Children of Darkness by Courtney Shockey Read Free Book Online Page B

the air thick with humidity and a slight chill in the wind. I wrap my jacket around my middle as Max bounds through the grass, reminding me of how much he enjoys our evening walks.
    I decide to cut our walk short because the stress of the day won’t stop weighing me down. The sun is setting in the sky and shadows are overtaking the streets. A breeze shifts my hair into my eyes and I have to stop to sort through the thick mess. Max sits next to me with his tongue lolling to the side as I try, unsuccessfully, to put the strands back in place.
    I keep a stash of treats in my jacket pocket so I give one to Max as we start off again. “That was for waiting so patiently like the good boy you are,” I whisper and scratch behind his ears. As we round the corner to our street, Max starts to growl. His hackles rise and his stance drops low.
    I kneel beside him and his low growl reverberates through me. “What is it?” I can see his form shaking slightly. Something catches my eye and I look to see the bushes lining the street shaking as if something is running through them. The faint sound of laughter pierces my ears like an ice pick.
    I soothe Max as best as I can as my ears strain, trying to catch the sound again. A rock forms in my stomach while I smooth down Max’s fur. A gust of wind moves the bushes and I sigh. I start to wonder if I heard anything at all, but Max’s trembling body makes me realize it was all too real.
    My legs are shaky and unsteady as I stand. I focus on talking to Max to soothe him as we quickly make our way back home. I see a glass of wine in my near future. I can’t walk fast enough to make that future happen.
    We make it back to the house and I relax slightly. Wine glass in hand, I pop in Rin Tin Tin, our favorite movie, and we settle on the couch, ready to unwind. Max always prances around the house after our movie thinking he is a hero. I let him believe what he wants and always tell him he is my hero. Furious licks to the face follow every time.
    “Thanks Max. Now I have to shower.”
    As if on cue, Max runs to his mat beside my bed. The hot water relaxes and invigorates me as only a shower can. The smell of vanilla and lavender wafts up from the soap bottle and I gladly let it soak into my pores. I really need to relax in a bath, but that would have to wait for another night.
    I step out of the shower and as I towel off, I slip on the comfy slippers I keep tucked beside the vanity. Life’s little comforts. I dress in my sports bra and panties, looking at my reflection in the mirror. It’s hard not to notice the dark circles under my eyes contrasting against my skin. I shake my head as I exit into my room. I really should get more rest.
    Max is still there waiting for me. I scratch his head and plant a kiss between his ears then slide between the sheets. My eyes can’t wait to be shut for the night. I hear Max lay on the floor and sigh. With a smile, I roll over and close my eyes.
    This dream seems different from the others. There is a sense of foreboding, but all is silent and still. Suddenly, the door to my closet begins to slowly open. I hold my breath, eyes glued to the door. A small shadow moves from the back of the closet.
    My jaw opens as the shadow moves around. It is about four feet tall and moves with slow, deliberate steps. The closer it comes to the opening of my closet door, the more air seeps from my lungs. My blood feels too cold under my skin and sluggish. My heart beats frantically in my chest warring with the absolute stillness of the atmosphere surrounding me.
    As the figure moves forward, moonlight shines into the room. All at once, I see The Leader to my nightmares standing there. His eyes reflect back into mine and my body trembles. I want to scream for Max or scream for Coby. Anything to make this monster leave my mind. He purposefully strolls to Max’s side of the bed, his dagger-like toes clicking as he moves.
    I take note of his small frame and protruding ribcage. The