13 Tales To Give You Night Terrors (21 page)

What started out as a comforting
make-out session quickly developed into a real relationship. That
was three weeks ago, and Blake had helped Miles whenever he
retreated into himself. They had to be discreet about their
relationship, stealing kisses in the dark and passing notes during
mealtimes, but that made it all the more thrilling.

In the dark of the boathouse, Miles
pulled Blake closer, pressing his mouth against Blake’s sun-chapped
lips, savoring the way he tasted. He smelled like a man, sweaty and
alluring.

It was a miracle. Somebody
this sweet returning Miles’ affection. And a guy, even. He’d had to
avoid awkward flirtations from girls for a few years, but now he
felt like the awkward one making passes. Besides a few old perverts
around Dallas, Blake was a first. And it wasn’t just because Blake
felt sorry for him
—no one could fake a
boner like that with a snotty, puffy-eyed guy during a crying jag.
He seemed to genuinely care
. Everything was
so easy for him. He didn’t seem that fazed at attending such a
bizarre camp; he even put up with the stupid rehabilitation
exercises without complaining.

Blake jerked away.
“
What was
that?”

“
I didn’t hear
anything.”

“
I heard
something.”

“
Maybe it’s the creature
from the Black Lagoon,” Miles teased.

“
Black Lagoon?”

Miles sighed and wrapped his arms
around Blake’s shoulders.

“
Just forget it,” Miles
said, giving him a reassuring kiss.

Then he heard it, too. A weird popping
sound. His grip on Blake slackened and he looked around for the
source of the noise. His gaze rested on the inky water. Bubbles
burst on the otherwise still surface. Miles jumped back, half
expecting a nest of giant water snakes to explode out of the water
at them, but then the water settled again.

“
What the
hell
—
” Miles
began.

A shadowy figure erupted from the
water. Before either of them could react, something shiny flashed
in the dark and Blake made a guttural choke. Warmth spattered
Miles’ face and he stared at Blake, mouth wide in shock.

Blood gushed from Blake’s mouth. He
choked, confusion twisting his pretty face.

Something was wrong with his neck.
Something protruded from it. Something sharp and dripping
blood.

“
M-M-M
—
” Blake reached out for Miles as he
collapsed to the floor.

The dark figure turned, obscured by
deep shadows.

“
What’s going on?” Miles
demanded.

He couldn’t think of anything else to
say. He wouldn’t have to think of anything else.

Something flashed in the dark once
more.

Garden
shears
, Miles realized as they sank into
his skull.