Dark Realms Read online

  It sounded like she really was falling pretty hard for the sheriff. “So, when’s the wedding?” I asked.

  ‘Oh, God, it’s too early for that but I’ll be honest, every time he looks at me,” she sighed and her eyes looked wistful, “I just want to jump his bones.”

  I shuddered. “Okay, that’s something I didn’t need to hear. That’s just twisted, mom.”

  She laughed. “Oh, just you wait, my dear. You’ll meet someone who makes your toes curl and then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  I’d already met two guys who made my toes curl but I wasn’t about to tell her that. “Whatever,” I said.

  She walked over to me and touched my cheek. “What about Duncan? Any sparks?”

  My cheeks grew pink. “Well… I don’t know. I mean, we’re just friends, you know?”

  She smiled, knowingly. “Friends, huh? Just make sure you use protection if he gets too friendly.”

  My jaw dropped. “Mom!”

  “You are still a virgin, right?”

  I couldn’t believe we were actually having this conversation.

  “Oh, my God, yes!” I replied, staring at her in horror.

  “Although, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Just be safe.”

  “Enough! I’m still a virgin and I plan on staying one for a while.”

  Her eyes softened. “That’s what a mother wants to hear. But when things get confusing or too much, you can always come to me with any questions.”

  “I’m going to take a shower,” I said. “I feel dirty after talking about it with you.”

  She laughed. “You’re such a smartass.”

  I left her and went back to my room. Instead of taking a shower, however, I lay down on my bed and thought about everything that had happened the night before. It now seemed so unbelievable, that I wondered if it had been just a dream.

  I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

  ~~~

  “Nikki, come to me,” whispered the smooth, masculine voice in my ear.

  I opened my eyes to find that I was in a forest wearing a billowy, white nightgown. I stood up and began walking in my bare feet. As I looked down, I noticed sharp pieces of broken glass cutting into my skin, which was now bleeding.

  “Hurry,” prodded the voice. It was strong and demanding; it pushed me forward, one foot after another.

  “Nikki!” yelled Duncan.

  “Duncan?” I whispered, turning around.

  “Wait, Nikki!” he cried, running towards me. I watched in amazement as he kept moving without making any progress.

  There was a rush of movement and my heart began to race; I knew who it was. He’d come back for me. “Ethan?”

  Someone grabbed my shoulders and started digging their sharp nails into my skin. I was shoved roughly to the ground and the shadow jumped on top of me. “Amy?” I whispered in horror.

  Amy’s eyes were filled with hate. “He’s mine,” she growled, her slit wrists bleeding onto my white dress. She opened her mouth and her pointy fangs closed in on my neck.

  I opened my eyes and let out a shaky breath. Just a dream.

  Someone rapped on my door.

  “Hey, twerp!”

  “Yeah, come in,” I mumbled, sitting up.

  “Get ready,” said Nathan. “I have to drop you off early at the diner. Mom needs the car as soon as I get back from purchasing a battery.”

  I looked at my alarm clock. It was already after two o’clock. “Okay,” I said.

  His eyes narrowed. “Are you doing okay?”

  “Just a little tired.”

  He pointed at me. “Don’t leave the diner after dark unless Duncan is with you.”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  He stared at me for a minute and then nodded. “Then, I’ll be outside waiting for you. You have a half hour to get ready.”

  “Okay, I’ll hurry.”

  I took a quick shower, put my uniform on, and spent a little extra time with my makeup. Then I pinned my damp hair up and stared into the mirror. I had to admit, I was definitely beginning to look more like my mother every day. I decided it was a good thing and smiled.

  Nathan laid on the horn outside and I rushed out to meet him in mom’s car.

  “Makeup, huh? Trying to get more tips?” smiled Nathan.

  I shrugged. “I could certainly use the money.”

  “I hear you. So, what do you think about last night? Pretty crazy, huh?”

  “It was freaky, that’s for sure. I still don’t know what happened, exactly.”

  “I’m starting to think we really do have ghosts lurking around the cabin. That could be the real reason why mom’s renting it so cheap.”

  “Makes sense.”

  We drove the rest of the way in silence and he dropped me off in front of the diner, warning me to stay put when my shift was over.

  “You worry too much,” I said. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait for Duncan.”

  “Here’s Duncan’s cell phone number,” he said, handing me a slip of paper. “If there’s a problem, call me or him.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  When he finally drove off, I went into the diner and ran into Rosie in the back room.

  “How’s it going, Nikki?”

  I smiled. “Pretty good. We were really swamped yesterday so Susan didn’t get a chance to show me too much.”

  “Yeah, I heard. Since you’re early, I’ll go over some things with you, myself.”

  “Thanks.”

  Rosie went over the menus and showed me how to write up meal tickets. Then she gave me some pointers on how to juggle multiple tables and get them in and out as quickly as possible. When we were done, my head was spinning, but I felt like I was starting to get a little handle on things.

  “Don’t worry. It’s going to take a while, but you’ll get used to it. And, honey, don’t be afraid to tell the customers you’re new. They’ll have more patience and might even tip you better.”

  “Oh, I’m all for that. Thanks.”

  “You’ll do just fine here,” she said, patting me on the shoulder. “Just do your best, and eventually things will fall together.”

  “Thanks, Rosie.”

  When Susan showed up, I shadowed her for half the day, and then I was given a couple of my own tables.

  “You’re doing great,” said Rosie, after I served a large platter of food to one of my tables. “Keep it up.”

  “Thanks.”

  The time flew by quickly and by the time my shift was over, I’d made almost thirty dollars in tips. I was so giddy that I texted Nathan, who was happy for me.

  “Listen, is there any way you can work a little later tonight?” asked Rosie, as I was about to punch out. “We could really use you until eleven o’clock. Darlene called in sick and I need all the help I can get. Since it’s Friday night, we’re going to get slammed soon.”

  “Okay. Let me call my ride and let him know. I’m sure it will be fine.”

  I grabbed my phone and called Duncan.

  “Okay,” he said, after I explained why they needed my help. “I’ll be there promptly at eleven, though I’ll expect a tip.”

  I giggled. “I think I can manage that.”

  We had a rush of customers around nine o’clock, and I was running ragged, trying to keep my orders right and not piss anyone off. By the time it was ten-thirty, I heaved a sigh of relief; the diner was finally clearing out.

  “We usually get another big rush after the bars close,” said Susan. “Just be thankful you’re not working those customers. When they’re not trying to pick you up, they’re puking in the corner. It’s really disgusting.”

  I grimaced. “I bet.”

  “Funny thing is, they usually tip better,” she said, “because they’re drunk and feeling extra generous. But, to me, it isn’t really worth it.”

  Thinking about my mom last night and practically having to babysit her, I agreed. I then took out my tips and started counting it when
Susan swore.

  “What?” I said, looking up.

  It was Ethan, followed by his clan. His eyes met mine and he smiled.

  “Hey,” whispered Susan, noticing the exchange. “Do you know him?”

  “Um, not really,” I said.

  “Looks like they’re in your section tonight, Nikki,” said Rosie, “they usually only order coffee, though, so it should be a piece of cake.”

  I took a deep breath and walked up to their table.

  “Hello,” I said, handing out menus. “Can I start anyone out with something to drink?”

  Ethan put his elbows on the table, clasped his fingers, and rested his chin on there. “Coffee for all of us, please, Nikki.”

  Remembering the effect he had on me, I averted my eyes. “And will you want food, or should I take away the menus?”

  “Well,” chuckled Ethan. “What I want probably isn’t on the menu.”

  Oh, my God.

  Our eyes met and I swear I could feel a charge of static electricity between us. It was eerie.

  “You look beautiful tonight. As usual,” he said softly.

  The carnal promises he held in his smoldering eyes were raw and made my heart race. I took a step backwards, trying to catch my breath.

  “Everything okay here?” interrupted Rosie, coming towards us.

  Ethan looked away and I grabbed the back of an empty chair to steady myself.

  “Yeah, Rosie,” smiled Ethan. “Just being friendly with the new waitress.”

  She smiled. “Now don’t be giving young Nikki here a hard time. It’s only her second day.”

  For some reason, Rosie wasn’t affected by Ethan’s magnetic stare.

  “Oh, don’t worry about Nikki, Rosie. She’s in good hands with me.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” she chuckled. “So, Nikki, why don’t you go pour some coffee for these boys.”

  I cleared my throat. “Okay,”

  I grabbed six coffee cups and glanced towards Ethan’s minions. I watched, curiously, as Rosie continued talking to Ethan while the rest of the guys seemed content just listening to the exchange, never actually joining in on the conversation. All were tall, pale, and rivaled any of the male models I’d seen in magazines. None of them compared to Ethan, however. His animal magnetism was enough to make me forget everything else.

  “It’s getting late,” said Rosie, coming up to the counter. “Why don’t you let me finish waiting on these guys and you can take off?”

  I nodded, not quite trusting myself to talk.

  Without another glance towards Ethan, I hurried to the break room, removed my apron, and grabbed my purse. When I turned around, I was staring into Ethan’s eyes.

  “Oh,” I gasped.

  “Leaving so soon?” he asked me, stepping closer. I moved backwards until my back hit the wall.

  “I really have to go,” I squeaked.

  He touched my face and his eyes searched mine. “I’ve been searching for so long. I can’t believe that I’ve finally found you.”

  My eyes widened. “Excuse me? I don’t understand what you mean.”

  “You will.” He closed his eyes and inhaled. “You smell so sweet.”

  I was so confused; my head was spinning and my stomach whirled. “I… what’s happening?”

  Ethan opened his eyes again and smiled. “You’ll understand… in time.”

  Suddenly his mouth was on mine again, and as before, I couldn’t resist his kisses. Our lips moved hungrily together and I moaned in pleasure, wanting him closer. I ran my hands up his back and into his hair, pulling his mouth harder against mine. But then he stopped abruptly and pulled away.

  “I… I have to go and take care of something,” he said thickly.

  “Your eyes…” I whispered. They were still blue but glowed brightly with something that reminded me of fire.

  He backed away from me, breathing heavily. “Leave your balcony door open tonight.”

  Then in a flash he was gone and I was left feeling frustrated.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Nikki,” said Rosie, stepping into the break room. “Someone named Duncan is waiting for you in the diner.”

  “Thanks.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You okay? You look kind of flushed.”

  “I’m fine,” I replied, not able to meet her eyes.

  “Go home and get a good night’s sleep,” she said. “Working here can take a lot out of you.”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  I followed her back out and expected to see Ethan and his friends, but they were all gone.

  “Hi,” said Duncan.

  He was dressed in a light blue polo shirt that complimented his silvery-gray eyes and low-riding jeans that showed off his tight abs. Because I was still feeling the pheromones from whatever Ethan produced, I had an incredible urge to jump his bones.

  “Ready?” I asked, grabbing his hand.

  He chuckled as I pulled him out of the diner. “What’s wrong? Had enough of this place already?”

  I released a heavy sigh and nodded. “It was a long day.”

  We both hopped in to his truck and he turned on the music. He caught me staring at him and smiled.

  “You look nice,” he said, grabbing my hand.

  His smile was much more boyish than Ethan’s and the tenderness in his eyes was so sweet. Part of me was already falling hard for Duncan, while another part of me screamed out for Ethan. It was frustrating and I decided to try and drive away my lustful thoughts of Ethan, so I told him to pull over to the side of the road.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  I scooted closer to him and pressed my lips against his. Soon we were kissing and my hands were all over him. When I pulled myself onto his lap and looked into his eyes, he let out a shaky sigh. “Nikki,” he groaned, and then his mouth captured mine.

  I ground my hips into his and he moaned with pleasure as I rocked against him. He unbuttoned the top of my uniform and raised my bra, kissing my breasts. Nobody had ever done that before and the sensation made me quiver down below.

  “Shit,” he groaned as a squad car pulled up behind us and we were surrounded by bright flashing lights.

  I jumped off of him and buttoned my uniform while Duncan tried to compose himself. “Man,” he said, looking at me again. “That was intense.”

  There was a tap on the window and we both smiled sheepishly at Sheriff Caleb, who was frowning.

  “What’s going on?” he asked.

  Duncan’s face looked so guilty it was comical. “Um, we were just talking.”

  He smirked. “You certainly fogged up the windows pretty good with all that talking you must have been doing. Next time, open one up.”

  We both smiled.

  “Listen,” said Caleb. “I’m not stupid, so I know your raging hormones probably got the better of you. Next time you feel like making out, though, don’t do it on the side of the road. It’s pretty dangerous, especially at night. Now, Duncan, bring Nikki home before her mom gets worried.”

  “Okay. Thank you, sir,” answered Duncan.

  He looked at me. “Say hello to your mother for me.”

  “Okay.”

  He walked back to his squad car, and we drove to the cabin in an awkward silence. Thankfully, Nathan was waiting on the porch for us when we pulled up because I didn’t want to talk about what had just happened. The truth was, I wasn’t exactly sure myself. That promiscuous girl back there? That wasn’t me. I’d made out with two guys in the last two days and had no real explanation for it.

  “Hey, guys,” said Nathan, who was sitting on a gliding bench with a grim smile.

  Duncan cleared his throat. “What’s up, Nathan?”

  “Read this,” he said, holding out a newspaper.

  I grabbed it from him and we both started reading the article he’d circled. There were several pictures of girls who were either missing or dead under the headline: ‘Serial Killer Targeting Similar Victims?’

  “
They’ve included a picture of the girl who was found in the lake, as well as Amy,” said Nathan, pointing. “See the resemblance there of the two girls?”

  “Why is Amy included in this? She killed herself,” I said.

  Nathan’s eyes narrowed. “Or maybe it was only made to look like she did. The most disturbing thing about this article is the photos of the girls.”

  “They look very similar,” said Duncan. Then he turned to me and tensed up. “In fact, they look similar to Nikki, too.”

  My brother nodded. “Their hair is different but, if you look closely at the facial features of those girls, there is a definite resemblance to Nikki’s. What really concerns me, are the strange things that have been happening to her. What if it’s somehow related?”

  “Seriously, I doubt it has anything to do with what’s happened to all of those girls,” I said.

  “Still, we’d better keep a close eye on you,” replied Nathan.

  “Fine,” I said, yawning. “Listen, I hate to be a party pooper, but I’m exhausted from being on my feet for the last several hours. I’m going to take a bath and then sleep for days, if mom will let me.”

  “Do you need any help getting that bath ready?” asked Duncan, smiling.

  “Dude, that’s my sister you’re talking about. Don’t say that stuff loud enough for my ears to pick up,” said Nathan, looking horrified.

  Duncan laughed.

  “So, Duncan, are you planning on going to the barbeque tomorrow night?” I asked.

  “Only if you’re going,” he said, leaning up against the cabin.

  I smiled up at him. “Definitely. “

  “How about if Nikki and I just meet you there?” interrupted Nathan. “I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Sounds good,” he replied.

  “Goodnight Dunc,” he said, opening the cabin door. “I’ll give you guys some privacy, in case you want to suck face or something.”

  “Funny,” I mumbled.

  “Night,” replied Duncan. As soon as Nathan was gone, he stepped closer and stared down into my eyes. “Well, goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.

  He gave me one of his dimpled smiles and then leaned forward, kissing me tenderly on the lips. This time the kiss was short and sweet.