by Wendi Wilson
“Cool your tits. I’m getting there,” she said, lightening the mood with a smirk. “When I turned eight, my parents sent me to stay with my aunties for a few weeks in the summer. They prayed over me, did some ceremony that included chicken bones and feathers—don’t ask.”
I snapped my mouth shut against the questions that wanted to pop out. Was True talking about voodoo? Or were her aunties some kind of witches? So. Many. Questions.
“They determined that I had the gift,” she continued. “I was enthralled by them and their rituals, so I learned everything I could that summer, and each summer after that for five years. But none of the knowledge helped. I felt nothing. Saw nothing. Nothing supernatural happened to me. By the time I was thirteen, I’d decided they were a couple of kooks. I knew that would be my last summer in New Orleans.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“A week before I was scheduled to go back home, I left their house to wander around the neighborhood. I had earbuds plugged into my phone so I could listen to music as I walked. I was in the middle of the road, reading a text from my mom when a streak of pain shot through my head. I fell to the ground, and everything went black. I couldn’t see or feel anything.”
“Oh my God,” I whispered.
“Yeah,” she said. “It was scary as hell. I tried to call for help, but my voice wouldn’t work. I couldn’t feel the ground beneath me, almost like I was floating. The only one of my senses that seemed to be working was my hearing. I could hear sirens, and my aunties crying. I heard a man introduce himself as an officer. He told them he was very sorry for their loss. That the man driving the truck was drunk, and his reflexes were too slow to stop by the time he saw her. Her equaling me.”
“What?! What do you mean? He thought you were dead and told your aunts before he confirmed it?” I asked.
She shook her head. “No. I was dead. Killed by a drunk driver that very day.”
“I don’t understand,” I mumbled. Her story got more confusing by the second.
“My vision cleared, and as the world came back into focus, I realized I was still lying in the middle of the street. My aunties were nowhere around. There were no cops. No sirens. No drunk driver. No truck. It was just me in the late afternoon sunshine on a normal day in July.”
I cocked my head at her and opened my mouth, but she held up a hand to stop the questions.
“I ran,” she said. “I got off that road as fast as I could. As soon as I reached the sidewalk, an old Ford careened around the corner, the driver lost control, and the truck slammed into a tree on the far side of the road.”
“Holy shit,” I murmured.
“The man driving was drunk as a skunk. If I’d stayed on that road ten seconds longer, I would have been right in his path.” She paused for a moment to let that sink in. “I would have been dead.”
“So you had a vision of the future,” I said, my voice taking on a dream-like timbre as I envisioned myself in her shoes. “A vision that saved your life.”
“Yes,” she said, swallowing thickly. “The one and only vision I’ve ever had.”
“And you think that’s what happened to me?” I asked.
“I think your description of what you experienced sounds a hell of a lot like mine. I think everything happens for a reason, and maybe we became friends, at this exact moment in time, so I could tell you my story. Because right now, it’s what you need—something to help you see the truth.”
I didn’t know what to think. I believed her, or at least, that she believed that’s what happened to her. Maybe it was some kind of coincidence. Maybe she heard the truck coming and jumped out of the road, and her brain fabricated the whole “vision” because she wanted so badly for her aunts to be right. She wanted to have a special gift. An ability.
But what if she was right? What if she actually had a vision that saved her life, and what I experienced was the same thing?
That meant… someone was going to kill me.
“As for the rest,” True said, jerking me out of my morbid thoughts, “I don’t know what to tell you. I could totally see Sarah, and even that French bitch, Chef Chloe, terrorizing a kid. But the fact that Johnny doesn’t remember anything poses a problem. Are you sure it was him you saw? Not some other kid that looks like him?”
I considered it for a moment, picturing the scene I saw through that window. Chloe murmuring something, Johnny’s little face, Sarah growling and leaping forward. No. I wasn’t wrong. And I didn’t dream it.
“It was him,” I replied. “It was definitely Johnny, and they did something to him. Maybe drugs? It looked like he was falling asleep or something just before Sarah jumped on him.”
“And you said he didn’t have a mark on him when Dean Purty brought him into the office?”
“Not a scratch,” I said. “But True, you have to believe me. It was him, and the growl that came out of Sarah’s mouth… it didn’t sound human.”
I knew what I was saying sounded insane. And I probably wouldn’t have been as honest about it with anyone other than the girl in front of me. True had seen enough weird shit in her life that believing my unbelievable story was no big deal. She took me for my word, and I loved her for it.
She shrugged, and in an overly flippant tone said the four words that changed my life forever.
“I bet they’re vampires.”
My mouth fell open. Maybe to laugh. Maybe to scold her for making such a ridiculous suggestion when I was being totally serious. Maybe to call her crazy, even though she’d listened to all of my claims and hadn’t even insinuated that I was a few cards short of a full deck.
But I’d never know what I was going to say, because before I could react, movement in the forest caught my attention. Levi burst from the trees, moving faster than I’d ever seen anyone move. Impossibly fast. He skidded to a halt in front of us, his body suddenly and unnaturally frozen.
My heart jumped up into my throat and lodged there, cutting off my air supply. Black dots swam in front of my vision, and I silently begged myself not to pass out again. My eyes cut to True, whose expression of shock and fear mirrored my own.
I looked back at Levi, his sage eyes almost glowing as they reflected the light of the full moon above us. Something about him screamed at me to run. To leave this place and never look back.
And something else—something equally compelling—implored me to stay. To move in close and wrap my arms around him. To never let go.
The two impulses warred inside me, freezing me on the spot. Time stood still as we stared at each other in silence. Then he spoke, shattering the moment and everything I thought I knew about the world.
“Piper, I can explain.”
Chapter Sixteen
My gaze darted between Levi and True as the night air hung heavy between us. Levi watched us as intently as a lion, his green eyes like those on night vision cameras. He’d just burst in, moving with preternatural speed, offering to explain, but what kind of explanation could account for all the weirdness of Camp Shadow Lake?
After what I’d seen and heard, I should have wanted to tear for the hills, but instead I turned toward the boy who seemed to hate me and care about me at the same time.
“What do you mean you can explain?” I uttered.
He blinked. Swallowed. “Everything. I can explain everything. But not here. It’s not safe.” He looked toward the cabin only two dozen yards away. Sarah’s cabin. “You need to come with me. Now.”
True’s hand found mine. “I don’t think—”
“Where? The bunker?” I said, my words falling on top of hers.
She squeezed my hand hard, but didn’t disagree. I had a feeling she wanted to see where this rabbit hole went nearly as much as I did.
Levi remained tense and motionless in the slice of moonlight. “We don’t have to go to the bunker, but we can’t stay here. I need you to decide now.” He kept glancing at the cabin as if keeping watch. What would happen if Sarah heard us? Judging from Levi’s postur
e, nothing good.
“Okay, I’ll go.” I stood and looked at True. She adopted an expression that could best be described as Are-you-crazy? before she stood, as well.
“Just let me get my bear spray and a bra, for God’s sake.”
Silently, she turned and slunk into the cabin while I stayed on the steps. My attention traveled back to Levi as a tingle of fear and excitement ran over my skin. This was dangerous. He was dangerous, but every inch of me longed to move closer. To shorten the distance between us.
He shifted his focus from the cabin to me, scanning the length of my body. It gave an involuntary shiver, one that I tried to hide by swatting at an imaginary mosquito.
“Are you sure you can handle this?” he asked in a low growl.
“Yes. I told you I can.”
His brow furrowed, but he didn’t disagree. Maybe we were making progress in that area. Despite the fainting, I wanted him to know I wasn’t some delicate flower.
True reappeared, holding up the can of bear spray just to remind Levi of its existence. With his nod of acceptance, we followed him down the path and across campus.
“Where do you think he’s taking us?” True whispered, hanging close to me. “If the dean finds out we left the kids unattended, our asses are toast.”
Levi’s head swiveled back, hearing True even though she’d whispered right in my ear. “I’ve sent someone to watch Saka’am. The children are safe. You don’t need to worry.”
True’s eyes popped wide as if to say, Can you believe this? Meanwhile, I wondered who was watching our cabin. Levi didn’t seem close to any of the other counselors, only Dean Purty and Sasha Ali. Perhaps it was the lovely Sasha who now stood in the dark guarding our cabin. Either way, it hinted that this was more than Levi acting on his own.
Just how deep did this rabbit hole go? We were about to find out.
The camp was dark, but not quiet. Lights Out had been over an hour ago, so, while the human voices had faded, the frogs picked up the slack with a chorus of shrill peeps that echoed loudly from the direction of the lake.
We walked past the stables, the volleyball court, and mess hall, past the silent fire ring with curls of smoke still trailing from the spent blaze. Quickly, I scanned my mental camp map, realizing that he was heading to the far-east section of campus. The bunker was northwest, so at least he was keeping his promise. I was secretly thankful we wouldn’t be cramped underground. I refused to faint again. If I did, I was sure Levi would insist I’d be sent home
Our silent leader kept walking. The gravel path turned into a dirt one that shriveled into a footpath in the unmowed field. Once again, he was taking us away from civilization, away from anyone who might help us. Were we stupid? Probably. But he’d saved me on more than one occasion. Plus, at this rate, the camp itself might be more dangerous than the outskirts.
But what if there were bears out here?
I shivered. True gave my hand another squeeze.
Ahead, large wooden structures came into view—giant telephone poles with platforms at various levels and ropes in between. A large net stretched right, while hanging steps went left.
“The high ropes course,” True said, her eyes aimed up. “I thought this was closed.”
“It is,” Levi replied. “If we go up there, I’ll be able to watch the whole campus, and no one will be able to hear us.”
“Up there?” I swallowed hard, my mind reeling over the implications.
He pinned me with his gaze. “Can’t handle it?”
So it was a challenge, huh? He was trying to show that I was too weak to deal with this camp and whatever it was he wanted to tell us.
Badass Piper showed up right on time. “Oh, I can handle it.
I shook out my shoulders and walked to the nearest pole. Finding the ladder, I began to climb.
“Don’t we need a harness or a helmet or something?” True said behind me.
“I’ll go last and make sure you get up,” Levi replied with all the confidence in the world.
It was as if he was sure he could catch us if we fell. Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure he couldn’t. From what I’d seen, he was surprisingly fast, and I already knew he was amazingly strong. His supernatural hearing was yet another item on my list of curiosities.
I bet they’re vampires.
As I climbed, True’s words rang in my ears. But vampires didn’t exist. That was crazy.
Then I remembered the bear attack. The injuries my father suffered. The sound of boots on the wooden planks above me.
A vampire. I shivered.
“Are you all right?” Levi called from down below.
“Fine.” I focused on heading up hand-over-hand. I didn’t look down. Not once.
Soon, the wooden platform was within my grasp. I dragged myself up, sitting close to the pole and holding onto the boards beneath me for dear life.
From this height, most of the camp was visible. The high ropes course was built on a large hill, which I only noticed now. Between the trees, the cabins and pavilions were visible, even the lake was a shimmering dot off in the distance. Above, the night sky was cloudless, and a full moon hung between blankets of stars. The breeze brought the scent of pine from the towering trees, and an owl hooted deep within them.
It was so breathtaking, I forgot to be afraid.
“Ah, God. How did I let you talk me into this?” True said, climbing onto the platform. “Don’t you know this is how half of Unsolved Mysteries cases start?” She scooted close to me, throwing an arm around me. “Don’t let me fall.”
“I won’t. Look.” I pointed toward campus.
True went silent, and her face turned peaceful as she took in the sights. “Wow.”
A dark shape climbed onto the platform and scooted in next to us. His eyes didn’t take in the splendor. He kept them firmly rooted on me.
“I’m fine,” I said, knowing he was scanning my expression for weakness.
He nodded, before moving to sit cross-legged on the other side of the small platform, leaving four feet of space between us.
He was silent for several beats before beginning. “What I’m about to tell you can’t be shared with anyone. Not anyone. Do you two understand?”
We nodded, but he frowned. “I’m serious. If I tell you these things, and you reveal them, it will likely mean the end of your life. We can only protect those who keep the secret. Do you agree?”
I looked to True who blanched. Levi sounded like a special agent in a spy film. This message will self-destruct in ten seconds.
Did I really want to risk my life for this? Then I realized I already was. Sarah and Chef Chloe had likely figured out I’d seen them. It was too late to back out now.
“Yes,” I said.
“Yes,” True answered a second later. “I need to know.”
“Fine.” Levi went silent for a moment as if working over what he wanted to say. “I heard your whole conversation. I heard what you said, True. I hear a lot of things. You’ve probably noticed by now.”
I gave a silent nod, my mouth suddenly dry.
Levi glanced down before continuing. “You’re right.”
“I’m sorry. What?” True asked, leaning forward.
Levi’s eyes darted up. “You were right… about the vampires.”
True barked out a laugh. “You’re joking, right? This is all a joke. Are there cameras? Are we on some sort of prank show?” She glanced around.
But Levi stared unblinking.
Her chin darted forward as her brows went up. “So, you’re… serious?”
He dipped his head once. “Yes.”
“I knew it!” True slapped her hands together.
“I don’t understand,” I said, my throat constricting. “How is that possible?”
Levi shrugged. “I could give you a whole history lesson or just tell you it is. Vampires are real. Now you know.
“Hold up. Hold up.” True stuck out her arms, palms forward as if to stop Levi from bolting. “Go back. Are you
a vampire?”
He gave a slow nod.
“Shiiiit.” True drew out the word as her eyes rounded like saucers. “So then, are you going to bite us? Suck our blood?” One hand went instinctively to the bear spray while the other slapped against her neck as if to shield it.
“I don’t do that… drink from humans, I mean. I do drink blood. From animals.” He dropped his gaze again as if the details of his diet ashamed him.
“But what about Chloe and Sarah?” I asked, connecting the dots. “Is that what they were doing to Johnny?”
Levi gave a slow nod. “Trying to. You stopped them before things got out of hand.”
“What?!” True exclaimed. “The staff feed off of campers? No. Nuh-uh!”
Levi’s head popped up, suddenly defensive. “They’re not supposed to. Charles Purty put a stop to all that when he became dean. He brought me in to help enforce the new rules, but not everyone is getting with the program as quickly as we’d liked. We are dealing with it.”
“Sarah and Chloe,” I breathed. “What about the others?”
“They’re not happy about it,” he said. “You see none of them will talk to me.”
“But Sasha is with you,” I added.
“And Nurse Barbara,” True said, joining it.
“Yes,” he replied. “Dean Purty brought them in, too. But, we’re outnumbered, and this new incident with Sarah and Chloe shows things could get out of our control fast, but we now have outside help. We’ll get it under control.”
“Hold on,” I said, lifting my hands. “We need to stop this. We should… I don’t know… tell the human cops. The FBI. We should shut the camp down.”
Levi shook his head as if this was the worst idea he’d ever heard. “First of all, no one would believe you.”
I opened my mouth, but he held up a finger.
“Second of all, any vampire associated with this camp would be dead before the humans could investigate—the dean, Sasha, Barbara. Me. Our bodies would turn to dust, leaving no evidence. Vampire law leaves no room for reasonable doubt. If you expose secrets, and that leads to trouble, you’re dead. No trial. No questions asked.”