**Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past**

As they quickly turned around and walked in the opposite direction, Valerie couldn't help but glance back at the car, her eyes fixed on the figure of Alex. He was still watching them, his face expressionless, but his eyes seemed to bore into them like a cold, calculating machine. Dean's arm tightened around her shoulders, pulling her closer as they picked up their pace. "Who is Alex?" Valerie asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She was determined to get some answers, and she hoped that Dean would be willing to share them with her. Dean's jaw clenched, and his eyes scanned the surrounding area as if he was searching for an escape route. "He's an old acquaintance," he said, his voice tight and controlled. "We didn't exactly part on good terms." Valerie's curiosity was piqued. What had happened between Dean and Alex? And why did Dean seem so anxious to avoid him? She felt a surge of protectiveness towards Dean, and she instinctively pressed closer to him. As they walked, the streets seemed to grow darker and more menacing. The streetlights cast long shadows on the ground, and Valerie couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced around, but there was no one in sight. "Let's get back to my place," Dean said, his voice low and urgent. "I want to get you back to safety." Valerie nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful to be away from Alex and his unsettling gaze. As they quickened their pace, Dean's arm remained wrapped around her shoulders, holding her close. When they reached Dean's cabin, he pushed open the door and ushered Valerie inside. She stepped into the warm, cozy space, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Dean. He followed her in, his eyes scanning the area as if he expected Alex to appear at any moment. Once they were inside, Dean closed the door and locked it, his movements economical and precise. Valerie watched him, her heart still racing from their encounter with Alex. "I'm sorry about that," Dean said, his voice low and rough. "I didn't mean to drag you into that." Valerie shook her head, feeling a sense of determination. "You didn't," she said. "But I want to know what's going on. Who is Alex, and what does he want?" Dean's eyes narrowed, and he rubbed the back of his neck. For a moment, Valerie thought he was going to clam up, but then he seemed to make a decision. "Alex and I have a history," he said, his voice measured. "We grew up together, but we had a falling out a few years ago. He's been trying to get in touch with me ever since, but I've been avoiding him." Valerie's eyes locked onto Dean's, searching for answers. What had happened between them? And why was Alex so determined to contact Dean? She sensed that there was more to the story, and she was determined to find out what it was. As they stood there, the tension between them seemed to grow. Valerie could feel the weight of Dean's secrets pressing down on her, and she knew that she had to get him to open up to her. But how? And what would she discover when he finally did?