~~

The sun shone down on the road, bright and warm. A sweet smelling breeze drifted through the open windows and the scenery passed by in a blur as I drove.

Freedom, at last.

A new song came on over the radio and a squeal reached my ears.

“Oh my god, Emily, I love this song! Turn it up!” Kylee bounced in her seat, tapping the beat of the song onto the back of my seat.

Laughing, I reached over and turned the volume up until I could feel the bass vibrating through me. I rolled down the windows the rest of the way and unclipped my hair, feeling it flap around my face and fly into my eyes.

Kylee and Jennifer started to sing along, so loud and off-key that my ears threatened to burst. Instead, I just laughed and joined in.

Ally stared at the three of us and shook her head. She turned to glance out the window and shrieked. “Shirtless football game, three o’ clock!”

All the heads in the car snapped to look. Jennifer giggled and unbuckled her seat belt, half throwing herself out of the car. “Take the rest off!”

I choked on my laughter and jerked in shock. The wheel moved with me and the car swerved to the left, into the oncoming lane. A scream tore from my throat as another vehicle bore down on us. I turned the wheel hard right, blood pounding in my veins.

We missed the car by inches. They honked and screamed curse words from their window, the sounds growing quieter as we continued down the road. I took a steadying breath but my pulse refused to calm.

Ally began to laugh. She leaned forward and rested her head on her knees, cackling and shaking. “That. Was. Awesome!”

“Are you kidding me?” Jennifer spat back, “We could have died.”

Kylee snorted. “That’s why it was so exciting. Besides. I know tons of people who do crazy crap on the road, and none of them are dead. It won’t happen to us.”

My phone began to chime in my pocket, the words of the song clashing with the music on the radio. I reached into my pocket but my jeans were tight and I had to lift my hips to pull the phone out. The pressure of my foot on the gas increased and we accelerated faster, blowing past the thirty mile per hour speed limit.

Phone in hand, I flipped it open and glanced at the screen. It was Jason, the guy I’d been crushing on for years. There’s something I need to ask you. Don’t worry, it’s not bad. J

For a moment I let go of the wheel and did a fist pump. The car started to veer off the road but I recovered before we became intimately close with the ditch.

How would I respond? Just say sure? Or alright? Or maybe I can’t wait? There were too many options! I settled on the last one and pulled up a new message. I began to type, only looking away from the road for a second at a time.

“Turn here!” Ally jumped in her seat and pointed to the right.

My mind blurred and I glanced away from the message. There was no time to think. I cranked the wheel and we flew around the corner, the car loosing traction on the hot road.

A group of people were paused there, a quarter of the way into the cross walk. Their eyes filled with horror as we barreled down on them. A mother clutched her young son’s and daughter’s hands to her chest and her eyes filled with tears. Funny, the things you notice before it all ends. I jerked the wheel again but it was too late.

The world went dark, and we were gone.

…

Kylee thought we were invincible, and we all agreed. But in the end, there was a car, a crosswalk, and rash decisions. That was all it took.

~~

Thank you for reading. I sincerely hope you’ll vote for Rash Decisions on createrealimpact.com on July 1st-July 15th. Have a great summer and be safe!

Hey everyone! Guess what? Forever by Maggie Steifvater is almost here. Pre-order you’re copy today… I know you want to.

Here’s the link: 

http://www.fountainbookstore.com/autograph-maggie

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love — the light and the dark, the warm and the cold — in a way you will never forget.

Comes out in stores everywhere July 20th. Pre-order here.

Enter to win an advanced review copies of LINGER, Sisters Red, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Replacement on Maggie’s blog.

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site or click on the banner above.

This excerpt is from the beginning of my book, Hide and Seek. For saftey, I have rated it PG-13. Enjoy! BTW: Good comments will be extremely appreciated: My birthday is tomorrow! (The tenth)

~~~~~

Preface

     Darkness encompassed us, making it impossible to see our surroundings, and the sun had still yet to set. The gloom of the cave made my skin crawl while an eerie feeling crept into the pit of my stomach. Almost no light made its way into the cave― only small rays drifted in through the cracks. Though even if we were at the entrance there wouldn’t be a difference. The beautiful rays of sunlight had gone away years ago.

     A tear slid down my cheek as I looked at the fragile little girl, lying helpless in my arms, cowering in fear. Her honey blonde hair was filled with dirt and twigs from our journey. Her frail body rested in my arms, snuggling into me.

     She turned and gazed at me with a thoughtful expression on her face, as if she were peering into the very depths of my soul. Her eyes were unlike any I could remember― a brilliant shade of blue, like sapphires. I tried to smile at her in reassurance, but failed miserably.

     “Lex,” she whispered in her soft, melodic voice. “Are they coming for us?”

      I forced myself to look away from her, she was impossible to lie to, especially when she looked at me this way.

     “No, sweetie, they’re not,” I fibbed anyway, afraid to meet her gaze.

     “You’re lying.”

     “Emi,” I whispered in a pained voice. “I love you, and I promise that I will never let anything bad happen to you. I couldn’t live with myself if anything ever did.”

     “You didn’t answer my question.”

     “No, I didn’t,” I replied.

     Emi scowled. “Are they coming for us?” she repeated, this time with a hint of fear in her voice.

     “Yes,” I murmured in defeat.

Gone

     I would have given anything for a soft bed, for the cave floor made a painful substitute. Rocks jutting out from the ground stabbed at my skin leaving raw cuts that took weeks to heal. I sat up and rubbed the back of my head to try and relieve some of the pain. After a few minutes I gave up and leaned against the stone wall. Beside me, I could feel Emi’s warm breath as it hit my shoulder. Unlike the frigid air, the warmth felt good against my skin.

     “So what do we do now?” Emi whispered.

     “We wait.”

     “Oh.” Emi leaned her head into the crook of my neck and blew out a mouthful of air. Gazing into the darkness, she tapped on the ground keeping time with the drips of water. The light sound echoed through the cave, enhancing the eerie quality in the air. Her tapping stopped, and she leaned her head back on my shoulder with a sigh.

     I began to hum the lullaby that our father had written for Emi when she was just a baby. The soft music floated through the air and soon she fell into a deep slumber. Her erratic breathing worried me, but by now it shouldn’t have. After all, we were lying on the floor of a cave. Not exactly what one would call pristine conditions. We hardly had enough food left to last another day, and I was sure that the water was gone by now.

     But we refused to leave our safe haven until it was unavoidable. They were coming for us, looking in any hidden crevice and every unknown shelter. The outside world was no longer safe, and it hadn’t been for three years.

     The two of us were now in constant hiding, waiting for the inevitable to happen, but unwilling to give up. In reality, it was stupid. If we were going to get thrown to the sharks eventually, why didn’t we just get it over with now? Why should we sit here and suffer when we knew it was bound to happen anyways?

     Because we’re stubborn.

     Each moment that passed was excruciating. Not knowing if the next breath we took would be our last. Not knowing if they knew where we were. Not knowing anything for that matter.

     I listened to the sounds echoing throughout the cave with care. Above us, the hum of bat wings clapped agonizingly loud against the silence. Except for the noise of the creek outside our sanctuary and Emi’s quiet breathing, no other sound could be heard.

I squeezed my eyes shut and held back the tears that threatened to fall. I’m failing. My mother’s one true request of me was this, and I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t keep Emi safe.

     Shut up!

     I was not going to break down now, not when Emi needed me to be strong. I relaxed against the hard stone that surrounded us and took a deep, reassuring breath. It took awhile, but after some time sleep overcame my stubbornness and I escaped into a light doze.

~~~ 

     A light tug on my arm woke me up. It wasn’t a tug meant to alarm me, just an ‘I’m bored’ tug. My eyes fluttered open and I smiled at my little sister.

     “Lex, I’m hungry,” Emi whispered, still sounding half asleep as she called me by my nickname.

     “One second,” I murmured.

      I crawled across the rock encrusted ground, feeling for the stolen backpack. After several minutes of blind searching I uncovered a hard material in the shape of a handle. I grasped it and pulled it back to where Emi sat. Unzipping the dirty green pack, I reached in and pulled out a half-filled water bottle. Emi took it from my hands, eager for the liquid it contained, and ripped off the cap.

     “Small sips,” I reminded her, my tone laced with misery.

     “But I’m so thirsty.” Emi’s voice cracked.

     Tears fell onto my shirt as she cried, cuddling into my arms. I held her chin in my hand and wiped away the tears with my thumb. She leaned into my hold and sighed.

     “I know, sweetie, but we don’t have anymore. We have to save it,” I confessed.

     “Okay.” She sighed, her eyes downcast with disappointment.

     I rummaged around the backpack some more, but all I came out with was three granola bars. That was all the food we had left. I shivered at the thought of having to leave.

     “Em, there are three granola bars left― we have to go into town.”

     She stopped drinking at once and I could imagine her face paling in the dark. Emi gulped loud enough for me to hear and then closed her eyes. After a moment she opened them and stared at me, waiting for me to continue.

“We’ll have to leave soon, maybe in ten minutes or so, so stuff everything in the backpack.”

     She nodded and complied without a moment’s hesitation. I handed her two of the granola bars and ate my own, savoring every bite and every flavor. When I’d finished, I stood and reached out to Emi. She took my hand and I pulled her up onto my back. Within seconds I had arrived at the mouth of the cavern.

     Shreds of light now filtered into the entrance of the cave, appearing as if they were heaven sent, especially since light was so uncommon these days. When I reached the sun’s scarce rays, I turned back to look at my sanctuary.

     “Goodbye,” I murmured, having grown attached to the place. Without looking back, I turned to face the forest and raced into the unknown. 

~~~~~

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Welcome to the special Halloween Full Reads for Excerpt Monday. This month, in addition to our typical excerpt week, we’re having a week of full stories written by several fabulous EM writers. For more amazing stories, visit the Excerpt Monday Website or just click the banner above.

Demon Scare

Kayla

            My life changed on Halloween.

            I didn’t expect it to happen, but who ever does? Up until October 31^st, I’d lived my life like I was meant to. Nothing extraordinary ever happened to me. I was Kayla the Unchangeable, everyone’s constant.

            I went to school everyday, did my homework each night, socialized to the best of my ability, and did my chores. And while it was a stable life, it was boring. The word “lonely” didn’t even begin to cover it. Perfection had always been something that I strived for, but you know what? I was tired of morphing myself into a flawless girl who never broke the rules and maintained an excellent 4.0 GPA. I didn’t want to be bland and boring, someone that people only approached when they needed help with a subject. Was it too much to ask to have friends that didn’t depend on me academically?

            Apparently it was.

            But this year, no longer would I be boring Kayla Saunders― at least, that was what I’d vowed on September 1^st.

            I just had no idea how right I was.

___ 

            “Kayla!”

            The voice rang throughout the hallway, shrill against the laughter that came from the joyous students. Halloween night was upon us and the population of Arnold Senior High was buzzing with plans for the creep-tastic parties that they couldn’t wait to attend.

            “Kayla!” The voice came again, closer this time.

            I hurried my pace, darting my way across the hall, passing by people that hardly noticed I existed. Joanie wanted help with her algebra again, and if I didn’t disappear before she found me, I would be stuck with her for another hour. Or two.

            So far, my junior year had not turned out the way I’d envisioned. I was still lame little Kayla Saunders. It was funny how when someone couldn’t find the answer to their homework, I become clear as day, but otherwise, I was a drifting ghost, just waiting to help someone.

            Without a glance behind me, I pushed open the doors of a vacant classroom and hurried inside. Once the click sounded from the lock, I slid down the door and let out a breath of relief. Crisis averted.

            “Someone you need to escape?” A dark chuckle broke through the quiet and I started. A boy, maybe a senior, stood by the open window, holding a cigarette in his hand. The boy’s dark hair glinted in the light from the window, his charcoal-colored eyes dancing with amusement.

            “Maybe,” I felt small compared to the boy by the window. He had an air of danger, his persona radiating darkness.

             “I’m Jordon.”

             “Kayla.”

             He smirked and blew out a breath of smoke, the tendrils of the grey plumes drifting upward. “Ah, Virtuous Kayla. I’ve heard of you.”

             My lips pursed and frustration rose within me like a tidal wave. A streak of bravery that I didn’t recognize led me to stand and step closer. “Why does everyone call me that? So what if I’m smart? Who gives a damn!” Anger leaked into my voice, harshening the words.

            “Calm down, Sweetheart,” Jordon laughed. He studied me for a moment, his eyes calculating. “You really don’t like the rep?”

           Sighing, I crossed my arms and shifted. “No.”

           “Well, Darling, there’s only one way to change a rep like yours.” Jordon took another drag of his cigarette, keeping his hawk-like eyes on my face with a strange, unwavering gaze. “You have to throw a party.”

           I snorted. Yes, a real, very unladylike, snort. Maybe that’s why I don’t have friends… “A party?” the skepticism that I felt echoed in my tone. “Parties don’t solve everything.”

           “You might be right about that, Kayla, they don’t fix everything. But when it comes to popularity and high school? They fix a hell of a lot.” He paused and tilted his head up to look at the ceiling. Jordon’s expression became thoughtful as he considered his next words.

           After a minute, he spoke again, “Tell you what, I think I need a new project, Kayla, and you’re the perfect subject. You put together a Halloween party, and I’ll use my connections to get you a crowd worthy of the big screen. Can you handle that, Sweetie?”

          “What exactly is in the cigarette? Halloween is tonight.”

           Jordon threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh. “Nothing that’ll hurt me. Now don’t you worry you’re pretty little head off, Darling. I’ll make it work. Once the party is planned, I’ll know.” Jordon gave me a mysterious wink and stamped his smoke out on the window pane, throwing the bud into the trash.

           Leaning down, he grabbed his backpack and started towards the door. For a moment he stopped and rustled through his bag only to pull out a small piece of paper. He nodded as if satisfied with what he found and shoved it into my hand. “You can do it.” And with that, the strange boy walked out of the classroom.

 ___

            Dropping my pack onto the floor, I collapsed on my bed with a sigh. Things had gone from droning as usual, to weird and oddly exhilarating in one day. Who knew that ten minutes could flip everything upside down?

            With an enormous effort, I pulled the backpack onto my lap and ruffled through it until I found the note that Jordon had handed me. I replayed the conversation in my mind, amazed with what had happened. Here was my chance to make the change that I’d promised myself.

            Did the thought scare me? Duh. Could I pull it off? Most likely not. But was I going to try? Hell yes.

            I picked my cell up off my bedside table and dialed the lone number scribbled onto the paper. The phone rang and I waited, my palms growing sweaty with apprehension.

            “Thank you for calling Rent-A-Scare, you’re source for all things demon. My name is Desdemona, how may I help you on this ghoulish evening?” A girl answered, her voice preppy and excited as a cheerleader at a football game.

            “I-uh-um…” I stuttered, unsure what exactly I’d gotten myself into. Swallowing the nerves that held my wits at bay, I continued. “I received this number from a friend…”

            “Oh! A first timer, wonderful,” Desdemona’s excitement was almost tangible as she squealed the words. “Please give me you’re name and information, and an associate will be with you in a few minutes.”

            I recited my name, phone number, and address, all the while convinced that this was one of the dumbest things I had done yet.

            The sound of typing filled the receiver as Desdemona added my information to the computer. “Thank you for you’re services. I can’t wait to see you soon!”

            The line went dead.

            For a moment I didn’t move, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. Had the whole thing been a scam? But Jordon… I’d trusted him. And he’d played me just like everyone else. Why had I even bothered to consider what he had said? I’d been through this situation enough, I should have seen through his illusion. A tear leaked from my eye, slowly carving a trail down my cheek. Closing my cell, I let it fall onto the pillow.

            Downstairs, the doorbell rang.

            “Mom, Dad, can someone get that?” I called, the words coming out choked with tears. When no one answered, I stood, annoyed that I was seemingly the only one capable of doing anything around here.

            Marching down the stairs, I glanced into each room in search of my lazy parents. Really, was it that hard for them to answer the door? Grumbling to myself, I walked made my way to the door.

            A noise, or rather lack thereof, caught my attention before I could get there though, and I stopped dead in my tracks. I turned, eyebrows knitted together, to study the living room. The clock we’d named Old Faithful had stopped, as had everything else. The water in the fish tank― and the fish themselves― had come to a complete halt.

           Heart racing with ebbing fear, I peered into the kitchen where my parents had been making dinner. Both were paused mid stride. Mom had a smile on her face as she reached for the pepper, and Dad looked as if he had been in the midst of saying something when time had… had what? Frozen?

            The doorbell rang again and I jumped in shock. Everything else was dead, but whatever was at the door, not to mention myself… Again the buzz of the bell chimed. Curious, I edged towards the door and pulled it open with a caution that I’d never had to exert.

            Sliding open, the door revealed a swirling abyss of color. Whatever was before me, was not my neighborhood. The haze of reds, oranges, and yellows began to spread forth, swallowing the entryway like the flames of a forest fire. My blood began to pump faster, hammering through my skull, and ice seeped through my veins as if I was freezing, inch by torturous inch.

            With every ounce of strength that my body contained, I slammed the door shut. But now that it’d begun, nothing would push back the flames that were creeping towards me. It was as if my body radiated gasoline, pulling the flames forward. They engulfed me, surrounding my body with their fiery heat.

            My scream tore through the piercing silence of the room. The blaze took over, and soon everything around me had disappeared in the fire storm. Held immobile by the flames, my screams grew shriller as a headache began to brew in my skull.

            At last the flames began to recede until a new scenery took their place. All around me, pillars of fire took the place of walls. The floor of the cavern that I stood in was a solid rock, shiny black and slippery like granite. Ahead, a single desk with a computer sat, a nametag that read Desdemona decorating it’s surface.

            A woman with bright purple hair and neon pink nail polish approached me, her smile jubilant. “Good evening, Ms. Saunders. Welcome to Rent-A-Scare, the number one place to rent a demon in all of Hell.”

Ryan

            It was that time of year again.

            Ghouls, goblins and witches decorated the homes of the spirited, their children ran about the front yard, giggling with excitement as they tried out their new costumes. Pumpkins were carved, their faces twisted into frightful expressions, burning alive from the inside as they glowed with fire on doorsteps. The crisp October air that seemed to grow colder each day bit at one’s skin, chilling through to the bone. It was Halloween, and this year, everyone was glowing with excitement.

            And, as much as others might have denied it, I didn’t feel the need to pretend. I, Ryan Under, demon dealer of the underworld, was not unlike others in my enthusiasm. I had spent the year preparing for another wonderful season, teaching my fellow demons everything they needed to know about providing a good scare. As long as my employees could do that, then they would be fine. The demons’ frightening ways were all the humans really paid for, after all.

            “Yo’ Bro,  we’ve got another one.” Desdemona, smiled, almost jumping with excitement. “Please, can I be her helper?” she begged.

            “Dezy, last time I let you help a human, you scared the poor thing out of her wits. Do you know where that girl is right now? Right this very instant?”

            Desdemona glanced at the ground and shifted uncomfortably.

            “In therapy.” I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “Dezy… you’re great at your position as secretary. I think it should stay that way.”

            “Ryan, please?” her whine broke my heart. I couldn’t deny Dezy anything. She was my little sister, and as wrong as it was for a demon to show emotion, I couldn’t help it.

            “Let me see her profile.”

            Desdemona squealed and handed me the new girl’s file. Information crowded the page, some facts that I’m sure no one else knew. When you worked in either Heaven or Hell, you had access to information that most wouldn’t dream of.

            And yet we still have to ask for an address. Irony, oh irony, how we love you.

            Opening the file, I glanced down and reviewed the girl’s history. It was spotless, something that I’d rarely seen in these modern day humans with their various drugs, alcohols and the dangers of technology.

            Kayla Saunders.

            The name unsettled up something within me, something that had been buried underneath the various memories and emotions that were stored in my soul, but for the life of me I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. My gaze roamed the page until I came upon a picture of the girl who would be our newest client.

            It was her.

            The girl who had broken my heart all those years ago.

            When she died.

            My pulse pounded, drumming in my ears, and I could picture the stricken expression that I must have worn. For nearly thirty years I’d practiced the solemn attitude of a demon. Rarely showing or feeling any emotion when it came to anything apart from Dezy, I’d survived, moved past the pain, continuing my ‘perfect’ immortal life. But now all of the feelings that I’d kept at bay were rushing back, rampaging through my heart and breaking down every wall that I’d built.

            But how? She’d died. I’d held her as the light vanished from her eyes― buried her in the cemetery where the rest of the ones I’d once loved now slept. Not one day had passed that I hadn’t begged the man upstairs to bring her back. But I was a demon. Those in their heavenly thrones didn’t help the scum that they considered my kind to be. I’d committed a sin, and lost everything in return.

            And yet, all these later, here she was. Under a different name, with a new family, and a slightly altered personality. But it was her.

            An unparalleled joy was released from behind the dam that cut off my emotions and within a moment I found myself fighting the grin that threatened to break out across my expression. No matter what, I wouldn’t screw up this time. I’d find a way to make her mine, and keep her. I didn’t think that I could survive losing her again. Once had been enough.

            “Dezy, I think that I’ll help you with this one.”

Kayla

            The girl with the purple hair stepped forward, her blazing red eyes twinkling with joy. “It’s so lovely to meet you.” A giggle escaped her lips and she bounced up to shake my hand. Her grip was tight and her fingers were hotter than hell.

            “Oh, where are my manners? I talked to you on the phone earlier. I’m Desdemona. I know I said I’d send an associate, but I just couldn’t help but want to work with you myself.” She rambled, her excitement causing her to speak a mile a minute.

            “Dezy, take a deep breath. Remember Carla. Where is she now?”

            Desdemona glanced behind her at the approaching man. She mumbled something that sounded like “the asylum” but I chose that moment to become deaf. The place that I was beginning to assume really was hell bothered me enough as it was. I didn’t need to add to my worries.

            The man drew closer and I let out a sharp breath when he came into view. The newcomer glowed like the mysterious and beautiful stars, having mussed chocolate brown hair that fell on his forehead in a light disarray and blue eyes that were dark and pure as the midnight sky. His skin was pale and white like the moon.

            “Kayla, this is my brother Ryan. Oh, and I know what you’re going to say! ‘Oh, but Desdemona, you look nothing alike!’” She giggled and strode over to her brother. She took his arm and dragged him forward. “But it’s not that strange. We share a mother, though my father was a demon of the clowns and his was the demon of destruction.”

            Ryan tore his eyes away from me and glared at his sister. “I think that you’re overwhelming Kayla.” He looked at his sister for a moment and then turned back to me. “So, why don’t we start with a simple question. What brings you to Rent-A-Scare?”

            Scoffing, Desdemona replied. “Maybe she wants to rent a scare?”

            Ryan shot his sister a quick glare and then turned back to me, genuine curiosity shining in his eyes.

            I opened my mouth to speak, but snapped it back shut before a word had escaped. Somehow, my reasons for coming now seemed trivial. Telling the demons that I’d come to obtain entertainment for a party, or whatever it was they rented out, seemed juvenile and petty.

            Though what startled me more, was that I actually cared. Why did it matter what these people thought? Why did I feel so embarrassed? I didn’t know them, and I highly doubted that I’d ever see them again. So what was holding me back?

            In one word: Ryan. I couldn’t understand what it was about him, but I didn’t want to appear as bubbly and stupid as the girls at my school. He meant something, even if I didn’t know what that something was. But then again, what could I say?

            “Um, actually I don’t know why I’m here. A… friend, gave me your phone number. I’m not sure if it means anything, but I’m throwing a Halloween party… tonight?” The sentence came out as more of a question than a statement as nerves trembled through my body. I pushed back a stray lock of hair and locked my eyes on the ground, uncomfortable with the whole situation.

            “Ah, I understand. So I’m assuming that you know nothing about this place?” I met his gaze, shocked to see a distant echo of disappointment in his eyes when I shook my head.

             Desdemona grinned, a sight that I was beginning to learn was not uncommon. “Well then, I guess we’ll have to give you the grand tour! Follow me, and I’ll be your guide.” She reached forward, her burning hand taking a firm grip on mine as she pulled me down the glowing hall.

Ryan

            I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was really there, more stunning than any picture or detailed description could depict.

            Kayla radiated light, her warm brown eyes swimming with honey colored flecks. It was as if the sun radiated from within her depths, its magnificent beauty shining through every pore. Her golden hair rolled down to her shoulders in light waves and her warm skin vibrated with health and splendor. Nothing could compare to my Kayla.

            Following my sister and the girl that I loved, I watched as Dezy told Kayla more about the little business that we ran.

            “Normally we’re only open for Halloween, but if you’re ever in need of our services, we’ll be available. Here at Rent-A-Scare, we specialize in renting out some of Hell’s scariest demons for your entertainment purposes. Of course you can always find a demon that is more suited for children’s parties, but that’s not why most people come here. I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed with your demon.” Desdemona continued down the hall, turning into the room where the demons practiced their techniques.

            Kayla gasped, a sound filled with fright and surprise. I hurried my pace and came up behind the girls, an amused smile making its way onto my face as I studied Kayla. Her expression was twisted with shock, as if she hadn’t believed anything she’d seen until now.

            Refocusing my attention on the room, I tried to see it how Kayla would. The demons that loitered about were things that entered most people’s nightmares. They had horns and fangs, their skin strange shades of color― some red, some blue, and some green.

            Zaren, a hellfire demon, stood by the mirror, practicing some of his more terrifying expressions for his gig later that evening. Others reclined in their chairs, snickering as they read the latest edition of People Magazine― an activity that wasn’t all that strange in the Underworld. The demons enjoyed keeping up to date with the happenings of the human realm and it happened to be an added bonus that they found the gossip rather amusing.

            “This… it’s crazy,” Kayla marveled. Her eyes shown with wonder and a trace of fear as she studied the demons. “Is it real?” she whispered.

            “This is only as real as you let it be,” I murmured.

            Impatient like always, Dezy pushed Kayla forward. “So, tell me more about this party. What are you going for?”

            “I’m not really sure. It’s a Halloween party, so definitely scary. But it’s tonight, so I’m not even sure if I can pull it off.”

            “Of course you can! I’ll help you,” Dezy squealed. She took off, pulling Kayla behind her, as they studied the demons to find the right one.

            With the girls busy, I sighed and strolled back to my office.

            In one day, my life had yet again been flipped upside down. It hurt to think about all those years ago, but at the moment it couldn’t have been helped.

            From the very beginning, I had known that that Kayla, or Ashley as she gone by thirty years ago, was a child of the Light. But that hadn’t stopped me from loving her. My feelings alone had been a sin― it was an unthinkable crime for a demon to love a Light child― and yet I’d taken it a step further. I’d tried to keep her, to take her to live with me to live in the Underworld. I’d committed one of the most treacherous crimes that a demon could, and without a hint of regret.

            Punishment had come swift and hard, but not in the form that I’d assumed. Anything but what I had received, I’m sure I could have dealt with. But watching as my love died in my arms, perfectly healthy and full of love and life just minutes before, while knowing it was my fault, had killed a part of me.

            In the time that she’d been gone, I’d prayed every day for the man upstairs to bring her back, never truly believing that it would happen. Despite my doubts, I had done my research and found that there was a way for her to come with me to Hell should she ever return.

             Kayla had to renounce heaven, earth, and life. Only then would she be free to turn her back on the Holy ones and enter Satan’s lair.

             A sharp stab to my heart reminded me of what that would mean. I’d have to hurt her, and the very thought alone killed me. Kayla wouldn’t leave everything for me unless something horrible happened to make her want to.

            Heart heavy, I turned back to my computer to learn as much as I could about Kayla Saunders’ life on earth.

Kayla

            The party was planned and ready to go. Impossible as it sounded, I knew that I could pull it off. Dezy had been a miracle worker; she’d helped me set up the whole thing. In a matter of a few hours we’d set up a venue― the ancient theater across the street from my house― along with all the supplies that we’d need.

           She even had several of her demons head back into my realm to finish setting everything up. Though what had astounded me most of all was that Dezy had insisted she had done everything free of charge. The term ‘tremendously grateful’ couldn’t even cover how thankful I was towards Desdemona.

            True to his word, Jordon had known everything by the time that the hellfire had taken me back to the human realm. All that I had to do was finished, a task that I hadn’t thought possible considering the amount of time I’d been allotted.

            The blood rushing through my veins began to slow as the last of the fire melted away from my body, leaving me alone in my living room. I glanced at the clock, weary of the time, my thundering heart freezing when I read the hands.

            5:09. The same time it’d been when I’d disappeared to the Underworld. The sound of wind filled my ears and I swayed on my feet as if the earth had restarted. The clock’s ticking began again, filling the room with it’s steady rhythm, and the sound of my parents laughter filled the house.

            Stepping into the kitchen, my gaze trailed after Mom and Dad as they prepared dinner. Dad’s mouth stretched into an ear-splitting grin and he came over to give me a kiss on the forehead. “Hey, kiddo. Have a good day at school?”

            “Okay I guess,” I returned the gesture with a brief hug and hopped onto the counter, grabbing the box of SweetTarts as an afterthought. “Is it alright if I go to a Halloween party tonight?” I asked, leaving out the part that it was actually my party. Why raise anymore suspicions than I had to? I never went to a party, so asking for this was already startling enough.

             Mom and Dad exchanged a surprised glance. “Of course,” Mom’s voice was weary, her eyes sweeping over me with an astonished curiosity.

            After filling them in on the details we ate dinner in silence. Once the kitchen had been cleared and all of the leftovers  put away, I raced up the stairs to find the costume that I’d picked out last year, but had been too embarrassed to wear.

            I pulled out the devil costume, smirking at the irony. Pulling on the black corset, blood red skirt, and devil horns, I moved over to the dresser to begin my makeup. After applying a hint of blush, red eyeshadow and mascara, I nodded in satisfaction and glanced at the clock. I still had another hour to kill. Sighing, I paced the room. My nerves were wired and electric currents flared through my veins, keeping me on edge with anxiety.

            At last it was time. Grabbing my bag, I made my way outside, bypassing the room my parents were in. They didn’t need to see my costume. Not this year. Without another glance at my house, I crossed the street and walked the short distance to the theater.

           Inside, red strobe lights flashed every few feet, lighting up the otherwise dark theater. Streamers and fog machines decorated the room along with mazes of creepy décor. Touring the area, I noted the many demons that were working at the party. Nodding and waving to them, I realized that tonight would be the night that everything changed. Nothing could go wrong.

           At seven, students that I recognized, and others that I didn’t, began to flood the building. Screams of fright and echoes of laughter rang throughout the theater. On the old stage, music blared, the demonic DJ having a blast as she chose which terrifying tune to play next. Everything was perfect.

           “Kayla!”

            My heart skipped a beat. This time, I wasn’t going to get called over and asked for help with math. A smile tugging on my lips, I turned around and found Ryan approaching, even more beautiful in the darkness.

            “How is everything?” His smile was breathtaking, like warm rays of sunshine on a cold winter day. Ryan came closer and took my hand, laying a small kiss on the back.

            “Perfect,” I whispered.

            Ryan tugged on my hand and pulled me up to the stage, back behind the old curtain that was dusty with age and disuse. “I’m glad that I could be of service.” His blue eyes had gone stormy and he met my gaze with an emotion that I couldn’t name. The smile was gone from his lips, replaced with a look of concentration.

            My heart fluttered in my chest, bringing to mind all the stories I’d read. Could he… no. I was Kayla Saunders the boring. Ryan was a demon, powerful and dark. He’d never have feelings for anyone as absolutely dull as me.

            But apparently I was wrong.

            Ryan leaned closer, his lips brushing mine. My breath caught in my throat and butterflies swarmed in my stomach. “Kayla,” he whispered, my name coming out sounding more wonderful than it ever had.

            I tilted my head forward and met Ryan’s lips with my own. A flood of something warm spread through my blood like a wildfire, igniting everything in it’s path. Bursts of adrenaline washed through me and my heart began to drum to the beat of a hummingbird’s energetic wings.

            Ryan pulled back, his eyes glazed over as he watched me. My lips pulled into a shy smile and a giddiness that I’d never felt before had me itching me to jump, shout for joy, or even dance. Any of those would do. Catching my breath, I leaned forward once more.

            Terrified screams pierced the air followed by an enormous crash that rattled the building. I jumped away from Ryan, my eyes wide with fear. Grabbing onto his arm, I ran out from behind the curtain, letting my eyes fall upon the gruesome sight of the theater.

            A fire had started, somewhere up in the rafters, and huge beams were falling, sparking with flames as they slammed into the floor. High school students raced towards the exit, expressions of horror on each of their faces. Red streams of fire shot up from the ground, catching on the various stage curtains hanging throughout the building. The blaze, blistering and lethal, rose higher and spread further each moment, swallowing up the theater in it’s dreadful claws.

            Eyes met mine as the people raced from the building, each glaring at me in accusation. I shrunk back, fright ripping at every part of my being.

            What have I done?

            Ryan took hold of my arm and rushed us outside, away from the destruction. He lead us down an alley overflowing with garbage and the horrid smell of week-old Chinese food. Tears leaked from my eyes and I broke away from his hold, crumpling against the dirty wall. I slid to the ground, a hiccup escaping my throat.

            Terror gripped at my heart and every muscle in my body was coiled with tension. My heart beat against my ribcage, threatening to break through and run away in fear.

          How could everything have gone so wrong? Tonight was supposed to be amazing and wonderful. At school on Monday, I was supposed to have friends that didn’t care that I was smart.

           Everything had gotten screwed up. My classmates blamed me for the fire, and God only knows if somebody was dead.

            My whole body froze and my heart caught in my throat. The thought that someone had died in that fire… it tore at me. My brain refused to even think about it, my whole body turning to ice. I couldn’t stay here, I couldn’t live with myself if anyone had died in there. I don’t think I could have even gone to ask.

            It would be my fault. MY fault.

            But I didn’t set anything on fire! Rational Me cried.

            But even Rational Me couldn’t overcome Crazy Kayla. That was my party. I chose the ancient, most likely dangerous, theater. Anything that happened there was my responsibility. Someone could be dead, and it would be my fault.

            Breathing became harder and my hands began to tremble. Weak and helpless, I glanced up at Ryan. Although he couldn’t have understood what was running through my head, he seemed to have guessed. Ryan knelt down on the ground beside me, ignoring the crushed doughnut that must have been snacked on by thousands of rats, and lifted my chin so that our eyes met.

            “Kayla…” he murmured, his voice quiet and laced with pain. “You don’t have to stay here. You can come back with me and we can stay in the Underworld. Together.” Ryan glanced up at me under his eyelashes, eyes shining with hope. “We’ll be happy.”

            Possibilities raced through my mind like a stampede of horses charged over the earth. Life hadn’t been perfect here in the mortal realm, and tonight had made things a hundred times worse. But even with all the bad, there’d been some good. My parents. How I loved them… And… I tried to think of another reason to stay, but after a moment I came up blank. Other than my mom and dad, there was nothing to keep me here. Nothing that tied me down to this realm.

           But the Underworld… there was Dezy, the girl who I could honestly imagine becoming a sister to me. Plus, the demons, scary as they might have been, were funny and exciting.

            And Ryan.

            I took in a deep breath, my racing heart beginning to calm. “Ryan?” I whispered, my soft voice shaky with the enormity of my decision. “Take me to Hell.”

Happy Halloween

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers…

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site or click on the banner above.

Anyways, this will be my third Excerpt Monday, and soon I’ll be doing the Halloween Short Story… edition. Anyways, if you haven’t heard. Excerpt Monday will now be doing short stories for several holidays, and I can’t be more excited. Moving away from my boring chit-chat, here’s the excerpt!

~~~~~

Things were not going as planned. Not at all.

            The little witch standing before me smirked, raising her perfectly trimmed brows in mockery. Fury rippled through me and the world took on a red tint as I bared my teeth. Fangs erupted from my canines and a wild hiss escaped my lips as I glared at Rayovin.

            “Don’t throw a fit, vampire. You knew this day was coming,” Rayovin Marcelone’s lips twitched with dark humor and a glint of mischief reflected in her shimmering yellow eyes. “My great-grandfather saved you’re life and it’s about time you paid him back for his kindness.” Rayovin swept her arrow-straight black hair over her shoulder, her pale skin glowing under the streetlamp. “Don’t worry, little girl, we won’t be cruel.”

            I snarled and threw all of my weight forward, my instincts screaming for me to attack. But my efforts were wasted.  An invisible wall halted my strike and I slammed to the ground, letting out another mangled roar. “How dare you,” I screamed in frustration. No matter how I hated it, everything the witch had said was true. I was at the service of the Marcelone family, whether I liked it or not.

            Rayovin made a tisking sound and stepped forward, bringing her heel-clad foot up to rest on my leg. Though the movement seemed harmless, I knew it wasn’t. With just a little more pressure, my leg would snap. I was now at her mercy.

“So, would you like to come home with me? We can party, just like old times. Or, you can do as I say and move on with your little mission.” Rayovin’s expression betrayed her sick excitement. Inside, I had no doubt that she was rejoicing, relishing in the feel of owning another’s soul. “Time’s a wastin’, Veronica. It’d be in your best interest to decide now.”

            “She’ll complete you’re mission, Rayovin. I’ll make sure of it.” A man stepped out of the shadows and came forward. His voice was gruff with annoyance and anger, but strong too. The man had dirty blonde hair that was mussed in a heap on his head and a muscular frame that rivaled that of a linebacker. The aura that radiated from his being emanated power and strength.

            “Ah, Andrei, it has been too long. Let me see, almost fifty years now?” Rayovin cocked her head to the side and laughed.

            “Yes,” Andrei grumbled, “Not nearly long enough.” His eyes flashed over to meet mine and I shivered. Andrei was not just another man, he was another vampire. The newcomer’s chocolate brown eyes appeared normal, but with the enhanced vision of an immortal, I could see the red pools of ink that drifted beneath the chocolate exterior.

            He’s won his freedom.

            “Now, my friend, must we really sound so saddened by this chance encounter?”

            Andrei turned back to Rayovin and shook his head. “Stop playing your games and let the girl go. I’ll make sure she completes whatever crazy-ass mission you gave her.”

            “Are you sure? Veronica here is quite the rebel, and I’d hold you responsible for the outcome of said task.”

            I could feel Andrei’s glare bore into my skull, drilling holes through my brain with their intensity. “You better be worth it, kid,” he mumbled under his breath. Andrei coughed and met the witch’s gaze. “And what is this impossible task?”

            “So you accept?”

            “I asked what the task is, didn’t I?”

            Rayovin pondered for a moment, her gaze creeping over me as she thought. At last she let out a malicious chuckle and lifted her foot from my leg. “Veronica, stand before me as a child of the night, born from the very spells of the Marcelone family.”

            I wanted to spit on the witch’s feet and remain on the ground. I wanted to ignore the words she spoke and pretend as if I hadn’t heard a word. But even then, it wouldn’t be enough. The spell she had spoken was binding, and without the will to do so, I found myself rising from the ground and bowing my head before Rayovin. Bowing my head before my master.

            “Veronica Amelia Ramone, I hereby declare you’re quest of impossibility. Shall you find a way to complete it, immortality is yours. Yet, if you fail to do as I say, you shall remain an eternal blood servant, bound to the loyalties of the Marcelone family and those that we serve. Do you agree to this challenge, or will you forever be stuck in a state of in between?”

            My lips felt dry and cracked and I struggled to stay standing as adrenaline spread through me as if weaved by spiders. A will that wasn’t my own urged me to agree, and venom began to trickle through my veins as I fought the urge to say the word that could very well be the end of me. Agony rippled through me, tearing everything within me to shreds, destroying the little dignity that remained mine.

“Yes,” I choked, my voice brittle with pain. “I accept my mission, master.” Slowly, everything that had tortured me to agree slithered away, leaving a hollow emptiness in my wake. I fell to my knees and clutched my stomach, cursing the witch for all that she had stolen.

            Rayovin’s lips curled with pleasure and she continued the ceremony. “Very well. With you’re consent, I shall now reveal the task that awaits you yet. Veronica Amelia Ramone, I sentence you to hunt down and drink the blood of the vampire lord, Sir Delius Armedeo of Italy, the oldest of the vampires. You have exactly one month to complete your assignment.”

            Horror swept through my being and I nearly collapsed onto the ground. Pride kept me on my knees, and then allowed me to stand and face the she-devil before me. Hatred blazed like a wildfire within me and a hiss rose from my throat. I took a step forward, my fangs bared and my legs coiled to strike.

            A hand grabbed hold of my arm and the feral snarl that ripped from my throat reverberated in my ears as I struck the intruder. The hold on my arm tightened and Andrei came into view, his fangs on display as well. He glared at me and pulled my arm so that I stumbled away from the witch. Rayovin watched the display with morbid fascination her lips trembling with a contained smirk.

            “Don’t take too long, my little darlings,” Rayovin whispered as she watched us leave. Her hand pulled up in a little wave and the certainty that we would fail reflected in her eyes.

            Andrei dragged me forward, past the park and under the main bridge. I kept my eyes on the little witch, trying to convey my hatred for the creature, but soon lost sight of her as we rounded another corner. I let out a sigh and turned forward. I couldn’t change what had happened back there, but I could try to make it right.

            How did everything go so wrong?

~~~~~

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers…

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site or click on the banner above.

You might not know this, but this is my second Excerpt Monday. I’m very excited to be doing this again, and I hope you enjoy my work! Here’s an excerpt from Danger, rated PG-13 for safety.

~~~~~

     After making sure we had the keys, I locked the door and we walked the short distance to the little inlet. The Strait of Juan de Fuca wasn’t rough water (in this area, at least) by any means, but it was nice to have a place to shelter a boat during storms.

     The old fishing boat sat before us, small and fragile looking. The aluminum walls that held the whole thing together appeared weak, as if they’d break at the slightest jarring, but they were just the opposite. The old boat had suffered more than I cared to admit.

     Emily hopped into the back and sat down by the motor while Ashley took the middle and I found my seat of glory at the front. The seat was imbedded into the bow and was merely a small triangle. Relaxed, I kicked my feet up on the empty bench in front of me and threw my hands on the side of the boat.

     Maneuvering the various switches, pumps, and gadgets, Emily got the boat started and released it from it’s bindings to the dock. With an excited gleam in her eyes, Emily pushed the boat forward and out of the inlet, into the Strait. The waves that rocked the boat were gentle, nothing more than lights swells.

     To the west, the sun blazed, preparing to set in less than two hours. Wind whipped at our coats and sent my hair trailing behind me as Emily coaxed the motor to go faster until we were flying across the water.

     Swells rose up and carried the boat, only to let it slam down into the trough of the wave as it passed. As the speed of the boat grew the slamming became more violent, and sitting in the front I recieved the brunt of the impact.

     But I loved it. Water sprayed up from the waves and drove into my skin like nails carved from ice, and still I couldn’t escape the thrill that raced through me each time the water hit. Wind rushed past us, only making my water-cooled skin colder. I shivered, unable to help the chill that swept over me.

     Adrenaline made it’s way through my veins like poison and the shivers that passed through me sent a rush of excitement to my heart. In that moment, I felt free. There weren’t limits on what I could do, there weren’t hardships and pain and death spoiling all the good in life. There was nothing but me and the feelings that mad me feel more alive than I’d ever experienced. In that moment, nothing could destroy the peace that I felt.

     “Um, guys, I think I’m going to puke.”

     Okay, maybe almost nothing.

     The boat lurched forward and then slowed, nearly coming to a stop on the water. I turned to face Ashley, worry creasing my forehead. “Too much?” I asked, motioning to the swells that continued to rock the boat.

     Her head shot up and down in a quick nod and she groaned, clutching it in pain. “This was definitely a bad idea. I’m sorry guys,” Another large wave lifted the boat and passed under us, leaving the Lund to roll as it traveled towards the shore. Ashley doubled over and moaned, her face scrunched in pain.

     “Emily, head back, fast. The wind should help and it won’t take as long that way.” I stood from my seat and fell onto the bench beside my friend. Rubbing her hair, I held her tight, hoping to ease the jarring that she’d feel from the waves.

     A choking noise burst from the engine, and the boat slowed, the motions of the waves growing stronger. “Shit!” Emily cried, her eyes wide with panic.

     My eyes met Emily’s and fear gripped my heart as I registered her expression. Something was really wrong. “What, Emily, what’s wrong?” my voice came out stronger than I’d expected, sounding way more calm than I felt. I pushed back the tiny surge of pride at this fact, though, and focused on the situation at hand.

     The engine gurgled and sputtered for another few seconds, the noise slashing through my thoughts like a sword. Silence fell over us and the motor coughed one last time before it gave out.

     My breathing halted and ice settled against my skin, creeping into the pores and freezing everything that it crossed. Shock gripped me as I began to understand and it was as if someone had reached into my chest and begun to squeeze my organs, holding on so tight that I couldn’t move, couldn’t think.

     Emily jumped up and started to push and pull at the many gadgets, her movements fidgety and frightened. With shaking hands, she gripped the starter cord and pulled back, sweat beginning to dew on her forehead. She let out a terrified squeak and collapsed back on the bench, her face expressionless and her eyes void of emotion.

     We were out of gas.

     The fear inside me changed to something darker, into a substance that was more like fury than I cared to admit. “Emily,” my voice was a low growl, menacing and hard. “Did you check how much gas we had before we left?”

     “Well, yes, of course! I just didn’t think we’d burn through it that fast, really, I had no clue!” Emily turned her wild gaze to me, her eyes begging me to understand. “I’ve only ever been out once on my own, I didn’t know,” she whimpered, curling her legs to her chest on the seat.

      That would have been nice to know earlier, Emily. I bit back the angry words that I wanted to speak and tried to regain even a semblance of the calm that I’d had before. “Ash, I need your phone.” I reached my hand out and used my other arm to support her.

      Ashley’s eyes were tired and drawn, her lips pursed. Taking in a large breath of air, she pushed away from me and dug into her pocket, at last coming out with her prehistoric phone. Yeah, it was that old.

      I took the phone from her hand and flipped the fat thing open. A beep came from the phone and a message slid onto the screen. No service.

      My throat constricted and I let out a long, shaky breath as my pulse pounded in my ears. “Oh my god,” I whispered, my voice no longer holding the tone that I’d prided myself on earlier. Now, the words were spoken by someone weak and terribly frightened, someone that I didn’t even know anymore.

     “What happened, Vera,” Emily squeaked, her tone rising in pitch with each word.

      Without a word, I passed her the phone. Emily gasped and flipped it closed, her movements stoic and cold. The wind howled and my gaze slid to the horizon where the sun was preparing to set. Soon it would be dark, and we would be drifting out to the ocean.

      Tears welled up in my eyes but I fought them. In my life, I’d experienced a lot. And while there were some things that I had cried for, it hadn’t happened often. My dad’s death had been one of them, but before that I couldn’t remember. And yeah, the situation sucked. Worse than that, it was fatal, but I couldn’t bring myself to allow the show of weakness. It wasn’t me.

     The sliver that was left of the sun sunk and drifted behind the horizon, falling under the water. My stomach clenched and for a moment I felt as sick as Ashley, bile rising in my throat. I took a deep breath of air and relaxed my limbs, one after another. We’d get out of this, someway somehow. I didn’t doubt that.

     If you don’t doubt it, then why are you clamming up, Miss-I-Can-Take-On-The-World.

     Darkness crept over the water and folded around us like a blanket, swallowing up the remainder of light left by the setting sun. The air cooled and another shiver tickled my spine.

     Oh my god…

~~~~~

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers…

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

Are you excited??? I know I am!

Well, that is all.