Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Jaxon
I lean back in my computer chair to get a better view of the screens in front of me. They cover the wall, allowing me to see every corner of Sam’s apartment, at all times, including the hallway and the front door by the mailboxes.
I installed them the second night she stayed here, before Sam helped her unpack her things. They’d gone out to get some groceries, and I popped in. People don’t notice what they don’t expect to be there, so finding them won’t be an issue. They’re top tier, and well hidden.
I know where she is every second of the day, even on the rare occasion she leaves. It doesn’t happen often, only a few times since she’s been there, but when that happens, I bring my ass downstairs to follow her.
The first time they went out, it was just for a walk.
The second time, they got ice cream.
Fucking ice cream in December.
I really had to hold myself back from murdering Sam right then and there for the way he was staring at Sailor as she licked the ice cream from the cone.
But if there’s anything I’ve learned in this time we’ve been apart, it’s that killing is not the way to win Sailor back.
Which is such a shame because I dream of the ways I could kill Sam.
Once, it even made my dick hard. That’s never happened to me before, so maybe it was something else, but I’m pretty sure I was so overjoyed over murdering that little prick that my dick didn’t know how else to respond.
After Sailor finishes her breakfast, she washes the dishes and leaves them in the strainer to dry, like she does every morning. Then she goes into the living room and settles at the small desk in the corner to work on school stuff. Same routine, day in and day out.
When I’m not watching Sailor, I’m thinking about her—mostly about how to get her back.
Though I know what it was that scared her away, I can’t be sorry for it.
I won’t be. I refuse. Mindy went too far, so she had to die.
My mother… if she weren’t in hiding, she’d be dead too—and she will be when I find her.
I watch her every day. I’ve learned her routine. I’ve given her space.
What more does she need? Nothing I can think of, meaning it’s time to strike. She had to want it before I gave it to her, and desperation makes people honest… it makes them open and willing.
I’d thought of how I would do this for weeks, and at first, I was going to go hard.
Just text her from my number, tell her I miss her, and want her back.
Tell her that she belongs to me and I don’t like that she’s fucking around with someone else, even if she’s very clearly not interested.
Hell, even I can see it through these cameras, so I don’t know how he doesn’t.
Which is why I know he does damn well see it—he just doesn’t give a fuck, which makes me hate him all the more.
I may have done some fucked up things to Sailor, but she wanted them all. She consented. She was on board with every single, depraved thing. But Sam? He’s forcing himself on her, and I don’t know how I haven’t slit his throat yet.
But back to how I’m getting Sailor back…
After considering that going in like a wrecking ball may scare her off again, considering she’s always been on the timid side, I came up with a better plan. A smart fucking plan. Probably the best I’ve ever had in my entire life. A plan worthy of pride.
I squint toward the monitor to get a better view of Sailor’s laptop screen and realize she isn’t doing homework like she usually does at this time of day.
She’s on Solar Surge—building a new character.
It’s almost like she can read my damn mind. It’s almost like she wants this to happen.
Smiling, I scoot closer to my desk and pull up the game I installed on my computer.
I’ve been playing to keep myself occupied, but mostly to build up my character and make it seem like I’ve been playing the game for a while and have a legitimate interest for it.
If I went at her with a new profile, she’d never believe what I’m about to do.
She’s too smart for that, and lately, much too paranoid.
I see it in her eyes, and it enrages me because it doesn’t need to be there.
I can protect her, and she knows I can protect her—and I will, no matter what.
But she isn’t allowing me in, so I have to do it from afar and unknowingly.
I need to make this work. I have to—because I need her.
I watch her screen through my monitor to see which characteristics she’s going for, and also where she’s going to drop into the game.
It’s a decent-sized world, and when new characters come in, they start in different places along the map.
But I’m dedicated, if nothing more, and I’ve been playing long enough that I’ve gained the ability to teleport. So wherever she goes… I will go too.
When her character is finished—a dark witch that she names something I can’t make out—she’s dropped into the game. I watch for a few moments to see which area she’s in, and when I figure it out, I right-click my character and teleport a short distance from her.
Using the keyboard, I move my character around the wooded area, looking up at the screens now and then to see where she is. She’s running toward the lake, so that’s the way I go.
“Chasing you through the woods virtually until you let me do it for real.” I smirk to myself. It’s almost like we’ve been doing this for months or something.
On her screen, I see her pull out the lowest-level fishing pole you can get: a stick with a string.
She’s stocking up on food, which means she plans on battling to level up.
She’s been playing this game for years, so she knows how to do it well.
I’ve only just started, but it’s not difficult.
Still, like all games, there are small things you learn along the way, things I don’t know yet, but I don’t need to know everything.
I just need to know enough to make it seem like I love the game.
I finally break through the trees and spot her to the left.
I hurry that way, and when I get close enough, a bubble pops up on my screen to let me message her.
Only when you’re close enough to other characters that you aren’t friends with can you message them.
If you’re friends or in a group together—a squad—you can message each other at any time.
Being in the same squad allows you to do the same tasks but while being apart, so you have to communicate.
I send her a message and hope she replies.
If not, I’ll have to start over with a new character and try a different tactic.
But I know her well enough to know that being playful will get her attention.
She needs some fun in her life, and a little teasing is the way to go.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Hey, Newb.
Golden_Phoenix: Not a Newb :P but it looks like you are.
“Got you…”
I type quickly into the box and hit enter.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: I’m learning!
Golden_Phoenix: How’d you find the game? There aren’t many of us.
Her character casts the line, then lets it sit. The lake is small, but all of them have fish—eating is how we keep our energy up and heal faster.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Deep dive on the internet. Found it on an old forum.
Golden_Phoenix: You must have a lot of time on your hands
LMCYTTWACYAGG: It’s been helpful since I think I’m addicted to this game now.
Golden_Phoenix: XD
I take out my own fishing pole, one that’s much better than hers, and move a short distance away to catch some fish too.
You never know when you’re going to need a pick-me-up.
Not that I plan on battling anyone any time soon, but you never know.
And it gives me a reason to stay here, so she doesn’t get suspicious.
Golden_Phoenix: Have you joined a group yet?
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Nope. No one wants to play with the new guy.
Golden_Phoenix: We can start one, if you’d like? I’ve been playing for years but made this character fresh.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: Aww, you’re so nice, taking me under your wing.
Golden_Phoenix: You can repay me by helping me level up quickly so we’re even.
LMCYTTWACYAGG: You got it.
The notification to join her group pops up, and I accept it quickly.
This doesn’t do much for me, other than make it easier to talk to her during game play, but it is a way to stay connected and ease my way in.
Maybe see how she’s feeling on the inside, rather than just what I see in the cameras.
The more I know, the easier it’ll be to get her back.
Because whether she knows it or not, we will be back together.
That’s my little dove, and she belongs to me.