Cave of Terror by Amber Dawn Bell Read Free Book Online

I held on, making sure nothing pulled her away.
    "What are you doing?” Mandy whispered.
    "Oh, I just don't want to lose you in the dark."
    "Okaaaaay!"
    From the deep recesses of my soul, an icy cold fear exploded upward as adrenaline flooded my veins. My heart rate exploded and my lungs fought for air. A whiff of almonds stung my nose, causing my stomach to clench. Every muscle tightened and my legs threatened to buckle beneath me. A desert took up residence in my mouth, evaporating all moisture. Automatically, my tongue darted out to lick my dry lips. Sharp fangs descended without any notice, scraping the tender flesh as I retracted my tongue.
    A sickening warmth radiated behind me, invading my trembling body. I froze in deep wrenching fear. My hair was roughly pulled to the side as a hard body made contact with my back. A wet, but warm sensation slicked across my throat.
    "Mmmmm ... I love the smell of fear,” a voice whispered in my ear, pouring moist breath across my skin. I shuddered and tightened my grip on Mandy.
    "Hey, Cheyenne, you okay? You haven't said a word. And you're breathing all funny."
    Immediately, the entity released me. Coldness replaced the warmth at my back. I grabbed my neck. Wetness met my fingers. I rubbed them together, testing the substance. It didn't feel like blood, more like saliva. Spit. Totally disgusting.
    The lights came back on and I uncoiled my hand from Mandy's shirt.
    "I'm okay. I think I was about to have a panic attack. No biggie."
    "No biggie, huh?” Mandy shook her head and sighed. “You know, you really need to work on that claustrophobic thing you got going on.” She gave me another look, then glanced back at the group. “Let's go. Stan's waiting for us."
    She didn't have to tell me twice.
    Deep laughter trailed behind me, reverberating in my chest long after leaving the accursed room.
    Thankfully, nothing else happened the rest of the way out of the cave. By the time we reached the chained off area near the cable car, I felt somewhat normal again. The ominous energy that had surrounded me eased and released me from its sinister hold.
    Stan removed the chain and we all piled into the cable car. I sighed in relief. I was never so glad to be gone from any place in my life. The cable car shuddered to a start and began its ascent.
    "You'll be back,” an eerie voice groaned—one only I seemed to hear.
    "Not if I can help it,” I murmured.
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3
Slow Dancing with Dracula
    When I pulled into the driveway, I noticed both my parent's cars. I couldn't imagine why they were already home. As I put my key into the lock, the door pulled open. Apparently, they'd been waiting for me.
    "Hi, Sweetheart. How was your day? Anything ... interesting happen?” Mom anxiously waited for my answer.
    Dad stood behind her, mirroring her expression.
    That would explain what they were doing home so early. They'd been worried. I didn't know where to begin or how to answer the question.
    "Well, it was no ordinary day to say the least,” I began. “Some very strange and scary things happened to me while I was in the cave."
    Mom's eyes grew wide. “Like what exactly?"
    "Yes, we need to know everything. It could be very important,” Dad added.
    Once I started, I couldn't stop the words from pouring out. “Bats were everywhere. It was like they were evil or something. And for some reason, I was their target. I was attacked over and over. No one else was bothered. And I kept getting this creepy feeling. I heard voices and horrible laughter no one else could hear. And there was this strange almond scent only I could smell. Both times the lights were turned out, something or someone touched me—"
    "Cheyenne, slow down,” Dad interrupted. “What do you mean someone touched you?"
    "The first time the lights were turned off, my hair was pushed aside and something scraped against my throat. The second time the lights went off, it felt like I was licked—on my neck.” I raised my