Offline for you

The Rules of Protection

The dark origin story of Derek Raines—before he became the predator. A psychological thriller exploring the birth of obsession and control.

Officer Derek Raines wasn’t always a monster. Before the stalking. Before the manipulation. Before Sloane Carter.

There was Melissa.

Known for his dedication to keeping his community safe, Derek has earned commendations and respect as the model police officer everyone trusts. But beneath his polished badge lies a growing darkness—a need for control that’s about to find its perfect target.

When a routine break-in brings Derek to Melissa’s door, her vulnerability awakens something different in him—a need to shield her from dangers only he can see. What begins as professional concern quickly becomes personal, his protective instincts morphing into something more intense as he convinces himself she needs his particular brand of vigilance.

But Derek’s protection comes with rules:

Rule #1: Always know where she is. Rule #2: Document everything. Rule #3: Control the narrative.

As their relationship deepens, Melissa begins questioning the surveillance cameras, tracking apps, and unexpected appearances. Each boundary she tries to establish is met with manipulation that makes her doubt her own perceptions.

“You’re overreacting.” “I’m just worried about you.” “Maybe you should talk to someone.”

When Melissa finally challenges the psychological cage being built around her, Derek’s mask slips. His position of authority becomes a weapon, his good reputation a shield, as he systematically ensures no one will believe her over him.

For Derek, what happens with Melissa isn’t an ending—it’s a lesson. Rules refined. Methods perfected. Patience learned.

And when he spots Sloane Carter at the local bookstore, Derek knows exactly how to proceed. This time, nothing will go wrong.

This psychological thriller delivers:

  • A chilling journey into obsessive control
  • The calculated manipulation of gaslighting
  • Authority weaponized against the vulnerable
  • The psychology of toxic protection
  • The disturbing evolution of predatory behavior

Written in raw first-person perspective, this dark psychological thriller explores how easily “protection” becomes possession—and how the most dangerous predators are often hiding in plain sight.

Some protectors aren’t keeping you safe. They’re keeping you theirs.

THE RULES OF PROTECTION is the chilling prequel to the Offline For You Duet. Continue with THE GLITCH IN HER WORLD to follow Sloane’s devastating journey.

Tropes:

  • Unreliable Narrator
  • Gaslighting
  • Stalker/Obsession
  • Abuse of Power/Authority
  • Toxic Relationships
  • Psychological Manipulation
  • False Victimhood
  • Predator POV

Trigger Warnings:

Trigger Warnings: This book contains themes that may be triggering, such as: Psychological abuse, stalking behaviors, gaslighting and reality manipulation, invasion of privacy, systematic surveillance and monitoring, emotional manipulation, coercive control, police misconduct and abuse of authority, and references to violence (not graphic).

Notes for readers: This prequel depicts the development and escalation of controlling and predatory behavior, showing the origin story of a man who uses his position as a police officer to manipulate others. The story is told entirely from the perpetrator’s first-person perspective, which some readers may find disturbing as it portrays his rationalization and justification of increasingly invasive behaviors. The narrative focuses on psychological manipulation rather than physical violence, but the content may still be distressing to those with personal experience of controlling relationships.

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