself."

As I urged Choco forward, his hooves kicked up dust along the well-worn trail. The rhythmic thud of his hoofbeats should have soothed me, but my mind was too tangled with thoughts of Jaxon, the man who had become a walking contradiction. There was something about his guarded demeanor that kept me on edge, and the more I learned, the more questions surfaced.

The trail wound through the woods, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy overhead. The air was cooler here, laced with the scent of pine and earth. Birds called to one another in the branches, and somewhere in the distance, I heard the soft trickle of water over stone. The scenery should have calmed me, but a sense of unease tugged at me. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Jaxon's story than even Connor knew, that the trauma he carried went far deeper than anyone realized.

By the time I reached the familiar clearing where Jaxon's cabin stood, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the weathered structure. The cabin's rustic charm was a welcome sight after the ride. I dismounted, tying Choco to a nearby tree so he could rest in the shade. My fingers lingered on the smooth leather of the lead rope before I made my way up the steps to the front porch.

Just as I raised my hand to knock, a flicker of movement caught my eye. The curtain in the front window twitched, as if someone had been watching me approach. My heart skipped a beat, a ripple of unease moving through my chest. Was he expecting someone else? Or was he just being cautious?

I knocked, the sound echoing sharply in the stillness of the clearing. For a moment, there was no response. The cabin stood silent, the usual forest noises muffled by the dense trees.

Just as I lifted my hand to knock again, the door swung open.

Jaxon stood in the doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance, his shoulders broad and tense against the shadowed interior. He wore a plain black T-shirt that stretched across his chest, the fabric soft with age, and dark jeans. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, as if he'd been running his hands through it, and I caught the faint scent of soap and cedar cologne. His expression was unreadable, his blue eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of me.

"Anna," he said, his voice low and even. There was a hint of surprise, but also a wariness that hadn't been there before. His gaze swept over me, not unkind, but searching, as if trying to figure out why I'd come.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. My heart pounded. "I was out for a ride and thought I'd check in on you," I said, the words sounding more breathy than I intended. "Connor mentioned he hadn't heard from you in a few days, and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay."