Weaver Of Darkness

By Melissa L. Webb

Seventeen-year-old Liss Taylor wants nothing more than to be normal. All she wants is to graduate high school, go to college, and marry her childhood sweetheart. But she knows normal is something she can never be. The constant nightmares of desolate wastelands and the tattoo she was born with is proof enough; normal is not in her future.

A Darkness is now creeping into her town. A Darkness which is weaving its way into the fears of those around it, causing terror to come alive and death to stalk the night.

Who is the new guy in school? What part does he play in all of this, and why does he seem to awaken a piece of her she never even knew existed?

Now Liss is in a race against time, joined by friends, old and new. It will take her places unknown and show her things she never dreamed possible. Will she be able to rise above the darkness and save those she loves, or will she lose everything, and succumb to the evil known as the Weaver of Darkness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa L. Webb
• Release date: Feb 10, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458122179

Melissa L. Webb

Melissa L. Webb is a writer, dreamer, thinker, and seeker. She currently lives in Northern California with her dog, Buffy.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Twisting the dial, he scanned the airwaves for something to match his mood. He grinned as Rock suddenly spilled from the speakers, the driving beat creeping into his soul.

I’m done for the summer! Andy Parker shouted to the night as his car raced down the highway. He was a free man until college started up again in the fall and was going to enjoy every minute of it.

Glancing at the passenger’s seat, he spied the letter he’d received that morning. He shook his head in disbelief. How lucky he was to have found the one.

Katie, he spoke the name in awe. She was waiting for him. This would be their summer. Patting his jacket pocket, he checked for the millionth time, the ring box was still there. It was time he asked her. He couldn’t wait to start their life together; especially not another year until graduation. Taking a deep breath to steady his pounding heart he focused again on the road.

No way.

Standing in the middle of the road was a figure, its long jacket fluttering in the breeze behind it.

Andy slammed on the brake, but it was too late to stop. Striking the figure, the car sent the body flying over the hood, landing on the pavement behind it.

He swerved hard, sending the car into a spin. It came to a stop, headlights illuminating the lifeless form in the darkness. He turned down the radio and leaned back in his seat. Lightly touching his forehead, he felt the sticky warmth of blood and wiped, grimacing at the pain.

What was that? he muttered, pushing against the door. It opened easily, tumbling him onto the pavement. Moaning in frustration, he tried to focus as world spun in front of his eyes.

Slowly, he made his way to the lifeless form in the road. The long jacket was draped perfectly over the length of the shape. He blinked; trying to work through the confusion, then leaned over and pulled back the dark material.

What the…? he spoke in shock. Lying on the ground was a stuffed doll. He recognized it immediately. It was a giant Raggedy Ann doll. He nudged it with his foot timidly, half expecting it to grab him.

He hated the Raggedy dolls with a passion, even though he had been named for them. His parents had decorated his room in that horrid motif, and their ghastly images had scared him to death. Where others saw laughter and happiness in their faces, he had seen pure malice. He knew what that twinkle in their eye was. They were hungry.

Now, staring down at this doll, he felt the terror rise up once again. He felt as if a dark cloud was forming around him, ready to ensnare him in pure and total darkness. He shivered as a breeze pushed at his body. Eyes darting around nervously, he started back to the car, then stopped. Sighing, he walked back to the doll, staring down at it. I never liked you, he whispered and gave a kick, sending the doll flying into the weeds on the side of the road.

Swiping again at the blood on his forehead, he returned to his car. He sat behind the wheel, eyes glazed, taking deep breaths. What just happened? he whispered, leaning back into the seat. Putting his head in his hands, he tried to calm himself. Get a grip, Parker, he muttered, trying to regain his composure. Eyes closed, he slowly breathed in and out.

A horn’s angry blast made his head snap up. He found himself staring into the headlights of an oncoming car. Frantically, he reached for the keys, hoping to spring the car into life before he tasted the angry metal of the charging beast. As he turned the keys, the opposing car swerved into the next lane, sparing him from a nasty accident.

Learn how to drive, bozo, a man yelled from the car as it veered back into its own lane.

Damn it, Andy swore, pounding the dashboard with his fist. Sighing, he turned the car around, pointing it back towards sanity and the way home.

He eased back into driving, his mind going a mile a minute. He knew he had hit something, and it had been standing in the middle of the road.

Turning up radio, he tried to relax, but the image loomed in his mind. It was like a continuous loop from a nightmare. Someone had been standing in the middle of the road. He had hit something solid.

Shaking his head, he put it behind him. It didn’t matter. What was done was done and he had his whole life waiting for him. Andy needed to silence the dark thoughts fluttering in his head, yet, they stuck to his mind like old cobwebs.

Someone had been standing in that road.

Soon a familiar sign glistened in his high beams. NIGHT OAK, OHIO-5 MILES.

Home, he whispered. Soon he’d be at his mom’s table eating her home cooking. Soon he’d have Katie in his arms. He patted his jacket pocket, feeling again for the ring box and the future he was carrying. It was still there. Everything was going to be okay.

Darkness suddenly slammed across the front of the car. Andy’s attention snapped back to the road. The windshield was covered in total blackness. He couldn‘t see where he was going. Cussing, Andy slammed on his brakes. The car fishtailed instantly, flipping into a roll.

Andy blinked. He slowly realized he must have been knocked unconscious; but how long he had been out, he had no clue. Moving hesitantly, he realized he was hanging upside down in his seat belt. Fresh blood seeped into his eyes. He quickly tried to blink the blood away.

Damn it he yelled, struggling with his seat belt. Finally the buckle popped open, sending him tumbling onto the ceiling. Wincing from the pain, tears welled in his eyes. Slowly, Andy reached for the door. Groaning under his weight, it didn’t open. Andy shoved at it several more times, but it still didn’t budge. This can’t be happening, he whispered, tears sliding down his cheeks.

Somehow he managed to find the window handle. He tried frantically to get a firm purchase but his fingers, slick with blood, kept sliding off.

Open, damn it. he whispered. Sliding his jacket sleeves over his hands, he used them to grab onto the handle. Slowly the window crept down enough for Andy to crawl through it.

He was almost out of the car when something came down around him, turning his world dark. Scrambling forward, clawing frantically at what held him, he suddenly realized he was fighting material. A good hard yank pulled it off. Moonlight illuminated the jacket which had been laid over the doll.

Andy shook his head. There was no doubt in his mind this was what caused the accident. What the hell is going on? he shouted, anger dripping from his voice as he tossed the jacket aside. Standing up slowly, the world swam before his eyes and darkness threatened to close in on him. Closing his eyes, he fought the urge to vomit. After a couple deep breaths, he opened them again. The world was no longer swimming, but was still quite fuzzy. Glancing at his car, he knew he had problems. His new car was lying in a ditch along the side of the road.

Oh, God. No, he whispered. The car was totaled.

He patted his pockets and discovered his cell phone was gone. He was all alone. Looking around, he pondered his options. He wasn’t far from town. He should just wait until someone came by.

A bird calling into the night caused him to jump. Looking back at the thick dark woods, he shivered. A warm breeze drifted through the night, but inside Andy’s bones were like ice. He peered at the highway through the haze in his head. There should’ve been at least a half-dozen cars gone by, yet he hadn’t seen a one. He glanced around nervously. Something wasn’t right. He needed to leave. Now!

Giving his car one last look, he started towards town.

Hey, where are you going? a voice called from behind him.

Andy spun around. There, leaning against a tree, batting its eyelashes, stood the Raggedy Ann doll. No freaking way, he whispered under his breath, taking a few steps back.

Oh, Andy. Please don’t leave, the doll cooed. I want to play.

No, he whispered. You’re not real.

Andy, Andy… it called in a singsong voice. Please get up. It’s time to brush your teeth.

He thought back to his room, to that awful alarm clock which used to haunt his mornings. It had said the same thing. Without realizing, he started whispering Raggedy Andy’s response. Okay, Ann. I’m awake. It’s time to start the day.

The doll giggled and clapped its hands. Very good!

The sound of the clap broke the spell. No! he screamed. He turned around to run, but blocking his way was a dark figure.

You’re not going anywhere, the figure spoke; and a powerful force lifted Andy up, tossing him hard into a tree.

He slid down it in a daze. His head felt as if a terrible force was trying to free itself from within. Blinking, he cleared his eyesight and suddenly wished he hadn’t. The dark figure stood over him with the hungry looking Ann, rows of razor sharp teeth jutting from her mouth, standing behind him. The doll stared at him and licked its lips.

Who are you? Andy managed to squeak out.

That is not important, the figure’s voice boomed.

He moaned and put his head down. Why me? he begged.

The figure chuckled. You are special. You are to be the first.

With that, Andy’s world went dark.

Part I: The Summoning

Chapter 1

Have you seen the new guy yet, B.J.? Liss asked.

Yeah, he’s hot! Bobby Jean said, a faraway look in her eyes.

Hell, yeah! Sarah agreed, the same look within her eyes.

Oh, no. Not you, too, Rob said as he came up behind her.

What do you mean? B.J. asked, coming out of her trance.

I met him. I think he’s a little different, Tricia threw in.

I know. There’s something about him, Liss commented while staring at her wrist brace.

Yeah, I know, Liss. He’s probably a serial killer out to slaughter the whole town, Jerry teased.

Whatever, she told him, rolling her eyes. He gives me a weird feeling. I can’t explain it. She looked away, shivering slightly.

He put his arms around her. Hey. It’s okay, baby, he told her soothingly. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.

She laughed slightly. Sure. Most of the time I have to protect you.

Everyone laughed.

Jerry grinned. Okay, okay. That’s enough. So…what about this new guy?

He sits next to me in Math, Brad said. I think he’s pretty cool. He helped me with a few problems I was stuck on.

B.J. nodded in agreement. Yeah. He helped me in History. We’re studying medieval times. She sighed softly to herself. He sure seems to know a lot about them.

That doesn’t make him a good person, Rob scoffed. A homicidal maniac would probably be brilliant.

Hey, Liss is an expert when it comes to that, Jerry told him.

I rest my case, he said, winking at Liss.

Be nice to me, Robbie, or I’ll leave, she warned as she stuck her nose in the air.

So? Rob shot back.

Now, children… Jerry teased.

So, Brad said, turning his attention to their silent friend, what do you think of the new guy, Ben?

I have no clue who you guys are talking about, he replied with a shrug.

What?

The members of the Secret Circle were walking home from school. They were too busy talking and laughing, to notice someone was following them.

How could you have missed him? The way he was making a spectacle of himself, Jerry said, rolling his eyes. It’s like he thinks he’s a God or something.

Sarah shot him a venomous look. You’re just jealous.

He glared at her.

Anyway, Sarah continued, he was that fine hottie in the wicked leather jacket.

Ben shook his head. I have no clue. Too bad, though. Sounds like I missed one of the wonders of the world.

Don’t worry. He wasn’t anything special. The only good thing about him is his hair, Liss said, flipping her long red tresses over her shoulder. I’ve always been partial to redheads.

Come on, Liss. How can you not think the new guy is to die for? Sarah asked, eyes bright.

Sarah, Tricia said. Liss is part of a couple. People aren’t interested in shopping when they have all they need.

Liss looked over at Jerry. And I do have everything I need…right here.

He grinned at her. Good answer.

I can’t wait until Saturday. I’m dying to see your reactions to my story, Ben said. It took me forever to complete, but I think it was well worth the wait. He shivered as they crossed the street. It gives me the chills just thinking of it.

Brad smiled. About time. You haven’t told one in forever.

Yeah, I just had to break this damn writer’s block. I even have a few more ideas, he told them with a wicked grin.

Rob thought for moment. This calls for a celebration. Let’s blow off our homework and have a horror movie marathon at my house.

Great idea, Sarah said, looking over a B.J. We could have a gush session about the new guy.

Oh, no, Rob muttered. My house is a gossip free zone. He stopped and raised his eyebrows. Unless, of course, it’s about me.

Oh, please! Sarah said, playfully shoving him.

Rob smiled running a hand through his shaggy blond hair. Come on, ladies. You know you want me.

What do you think, Liss? Jerry asked her. Let’s go have some fun.

Sorry, Jare. I have to go home. It’s my turn to cook dinner.

Oh, come on, Tricia urged. It won’t be the same without you.

Yeah, they all agreed.

Sorry, guys, but I can’t go. You know how my parents are.

Jerry frowned as they turned the corner. I guess this is where we leave you.

Liss glanced at the old Victorian house as they approached it. It was in an impeccable condition. The same way her parents liked their lives. The different shades of blue paint were in perfect contrast with each other. The paint itself, showed no wear or tear. Not a single chip.

The lawn was lush and green, rows of elegant flowers lining each wall of the house. Every weekend Liss’ parents had someone come by to work on the house and yard. It was clear to see they put more time and love into their home than they gave their own daughter.

I see, as usual, your parents have their priorities in order, Rob said, eyeing the house. Take care of the house, neglect the daughter. He offered Liss a sympathetic smile.

She shrugged. It’s all about appearances. They can hide their daughter, but not their house. She looked down at her watch. My mom will be home soon. I should at least have dinner started.

Jerry looked at her, his concern apparent. Do you want me to stay and help? You can’t hold the world up by yourself all the time.

I can in my family, she said with a sigh. I’m fine. Don’t spoil your evening because of me.

Hey, Jerry spoke, gently lifting her chin up. Look at me, Liss. My night isn’t spoiled if it’s with you. He leaned closer. I’d love to stay and keep you company, he whispered with a grin.

That would be fun, but…

Jerry didn’t let her finish. He pulled her close, his lips gently brushing against hers.

Her arms went around his neck as she kissed him back. She was in heaven. Nothing mattered in her world as long as she was with Jerry. She clung to him tighter. She didn’t want to get back to reality. She wanted to stay in this moment with him forever. Reluctantly, she pulled back when she heard the others teasing them.

We’d better stop, she whispered. Either that, or charge admission.

Jerry laughed at the thought. It would be the best money I ever made.

They both cracked up. She pulled away from him, wiping her eyes.

Rob looked at them. You guys have way too much fun.

Liss grinned. You have no idea. She looked back at her boyfriend, who was wiping his glasses. I have to stay. Go have fun with the others.

Are you sure?

Yeah, Jare, I have a lot to do. She smiled and touched his cheek.

Liss… he began.

I’ll be fine. Go have a good time. She kissed him lightly. I’ll call you later.

He frowned. Okay. If you’re sure?

She’s sure, Rob said and grabbed his arm. Come on, Romeo. Time to go. He turned to Liss. We’ll take good care of him. Come over later if you get a chance.

She smiled. I’ll try. Bye, Jerry. Bye, guys, she said and headed to the door.

Chapter 2

Liss sat her backpack down on the living room couch and looked around. Is anyone home? she called even though she already knew the answer. Her parents were rarely home. Ever. Most times it was only long enough for dinner or to have one of their talks about how she needed to start living up to the Taylor name. Had she put in her college applications yet? Was she doing any community service? ‘That looks good on an application, you know.’ Had she decided on a profession yet? Why was she still in that silly group that did nothing but write make-believe?

Liss’ parents understood nothing like that. They were only aware of real life and what they could see and touch. And anyone who didn’t think like them weren’t worth the bother.

David Taylor had been born poor. His father had run out on his mother and him, leaving them with a sick baby, and no money. David had been ten years old at the time. His mother had to get two extra jobs just to barely eke by. His baby brother got sicker, and because there was no extra money, they couldn’t get him proper treatment. His brother died two days after David’s 16th birthday. It was then and there, he swore this would never happen to another family.

After high school, he struggled and scraped and somehow got his way into college and medical school. David’s mother died from cancer three days before he completed his internship. This helped fuel his determination to be the best doctor he could be. So he worked his way up to being one of the most respected doctors at Night Oak County General Hospital.

But being a great doctor didn’t guarantee he’d be a great parent.

Liss’ mother wasn’t much better. Kathy Taylor cared too much about the world. She wanted to be everywhere for everyone. There was one exception to that. She figured she was an independent woman and her daughter should be, too. She left Liss to do her own thing, never once considering she might actually need a mother.

Liss sighed. This was the life she had been dealt and she would make the best of it. Walking into the kitchen, she found a note taped to the refrigerator.

Melissa,

Your father is working late and Carolyn’s had an emergency. I’m with her, so no one will be home for dinner. I guess you’re off the hook. I left money on the table. I thought you might want to order a pizza or something. I had a feeling you wanted to talk to me earlier. Are you having those nightmares again? I hope not. We paid good money to get rid of those. I’ll call you later to let you know what’s going on.

Mom

P.S. I left Hunter in the back yard.

Well, Liss said with a sigh. At least she remembered to leave a note.

Her mother was always someplace else. If it wasn’t at her legal office, it was off taking care of someone in need. Today, it was Carolyn. She wondered what kind of crisis she was having this time. It was always something.

At least Liss was capable of taking care of herself. Half the time, she felt like she was the only sane one around the house.

Walking into the dining room, she opened the sliding glass door.

Hunter! she called. A big silver and black wolf dog bounced through the door. He came in and sat at her feet, nose and paws covered in dirt.

She leaned down and looked into his big blue eyes. He looked back at her, a certain sadness in those eyes. You’ve been digging again, she said with a frown. You didn’t dig all the way under the fence again, did you? Dad’ll shoot me.

Hunter stared back at her for a few minutes, then whined and put his head down.

She knelt, pulling the big dog into her arms. She loved Hunter so much. She didn’t know what she’d do without him. We can’t give them a reason to get rid of you, she whispered into his fur. He brushed the side of his head against her cheek and whimpered.

Liss’ parents didn’t like the idea of a wolf running around the house, but when the skinny stray had turned up on their porch a year ago, with nothing but a old collar emblazoned with the word Hunter, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. Liss had felt an instant bond with the animal and wasn’t about to let him wander the streets.

Her parents had finally given in only to shut her up. Her father also thought it would teach her responsibility, keeping the wolf dog in line. Like she didn’t have enough responsibility anyway?

Liss let go of Hunter and stood up. Just don’t do it again, she warned him with a smile.

He grinned and thumped his tail against the floor.

Laughing softly she headed back into the kitchen. Okay.

He let out a soft woof as he padded after her, towards the fridge.

She glanced at the letter again as she opened the refrigerator door. Yeah, I’m having those dreams again, she whispered as she searched the shelves. What does it matter? They’ll never stop.

Hunter whined as he rubbed her hand with his nose.

She jumped as she was pulled from her thoughts. She looked down at the wolf. It‘s okay, Hunter. He looked away from her as she reached into the fridge and grabbed a bag of grapes and a pint of chocolate milk. Then with another sigh at the sight of the note, she shut the door. Come on, wolf-boy, she said, grabbing her backpack. Let’s go to our room.

Once inside, she tossed her backpack on the floor in the corner and sat down on her bed. Hunter flopped down on the floor, watching her quietly.

Taking a sip of the chocolate milk, then popping a grape into her mouth, she grabbed the remote. Her T.V. flickered to life. She found something to leave it on and tossed the remote aside.

Liss glanced down at her left wrist, at the ugly brown material which ran from the base of her hand down. I hate wearing this stupid brace. Slowly she slid it off, revealing the black mark on her pale skin. Tears formed as she looked at it. Why? she muttered.

Melissa Anne Taylor had been born with an arrow pointing up on her left wrist. Both the doctors and her parents had been baffled. It was exactly like a tattoo. Much to her parents’ dismay, their daughter had been flawed. It embarrassed them so much they demanded her to keep it a secret. God forbid if anyone found out their daughter wasn’t normal.

Jerry was the only one she risked telling. She knew he would understand. Everyone else thought she had broken her wrist when she was little and, as a result, it was permanently weak.

She started to cry. Why? Why do I have to be so different?

She was different. She knew that. She had never truly fit in with other kids. Most of them had shied away from her when she was little because they hadn’t understood her.

Then there were the dreams. Nightmares of families brutally killing each other, brothers performing satanic acts against their sisters, and the world turning into a wasteland containing no life, except those who were damned to serve. Liss would never survive in her dreams, yet, she wouldn’t die. She’d always be back to suffer at the hands of the Dark One.

Someone knocked on her bedroom door, startling her back to the present. She jumped slightly. What?

Melissa. It’s Mom. Can we talk?

Mom? She looked at the clock on her stand. It was seven-thirty already? How can that be? She didn’t think it was fair. Every time she thought about her dreams, the arrow, and the Dark One, she always lost a piece of her life.

Melissa?

Oh, yeah. Mom. Come in.

Liss’ door opened and her mother stepped in. Hi, honey, Mrs. Taylor said and smiled weakly. Her smile left her face after a few seconds. She walked over, sitting down on the end of the bed. Have you been crying?

I’m fine, Mom. Nothing’s wrong.

Don’t lie to me, she snapped. Have you and Jerry been fighting?

Liss sighed. No, everything’s fine between us. She knew Jerry was the only thing her parents liked about her life. But he was the son of the town sheriff and connections meant everything to her parents.

Then what is it? Mrs. Taylor demanded. She glanced down at Liss’ hand and saw the exposed arrow. Oh.

She looked up at her mother. I’m so tired of being different.

You’re not different, honey. You just have some issues to work out.

She looked at her mom, shocked. So this arrow is some issue I have to work out? she snapped. It’s real! These dreams, they’re real. They mean something.

Her mother sighed and stood up. Don’t start with this again, Melissa. They’re just nightmares. The only thing they mean is you’re stressed about something.

They’re not just nightmares, Mother, Liss screamed at her. Sometimes they come in the day, when I’m awake. I feel them. They’re real.

Mrs. Taylor shook her head. They’re not real. You have an overactive imagination, that’s all. That’s why you sit around and make up stories. She turned and headed for the door. Your dreams are like your stories. Pure fiction.

Mom? Liss spoke, tears in her eyes. Why don’t you believe me?

Her mom turned around and looked at her. Because stuff like this doesn’t happen. It’s not real. She started to walk out, then turned back around. I forgot. I need you and your friends to be careful, Melissa.

Liss looked at her. It was suddenly as if she had aged twenty years. What is it?

Carolyn’s son was on his way home yesterday. He…didn’t make it.

Liss gasped. He was a friend of hers. What happened to Andy, Mom? she asked weakly.

They found his car along the side of the road, about three miles outside of town. It had been wrecked.

And…

They found his body in the woods not far from the car. He was pretty beat up.

He was thrown from the car? Liss asked, fresh tears streaming down her face.

Mrs. Taylor shook her head. The car might have been an accident, but… She stopped. Honey, it looks like someone did this to him.

No, she whispered. I don’t believe it.

Her mom shook her head. I’m…going back to Carolyn’s, she told her, walking out.

Liss buried her face into her pillow and cried. No, she whispered. Not Andy. It can’t be. But for some reason, she wasn’t surprised. Whatever happened, she knew it was only the beginning.

Chapter 3

After a few minutes, Liss got up and slowly opened the door. She felt bad for yelling at her mother. Sure, her mom didn’t deserve an apology, but she had too much to deal with right now. Andy had been like a son to her mom Then there was poor Carolyn. She couldn’t even imagine what she was going through right now. No, her mom didn’t need her problems dumped on her, too.

Mom? she called as she hurried into the hallway and towards the stairs. Mom, I’m sorry, she said as she descended the steps.

She heard her mother’s car start up outside. She was too late. I’m sorry, she whispered and stepped off the last step.

Hunter bounded down the stairs, stopping to look at Liss, a puzzled look on his face.

Now she’s really going to hate me. You know that, don’t you? she told the dog miserably.

Hunter growled softly and made his way into the living room.

I know, wolf-boy, she said, shaking her head. I’m not the one who should feel bad. She walked over to the phone next to the couch. Well, why don’t we indulge tonight? I’m ordering us pizza. She picked up the phone and grinned as she looked at him. Our favorite?

Hunter stuck his tongue out sideways and grinned.

After the pizza was ordered and was promised to be there in thirty minutes or less, Liss was in the kitchen pouring herself some soda, thinking about the day’s events.

Suddenly Hunter sprung up from the floor. Standing in the middle of the room, his eyes darted in all directions, as if someone might pop out of the woodwork any second.

What is it? What’s wrong?

He closed his eyes and tilted his head, listening to something only he could hear.

They stood like this for what seemed like an eternity. Hunter with his eyes closed and Liss staring at him, a deep look of bewilderment on her face.

Suddenly, he went into a frenzy. His lips curled back, showing his teeth as he charged the sliding glass door. Pure rage reflected in his eyes, terrifying her as his paws tore at the glass. His growls and snarls echoed throughout the house.

Hunter? What is it? she managed to get out in a whisper. Her throat was dry. She whispered again as she tried to calm her pounding heart, Hunter, stop. Please.

He turned and looked at her, the fear showing in his eyes as he let out a soft growl.

Hunter? Is something out there? She wanted to run, but her feet had become cemented to the ground. There was a thought at the edge of her mind. One full of darkness and death, and it terrified her. If there was something out there, she was pretty sure she knew what it was. Get away from the door, Hunter.

He backed up slowly looking at Liss.

Taking a deep breath, she walked past him towards the sliding glass door.

Grabbing her T-shirt, he gently pulled her back with his teeth.

Hunter, it’s okay, she whispered, taking another step.

He whined, and tugged at her shirt again.

Hunter. Let go.

He did as he was told, but pressed himself tightly against her leg.

They both walked forward peering into the night. Nothing seemed out of place. No one pressed against the glass on the other side, trying to draw her into their world of nightmares and terror.

She realized she was holding her breath and let it out slowly. It’s okay, Hunter. There’s nothing out there. Patting his head, she turned away from the door, starting towards the kitchen.

The wolf-dog, hackles raised, pressed his nose against the glass and growled.

Hunter. Come on. Get away from the door, she called, picking up her glass of soda.

Looking unsure, the he walked away from the window.

I think I have us both a little spooked, she told him, taking a sip of her soda. I think I need a vacation. What do you think? He never got a chance to respond.

A dark figure darted past the kitchen window.

Oh my God, she breathed, dropping her soda. It shattered, sending shards of glass throughout the kitchen. A few hit her, but she didn’t notice. She was too busy dealing with the shards of ice that had penetrated her heart. It’s out there. She turned and headed into the living room, crunching glass as she went.

Hunter stood frozen, watching Liss as she walked.

She glanced at him. What are we going to do?

He whined as he followed her.

Picking up the phone she started to dial, then stopped. Who was she going to call? She glanced back towards the kitchen and then down at the phone in her hand. She had to do something.

Someone knocked on the front door, causing them both to jump. They stood in silence, looking at each other.

Another knock sent Hunter running to the door, barking.

Clutching the phone tightly to her chest, she walked forward. Every ounce of her being told her to run the other direction, the longer she stayed by this door, the less her chance of survival. Another knock echoed throughout the house. Liss couldn’t help herself. Who’s…there?

Um, it’s the pizza delivery guy, a voice called from the other side of the door.

Oh.

Hunter glanced up at her and growled softly.

The guy spoke again. You did order a pizza, right?

Coming! she called as she unlocked the door.

The dog stood by her side, ready to pounce.

No, Hunter. She opened the door. Standing on the other side was a perfectly normal looking guy. Sorry, she said, smiling.

Hunter padded back to the couch.

It’s okay, the pizza guy said handing her the pizza.

You didn’t happen to see anybody out there, did you? she asked him.

No. Nobody.

Thank you, she said as she paid him. Sorry again.

Oh, no problem. I know how it is, especially after the way they found that guy, the pizza guy said, shaking his head.

Yeah, she agreed and closed the door.

Hunter stood, head cocked, in the middle of the living room.

I know. You want pizza Liss laughed bitterly. I need to chill. Putting the pizza box on the coffee table, she walked into the kitchen. She sidestepped the glass and grabbed a plate. I’m going to end up driving us both crazy.

Heading back into the living room, she found Hunter pawing at the pizza box. What do you think you’re doing?

He