Quiet, Now: The Chained Saga, #1

By Arianna Courson

"Every place when you think you're alone, I'll be in the shadows... 

Because the moment you saw me, I noticed the look in your eyes...  

The spark that no one else had ever seen. 

I know you, Winter Evans, and I don't intend to let you go. 

Don't be afraid, Snowflake, 

Because you're mine now. 

And there's nothing you can do about it." 

 

Winter Evans fell in love with a vampire... 

From the moment she saw him... she knew she sealed her fate... Something was confusing about him... he was dark, terrifying... and purely evil. 

But instead of backing away like a normal person... he sparked her curiosity.

When he shouldn't have. 

Every year, on November fourth, someone Winter loved died... At first it was her best friend... then her father... but now her mother went missing, and it's her job to look for her. 

But that's when he showed.

At her most vulnerable moment, Winter was taken by the very person she knew she should avoid. 

He was dark... dangerous.

A killer.

What would happen if a snow angel and a vampire clashed together? 

Stained lips on her frosty skin.

Winter Evans fell in love with a vampire, and now he would never let her go. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arianna Courson
• Release date: Sep 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223683056

Arianna Courson

Arianna Courson is an author of young adult fiction, specializing in paranormal, fantasy, and romance. She lives in Colorado with her two cats and two dogs and divides her time between writing and enjoying the great outdoors.

Book preview

1

Winter stood on a sandy beach, staring off into the distance, where the sunlight reflected off the water like city lights.

It was one of those dreams where she could see herself like she was watching everything happen...

Instead of experiencing it truly...

Her black hair blew in the cool breeze, and she could almost feel the relief on her heated skin.

Almost...

But the wind kicked up, and sand hit her arms; the impact enough to feel like blades.

She almost yelped and waved off some of the debris... maybe attempt to shield her face.

But something caught her eye.

A bundle of flower petals swirled in front of her like a beautiful tornado of pink and red... circling around a section of the sand as if trapping someone.

But it wasn’t trapping someone... it was... creating something.

And as she stared... from the tornado of petals, emerged a boy.

It was him again... dark hair... pasty white skin.

The boy from her dreams. The one her mind created.

Winter thought maybe she wanted someone her age to care about her... like she would to them... but he always seemed so... real.

She couldn’t imagine herself creating this... and how her dreams were always calm and remotely... sane.

She took this moment to study the boy as he stared off into the distance, watching the waves drift up the shore and back down.

He was tall, lean, and skinny, but she never saw his face.

It was always covered by shadows... his expression was always a mystery.

What was he feeling? Sadness? Happiness? Anger?

And she hadn’t seen him in over a month... never heard his voice...

She wondered what he sounded like... if he had a deep tone that shook the walls or a soft tone that sounded gentle.

The only thing she noticed about him was that he had dark-colored hair... though she could never tell if it was black or brown.

He looked to her then, staring at her for a moment.

Winter couldn’t see the look on his face, what color his eyes were... but she could feel the heat of his gaze burn her skin like fire...

Snowflake, he whispered to her for the first time, it is almost time to go. Be cautious.

Before she could ask him what was coming, the corners of his mouth tilted almost mischievously... and he was gone within seconds.

The only thing left of him were red petals that floated in the humid air.

They almost looked the color of fresh blood.

WINTER’S EARS BURST when the ring from her alarm clock burned through her dreams, turning them to ash as she sat up on her bed, gasping.

It only took a couple of seconds for her sight to adjust to the darkness, but she noted an outline of large blackout curtains, a writing table with papers scattered across the surface, and her clothes that were thrown across the floor in a hurried mess from the night before.

Just my room... she thought. And only a dream...

She wondered why the mysterious boy had been gone for so long... Why had he showed last night?

And he spoke for the first time... and his voice wasn’t deep, dark, or scruffy...

It was low and calm.

Calm in a soothing way... and also in a creepy way.

She shook her head, clearing all thoughts.

Just a dream, Winter, she thought. You’re fine...

But why did he say... "It’s almost time to go"?

Where was he going to take her?

She shook her head again.

Dream, Winter, she told herself again. Stop questioning something that’s not real. You have better things to do like get an A on your Algebra test today.

Stretching out her arms, she let out a big yawn, emptying her lungs before slipping her legs off the bedside.

The ringing still shattered her eardrums, but really, she didn’t care. This happened every morning.

After letting out a big sigh, she groaned.

She wanted to stay in that dream and question the hell out of that boy.

But it wasn’t real...

Part of herself knew that... but the other sent a slight coil to her stomach.

But she picked up her alarm clock off her nightstand, the dwarf’s black eyes haunting her like she was staring into hell.

She drew her arm back and threw it toward the wall, shattering it into little pieces of machinery and plastic.

Yes! she exclaimed loudly, mainly to get out of her own head. It’s finally gone!

She just sat there for a moment, gaining her energy back before she got to her morning routine.

Lazily, she pulled her purple comforter off herself, the cold rushing through her being, but she ignored it.

She rolled off her bed, tempted to fall on the floor, but the better half of herself just had to stand up.

In half-drowsiness, she stumbled to the door.

And she walked out of the entryway, down the hall to the living room where her mom, Sam, sat on the couch, watching one of her game shows like she did every morning.

Winter had to question whether or not her mother got up at two in the morning just to watch the entire thing.

Sam’s eyes focused on Winter the moment she walked into the room.

Hi, Sweetie! How did you sleep?

Meh, she said, eyes weighing down with exhaustion.

Still having nightmares? she said sympathetically.

Winter nodded briefly.

Was it a nightmare...? She still didn’t know if she could answer that question honestly.

They should stop soon, Sam assured her. I know your father’s death still hurts, but it’ll get better, I promise.

Did you go through the same thing? Winter wondered, actually curious.

Sam nodded, smiling softly now. Yeah.

So... if she knew how this felt, then she must be right.

I need a new alarm clock, Winter stated suddenly, a lazy grin splitting her face.

This seemed to take her mother off guard, as expected. "Another one? she almost yelled. This is the seventh one!"

Maybe you should make them less intimidating, and I won’t feel the need to be destructive. She shrugged innocently.

So... Sam’s tone was dripping with sarcasm, "you want a fluffy pink puppy with beating blue eyes?"

"That would be ideal for a five-year-old, Winter stated boldly. I’m sixteen."

Sam let out a long sigh. Anyways. You have school to go to, don’t you?

Yep. Winter pushed the urge to snap when Sam changed the subject... again.

"Then go wear your most beautiful pink dress!" Her mother batted her eyelashes innocently.

Once again, she stated. Not five.

Fine then. Her lips twitched. She was clearly fighting a smile. Go wear your teenage crop top and torn jeans.

I’m not popular either, mom.

"Black death metal shirt, and torn jeans?"

Nor am I emo or goth, she stated.

Just go, she looked back at the TV and waved her hand lazily, indicating for her to leave, shoo, shoo.

Winter rolled her eyes again and stepped to her bathroom to get ready for school.

IT ONLY TOOK FIFTEEN minutes to get to school, but Winter was there, standing in the middle of a giant crowd of high schoolers.

For some reason, these teenagers always found it easy to stop and talk to their friends in other people’s ways.

She rolled her eyes and gazed up.

The double doors rested in front of her, she stared at them for a moment, hesitating to go inside.

It was the first day of school after a ridiculously short fall break.

Why did her school specifically have to have a Friday off in October, and call it a break?

She never really understood that.

On a scale of one to ten, she was excited a one and irritated a nine.

She always hated school... And no, it was not the reason why other kids hated it.

It wasn’t the schoolwork or homework or just anything learning related.

It was the stupid teenagers that treated others like trash.

Build them up, get them to spill their secrets, and gossip about their personal stuff they told you to other students.

And, no, this did not happen to her. She saw it happen to one of her older friends. She had an abusive problem at home that she expressed to the wrong people, and the news was in the entire social media network. People called her names, weak, deranged, stupid, submissive.

And... that led her to her death... She just couldn’t stand it anymore, Winter guessed.

After her, Winter refused to make any friends, talk to anyone, and try to get alternative assignments so she didn’t have to do group projects. She honestly didn’t care about the extra work, just as long as she could stay quiet.

The thought of her being stereotypical never crossed her mind... she had one personality placed on every child in the school.

It really wasn’t them... it was mainly her.

She had major trust issues.

Eventually, enough people got out of the way so Winter could open the door, and she stepped in.

This school smelled overwhelmingly like perfume, cologne, and sweat mixed in one odor.

She wasn’t sure if she should’ve been surprised or not.

When she stood in the entryway, she stared up into the ceiling, examining the color scheme of the school like she had never been there before.

Just blue... grey...  green... Nothing remotely interesting.

Hey, a man’s voice echoed from behind her, you dropped this.

She turned to see a tall teenage boy standing behind her.

She stared.

He had light blue eyes that held something dark in them, but also dark hair that was a slightly lighter color than hers; he was lean, skinny, and had pale skin.

He reminded Winter of someone... though she couldn’t think of it at the moment.

You okay...? He tilted his head to the side, studying her with a small smile.

Something about him didn’t sit well with her... Especially with the look in his eyes.

Umm... yes... she managed to mutter, hoping he heard her.

You dropped this, he said again, holding out her wallet.

Whoa... any teenage boy would keep the money for themselves... and buy a car... especially with the money she had in there.

Why was he different...? This surely was odd.

What’s your name? he wondered.

Oh... Winter....

She was being very hesitant, and she could tell by the way he talked to her that he noticed it.

I like that name, the boy said. It’s my favorite season.

Thanks, she whispered, though she knew she didn’t sound like she meant it.

She couldn’t get attached to him. He looked a little scary.

Do you recognize me? he quizzed.

A hollow feeling hit her gut. No, she almost sounded defensive, but really, she was confused, what are you talking about?

He did seem familiar, though.

The boy only smiled. I’m Cameron, but I go by Cam.

She tried complementing him back. I like your name, as well.

Thanks, he said. I appreciate it.

You have a little red on your chin, Winter said, pointing to her face as an indication.

He wiped it off with his thumb. Hmm... so I do.

What is it? she quizzed.

"Aren’t you nosey?" Cam smiled, though not innocently.

When she was quiet, he exhaled a low chuckle. It’s just tomato juice.

Gross... she commented, sticking out her tongue. "You drink tomato juice?"

You don’t like tomato’s? he wondered, dodging her question.

No, they’re gross.

That’s good to know, Winter Evans. Thanks for the input.

You’re welc— She broke off, staring up at him then. Hold on... I didn’t tell you my last name. And I don’t have an ID card in there....

She snatched her wallet out of his hand seconds later, and he smiled at the harsh response.

The bell’s going to ring soon, Cam warned. It’s almost time to go, Snowflake.

She froze, ice sticking her feet to the ground, but he continued walking to his class as if he didn’t notice her being fazed at all.

But he was smiling... and it clearly was lethal around the edges.

What did he just say? It was almost like the boy from her dream... but, no... that couldn’t be possible.

It was a dream... and dreams couldn’t come to life.

Snowflake, it’s almost time to go. Be cautious.

2

Winter sat at her desk in her Algebra class, staring at the clock as her stomach stirred.

The teacher hadn’t come in yet, all the students messing around and tossing papers at each other even when class started in two minutes.

She let out a sigh, resting her head on the table.

She just wanted to do the math test... to take her mind off Cameron... the thoughts that questioned her sanity.

She looked down to her lap, where her wallet rested in her hand...

Just comprehending how the hell he knew all those things was making her thoughts stir.

She never told him her last name... and he asked for her first name.

Maybe she knew him when they were in elementary school... did she even know any Camerons back then...?

The name didn’t seem familiar in any sense.

And... he said "It’s almost time to go. Be cautious" just like the boy in her dream... He even called her... "Snowflake."

If this was a coincidence, then this was one hell of one.

He hadn’t appeared in her dreams in over a month... and the next day... this happened?

Winter was starting to think she was going crazy.

Alright, class, Mr. Young’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up, watching him stroll into the classroom.

He was one of those overly kind teachers who gave Winter some alternative assignments... mainly when there were group projects, but when it came to distractions, he wasn’t the... kindest.

Class starts in thirty seconds, he said, proving her point, and all of you better put your phones away now. I don’t want to see them. And if I do, I’ll throw them in the trash can and you’ll have to dig it out of the disgusting tissues after class ends.

Some of the students muttered something angrily, others listening without another word.

Good job, he praised sarcastically, the bell rattling Winter’s years a second later. Before I start class, he uttered, we have a new student today.

What?

Winter’s stomach stirred.

Oh, God... not him... please not him.

This is Cameron Arcus, Mr. Young continued.

God dammit...

He’s not new to this school, but he transferred classes due to there being overcrowding in his other class.

And as a new actor introduced to the play, a dark-haired boy strolled into the classroom confidently, standing in front of the room as his icy blue eyes searched all the students curiously.

Then his eyes landed on Winter, and his lips titled into a smirk.

Crap...

Where do you want to sit, Cameron? Young wondered. You can sit anywhere. There’s a lot of room.

Winter looked to the empty chair next to her, then back at Cam, shaking her head.

He knew very well what she was saying, but clearly did not care.

I know her, he said, gesturing to Winter with a wave. I’ll sit next to her.

She wanted to slam her head into the table until this dream would be over.

Alright, Young said, go on.

And he weaved through the valley of desks, clearly knowing some girls staring at him in surprise, others with jealousy, but he didn’t seem to care.

He was hyper focused on Winter, and she couldn’t understand why.

Cam settled into the seat next to her, resting his cheek in his hand while eyeing her thoughtfully.

She just kept her face in her hands, trying not to look at him and give him the satisfaction.

Hey, he said, tapping her back, you awake?

"Don’t touch me."

He pulled his hand away then, though she still didn’t look at him. You okay, Snowflake?

Don’t call me that either.

Why?

Because it was what the boy in the dream called her, and she felt her sanity hanging from a thread, but she kept silent.

Why, Winter?

She gritted her teeth, wanting to snap at him but she knew the entire class would watch their conversation if she did. Right now, she’d rather be the only one hearing him talk.

Playing the silent game? he said, tone dripping with amusement. If I get you to talk, I’ll win?

Leave me alone.

Why are you suddenly so freaked out by me? he questioned.

Because he was making her feel insane.

So, Snowflake, he said then, leaning down as an attempt to see her face, how’s your mom?

Stop talking to me like you know me.

Why?

Because you don’t.

Yes, I do.

No, you don’t.

Will you look at me if I prove that I do?

She was silent.

But he only continued, "Your name is Winter Evans, your favorite food is bagels and cream cheese, strawberry specifically, you enjoy reading young adult romances and fantasize being in them."

Hold on, she said, "what?"

But he ignored her. "Your favorite book is Darker than Day, which is about a vampire and a teen girl. And your father died a year ago."

She was silent, but despite her entire body screaming otherwise, she looked to him, brows drawing together.

He only smiled.

How did you know that? she questioned then.

It’s all here. He tapped his forehead.

He didn’t mean he could read minds...

She hoped he didn’t...

So, Snowflake, he said then, smirking, any questions?

Who are you?

You know very well who I am, you just don’t want to admit it.

Because who she thought he was couldn’t even be slightly possible.

I want you to meet me somewhere, Winter, he said then.

No.

He raised his brows at her stern tone. You’re going to meet me there whether or not you like it.

You can’t force me, Cameron.

No, he said, smirking with mischief, but I’ll hunt you down and take you myself.

That’s called kidnapping, she stated despite her heart pounding against her chest. It’s illegal.

I don’t really care, he said, eyes growing dark, "because I’ve done much worse things, and I haven’t been caught."

He couldn’t be serious... He was messing with her.

"Are you trying to freak me out? she questioned silently, glancing at Mr. Young to make sure he didn’t overhear them talking. Because if that’s your ‘hookup’ tactic, it doesn’t work. She narrowed her eyes. On anyone."

You can drive, he said, ignoring her comment, right?

She glared.

Yep, you can. So, he tilted his head to the side, after school, meet me at Dunston River.

"Or what?"

He repeated the threat. "Or I’ll hunt you down and drag you there."

You’re freaking me out. She looked away.

I’m very much aware, but I have my reasons.

"Like what?"

He smiled. Ones I’m not telling you.

She shook her head, attempting to take deep breaths. "What did you mean by... ‘done much worse’ than kidnapping?"

If I tell you, you’ll freak out.

"Like I’m not already." She shot him a glare.

Are you?

"Answer the question."

"Meet me at Dunston River, and I’ll tell you, Winter."

She shook her head and stared back at the teacher. "No."

And before he could respond, the bell rattled the classroom, and she grabbed her backpack, stood, and stepped out of the classroom without another word.

She hoped he would back off... because something was building up inside her... Some sort of curiosity... and she needed it to settle.

Because she knew something about him was dangerous... and she shouldn’t be near him.

She doubted he knew where she lived, and if her mother was home—and she should’ve been because she worked from home—he wouldn’t be able to get near her...

She was safe...

You’re fun, Winter, a voice echoed from behind her. "Very fun, and interesting, too. I’ll see you soon at Dunston River."

She turned to snap at Cam, but the spot where the voice came from was empty.

It probably was just in her head.

But she shook her head as if to clear her thoughts and started to her next class.

3

Winter had been walking down the shaded roads for over twenty minutes when she made it to her street, starting down her neighborhood.

She knew her mom was home, so once she got there, she’d be safe... She also knew that she should’ve driven to school, but she couldn’t foresee the future... and she sure as hell didn’t expect a guy from her dreams to be real, and the fact that he was most probably stalking her.

Winter guessed it could’ve been her subconscious mind giving her those dreams... maybe she knew that he was stalking her... seen him somewhere.

Yes, that sounded like a possible reason.

Not the fact that supernatural beings existed.

When she made it to her doorstep, she froze in place, blood turning cold.

There was a certain someone sitting on her doorstep... dark hair... blue eyes, staring down at the sidewalk lazily as if he’d been waiting there for a while.

Cameron...

He looked up when she stood there and smiled. "Now you’re home, he said as if he knew she’d be home earlier. Do you drive twenty under the speed limit, Snowflake?"

She opened her mouth and closed it again, trying to understand why the hell he was sitting outside her house, and also... how long...

I walked, she said finally. And stop calling me ‘Snowflake.’ It’s creepy.

Cameron only smirked, but looked to the ground, hiding his expression.

How did you know where I live? she said then. "And how did you know when I usually get home?"

I know a lot about you, Winter, he said, pushing his hands on his knees and standing.

"Have you been stalking me?" she questioned as he brushed the debris from the sidewalk off his pants.

Maybe.

Why?

I have my reasons.

"You haven’t told me what yet, Cameron."

His smile somehow widened. Because you didn’t me at the arcade yet.

I wasn’t planning to, she snapped.

He only chuckled. That’s why I’m here. He gestured to her house.

Because you saw me walking home and you guessed I wasn’t going to follow through? she quizzed.

No, he said, shrugging, I knew you weren’t going to follow through the moment I said it.

"Then why did you threaten me?"

He raised his brows. "I didn’t ‘threaten’ you, Snowflake."

"Really? she said sarcastically. So, when you said, ‘Come to Dunston River or I’ll drag you there myself,’ that wasn’t a threat?"

He laughed softly. "You make a good case, Snowflake. Do we need to take this to court? ‘Cause I have a good defense lawyer."

"What’s your ‘defense’ then?"

That I was testing you, he stated.

Why?

Because I wanted to see if you’d get scared and run away with your tail between your legs or be interested and come with.

And what did you find out?

Neither.

She narrowed her eyes. Elaborate.

You’re a spitfire, Winter Evans. Nothing I say will get you to come willingly.

"So, you’re just going to kidnap me?"

He tipped his head to the side. "It’s more of... save."

"From what? You?"

Amusement still lit his eyes. That’s part of it.

"You’re making no sense."

I’m very much aware.

"Then why the hell are you confusing the hell out of me?"

He laughed then. Once again, I have my reasons.

She pointed to the road. Get off of my property before I call the police.

Why? he wondered curiously. Do I scare you?

He did more than scare her; he screamed insanity.

And she was going slightly crazy. "Get out."

He stepped over to her then, continuing until they were inches apart. I know you’ll come willingly... eventually, and you can call me when you’re ready to, Winter.

Before she realized it, his warm grip held onto her wrist, and she pulled away suddenly, making his lips tilt higher.

Call me, Winter, he said. I know you will eventually. That won’t come off any time soon.

She followed his gaze down to her arm... where there were ten numbers written in red on her skin...

His phone number...

When did he...?

But when she looked up to question him... he was gone...

She ran up to the road then, looking up and down the street to find it empty despite a couple cars parked on the side of the road...

Jesus... it was like he could teleport or something...

He was probably a fast runner.

She looked to her arm.

Call me. 207-344-0089

No, she wouldn’t. She would not call him...

But she had to question... why did he want to meet at Dunston River specifically?

Well... it was one of her favorite arcades to go to after school... and he was a stalker...

She wanted to go there tonight... but not when he would be there...

Just him knowing where she lived freaked her out...

He might as well know everything about her, her social, her number, her driver's license code...

She didn’t have her license with her today... because she wanted to walk to school... but he knew her name which gave her bad vibes... and she wasn’t sure if she liked it.

Or him for that matter.

You have a little red on your chin.

Oh... so I do.

What is it?

Tomato juice.

It might as well be blood... because Winter wouldn’t be surprised if he killed people in his spare time.

She sighed stepping up to her front doors seconds later.

A COUPLE MINUTES AFTER Winter stepped into her house, she found no signs of her mother... Just a note on the fridge that said:

Had a work emergency, also had to go deep in the city... Sorry, Honey...

I’ll be back after five.

-  Mom

Great, she thought at the time.

Currently, Winter sat on her bed, staring down at the floor as she kicked out her legs as an attempt to get her energy out.

No math homework... no homework in general...

What was she supposed to do?

She wanted to go to Dunston River to play some games... but that was before she had a little encounter with a certain stalker.

Creepily pale... too...

She looked to the clock on her nightstand:

2:49 pm.

God... why did school have to end at two every day?

And why did she have to wait two hours until her mother got home...?

Then an idea popped in her head...

Maybe she could go to Dunston River... she knew it was where Cameron told her to go, but if she called him to make sure he wasn’t there and then ended the call before any other conversation... and if she wore a disguise... she might’ve been able to not draw attention to him...

A smile crept onto her expression.

Goodbye, boredom...

She looked to the phone number on her arm... He might’ve known her phone number... but if she called from her home phone... he probably wouldn’t recognize her...

She tiptoed out from her bedroom, sneaking to the kitchen, which was where the nearest phone was and typed in his phone number, taking a deep breath before blowing it out and pressing talk, holding the phone to her ear.

The line rang for a moment, and it clicked...

Hello? Cameron said through the other line.

Oh, God—oh, God—oh, God... What was she supposed to say to not sound suspicious?

Hello? he said again.

Oh, yes, Winter said with a Texan accent, sorry about that, I was talken’ to my boss.

Who is this? he questioned.

Oh... good... he knew it wasn’t her.

She knew practicing her fake accents would come in handy one day.

Is this Cameron Arcus? she said.

Yes.

Hi, I’m Amelia from the police department, we got a call from a... Samantha Evans? Do you know her?

Yes... he said suspiciously, what’s this about?

Her daughter Winter Evans told her that you’d been stalking her, and while this investigation is undergoing, we need you to stay away from her.

He was silent.

Where are you right now, sir?

He was quiet for a moment, and she worried that he hung up when he responded, I’m not near her, if that’s what you’re asking.

I’m not asking that, sir. I’m asking for your whereabouts.

Why?

Tell me where you are sir, so we know she’s safe or I’ll get a warrant out for your arrest.

He sighed. I’m at Mario’s subs on twenty-second street.

Alright, she said in the same accent, excitement warming her inside, I’ll send some officers to your location, so we know for sure.

That’s really not necessary, he stated quickly as if scared. I swear I’m nowhere near her house.

If you go near her again, we have reason to arrest you, understood?

Yes, ma’am.

Have a good day.

And she hung up.

Holy crap... she actually fooled him!

Winter couldn’t help but jump in the air happily...

She could go! And he wouldn’t bother her anymore!

So, she slipped on her shoes, grabbed her purse, and darted out the garage door.

IT WAS A LITTLE AFTER three when Winter parked in front of Dunston River, swinging out of her car and locking it with her key.

She had a baseball cap on and tucked her hair behind it, hiding the color and style, she also put on some of her old clothes that she wore in middle school...

Cosplay, mainly...

She had to choose between the anime skirt and a death metal T-shirt, or a maid costume.

She chose the primary for obvious reasons...

She didn’t want to attract attention to herself... and compared to what she wore now... the maid cosplay would do the exact opposite.

After checking her car was locked by pulling the handle, she looked around under her ball cap to see any signs of Cameron, and ended up finding none...

So, she stepped casually to the front doors despite her entire body screaming to get inside where it was darker, louder, and it would be harder for him to recognize her...

When she made it inside, after feeling a heat wave from the vents on the ceiling, Winter walked in—once again—checking for anyone who looked similar to Cameron, but there was no one.

So, she stepped over to one of her favorite games named, Arcus... Which was a tad concerning due to that being Cam’s last name, but she pushed the thought away.

She inserted some coins, leaning back up and started playing...

It was a game where you learned how to defeat every boss with strategy, but never got boring no matter how many times you played it.

Winter got to the point where she won almost every time, and she started smiling as little explosions splattered across the screen.

She was in the game for about three minutes before a voice echoed through her ears:

You go girl.

Her entire screen exploded, and she got the "YOU DIED" logo, but she froze at the sound of Cameron’s voice.

So... he said, you up for a game of foosball?

She was silent for a moment, staring at the screen in shock. You weren’t supposed to be here... and you weren’t supposed to talk to me....

"Is this about that ‘police call?’" he wondered curiously, leaning a shoulder on the machine. "‘Amelia,’ huh? You’re a pretty good actor, Snowflake. I almost believed you."

What gave me away? she wondered, looking to him now.

He had a small smirk, but his eyes searched hers thoughtfully. "The fact you said, ‘police department’ and didn’t state what city. And how you were so eager to know where I was."

I thought I was convincing.

You were, he said, nodding, but I knew you were going to do something like that.

How?

He shrugged. I just expected it.

"What if I was the police? she questioned. Then you would’ve talked to me, and they could’ve sent you to jail."

True, he said, so that’s why I searched up all near police department phone numbers, and none of them matched yours.

She gulped...

Crap...

I thought I fooled you, she said then.

I know, he said, smirking, that’s why I’m a good actor, too, Snowflake.

She was silent.

So... he said, foosball?

No... she shook her head, my mom’s going to be home soon... I should go back.

He grasped her arm, turning her to face him.

Despite his mischievous nature... his grip was gentle. Come on, straight-A student, he said sarcastically, have some fun for once.

I said my mom’s—

Your mom’s not going to be home until five, he interrupted. It’s three. You have two more hours.

How did he know that?

He wasn’t inside her house... she knew because the front door was locked... and the note was on the fridge...

Come on, he said, have a little fun.

"I don’t know what your definition of ‘fun’ is but keep me out of it."

"One game, he said. One?"

She looked to her car outside and back to him. That’s all?

I swear on my still-beating heart.

She told herself he was joking.

Fine....

HAHA! WINTER YELLED as the plastic soccer ball went into Cameron’s goal. I win again!

You got lucky, he said, let’s try again.

"You said that the last fifteen games, she joked. And I exceeded the limit of our deal of one. That, and it’s four, we’ve been playing for almost an hour now."

So? he countered.

"So, I have other errands to run, and I don’t need you attempting to win games and lose."

"One more, and I won’t lose."

She laughed not for the first time that night. "You’re a sore loser, Cam. Admit it."

He looked to her then, narrowing his eyes. Why the sudden urge to leave? Are you getting bored?

No, she said, shrugging, I already told you it’s getting late, and I have errands to run.

Like what?

Something I’m not telling you.

He shrugged. Alright, Winter. See you tomorrow.

She grabbed her purse and threw it over her head after shrugging on her jacket. See you tomorrow.

Before she could leave, he grasped her arm, pulling her a little back.

She shot a glare at him. I said I have to go.

I know, he responded, I just have a question.

What?

You didn’t want to come here with me, and you were terrified of me, I know you probably still are, but did you have fun?

She stared for a moment, recalling all the memories of earlier that day...

She came here because she thought he wasn’t here... he was stalking her, and she was a bit freaked out by him... that and he was a creation of her dreams... something that shouldn’t be possible...

When she looked into his dark eyes, she still noticed the cold look in them, and she pulled out of his grasp. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

Winter, he said before she could leave, you’ll come back tomorrow.

She shot him a glare at his demand. "You can’t control me, Cam. And I don’t have to listen to everything you say. Especially when you’re stalking me."

He smirked, the look saying, You sure about that?

Anger burned her inside with his smile.

But he waved. Bye, Winter.

She turned and stormed out of the arcade.

4

Winter sat in Kit-Cat Café , holding a chai in her hands and hoping the warmth would heal the anger and fear burning her inside.

But despite the heat, she felt cold... and not because it was freezing outside... but because she was struggling to control her emotions.

She felt like she was losing her mind, and she needed control over herself when she wanted to ball up on the floor and cry until the pain left.

She still felt the dread of her father’s passing... It was a year ago and the police hadn’t ruled the cause of death.

He was shot... but whether it was a murder or a suicide, they hadn’t decided.

There was always