Darkness Echoes

By L.A. Starkey, Chess Desalls, D.E.L. Connor and 3 more

Six spooky never before seen YA short stories just in time for Halloween!

Til Death Do Us Part by L.A. Starkey - Jennifer and Zach have been best friends since birth, but as their senior year approaches, things change drastically. With little time left to reveal her heart before college, Jen plans a night to remember at the old haunted Vandercamp Mansion for Zach's birthday. It's just to be the two of them, and no one was to know, but upon arrival, they realizes that their presence was expected. Their connection is forged as realization of their past is granted. A love that stands outside of time and space will not rest - Til Death Do Us Part.

Witch Moth by Kelly Hall - Dominic Dane has endured his sister Dahlia's evil deeds for decades while the two serve out their hundred year punishment, but when she threatens to use his new-found crush as her Halloween sacrifice, he realizes she'll never change. Promising Kitty he will stop at nothing to save her and her friends, Dominic is forced to explain his curse, revealing it's not just Dahlia who must kill to survive.

The Coming of the Skin Walker by D.E.L. Connor - When warriors Walking Bear and Nine Fingers rescue amnesia-ridden Lina from the clutches of the immortal Skin Walker they must flee on a harrowing journey where ancient Native American secrets and mysticism unfold, innocence is lost, and the forever bonds of love and friendship are tested.

Lantern by Chess Desalls - Five days before Halloween, all sixteen-year-old Tori has on her mind is vacationing with her family and scoring lots of candy. Her grandmother's estate, with its Gothic spires and trails that lead out to the woods, holds an unexpected secret: a lantern that lights up for Tori and nobody else. Certain that it's a ghost or a prank, she investigates further and discovers a mysterious life that shines in the darkness.     

Cloak of Echoes by CK Dawn - Just as Emma Kincaid came into some disturbing empathic powers, she lost her mother in a car crash. She is also pretty certain she's being followed, maybe even hunted. But, is it the shadowy creatures that haunt her nightmares or the mysterious guy, shrouded in darkness, who just enrolled at Jefferson High?

Hallowed Eve by DB Nielsen - Ten years after the sinister disappearance of her father, the turmoil begins again with the stealing of souls … Seventeen-year-old Evee is forced to accept her birthright of dark secrets and death as she inherits the role of Soul Guardian; a role that brings her into the dangerous influence of a coven of witches and the enigmatic, alluring Hunter, Ben, to defeat the rise of dark magick.

These stories have never been published before and were written specifically for this anthology. Hope you enjoy this spooky adventure!!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BrixBaxter Publishing
• Release date: Oct 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519935106

Book preview

Darkness Echoes

Darkness Echoes

LA Starkey Kelly Hall D.E.L. Connor Chess Desalls CK Dawn DB Nielsen

BrixBaxter Publishing

Contents

Story Descriptions

Til Death Do Us Part

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Vandercamp Mansion,

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

Authors Bio – L.A. Starkey

Other Books by L.A. Starkey

Howl at the Moon

The Core, Equilibrium I

Resounding Desolation

Witch Moth

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Authors Bio – Kelly Hall

Other Books by Kelly Hall

Copyright

The Coming of the Skin Walker

Untitled

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

Authors Bio – D.E.L. Connor

Other Books by D.E.L. Connor

Copyright

Lantern

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Authors Bio – Chess Desalls

Other Books by Chess Desalls

Copyright

Cloak of Echoes

Prologue

Sanity Fading

Rain Numbing

Radioactive Reckoning

Neophyte Stalking

Emotion Surfing

Family Reuniting

Epilogue

Authors Bio – CK Dawn

Other Books by CK Dawn

Copyright

Hallowed Eve

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Authors Bio – DB Nielsen

Other Books by DB Nielsen

Thank You!!

Copyright © All Authors Named in This Book

Story Descriptions

Book 1: Til Death Do Us Part

by L.A. Starkey

~ Page 11 ~

Jennifer and Zach have been best friends since birth, but as their senior year approaches, things change drastically. With little time left to reveal her heart before college, Jen plans a night to remember at the old haunted Vandercamp Mansion for Zach's birthday. It's just to be the two of them, and no one was to know, but upon arrival, they realize that their presence was expected. Their connection is forged as realization of their past is granted. A love that stands outside of time and space will not rest –

Til Death Do Us Part.

Book 2: Witch Moth

by Kelly Hall

~ Page 73 ~

Dominic Dane has endured his sister Dahlia’s evil deeds for decades while the two serve out their hundred year punishment, but when she threatens to use his new-found crush as her Halloween sacrifice, he realizes she’ll never change. Promising Kitty he will stop at nothing to save her and her friends, Dominic is forced to explain his curse, revealing it’s not just Dahlia who must kill to survive.

Book 3: The Coming of the Skin Walker

by D.E.L. Connor

~ Page 149 ~

When warriors Walking Bear and Nine Fingers rescue amnesia-ridden Lina from the clutches of the immortal Skin Walker they must flee on a harrowing journey where ancient Native American secrets and mysticism unfold, innocence is lost, and the forever bonds of love and

friendship are tested.

Book 4: Lantern

by Chess Desalls

~ Page 223 ~

Five days before Halloween, all sixteen-year-old Tori has on her mind is vacationing with her family and scoring lots of candy. Her grandmother’s estate, with its Gothic spires and trails that lead out to the woods, holds an unexpected secret: a lantern that lights up for Tori and nobody else. Certain that it’s a ghost or a prank, she investigates further and discovers a mysterious life that shines in the darkness.

Book 5: Cloak of Echoes

by CK Dawn

~ Page 297 ~

Just as Emma Kincaid came into some disturbing empathic powers, she lost her mother in a car crash. She is also pretty certain she's being followed, maybe even hunted. But, is it the shadowy creatures that haunt her nightmares or the mysterious guy, shrouded in darkness, who just enrolled at Jefferson High?

Book 6: Hallowed Eve

by DB Nielsen

~ Page 353 ~

Ten years after the sinister disappearance of her father, the turmoil begins again with the stealing of souls … Seventeen-year-old Evee is forced to accept her birthright of dark secrets and death as she inherits the role of Soul Guardian; a role that brings her into the dangerous influence of a coven of witches and the enigmatic, alluring Hunter, Ben, to defeat the rise of dark magick.

Book 1

Til Death Do Us Part

---

by L.A. Starkey

---

Chapter 1

Excitement was in the air. It was finally football season again, which meant Friday night games, cheering my lungs out and trying to avoid the plethora of delicious concession stand treats. It being my senior year just made it all the more exciting.

Alright girls, we should get a touch down on this next play. Get ready with your cheer. Coach Mills locked eyes with me and nodded.

Yes, ma'am. Nervousness tore up the inside of my stomach, but I ignored it. I turned my head to the left and right, catching the attention of all the girls on my squad. You heard her. Get in position and we'll go on my count.

I glanced up into the stands and my heart skipped a beat. I'd been best friends with Zach Parker since we were in diapers. He never failed to remind me that we'd bathed together a million times as infants. I could usually pass it off with an eye roll or a false gagging session, but not in the last few years.

He winked and I shook my head as if it meant nothing.

But it did. It meant the world.

The stands erupted and I turned briefly to see Jonathan Parks run across the touchdown line. The band kicked off the fight song and I bent my knees slightly, calling out as loudly as I could manage.

Ready? Okay.

We moved into our touchdown cheer as the stands went ballistic. It was the first game of the season and the Jefferson Jackals were killing it. We had always been a strong team, but with my current boyfriend in the quarterback spot, there was no pulling anything over on us.

Carl was a foot taller than me, a meat-head and a half, but the best looking guy in the school. He'd shown up about half way through our sophomore year and won everyone over with his model-like appearance and award winning smile.

We wrapped up the cheer with a flip-flop from each of us. Mine was the last and I forced a fake smile and shook my pom-poms as my eyes scanned the crowd again.

A yelp left me as someone popped my butt. I jerked around to light into the idiot, but found Carl chuckling as he jogged off.

Girl, girl, girl... what I wouldn't give for someone that looked like that to pop my backside. Katrina, my best friend wagged her eyebrows at me before following Carl's movements as he got together with his team.

Good. I'm selling him for a snickers bar and a diet coke.

Sold. She laughed and turned to look up in the stands. It's weird this year. Feels like something is missing.

I shrugged and turned back to the stands, unwilling to have idle chat with my closest gal-pal. My parents sat together over to the left of the stands, obviously trying hard to avoid the student’s section.

Zach's mom and dad sat next to them, his mother still looking sickly and pale. She'd fallen ill sometime during the summer and where I was worried that it was cancer, my mother had come to the conclusion that it was simply depression.

Hey, a deep voice called to me and I turned to find Zach leaning over the front rail of the bleachers above me.

Hey yourself, stranger. I smiled as butterflies performed a ballet in my stomach and fluttered up through my chest. You couldn't call anyone this summer? What the hell?

Zach had been away since early June on a special summer study abroad program in Spain. I hated Spanish class, so passing up the opportunity was the only responsible thing for me to do. It had been a long summer without him, and finding out that he wasn't going to be back until October was a killer.

No matter how much I wanted to pole vault into the stands and pull him into a tight hug, I'd never let him know that my feelings had morphed into an unhealthy obsession. I was head cheerleader and expected to date Carl. Plain and simple.

Right? Did you miss me? Zach's dark green eyes narrowed a little, making him impossibly handsome. His shaggy brown hair and lean physique left me wanting to fan myself, but my secret would remain just that - a secret.

Kind of. I had to bait my own hook this summer. It sucked. I shrugged as a smirk pulled at my mouth.

Meat-head over there didn't bait it for you? He nodded toward the field.

Cool girls don't fish, I whispered, lifting my hand as if keeping the intel between us.

Ah... maybe that's why I never went for the cool ones. He winked and stood to his full height. He had been swimming since we were in elementary school and the sport had done wonders for his once thin, lanky frame.

Heat rose up my chest and coated my neck. Get out of here before I get into trouble.

Only if you promise to meet me by the docks tonight after everyone goes to bed. He smiled and I swear the world tilted a little.

Yeah, whatever. Just bring the fishing poles and I'll get worms.

Let's just dig them up.

It's too cold. There won't be... I stopped as he chuckled. We had more private jokes between us over him pulling a fast one on me than I could fill a book with. How many times had he begged me to dig up worms in the winter to find nothing but a huge hole to bury my pride in?

I've missed you. You look hot in that uniform, Miss Popular. He winked and turned, jogging back up the stands to join his mother. She didn't respond, but I didn't expect her to. Her depression made her almost appear comatose most days. I'd die if that were my mom and we couldn't pull her out of wherever she'd gone to.

Who were you talking to? Katrina moved up beside me and offered me her water bottle.

I took a quick sip of it and glanced up to find Zach gone from his mother's side. Zach. I guess he's finally back from his trip.

Hmmm... Well, you know Carl doesn't like you talking about him.

I don't care what Carl likes. I glanced toward her, wondering when her feelings for my boyfriend were going to completely surface. I needed to just hand him over. He wasn't my type of guy and I couldn't remember when I'd fallen to the social pressure of making him as such.

Okay. Put your teeth back in your head, silly. She pushed her shoulder into mine and gave me a tight smile. Let's do some cheering. I feel weird just standing around.

I agree. I turned to the girls. Let's do 'bring 'em down'. On my count.

We won the game by twenty-six points. I almost felt bad for the opposing team, but the energy of our group was too high to snuff out the excitement. Carl jogged up to me and wrapped his big arm around my waist, hoisting me into the air.

Yeah... who's dating the best quarterback in the state of Texas? That's right, pretty little thang. You are! He bounced me around like a rag doll and I smiled, trying to play the part.

Put me down, you brute. I pushed at his shoulders and he let me go, causing me to almost stumble backward. He reached out and caught me in time, but his hold wasn't friendly in the slightest.

Come on, Jen. Let's have some fun tonight. We're all going out to Bells Camp to have a beer and dance a little. You know I hate it when you don't go.

I don't drink, Carl.

Yeah, but you dance. Really well. He pulled me close and bent down, brushing his lips over the curve of my shoulder.

Yes, but you're not happy with just dancing. I pushed at him a little more. My parents would die if they saw him pawing at me from the stands. My folks are here. Back up a little.

Come on, baby. I promise to behave if you'll just come with us. You know I'm not willing to cheat on you, but if you leave me to my own devises, who knows what might happen.

Yeah. I'm not too worried about that. We all make mistakes. I gave him a knowing look, but he missed the irony in my words altogether.

Jen. I'm not taking no for an answer. His tone darkened.

Fine. Pick me up at eleven out at the edge of my road. I'm not kidding you about nothing more than a dance, and I'm not drinking. You try anything funny on me and I will kick your ass. Got it? I mustered up my best mean girl look.

Yes, baby. I promise. Scouts’ honor. His lips turned up into a smirk. His dark blond hair was curly and wet from sweat, his blue eyes piercing and smile promising. He was every girl's wildest fantasy, but mine. He was quickly turning into a pain in the butt nightmare. The kind that wouldn't let you get a minute of rest, and yet there was no long-term good to come of it.

See you then. I moved toward the stands, wanting to find Zach, but not getting very far. Carl caught my hand and pulled me back, wrapping me in a tight hug and pressing his lips to mine before licking at my mouth.

I jerked from him. Carl. My parents are here.

Mine too. See you at eleven. Don't be late. He wagged his eyebrows and blew me a kiss before turning and catching up with his friends.

Why was I dating him again? Just the feel of his lips on mine felt like blasphemy.

Hey, there you are. Katrina stopped beside me. Are you going to Bells Camp tonight with everyone?

Yeah, I guess. I don't want to, but...

Oh come on. You've been in a funk all damn summer. Come have fun with us.

I am. Meat-head is picking me up at eleven.

Can I sleep over after? My mom would never let me go out there.

That's because she went when she was a kid, Kat. Nothing good can come out of us going.

I know! Isn't it exciting? She gave off a shriek and ran her fingers down the ornate braids her mother had paid a pretty penny for.

Meet you there?

Yes. I'm getting a ride out there with Jonathon Parks.

Good. He's a decent guy. Let's trade. You let Carl bring you and I'll ride with Jon. I smiled and glanced back at the stands to see Zach walking down beside my dad. I waved and my father and Zach waved back.

I'm going to ask Zach to come. I turned my attention back to my best friend.

No.

I half expected her to follow up with the reasons why. No?

Yes, Jen. This is about us. Zach's not a part of us. He hasn't been since we were kids really. You need to let it go. She reached out and rubbed my shoulder.

I forced myself not to jerk back and bite her head off. Zach had been my closest friend for as long as I could remember. Just because he wasn't on the football team didn't mean he didn't belong. He would always belong where I was concerned. There was nothing left to be said. Nodding I turned and jogged toward my folks, hoping to catch another glimpse of him before he parted ways.

No such luck.

I slid my hand into my dad's and smiled up at him. Hey, daddy.

Pumpkin! Wow, you were amazing out there tonight. He tugged his hand from mine and wrapped an arm around me.

My mother turned and joined us, looping her arm into my free one. You were beautiful. Not as pretty as me when I was a cheerleader, but you're a close second.

She rolled her eyes, the joke not lost on me. My mother was president of the band. She wouldn't have worn a cheerleader costume if she was paid loads of cash to do it.

Your mom would look hot in a cheerleader outfit. My dad leaned over, wagging his eyebrows.

Okay, guys. Just no, please. I scanned the parking lot in front of us, looking for Mr. Parker's truck. Did you guys see Zach? I guess he's back from his trip finally.

No. I didn't. My mother rubbed my arm and opened the gate to the exit for us.

Really? He was sitting on the other side of his mother. I swear you're blind, mom. Anyway... he looked good. I missed him like crazy. I released them both and walked into the crowded parking lot. He looked really good.

Like the best he's ever looked.

Chapter 2

It was almost ten and my parents had said their good-nights and locked their bedroom door. Smoothing down the front of my cream-colored sweater, I realized I was nervous. Not because of having to meet up with Carl in an hour, but getting to see Zach for the hour before. I checked myself in the full length mirror in the bathroom to make sure everything was perfect. Skinny jeans, a nice form-fitting sweater and my long brown hair in wavy strands over my shoulders. My chestnut colored eyes were dull in my opinion, but Zach never failed to complement me on them.

Wearing makeup wasn't an option seeing that Carl would expect it. Pissing him off was too much of a joy in my life not to be antagonistic in any way I could pull off without making it too obvious that I'd tried.

My brown winter boots rode up to the bottom of my knees, and they were by far my favorite thing in my closet. My older brother, Brent had sold his play-station the Christmas before to get them for me. It was a win-win for him. His girlfriend of seven years was tired of trying to contend with the machine. She was thrilled when he sold it and well, my big brother rocked because of the boots on my feet.

I chuckled and tossed my hair behind my shoulder before walking quietly down the stairs to the living-room. I paused at the third stair to the bottom and hopped over it, trying to land on my toes and almost killing myself. I needed to remind my dad again to fix it. If I stepped on that thing, the dead would rise and tell my mother that I was sneaking out. Most people had alarms on the house. We had 'the squeaky stair'. Damn thing told on me all the time my sophomore year. I was older now and able to outsmart it.

I walked to the laundry room, leaning over to scratch Kitty, our dog on the back of his little head. My brother named him and still laughed every time he called the dog. He rubbed his face against my boot and whimpered as if wanting to go with me.

Not tonight, buddy. Soon. I'm going to see Zach. Yeah, you remember him, right? Our favorite boy of all times?

Kitty barked at the mention of Zach's name and I knelt, clamping my hand over his little mouth. Shhhh... the stair made you do it, didn't it?

Laughing at my own stupidity, I stood and snuck out the back-door. The key to the house was in a place where no one who wanted to sneak in and kill us might find it. Above the door stop. I lifted to my toes and pulled it down, working quickly to lock the door and taking the key with me.

The lake wasn't more than a five minute walk, but I would have preferred it to be longer. It was beautiful outside and the moon was almost in full effect as it hovered ahead in the distance. Large pine and oak trees lined the old dirt road in front of me, leaning down and waving as the wind picked up. An owl cried out in the distance and I smiled.

It would be Halloween in a week or so. I couldn't wait. It was my favorite holiday for multiple reasons. The first being because I loved anything insanely spooky. My collection of horror novels and movies could make a gaggle of grown men cry, but I loved each and every one of them. Better than that? It was Zach's birthday. I had been jealous since we first became friends of him getting the best day ever to be born. I was born in early January, so you got shorted Christmas gifts to get a birthday present.

Some years my mom was too lazy to actually unwrap them from the Christmas paper. Classy... just classy mom.

I had been begging Zach to go with me to the old Vandercamp Mansion at the edge of town for his birthday. He had yet to bend to my manipulation, but this year... I was going to lay it on hard.

He was an adrenaline junkie, so we usually spent his birthday jumping out of airplanes, or swimming with sharks, but not this year. This year... I was getting my way. He was going to be eighteen. We didn't have much time left together as college loomed in the near distance. I would beg, plead, and if absolutely necessary - cry. I'd turn on the water works if it would land me in the old mansion with Zach beside me.

It was said to be haunted with the souls of little kids who'd been brutally murdered by their foster parents. The dad was a mad scientist in the disguise of a sweet foster father for the mentally disabled.

You just can't make that kind of crap up, I mumbled.

Gotcha! Zach jumped from behind a tree and grabbed my shoulders.

I shook my head and gave him a look my grandmother would be proud of. That might work on your other victims, but I'm looking for a scary sensation all the time.

Well, dang. I swear you are no fun. I didn't even frighten you a little? He handed me a fishing pole as his eyes roamed over my attire.

I had to advert my gaze in order to lie properly. Nope. That wasn't even a little frightening.

No way was I telling him that I'd almost peed myself. He'd never let me live it down. He had enough of those moments to pull from anyway.

I'll have to try harder next time. He lifted his finger and pointed to the edge of the dock that extended into the lake. Let's go dangle our feet off the edge. Unless you're scared of the lake monster getting you?

I wish. I'd love to go down because of something insanely horrific. Can you imagine what the paper would read?

I cleared my throat, wanting to make my dramatization good. The soft chuckle beside me caused my heart to melt. I was so far gone for this boy. It was sickening.

It is with extreme sadness that we have to report the loss of our most brilliant, beautiful, butt-kicking student at Jefferson High. Jennifer Esmerelda Miller was...

He interrupted me as we walked out onto the dock. Your middle name is not Esmeralda.

Hush. It's part of the dramatization. You want to hear this or what? I turned and put my hand on my hip, glancing up at him. Huge mistake. The air expelled from my lungs as the moonlight rolled over him.

He wasn't a boy anymore, but a man. His expression was filled with humor and adoration. He cared about me too. Why couldn't I just tell him? He coughed and glanced toward the water. Well? Are you going to finish it or leave me hanging, Miss Reporter who's trying to tell a newspaper story that belongs on TV?

I laughed, grateful that he broke the spell. I'd almost spilled my heart to him.

Right... where was I?

You were taking off those designer boots and rolling up your pants legs. Get to it, J. His nickname for me. No one else was allowed to use it.

I cleared my throat again and held my fist to my mouth, because all newspapers needed a mic to speak from. Something like that...

"Jennifer Esmeralda Miller was murdered last night at the Popum Lake just a few miles from her home. The girl was said to be with her best childhood friend and captain of the swim team, um... um... well, his name isn't important. I glanced over as Zach chuckled and sat down while I worked on my boots. The old myths about Popum lake having a three hundred foot dinosauresque creature lurking at the depths of its girth were TRUE! She got eaten. Sucks... really, really bad."

I finished taking off my socks and sat down next to him as the wind picked up and blew my hair in an odd pattern.

Zach reached over and smoothed it as my breath caught in my chest. No monster is going to eat you. I'd save you, silly dramatic girl. Why the hell are you a cheerleader and not head of the drama team?

Or the newspaper?

No. Just no, J. He picked up a small white container and shook it at me. Did you bring worms, because I did.

Oh no! I knew I forgot something. I let out a long sigh and pushed a frown across my face. Guess I can't fish.

You can use one of mine, but it'll cost ya. He wagged his eyebrows and scooted closer to where our knees touched.

Well, depends on what the price is. I never catch anything out here anyway. That damn sea monster eats my bootie every time.

Don't say that in front of anyone else. He chuckled and shook his head. I swear you're ten when we get together.

Letting out a long sigh, I glanced up at the moon and made a wish that the rest of my life would be like this moment. Sitting beside him and just being me.

Not to mention that sea monsters don't live in fresh water lakes.

What are you, Bill Nye the science guy? I asked, laughing before I could get the rest of my thought out.

A kiss.

His response forced me to pause.

Hmm? That wasn't a response I was expecting.

If you want a worm, I want a kiss.

From me? I turned to pin him with a stare. He'd grown another three inches over the summer away, causing me to tilt my head to see him properly.

No, from the sea monster.

Well, call him up here then. I need a good picture for my obituary anyway.

He sat the pole down and turned to me, sliding his fingers into my hair and cupping the side of my face as he leaned down.

Time stood still.

Every fantasy I'd concocted rushed before me. Since the time of realizing that boys didn't have cooties, I'd wanted to kiss Zach Parker. My heart beat so hard it had to be pressing against his forearm as he leaned down and pressed against me.

He paused just before kissing me and I opened my eyes, unable to miss a minute of the moment. Tell me you want me to kiss you.

Why would I do that? I smiled and lifted up, pressing my lips to his.

His fingers tightened against the back of my head and I let out a sound of appreciation for how soft his lips were. It was everything I'd hoped it would be.

He moved back and smiled before turning to work on the fishing pole again. Damn. If I'd known that was going to work, I'd have asked a long time ago.

Well, I just really wanted to fish tonight. It probably wouldn't have worked back then. I smiled as he glanced over at me. Yeah, it would work anytime.

His skin was pale under the ethereal light of the moon. I almost reached out to make sure he was real and not part of a dream I'd concocted while lying in my bed and waiting for ten to show up on the clock.

What do you want to do next week for my birthday? You're still up for spending your beloved holiday with me, right? He handed me the pole. Cast it on the other side of you. I don't trust your aim.

I grumbled about his aim and stood, taking his hand as he helped me up. I slung hard as the line flew into the middle of the lake. Of course we're spending Halloween together. And you know what I want to do.

He growled. Come on, Jen. You know that place gives me the creeps. I'm not a boy anymore. I don't want to piss myself in front of the girl that I want to impress.

You want to impress me? I glanced down at him, a bit surprised by the projection of the night. He's gone for five months and comes back ready to move us from the forever friend zone into something more romantic?

I like this study abroad stuff.

No. I was going to invite Sadie McIntosh to come with us. He laughed and moved over a little as I swatted at him. The girl was my arch enemy.

Well. I hope you have fun. I'm going to pay the swamp monster in kisses to eat you both. Then I'll do your obituary in the newspaper. I turned and crossed my arms over my chest, overdoing it, but I loved to be uber dramatic with him.

He shifted behind me and I had to lock myself in place not to turn around and grin up at him. He wrapped his arms around me and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

So now our sea monster who lives in fresh water and has to contend with a swamp-like atmosphere?

Yes. I grunted and reeled in my line a little, trying to memorize the feeling of his arms wrapped around me, but having trouble with it. His touch was too light, like he was scared to press against me.

No kisses for him though. He kissed the top of my head again.

Why? I turned a little, not getting a good view of him, but wanting to give him one of me.

Because I'd be jealous...

Chapter 3

The last thing I wanted to do was pack up and head to the end of the road at eleven. I knew that Carl wouldn't take no for an answer though. The ape would spend half the night throwing rocks against my window until my parents woke up and caught me out of the house. They would be cool with it if they knew I was fishing with Zach, but at Bells Camp with Carl?

Um, no. Just no.

I walked back down the long dirt road from the lake, turning once and taking in Zach's silhouette as he continued to fish. I wanted to lie to him and tell him that I needed to get back home, but he wouldn't have bought it, and I could never lie to him.

My mother told me that the devil made you smile when you lied, but I straight up belly-laughed every time I told Zach a lie. It wasn't happening.

The expression on his handsome face haunted me as I walked toward the truck lights at the end of the drive. He didn't want me with Carl and it was about time I realized that I didn't really want to be with Carl either. Just because it was expected didn't mean I had to fall to the pressures of it. My future stood behind me at the edge of a dock, lonely and hurt by my having to leave.

Hurry up, sexy, Carl called in a loud whisper as laughter roared up from his truck. There were several heads bobbing to the music blaring from the console. I jogged toward the passenger's side and got in, reaching and turning down the radio.

Dang. You know my house is right there. Keep it down until we're on the main road. He leaned over and pulled me toward him, pressing a sloppy wet kiss that tasted like beer on my lips.

Ehh... I moved back. You've already been drinking? Let me drive.

No, baby. I'm good. Just sit there and look pretty like you cheerleaders are supposed to do. He reached over and squeezed my thigh before running his hand up toward my hip.

I slapped his hand away and opened the door.

I'm out. Have fun tonight and don't kill anyone. You're already drunk and I'm not interested. I shrugged and closed the door, ignoring the fact that Kat was in the back seat. If she wanted to live that life, who was I to stop her? She would be mad for weeks if I tried.

Jen! Jennifer. Get your fine ass back here! He yelled from the truck.

I flipped him off and jogged back down the path toward the lake. The loud squeal of wheels told me he'd left. He wasn't happy about it, but I didn't care. I wasn't interested in going in the first place, even though all my friends would be there.

All but one. I continued to jog toward the dock, slowing as I realized Zach was no longer standing alone, fishing.

I slowed my gait to see if he might pop out from behind another tree, but he didn't. I moved to the edge of the dock and knelt down, the small worms we'd used were dried out and crusty.

Weird. I scratched at one with my fingernail. They should have been plump and juicy. Maybe these were here from last time.

Something moved in the water in front of me and I yelped, falling on my butt and crab walking backwards. Terror rolled over me in a way that I'd never experienced. No way would Zach get down in that murky mess just to prove a point. Besides, he was in his nice jeans and polo shirt.

I finally got my footing and turned, running off the dock and making it to solid ground as the wind blew hard, almost knocking me over.

Alright. I get it, I spoke into the nothingness around me and walked languidly back to the house. I didn't believe anything was in that water or in the mansion we were going to visit soon. Fear was self-imposed. Nothing could truly affect me unless I let it. I just enjoyed the high too much not to seek it out.

I pulled out my phone and texted Zach.

---

Me: I just checked the lake and you were gone. The monster didn't get you did he?

Zach: Yes. I'm in his belly. Come save me?

Me: It'll cost you.

Zach: Name your price, woman.

Me: A kiss

Zach: Yes. Tell Sadie to meet me by the library in the morning and I'll pay up.

Me: Butthole

Zach: Lol. Night, J

---

I got back to the house a few minutes later with a goofy grin still on my face. Zach was the only one who had the ability to do that. I should have gone to the party, just to keep an eye on Kat if nothing else. She was a wild child and liked liquor far more than it liked her. Me on the other hand... I hated the stuff. It had to be because I was a control freak more than anything. Drugs and alcohol took away my control. No thanks.

Stripping out of my cute clothes, I tugged on pjs and let my mind wander back through the night with Zach. I was so grateful that he was home. It had been the longest five months of my life and he hadn't texted much or e-mailed at all. I'd almost come to the conclusion that he had forgotten all about me.

Forgotten you? Never... I tossed my hair and leapt into the bed before snuggling down under my covers and reliving the best kiss of my life.

I want more. Lots more. I yawned and worked through how I was going to convince him to go with me to the mansion the next week. I'd been working on him for the last fifteen years or so to go with me. It was about time that he relented and finally said yes.

I started to text him, but realized I was looking awfully thirsty already. It was best to just hit him up the next day at school.

My phone buzzed and my heart almost stopped in my chest. I picked it up to scroll through six pictures of Carl and Sadie making out at the party.

Ewww... how long is his tongue? I sat up in bed and pulled the phone to my face. Ugh. He's like the sea monster thing. I bet he eats babies.

A chuckle lifted out of me. If anyone knew how stupid I was... they'd never have anything to do with me.

Zach knows.

I deleted the pictures and turned the phone off. Good. I needed a reason to drop Carl. Now I had it. There were lots of things I'd put up with, but someone licking Sadie McIntosh's tonsils... no.

On that thought, I let sleep take me into a world of horror, ghosts and mazes aplenty.

Chapter 4

Iwoke Monday morning with a renewed sense of excitement. I wasn't only going to get the opportunity to drop Carl on his snooty butt, but I had the perfect plea to get Zach to the Vandercamp Mansion with me. I parked in the senior lot and got out, scanning for Zach's truck before finally making my way up to the main school building.

Half expecting Carl to confront me early, I ducked around the side of the school and walked in through the gym. My history class was first period and insane types of boring, but... it was the perfect opportunity to lock in my plan for Halloween. I was a few minutes early and Mrs. Kaapke was putting on a heavy layer of lipstick as I walked up.

What is it, Jennifer? Her eyes averted to me and then back to her mirror.

That project we have coming up in November about the history of our town...

It's a major project that will make up forty percent of your grade and no, you cannot use your brothers, though it was brilliant. She glanced at me again as her cheeks turned pink.

My brother, Brent had been the town flirt from the time he was in eighth grade. He'd mowed lawns all summer long to pay for his gym membership in high school. It was more than obvious it worked. Every single woman in the high school, including the scary lunch lady with the one working eye had a thing for my brother.

Gross.

Um, okay. So about that project, I want to do mine over the Vandercamp Mansion.

Mrs. Kaapke put her compact down and gave me her attention. I'm not sure that's a good idea, Jennifer. It's got a really horrific history. Most people in the town try not to think about it.

But it would work for the project. Right?

Yeah, but have you spoken with your parents or your counselor to see if they're okay with you digging into something so dark? She leaned in while she spoke to me as if mentioning that I was seeing a counselor was a bad thing.

No, but I can. I shrugged.

Do that first, but if they're good with it, I guess I am too. You'll have to talk to someone at city hall about gaining access to it during the day. Do not go at night.

I smirked, unable to help myself. Why? You don't really believe the stories right?

No, but I still wouldn't chance it. Horrible things happened there, Jennifer. Tons of children lost their lives. It should be torn down and burned to hell. She picked up her compact and pressed her lips together. Sorry for saying hell.

It's a place. No problem.

Anyway... it's a historical building, so they won't rip it down, which I get, but... She pinned me with a hard stare. Just check with your folks. I don't want to do anything that might affect you negatively.

Okay. I turned and walked to my desk, the conversation having moved from comfortable to completely awkward in a matter of minutes.

My counselor, Miss Baxter was sweet, young, innocent and completely floored as to why I was coming to see her. I was too. My parents felt it would be good that I talk through my feelings and experiences with someone, but I didn't have anything odd or dark to share.

I watched scary movies and sometimes those movies bled out in my nightmares. Big damn deal. I grumbled to myself and glanced over as Kat walked in. Her head was downcast and she wore a weird floppy hat, which was not at all her style.

Hey, I whispered and reached out, brushing my hand over her forearm as she took her seat beside me. Dressing up for Halloween early?

She turned and lifted her face to me, a frown on her mouth and a huge bruise covering her left eye.

Oh my God, I whispered roughly.

Hush. I don't want any attention drawn to me.

Who did that to you?

It doesn't matter. She shrugged and turned to lean over her backpack.

It does matter.

No. It doesn't. She jerked from me and I let it go. I would find her later and see who was going to get beat three ways to Wednesday by me or Brent if I wasn't big enough. Heck, Zach was big enough to put a hurting on almost anyone in the school too. I would just tell him.

I sunk down in my chair and glanced at Kat once more, hurting for her. It was bad enough to be in pain at school, but to have everyone talking about you and whispering behind your back... horrifying.

Mrs. Kaapke began her lecture, which was completely ineffective due to the insanely loud smacking of her gum. I went to a happy place in my head, filled with dark trees and spooky music. Zach was always with me, snuggled into the side of me because he was a chicken shit. I loved him even more because of it.

I must have been lost in my head longer than I thought, because the bell rang and I jumped up to find Kat already gone. Glancing behind me, I caught Sadie's glare. I turned away and packed up, knowing I wasn't going to get away without having to talk to the witch. She had been in love with Zach for as long as I had, but he didn't give her the time of day. No wonder. She was a replica of the sea-monster, at least in persona and attitude.

I'm surprised you have friends at all, Miller. Sadie stopped by my desk and leaned toward me. Her bright red hair came from the coloring available only in a bottle at Walgreen's. Her fake blue eyes were only outdone by the plastic