Terrifying Love: A Halloween Anthology Read online

  “What is this?” I ask him.

  He smiles as he says, “Open it.”

  Evan and I do that, and my mouth drops open. “I... I can’t accept this,” I say to him as I look back to Jackson. I hear Evan mumble the same thing.

  “Please, it’s the least we can do, you two have our gratitude forever,” Jackson says as he sits down next to his wife and daughter, pulling them close.

  I glance to Evan. His eyes are wide, and I think this is the first time I’ve seen him in shock. “Thank you,” I finally say as I look back at the cheque in my hands. “Thank you.” I repeat. I look at Evan again, a huge smile on my lips as he looks at me, mirroring the same smile I have.

  My life has changed from the moment Paula ran into me, setting things into motion I never want to go through again. But there is one thing, a silver lining. Because without all this happening, I wouldn’t have found Evan, a man I had started to fall in love with in the past few days and I know I want to spend forever with, because he is my safe haven, my home.

  About Serena Nova

  Serena Nova is an author who loves to jump into new worlds, to escape the one we live in and find new families, friends and adventures on paper. After years and years of reading, which was her way of escaping from the world around her. Serena decided that she wanted to finish something in her life, and with her history of reading books like they were the air, she needed to breathe. She decided that was what she wanted to do, write a book. And that's what she did. Not knowing how much she would love it and how perfectly it would be for her. In the end, it was one of the best decisions in her life. Her life took her onto a journey that she never expected to be going on. A life that never stood still always kept on moving and brought her to here. Being an author, something she never dreamed to realise until she took the step, decided she had the faith in herself and did it. She now works to become better, to evolve her skill and live her life to the fullest.

  HIS DANCER

  By Isobella Dunn

  She danced with the stars

  With complete abandonment

  Until her heart burned bright

  A supernova waiting to burst

  Her light burned brighter than the sun

  She danced amongst the stars

  With her heart on her sleeve.

  Until the day she was betrayed

  By a broken soul

  Now she lingers on the dark side of the moon

  Waiting for him to burn besides her

  As the end of time approaches

  Like an inevitable storm to come

  And break everything apart

  Leaving only an empty vacuum

  By Helle Gade

  Chapter One - Binx

  I was running so damn late, but there was no way I was going to be of use to anyone without some coffee. Like usual, I stopped in at my favorite little café, grinning when I saw my order already sitting on the counter, a paper bag next to it.

  “I owe you so big,” I called over the counter to Jan as I dropped a twenty to cover my bill. She always got my order right, and today she was a lifesaver.

  “Kill it today, honey!” she called after me as I spun around to dart out of the door. Today was my big audition, and I needed to haul ass if I were going to make it on time.

  I shuffled the bag in my arm, ready to push through the door, but found it already being held open for me by a man with sandy brown hair. I beamed at him, thankful for the help. “Thank you so much.”

  He blinked back at me wordlessly, staring after me as I rushed down the sidewalk. I could still feel his eyes on my back and I turned back to look at him curiously, chasing away the feeling that pooled in the pit of my stomach as his eyes met mine. The man stood with the door open, scowling when someone else crossed in front of him and we broke eye contact.

  It was enough to have me turning back around, my steps quickening toward the opposite end of the street to turn the corner, relief washing through me when I was out of his line of sight. That was weird, something about him seemed familiar but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then again, it was the city, people were just weird here.

  I sipped my coffee and nibbled on my apple as I rushed toward the Theatre, knowing that I had to hurry because I was really cutting it close.

  A few months ago, I moved out and rented my first apartment, finally realizing I had to get out of that small town if I ever hoped to see my goal of becoming a serious dancer. Not that there was much for me there anyway, unless you counted a drunken father who forgot who I was most nights, not able to keep out of the bottle since my mom passed away.

  The one time we were able to have a sober conversation, he slipped me a wad of cash, told me to get out before the town sucked me in. Go live the dream my mother and I had hoped for.

  Guilt ate at me as I took the flight, not knowing if I would ever see him again, but I also knew he was right. There was nothing there for me anymore, not after my mom was gone, and my dad following right behind her.

  The adjustment to my new life had been quicker than I thought, the only thing that was taking time to get used to was the chaos. That, and constantly being on the go. I managed to find a job at that little café as keeping my rent paid was a priority while I waited for my first chance, and today was it.

  I had snagged an audition as the lead dancer in a production that was set to run for three years. A showcase in this would all but ensure that I had more offers when it ended. For weeks I had been practicing, making sure I knew my choreographed piece inside and out.

  It had made for long days, between working at the café, workouts, and the practice at the studio before going home to pass out and repeating it all again the next day. This was it though, and this role was going to make it worth every bit of blood, sweat and tears it had taken to get here.

  A few days prior, I had attended a production here. One, because I wanted to see it since it had been announced, and two, it was the perfect opportunity to familiarize myself with the stage. I pushed through the large double doors of the Theatre, noting the groups of dancers that have just started moving through the foyer into the house, where the seats and stage were. I have just made it.

  I dropped the remaining coffee and my half-eaten apple into a trash can as I passed through the propped open doors. Around me, the muffled sound of everyone shuffling in mixed with exited murmurs and barked orders from the crew and directors that sat in the front. The stage area was enormous and would be by far the largest one I had ever performed in. The ceiling rose high above us, the dim light in the seats only serving to highlight the intricate carvings that surrounded us.

  Centered in the front though, was the stage, no different than any other, a place to lose myself and let the music take me. Okay, maybe a little different. It was a lot bigger than I remembered.

  “Yikes,” I mumbled and heard a small chuckle to my right.

  “Intimidating isn’t it?” the man seated next to me asked as he looked up at the stage with me. He was definitely a dancer, his lean muscled body making that clear, if the tights he was wearing didn’t.

  I let out a breath. “Yeah. Probably shouldn’t have sucked down that apple a few minutes ago,” I replied, garnering another laugh from him. I studied his profile for a moment, the smooth face and dark hair that was brushed over his head, getting caught when he turned to look at me.

  “Probably not,” his bright green eyes sparkled with humor. I made myself drag my eyes from his and tamp down the instant attraction I felt to him. I had no time for flirting with anyone. I needed to focus on this audition, and then hopefully the years of practice and performing ahead of us.

  I slipped my flats off and tucked them in the bag, quickly pulling out my pointe shoes, glad I had taken time to stretch before leaving the house. There was no way I would have had time to do it now, and I wanted to make the best impression possible.

  Flexing them a few times, I slipped into them, quickly securing the ribbons before setting my bag next to me
again.

  “I’m Jay,” he said after a moment of quiet.

  “That’s nice,” I replied, trying again to ignore him and refocus.

  “Now’s where you say, Hi, Jay. It’s nice to meet you, my name is…” he trailed off looking at me hopefully.

  “Hi, Jay. I don’t know you enough to decide if it’s nice to meet you. And if I tell you my name, will you leave me alone?” I asked. I didn’t want to be rude, but I also didn’t want to blow the biggest chance I would probably ever get. I stared at him for a minute as he ignored my question, waiting for me to continue. “Bianca. My name is Bianca, but almost everyone calls me Binx. There, happy now?”

  “Binx? That’s different,” he answered. “It suits you.”

  I nodded and gave him a thin smile, watching the people move around us and wishing now that the last minutes before auditions started would hurry up.

  “What role are you auditioning for?” he asked quietly, watching the people with me.

  I looked at him for a moment, and seeing only genuine interest I decided it wouldn’t hurt to tell him. After all, he was a guy, there was no way he could remotely be my competition for the role. “Swanhilda.”

  His eyes shot up, “Really?”

  “Don’t act so surprised,” I frowned. I was used to being told my whole life my frame was too small, even for that of a ballerina. This time it was going to be different, though. I would show them I might be small, but I was strong.

  “Not surprised, just intrigued,” he grinned.

  “Jay!” someone bellowed from the front of the stage.

  “That’s my cue. See you up there, Binx,” he winked and darted out of the isle, jogging down to the front, casually stopping next to the people lined up to watch and judge the auditions. Some of the biggest names in the game were here and I wondered how he could be so laid back with them.

  One of the most well-known choreographers, Arthur Sanon, took the center stage and looked around the room at all of us, waiting for the room to be quiet. I quickly dismissed any thoughts of Jay as I waited with everyone else for him to speak. “Welcome, everyone, to auditions for Coppélia. We want to make this as quick and as painless as possible. Each of you have been assigned a number, when we call yours, please take the stage and begin as your music starts. You will receive an email with an offer for your role, if you have made it, within a week. Any questions, please forward them to Stephen by email, and he will get back to you. Thank you and good luck.”

  He took his seat and as the first number was called out, I let out a breath, grateful not to be first, thought it did seem they were auditioning for the principal role first. I watched as her music played and she danced flawlessly across the stage, ending within the three-minute limit given in the instructions. “Thank you,” a man called out as she rushed to exit the stage.

  “Twenty-three,” a voice boomed out and my heart raced as I realized that was my number. Quickly, I removed my coat and dropped it into the seat I vacated as I made my way to the stage. I took a deep breath as I stared at the faces that watched, willing my breathing to even out. This was it.

  Classical music drifted in, gentle and quiet as I took my first steps, my body responding to the notes as I had practiced them so many times. Like always, I lost myself in the music, letting my body flow with it through a series of leaps and arabesques, extending my arms, accentuating the feel of love and loss in the notes.

  My heart went with the music, a song my mother and I had danced to many times, though never quite like this. I closed my eyes as the emotion began to swell in my heart, instead, letting it come through in my dance. A quick repetition of steps before I leapt across the stage, spinning into a series of chaînés before I slowed, my feet crossing as the music died around me and faded into nothing.

  My heart raced, both from excitement and the exertion of the dance. Silence filled the Theatre and I dared to look at the panel that stared up at me. The choreographer looked down at his paper and back at me again. I started to exit the stage, but his voice stopped me, “How long have you danced, Bianca Moore?”

  “As long as I can remember,” I answered honestly.

  “Well done,” he replied with a curt nod. As I started to leave the stage again, I noticed Jay sat next to him. He sent me a playful wink before leaning over to hear what the other man was saying. I darted down the stairs, and grabbed my coat, eager to leave. There was no point in sticking around, not when they would let us know by email if we got the role or not.

  I pushed out of the building and bumped into someone, glancing up to give my apology, shocked when I saw the face of the sandy-haired man from the café. “I’m so sorry,” I muttered, my mind racing at the coincidence of him being here, too. My imagination tended to get a little carried away, and I told myself it was not that far from the shop, he was probably only passing by.

  “It’s my fault, think nothing of it,” he responded, my skin crawling as I realized his clammy hands were still on my bare arms.

  “Yeah, thanks,” I backed away as he continued to stare at me, chills racing across my skin. I had intended to walk home, but decided it was much safer for me to hail a cab. There was less of a chance of him following. I lifted my arm and thankfully, a taxi pulled to the curb right away, making me grateful for once that there was a steady stream of traffic. I got in quickly, and shut the door behind me perhaps a little too hard as the driver looked at me curiously. He asked where I was headed, and as I answered, I glanced in the mirror to see the strange man steadily watching my reflection as we pulled away from the sidewalk.

  Chapter Two - Him

  I had seen her rush through the door, and decided I would get my morning coffee here. I needed to see more of her. For what seemed like years I had searched for her, and finally here she was, in front of me, at last. The world stood still around me as I spotted her through the door of the coffee shop. Her blonde hair shone, even under the dim lights above the counter, and I couldn’t help but stare, eager to see the beauty that I knew she would still be. The sweet sound of her voice reached me as she called out to the woman working, and turned to leave, her looks far surpassing anything I could have possibly remembered.

  She looked up at me, her beauty even more striking up close, her large blue eyes met mine, and as she smiled, I knew that look was meant for me. Her scent of lavender mixed with rain reached me as she said thanks, before rushing down the sidewalk toward her destination. It was when she looked back that I knew she felt it, too. A connection, that spark that two people have when they were meant to be together.

  My mind raced as I gave the lady my order, deciding what to do next. How to find her again and let her know that I felt it, too. “Do you know the girl that was just in here?” I asked as she took my money.

  “Who, Binx?” she grinned. “Everyone knows her around here. But she has the day off. Is there something I can help you with?” She passed me my change and I shook my head.

  “I’m good. Just curious,” I replied, moving to the end of the counter to pick up my order. “Have a good day,” I called out before I left in the direction Binx had gone. It had only been a few minutes, she couldn’t have made it too far. That was unless she took a cab, but that was unlikely in this part of town.

  I spotted her just as she ducked into the Theatre, one known for its outstanding productions and even more amazing performers. With a body like that, I should have known she would be a dancer of some sort. Her tights had showcased strong legs, and even under the jacket she wore, I could tell she was very fit.

  I wanted to go in, to follow her and make sure she didn’t slip out the back and disappeared for good. Watch her for even a moment as she did whatever she had come here for. My shoes pounded on the concrete, echoing the racing of my heart as I tried to decide what to do. Tried to shake the thought of her going in there to be with someone else.

  I couldn’t stand the idea of finding her after all this time, only for her to be with someone else. I shook my head, there was
no way she would do that to me, though. She had felt that same connection I had at the airport. I could tell when she looked up at me in front of the coffee shop. That same smile as I helped her with her luggage, her same sweet voice, one meant just for me. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and turned to see if I could find her in the large building.

  I opened the door and shock flooded my system as she stumbled into my arms, my hands going up to steady her. Her soft flesh tingled beneath my palms as she apologized. I could see the recognition in her eyes, she had seen me at the coffee shop, and knew we were destined to be together, too.

  I reassured her that it was okay, as she took a step back, I’m sure in as much shock as I was that we had found each other. She thanked me again, her smile faltering before she turned and raised her hand for a cab. Before I could say anything more, she had the door closed behind her, watching me in the mirror with a look of fear in her eyes.

  Why would she fear me though? We were meant to be together. Fate had determined it to be so. The cab pulled away from the curb and I fought back the anger that welled up inside me. How dare she reject me like that?

  I spun around as a dark-haired guy came out of the Theatre and looked at me curiously, “Did you just see a girl leave here? Blonde hair, thin frame?” he asked urgently.

  I stared at him, is this why she rejected me? For him? My breathing grew heavy and I felt myself start to lose control. Instead of answering him, I turned and went back the way I came. Back toward the shop. Maybe there I could talk some sense into her.

  My stride ate up the sidewalk and I quickly found myself back in front of the café, staring through the door again. She wasn’t inside, I knew it already. I could feel it. Still, I went back in and took my place in line.

  “Back again so soon?” the lady behind the counter asked.