Monsters: The Girl Next Door: MONSTERS, #2

By D. R. Mills

THE DARKNESS IS CLOSING IN…

Seventeen-year-old Ryan Myers has narrowly escaped the wrath of Steve Helsing, but with this victory comes new problems.

There's no hope in sight regarding whether Boss can be freed, and after Ryan discovers that Grandpa Magnus was a monster hunter, unanswered questions plague his mind. However, the knowledge he seeks only threatens to make things worse, and his fear of the future reaches an all-time high.

That's when he meets the new girl at school–Sadie West. Her company repels his worries, and her smile lights up his world.

It isn't long before Ryan discovers that the Wests have unfortunately moved into the old Williams place down the street, which wouldn't be an issue if the house wasn't rumored to be haunted by a vengeful spirit. Not only that, but as Sadie and her family settle into their new home, the gossip proves itself to be true.

It's up to Ryan and his friends to save Sadie from this supernatural threat. Otherwise, the girl next door might meet a violent, untimely death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. R. Mills
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798223996583

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

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THE MORNING AIR FELT COOL against Ryan’s skin as he followed Chyann and Willy out of his house, thick clouds filling the sky.

Ryan turned to lock the garage door before joining his friends on their trek to school. He put his keys away, stuffed one hand into the pocket of his dark-blue jacket, and adjusted his backpack strap with his free hand. Beneath his unzipped coat he wore his favorite white undershirt, which sported the pig-faced killer named Hamlin. Hamlin remained the signature killer of the horror movie series titled Night Slaughter.

Chyann’s hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore the fresh change of clothes she’d packed yesterday before she and Willy had stayed for the evening. Willy donned the same gray hoodie, torn jeans, and dirty sneakers he always did.

I’m glad they stayed over, Ryan thought. After almost being killed yesterday, I don’t think I could have handled being alone. All throughout last night and this morning, paranoia had crept its way into Ryan’s mind. Not only had he fought with Todd Hallow and Steve Helsing yesterday, but he’d also been made aware that Boss–the cat-monster who now occupied a good chunk of space in his head–might be a cold-blooded killer. Taking all that into consideration, Ryan had found it difficult to sleep. And what little rest he’d managed to get had been plagued by a horrific nightmare, though what the dream had been about escaped him at the moment. The only things he could remember from it were the sounds of gunshots, which had jolted him awake.

Boss had also stayed silent once he’d finished telling the story to Chyann and Willy. After mentioning his need to rest again, he’d been absent while the trio spent the night watching television.

So much had occurred in the last few days, and so many questions still needed to be answered. How are Boss and I going to split back up? Was Grandpa really a monster hunter? Steve Helsing’s claims that Boss had slain his brother in cold blood also echoed through Ryan’s mind, as did another pressing matter: what was going to happen to Ryan once he got to school?

Maybe Principal Bullworth hadn’t seen him escape yesterday, but Todd had most likely given him up, right? If so, Bullworth was going to put Ryan in detention for a week, if not longer, and that was a mercy compared to what Todd would do to him once the bully had the chance. I’m practically a dead man walking…

Chyann bumped his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked over at her and found a warm expression that he knew meant she was aware of what he was worrying about. Sorry, Ryan began, forcing a smile. I’m just… still trying to figure everything out.

Don’t worry, Chyann said. You have our help. We’re in this together, right? Her voice was calm, and her positive energy managed to put his immediate worries to rest for the time being.

As the trio turned left and headed up the street on their usual route, Willy stopped dead. Whoa, he said, beaming. Guys, check it! He sprinted off, farther into the neighborhood, and Ryan turned to Chyann. They shared looks of mild irritation before heading after Willy.

We’re already running kind of late, Chyann called, but even if Willy had heard her words, that didn’t slow his step.

Ryan and Chyann followed Willy past three houses, and soon they reached the one at the end of the street. The old Williams place, Ryan thought, cocking his head as Willy approached it. They knew the structure all too well, with its siding in disrepair, several of its windows cracked, and its paint peeling in random places. A wide hill towered nearby, casting a shadow over the building’s yellow, weed-filled yard.

The house had seemed harmless in years past; however, something about it felt different today, and chills danced up Ryan’s spine. It was as though someone, or something, was watching them from behind those dark, damaged windows.

Willy paused at the edge of the lawn. No way. It’s for real. Somebody bought the ol’ Williams place! Sure enough, a bright-orange sticker that read, Sold! had been slapped across the house’s wooden For Sale sign.

That’ll happen when a place is so cheap, Chyann replied flatly.

Willy turned and grinned at her. Cheap ’cause it’s haunted.

Chyann crossed her arms. Ghosts aren’t real, she said, then looked to Ryan for reassurance. Right?

I don’t know for sure what’s real and what’s not, Ryan replied with a shrug. I’m still not even sure whether I believe my grandpa was a ‘monster hunter.’ I lived with him my whole life, he thought. I probably would have noticed him doing crazy stuff like that… right? Then again, he couldn’t recall a time his grandfather had actually brought home any of the animals he’d killed on his supposed hunting trips.

Willy tramped across the yard and stopped before one of the house’s windows. He cupped his hands over his eyes and peered inside. What’s not to believe? The guy was a grade A badass.

This is my grandpa we’re talking about here, Ryan argued. I mean, yeah, he was pretty fit for his age, but hunting monsters? Really? I can see him putting a bullet in a deer, but not a werewolf.

I can’t say the same, Willy said, pulling away from the window.

Chyann spun around and began walking away. Look, let’s not worry about ghosts and monsters right now. We’ve gotta get going, or we’re gonna miss more than school breakfast.

Willy followed Chyann, but Ryan was unable to tear his focus away from the old Williams residence. He stared into its windows, wondering whether his grandfather had been a monster hunter, and whether the decrepit building before him was haunted.

He shook his head, driving the thoughts from his mind, then jogged away to catch up with his friends.

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STUDENTS FILLED THE CAFETERIA. SOME stood near the walls, but most sat at their tables eating breakfast.

Ryan followed his friends to their usual table, certain if the principal wanted him, the office ladies would have already flagged him down on his way through the school’s entrance. That’s what they always did to Willy, anyway. Thankfully, it seemed they hadn’t seen him, or maybe he wasn’t in trouble.

Ryan and Chyann rested their bags on the table. Anyone know what breakfast is today? Chyann asked.

Willy sighed. Probably the same slop as usual.

Ryan glanced around the cafeteria, scanning nearby trays that were filled to the brim with biscuits and gravy. He raised a brow. That sure doesn’t look like the usual. At this, Willy turned and stomped away, toward the back of the room where food was served.

Where’re ya goin’? Ryan called, sliding into his seat.

To get some slop, Willy yelled before he was out of earshot.

Chyann pulled out her cell phone and checked it. I think we’ve got enough time to eat before the first bell. You want me to grab you something while I’m up there, Ry?

Nah, I’m not hungry. He offered her a small smile. Thanks, though.

She stood and squeezed his shoulder. Cheer up, okay? Today’s a new day.

As Chyann disappeared into the crowd, worry began to consume Ryan once again. His chest grew tight. He closed his eyes, lowered his head, and took a few deep breaths.

A familiar force stirred in Ryan’s mind, and Boss’s voice sounded in his thoughts.

You seem upset, the Ooawan said.

This just doesn’t feel real, Ryan replied.

Aye, much has happened in so little time…

"I want to believe you. About Grandpa, about everything. But then… then that means Grandpa lied to me. That means he hid one of the biggest parts of himself from me throughout my whole life. Why would he do something like that? That wasn’t the kind of person he was. At least, I didn’t think