Chapter 4: Possessed, Obsessed, and Dressed to Impress

By the time Ellie stormed into Ben's apartment, she was halfway between terrified and seriously pissed off.

Ben looked like he hadn't slept. His hair was a mess, his eyes were dark with exhaustion, and his shirt was inside out.

"Tell me everything," Ellie demanded, shoving past him.

Ben sighed, rubbing his temples. "Victoria… she won't let go. I thought she was gone, but lately, she's been stronger. She knows about you now."

Ellie folded her arms. "Oh, I noticed. She left me a lovely message last night. Right before she tried to murder me via heart attack."

Ben ran a hand through his hair. "She's not trying to hurt you."

Ellie scoffed. "Oh? Because creepy whispers, phantom handprints, and breathing down my neck don't exactly scream 'welcome to the family'!"

Ben grabbed her waist, pulling her close. "I swear, I won't let her hurt you." His voice was low, deep, full of something desperate. "You're mine, Ellie. She can't change that."

A delicious shiver ran down Ellie's spine, but she forced herself to stay annoyed. "Tell her that," she muttered.

Then, the air shifted.

The warmth of Ben's body against hers turned cold. The room dimmed—not the lights, but like something was sucking the life out of the space.

Ellie's breath hitched. "Ben…"

His fingers tightened on her waist—too tight. His grip was strong, almost unfamiliar.

Ben's lips parted. But when he spoke, it wasn't his voice.

It was a woman's.

"He was mine first."

Ellie's scream was swallowed by the darkness.