A Moonlit Night

by Adrianna White

  On A Moonlit Night

  A Moonlit Night Saga: 01

  By Adrianna White

  Published by Adrianna White at Smashwords

  Copyright 2011 Adrianna White

  All right reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission from the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Written in Canada.

  Prologue

  “Faster!” shouted a woman, looking out the passenger window. “I can’t see anyone, but they’re out there!”

  The car sped through the forest, winding down a long dirt road. The rain was pouring, turning dirt to mud as the vehicle swerved all over the mucky road.

  “I’m trying, damn it!” said the man beside her, as he desperately tried to maintain control of the sedan. “Amanda, if I go any faster, we’re both going to be dead.”

  Amanda turned to him, and with a look of sorrow, she said, “And if we go any slower, we’re both going to be dead.”

  The car squealed, spewing dirt and stones everywhere, as he pushed the car harder.

  She looked outside the car, her eyes darting through the trees as she watched the dark figures stalk them from high above. They were fast and easily managed to overtake the speeding car.

  “They’re upon us!” screamed Amanda, pointing out the window. “Jason, look out—!”

  A silhouette dropped to the ground in front of them, and Jason swerved to avoid him. The car veered off the road, and went sliding down a small hill.

  He desperately tried to evade the trees as the car plummeted downwards. The car crashed into a large oak tree, and the couple violently smashed into the dashboard.

  The only sound Jason could hear was the pouring rain hitting the roof of the vehicle as he slowly opened his eyes. He looked over to his wife, and said, “Honey, are you okay?”

  Amanda groaned, and she too, slowly opened her eyes. Her forehead had been sliced open, and the blood streamed down her nose.

  “I—I think I’ll be okay,” said Amanda, apply pressure to the wound. “We need to get out of here.”

  Jason tried to open the car door, but it was pinned against a large rock, and wouldn’t budge. Smacking on the car door, he said, “Damn it! They’ll be here soon—.”

  “We already are,” hissed one of the dark figures, approaching from the blackness. “Come now…did you really think you could run from us?”

  The shrouded man lunged at the car, smashing through the windshield with his bare hands.

  One by one, several more dark figures dropped from the trees, surrounding the crashed vehicle.

  “Stay back!” warned Amanda, her hands trembling in fear. “Come any closer and it will be the last thing you do!”

  Chapter One

  Emily Johansson pushed her way through the sea of people, the aroma sweat and alcohol overwhelming her senses as she headed towards her table. This wasn’t Emily’s scene, she thought, but her friends had invited her out, a celebration of recent good news, and she wasn’t going to ruin this for them.

  Several men tried to beckon her with their eyes, as Emily ran her fingers through her long black hair. She smiled, brushing off their advances, as she approached her friends.

  “Oh, c’mon now sis,” complained her brother, waving a shot of alcohol in her face. “One drink isn’t going to kill you. You’re the first Johansson to ever go to College. You can’t hold out on me now.”

  Steven Johansson was a couple years older than Emily, with short blonde hair and a trimmed beard. He was built like a truck, a result of years of patience and determination when it came towards his fitness.

  “You worked your butt off at night school, Emily,” continued Steven, still holding the shot glass of vodka in her face. “You owe yourself this.”

  “Yeah, Emily,” said another one of her friends at the table. “We’ve been friends our entire lives. And now you’re leaving me for the big city? What, Georgetown isn’t big enough for you? Screw yourself, you owe me this. Let loose…just this once.”

  Julia Hendrickson had known Emily since kindergarten, and the two had quickly become best of friends. She had long golden blonde locks that curled down her shoulders, and a smile that could light up a room.

  Julia’s high school sweetheart, Tyler Aucoin, was also with them. A handsome man, he was the only man that a woman like Julia could have on her shoulder. He was a Cajun, with rich auburn hair and intoxicating accent that made him just as desirable as the woman he loved.

  “Jules, if she doesn’t want to drink, don’t make her drink,” said Tyler, reaching for the shot of alcohol in Emily’s face. “That just means more for me—.”

  “You’re such a lush,” said Julia, grabbing the shot from Tyler’s hands. “This is for Emily.”

  Julia handed Emily the shot back, as they all waited for Emily to pound it back.

  Emily starred down at the shot glass, swirling the drink around. What the hell, she thought, you only live once.

  The vodka burned her throat as Emily slammed the glass down on the table. This was met by a round of cheers from her friends.

  “There,” Emily said. “Now let’s go dance—.”

  Emily stumbled for a moment, clutching her head in agony. Her head pounded, and she could have sworn she heard screeching animals circle around her, their piercing cries screaming out to her. While she couldn’t understand what they were saying, she somehow felt like they were speaking to her; calling to her from the far reaches of her mind.

  “Whoa there, are you okay?” asked Steven, steadying his sister. “I guess we know why you’re not a big drinker.”

  Emily’s pain slowly subsided, and she regained her composure. Whatever just happened, Emily wasn’t going to let it ruin her night. What she didn’t know, however, was that the headache wasn’t a result of the alcohol, and the voices in her head were very real.

  As Emily lifted her head, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure, staring intently at her from across the room. He was a good-looking man, she thought. He was clean-shaven with short wavy black hair. She was instantly attracted to the man, as she followed the lines of his chiseled cheekbones with her eyes. He was mysterious, and not something Emily usually found herself attracted to. Yet, she could not seem to look away.

  “Emily!” Julia yelled. “Emily! What is wrong with you?”

  Pulling Emily out of her trance, Julia grabbed her by the hand, leading Emily towards the dance floor. Emily looked backwards, hoping to catch one more glimpse of her mysterious stranger, but he was nowhere to be seen.

  The dance floor was packed tight, and everywhere Emily turned, she rubbed up against some greasy, obnoxious lowlife. This wasn’t her scene, Emily thought, as she danced with Julia. She wasn’t a party girl, like all her friends.

  “You know, I think I’m going to get some fresh air!” Emily shouted over the loud, thumping music.

  “What?” Julia asked.

  “I’m going to get some fresh air!” Emily shouted again.

  “What?” Julia asked, pointing to her ear, indicating that she still couldn’t hear anything.

  “Forget it!” shouted Emily, as she turned to walk away.

  “What?” Julia asked, for a second time pointing to her ear.

  Emily left Julia on the dance floor, as Tyler and Steven arrived. Emily pointed to the exit, letting them know she would be right back. She just needed to clear her head.

  Emily made her way to the backdoor, exiting to the alleyway behind the bar.
r />   It was quiet, Emily thought. Neither a smoker, nor drunk lined the alley. It was rather peaceful, actually.

  Emily looked upon the moonlit night, wondering what her new life would be like. Would she be happy in Charleston? Would she find love?

  “What do we have here?” asked a man, from behind Emily. “It’s an ugly place for such a beautiful girl.”

  Emily spun around, to see a man standing in the middle of the alleyway. It didn’t make any sense to Emily; she had been alone just a moment ago; how did he get here?

  The man was as rough as he was dirty. He had long, scraggly looking hair, and wore tattered clothes. He looked like an addict, Emily thought, with blood red eyes that pierced through Emily’s soul. Emily was officially scared now.

  “You’re right, Jacob,” said another man, once again from behind Emily. “She looks delicious.”

  Emily once again spun around, only this time she was struck in the face. She hit the floor, dazed and bewildered. Blood streamed down Emily’s face from a gushing cut on her lip.

  The other attacker was a disgusting mess of a man, out of shape, and nearing morbidly obese proportions. He had slicked black hair, and a bushy beard. Clearly he couldn’t get laid inside, and Emily feared that he was going to try his luck outside. He too, had the same blood red eyes as Jacob. Whatever drugs they were on, Emily wasn’t carrying.

  “It’s a pity, George,” said Jacob, walking towards Emily. “She would have made a fine dinner.”

  “W—what do you want?” asked Emily, as Jacob lifted her off the ground. “I don’t have any drugs.”

  “Honey, you don’t have the drugs we’re looking for,” smirked Jacob, lifting Emily up by the neck. “No, you’re exactly what we’ve been looking for.”

  Chapter Two

  Emily was beaten and afraid. She tried to scream out, but Jacob’s filthy hands were wrapped firmly around her throat. She was helpless, and unable to defend herself.

  “What’s that?” George asked, licking his lips. “I think she’s trying to cry out for help, Jacob.”

  “You know, I think you’re right,” said Jacob, loosening his grip just a little. “Well girl, what have you to say for yourself?”

  “I—I don’t know why you are doing this!” Emily cried. “Please don’t hurt me.”

  “Oh, we’re going to hurt you alright,” George replied. “And we’re going to have fun doing it—.”

  Suddenly, George’s large, bulbous body was sent crashing into the wall. The mysterious stranger from the bar had arrived.

  “What the hell?” Jacob asked, turning his head. “Who the fuck are you?”

  Jacob released Emily, who tumbled to the floor, exhausted and out of breath. Jacob turned towards the mysterious man, and took a defensive position between his victim and himself. Clenching his fists, Jacob made sure the man knew he wasn’t going to back down.

  “You don’t know who you are screwing with, buddy,” said Jacob, marching towards the mysterious man. “I’m going to mess you up.”

  Jacob threw a fist at the stranger, which he easily avoided. The mysterious man moved deftly, and sent Jacob soaring into the wall with a swift palm of the sternum.

  Emily could barely believe her eyes, as the man moved with super-human speed. Unable to comprehend any of this, Emily thought she was more injured then she previously believed.

  George had managed to pick himself up, and he lumbered towards the stranger. Something must have startled him, however, as he quickly changed his mind, and began to run in the opposite direction.

  “Hey, wait for me!” shouted Jacob, stumbling to his feet. “You fucking coward, wait for me!”

  The stranger knelt down beside Emily, and lifted her head from the pavement. Looking into her eyes, he said, “You are safe now; those men will bother you no more.”

  “Who are you?” Emily asked, still in shock and unsure of what she just witnessed.

  “My name is Alexander Franson,” said the man. “But you may call me Xander.”

  “T—thank you, Xander,” said Emily, beginning to lose consciousness. “You’re my hero.”

  Emily’s eyes rolled back in her head, as she drifted away.

  Xander took a moment to look over Emily. She was a beautiful creature, soft and innocent. She smelled divine, Xander thought, as he laid Emily down on the pavement. He could hear some people coming, and did not wish to be seen.

  The bar’s backdoor exit opened, and Emily’s friends poured outside, sending the loud music out into the alleyway. Looking up, Xander vanished in the blink of an eye.

  “Where are you, Emily?” asked Steven, searching for his sister.

  “Are you here?” Julia inquired, walking down the alleyway. “Oh my god; guys look over here!”

  Julia rushed towards Emily, and kneeled down beside her.

  “What the hell?” Tyler asked. “How could this have happened?”

  Steven grabbed hold of Emily, trying to rock her back into consciousness. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he clutched his sister.

  “You’re all I have felt, you can’t leave me now,” Steven pleaded.

  “Uh—Steven?” asked Emily, slowly coming back to her senses.

  “Emily, you’re going to be okay,” said Steven, overcome with joy. “Thank god, you’re going to be alright.”

  “What happened to you?” questioned Julia, looking around the alley.

  “I was saved…,” whispered Emily, once more losing consciousness.

  “I’m going to see if I can find anyone,” said Tyler, rushing down the alley. “I’ll be back in a minute!”

  Julia and Steven tended to their wounded friend, while Tyler searched the area for any signs of her attackers.

  The attackers would be nowhere to be found, but far above the streets, another dark figure stood on the rooftops, watching them. However, unlike Emily’s new hero, this man was not interested in her safety. In fact, he had much more sinister plans in store for Emily.

  Chapter Three

  Emily sat up from her bed, having had another nightmare. She was only eight years old with pigtails, bright blue pajamas, and a very active imagination. She would often dream of dragons and griffins, creatures of legend that would come and rescue her from the everyday world. However, on this night, her dreams were different. Vicious animals tore at her from the dark, their sharp teeth cutting deeply as she screamed in agony.

  She was dripping with sweat, alone and afraid. Looking around, she scanned the room for any signs of danger. Luckily, there didn’t seem to be any signs of a monster. That’s when something caught the corner of her eye.

  Rushing out of bed, Emily ran towards the window. Squinting, she looked to the end of the property, where a man stood. The man was dark and unknown, and Emily couldn’t help but feel the man was staring back at her.

  This sent shivers down Emily’s spine, as she quickly dashed out of the room. Screaming for her mother, Emily banged on her parents’ bedroom door. No one answered.

  “Mommy!” cried Emily, still pounding on the door. Still, no one answered.

  Emily ran downstairs, hoping to find them. And find them, she did. They were already heading out the door, bags packed.

  “Oh hell,” said her father, looking back at her daughter. “Honey, go back to bed, okay?”

  Her father, Jason, was a good man with a receding hairline and thick horn-rimmed glasses.

  “W—where are you going?” asked Emily, running up to her mother. “Can I come, too?”

  “I’m sorry, sweetie,” said her mother. “It isn’t safe.”

  Her mother, Amanda, was a beautiful woman; and a spitting image of her lovely daughter.

  “Mommy, I saw someone outside,” said Emily, reaching for her mother.

  “What do you mean, you saw someone?” questioned Amanda, placing her bags on the ground as she picked her daughter up.

  “I saw a man,” Emily explained. “He was a bad man—.”

  “C’mon, Amanda,” Jason interrupted. �
��We have to go right now.”

  Jason stopped for a moment, and considered the scared little girl he was leaving behind. She meant the world to him, and only hoped that his actions tonight would lead to a bright future for his daughter.

  Walking over to his daughter, Jason ran his hands through her hair, and said, “Your mother and I have to leave for a little while. I’m sorry we couldn’t tell you earlier. To be honest, we didn’t even know we had to leave until tonight. Your grandma will be here in the morning, and she’s going to look after your brother and you for a little while.”

  “Don’t go, daddy!” shouted Emily, as he father broke contact and hurried to the car. “Please!”

  “It’s going to be alright,” Amanda said. “I want you to know that we love you very much.”

  Her mother let Emily go, and began walking out the door. As she reached the porch steps, she turned around and said, “Emily, you are a very special girl. One day you will understand just how important you really are. I love you; and it is for love, that we do the things we do. I want you to remember this. Can you do that for me?”

  Emily nodded as she watched her parents leave. That would be the last time she ever saw her parents alive.

  Emily dashed upstairs and back to her room. Rushing to the window, she scanned for signs of her parent’s car. It was nowhere to be seen, much like the man that had been stalking them.

  Chapter Four

  “She’s waking up,” said Steven, sitting down beside Emily on the bed. “You gave us quite a scare, you know that right?”

  Steven had always tried to be the strong one, but ever since the loss of their parents, Emily was all he had left, and this was the first time that he believed he might actually lose her.

  The two of them lived together, in the house they grew up in. It was a beautiful country home, with canary yellow siding, blue accents, and a porch that wrapped around the house. Sometimes it was hard for them to live in a place that reminded them so much of their lost parents. On the other hand, that was also the reason they could never bring themselves to sell it.